Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 schematic file

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

That thing just isn't that complicated... I've reverse engineered a lot of it 
having to fix mine a few times...


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 
VP2EHZ

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Pete Smith N4ZR
Sent: Thursday, May 2, 2024 6:50 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 schematic file

Nope, - ridiculous, isn't it?

73, Pete N4ZR

On 5/2/2024 7:36 PM, Jorge Diez - CX6VM wrote:
> Hello
>
> there´s no KPA1500 schematic file available?
>
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[Elecraft] KPAIO3A

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Anyone have a spare KPAIO3A board that you are willing to sell?

 

 

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 

 

email:   <mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> b...@wjschmidt.com

 

 

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[Elecraft] K2 VFO dial calibration and CAL PLL step…

[Dr John Farmer via Elecraft]

Hi All, 

I’m re-doing the dial calibration of my K2 #6998 which I built well over 10 
years ago. I’m re-reading W3FPR’s helpful instructions but it’s been a long 
time since I did the initial calibration and I have a question.  After 
completing the C22 adjustment step,  does CAL PLL need to be performed on each 
and every band?  Or is it run only on the band on which C22 was adjusted?  I 
can’t find any clear statement about this in Don’s notes, but maybe I’ve 
overlooked it? 

My thought is that CAL PLL would need to be run on every band before moving on 
to the CAL FIL procedure in order that the lookup tables are written for each 
band? 

Thanks for the advice. 
73, 
John VK7KB

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Re: [Elecraft] TS-890 vs K4D performance?

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

So, just asking do you ever compare what you buy against a competitor's 
products?  


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 
VP2EHZ

Moderator: North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.
Moderator: Amateur Radio Builders Group at Groups.IO.

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Clay Autery
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2023 1:00 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] TS-890 vs K4D performance?

LMAO!  Yes, because anecdotal story-telling on this list by various 
un/under-qualified people making comments on equipment they cannot even BEGIN 
to understand MUCH LESS operate anywhere near its capabilities.

This is the Elecraft manufacturer's list.  It is here to discuss ELECRAFT gear. 
 Ask Wayne or Eric.  It belongs to THEM.

IF you choose to talk about NON-Elecraft gear, be prepared to field very 
pointed questions about your qualifications and testing methods. Because if you 
are acting a 'fool", it WILL be revealed that you do not know what you don't 
know.

Be well!

Just saying.  there are numerous other venues to discuss your Asian 
crap THIS ain't the place unless you are OK with getting sharpshot until 
you capitulate.

Have a good day.

Clay E. Autery, Jr.
KY5G

On 10/23/2023 11:14 AM, Toast wrote:
> I came to this list to have honest conversations about the comparison of 
> Elecraft equipment vs other manufacturers.  I prefer to live without my head 
> in the sand.
>
> Rob Mantz
> NR4B
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Oct 23, 2023, at 11:22 AM, Clay Autery  wrote:
>>
>> I don't come to this list to talk about Kenwood.  Please take your Kenwoo0d 
>> stuff to another list.  Groups.io, etc...
>>
>> Clay E. Autery, Jr.
>> KY5G
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Re: [Elecraft] A dumb question about lightning

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Jim's slides give great examples and the msg or either keeping all connections 
at the same potential or completely isolated is all very good advice.

Having dealt with this my entire life in industry though, there is one more 
thing to add.  Lightning strikes are always matters of probability.  If you get 
a DIRECT strike, no bonding etc. is sure to save you with the energy released 
in such a hit.  We are talking possibly hundreds (even thousands) of amps of 
current and very high voltages.  On TWO occasions I have witnessed those 
Square-D Whole House line protectors blow clear out of the breaker box in a 
direct strike into a smoldering pile on the floor.  My take-away from that is 
the only marginally safe place for my expensive radios was as disconnected and 
in the shipping boxed in the (faraday) closet in the basement during a storm 
(just like an airplane).


Dr. William J. Schmidt
email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Jim Brown
Sent: Monday, July 31, 2023 5:25 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] A dumb question about lightning

On 7/31/2023 2:14 PM, jerry wrote:
> Interesting.  Suppose the service entrance is at one end of the house, 
> and the ham shack at the other end?  I don't think it's physically 
> possible to provide a low inductance path that's 60 feet long, is it?

I've posted a link to my tutorial, which covers this, but which folks who need 
to know what's in it haven't bothered to read. Fred is absolutely correct, BY 
LAW, all grounds in a premises MUST be bonded together. In his ARRL book on the 
topic, to which I contributed, Ward Silver, N0AX, recommends a perimeter ground 
ring, connecting multiple driven rods. A full perimeter ring wasn't practical 
for the building that houses my shack, so I did a half perimeter ring from the 
sub-panel for the building to the shack on the other side of the building.

Jerry is entirely correct -- indeed, the rule of thumb for bonding between a 
tower and the building(s) where there's no mains power at the tower is to NOT 
bond if the tower is more than 100 ft from grounds for the building (and some 
references suggest 60 ft).

The whole point of bonding all the grounds is so that in the event of a strike, 
the entire premises rises as closely as practical to the same potential, 
minimizing the potential difference between grounded equipment and surfaces.

Re-posting the link. http://k9yc.com/GroundingAndAudio.pdf  And it's NOT mainly 
about audio.

73, Jim K9YC

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Re: [Elecraft] Grounding, Lightning & Attic Antennas

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

A bigger concern for attic antennas is the use of "radiation shield" plywood on 
the roof of houses build in the last 10 years or so that turn the attic into a 
Faraday cage.  The single most annoying reason cell phones don't work inside 
your houses anymore.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Steve L
Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2023 10:42 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Grounding, Lightning & Attic Antennas

Jim & Co.,
I’m reading all the recent posts on the Elecraft reflector concerning lightning 
protection… 

After a recent move, I am working on the design and construction of attic 
antennas for both HF and V/UHF.  The topic of grounding and/or providing 
lightning protection for this installation has baffled me given no outside 
presence of any antenna components.  While not so concerned about a direct 
strike (perhaps naively?) I am concerned about induced currents and resulting 
equipment damage - where clearly disconnection may be the best protection.

Might anyone have any good references for reading/study on grounding 
recommendations, how to’s, best practices, etc. for attic antennas?

Thanks a bunch,

73,
Steve
AA8AF
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Re: [Elecraft] [OT] A dumb question about lightning

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I worked at Honeywell defense systems in the early 80's and I had two guys 
(Ph.D's from MIT) working in the office next to me that were experts in 
Meteorology... specifically the study of lightning.  I would eat lunch with 
them because they were "interesting" to say the least.  When they found out I 
was a ham and asking them about lightning protection they laughed hysterically. 
 Over their tenure they schooled me on my lack of knowledge in their area and 
beat into me immense gravity and consequences of a major lightning strike.  
Imaginable voltages and currents.  You can prepare but you will never be sure.

Static is something else.  All of the antennas I design and implement have 
GROUNDED elements or static chokes to ground to reduce static to a minimum.  
You learn this with experience.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Rick NK7I
Sent: Friday, July 28, 2023 4:42 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [OT] A dumb question about lightning

Not often (enough) does a ham have a 100'+ tower either.  

THE standard (of way so many to choose from) is from the cell phone industry 
(Motorola mostly).  It's insanely complex but if you're on a mountain top and 
need 100% reliability; ideal.  The costs, will be a second mortgage so some 
compromises will have to happen.

Here is a better link to the current (newest edition) of the ARRL book; at 
least a good starting point for a baseline understanding.  Direct hits, no 
matter what system/s used, will always show what you missed or didn't do enough 
to mitigate.

https://a.co/d/01vRC1W

Another aspect is static reduction.  That comes from wind, rain, dust, snow, 
anything that passes by the structure.  Shunt all to ground OUTside the 
building is the best approach.  (Base of the tower/mast and again at structure 
entry; make EVERYTHING at the same ground potential, inside and out.  When you 
take a hit, that potential rises, equally if all is done well; it's the 
difference in potential that harms.)

73,
Rick nk7i

On 7/28/2023 2:31 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt wrote:
> Even the methods in that book are considered sub-standard by the broadcast 
> industry...  The only think that is a sure bet is to completely disconnect 
> your radio and put it back in the shipping box.
>
>
> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ
>
> email:  b...@wjschmidt.com
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
> 
> Sent: Friday, July 28, 2023 4:14 PM
> To: j...@kk9a.com
> Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [OT] A dumb question about lightning
>
>
> https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L=DChcSEwiOk5PAqLKA
> AxUjEa0GHYmDBJgYABACGgJwdg=2=www.google.com=CAASJORo_AZEA
> zrEwZh7d0CRaunieFV8dsSC3IDZqsPWbucgX_uNKQ=AOD64_1qxgTjvgwY4_QbQuPW
> 5KxSnoObmA=2ahUKEwiEsI3AqLKAAxViAjQIHe9mC-UQ0Qx6BAgOEAE
>
> Welcome to the Bible of grounding.   It’ll take several reads to grasp what 
> you have to do.
>
> 73,
> Rick NK7I
>
>
>> On Jul 28, 2023, at 2:11 PM, j...@kk9a.com wrote:
>>
>> I would recommend that you follow proper lightning bonding/grounding 
>> techniques, these are the only methods that work. My tower has taken 
>> a number of lighting strikes. You cannot prevent a lightning strike.
>> Simply disconnecting your feedling will not prevent damage inside 
>> your house as the voltage from a strike will be induced into your home's 
>> electrical wires.
>>
>> John KK9A
>>
>>
>> Al Lorona W6LX wrote:
>>
>>
>> Please don't laugh at me; I'm a transplant from a region of the 
>> country with essentially no lightning to a region where you have to 
>> worry about it quite a bit.
>>
>> We had a doozy of a storm last night, with lots of lightning overhead.
>> I felt like a sitting duck, even though I had grounded both sides of 
>> the balanced feedline of the antenna, switched the antenna switch to 
>> the middle
>> (grounded) position, and even disconnected the coax leading to the 
>> K3's rear-panel antenna port.
>>
>> Whenever lightning happens, I always wonder if it really is in fact 
>> better to ground everything. Because, doesn't that essentially make a 
>> lightning rod of the antenna? If I simply disconnected the antenna 
>> and left it floating, wouldn't it be less likely to attract a lightning bolt?
>>
>> I'm of the belief that it's better to try to avoid a direct hit than 
>> to attract one and trust your grounding system to do its thing. I'm 
>> of the belief that no grounding system is perfectly effective.
>>
>> Al  W6LX/4
>>
>> __

Re: [Elecraft] [OT] A dumb question about lightning

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Even the methods in that book are considered sub-standard by the broadcast 
industry...  The only think that is a sure bet is to completely disconnect your 
radio and put it back in the shipping box.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  
Sent: Friday, July 28, 2023 4:14 PM
To: j...@kk9a.com
Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [OT] A dumb question about lightning


https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L=DChcSEwiOk5PAqLKAAxUjEa0GHYmDBJgYABACGgJwdg=2=www.google.com=CAASJORo_AZEAzrEwZh7d0CRaunieFV8dsSC3IDZqsPWbucgX_uNKQ=AOD64_1qxgTjvgwY4_QbQuPW5KxSnoObmA=2ahUKEwiEsI3AqLKAAxViAjQIHe9mC-UQ0Qx6BAgOEAE

Welcome to the Bible of grounding.   It’ll take several reads to grasp what you 
have to do. 

73,
Rick NK7I


> On Jul 28, 2023, at 2:11 PM, j...@kk9a.com wrote:
> 
> I would recommend that you follow proper lightning bonding/grounding 
> techniques, these are the only methods that work. My tower has taken a 
> number of lighting strikes. You cannot prevent a lightning strike. 
> Simply disconnecting your feedling will not prevent damage inside your 
> house as the voltage from a strike will be induced into your home's 
> electrical wires.
> 
> John KK9A
> 
> 
> Al Lorona W6LX wrote:
> 
> 
> Please don't laugh at me; I'm a transplant from a region of the 
> country with essentially no lightning to a region where you have to 
> worry about it quite a bit.
> 
> We had a doozy of a storm last night, with lots of lightning overhead. 
> I felt like a sitting duck, even though I had grounded both sides of 
> the balanced feedline of the antenna, switched the antenna switch to 
> the middle
> (grounded) position, and even disconnected the coax leading to the 
> K3's rear-panel antenna port.
> 
> Whenever lightning happens, I always wonder if it really is in fact 
> better to ground everything. Because, doesn't that essentially make a 
> lightning rod of the antenna? If I simply disconnected the antenna and 
> left it floating, wouldn't it be less likely to attract a lightning bolt?
> 
> I'm of the belief that it's better to try to avoid a direct hit than 
> to attract one and trust your grounding system to do its thing. I'm of 
> the belief that no grounding system is perfectly effective.
> 
> Al  W6LX/4
> 
> __
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> list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to 
> rick.n...@gmail.com
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Re: [Elecraft] TL-922

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Yes, the K3 can only handle key out of +200 VDC at 5A...


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 
VP2EHZ

Moderator: North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.
Moderator: Amateur Radio Builders Group at Groups.IO.

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of James F. Boehner, MD via Elecraft
Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2023 6:55 AM
To: 'Josep Torres' ; 'Elecraft Reflector' 

Subject: Re: [Elecraft] TL-922

Josep,

Be sure to install a soft-key interface in the TL-922 before hooking it up to 
the K3.

https://harbachelectronics.com/shop/kenwood-tl-922/sk-922-soft-key-keying-interface/
 

The newer rigs were not meant to handle the voltages on the older amplifier's 
keying circuits.

I modified mine with the soft-key board and added the new capacitor block.

'73 de JIM N2ZZ

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Josep Torres via Elecraft
Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2023 3:03 AM
To: Elecraft Reflector 
Subject: [Elecraft] TL-922

Hi guys,

Have a couple of Kenwood TL-922’s around and was thinking to connect one to a 
K3.
Has anybody done so.? And if so, how have you done the wiring.? 
Got 2 K3’s (in fact I have 3 of ‘em, but one not physically at now now) and 
maybe one day I can use the spare one with a TL-922 from another QTH.

Thanks,


73,

Josep
EA6BF
BUG #256  -  CWops #3072  -  FOC #2182 (ex 1724)



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Re: [Elecraft] Using ANTLION MODMIC 4 with Elecraft K3

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Same here... it's a requirement at my contest station (to have one) so that we 
don't mess with gains and frequencies due to other mics during a contest when 
the ops change.  Just plug into the back panel "MIC" connector and turn on the 
REAR BIAS.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 
VP2EHZ



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of George Fremin III
Sent: Monday, March 13, 2023 8:19 AM
To: w...@w5wz.com
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Using ANTLION MODMIC 4 with Elecraft K3

I plug my mod mic into the back and the pinout is correct using rear panel and 
bias on 


George Fremin III
K5TR

> On Mar 13, 2023, at 6:08 AM, w...@w5wz.com wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> Anyone using an ANTLION MODMIC 4 with an Elecraft K3?
> 
> I'm having difficulty.  The Modmic works great plugged into my PC Mic Input 
> on the front panel.
> 
> I believe the ModMic is electret - requiring BIAS, which I know is turned on 
> at CONFIG > MIC > press #2, so the end result is FP.H BIAS.
> 
> A Heil AD-1-K is plugged into the front panel; however, pin 6 (8v) is not 
> wired to the mono 1/8 mike jack on the adapter.  The Modmic uses a T-R-S 1/8 
> inch.
> 
> What is the correct pinout for the K3 front mic jack to the Modmic?
> 
> --Scott, W5WZ
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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: [K3] Odd transmit power output behavior on TX DATA

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Replaced the transistors (RD devices)...


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 
VP2EHZ



-Original Message-
From: KJ7SOY  
Sent: Friday, December 30, 2022 11:26 AM
To: b...@wjschmidt.com
Cc: Mark Musick ; aa...@mac.com; Joe Subich, W4TV 
; Elecraft 
Subject: [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: [K3] Odd transmit 
power output behavior on TX DATA



> On Dec 30, 2022, at 9:14 AM, Dr. William J. Schmidt  
> wrote:
> 
> I had this same issue with two of my K3s...  Failed the calibration.   Was
> an issue on the 10W board both cases.
> 
> 
> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ 
> PJ2/K9HZ VP2EHZ
> 

I’m having a power issue on my K3 and I suspect it may be the 10W board.  Can I 
ask how you resolved the issue please?

Thanks!

73, Adrian
KJ7SOY=

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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: [K3] Odd transmit power output behavior on TX DATA

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I had this same issue with two of my K3s...  Failed the calibration.   Was
an issue on the 10W board both cases.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ
VP2EHZ



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Mark Musick
Sent: Friday, December 30, 2022 11:10 AM
To: aa...@mac.com; Joe Subich, W4TV 
Cc: Elecraft 
Subject: [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Odd transmit power output
behavior on TX DATA

Bill,
You need to do a TX calibration and see if that solves the problem.
The first thing you should do when you encounter varying power output is do
a TX calibration.
The second thing to check for on digital modes is the audio levels to make
sure they have not changed. They may have been changed inadvertently. Even
if you say to yourself "I haven't changed a thing" check it anyway.
Both of these have solved these kinds of problems for me in the past.

73,
Mark, WB9CIF

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Bill Coleman via Elecraft
Sent: Friday, December 30, 2022 16:46
To: Joe Subich, W4TV 
Cc: Elecraft 
Subject: 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
> 
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fe9f640afb435

Re: [Elecraft] [K4][K3][K2] FS: David Clark H10-20 Aviation Headset

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I have two sets of Bose aviation headsets... the A20 and the Profilght series 
2.  Both are second to none.  Active equalization and noise cancellation... 
perfect for contests/  loud backgrounds.  They also don't fall apart like some 
headsets made specifically for the ham market.  A bit pricy though.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 
VP2EHZ

Moderator: Amateur Radio Builders Group at Groups.IO.

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of jerry
Sent: Saturday, December 17, 2022 2:49 PM
To: g...@seanet.com
Cc: Elecraft Reflector 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K4][K3][K2] FS: David Clark H10-20 Aviation Headset

Not to mention that pilots call them David "Clamp" Clarks.  Aviation headsets 
in general are not the epitome of comfort.

   Small airplanes are like sitting in a steel garbage can while people pound 
on it with hammers.

 - Jerry, KF6VB

On 2022-12-17 12:33, Gil Drynan wrote:
> I had a problem with a David Clark as it emphases certian frequencies.
> When I was moderating a net on the intertie it would disconnect the 
> link to Scapouse (sp). Had to use a different headset.
> 
> GIL
> 
> W7Gil
> 
> 
>>  Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  "W3DVX Rescues Legacy Elecrafts"
>> Hello,
>> 
>> For Sale:Â  David Clark H10-20 Aviation Headset
>> 
>> It’s the perfect headset for the ham who uses headphones with a mic 
>> boom attached.
>> 
>> Perfect for use in noisy environments—the cockpit of a 172 is 
>> LOUD—and when you put these on, all is quiet. The microphone 
>> ignores background sound, and you speak close to the mic. It’s an 
>> M-7A electret mic, which does need bias; the K2 needs a 5.6K resistor 
>> (probably already there if you use Elecraft MH2, 4 etc.) Tested with 
>> my K4 with bias turned on.
>> 
>> Photos and more info: Christmas sales at 
>> https://wilcoxengineering.com/2020/06/09/selling-extra-equipment/
>> 
>> Happy Holidays,
>> 
>> Alan
>> 
>> Alan D. Wilcox, W3DVX (K2-5373, K3-40, K4D-384, SKCC 22955)
>> 570-916-9590 (cell, text)
>> https://WilcoxEngineering.com
>> 
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> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 RELIABILITY

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

My KPA1500 just blew up for the third time... gonna go back again.  Forced
us to run LP in CQWW this weekend as it exploded just two days ahead of the
contest.  No reason for the explosion that I can tell... radio worked fine
on the antenna system without the amp after the explosion.

Previously it went back for:
1.  MeanWell Power Supply failure.  (Hey, it happens).
2.  Blew up the blocking capacitors in the final output circuit (teeny
suckers, no reason for it).

This time I got a hard failure/low gain so figure it's gonna be final
transistors.  Thinking of going back to tube amps because they are much more
forgiving!


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ
VP2EHZ


email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of j...@kk9a.com
Sent: Sunday, October 30, 2022 10:44 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 RELIABILITY

Is there a common component failure with this KPA1500 amp or does something
different break every time?  Is there a certain mode, power level or type of
antenna/feedline that causes failures?  I also monitor the SPE Expert list
and some people have multiple LDMOS failures while others have no issues
ever. N4ZR posted a similar question two months ago when someone else had
multiple LDMOS failures and I did not see any responses. 
http://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/elecraft/2022-August/290628.html

GL,
John KK9A
  

W3AB wrote:

I don't have one but I do have access to one. It is making UPS rich going
back and forth. Is there a reliability issue with these amps?

---
73 de W3AB/GEO


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Re: [Elecraft] Subject: Re: [K3] KIO3 failure mode

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Lightning seems to me the topic on all of the groups currently... so we must be 
in storm season!

I worked with a guy at Honeywell who was trained in atmospheric discharges in 
his graduate work at MIT.  I guess Honeywell was looking into survival of 
military equipment at the time.  He knew I was a ham and told me I was an idiot 
if I thought I could stop a 30K Amp lightning discharge. He told me the only 
thing that really works is disconnecting the electronics (which we all already 
know).  He also beat into me that damage does not necessarily occur from 
lightning itself, but rather different potentials in all of your entrance 
paths.  So its key to make sure that the phone, cable, power, antennas, rotor 
cables, etc are all tied together so that no matter what, they maintain the 
same potential during a lightning strike (not necessarily to GROUND).  There 
are many ways to do this of course, but there are two very good references to 
follow that basically talk about the same thing.  One was published by Ron 
Block and is only two pages (its out in the SteppIR groups files section).  The 
other is a complete book on commercial installations and lightning proofing 
published by PolyPhaser Corp called “Lightning Protection and Grounding 
Solutions for Communication Sites” , first edition by Ken Rand, copyright 1999. 
 That is copyright so I can't upload it.

Happy reading!

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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] [K3] KIO3 failure mode

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Reverse engineered or just a better/ more modern design?  

 

 

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Al Lorona
Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 4:06 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector 
Subject: [POSSIBLE SPAM] [Elecraft] [K3] KIO3 failure mode

 

Ah, lightning. Whoever performs an analysis of the KIO3 failure mode after 
being struck by lightning might have what's necessary for a very lucrative 
business. Actually, I'm surprised that the board hasn't already been reverse 
engineered in China, enabling an aftermarket for KIO3 replacements. I bet 
everybody on this reflector living east of the Rockies would buy two of them in 
anticipation of future thunderstorms. Al  W6LX/4

 

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 b...@wjschmidt.com 

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[Elecraft] KPA500 Parts

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

The latest revision of the schematic for the KPA500 TR Switch shows a Zener
diode at the gate of Q4 in place of R3, the 100K resistor previously.  Its
obviously for gate protection.  There are no markings on the schematic what
this diode is although the spec sheet for the IRFSL9N60APBE does say the
gate-source threshold is maximum of 4V.  Anyone know what the value of this
thing is before I just stuff in a 4v Zener?

 

 

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ

 

 

 

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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: KPA500 / 270V ERR

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

If you check the schematics, the 270V is made/comes from the power supply...
BUT the 60V enable relay (feeds the voltage divider and read on the front
panel) is on the PA board... 

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Andy Durbin
Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2022 7:35 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 / 270V ERR

"I think it may actually be the other way around... The 60V relay does not
close if 270V is missing?"

Assume 60 V Enable relay K1 is not closed.  How would 270 V be produced?
The secondary winding of T1 is open circuit.

Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 / 270V ERR

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I think it may actually be the other way around... The 60V relay does not
close if 270V is missing?

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Andy Durbin
Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2022 6:49 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 / 270V ERR

HV and 270V are separate power supply rails but, if my read of the schematic
is correct, 270 V depends on 60 V being present.  60 V requires the
interlock switch to be closed.

Diagnosing this may require having the top off and the interlock defeated.
Everyone should evaluate their own competence and risk tolerance.

Andy, k3wyc

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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: [POSSIBLE SPAM] Common K3 failure modes???

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

The only opinion here that matters is Wayne's...

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of David Gilbert
Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2022 12:35 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Common K3 failure 
modes???


Well, if Elecraft were to release the parts/specs/boards/gerber files to a 3rd 
party they would relieve themselves of the repair burden they clearly don't 
want, and any jeopardy for repair quality would fall on the 3rd party.  More 
importantly from Elecraft's perspective, it would address the image problem 
they have of leaving customers stranded without a repair path.  When I needed 
my K3IO repaired, Elecraft refused to do it and told me I should just buy the 
USB version ... and of course they no longer even offer that. None of which has 
anything to do with component obsolescence, by the way.  The key parts listed 
on the schematics are all still readily available, but of course replacing them 
can be problematic due to their small size.

As I've said before, the advantage of a modular design is nonexistent if the 
modules don't exist.

Some people have suggested buying a complete spare rig for parts.  I think 
that's ridiculous.  If I'm going to put out that much money for contingency 
purposes I'll buy a new rig from a company that didn't put me in that situation.

I hope you indeed consider offering a replacement K3IO board.  I'd probably buy 
one as a spare.

73,
Dave   AB7E



On 6/22/2022 9:40 AM, Dr. William J. Schmidt wrote:
> I actually designed and build a K3IO "ethernet" replacement KIO3 
> board...before the USB version was available.   I probably have the only 
> "ethernet" K3 on earth.   I may revive that card and replace the ethernet 
> stuff with USB parts so that I can fix some of these K3's laying around.  I 
> think there is ZERO chance that Elecraft will release parts/ boards/ gerbers 
> for these parts.  There is nothing in it for them to do so and may cause 
> maintenance headaches for them.  Some of us can pick up the slack though...
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
>  On Behalf Of David Gilbert
> Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2022 10:47 AM
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Common K3 failure modes???
>
>
> I have also.  The K3IO module is pretty fragile, it seems.  Of all the 
> requests I've seen here on the reflector over the years for a replacement 
> item, the K3IO tops the list from my memory ... you can't just buy a 
> replacement from Mouser or Digi-Key like you can the input diodes.  And when 
> it goes bad, the K3 becomes essentially useless for contesting.
>
> I keep saying that Elecraft should pass on the PC board artwork and component 
> specs (I assume that not all of them are standard devices) for key 
> discontinued modules to someone who might be interested in offering 
> replacement as a 3rd party.  It's one of my key gripes with Elecraft that 
> they seem to have no interest in doing so.
>
> Dave   AB7E
>   

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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] RE: Common K3 failure modes??? - K3 Ethernet

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

It essentially packages the serial data and sends it over ethernet.
Anything you can do via the old RS232 cable connection, you can do over
ethernet.  Additional functionality (like audio) is currently not
supported... but it could be I suppose...



-Original Message-
From: Mike Cizek W0VTT  
Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2022 12:20 PM
To: b...@wjschmidt.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [POSSIBLE SPAM] RE: [Elecraft] Common K3 failure modes??? - K3
Ethernet

I wonder how much of a market there would be for a K3 Ethernet I/O board?
What would we need on the other end to control the radio though a built in
Ethernet line?


73,
Mike Cizek W0VTT

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Dr. William J. Schmidt
Sent: Wednesday, 22 June, 2022 11:40
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Common K3 failure modes???

I actually designed and build a K3IO "ethernet" replacement KIO3
board...before the USB version was available.   I probably have the only
"ethernet" K3 on earth.   I may revive that card and replace the ethernet
stuff with USB parts so that I can fix some of these K3's laying around.  I
think there is ZERO chance that Elecraft will release parts/ boards/ gerbers
for these parts.  There is nothing in it for them to do so and may cause
maintenance headaches for them.  Some of us can pick up the slack though...


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of David Gilbert
Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2022 10:47 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Common K3 failure modes???


I have also.  The K3IO module is pretty fragile, it seems.  Of all the
requests I've seen here on the reflector over the years for a replacement
item, the K3IO tops the list from my memory ... you can't just buy a
replacement from Mouser or Digi-Key like you can the input diodes.  And when
it goes bad, the K3 becomes essentially useless for contesting.

I keep saying that Elecraft should pass on the PC board artwork and
component specs (I assume that not all of them are standard devices) for key
discontinued modules to someone who might be interested in offering
replacement as a 3rd party.  It's one of my key gripes with Elecraft that
they seem to have no interest in doing so.

Dave   AB7E
 

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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Common K3 failure modes???

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I actually designed and build a K3IO "ethernet" replacement KIO3 board...before 
the USB version was available.   I probably have the only "ethernet" K3 on 
earth.   I may revive that card and replace the ethernet stuff with USB parts 
so that I can fix some of these K3's laying around.  I think there is ZERO 
chance that Elecraft will release parts/ boards/ gerbers for these parts.  
There is nothing in it for them to do so and may cause maintenance headaches 
for them.  Some of us can pick up the slack though...


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of David Gilbert
Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2022 10:47 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Common K3 failure modes???


I have also.  The K3IO module is pretty fragile, it seems.  Of all the requests 
I've seen here on the reflector over the years for a replacement item, the K3IO 
tops the list from my memory ... you can't just buy a replacement from Mouser 
or Digi-Key like you can the input diodes.  And when it goes bad, the K3 
becomes essentially useless for contesting.

I keep saying that Elecraft should pass on the PC board artwork and component 
specs (I assume that not all of them are standard devices) for key discontinued 
modules to someone who might be interested in offering replacement as a 3rd 
party.  It's one of my key gripes with Elecraft that they seem to have no 
interest in doing so.

Dave   AB7E
 

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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Common K3 failure modes???

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

My K3 failures always come in the form of either K3IOx failures (extremely
common) or the 10W module.  Everything else seems to hang together.

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Geert Jan de Groot
Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2022 3:30 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [POSSIBLE SPAM] [Elecraft] Common K3 failure modes???

On 22/06/2022 02:50, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:
> With more K3 radios broken on the bench than working at my contest 
> station
> (J68HZ)  and NO spare modules to work with,

I am actually wondering about that. One of the magazines I read, the German
Funkamateur magazine, has a story each month about a group doing some
DXpedition and nearly every month they report about equipment getting broken
during such an event. As these things often use Elecraft, there are reports
of K3's failing.

But I wonder the failure mode because the stories don't report anything
about that. I know of a few failure modes:
- Diodes at input blown up because of extremely strong signals
near-frequency. Bandfilters may help, as does careful frequency planning and
some antenna distance. (ages ago I used a FT747 which uses a light bulb as
protection - after a heavy radio weekend I had the lightbulb open and one of
the input coils fused!)
- PA kickback causing the low-power amplifier transistors to fail - there
has been discussion on the list to add transzorb diodes
- Encoders for filter settings etc may fail - easy to replace
- volume knob was bumped on, causing potmeter broken - just replaced it
- Plastic knobs cracked - partially solved by Elecraft warranty, partly
solved by buying new ones myself ( with shipping and customs)
- Audio amplifier dying because of a short circuit at the output. There is a
mod kit for that.

I wonder about other failure modes. How does a K3 die at a contest station,
or a DXpedition, and what can be done to prevent?
What are the failures on the broken radios you are reporting about?

73,

Geert Jan PE1HZG


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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: WTB: K4

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

With more K3 radios broken on the bench than working at my contest station
(J68HZ)  and NO spare modules to work with, I had to make a decision on
replacement radios if we are to participate in contests in the next few
months.  Knowing that the chances of receiving 3-5 K4 radios by October were
exactly zero, I had to find something else.  Therefore, I ordered several
Flex 6600 radios.  Shipped in less than 6 weeks.  Big learning curve, but
not much of an alternative.  They also integrate very easily other
automation products.  I know plenty of others that are contemplating the
same thing.

If you find a K4 used, it will be a miracle.

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Jim Brown
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2022 4:31 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] WTB: K4

I seriously doubt that anyone will part with one unless they're in money
trouble or giving up ham radio.

I've got one on order, but in the last few days, but I've been playing with
one that a friend loaned me while he's on vacation. Saturday night, I made
about 250 QSOs in a little less than 6 hours in the All Asia CW contest. I
love the filtering, diversity works awfully well with my Beverages, and
receive audio is significantly better than my K3s.

73, Jim K9YC

On 6/20/2022 1:36 PM, Alan D. Wilcox wrote:
> Considering adding a K4 to my shack, but not keen on the Elecraft 
> expected-delivery time.
> 
> Write or text me if you have one for me.

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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Service

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

This brings up a rather sobering reality.  Over the last few months, I've 
depleted my parts supply for the K3/K3S to practically nothing after helping a 
few friends with failures.  For example, I stockpiled older KIO3 boards when 
people upgraded to the KIO3B boards... but my stash is gone now, after 
lightning strikes and other failures myself and friends have had.  I've also 
fixed a myriad of other modules in K3, KPA500, KPA1500 etc. and am just keeping 
my head above water at my contest stations due to lack of overall support.  I 
can scrounge and get individual parts, but no replacement cards are available.  
I guess we are all going to have to decide what our direction forward will be 
when the failure occurs for which there are no parts.

What are others doing?  Waiting in line for K4 or moving on to different 
vendors?

Anyone have "scrap" K3 or K3s for sale???


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 
VP2EHZ



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Ronnie Hull
Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2022 9:47 AM
To: Wayne Burdick 
Cc: Elecraft Reflector ; rikoski 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Service

I’ve been waiting three months just to get an RA for my K3 Ron W5SUM

Sent from my iPhone

> On Apr 21, 2022, at 9:09 AM, Wayne Burdick  wrote:
> 
> Hi Richard,
> 
> I'm investigating this and will get back to you ASAP.
> 
> Wayne
> N6KR
> 
> 
>> On Apr 21, 2022, at 6:23 AM, rikoski  wrote:
>> 
>> I got an RA number and sent my K3 to Elecraft for service going on 3 months 
>> now.
>> 
>> It has not been seviced; nor diagnosed.
>> 
>> I phoned a month ago and was told I was number 12 on the list.
>> 
>> I phoned yesterday and was told I was number 8.
>> 
>> I moved up four places in a month?
>> __
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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] KPA500 Mosfet SD2933 vs VRF2933

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Mouser has 15 match pairs in stock today.  That’s what you want anyway, not
single devices even though it may not matter.  You are paying $6 for the
matching process.  VRF2933MP


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ
VP2EHZ

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of ziv1964
Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2022 4:53 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [POSSIBLE SPAM] [Elecraft] KPA500 Mosfet SD2933 vs VRF2933

Hi

Got a malfunction KPA500 with suspect MosFet that are dead. Current
VRF2933 hot long lead time at Mouser and Digi-key, however I got several
SD2933 mosfet in hand. Any idea of the SD2933 can be used as replacement?


thanks

Ziv - 4Z4OQ
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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: Shipping via UPS - A Lesson Learned the Hard Way

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

The secret to this is getting your own UPS account online.  Its FREE.  Then 
printing out the REAL UPS labels and getting the real UPS PRICE 
online(nothing fancy needed except a printer).   THEN dropping your package 
off at the local UPS STORE.  FREE.   You will also find that UPS will start 
sending you coupons for 10-20% off shipping.  I found this out using UPS for my 
businesses. 


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 
VP2EHZ

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Mike Fatchett
Sent: Monday, April 11, 2022 5:41 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] Shipping via UPS - A Lesson Learned the 
Hard Way

They are franchise type stores and the rates are ridiculous.  My son worked at 
one for about a year.   At least they gave you the honest answer and were able 
to handle at an actual UPS shipping location.  The shipping rates are higher 
too.

W0MU

On 4/11/2022 4:29 PM, eda...@aya.yale.edu wrote:
> I just shipped some of my Elecraft gear to someone who had purchased 
> it from me.  The agreement was that I would ship it and they would 
> bear the shipping expense.  The buyer was OK with my using UPS.
>
>   
>
> So I packed it up and took it to "The UPS Store."  There are about 30 
> of them in the Denver metro area and about a dozen in the city itself.  
> Before taking the package there I looked at UPS on-line to see what 
> insurance would cost.  The UPS site said $1.05 per hundred dollars in 
> excess of the $100 included in the shipping rate.  When I arrived at 
> the UPS Store they charged me $4.50 per $100.  That difference times 
> the value of what I was shipping came to well over $100.  When I 
> questioned it (more accurately, when I complained about it) they told 
> me that UPS and The UPS Store are different entities.  The latter, 
> they said, is a network of franchises independent of the real UPS that 
> "works with" UPS for retail shipping and receiving.  So what I had 
> seen on the UPS website was what UPS charges, not the grossly inflated 
> premium The UPS Store charges.  OK, I asked, how can I ship this via 
> UPS itself?  The answer was a 90 minute round-trip drive to the nearest real 
> UPS terminal.
>
>   
>
> The UPS Store does not charge real UPS rates.  They have UPS in their name.
> They use a logo indistinguishable from the UPS logo.  Their counter 
> clerks wear UPS Brown.  There was a standar UPS truck parked in front of the 
> shop.
> There was NOTHING visible to me in the store that indicated it wasn't 
> a UPS shop.  Maybe everyone on this reflector already knows about 
> this.  Until this morning I didn't.
>
>   
>
> There's an old maxim that a happy customer tells one other person 
> about their experience.  An unhappy customer tells ten other people.
>
>   
>
> Ted, KN1CBR
>
>   
>
> __
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> w...@w0mu.com

--
Mike W0MU

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

During field day, I've seen unwanted leakage change the band on the amp from 
another transmitter during the receiving cycle.  Another good reason to 
hard-wire it.

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Wes
Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2022 4:26 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500

Hmm.  I used to joke that I bought a KPA500 just so I could switch bands on my
K3 without accidentally changing the VOX setting.

N7WS

On 3/23/2022 1:58 PM, Ken K6MR wrote:
>   "They are a "bandaid" for the lack of band buttons on the K3."
>
> I've always considered "band buttons" on any radio to be the worst possible 
> use of front panel space I can think of.  I always operate with a logging 
> program open, and it's far easier to just type in the frequency I want 
> without removing my hands from the keyboard.
>
> I think with the amplifier they just had so much front panel space available 
> that they just couldn't think of anything else to put there.  In the years 
> I've had KPA500s and a KPA1500 I have yet to touch them.  To each his own.
>
> Ken K6MR
>
>

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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: FW: KPA500 faults

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Correct...


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 
VP2EHZ
email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Mike Fatchett
Sent: Thursday, March 3, 2022 6:31 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] FW: KPA500 faults

St. Lucia is 240v.  I don't know why he would run it on 120v or 110v.

W0MU

On 3/3/2022 1:39 PM, Naumann, Robert, W5OV wrote:
> Bill,
>
> Thanks for the additional information.
>
> Can you tell us if you are running it on 120v?
>
> -Bob W5OV
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Dr. William J. Schmidt 
> Sent: Thursday, March 3, 2022 10:40
> To: Naumann, Robert, W5OV ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: RE: [Elecraft] FW: KPA500 faults
>
> Sorry guys, this is not a trivial line voltage problem.
>
> The 60V line to the PA does not sag that much (starts at 72V goes to 60V 
> under FULL LOAD as measured at the PA)... it's in the voltage divider for the 
> 60V/32 line or the connectors that carry it to the front panel processor for 
> digitizing.  Changes with heat load.  This amp is in the Caribbean and there 
> is plenty of excess heat and corrosion. (nb. I just replaced the current 
> sensing resistor in my K3S for the 100W module due to a hair-line crack... 
> surmise it was heating).
>
>
> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ 
> PJ2/K9HZ VP2EHZ
>
> email:  b...@wjschmidt.com
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
>  On Behalf Of Naumann, Robert, W5OV
> Sent: Thursday, March 3, 2022 9:11 AM
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] FW: KPA500 faults
>
>
> What line voltage are you running it on?  If you're not on 240v, switching to 
> 240v would be the easiest and most effective improvement.
>
> Doing so yields a 4:1 improvement in line voltage regulation / reduction in 
> voltage drop.  Double the voltage, at half the current draw.
>
> 73,
>
> Bob W5OV
>
> -Original Message-
> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
>  On Behalf Of Dr. William J. Schmidt
> Sent: Thursday, March 3, 2022 00:39
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 faults
>
> I have a KPA500 that faults on low (60 VDC) voltage.  After measuring the 
> power supply voltage at the PA module is perfectly fine.  The voltage read by 
> the processor on the front panel via pin 10 of P1 is lower than it should be 
> and hence the fault condition.  I suspect there is a voltage divider on the 
> LPF board that drops the 60 VDC to something that the processor can read and 
> digitize (in the 0 to 3-5 volt range).  The set of schematics I have do not 
> show the voltage divider anywhere. does anyone have this part of the 
> schematics for the KPA500 so that I can adequately troubleshoot this amp and
> get it on the air for the contest this weekend?   Multiple notes to Elecraft
> have gone unanswered.
>
>   
>
>   
>
> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ 
> PJ2/K9HZ VP2EHZ
>
>   
>
>   
>
> email:   <mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> b...@wjschmidt.com
>
>   
>
>   
>
> __
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Re: [Elecraft] FW: KPA500 faults

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Sorry guys, this is not a trivial line voltage problem.

The 60V line to the PA does not sag that much (starts at 72V goes to 60V
under FULL LOAD as measured at the PA)... it's in the voltage divider for
the 60V/32 line or the connectors that carry it to the front panel processor
for digitizing.  Changes with heat load.  This amp is in the Caribbean and
there is plenty of excess heat and corrosion. (nb. I just replaced the
current sensing resistor in my K3S for the 100W module due to a hair-line
crack... surmise it was heating).


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ
VP2EHZ

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Naumann, Robert, W5OV
Sent: Thursday, March 3, 2022 9:11 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] FW: KPA500 faults


What line voltage are you running it on?  If you're not on 240v, switching
to 240v would be the easiest and most effective improvement.

Doing so yields a 4:1 improvement in line voltage regulation / reduction in
voltage drop.  Double the voltage, at half the current draw.

73,

Bob W5OV

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Dr. William J. Schmidt
Sent: Thursday, March 3, 2022 00:39
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 faults

I have a KPA500 that faults on low (60 VDC) voltage.  After measuring the
power supply voltage at the PA module is perfectly fine.  The voltage read
by the processor on the front panel via pin 10 of P1 is lower than it should
be and hence the fault condition.  I suspect there is a voltage divider on
the LPF board that drops the 60 VDC to something that the processor can read
and digitize (in the 0 to 3-5 volt range).  The set of schematics I have do
not show the voltage divider anywhere. does anyone have this part of the
schematics for the KPA500 so that I can adequately troubleshoot this amp and
get it on the air for the contest this weekend?   Multiple notes to Elecraft
have gone unanswered.

 

 

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ
VP2EHZ

 

 

email:   <mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> b...@wjschmidt.com

 

 

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[Elecraft] KPA500 faults

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I have a KPA500 that faults on low (60 VDC) voltage.  After measuring the
power supply voltage at the PA module is perfectly fine.  The voltage read
by the processor on the front panel via pin 10 of P1 is lower than it should
be and hence the fault condition.  I suspect there is a voltage divider on
the LPF board that drops the 60 VDC to something that the processor can read
and digitize (in the 0 to 3-5 volt range).  The set of schematics I have do
not show the voltage divider anywhere. does anyone have this part of the
schematics for the KPA500 so that I can adequately troubleshoot this amp and
get it on the air for the contest this weekend?   Multiple notes to Elecraft
have gone unanswered.

 

 

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ
VP2EHZ

 

 

email:   <mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> b...@wjschmidt.com

 

 

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[Elecraft] D-104 Mic Element Replacement

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

No replacement available...

Well... that's not entirely True.  If you search a little, you can find
places all over the internet where you can buy "old stock" or "removed" D104
elements.  Just depends which one/ kind you want.   IN FACT just a few years
ago I bought a hand full of "authentic Astatic, old stock" the later crystal
replacements... brand-new... from one of the big electronic houses like
Mouser or Digikey (can't remember which one actually).  I think they were in
the $28 each...   

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ
VP2EHZ

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com
 

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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: D-104 Mic Element Replacement

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

No replacement available...

Well... that's not entirely True.  If you search a little, you can find
places all over the internet where you can buy "old stock" or "removed" D104
elements.  Just depends which one/ kind you want.   IN FACT just a few years
ago I bought a hand full of "authentic Astatic, old stock" the later crystal
replacements... brand-new... from one of the big electronic houses like
Mouser or Digikey (can't remember which one actually).  I think they were in
the $28 each...   

Just search.  Here are a couple that I found in 30 seconds:

https://www.theharpmicshop.com/crystal---ceramic-mic-elements.html

http://www.kenselectronics.com/lists/micpart.htm#Cartridges




Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ
VP2EHZ

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Tim Tucker
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2022 6:25 PM
To: elecraft 
Subject: [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] D-104 Mic Element Replacement

Are you referring to the original non amplified D104?  If so, there is no
replacement available.  There is a lengthy thread about a proposed
(dormant) project to recreate the element here:
https://www.worldwidedx.com/threads/d-104.241890/

Tim

On Tue, Feb 22, 2022 at 11:22 AM Wilson Lamb via Elecraft <
elecraft@mailman.qth.net> wrote:

>
> OK, discriminating operators, does anyone know of a good replacement 
> D-104 element.
> Yes, I have been on the web and see dynamic and electret replacements.  
> My uses don't involve electret empowered radios.
> I also see statements that all the ceramic replacements have been 
> sold, but I hold out hope.
> Does anyone know of a good ceramic element?
> Does anyone know if the dynamic/transformer replacement is near the 
> same sensitivity as the original crystal?
> I have three D-104, one of which was my dad's, from the 540s.  It's 
> lost its midrange.
> Thanks,
> Wilson
> W4BOH
>
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> ae...@worldwidedx.com



--
Owner, worldwidedx.com
AE6LX, Amateur Radio
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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] HI CURR indicator on K3S display

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I've eliminated the power supply as the problem.  Tried three different ones 
and see the same issue (long shot anyway... I use high quality supplies).  I 
did remove the 100W module and everything works perfectly fine, so the problem 
is confined to the LPA3...  The fact that I can't calibrate the gain at 50W 
(fine at 5W) tells me I may have a bad transistor.  Ordered a fist full of 
transistors... will take the module back to the USA and put it on one of my RF 
bench at work to diagnose it further.  Also have a spare LPA3 if all else fails.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 
VP2EHZ

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Bob McGraw
Sent: Friday, February 4, 2022 10:07 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [POSSIBLE SPAM] [Elecraft] HI CURR indicator on K3S display

Well clearly one of the indications, radio or power supply, is incorrect.

Just checked mine:

TX @ 100 watts, radio display = 18.3 amps, Power supply = 19.0 amps.

Voltage:  Radio RX = 14.3, PS = 14.5.   Voltage:  TX Radio = 13.9v, PS =14.5v

If the power supply voltage drops during TX, the control circuit will attempt 
to produce 100 watts in which the current may increase.   Also, different bands 
at 100 watts will draw different amount of current during transmit.

I actually found with a 100 watt power setting on the radio, the actual output 
power was more than 120 watts.  (See the discussion on Power Calibration).  
This would of course affect the current demand.

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 2/4/2022 2:16 AM, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:
> Message: 4
> Date: Tue, 1 Feb 2022 18:12:38 -0600
> From: "Dr. William J. Schmidt" 
> To:
> Subject: [Elecraft] HI CURR indicator on K3S display 
> Message-ID:<006401d817c9$990051f0$cb00f5d0$@wjschmidt.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> I remember some discussion about HI CURR issues and the causes here a 
> while ago.  I just noticed it on my radio.. Changing the display to 
> read amps, it indicates 21.6 amps, but the amp meter on the power 
> supply is only showing
> 10.1 amps.  The radio sensing circuit seems to be in error.  Anyone 
> else delt with this?
>
>   
>
>   
>
> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ 
> PJ2/K9HZ VP2EHZ

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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] RE: HI CURR indicator on K3S display

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

5W RF power calibrates fine.  The 50W fails.  Gonna remove the 100W module 
today and see if I have a bad transistor…  Difficult to do here on the island… 
have not built up my test equipment stash here much more than a DVM and an 
antenna analyzer.

 

 

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 
VP2EHZ

 

email:   <mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> b...@wjschmidt.com

 

 

From: Ray  
Sent: Wednesday, February 2, 2022 12:55 AM
To: b...@wjschmidt.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [POSSIBLE SPAM] RE: [Elecraft] HI CURR indicator on K3S display

 

Dr William………. 

Time to hook your radio up to a 50 Ohm Dummy Load, and Retake readings.

Ray WA6VAB  K3

 

 

From: Dr. William J. Schmidt <mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> 
Sent: Tuesday, February 1, 2022 6:40 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net <mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net> 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] HI CURR indicator on K3S display

 

Unfortunately, my metering outside of the radio shows only 10.1 amps when the 
radio shows 20+ amps.  Radio and outboard voltage metering showing 13.0 VDC.  
Also shown 6.6A for 5W out.  Something is up.

 

 

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 
VP2EHZ

 

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com <mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> 

 

 

-Original Message-

From: William Ferry mailto:jdbf...@comcast.net> > 

Sent: Tuesday, February 1, 2022 7:01 PM

To: b...@wjschmidt.com <mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> 

Subject: Re: [Elecraft] HI CURR indicator on K3S display

 

I recently had a problem where both my K3’s were taking over 30Amps (PS) and at 
times the K3 shut down.  

Surprisingly it happened with two different K3’s and two different power 
supplies (Astron RS 35 and M).  The K3 displays all read just over 20 Amps at 
near 100w output into a dummy load on both units.  I checked with Elecraft and 
they had high confidence the current read by the K3 was correct.

I decided to borrow a clamp-on Ammeter to measure the DC current independently. 

Yup. 20+ amps (like the K3)before it shut down.  

I found both supplies had issues.  One the current limit was set too low.  The 
other the current sensing resistor had been changed to the wrong value.  Plus 
the current meter were not calibrated correctly.  

Hence I suggest you find a meter to independently measure the power supply.

Regards,

Bill

K1BZM

PS I think we have worked on all bands from 80-6!

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone

 

> On Feb 1, 2022, at 7:14 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt  <mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> > wrote:

> 

> I remember some discussion about HI CURR issues and the causes here a 

> while ago.  I just noticed it on my radio.. Changing the display to 

> read amps, it indicates 21.6 amps, but the amp meter on the power 

> supply is only showing

> 10.1 amps.  The radio sensing circuit seems to be in error.  Anyone 

> else delt with this?

> 

> 

> 

> 

> 

> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ 

> PJ2/K9HZ VP2EHZ

> 

> 

> 

> email:   <mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> b...@wjschmidt.com 
> <mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> 

> 

> 

> 

> 

> 

> __

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> 

> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email 

> list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to 

> jdbf...@comcast.net <mailto:jdbf...@comcast.net> 

 

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Message delivered to wa6...@gmail.com <mailto:wa6...@gmail.com>  

 

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Re: [Elecraft] HI CURR indicator on K3S display

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Unfortunately, my metering outside of the radio shows only 10.1 amps when the 
radio shows 20+ amps.  Radio and outboard voltage metering showing 13.0 VDC.  
Also shown 6.6A for 5W out.  Something is up.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 
VP2EHZ

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: William Ferry  
Sent: Tuesday, February 1, 2022 7:01 PM
To: b...@wjschmidt.com
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] HI CURR indicator on K3S display

I recently had a problem where both my K3’s were taking over 30Amps (PS) and at 
times the K3 shut down.  
Surprisingly it happened with two different K3’s and two different power 
supplies (Astron RS 35 and M).  The K3 displays all read just over 20 Amps at 
near 100w output into a dummy load on both units.  I checked with Elecraft and 
they had high confidence the current read by the K3 was correct.
I decided to borrow a clamp-on Ammeter to measure the DC current independently. 
Yup. 20+ amps (like the K3)before it shut down.  
I found both supplies had issues.  One the current limit was set too low.  The 
other the current sensing resistor had been changed to the wrong value.  Plus 
the current meter were not calibrated correctly.  
Hence I suggest you find a meter to independently measure the power supply.
Regards,
Bill
K1BZM
PS I think we have worked on all bands from 80-6!



Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 1, 2022, at 7:14 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt  wrote:
> 
> I remember some discussion about HI CURR issues and the causes here a 
> while ago.  I just noticed it on my radio.. Changing the display to 
> read amps, it indicates 21.6 amps, but the amp meter on the power 
> supply is only showing
> 10.1 amps.  The radio sensing circuit seems to be in error.  Anyone 
> else delt with this?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ 
> PJ2/K9HZ VP2EHZ
> 
> 
> 
> email:   <mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> b...@wjschmidt.com
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> __
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> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email 
> list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to 
> jdbf...@comcast.net

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[Elecraft] HI CURR indicator on K3S display

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I remember some discussion about HI CURR issues and the causes here a while
ago.  I just noticed it on my radio.. Changing the display to read amps, it
indicates 21.6 amps, but the amp meter on the power supply is only showing
10.1 amps.  The radio sensing circuit seems to be in error.  Anyone else
delt with this?

 

 

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ
VP2EHZ

 

email:   <mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> b...@wjschmidt.com

 

 

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[Elecraft] FW: [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: On ground - in ground radials

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Its properly called circulating currents. 

Imagine two wires same length same signal.  If they touch at the same place on 
both wires, same phase and amplitude, no issue.  Now a different experiment... 
one of the wires is straight, the other is folded so that you can touch them at 
different points.  Now, touching at different phase and amplitudes.  What 
happens?  You know the answer.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 
VP2EHZ


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Mike Fatchett
Sent: Monday, January 17, 2022 10:23 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] On ground - in ground radials

A well known 9 lander lid uses chicken wire for his 160 antenna and it works 
very very well.  I am not sure what effect crossing the wires has.  Has anyone 
done any real testing of this or is it just theory or a wives tale?  Did he 
stumble upon the holy grail of radials?

Most of the results of the radial field are from the first 50 percent or so.  
You do not necessarily have to have 66 ft radials on 80m to work and get out.  
Put out as many as you can as long as you can and shorter radials are fine too.

W0MU

On 1/16/2022 2:15 PM, Dave Fugleberg wrote:
> This discussion reminded me of a question that I’ve often wondered 
> about but have never asked.
> I have read that when laying out radials on or under the ground, one 
> should be careful to ensure that they radiate out from a central point 
> without ever crossing one another.
>
> I have also read about this idea of using galvanized mesh in place of 
> a traditional radial field. In a mesh, the conductors not only cross, 
> but are bonded together at every crossing.
>
> So, is there actually an issue if a couple radials happen to cross 
> each other?
>
> Not that one would do so on purpose, but when adding radials to a 
> system where the existing ones are no longer visible, it could easily 
> happen…
>
> Curious minds want to know.
>
>
> On Sun, Jan 16, 2022 at 2:55 PM Jim Brown  wrote:
>
>> On 1/16/2022 12:19 PM, Mike Markowski wrote:
>>> A construction site had left over galvanized mesh rolls that I 
>>> bought at great discount.  I unrolled them symmetrically about my 
>>> then soon-to-be installed vertical.  Easier than individual for lazy 
>>> hams like me:-)  and 2nd qso at 100W from Pennsylvania was Cambodia!
>>> That qso made my day and then some.
>> Rob Sherwood, KC0B, published on this in the May 1977 edition of "Ham 
>> Radio," and I included his ideas in this talk.
>>
>> http://k9yc.com/160MPacificon.pdf
>>
>> 73, Jim K9YC
>> __
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>> dave.w...@gmail.com
>>
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[Elecraft] Cleaning solder flux

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

During my under-graduate and graduate school careers, I worked at
Honeywell's circuit board fabrication shop for about a year and a half.  We
had two machines in the shop that dealt with flux: a reflow machine and a
parts set machine.  The reflow machine was used to reflow the solder after
plating so that it looked shiny.  The board was emersed in a 601-type flux,
heated to about 425F, cooled down, and then scrubbed (brushed) with
Isopropanol alcohol three times (stages) with a water rinse and force-air
dried (all automagically).  The solder was beautiful and shiny at the end of
this process.  The parts-setting machine was similar... the whole
(pre-reflowed) board was fluxed, the parts set, heated, and then cleaned.
All fluxes come off with Isopropanol alcohol (remember IPA is polar like
water and works that way).

 

Fluxes come in various forms... some are more corrosive and some not... so
you should follow the directions (right off the website).  Rosin can remain
on a board, but also can be problematic because it can collect debris (dust
and other unwanted materials) because its plastic (flows at room
temperature) sticky.  Many of the water-soluble fluxes are more acidic, and
will tarnish the solder joints if not removed.

 

On the subject of using water on electrical components... most components
(particularly if they might be mil spec) are made for water emersion (NOT
ALL!).  In my office lab we routinely clean circuit boards by scrubbing them
with just water and force-drying them.  Works fine.  About a decade ago, I
used to buy up surplus AM/ broadcast band transmitters for repurposing to
other countries (mainly south America) for the Christian broadcasting
markets.  Once back at my shop, the first stop was a good through power
washing in the driveway (paper and other water damaged goods removed of
course) followed by a good drying (leaf blower).  Works fine!

 

 

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ
VP2EHZ

 



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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: Cleaning solder flux

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

During my under-graduate and graduate school careers, I worked at Honeywell's 
circuit board fabrication shop for about a year and a half.  We had two 
machines in the shop that dealt with flux: a reflow machine and a parts set 
machine.  The reflow machine was used to reflow the solder after plating so 
that it looked shiny.  The board was emersed in a 601-type flux, heated to 
about 425F, cooled down, and then scrubbed (brushed) with Isopropanol alcohol 
three times (stages) with a water rinse and force-air dried (all 
automagically).  The solder was beautiful and shiny at the end of this process. 
 The parts-setting machine was similar... the whole (pre-reflowed) board was 
fluxed, the parts set, heated, and then cleaned.  All fluxes come off with 
Isopropanol alcohol (remember IPA is polar like water and works that way).

Fluxes come in various forms... some are more corrosive and some not... so you 
should follow the directions (right off the website).  Rosin can remain on a 
board, but also can be problematic because it can collect debris (dust and 
other unwanted materials) because its plastic (flows at room temperature) 
sticky.  Many of the water-soluble fluxes are more acidic, and will tarnish the 
solder joints if not removed.

On the subject of using water on electrical components... most components 
(particularly if they might be mil spec) are made for water emersion (NOT 
ALL!).  In my office lab we routinely clean circuit boards by scrubbing them 
with just water and force-drying them.  Works fine.  About a decade ago, I used 
to buy up surplus AM/ broadcast band transmitters for repurposing to other 
countries (mainly south America) for the Christian broadcasting markets.  Once 
back at my shop, the first stop was a good through power washing in the 
driveway (paper and other water damaged goods removed of course) followed by a 
good drying (leaf blower).  Works fine!


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 
VP2EHZ

Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch – K9ZC
Staunton, Illinois

Owner – Operator
Villa Grand Piton – J68HZ
Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I.
Rent it: www.VillaGrandPiton.com
Like us on Facebook! 

Moderator – North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of eda...@aya.yale.edu
Sent: Saturday, January 1, 2022 10:36 PM
To: 'Mark Goldberg' 
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] Cleaning solder flux

Yes, that makes sense; though my focus was on Elecraft’s boards in their 
traditional kits.  For my very limited purpose the replies have told me enough 
and I am grateful for them all.

 

I am reminded nonetheless of a trope that’s popular in the kind of work I do, 
or did:  “If all the economists in the world were laid end to end, they would 
still not reach a conclusion.”

 

There’s a similar quote by Dorothy Parker, but I’ll leave that one for off-line.

 

Ted, KN1CBR

 

 

 

 

From: Mark Goldberg 
Sent: Saturday, January 1, 2022 9:24 PM
To: eda...@aya.yale.edu
Cc: Elecraft Mailing List 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Cleaning solder flux

 

There is no clear consensus because there are many different fluxes, different 
use cases and different environmental conditions that the products will be 
expected to be used in. It would be useful to find out what the manufacturer of 
the particular flux used says to do. That is not sufficient, as the product 
requirements then come into play. If you really want to go off the deep end, 
get copies of IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001, which define how electronic assemblies 
should be built and inspected. Unfortunately, unless you have access through 
work or academia, they cost money. They also reference many other documents for 
specific aspects.

 

73,

 

Mark

W7MLG

 

On Sat, Jan 1, 2022 at 7:56 PM mailto:eda...@aya.yale.edu> > wrote:

My thanks to the many who replied.  The answer to my question - whether there 
is a consensus about how (or whether) to remove solder flux from PCBs
- is a clear no, there is no consensus.



But I learned a lot.  Tnx to all,



Ted, KN1CBR



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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Cleaning Solder Flux, Redux

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Professionals use 91% Isopropanol.  You can get it at CVS cheap.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ
VP2EHZ



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of eda...@aya.yale.edu
Sent: Friday, December 31, 2021 2:53 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [POSSIBLE SPAM] [Elecraft] Cleaning Solder Flux, Redux

 

Is there a consensus among builders of the traditional kits (K1, K2, etc)
about the best way to remove solder flux from a completed circuit board?
Some Internet sites recommend acetone, others say isopropyl alcohol. A few
tout their own product without saying exactly what it is.  I remember
reading someplace that one or the other of those will clean the flux but
could also cause damage by being absorbed into components.  Yes, I know this
is all purely cosmetic but if it can be done safely I'd like to try it on
the next kit.  Suggestions?

 

Thanks,

 

Ted, KN1CBR

 

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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: Need K3 Board

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

The number of parts zapped by a lightning strike is impossible to determine
in advance.  The more ground paths you have (USB cables, Aux cables, audio
cables, etc.) the higher the probability of higher part mortality count.
However, in every when only the USB cable was connected, I just had to
replace the TUSB2036 and the USBLC6-2 ESD protection packs.

Your mileage may vary... lightning of course.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Ken K6MR
Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2021 1:49 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: Need K3 Board

On 11/27/2021 9:30 AM, Dr. William J. Schmidt wrote:
> I have the rework equipment in my RF lab to fix these boards and have done
so on many occasions (there are basically only two parts that can go bad on
the USB side... the ESD diode pack and the MAX-USB chip, both of which are
surface mount packs that can easily be removed).

I’ve only repaired two of these boards, but it was way more than two parts.
The ones I fixed had the hub, voltage regulator, switches, and one other
device get toasted.  All surface mount, so easy fix once the dead parts were
identified.  Cheap too, I think it was no more than $10 per board parts
cost.

Ken K6MR

From: David Gilbert<mailto:ab7e...@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2021 09:17
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net<mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: Need K3 Board


I think that's an excellent offer.  In the absence of Elecraft supporting
these older boards (as I stated in my first post, when I asked Elecraft to
repair my KIO3 they declined), it would be great if we could compile a small
database of people like yourself willing and able to do proper repair ...
for a reasonable fee, of course.

If somebody was willing to do this on a regular basis, I suspect that many
of us would be willing to simply donate older/excess boards.  I have a
couple that I would.

73,
Dave   AB7E


On 11/27/2021 9:30 AM, Dr. William J. Schmidt wrote:
> I have the rework equipment in my RF lab to fix these boards and have done
so on many occasions (there are basically only two parts that can go bad on
the USB side... the ESD diode pack and the MAX-USB chip, both of which are
surface mount packs that can easily be removed).  If you have bad KIO3B
boards, please sell them to those of us that can repair them and keep them
in stock for future needs.
>
>
> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ 
> PJ2/K9HZ
>
> email:  b...@wjschmidt.com
>

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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: Need K3 Board

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

After working on some (not all) of the K3(s) boards myself, I suspect there 
will be a range of talents on different boards and equipment.  I've worked on 
the KIO3(B) boards, the KPA500 daughter card and power supply, and the KPA1500 
(all) so far with success.  Know my way around them very well... and know the 
symptoms and fixes.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of David Gilbert
Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2021 11:16 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: Need K3 Board


I think that's an excellent offer.  In the absence of Elecraft supporting these 
older boards (as I stated in my first post, when I asked Elecraft to repair my 
KIO3 they declined), it would be great if we could compile a small database of 
people like yourself willing and able to do proper repair ... for a reasonable 
fee, of course.

If somebody was willing to do this on a regular basis, I suspect that many of 
us would be willing to simply donate older/excess boards.  I have a couple that 
I would.

73,
Dave   AB7E


On 11/27/2021 9:30 AM, Dr. William J. Schmidt wrote:
> I have the rework equipment in my RF lab to fix these boards and have done so 
> on many occasions (there are basically only two parts that can go bad on the 
> USB side... the ESD diode pack and the MAX-USB chip, both of which are 
> surface mount packs that can easily be removed).  If you have bad KIO3B 
> boards, please sell them to those of us that can repair them and keep them in 
> stock for future needs.
>
>
> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ 
> PJ2/K9HZ
>
> email:  b...@wjschmidt.com
>

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Re: [Elecraft] Need K3 Board

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

It's definitely a multi-layer board, but the thing is so easily repaired, this 
is not necessary. 


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of jerry
Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2021 10:22 AM
To: David Gilbert 
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Need K3 Board

If one has the physical board in hand AND the schematic AND it's not an exotic 
or high speed board, it shouldn't be too hard.  I would hand enter the 
schematic into KiCAD then hand-place the parts.  Some things need to be placed 
precisely - mounting holes, others not so much.

KiCAD will keep you honest - although it doesn't have auto routing, it makes it 
easy to verify that everything is connected to what it must be connected to.

If the layout doesn't work out 2-layer, then I would go four-layer.

- Jerry KF6VB




On 2021-11-26 23:06, David Gilbert wrote:
> LOL.  I bet you don't even know if the board is multilayer or not. I 
> don't, and I'm not about to pull it out of the rig just to find out.
> 
> I had a KIO3 board go bad in the past and was lucky enough to be able 
> to replace it then.  Pretty certain I'm screwed if it happens again.
> 
> Dave   AB7E
> 
> 
> On 11/26/2021 11:37 PM, Ray wrote:
>> 
>> Its done Every Day.
>> 
>> Look at Russia and China !
>> 
>> Yes, it takes a very Special Skill set..
>> 
>> Ray WA6VAB K3
>> 
>> *From: *David Gilbert <mailto:ab7e...@gmail.com>
>> *Sent: *Friday, November 26, 2021 3:37 PM
>> *To: *elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>> *Subject: *Re: [Elecraft] Need K3 Board
>> 
>> Would you try to replicate that board from that schematic without 
>> having
>> 
>> access to the artwork for the board??  No frigging way.  It has to 
>> fit
>> 
>> into a fairly small space.
>> 
>> Dave   AB7E
>> 
>> On 11/26/2021 3:53 PM, Ray wrote:
>> 
>> > The schematic is Published, Check the Elecraft K3 site.
>> 
>> > Ray WA6VAB K3
>> 
>> >
>> 
>> >
>> 
>> __
>> 
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>> 
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> 
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>> 
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>> 
>> 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
>> 
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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: Need K3 Board

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I have the rework equipment in my RF lab to fix these boards and have done so 
on many occasions (there are basically only two parts that can go bad on the 
USB side... the ESD diode pack and the MAX-USB chip, both of which are surface 
mount packs that can easily be removed).  If you have bad KIO3B boards, please 
sell them to those of us that can repair them and keep them in stock for future 
needs.  


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of John Simmons
Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2021 8:05 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [POSSIBLE SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] Need K3 Board

It's called component level repair!

Back in the thermionic emission days it was common. Today you need 
magnification and sometimes a hot-air solder station but it can still be done.


--
73,
-de John NI0K in rural Debs, MN USA

David Gilbert wrote on 11/27/2021 1:06 AM:
>
> LOL. I bet you don't even know if the board is multilayer or not. I 
> don't, and I'm not about to pull it out of the rig just to find out.
>
> I had a KIO3 board go bad in the past and was lucky enough to be able 
> to replace it then.  Pretty certain I'm screwed if it happens again.
>
> Dave   AB7E
>
>
> On 11/26/2021 11:37 PM, Ray wrote:
>>
>> Its done Every Day.
>>
>> Look at Russia and China !
>>
>> Yes, it takes a very Special Skill set..
>>
>> Ray WA6VAB K3
>>
>> *From: *David Gilbert <mailto:ab7e...@gmail.com>
>> *Sent: *Friday, November 26, 2021 3:37 PM
>> *To: *elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>> *Subject: *Re: [Elecraft] Need K3 Board
>>
>> Would you try to replicate that board from that schematic without 
>> having
>>
>> access to the artwork for the board??  No frigging way.  It has to 
>> fit
>>
>> into a fairly small space.
>>
>> Dave   AB7E
>>
>> On 11/26/2021 3:53 PM, Ray wrote:
>>
>> > The schematic is Published, Check the Elecraft K3 site.
>>
>> > Ray WA6VAB K3
>>
>> >
>>
>> >
>>
>> __
>>
>> Elecraft mailing list
>>
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
>> Message delivered to wa6...@gmail.com
>>
> __
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[Elecraft] Fwd: Need K3 Board

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

> 
> Reverse engineer it?  The schematics are readily available for it.  
> 
> I think fixing damaged nonworking boards os much easier.  So those who have 
> older nonfunctioning boards might think about selling them to those of us 
> that can fix them, thus having stock for the rest.  
> 
> 
> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ
> 
> email:  b...@wjschmidt.com
>  
> 
>>> On Nov 26, 2021, at 7:33 PM, David Gilbert  wrote:
>>> 
>> 
>> Both of those reasons are bogus in my opinion.
>> 
>> For the first, a digital interface board is way down the list of what would 
>> be actual intellectual property.  There is no software or special circuitry 
>> such as an LPGA or similar) involved at all.
>> 
>> For the second, I sincerely doubt that Elecraft used some special capacitor 
>> or some tight tolerance part or an obsolete digital chip for a simple 
>> digital interface.  They simply wouldn't have needed to.  Most of the 
>> products that Elecraft has discontinued have nothing to do with unavailable 
>> parts ... other than delays due to supply chain issues.   They discontinued 
>> those products because they had limited human resources to maintain that 
>> breadth of product line.
>> 
>> I'd bet that it would be possible to reverse engineer the KIO3 boards, which 
>> based upon the number of posts here to the reflector are fairly high on the 
>> list of chance for failure ... it would just be far easier to have the parts 
>> list and board artwork to work with.  Elecraft has nothing to lose (and a 
>> lot to gain in terms of good will) by making those things available for 
>> extending the life of products they once promised we could always count on 
>> them for.
>> 
>> Dave   AB7E
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> On 11/26/2021 3:07 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>>> On 11/26/2021 1:49 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:
>>>> Elecraft has a very significant investment in those data [often called 
>>>> Intellectual Property].  Can't really see them just giving it away.  
>>>> Likewise computer codes. I'm not at all surprised that they're holding 
>>>> their IP close to the chest.
>>> 
>>> More to the point, the reason Elecraft has stopped building certain 
>>> products is that key components are no longer available.
>>> 
>>> 73, Jim K9YC
>> 
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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] sticky thermal pads for K3 LPA Mosfets

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Virtually anything will work.  It doesn't even have to be "sticky".  Just
use some heat transfer compound to stick a regular mica square to the
chassis.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Ron Gorski
Sent: Friday, October 8, 2021 4:36 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [POSSIBLE SPAM] [Elecraft] sticky thermal pads for K3 LPA Mosfets

I need a description of the sticky thermal pads used between the K3 LPA
Mosfets and the bottom panel on the K3.

Specifically, I wish to know thermal conductivity and physical thickness. A
brand name and or vendor would be helpful.

Thanks for reading

Ron N9AU



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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 270V Failure

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

YEP

 

 

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

 

Moderator – North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.

 

email:   <mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> b...@wjschmidt.com

 

 

From: Bruce Forsberg  
Sent: Saturday, July 24, 2021 11:10 PM
To: b...@wjschmidt.com
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 270V Failure

 

OK, I see what you're saying now. I might have 2 problems. 1 or more diodes in 
the PS board and the TR switching diodes. I will make the check you stated.

Thanks for the tip.

 

Bruce, WB6IZG

 

On Sat, Jul 24, 2021 at 9:03 PM Dr. William J. Schmidt mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> > wrote:

Well my experience is that the supply doesn’t just die for no reason… 

 

 

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

  

Moderator – North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.

 

email:   <mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> b...@wjschmidt.com

 

 

From: Bruce Forsberg mailto:bruce.forsb...@gmail.com> > 
Sent: Sunday, July 25, 2021 5:55 AM
To: b...@wjschmidt.com <mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> 
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net <mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net> 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 270V Failure

 

Thanks for the reply but in my case the problem is the voltage multiplier 
circuit on the power supply PCB. I just disconnected the HV (~70V) and 270V 
lines so they did not go anywhere and the 270V line still only measures 85V.

 

Thanks

Bruce, WB6IZG

 

On Sat, Jul 24, 2021 at 8:36 PM Dr. William J. Schmidt mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> > wrote:

Here it is.  From Elecraft technical support:  

Nominally:

TP2= RX 13.1 TX 0.8
TP4= RX 3.9 TX 13

From Rene Morris at Elecraft (great guy!).



Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

Moderator – North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com <mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> 


-Original Message-
From: Dr. William J. Schmidt mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> > 
Sent: Saturday, July 24, 2021 10:35 PM
To: 'Bruce Forsberg' mailto:bruce.forsb...@gmail.com> >; 'elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
<mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net> '
mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net> >
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA500 270V Failure

This happens a lot... search the forum for past msgs.  It's not the HV power
supply that is the problem.  That power supply powers the PIN diodes for TR
and RX... and it is more likely that the PIN diodes shot craps and shorted
the power supply.  There are two voltage Test Points "TP" on the board under
with the diodes and  you need to check the voltages on those test points.
That will tell you everything you need to know.  Will post the voltages when
I find them.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

Moderator – North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com <mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> 



 


 
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Virus-free.  
<http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=emailclient>
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 270V Failure

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Here it is.  From Elecraft technical support:  

Nominally:

TP2= RX 13.1 TX 0.8
TP4= RX 3.9 TX 13

>From Rene Morris at Elecraft (great guy!).



Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

Moderator – North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: Dr. William J. Schmidt  
Sent: Saturday, July 24, 2021 10:35 PM
To: 'Bruce Forsberg' ; 'elecraft@mailman.qth.net'

Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA500 270V Failure

This happens a lot... search the forum for past msgs.  It's not the HV power
supply that is the problem.  That power supply powers the PIN diodes for TR
and RX... and it is more likely that the PIN diodes shot craps and shorted
the power supply.  There are two voltage Test Points "TP" on the board under
with the diodes and  you need to check the voltages on those test points.
That will tell you everything you need to know.  Will post the voltages when
I find them.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

Moderator – North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Bruce Forsberg
Sent: Sunday, July 25, 2021 4:31 AM
To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 270V Failure

Today when using my KPA500 I switched it into operate mode from standby and
received an error message of 270V ERR. This is the first time I have seen
this error. I partially disassembled the amplifier and measured the 270V
voltage and it is 70V, which is close to what the HV voltage measured on the
front panel says. After finding some old outdated schematics on the internet
it looks like there is a diode capacitor voltage multiplier circuit that
takes the HV voltage of approx 70V and brings it up to 270V. I am assuming I
have lost one of the diodes in the chain.
Unfortunately Elecraft has used tiny diode packs and even put 2 of the 3
packs between electrolytic capacitors on the board, which I will have to
remove. Has anyone else seen this problem with their KPA500? And how did you
go about fixing this?

Thanks,
Bruce, WB6IZG
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 270V Failure

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

This happens a lot... search the forum for past msgs.  It's not the HV power
supply that is the problem.  That power supply powers the PIN diodes for TR
and RX... and it is more likely that the PIN diodes shot craps and shorted
the power supply.  There are two voltage Test Points "TP" on the board under
with the diodes and  you need to check the voltages on those test points.
That will tell you everything you need to know.  Will post the voltages when
I find them.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

Moderator – North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Bruce Forsberg
Sent: Sunday, July 25, 2021 4:31 AM
To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 270V Failure

Today when using my KPA500 I switched it into operate mode from standby and
received an error message of 270V ERR. This is the first time I have seen
this error. I partially disassembled the amplifier and measured the 270V
voltage and it is 70V, which is close to what the HV voltage measured on the
front panel says. After finding some old outdated schematics on the internet
it looks like there is a diode capacitor voltage multiplier circuit that
takes the HV voltage of approx 70V and brings it up to 270V. I am assuming I
have lost one of the diodes in the chain.
Unfortunately Elecraft has used tiny diode packs and even put 2 of the 3
packs between electrolytic capacitors on the board, which I will have to
remove. Has anyone else seen this problem with their KPA500? And how did you
go about fixing this?

Thanks,
Bruce, WB6IZG
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Re: [Elecraft] denatured alcohol vs. Everclear

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Denatured alcohol is NOT wood alcohol.  Wood alcohol is METHANOL... it was
originally made by fermenting wood.  Denatured alcohol is ethanol (drinkable
alcohol) that has been purposely tainted/ spiked with a poison substance so
that it cannot be sold as drinkable alcohol.  Common denaturants are
methanol, gasoline, natural gasoline (pentane range hydrocarbons), etc. 


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Steve Hall
Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2021 1:41 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] denatured alcohol vs. Everclear

John NI0K,
Keep in mind that denatured alcohol and Everclear are absolutely two
different products.
Denatured or wood alcohol is most poisonous.  Whereas Everclear is grain
alcohol and can be consumed, (in moderation.) Steve WM6P
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Re: [Elecraft] 99.9 % alcohol

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Isopropanol is never denatured because its not consumable by humans.  Only 
materials that are consumable are denatured, and that is usually done by adding 
natural gasoline (pentanes) to make it poison, and this is usually used in the 
fuel industry for blending with gasoline.  Ethanol (drinkable) is, indeed a 
maximum of 90% pure due to the azeotrope that is formed with ethanol and water 
that causes a pinch point and lack of ability to distill it into a more pure 
form.  Distilling above 90% can be done by adding a third substance to get 
around the Azeotropic pinch point, or by use of sieves to absorb water.


Dr. William J. Schmidt (one of my Ph.D. is in Chemical Engineering)



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of John Marvin
Sent: Wednesday, July 14, 2021 7:00 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 99.9 % alcohol

Anything above 95% or so requires processes beyond just distillation, i.e. you 
are getting into the lab grade region. Prices usually go up significantly for 
that.

Of course, in many states you can buy 190 proof Everclear (95% grain
alcohol) at a liquor store.  Might be easier to find than lab grade alcohol.  
One advantage is that since it is not denatured, the fumes are significantly 
less toxic.

Since alcohol is hydrophilic, it helps to evaporate the water that makes up the 
rest of the alcohol mixture. I suspect that getting much above 90% doesn't 
yield significant improvement in evaporation time. But we obviously have 
examples here where using something higher than 90% would be more desirable if 
you are not spot cleaning and don't want to wait.

Regards,

John AC0ZG

On 7/14/2021 5:41 PM, brianpepperdine brianpepperdine wrote:
> I have no idea, obviously, what the USA market offers, but here we get 
> 99.9% (not 90%) isoprophyl alcohol. So much the better re. less residue of 
> course.
> Admittedly it was a bit hard to get at the beginning of the pandemic 
> but that seemed resolved with a couple months.
>
> Ages past I had to ask the pharmacist for it and he decanted it from a 
> large bottle behind the counter into a small bottle for me.
> He said you are either diabetic or into electronics, as I think that 
> was the main call for it. Largely they sold the smaller percentage 
> stuff for rubbing and sores.
> Here is is stocked on the shelf now already packaged, in the first aid 
> area (right next to the alcohol swabs).
>
> If hard to find you might ask your pharmacist.. its possible they have 
> it behind the counter for the real need purposes, or he can suggest if he can 
> order-in.
> You never know. I doubt at this time now that there is any real supply 
> shortage, IMHO"
>
> Brian VE3HI  Toronto
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> jm...@themarvins.org


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Re: [Elecraft] The next generation KAT500

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

There are tuners that already do this.  The old RF-601 military tuner uses 
phase and magnitude data to resolve the transform between the transmitter and 
the antenna.  While it was before LCD displays, its easily adaptable.  In fact 
every tuner I've ever built (save novice days) has used this principle.  Its 
much easier to understand what the tuner is doing if you think in transform 
(Smith-chart) space.  Starting with the transform solution means also means you 
don't need to use the "hunt"/ "branch and bound" types of binary searches to 
find the tuners transform solution.  It’s a DUH if you think about it.  


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Al Lorona
Sent: Thursday, July 1, 2021 12:09 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector 
Subject: [Elecraft] The next generation KAT500

The recent thread on small and inexpensive vector network analyzers made me 
wonder if and when someone will make either a manual or automatic antenna tuner 
with something like one of those VNAs used as a front panel display. With the 
VNA in Smith Chart format, how cool would it be to tune the tuner and watch the 
antenna impedance move toward the center of the Smith Chart? The calibration 
coefficients of the VNA could be set at the factory and stored in EEPROM since 
they wouldn't change much over the life of the tuner other than some 
temperature and aging effects (but even the cal vs. temperature could be 
pre-measured at the factory).

To my knowledge all commercially available tuners simply display the measured 
SWR as a single number; providing a Smith Chart (or rectangular graph if you 
wish) swept over frequency would be a quantum leap in the information presented 
to the user.

Maybe if and when Elecraft decides to design the next generation of the KAT500, 
or maybe this has already been done and I don't know it?

Al  W6LX/4

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Re: [Elecraft] Giving Up

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Performance simply is not the issue here.

Elecraft has made a marketing decision to market one radio and it is priced
in the middle of the Ham-consumer pack with other radios with similar
performance.  They have opted to skip the entry-level market (like Icom with
the 7300 that you can get for basically $1000, and a range of radios at
different price points).  Many people can't pony up the $4,000+ for the new
(now) entry level Elecraft (no matter what the performance) and will go
elsewhere for their radios.  This is a different model than the entry level
K3 that initially started barely over $1,000.

That's what's up here... As Rob says in all of his talks... "Any of the
radios in the top 10+ are about the same in performance... you serve
yourself best buying one with the options that suit you".   Unless, of
course, you are a performance number chaser...


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


 


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 receive loss

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I'm sure you could invent many ways to protect these parts (gas tubes, 
sacrificial TVS diodes, fusing, etc.).  The best way, of course, is to 
disconnect it (which of course I did not do).  These are low voltage parts on 
the receive side path so I don't know if a gas tube would be appropriate 
here...  Someone with more experience with them can chime in here.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: CUTTER DAVID  
Sent: Saturday, June 5, 2021 10:46 AM
To: b...@wjschmidt.com; Elecraft Mail List 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 receive loss

Would a gas discharge tube save the sensitive parts?

David G3UNA


> On 05 June 2021 at 16:20 "Dr. William J. Schmidt"  wrote:
> 
> 
> This happened with my backup amp at the contest station on J6.  I left 
> it connected by accident overnight (too much rum) and we had some 
> static storms.  Took out the pin diodes (well, more accurately the 
> diodes that act like PIN diodes).  When put in operate, the receive 
> drops by 30+ dB but still transmits fine.  A simple replacement of the 
> four diodes and three (?) transistors solved the problem.  Dirt cheap.  
> You can make these measurements at the test-points to confirm:
> 
> 
> TP2= RX 13.1, TX 0.8
> TP4= RX 3.9, TX 13
> 
> 
> Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ 
> PJ2/K9HZ
> 
> email:  b...@wjschmidt.com
>


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 receive loss

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

This happened with my backup amp at the contest station on J6.  I left it
connected by accident overnight (too much rum) and we had some static
storms.  Took out the pin diodes (well, more accurately the diodes that act
like PIN diodes).  When put in operate, the receive drops by 30+ dB but
still transmits fine.  A simple replacement of the four diodes and three (?)
transistors solved the problem.  Dirt cheap.  You can make these
measurements at the test-points to confirm:


TP2= RX 13.1, TX 0.8
TP4= RX 3.9, TX 13


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Andy Durbin
Sent: Saturday, June 5, 2021 8:20 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 receive loss

There was a similar report fairly recently.  I copied this to my KPA500
notes:

"Reported problem(s):
Receive signal is attenuated when in operate. Receive signal is normal when
in standby.

Problem(s) found:
Confirmed problem. Found that D8, D9 and R7 in the T/R circuit had failed.

Repair(s) performed:
Replaced D8, D9, and R7 on the LPF board."

I didn't record who posted this but I expect you will find this and similar
reports in the archive.

Here is another that may be related:

"Elecraft list May 1 2021:

I'm repairing a KPA500 for a friend that has the RX loss in standby mode.
After a time, he also lost receive in operate mode.  After doing a teardown,
I found the problem.

With the PA board removed, I checked K23A relay.  The normally closed
contact on the antenna side of the relay was open.  K23B was OK.  With relay
on the board, there was no safe way to energize the relay so I didn't check
the contacts on the normally open side. I also noticed that resistor R7 was
un-populate and pieces of it was stuck to bottom cover.

Looking at the PA schematic I came to the conclusion that the relay K23A was
also having problems on the operate position. With no or a poor connection
to the antenna, the 500-watt output voltage can go sky high. It can get
rectified by D9 and feed a high DC voltage through L4 and damage resistor R7
or even un-solder itself.

I replaced the relay and R7.  I remove the cover on the old relay and using
a 12v power supply, I set up bench test. With the relay energized, I
connected a Fluke meter in diode mode and it proved that the antenna
connection in operate mode was intermittent.


-
Jack WA9FVP"



73,
Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] k3 STEPPIR 6Meters

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

There is always an ongoing discussion about this in the SteppIR forum on
groups.io.  The key to making the SteppIR antennas anything more than
pathetic on 6M is adding a fixed reflector.  Some in the group have modeled
and developed 6M antennas on the same boom that rival commercial monobanders
on the same length using only the original driven element as being
adjustable. 


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Joe Subich, W4TV
Sent: Sunday, May 2, 2021 7:42 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] k3 STEPPIR 6Meters

On 2021-05-02 3:59 AM, turnbull wrote:> Dear OMs and YLs,I believe if you
check online there is a
> modification to mounting the additional parasitic element possibly 
> even adding yet another which is supposed to greatly improve the three 
> element SteppIR six meter performance over that of the three element 
> with the single parasitic element.
That modification is by GM3SEK (about 2015).  I believe is was in one of the
UK publications.  In any case, Doug is correct, the modification adds both a
director and reflector turning the 3 element SteppIR into a proper four
element yagi on a 12.5 foot boom.

73,

... Joe, W4TV


On 2021-05-02 3:59 AM, turnbull wrote:
> Dear OMs and YLs,I believe if you check online there is a modification 
> to mounting the additional parasitic element possibly even adding yet 
> another which is supposed to greatly improve the three element SteppIR 
> six meter performance over that of the three element with the single 
> parasitic element.As I have a four element SteppIR, this has not been 
> tried here.Worth investigating.73 Doug EI2CNSent from my Galaxy


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Re: [Elecraft] FW: Elecraft K3/P3 last-time order

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Yes.  And the salient part of this is that I missed the email about taking 
deposits…  When did it go out?

 

 

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

 

Moderator – North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.

 

email:   <mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> b...@wjschmidt.com

 

 

From: Robie Elms  
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 10:37 AM
To: b...@wjschmidt.com
Cc: Elecraft Mail List 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FW: Elecraft K3/P3 last-time order

 

Bill,

 

They are taking deposits now.

 

Robie - AJ4F

 

On Tue, Apr 20, 2021 at 10:34 AM Dr. William J. Schmidt mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> > wrote:

I must have missed that email...??  and I wondered when they would start
taking orders for the upgrades.  Anyway take note if you still want K3/K3s
parts before they are gone!


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

Moderator – North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com <mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> 


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
<mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net>  mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net> > On
Behalf Of Geert Jan de Groot
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 5:13 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net <mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net> 
Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft K3/P3 last-time order

I received a mail from Elecraft sales pointing to
https://elecraft.com/pages/k3-k3s-options

This is the next step for the last-time K3/P3 order - order what you want
now or forget it!

Judging by the questions on list many people will still want to order
something - this is the last chance..

73,

Geert Jan PE1HZG
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[Elecraft] FW: Elecraft K3/P3 last-time order

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I must have missed that email...??  and I wondered when they would start
taking orders for the upgrades.  Anyway take note if you still want K3/K3s
parts before they are gone!


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

Moderator – North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Geert Jan de Groot
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 5:13 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft K3/P3 last-time order

I received a mail from Elecraft sales pointing to
https://elecraft.com/pages/k3-k3s-options

This is the next step for the last-time K3/P3 order - order what you want
now or forget it!

Judging by the questions on list many people will still want to order
something - this is the last chance..

73,

Geert Jan PE1HZG
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Re: [Elecraft] Where are the K4 reviews?

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

You might try the "K4-Elecraft"  group...  


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of W0MU Mike Fatchett
Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 3:33 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Where are the K4 reviews?

It is puzzling to see the lack of substantive information as other have posted. 
 This has not been how Wayne and Eric and Elecraft have operated in the past.

I don't believe it is asking too much for regular updates on delivery dates.

Just because some are not happy with a delay does not mean that tehy don't want 
the product.  This radio is a lot of money for many people. I doubt they are 
doing so well that they can afford to chase off a portion of their business.  
It cost far more to bring in new customers than it does to keep old ones.

W0MU





On 3/30/2021 2:18 PM, Hal Massey wrote:
> David,
>
> Is the customer set you are referring to and claiming to be sympathetic too 
> even in existence? Elecraft will refund money to anyone that asks. Wouldn’t 
> those that can’t have their money tied up have pulled out by now? Wouldn’t 
> those that are upset with the communications be gone by now??
>
> Regards
> -Hal
>
>> On Mar 30, 2021, at 10:51 AM, David Gilbert  wrote:
>>
>>
>> As the kids say, "cool story, bro."
>>
>> None of it changes the fact that lots of people have put out a lot of money 
>> with almost zero visibility into when they will get their product, and the 
>> K4 situation doesn't have the significantly leveraged upside that your story 
>> did.  There isn't the same risk/reward ratio here that your example had.  
>> Apples and potatoes.
>>
>> There are lots of reasons why Elecraft could be granted some slack for major 
>> and repeated delays in shipping the K4, but the part I don't understand is 
>> the almost total absence of regular communication on the delivery status.  
>> It makes no sense at all.  If Wayne can find the time to tell us about his 
>> latest pedestrian mobile contact he should be able to tell his investors 
>> where the company stands on actually producing the product that they paid 
>> for.
>>
>> I'm just an interested observer here since I haven't ordered a K4, but that 
>> doesn't change the fact that I sympathize with those who did.
>>
>> Dave  AB7E
>>
>>
>>
>> On 3/30/2021 8:55 AM, Lyn Norstad wrote:
>>> I can’t imagine how it would feel to know that I had laid out $4k two years 
>>> ago, and still be waiting for fulfillment.  NO, actually I can.
>>>
>>>   
>>> Several years ago, an up-and-coming system integration business I had been 
>>> associated with for several years (as a VAR) was going thru many of the 
>>> same types of growing pains in bringing a wonderful new product to market.  
>>> The CEO vowed he would run the business as if they were broke, which they 
>>> very nearly were.  But the employees were faithful believers in the company 
>>> and the product, and worked very hard to make it a success.
>>>
>>>   
>>> Early one Monday morning, I had a call from that CEO advising me that they 
>>> had sold the company to another industry player (a non-competitor) and that 
>>> they wanted me to join them for lunch to discuss the deal. My fear and 
>>> trepidation slowly disappeared that day as I met the new management “team” 
>>> (with all the old R team still hard at work), got viable answers to all 
>>> the hard questions and quickly recognized how an immediate cash infusion 
>>> ($10 Million) had an amazing ability to totally turn things around, grease 
>>> the wheels, and create an industry shakeup that precipitated a wave of 
>>> further consolidation and rapid development.
>>>
>>>   
>>> It was a win-win situation born out of the impending potential disaster we 
>>> had all feared.
>>>
>>>   
>>> Hang in there.  Times might seem tough, but there are some very smart 
>>> people at work here.
>>>
>>>   
>>> 73
>>>
>>> Lyn, W0LEN
>>>
>>>   
>>> From: elecraft...@groups.io [mailto:elecraft...@groups.io] On Behalf Of Ted 
>>> Roycraft
>>> Sent: Monday, March 29, 2021 4:44 PM
>>> To: elecraft...@groups.io
>>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft-K4] Where are the K4 reviews?
>>>
>>>   
>>> The natives are getting restless and it would be good to hear something 
>>> official from Elecraft.  It's been too long since we've heard much of 
>>> anything.  I would like to know if I can expect my Group 1 order, submitted 
>>> on August 8, 2019, has any chance of getting to me before summer, 2021 
>>> begins or is it likely that I will have to wait another year.  I could have 
>>> asked much the same question a year ago never expecting that a year from 
>>> then, there would still be no K4 sitting on my table by now.  By the way, 
>>> when I submitted my order the expected shipping date was estimated to be 
>>> November or December, 2019. That's pre-pandemic.
>>>
>>> 73, Ted, W2ZK
>>>
>>> __
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Home: 

Re: [Elecraft] March/April NCJ

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

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.  I also commented that the kick-back diodes were, in my 
opinion, at tower end where they are not easily serviceable after static 
discharge (this was not the problem causing the box to fail).

Evidently this has become common-place.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Wes
Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2021 12:53 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] March/April NCJ

I bought a European made tri-band Yagi antenna from a friend who had never 
installed it. (I won't mention the manufacturer)  It was still in the unopened 
box after sitting in my friend's garage for some time.  The pieces of tubing 
were shipped inside each other (graduated metric sizes have a lot of clearance 
between sizes) and when I extracted them all I found two pieces for the same 
element were very corroded.  I used my household lye/vinegar method to clean 
them up and assembled the antenna. It worked fine and I decided to write an 
eHam review.

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.  I got so much grief about this that I wrote the reviews people at 
eHam and asked them to pull my review, which they did.

Wes  N7WS

On 3/13/2021 10:37 AM, David Gilbert wrote:
>
> I agree that a preponderance of 5 ratings are from people 
> congratulating themselves on their choice, and the text often goes 
> like "this is a fine rig" or "met all my expectations."
>
> And out of roughly 2,200 eHam ratings I once profiled just for grins, 
> almost all of the ratings of 1 star or 2 stars were for service or support 
> issues ...
> which tells you nothing about the rig itself.
>
> I also agree about the need to look for trends in the comments to find 
> any worthwhile insight ... which is why the NCJ article that used only 
> the summary average ratings is borderline useless to me.
>
> 73,
> Dave  AB7E

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Re: [Elecraft] Suggested Enhancement for KPA-1500

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I use my KPA1500 for contesting... and it's never hot... but I do worry
about the fans wearing out.  At one point I asked Elecraft if they had a
"Fan Kit" for it that I could keep in stock here in the Caribbean just in
case one went south in the middle of a contest...


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com
 


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[Elecraft] FW: Sudden KpA1500 power reduction

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I've had the KPA1500 at my contest station in the Caribbean go south on me
(and another contest group) twice.  Both times I was able to get Rene on the
phone.. go through the amp... and troubleshoot it over the phone.  They have
always shared parts of the schematic with me when necessary.  It's nothing
secret... just not publically posted. 

Big shout out to Rene at Elecraft... Excellent tech.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Ken K6MR
Sent: Sunday, February 21, 2021 1:11 PM
To: Dana Roode K6NR 
Cc: Elecraft Reflector 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Sudden KpA1500 power reduction

It wouldn't be above your skill level if they would release the schematics.
Solid state amps are not any more complicated than tube amps, and I think
easier (and safer!) than tubes.  My early KPA1500 (#76) has been great, but
not having the schematics really bugs me.  I know everyone at Space Galactic
Headquarters is busy with the K4 but posting the KPA1500 schematics would
not take more than a few minutes.  And my amp is way out of warranty so they
aren't risking anything.  Internally it looks like a pretty generic design.
I've reverse engineered the power supply unit but the RF deck is going to
take some time.  I'd rather not if I don't have to.

Ken K6MR

 


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Re: [Elecraft] Can I rent a K4?

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I have some experience on this topic because I rent out my Elecraft
equipment at my contest station in the Caribbean (J68HZ).  I have to treat
it strictly as a business investment. setting the price for rental at what I
would have to expect to replace all of the equipment every 5-10 years
depending upon what it is. and a little more for breakage in between.  Of
course its discounted by my usage as well, but I can tell you it isn't
exactly cheap.  However the program is well thought out and it can be done.
I can't do the remote station thing on St. Lucia because its not permitted
by their version of the FCC rules.

 

 

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

email:   <mailto:b...@wjschmidt.com> b...@wjschmidt.com

 

 



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Re: [Elecraft] Amplitude variation on K3S with JT65B

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I have a K3 and a K3S at my Caribbean station... I see the same behavior on
my K3S but not on the K3.  I've calibrated it several times but have not
diagnosed it past that.  I've seen the power vary by as much as 50% at
times.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch – K9ZC
Staunton, Illinois

Owner – Operator
Villa Grand Piton – J68HZ
Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I.
Rent it: www.VillaGrandPiton.com
Like us on Facebook! 

Moderator – North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Conrad PA5Y
Sent: Wednesday, October 21, 2020 6:50 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Amplitude variation on K3S with JT65B

Hello while I wait for feedback from the (no doubt overwhelmed) Elecraft
support I thought that I would ask the group about a problem that I have
with my K3S.

When I run JT65B and even to a lesser extent FT8 I see unacceptable
amplitude variation on both the 6m output and the transverter output (on
28MHz). If I put my E4406 Spectrum analyser on peak hold with a narrow span
and 10Hz RBW I see amplitude variations of a little over 1dB on the
modulation tones across the passband.

To save time.


  1.  On the ALC meter I have 4 bars lit up with the 5th occasionally
flickering - the audio drive level is correct; it is not an ALC issue
  2.  I calibrated the TX drive - the effect is observed at 1mw, 5W, 50W and
100W on 6m.
  3.  I am using DATA A so no TX EQ or compression
  4.  The audio has from WSJT-X been measured on a UPV audio analyser and
there is less than 0.1dB variation when using a UMC404HD sound card
  5.  The effect is observed with both Line input drive and the UMC404HD
soundcard and the internal K3S codec
  6.  My old TS2000X does not exhibit more than 0.1dB amplitude variation
with the same sound card providing audio and the same test setup
  7.  I have verified the amplitude variations at RF with a diode detector
and an oscilloscope
  8.  The effect is clearly visible on several power meters
  9.  This AM causes some spectral re-growth, although this is tolerable

So given all that I am beginning to wonder if the problem is due to filter
ripple in the standard K3S 2.7kHz filter? I cannot think of anything else. I
was considering buying an Inrad #718 filter.

This is very critical for EME when signals are weak at the RX side, if you
have amplitude variations and you are at the threshold of detection at the
receiving station this can cause decodes to fail. This is more important on
6m EME than 2m where I have more margin.

I think that this will be quite common, has anybody else got a K3S and the
equipment to check and verify my observations?

73

Conrad PA5Y
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Re: [Elecraft] Why predistortion ?

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I don't think anyone said it can't be done or hasn't been done before.  It
has.  But you can't ignore the cost, reliability/ complexity, efficiency
(power and signal) of the changes.  For those of us that have actually had
to design and implement circuit changes like this at the commercial level,
it sounds trivial but that is simply not reality.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ  

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com



-Original Message-
From: lmarion [mailto:lmar...@mt.net] 
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2020 11:32 AM
To: Dr. William J. Schmidt ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Why predistortion ?

DC to DC is used in video  and RF frequency, over 50 years I know of,all the
time to get away from 60hz and other design nonlinearities.

Retired NIST DC to 18GHz lab tech

AB7CE   Roy

-Original Message-
From: Dr. William J. Schmidt
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2020 10:05 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Why predistortion ?

Always tradeoffs to be made.  Boosting 12V volts to 50V means some sort of
converter that can add its own distortion products, plus expense and
additional complexity (read that "reliability") and efficiency.  There's no
free lunch here.

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Charlie T
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2020 6:30 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Why predistortion ?

Maybe I'm missing something here, but it would seem to me that if an FET
linear amplifier running from 50 V or higher  is considerably cleaner than
one running from 12 V, that, for a high end rig, a simple step-up switching
supply could solve the problem.  But, that obviously adds to the cost so it
IS somewhat of a conundrum.

However, implementing the pre-distortion function IS probably a better
long-term solution.

73, Charlie k3ICH




-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of David Gilbert
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2020 12:43 AM
To: Elecraft Reflector 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Why predistortion ?



Of course, but that's a conscious choice by Elecraft and it does not result
in the "cleanest, purest signals around."  I give Elecraft tons of credit
for the other measures they have take to produce good signals, which is why
I own and will keep my upgraded K3 probably forever, but K8JHR simply was
incorrect in his comment and it makes a difference when considering the
expanding focus by folks like Sherwood and others to clean up the bands.
When it comes to IMD, Elecraft is not one of the better players.  The fact
that that's by choice doesn't change anything.  I suspect that 95+% of K3
rigs are used in portable/emergency situations less than 5% of the time.

73,
Dave   AB7E



On 9/13/2020 7:14 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
> 12 volts is a severe constraint for MOSFET PAs. But, like a lot of 
> other
manufacturers, we accept this constraint so the equipment can be used in a
wide variety of portable/emergency power situations. As a result we have IMD
numbers in exactly the same range as other products that are subject to this
constraint.
>
> On the other hand, our transceivers are best in class in terms of
transmitted keying bandwidth. See paper by K9YC for example. Perhaps that's
what JR was thinking of.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
>
>> On Sep 13, 2020, at 6:50 PM, David Gilbert  wrote:
>>
>>
>> I don't know where you got the idea that the K-Line produces the 
>> cleanest
signals.  As several people have pointed out, because of the 12 volt finals
the transmit IMD performance of the existing K-line is relatively poor.
>>
>> Dave   AB7E
>>
>>
>> On 9/13/2020 2:32 PM, JR wrote:
>>> Why are so many ops obsessed with predistortion?
>>>
>>> The Elecraft K-Line already produces some of the cleanest, purest
transmit signals around.   Do we need predistortion ?  If so, why, and how
much better is it than what we already have?  Should I wait to buy a new rig
until that is available?
>>>
>>> Thanks and Happy Trails to all.   K8JHR
>> __
>> 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 
>> n...@elecraft.com

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Re: [Elecraft] Why predistortion ?

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Always tradeoffs to be made.  Boosting 12V volts to 50V means some sort of
converter that can add its own distortion products, plus expense and
additional complexity (read that "reliability") and efficiency.  There's no
free lunch here.

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Charlie T
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2020 6:30 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Why predistortion ?

Maybe I'm missing something here, but it would seem to me that if an FET
linear amplifier running from 50 V or higher  is considerably cleaner than
one running from 12 V, that, for a high end rig, a simple step-up switching
supply could solve the problem.  But, that obviously adds to the cost so it
IS somewhat of a conundrum.

However, implementing the pre-distortion function IS probably a better
long-term solution.

73, Charlie k3ICH




-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of David Gilbert
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2020 12:43 AM
To: Elecraft Reflector 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Why predistortion ?



Of course, but that's a conscious choice by Elecraft and it does not result
in the "cleanest, purest signals around."  I give Elecraft tons of credit
for the other measures they have take to produce good signals, which is why
I own and will keep my upgraded K3 probably forever, but K8JHR simply was
incorrect in his comment and it makes a difference when considering the
expanding focus by folks like Sherwood and others to clean up the bands.
When it comes to IMD, Elecraft is not one of the better players.  The fact
that that's by choice doesn't change anything.  I suspect that 95+% of K3
rigs are used in portable/emergency situations less than 5% of the time.

73,
Dave   AB7E



On 9/13/2020 7:14 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
> 12 volts is a severe constraint for MOSFET PAs. But, like a lot of other
manufacturers, we accept this constraint so the equipment can be used in a
wide variety of portable/emergency power situations. As a result we have IMD
numbers in exactly the same range as other products that are subject to this
constraint.
>
> On the other hand, our transceivers are best in class in terms of
transmitted keying bandwidth. See paper by K9YC for example. Perhaps that's
what JR was thinking of.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
>
>> On Sep 13, 2020, at 6:50 PM, David Gilbert  wrote:
>>
>>
>> I don't know where you got the idea that the K-Line produces the cleanest
signals.  As several people have pointed out, because of the 12 volt finals
the transmit IMD performance of the existing K-line is relatively poor.
>>
>> Dave   AB7E
>>
>>
>> On 9/13/2020 2:32 PM, JR wrote:
>>> Why are so many ops obsessed with predistortion?
>>>
>>> The Elecraft K-Line already produces some of the cleanest, purest
transmit signals around.   Do we need predistortion ?  If so, why, and how
much better is it than what we already have?  Should I wait to buy a new rig
until that is available?
>>>
>>> Thanks and Happy Trails to all.   K8JHR
>> __
>> 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 
>> n...@elecraft.com

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Re: [Elecraft] Why predistortion ?

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

6AU6 - 6CL6 - 6146A trio is a very and associated circuitry produces some of
the lowest distortion products when run at the right conditions (voltages,
etc).  Note at 75 watts the 6146 is in its sweet spot.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ


email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Charlie T
Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2020 9:42 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Why predistortion ?

According to Rob Sherwood, the Collins 32S-3 produces the cleanest SSB
signal on the air of any commercial amateur radio transmitters.

73, Charlie k3ICH




-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of David Gilbert
Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2020 9:51 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Why predistortion ?


I don't know where you got the idea that the K-Line produces the cleanest
signals.  As several people have pointed out, because of the 12 volt finals
the transmit IMD performance of the existing K-line is relatively poor.

Dave   AB7E


On 9/13/2020 2:32 PM, JR wrote:
> Why are so many ops obsessed with predistortion?
>
> The Elecraft K-Line already produces some of the cleanest, purest 
> transmit signals around.   Do we need predistortion ?  If so, why, and 
> how much better is it than what we already have?  Should I wait to buy 
> a new rig until that is available?
>
> Thanks and Happy Trails to all.   K8JHR

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Re: [Elecraft] KIO3B waiting list

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I'm not as constrained as they are with respect to buying parts (surplus 
sources, etc.).  I'd settle for a board to build my own in the event of a "no 
go" but of course I know that won't happen.


Dr. William J. Schmidt
email:  b...@wjschmidt.com



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of N4ZR
Sent: Tuesday, August 4, 2020 4:48 PM
To: Elecraft List 
Subject: [Elecraft] KIO3B waiting list

I just heard from Elecraft Sales that they are not going to fill my mid-June 
order for the KIO3B update kit unless they get sufficient interest to get 
"reasonable" prices from their suppliers.  They don 't define what that means, 
but if you have any interest at all in the K3 KIO3B update kit, go to 
<https://elecraft.com/pages/k3-k3s-options-interest-form> and tell them so - 
otherwise they may never restock these excellent updates for the K3.

--
73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network
at <http://reversebeacon.net>, now
spotting RTTY activity worldwide.
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.

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Re: [Elecraft] KIO3B waiting list

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Yes it is... I just got that msg and put my name/call on the list for one...


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 
email:  b...@wjschmidt.com



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of N4ZR
Sent: Tuesday, August 4, 2020 4:48 PM
To: Elecraft List 
Subject: [Elecraft] KIO3B waiting list

I just heard from Elecraft Sales that they are not going to fill my mid-June 
order for the KIO3B update kit unless they get sufficient interest to get 
"reasonable" prices from their suppliers.  They don 't define what that means, 
but if you have any interest at all in the K3 KIO3B update kit, go to 
<https://elecraft.com/pages/k3-k3s-options-interest-form> and tell them so - 
otherwise they may never restock these excellent updates for the K3.

--
73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network
at <http://reversebeacon.net>, now
spotting RTTY activity worldwide.
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.

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Re: [Elecraft] KIOB3B for K3

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I could use one too.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 
email:  b...@wjschmidt.com



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of N4ZR
Sent: Friday, July 31, 2020 1:29 PM
To: Elecraft List 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KIOB3B for K3

Hi John - it *may* be a glitch in their new web site - if you enter KIO3B there 
is a listing for the main components of the update kit at < 
https://elecraft.com/pages/search-results?q=kio3b=%5B%5B%22Categories%22%2C%2210171482123%22%5D%5D_semantics=1>,
but no whole update kit as such.  I have just written them asking for info on 
when mine might be available, and if I get anything definitive I'll post it 
here.  I ordered mine in mid-June.

Check out the Reverse Beacon Network
at <http://reversebeacon.net>, now
spotting RTTY activity worldwide.
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.

On 7/31/2020 11:36 AM, John O'Mara wrote:
> Hey Pete,
>
> I was looking on the Elecraft site and did not see this option 
> available anymore. When did you order this mod.
>
> On Fri, Jul 31, 2020, 10:05 AM N4ZR  <mailto:n...@comcast.net>> wrote:
>
> I have one pending shipment. that I bought back in June.  Elecraft
> still
> lists it as current production but availability TBD. Price was 
> US$419
>
> 73, Pete N4ZR
> Check out the Reverse Beacon Network
> at <http://reversebeacon.net>, now
> spotting RTTY activity worldwide.
> For spots, please use your favorite
> "retail" DX cluster.
>
> On 7/31/2020 2:00 AM, Bill Stravinsky via Elecraft wrote:
> >   I just bought that KIO3B card a few weeks ago.  Nice to just
> have the USB cable do the work of the serial connection and have
> the audioon its own codec.  Still available from the factory as
> far as I know.
> > BillK3WJV
> >
> >  On Wednesday, July 29, 2020, 10:18:47 AM EDT, Roger D
> Johnson mailto:n...@roadrunner.com>> wrote:
> >
> >   Apparently this card is no longer available. Does anyone know
> what the
> > price was?
> >
> > 73, Roger
> > __
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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> >
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> > Message delivered to k3...@yahoo.com <mailto:k3...@yahoo.com>
> >
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Re: [Elecraft] Matching resonant antennas

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

The obvious issue is not what the radio sees... It's what can happen on the
other side of the transform.  Voltages and currents that no one seems to
care about as long as their radio sees 50 ohms.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Andy Durbin
Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2020 11:33 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Matching resonant antennas

"A correspondent asked me why I needed to tune a resonant antenna."

Perhaps the question should have been "why may you need to match the
impedance of a resonant antenna".   The answer may be that not all resonant
antennas are 50 ohm.   Resonance only means that inductive and capacitive
reactance are equal magnitude. Resonance says nothing about the value of R.

Andy, k3wyc
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[Elecraft] FW: KPA1500 Operation on 6 Meters

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

It may be more efficient for you to contact Rene (the KPA1500 support guy) at 
Elecraft and discuss this with him... ???  I doubt anyone in the forum has seen 
the schematics or was involved it its development to the point where they could 
help you.


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ed G
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2020 9:30 AM
To: Larry (K8UT) ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 Operation on 6 Meters

So, summary question for the KPA1500 amp designers:

With 5 watts drive and the amp in STBY, the KPA1500 display reads the correct 
1.3:1 SWR.  When I switch the amp to OPER, SWR reads 2.5:1 with the same 5 
watts drive.  All hardware/cabling outside the KPA1500 remains the same for 
each case. Reminder that this anomaly is seen only on 6 meters; other bands are 
fine.  BTW power out with 5 watts drive is about 150 watts, and internal 
KPA1500 tuner is bypassed.

What is different inside the KPA1500 as to how the SWR is sensed and displayed 
between STBY and OPER?

--Ed, N3CW—


Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Larry (K8UT)
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2020 9:33 PM
To: ed.n...@gmail.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re[2]: [Elecraft] KPA1500 Operation on 6 Meters

Ed,

Your dummy load choices at 1500 watts range from expensive and good (Bird) to 
cheap and not-so-good. For example the MFJ-264 is listed as handling 1500 watts 
but if you read the fine print (the derating curve printed on its case ) you're 
limited to 8 seconds at 1500 watts. And each time you stress that dummy load 
its resistor value climbs by a few ohms.

Frustrated with the commercial options available, I built a dummy load using a 
huge heatsink from a salvage VHF transmitter and a series/parallel combination 
of four 50 ohm 250 watt resistors purchased on eBay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1PCS-Anaren-RFP-250-50RM-RFP250-50-RF-Power-Flanged-Resistors-250-Watts-50-ohm/133028134252?hash=item1ef9183d6c:g:uHQAAOSwyFhcvsvw

-larry (K8UT)

-- Original Message --
From: "Ed G" 
To: "Larry (K8UT)" ; "elecraft@mailman.qth.net" 

Sent: 2020-06-15 10:57:32 AM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA1500 Operation on 6 Meters

Hi Larry,
 Yes, exact same problem is there with a known good dummy load in place of 
the Steppir yagi I normally use.
--Ed—
 
 
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
 
From: Larry (K8UT)
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2020 10:09 AM
To: Ed G; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 Operation on 6 Meters
 
Ed,
 
Not seeing that here. SWR value unchanged at 10, 20, 30, 35 watts of drive. 
Suggest you test into a dummy load to see if the problem goes away, which would 
suggest some issue with power level into the feedline or antenna.
 
-larry (K8UT)
 
 
-- Original Message --
From: "Ed G" 
To: "elecraft@mailman.qth.net" 
Sent: 2020-06-15 9:48:55 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA1500 Operation on 6 Meters
 
>Folks,
>  I am trying to understand some odd KPA1500 operation on 6 meters.  When 
> setting the power output of my K3 to give varying amounts of drive to the 
> KPA1500, I am seeing SWR as displayed on the KPA1500 changing by a 
> significant amount depending on the drive level.  This is with the KPA1500 
> tuner bypassed. An LP-100A on the output of the KPA1500 is also used and 
> displays the correct low SWR at all drive levels that I would expect to be 
> seeing on the KPA1500 display.
>  For example, with 5 watts drive from the K3, I see 1.3 SWR on the 
> LP-100, and 2.5:1 on the KPA1500 display.  As I increase drive, the KPA1500 
> SWR display goes down proportionally, until I get to about 40 watts drive. At 
> the 40 watt drive level, I am seeing a nice healthy 1600 watts output, and 
> both the LP-100 and the KPA1500 are showing the same 1.3 SWR.  15 watts drive 
> shows 1.3 on the LP100 and 2.0:1 on the KPA1500 display. So I am not sure why 
> the SWR sensing and display in the KPA1500 is behaving this way?  I do not 
> see this oddity on any other bands.
>  I might also add that attempting to get the KPA1500 internal tuner to 
> bring down the high SWR as seen on the KPA1500 results in a drop in SWR 
> displayed on the KPA1500 to where SWR almost equals that on the LP-100, but 
> using the tuner I would expect that to be even better.
>--Ed—
> 
> 
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 power supply fan noise

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I have a little bit different question.  I've been stuck on J6 since Feb 20 and 
not much to do here but play radio.  The K3 and KPA1500 are on 24/7 in  a dusty 
humid atmosphere (but made over 86,000 QSOs so far since Feb 20).  I can 
imagine a time in the NEAR FUTURE where the fans will need to be replaced due 
to use.  Is there any recognition of this with a "replacement fan kit" when 
it's time...?


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

Moderator – North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - 
Elecraft
Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2020 10:53 AM
To: Larry (K8UT) 
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 power supply fan noise

Hi Peter,

If the amp is on, there needs to be at least some PS fan activity at a low 
speed to cool the PS in idle. 

What s/n is your 1500? On later s/ns we changed a resistor in the ps fan 
circuit to slow them down a bit more. 

An alternative is to swap your ant 1 and 2 connections, putting the 6m ant on 
ANT 1. Then you can listen to 6m with the amp off. 

73,
Eric
elecraft.com
---
Sent from my iPhone 6S

> On May 23, 2020, at 8:10 AM, Larry (K8UT)  wrote:
> 
> Peter
> 
> I built a slightly longer cable to match the length of the control cable that 
> came with the amplifier (about 3 feet longer if I recall correctly).
> 
> This allows the PS to operate "remote" in a closet with the door closed.
> 
> -larry (K8UT)
> 
> -- Original Message --
> From: "Peter Dougherty" 
> To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Sent: 2020-05-23 10:33:19 AM
> Subject: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 power supply fan noise
> 
>> Is there any way to power off the fans (or lower their RPM) on the 
>> PSU if the amp is in standby mode?
>> 
>> I would like to keep my rig on 6m throughout the day during the Es season.
>> The problem is my 6m antenna is on antenna port 2 on the KPA, which 
>> requires the amp to be powered up. I only need to TX when a new grid 
>> pops up, but I do like to monitor the band during the day while I'm 
>> working. My XYL is working from home, and is in the same room for 
>> about 9 or 10 hours a day, and the noise after 10 minutes was too much for 
>> her. Any suggestions?
>> 
>> Please-n-thanks.
>> 
>> -
>> 73 and Good DX
>> Peter, W2IRT
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> President, North Jersey DX Association
>> 
>> DXCC Card Checker
>> Letter O Manager, ARRL Incoming 2nd District QSL bureau
>> 
>> 
>> 
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Re: [Elecraft] OT - LOTW / ARRL Down

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

No issue in FK93lu


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of donov...@starpower.net
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2020 3:59 PM
To: John Simmons 
Cc: Elecraft Reflector Reflector 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT - LOTW / ARRL Down

No problem in FM19lg 


73
Frank
W3LPL 



James Bennett via Elecraft wrote on 3/23/2020 3:48 PM: 
> Is it just my computer, or is anyone else having trouble getting to ARRL’s 
> web site? 

> Jim / W6JHB
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[Elecraft] I would like to have my KX3 drive my Ameritron AL-600 amplifier. Does anyone have a mod to remove the 35 ohm resistor in the amp input so it can be driven to full output by the KX3. Barry W

[Dr. Lenzak]

Sent from my iPhone. 
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[Elecraft] FW: KPA-500 Switch from STBY to OPER

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

If you notice a drop in signal strength when simply switching the amplifier
from "Standby" to "Operate", it means that the T/R diodes are biased for
transmit (not receive).  Check R7 the 51 ohm SMD resistor on the daughter
board as the most likely failure.  It has happened to me and several others
on the reflector.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

Moderator – North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2020 6:00 PM
To: Bill Weaver ; afpac...@gmail.com
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Switch from STBY to OPER

Bill,

No relays in the T/R switching path for the KPA500 - all solid state
switching.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/10/2020 6:39 PM, Bill Weaver wrote:
> If there is a relay in the rx signal path, check the contacts. I had that
happen with my Alpha recently. Of all the possibilities that was the easiest
thing to fix. Thankfully that was the problem :-).
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Re: [Elecraft] K4 delivery is now in May

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Whew!  Otherwise we are really screwed on using the K5, K6, and K7...


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ

> On Jan 15, 2020, at 9:42 PM, Keith N6JPA  wrote:
> 
> Don't worry. I have it on good authority that heaven has a Ham Shack with 
> all of the models. Think positive :-)
> 
> 
>> On 1/15/2020 5:09 PM, Michael Walker wrote:
>> All in good time
>> 
>> The world won’t end and no one will die if it comes out later.
>> 
>> Mike va3mw
>> 
>>>> On Jan 15, 2020, at 8:02 PM, mark roz via Elecraft 
>>>>  wrote:
>>> 
>>> Wow. K4- perhaps first delivery in May now.
>>> Very disappointing.
>>> __
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Re: [Elecraft] Applause for KPA-1500

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Yeah.  Mine is in the shop for xmas.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 
email:  b...@wjschmidt.com



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bob McGraw K4TAX
Sent: Thursday, December 19, 2019 9:40 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Applause for KPA-1500

Bravo to that.Although I do not have a KPA1500, I do have a KPA500, KAT500, 
P3, and K3S.   With three antennas connected to the KAT500 I easily work 160M 
through 6M as though I have a 500 watt transceiver and a broadband antenna 
system.   Yes, it is a trouble free system and one that is a delight to own and 
operate.

Thank you Wayne, Eric and the Elecraft staff.

73

Bob, K4TAX



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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 power supply gone south

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Well Andy, the power supply just quit in the middle of normal operation.  I was 
on site helping the visiting team prep for the contest at the time to witness 
the failure. I don't think that qualifies as something stupid, in fact im not 
aware there is a way you could make my station misbehave to failure (all 
automated), so im gonna go with “unknown hardware failure under warranty.”  
Tech support was available that Friday afternoon and their response was “it 
happens”.  Good enough for me. Going back. 


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ
 
Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch – K9ZC
Staunton, Illinois
 
Owner – Operator
Villa Grand Piton - J68HZ
Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I.

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com
 

> On Nov 12, 2019, at 8:42 PM, Andy Durbin  wrote:
> 
> "For the record, the group that was renting my place on J6 for the contest a 
> week and a half ago hard faulted my KPA1500 power supply just 4 hours before 
> the contest started."
> 
> Ah, but did they damage it doing something really stupid or did the KPA1500 
> system fail to protect itself from a reasonably expected operator error?  
> Absent that information what can we learn from this event other than don't 
> let other people use your stuff?
> 
> Andy, k3wyc
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[Elecraft] KPA1500 power supply gone south

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

For the record, the group that was renting my place on J6 for the contest a
week and a half ago hard faulted my KPA1500 power supply just 4 hours before
the contest started.  While the loss of the amp was concerning to me, they
actually placed better in the low power category.  I've now got to haul it
back to the states to get it fixed and return before the next group comes in
during January.

 

 

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

 

Owner - Operator

Big Signal Ranch - K9ZC

Staunton, Illinois

 

Owner - Operator

Villa Grand Piton - J68HZ

Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I.

 

 

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[Elecraft] Tony CW transceiver for socially isolated kids

[Dr Stephen E Dubin via Elecraft]

I have seen advertisements for FRS walkie talkies with Morse code. It may be 
done using the PTT   button, but I'm pretty sure there is a tone.  Price was 
about 12.95 per pair.  Just a thought.

73 De W3UEC (Steve Dubin)
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500 Attenuated Receive Signals

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I had the exact same problem with my KPA500.  I inadvertently left it
connected in a lightning storm in the Caribbean and, after some diagnosis on
my RF bench, I found that the PIN diodes on the receive side were blown.
Replacing them cured the problem.  While in there be advised that there is
an upgrade kit for some components in that circuit.  Contact Elecraft techs
for more info.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Barry Simpson
Sent: Sunday, September 8, 2019 1:34 AM
To: Elecraft Mailing List 
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA 500 Attenuated Receive Signals

My KPA 500, which is several years old, has just developed an issue which so
far I have been unable to resolve.

What has happened is that when I put the amplifier into OPER, the received
signal strength drops by several S units. It transmits normally and also
receives normally in STBY.

The issue occurred when I was changing rigs to use with the KPA500.
Specifically I connected a Ten Tec Omni 6 but I cannot see how that could
have caused the issue. However, the KPA500 now exhibits the same issue with
my TS990 which it never has before.

I believe that some considerable time ago, I did experience a similar
situation and after reading all the manuals etc I found a way to resolve it.
However, I have read the manual until I am blue in the face but I cannot
find an answer this time.

Of course I may have initiated a fault in the KPA500 but I would be
surprised as it has taken all the mistakes I have thrown at it over the
years and it has not so much as blinked.

Any suggestions on how to sort the issue out, or what damage I might have
caused to the switching circuitry, would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Barry Simpson  VK2BJ
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Steppir interfacing

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Actually, the preferred method is to use a regular "Y" cable and a cable for 
the SteppIR's "S26" cable schematic intended specifically for the K3.  It can 
be found in the Steppir groups.IO file section, or I can send it to you.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch – K9ZC
Staunton, Illinois

Owner – Operator
Villa Grand Piton – J68HZ
Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I.
Rent it: www.VillaGrandPiton.com
Like us on Facebook! 

Moderator – North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Joe Subich, W4TV
Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 9:44 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; rayalb...@gmail.com
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Steppir interfacing


> I made up a Y cable to interconnect K3, SteppIR controller and 
> computer. Lots of Googling told me that the connections to SteppIR 
> controller should be only DTR and Gnd, so I made sure that was how it 
> was wired.
Your Google "sources" are nonsense.  The direct version of this e-mail includes 
the schematic for the *STEPPIR* Y cable.


73,

... Joe, W4TV


On 2019-08-14 8:47 PM, Ray Albers wrote:
> So a couple of days ago I posted tale of woe, trying to get my newly 
> acquired K3 to work with MixW - well, thanks to a few off line e-mails 
> and some stumbling around, I got that working. Ditto, got N1MM+ working great.
> 
> Next - how to get the K3 to play with my SteppIR vertical antenna 
> controller. Worked fine with my ICOM 746PRO, where I had both MixW and 
> SteppIR autotracking working fine with the radio.
> 
> So:  My computer is a Windows XP thing that I bought specifically 
> because it has an actual RS232 (9 pin) serial interface, so no need to 
> struggle with a serial to USB adapter.  I made up a Y cable to 
> interconnect K3, SteppIR controller and computer. Lots of Googling 
> told me that the connections to SteppIR controller should be only DTR 
> and Gnd, so I made sure that was how it was wired. Other posts point 
> out that the CONFIG AutoInf should be set to Auto1 (one post said it 
> should be set to Norm, so I tried it both ways). I even tried setting 
> K3, SteppIR and computer to a slower data rate (9600) in case the 38k 
> rate was too fast. No joy. Did the obvious newbie stuff like turning 
> things on and off, plugging and unplugging cables - still NG.
> 
> As I said, my logging program and N1MM are working just fine (one at a 
> time, of course), and I could live without having the SteppIR do 
> autotracking as I change bands/frequencies, but dagnabbit!!! it's the 
> principle of the thing!  I ought to be able to have everything working.
> 
> Any suggestions would be appreciated.
> 
> 73
> Ray K2HYD



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Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

It's very nature causes the resulting overall transfer function to become 
non-linear, leading to distortion and other unwanted by products when active.



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Brian Denley
Sent: Friday, June 28, 2019 1:38 PM
To: Jim Rhodes 
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; Andy Durbin 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

I have always thought that ALC is not appropriate for power control.  It’s a 
protection system.  Over use of ALC acts like compression.  No?

Brian
KB1VBF
Sent from my iPad

> On Jun 28, 2019, at 1:11 PM, Jim Rhodes  wrote:
> 
> Yes Andy, I used a TS590 at field day. But this is the Elecraft reflector.
> These rigs work differently. Use my K3 for FT8 often. I built an 
> interface for my Kenwood rig too. But you treat them differently.
> 
> Jim Rhodes
> K0XU
> 
>> On Fri, Jun 28, 2019, 11:21 Andy Durbin  wrote:
>> 
>> I strongly disagree that ALC should be zero for FT8 but that is based 
>> only on my experience with the TS-590S.
>> 
>> My draft paper on FT8 harmonics can be found here -
>> 
>> 
>> https://www.dropbox.com/s/85aoc937kz235iq/FT8%20audio%20harmonics%20d
>> raft%20d%20k3wyc.pdf?dl=0
>> 
>> ALC must be in the control range for closed loop power control to 
>> work on a TS-590. Operating in the normal ALC range with a TS-590 
>> does not degrade the F8 signal.
>> 
>> 73,
>> Andy k3wyc
>> 
>> 
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[Elecraft] Touch screens for a K4?

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

"The "jury" seems split on touch-screen or manual controls.  I suggest this
as a compromise".

 

Not that I'm a fan either. but one wonders how the staunch touch-screen
negatories cope with ever changing real world  like semi-modern (last 15
year+) cell phones (voting booths, car GPS interfaces, etc). or are we still
using the ever popular Motorola bag phones?

 

 



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Re: [Elecraft] XV144 ATF34143 phemt equivalent

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I'd try a PGA-103+ as a retrofit... plenty of them around.


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Chris Reed
Sent: Sunday, April 21, 2019 6:07 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] XV144 ATF34143 phemt equivalent

Hi all,
The ATF34143 Phemt used on the rx input is discontinued and I just wondered
what the suggested replacement would be for this little gremlin. I've Just
purchased a second hand XV144 and I'm not getting any variation when I
adjust c1 and it looks like the 34143 has already been changed looking at
the state of the solder.
Any guidance would be much appreciated. 
ATB
Chris
G1rpo
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Re: [Elecraft] Automatic tuner implementation

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Ideally... yes, practically... no.  Given the load impedance and the ideal
impedance, you can always calculate a transfer function that is exact
(simply the path of movement on a Smith chart).  However, the question then
becomes how good are your measurements?  A high performance line section and
detector (log amp or other) has at best an error of +/- 1db in linearity and
resolution.  The step size of the tuning elements adds more uncertainty.
Bottom line here is that what seems easy can be difficult. 



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Chuck MacCluer
Sent: Monday, April 8, 2019 9:47 AM
To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Automatic tuner implementation

Finding a tuner solution need not be an iterative process --- there is a
simple two-step approach if you measure the right parameter as you tune.
See QEX, Nov/Dec 2016, p. 3.  Chuck MacCluer w8mqw
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Re: [Elecraft] Automatic tuner implementation

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Wayne is correct here.  If you don't use a principled approach to finding
the the best tuning solution, there are excellent binary searches that have
roots in game theory that are extremely good.  The optimum is to marry them
both.  The most successful commercial (militairy) algroithms start with a
phase-amplitude transfer function inversion to get very close to a solution
followed by a binary search to the final solution.


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Andy Durbin
Sent: Sunday, April 7, 2019 8:20 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Automatic tuner implementation

"It's all about "pruning the search tree," to borrow a term from game
theory."

That always struck me as being a bit like trying to whack a pinata while
blindfolded. Why is it not possible to measure the complex impedance and
compute the solution?  That should be a lot faster than any iterative
method.  Sure, it needs a better detector but isn't Elecraft about elegant
solutions?

I'll probably find the answer for myself in a while as it's on the list of
things to try with my Kenwood/Elecraft interface (I have LP-100A complex
load impedance available).

Pointers to any failed or successful attempts to do this would be
appreciated.

73,
Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] BIZARRE OFFERING FROM MFJ

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

There isn't really much in the way of smarts on the clone board.  It's simply 
the tuner elements (coils and capacitors), a few relays, the relay driver 
chips, and gas tubes.  The actual tuning smarts comes from elsewhere within the 
K3.  This isn’t much of a stretch for a clone.


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Doug Person
Sent: Sunday, April 7, 2019 11:00 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] BIZARRE OFFERING FROM MFJ

MFJ has been a leader in automatic tuner technology for years. It was probably 
a very simple engineering process for them to use what they have to create a K3 
tuner. You may have a dislike of MFJ products. But, that doesn't preclude the 
fact that their tuners work very well. They have been selling the K3 tuner for 
years. It doesn't seem the least bit surprising given the modular nature of the 
K3 and the long history MFJ has with automatic tuner technology. Maybe it's 
actually a complement to Elecraft that MFJ takes the K3 so seriously.

Doug --KJØF

On 4/7/2019 10:26 AM, KENT TRIMBLE wrote:
> Ozarkcon yesterday. Break-time.  Pile of MFJ catalogs on a table. Took 
> one back to my seat to kill time.  Opened it up to the second page and 
> in the lower left corner is a box-ad with the following:
>
>
> "MFJ ATU PC Board for Elecraft K-3 Rig.  MFJ-950K3 is a super clone of 
> the KAT3 optional tuning board for the superb Elecraft K3 transceiver.  
> MFJ-950K3 is a direct plug-in PC board for the Elecraft
> K3 10 Watt or 100 Watt model. Covers 1.8 to 54 MHz.  This automatic 
> antenna tuner PC board features an L-Match design and can match SWR up 
> to 10:1. It handles 100 Watts.  The ATU PC board has a second antenna 
> port, and a sub-rx SMA port.  All antenna ports are protected with gas 
> discharge tubes.  Super sensitive relay allows excellent low current 
> drain.  MFJ-950K3 is 4W x 3 1/2H x 1 1/4D inches and easily slides 
> right into the K3’s tuning board slot. Weighs less than 1/2 pound.
> Pick up this great accessory for your K3 today and save $$$!"
>
>
> What in the world is that all about?  What possible market are they 
> shooting at?  Who would put anything "MFJ" in anything Elecraft?
>
> Someone enlighten me!  Did I sleep through April 1st?
>
> https://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-950K3
>
> 73,
>
> Kent  K9ZTV
>
>
>
>
>
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--
73 de Doug -- KJ0F

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 No Power out on 80 meters

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

This happened to me too on 40 meters with an antenna that was less than 2:1
SWR.  There are a lot of factors that can impact the longevity of the parts
in the amp... over voltage/ over current can happen depending on the
components of the impedance.



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Tom KG3V
Sent: Sunday, March 31, 2019 2:30 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA-500 No Power out on 80 meters

I believe I have fried the 80 meter circuitry in my KPA-500. I am contacting
Elecraft about possible repairs, but would also be interested in other's
input. Here is what happened:

I was using a multi-band antenna and the SWR was high on 80m. I use a
KAT-500 with the Amp at all times. My (naive) thinking was that if the
KAT-500 could successfully tune it, the Amp was safe. In the past, this
seemed to have been the case. I use an IC-7600 and have the KEY line
connected, as well as the PA KEY line between the Tuner and the Amp. 
Every time I changed frequencies on the 80 meter Band, I would TUNE before
operating. At one point, I noticed "that smell" of hot components, and was
then unable to transmit on 80 meters.

In testing this morning, I get no output from the Amp on 80 meters only. 
All other Bands seem to be fine. I can use 80 meters with the Amp in Bypass
mode, so I do not suspect a problem with the Tuner. Today, it continues to
work fine on several other bands with full power output.

Thanks for any suggestions


73,

Tom, KG3V

--
Get on the Air and make some noise
Ham Blog at WWW.KG3V.COM


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Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

The underlying reality is that if you analyze the input-output transfer 
function for a linear amplifier with ALC, the resulting transfer function is 
not linear. Thus you would expect all sorts of odd behaviors as the function 
changes order when ALC engages. Simple math. 


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com
 

> On Mar 9, 2019, at 4:38 PM, Jim Brown  wrote:
> 
>> On 3/9/2019 9:59 AM, KENT TRIMBLE wrote:
>> As a friend of mine puts it, the ALC controversy borders on being a 
>> religious issue.
> 
> No, it does not. It is science. ALC should NEVER be used to set the output 
> power of a power amplifier, because doing so produces lots of distortion 
> (splatter, clicks). ALC should be used ONLY to protect the power amp from 
> damage in the event of problems in the antenna system or operator error.
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC
> 
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[Elecraft] Avoiding costly lightning damage to your radios gear

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

So I've been here before.  Had a bad lightning strike and then put a lot of
effort into constructing a proper commercial grounding system around my
vertical.  That part worked very well.  What I never expected is that the
next strike would jump over the vertical, over my drive way and follow the
telephone cable into the house.  Even with lightning arrestors on the phone
lines, it still managed to damage a lot of electronic devices all over the
house (including ham gear) by lifting the ground in many places that had no
connection to the phone lines.  We live and learn.

 

 

K9HZ

 

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Re: [Elecraft] loss of RX sensitivity

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

[[The next time someone challenges me on why I only use BNC and Type N 
connectors, I’m going to send them this entire discussion.]]

Unfortunately this is not perfect either.  If you use an "N" connector on long 
runs of heliax in a cold climate, you must be aware that the coefficients of 
expansion of the center conductor and the shield can be different... and on 
several occasions, I have seen the center pin pull back from the connector (and 
essentially disconnect) because the center conductor contracted more than the 
shield.  Nb. This does not happen with all "N" connectors.  This is less of a 
problem with BNC connectors because the coax used is generally has a somewhat 
flexible shield.




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[Elecraft] KPA500

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

I just turned on my KPA500 to do some DX work before I have to return home
from J6 tomorrow.  We had a hack of a storm two days ago and the antenna was
connected but no lightening was observed.  My KPA500 receives fine in
Standby but receive signals seem attenuated by several dB when in Operate.
The amp makes power in transmit as usual.  Without the manuals here I
suspect there are some PIN diodes in it that got hammered in the storm.
Anyone else see this?



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Re: [Elecraft] WWV/WWVH Closure

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Well let's start with all of those self-setting watches and wall clocks...
and then the propagation information that is broadcast.  Does GPS do that?


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch – K9ZC
Staunton, Illinois

Owner – Operator
Villa Grand Piton – J68HZ
Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I.
Rent it: www.VillaGrandPiton.com
Like us on Facebook! 

Moderator – North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of John Harper
Sent: Monday, August 20, 2018 10:33 AM
To: Elecraft list 
Subject: [Elecraft] WWV/WWVH Closure

What is the justification for continued funding of WWV? Hasn't it been
obsoleted (if that's a verb) by GPS as far as being a time and freq
standard?

John AE5X
https://ae5x.blogspot.com
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 Fan Noise - YouTube ?

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

So just a bit of thermodynamics... if the input to any amplifier is 1500 watts 
and it is 50% efficient, since energy is conserved, 750 watts will come out in 
another form.. and in this case it's heat.  Doesn't matter what the converter 
is (transistor, tube, resistor, etc.).  It all behaves the same.  Need to get 
rid of 750 watts of heat.  The only difference may be the way the heat is taken 
away of the converter... convection (heat sink), forced convection (heat skin 
plus fan), liquid convection (water cooled heat sink).  The poison is the heat 
removal device not the converter.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch – K9ZC
Staunton, Illinois

Owner – Operator
Villa Grand Piton – J68HZ
Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I.
Rent it: www.VillaGrandPiton.com
Like us on Facebook! 

Moderator – North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill Stravinsky via 
Elecraft
Sent: Friday, June 1, 2018 7:33 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 Fan Noise - YouTube ?

 Rich

You pretty much hit the nail on the head about solid state amps.  As they say 
there's no free lunch.  Solid state has made great strides in high power 
ampsbut its still solid state and a p/n junction or some form thereof.  1500 
watts of heat in those junctions has to be cooled down or it won't be long 
before it needsnew parts.
Depending on your operating habits (contesting, casual, or whatever) there will 
be varying degrees of fan noise.  The higher the duty cycle the higher thefan 
requirements.  Pick your poison, a small light weight amp easy to move around 
or one you need a fork lift to pick up.  I prefer tube amps for a few 
reasonsand have the Acom 2000a (and an Alpha 89 that now sits in the living 
room temporarily) but I'm still glad I got the kpa1500 at least so far.
The kpa sits nicely on top of the Acom without causing the table they sit on to 
crash to the floor in pieces, hi.  I'm surprised nobody has made a you tube 
ofthe amp in operation actually.  But there are only just over 200 of the new 
amps out there.  Good luck with your investigation, Rich.
BillK3WJV

On Friday, June 1, 2018, 8:00:29 PM EDT, Richard Thorne 
 wrote:  
 
 This fan noise issue has me concerned to the point that I’m considering 
cancelling my order.

While the amp won’t be on my operating desk, it will be on a rack next to my 
operating desk.  Remoting the amp is not an option. Quite frankly I have no 
interest in remoting the amp.

Is there anyone out there that has a KPA-1500 willing to post a YouTube video 
so we can hear the fan in action and judge the noise for ourselves?

From the research I’ve done it appears that if you want a solid state amp, 
regardless of make, you need to be prepared for fan noise.

Thanks

Rich - N5ZC

Sent from my iPhone
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Re: [Elecraft] Extreme QRPp using the KX2, KX3

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Yeah... I didn't wait.  I built my own...


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch – K9ZC
Staunton, Illinois

Owner – Operator
Villa Grand Piton – J68HZ
Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I.
Rent it: www.VillaGrandPiton.com
Like us on Facebook! 

Moderator – North American QRO Yahoo Group.

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Hajo Dezelski
Sent: Saturday, March 3, 2018 3:06 PM
To: Wayne Burdick <n...@elecraft.com>
Cc: Elecraft Reflector <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Extreme QRPp using the KX2, KX3

Hi ,

wouldn't it be great if there was an additional sensor for the Wattmeter W2 for 
the Qrp-Guys 1-54 Mhz and 0.01 - 20 Watt?

Who needs a 200 Watt version if you only have the Kx-Line ;-) I really would 
consider buying a qrp-version.

73 de

Hajo dl1sdz

---
Cela est bien dit, mais il faut cultiver notre jardin.


http://hajos-kontrapunkte.blogspot.de/



Wayne Burdick <n...@elecraft.com> schrieb am Sa., 3. März 2018 16:49:

> Power output on the KX2, KX3, K3 and K3S can be set as low as 0.1 W 
> directly using the PWR control.
>
> However, you can actually set power output to much lower levels (< 1 
> milliwatt), with fine control, by turning off ALC in the menu and 
> adjusting the drive level manually.
>
> Here’s the recommended procedure for accurately setting power to 
> levels below 0.1 watt:
>
> 1. Connect an external milliwatt meter between the transceiver and the 
> antenna or dummy load. If you don’t have such a meter, you can 
> alternatively connect a dummy load (such as the Elecraft DL2) then use 
> an oscilloscope or an RF voltmeter. (The DL2 includes a rectifier so 
> you can just use a DC voltmeter. The manual for the DL2 provides a 
> translation from DC volts to power level.)
>
> 2. For most accurate results, bypass the ATU. This is done in the menu 
> on the KX2 and KX3. The K3/K3S has an ATU switch function on the front 
> panel for this purpose.
>
> 3. Start with PWR set to 0.1 W and verify that you hit about this 
> level on the external meter. Hold TUNE to generate a continuous 
> carrier. (This automatically switches to CW mode temporarily, even if 
> you’re using a different mode.) Then exit TUNE by tapping XMIT.
>
> Note: The 0.1-W level is not well-calibrated at the rig’s internal 
> wattmeter, because this only forward-biases the rig’s SWR detector 
> diodes by a small amount. Also, the SWR (shown on VFO A) will appear 
> as “--“, because reflected power will be too low to accurately calculate it.
>
> 5. Go into the menu and turn off TX ALC. This is done using the TX 
> GAIN menu entry on the KX2 (page 41 of the manual) or KX3 (page 49). 
> Use the CONFIG:TX ALC menu entry on the K3 or K3S (approx. page 66).
>
> Note: On all of the rigs, the TECH MD menu entry must be set to ON in 
> order to see the TX GAIN or TX ALC menu entries. This is a precaution 
> to make sure such menu settings are not changed unintentionally. On 
> the KX2 and KX3, you also need to UNLOCK the ALC on/off feature as 
> explained in the manual (MENU section).
>
> 6. With ALC turned OFF, the PWR control now directly controls the 
> transmit drive level in fine increments. I just tested my lab KX2 and 
> found I could set the power smoothly down to as low as about 1/2 milliwatt.
>
> When you have ALC turned off, the PWR display (on VFO B) will include 
> an asterisk (*) as a reminder. It will not show actual power level for 
> reasons described above. An external metering method will be needed to 
> dial in the desired level.
>
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Array Solutions Lightning Arrestor

[Dr. William J. Schmidt, II]

While N connectors do have some design and impedance advantages, some of us 
that have lived in extremely cold climates... have seen the center pins pull 
out of N connectors due to thermal contraction of the center conductor over 
distance.  A UHF or DIN connector will usually not do that.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 

Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch – K9ZC
Staunton, Illinois

Owner – Operator
Villa Grand Piton – J68HZ
Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I.
Rent it: www.VillaGrandPiton.com
Like us on Facebook! 


email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Walter Underwood
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2018 2:29 PM
To: Reflector Elecraft <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Array Solutions Lightning Arrestor

N connectors have better weatherproofing. They handle 1500 V instead of 500 V. 
But I mostly like them better because they are engineered instead of a 
historical accident. :-)

wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)

> On Jan 23, 2018, at 10:15 AM, Jim Brown <j...@audiosystemsgroup.com> wrote:
> 
> On 1/23/2018 9:40 AM, Walter Underwood wrote:
>> And Morgan Manufacturing offers them with N connectors! I’m sold.
> 
> So does Array Solutions. BUT -- for HF, N connections offer no advantages 
> over UHF connectors.
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC
> 
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[Elecraft] KX3 SSB ALC Mic Gain - a new problem

[Dr John H Farmer]

Hi All,

 

Apologies if this question posts twice - my attempt yesterday was
unsuccessful, so here goes again.

 

I've been running KX3 #2511 for several years on SSB with the MH3 mic and
with settings:  Mic gain 35 and compression 12.  It's worked flawlessly and
that combination of settings has

given me an ALC indication of 5 bars while speaking normally.  I'm running
the latest firmware.

 

Yesterday, I noted that I had no RF output on SSB and find that now I get no
ALC indication until the Mic gain is advanced to the maximum setting of 80.
Nothing else has changed in my

setup.  I've checked that MIC Bias is set to ON and the TX EQ settings have
not changed.  I've also checked and there is indeed a bias voltage on the
Mic socket.

 

I can still run digital modes in DATA mode A,  using an external soundcard
connected to the KX3 mic socket via an adapter cable and I easily get 4 bars
of ALC with the 5th flickering with a Mic gain of 35.  That hasn't changed.

 

I don't have another MH3 mic to check whether it's the microphone that's at
fault here, but that's my suspicion.

 

Any ideas where to look next? 

 

Many thanks, 

 

John

VK7JB

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