Re: [Elecraft] Lightning damage here
Don, Really sorry to hear that. I empathize. We lost two major appliances late June when the Derecho hit Virginia with 75 mph winds and a lightning show like I haven't seen in many years. That lightning hit was not direct, but we heard the snap in the house. It came through a wall receptacle in the family room and literally blew a hole in the hardwood floor. Luckily, all my radio and computer equipment was spared, I think, due to my running around the house, as the storm approached, and unplugging everything I could and having greatly improved my grounding system based upon many a good discussion here on this reflector. We got hit, again last night and my vertical took a hit (I saw it), it blew out the gas discharge protectors I had in-line and the 2 inch grounding strap at outside copper bus plate is black and melted. But, I also had solid 2 AWG going from that plate to ground ( 8 rods, one every four feet). I wish you the very best. 73, Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Unhappy with KX3
Jim, I could not have said it better. I went through the both of those messes and the Omni VII experience was better but not much. Actually, I like the fact that the software (firmware) evolves based upon user experiences and input. I own KX3 SN 0025 and have had an absolute blast with it. It has been a joy to use, and, to be honest, I haven't missed many of the functions that are yet to come. I am primarily a QRP CW op. 73, Greg K2UM P.S. I still stand behind my initial eHam.com review A contrast with other manufacturers is appropriate. Yaesu's flagship radio, the FT1000 series in all its variations, is notorious for REALLY BAD keyclicks, and three of the four DSP mic processing settings can best be described as awful. It took them ten years and three model changes to fix the clicks, and you had to BUY the replacement (a new radio) that fixed the problem, and I don't recall ever seeing anything about owners of the problematic radios even being offered a discount. :*) I don't know if they ever fixed the mic DSP.* The original Ten Tec Orion was beset with LONG ongoing firmware issues, and you wouldn't believe the bitching on the Ten Tec email reflector about the new bugs in the bug-fixed firmware. The eventual solution was the Orion II. Again, you had to BUY a new radio, and again, no discount. . 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K2 --- Cancel WTB -- found one
Found a nice K2 of the configuration I wanted. Thanks to several of the members for offering me K2s. I have sent personal emails as well. Would have built one but am running out of time before I need to travel with it. Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Wanted: K2
I am still looking for a nice K2/10 with KAT2, KNB2 and possibly with KBT2. SSB not critical. Please contact me off list with specifics -- condition, last alignment, working order and price. I am looking to buy a K2 for my use on an upcoming remote area trip. I have a KX3 on order, but would love a 10 watt radio to use on this trip and at home. Thanks, Greg Greg dot K2UM at gmail dot com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] QRP, a K1, and the magic of ham radio
I have been a ham for over 50 years and done lots of dumb things. Really dumb. Today was no different. I was putting a recently acquired K1 through the paces and getting it ready for another of my trips to the bush. I had just worked several stations with a output of between 5 and watts with the K2 and my vertical. After this I was switching to different radios and antennas and checking power out and using a AIM 4710 to check the health of my antennas and decided to go back and enjoy the K1. I called CQ a couple of times and K7FB, near Dallas, TX, answered me. He was really weak but I could copy him as a 429 and sent that report. He sent me a 549 and after this exchange, he sent no copy. I sat there and wondered what happened since I was still copying him at about a 429. So, I glanced down at the K1 and saw my output had dropped to 3W. I also was wondering why the band noise had dropped off since we have a pretty good weather system coming in from the west and was getting some QRN. Well, as I was logging the contact after signing off, I started to wonder why my ouput had dropped since I had just set it to 5W. I checked the menu item and set the power out to 7 watts and was just seeing 3 bars for power output on the K1. As I thought about getting my LP-100A hooked up to the K1, I looked and saw I had been transmitting into 6 feet of RG-59 hooked up to an antenna switch --- nothing else. Yep, stupid. But, then it was one of those things that keeps my interest in ham radio -- the magic of it all. And, a lot of credit goes to the ears on that K1 and some of the other kind of magic called propagation nuance. I just wanted to share this with some folks who would understand that find of fun and appreciate the dumb and crazy things a ham does when he has too many radios, switches and runs of coax. I shared it with my wife, but she simply shrugged her shoulders. Anyway, I wish you all a great holiday season and a fine and healthy New Year. 73/72 Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] QRP, a K1, and the magic of ham radio
I forgot to mention -- it was a two way QRP contact. Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Trade Perfect TS-590S for Tricked out K1
I would like to get a tricked out 4-band K1, preferably with 15 meters. In an even up trade, I offer a perfect TS-590S. I will throw in an uninstalled TCXO. The radio is in perfect cosmetic and working order. I am the original owner and have the original box, documentation, accessories bag (unopened), mic and boxes. I purchased the radio from AES in October, 2011 and do not use it. It has some very nice features but I have two K3s. If interested, please send along information on your K1 -- options, condition and so forth. I can be reached at the following email. Greg dot K2UM at gmail.com. Thanks, Greg K2UM P.S. If you know of anyone that would like to trade a tricked out K2-10 or K2-100 plus some additional cash ( $1500 - $2000 depending options in the K2) for a perfect working condition with no issues or problems IC 7800 and a 9.95 out of 10 cosmetically , please contact me at the same email address for more specifics. I really want a direct pick-up of the 7800 due to not wanting to ship, and most of all, to provide the buyer the chance to see it in the flesh and use it so as to verify its cosmetics and working order. The IC 7800 is a version 2 with roofing filters and is a March 9th, 2006 build as per the factory supplied documentaiton. I have all accessories and the original shipping carton. I am the original owner and it was purchased from AES. Total time on the 7800 is maybe 100 hours. I am also willing to sell the 7800 outright for $4500 (pick up only). __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Trade Perfect TS-590S for Tricked out K1 - Correction
Sorry, I proofed that post, but did find an error. just now The TS-590S is an October 2010 purchase NOT 2011. I apologize. Also, I forgot to add that I will throw in two amplifier hook-up cables -- one has a transistor bufffer, the other is for a straight through from the ACC. Both were purchased from Array Solutions and both have plug terminations for ALC and relay. Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] TS590S trade for K1 is done
Thanks so much to all for responding. I'll take this opportunity to wish the best for all members of this list for the upcoming New Year. 73, Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KX1 found
I found a great KX1 and I am no longer searching for one. Thanks to those who responded and a special thanks to Steve, KW4H. 73 Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Problem loading XG3 firmware
Just got my XG3 and tested a few radios already. Very slick. Then I installed the XG3 Utility on a Windows 7 machine that all of my Elecraft Utilities are on. The XG3 Utility recognized the XG3 on Com port 5 and indicated it was communicating at 9600 baud. I then went to the firmware tab of the Utility and had it check for new files and it retrieved them. I then clicked on Send Firmware to XG3 and followed the instructions of turning off the XG3 and then holding the on/off button for 10 seconds at which time the 0 dBm light started blinking but not slowly -- it was blinking pretty fast. I then selected OK and a new screen came up indicating that it the firmware was being sent. However, after about ten minutes the 0 dBm light was still blinking very fast and no firmware was loaded and the loading indication bar showed nothing -- no progress in loading. I finally gave up and cancelled the firmware load. I'm lost -- probably stupid -- but still lost. To get the XG3 to shut down I tried holding the on/off button to no avail. I finally removed the battery to get it shut down. Any help would be deeply appreciated. 73, Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] XG3 firmware load problem continued
The window for firmware loading is showing the last message line as XG3 firmware file checksum reconciliation word is x Also, none of the other tabs other than the initial screen and the firmware tab show anything other than grayed out text. Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] XG3 firmware load problem continued
Thanks, Bill. I was simply testing the utility. And, the utility shows it is communicating with the XG3 and when I select the firmware tab it shows only dashes for the firmware version I have installed in the XG3 and that 1.04 is available. Also, none of the other pages selected by the tabs (e.g. Operate, Configuration, etc.) allow me to enter any data or change the scan and so forth. All of the content of those pages is grayed out. I am using a FTDI chipset serial to USB converter, 32 bit Windows 7 (has worked for all other Elecraft utilities -- K3 and P3 as well as utilities for other ham radio equipment I have here). Also, I checked COM devices in the Control Panel and all is fine and even checked for an updated driver --- there was one and I installed it and rebooted my computer and tried the connection again. Funny, everything shows that the computer on COM 5 is communicating with the XG3 but the Utility shows nothing, only dashes, for the firmware version I have and no other operations (via the tabs) are permitted (every thing is grayed out). I am at a loss. Usually, I am pretty good at figuring out computer communications problems (part of what I dealt with very often in my former life -- profession) and I am stumped. Thanks, again, for the note, Bill. 73, Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] XG3 firmware load problem continued -- more info
The manual says that when I click on TEST COMMUNICATIONS that it should indicate in a pop-up window the speed of the communications -- which it does -- 9600 baud -- and should show the firmware version installed in the XG32 -- which it does not -- instead it says XG3 boot loader is ready for firmware load. COM 5 RS-232 9600 bits. I won't beat this to death as I have given all the information I can. The unit still is working on the default frequencies and as received from Elecraft, but is useless for doing anything else right now -- changing the default frequencies, scanning, sending custom commands and so on. Either I or somebody smarter than me will figure it out, I have tried three different FTDI chipset based USB-Serial converters and three different computers XP and Windows. No joy. 73, Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] XG3 problem with Utility fixed!
Bill, well, this over-educated, self described computer good computer handler, found the problem. I reseated everything -- the USB to serial cables were all seated well to begin with. But, I gave the 1/8 inch plug connected to the RS-232 an extra wiggle and then it seated down a tad more and all works as advertised. Maybe my stupidity in not checking the easy stuff first will help someone else. Then again, there in not likely a member here that is as dumb as I am. Thanks much, Bill, your note made me all the more intent on finding the problem. Have a good weekend and, I must say that XG3 is one neat piece of equipment and worth every penny even with the things I have done with it so far. Congratulations to Elecraft for another neat and flexible piece of equipment. I love my Elecraft equipment and thanks to all who develop, refine, service, support, assemble, ship and communicate with dumb hams like me. 73 Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] XG3 Problem fixed -- Thanks, Guy
Guy, I thought maybe that was the problem as well. But since it originally showed that it needed a firmware update and that there was no firmware installed (the dashes where it should show the firmware version installed and the Pop-up window indicating that the boot loader was ready to install firmware) I assumed that possibly there was an update. The grayed out text in all of the tab windows threw me however, and that is when I really started to suspect either a lousy Serial to USB converter, driver needing an update, something flaky about the Utility and 32 bit Windows --- or taking a deep breath and walking away and and coming back to it with a fresh state of mind. Then my decades of ham radio experience paid off --- check the damn connectors! I don't post much here since I like to sit back, read and learn. I hate to publicly announce I am not the sharpest tool in the shed. I thank all of you who scratched their heads and thought about the problem and a thanks to those who wrote to me with suggestions. This is a fine group of people. 73, Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] test -- ignore
Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Test profile change - ignore
test only __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 MCU 4.17 (APF beta) kills SSB output?
Power fine here with 4.17. Get full 100W PEP out on both CW and SSB and the drive power that I normally use for my amp is as accurate as it always was. Checked two K3s with an Alpha 4510, an LP-100A and an Array Solutions PowerMaster. I don't see anything different at all regarding power calibration (what it should be putting out versus what it atually is) or PEP out on two K3s and checked with three different meters. Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 Beta Release: APF for CW; Fast Monitor improved TX gate for voice modes
Thanks so much, Wayne, Lyle and the Elecraft crew who worked on this, and thanks to the alpha and early beta testers. I downloaded the beta version earlier this afternoon and used it for a couple of hours of CW operation. Fantastic! Have not had anything like this since my FT-1000 days. My 7800 APF is a virtual joke. Again, Elecraft continues to provide continuous improvements and enhancements to an already great radio. The K3 continues to morph into the most flexible and option packed piece of equipment I have owned. 73 and thanks again to all for their work and ideas that went into this including the many members here who gave input. Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Test: checking gmail
This was sent using gmail to check if my own post shows up. This is to help the others who have problems. Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 replaced your Pro III
Hi, I had an IC 7700 and bought my first K3. After using both alternately for weeks, I sold the IC 7700. Then I thought maybe I should have kept the 7700 and bought another since I like to have two radios set up a bit differently and also to use as a back-up. Went through the same process of comparing both and, again, determined the K3 was a far better radio and could have shot myself for my stupidity and for questioning my first decision. Then I had several significant problems with the second 7700 (finals blew for no apparent reason, pre-amp went south and had trouble with the AF gain pot --- this was a new radio). So, I donated the 7700 to a radio club if they would pay the enormous freight to send it back to ICOM and get it fixed. I promptly bought my second K3 and have had both K3s for a year and a half and couldn't be happier for all the reasons other posters noted -- performance, easy to repair, support is first class, continually being updated and enhanced and it is a joy to use. Of course, these are just my opinions and experiences, others may have had the opposite experience. Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [K3] Subtle Change in CW monitor tone
Ditto, I have had as well on two K3s (2230 and 2499) --- on strong CW signals. Thought it was some sort of long/short path phenomenon. But, I wondered since it occurred on some signals that I just could not figure for that phenomenon given the short skip on a particular band that was occurring at the time. Not really that bothersome, just odd. My AGC is set to fast and the 400 Hz filter engaged. Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Palstar AT Auto
I have owned a Palstar AT Auto for 18 months with heavy use and it has been flawless. No problems like those cited above. Certainly the best auto tuner I have owned. It has been an exceptional piece of equipment, like my K3. Also, like Phil, I own a Palstar AT2K -- the best modern day manual tuner I have owned. YMMV. Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 and Computer Video
Hi, John, Excellent job on the video. It answered some questions I had about both Power SDR and N4PY software. It is one of the best amateur radio videos I have watched on Youtube.com. Heck, if you want another career, I think Hollywood is calling. Seriously, great job and very informative. Thanks so much. 73. Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Apology for blank email
I am sorry for the blank email which has happened, now, twice. This last one was due to touching a wrong symbol. The last one, a couple of weeks ago, was due to trying to straighten out a problem with my posting name. I don't want anyone to think this pilot4es guy is troll or a jerk. Stupid maybe, but not a jerk or a troll by any means. Greg K2UM Owner of two K3s and many other Elecraft kits __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3: KUSB driver for Windows 7?
Folks, What driver should I download for my KUSB on my new W7 machine? Many thanks, Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3: Driver for KUSB Win 7
Thanks, to Cookie (Willis) for the email. I went to the Prolific site and checked for drivers. Unwittingly I had hooked up my KUSB USB connector into the HP computer with Win 7 and the operating system looked for and got the correct driver. I connected it to my K3 all seems good. I also used it to connect to my AIM 4170C (Man, what a fantastic tool) and it seems good there as well. So, all is fine at K2UM's QTH for now ... great radio, great Vector analyzer and new computer... spells happy camper until I come here to say my KUSB isn't working due to a bad driver! g Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3: what a blast and thank you
This is not meant to be spam or a mailbox filler nor a trolling expedition. I simply wanted to say that after so many years after being licensed (1958) I have not appreciated nor experienced a radio that is as much fun to operate nor is as excellent as my K3s. I love the experience of a radio that is so tight that when my contacts ask me if I can hear the splatter, my answer is usually no or barely. This radio really works and is a joy and so simple to use despite its myriad of functions and capabilities. I have owned darn near every flavor of TS, FT and IC and the small, light boxes we call the K3 has put back the fun into ham radio for me. I am not new to the K3 and decided I would not post until I owned them for over year. I love the continuous updates and the resulting improvements. I appreciate being able to go into the radio and do surgery without the risk of being chided and told by the manufacturer that you blew it. I could go on, but I know you get my drift. I do not want to start a thread. I apologize for annoying with this post or adding clutter to your mailbox. I simply wanted to thank everyone at Elecraft, and all of the beta testers and experimenters on this reflector that have, as I said, put the fun back in ham radio Since it would be one heck of a task to thank each and every person who has had a hand in my K3 enjoyment, I finally decided to post here even at the risk of being chided for doing so. Thanks to all who have contributed so much and to the many articulate and experienced posters here. 73, Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Anti-Static Mats
Greg (AB7R), Thanks! At those prices, I just ordered a six foot long mat to cover my operating desk in front of all of the equipment. Nice. One touch and no static sparks to my equipment during operation, especially during the winter, and a whole desk mat to work on my K3s and other equipment. 73, Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Blue Displays and Visual Acuity
Alan is correct. The human visual system is most sensitive to green and acuity is best in the green portion of the light spectrum. Information extraction and acuity is actually worse in the blue part of the spectrum due to refractive and scattering phenomena in the eye. I won't go into details here and waste everyone's time. Acuity is not very good in the red part of the spectrum as well despite its use to protect night vision. Green lights are now gaining favor as a trade-off between acuity and protecting night vision in cockpits (I was a military pilot and now an active civilian pilot). I worked for four decades in research in part on human factors engineering projects dealing with visual perception and biometrics with regard to problems such as this as well as developing visual noise reduction algorithms and predictions oriented toward the cockpit environment as well as other visual systems/environments. I have been most surprised when I see or read about the selection of blue displays as you would guess. Sorry if this not totally Elecraft related but I guess it could be in a stretch. Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Blue Displays and Acuity
George, yes, perceptual sensitivity is highest at the peak you note and is in the yellow/green part of the light spectrum. I meant to say sensitive rather than acuity in my lead-in sentence. Acuity is a function of more than the color of the light, per se and depends upon background lighting and its color and the color of the information overlays (digits on a display, for example) that one wishes to design for peak acuity (the contrast colors, the type of information and many other factors). I will make this my last post, but suffice it to say, the human optical system is complicated as is the description of the perceptual processes that go on in eye and the brain. One thing I am pretty sure about is that blue is not the best choice and, indeed, black on amber will be better for acuity (ability to distinguish and interpret detail) than black on blue (and I think this is what we are talking about relative to displays in ham radio). I will leave this subject here since I don't want to risk going further with this topic here on this reflector since its relationship to the proper topics at hand is pretty tangential. Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] OT: crypto RX
I am responding since my reply does have something to do with ham radio. In fact, this rectification phenomenon is what got me into ham radio! In the latter 50s I couldn't believe my ears when one evening I was in the bath tub and could hear faintly, but distinctly, the AM station WJR -- Detroit, seeming to be coming from or near the tub water spout. We lived close to their broadcasting antennas. I called my Dad and he heard it as well. Of course, at first, he thought I was nuts. IT only worked some of the time and it seems whenever I wanted to demonstrate to a friend what I heard, it didn't work. Naturally, I was deemed to be a nut case by my buddies. It would come and go but no doubt about it, it was WJR. Since neither of us knew what was happening, my Dad suggested talking to our neighbor down the street who was a ham. He explained it was an interaction of the metals used in the water feed pipe and spout and the spout probably amplified the sound a bit. He then gave me my first radio -- a crystal/cat whisker kit. I spent hours moving that whisker around and tuning in stations. I was totally fascinated and enthralled and started to hang around Russ the ham and he was my mentor and Elmer. What a great guy and what a great hobby all of these years. I have not thought about those events for years and the post about the rectification via amalgam fillings made me smile and I thought gee, the same sort of thing actually happened to me and that is why I am typing this today. Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Whaddayaknow... passed the Extra
Just wanted to pass along my congratulations as well. I recall very well the day I passed my Extra class and how exciting it was. For me, it was even more motivation to be the best I could be at whatever it was I doing with regard to amateur radio. And, I am still not the best I can be at anything. It is a continual journey and that is what makes this hobby so much fun. Again, congratulations and I hope to run into you on the air whether it be CW, SSB or whatever and it is the whatever that is important. Go for whatever it is that you wish to accomplish and it is nice to hear that CW strikes your fancy. Even if it didn't there is so much you can do and contribute to others. vy 73, Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] OT: question re: antenna/rig swtich
Group, This is off topic and I would deeply appreciate any responses to be sent to me off list. I am posting here because I respect the knowledge and experience of the people who are members of this reflector. This may sound stupid but I have not had experience with this before, so I ask before I do something stupid. I use an external antenna switch mounted on the outside wall of my house to switch in one of six antennas and have a single coax line coming into the radio room. I now have four separate radio stations, 2 K3s and two other radios, all set up differently for different types and modes of operation. All have amps in line that can be used when needed -- one a KW and the others 750w output. Currently I manually attach the output coax for the station I want to use to the coax lead coming into the house from the external switch. A pain. I want to be able to simply use a manual switch to select the station that would connect to the external antenna switch coax lead into the radio room. I would then use the manual antenna switch to select the station and the remote controller to select the antenna. I was looking at the Alpha Delta manual switch with four switched ports and a common and then would connect the common to the coax lead coming from the external antenna switch (DX Engineering) and then each output coax from each of four stations to the four ports on the Alpha Delta and then could switch stations via the Alpha Delta manual switch (all ports not selected go to ground) and, obviously, then select my antennas as I have been doing using my remote antenna switch. Again, this sounds stupid, but I have not had to do this before and always used manual antenna switches to simply select antennas. My question is this: Given the Alpha Delta manual switch has 60dB port isolation -- is this isolation good enough that I can use the this manual switch to select stations even though each of the stations has the capability delivering up to 1 KW output? I don't want to blow out the front ends of the radios connected to this manual switch. I appreciate any answers that can be sent on to me. I know this sounds stupid, but I have been a ham since 1958 and simply have not had or needed to do this. I now have four great stations that I carefully put together as part of a plan when I retired and I don't want to do something stupid at this point. I have done plenty of stupid things in the past and more will happen, but I thought I could simply ask a question here with hopes someone can allay my fears of using such a switching setup or educate me in those things I don't understand or did not think of. Thanks so very much and 73, Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] OT: question re: antenna/rig swtich -- THANKS!
To the many of you who took the time to give me excellent advice, confirmations of my ideas and things to consider and think about, thank you, thank you very much. I have sent emails to each of you who sent me private emails and would like to say thank you here as well to the folks who responded via the list. While I am extremely happy with my K3s, I am also grateful to be part of such a responsive and courteous group. Experiences like this add a great amount to my enjoyment of this hobby for the last 50 years. I know this is off-topic, so rather than burden Eric with the task of closing this thread, this thank you should effectively do that. I will make a short post regarding my ultimate solution and experience in the near future in the hope that it may benefit another member of this group. 73, Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Accessibility aids...
Wayne and Eric and the Elecraft Group, What a class actsimply said, what a phenomenally class act...no other way to say or top it. 73, Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] PEP and forward power about double of set power
I own two K3s and the newest one (factory assembled) is showing a power output (both PEP and Forward) about double of what the power control indicates. I have done an automated power calibration via the K3 Utility using a 1.1:1 50 ohm resistive dummy load connected to ant port 1 and used a power setting of norm. The calibration routine indicated success at 5 and 50 watts. But, when I switch to SSB and transmit the power out is about double what I have my power control set at. I have the tune control set for 10W and that s what I get when I use the tune control for my Palstar Auto Tuner. However, when I set the power to about 35 watts for my amp drive I am getting sometimes 70-75 watts out PEP and Forward Power is the same. Trying various power levels on the K3 give similar results -- much higher than the setting. I have checked my power out numerous times using an LP-100A and Alpha 4510 which both give PEP and Forward power measurements. I am using the Elecraft HM2 mic and tried both low and high mic gain in the menu setting where you set the bias to on. My mic gain is set for about 6-7 bars on the ALC scale and compression set for 1 lit bar on the scale. I then did the auto power calibration again and all is well with a successful calibration indicated by the K3 power gain calibration routine. I must be missing something, but for the life of me, I can't find it. Or, I am having brain lock-up and not seeing the obvious. Any help or suggestions would be most appreciated. Thanks and 73, Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Set power and actual measured power all square now
Well, within minutes of my posting about the set power (as displayed by my newest K3) not squaring with what I was seeing on a LP-100A, Alpha 4510 and Bird wattmeters, I received a detailed email from Gary at Elecraft with step by step suggestions of things I should check. I had already done a TX gain calibration using the K3 Utility option to automatically go through and do the 5 and 50 watt calibrations and got a successful calibration message. Gary suggested I do the WMTR LP and HP calibration as well and to check the TXG VCE (as Julian also suggested in his reponse to my original post). So, I did the full TX cal via the K2 Utility cal again (although I had done that before a couple of times). The WMTR cal was pretty much out of whack and needed quite an adjustment and the TXG VCE was defaulted at 0 but needed to be adjusted to -2.5 dB. After I did all this -- I went back and had the K3 hooked up to my 4510 and into a high quality 1500KW dummy load with a 1.1 SWR and checked power levels from virtually zip to 120 all within a normal accuracy of the meters and the coax and load effects. I double checked everything again using the LP-100A to validate the Alpha 4510 readings. All is good. I love my K3s and one of the big reasons is what happened today -- Elecraft's immediate (and I do mean immediate) response with specific things to check and do -- and a tip of the hat to this group and Julian, specifically, who quickly responded with help. As a member of some other radio groups from other manufacturers (overseas), I never saw or knew of them to respond to very real and very big problems with some models of their radios either on or off list or group. That is why I bought a second K3 -- not only I have been pleased with the K3 but the customer service is beyond expectation and nothing short of superb. And, I thank the members of this list whose posts I have read studiously for months before purchasing my first K3. 73, Greg K2UM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] TEST ignore
Trying to sort out a mail problem ... Greg K2UM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Using K3 Utility for two K3s
As a long time ham, I have owned many rigs like most of you here. I got my K3 about three weeks ago and very impressed with, so much so I will be selling a rig and buying another K3 with a bit different configuration than my current K3 to use here but also, mainly, to use at a second QTH. I really would like to try diversity reception and my other QTH is perfect for that -- a lot of acreage for various other receiving antennas. My question is simple, I think. Can I use the K3 Utility on my computer for firmware updating of two K3s? I am guessing the Utility will differentiate the two radios due to different SNs and it just looks at what firmware it has and what updates are available for each radio. But I am wondering if different folders on my computer will be required to store the update information via the Utility program. Also, is it possible to upload the configuration I have for my present K3 to the second K3 that I am seriously considering? --- well more than considering -- have just about made up my mind to get the second one. The 7700 will be looking for a new home. Thanks and 73, Greg K2UM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
