Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 request

[John Nogatch]

On Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 8:21 PM, Dick via Elecraft
 wrote:
> ... which 1x8 or 2x8 Remote Antenna Switches and band data interface your 
> using with your K3 and how time consuming it was ...

I have been using "An Eight Channel Remote Control Antenna Selector"
QEX March/April 2014, which was available as a kit without enclosure.
I do not know if the kit is still available.

You may be able to read the article here:
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/QEX_Next_Issue/2014/Mar-Apr_2014/Dzado.pdf

This required a simple homebrew CMOS converter from Elecraft 15-pin
accessory band info to the RJ-45  connector needed for the antenna
switch.

-John AC6SL
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Re: [Elecraft] Pie rack K-Line

[John Nogatch]

>> On Mar 26, 2018, at 6:36 PM, Mike Markowski  wrote:
>> I found an economical way to go vertical with my Elecraft gear and save some 
>> desk space. ...
>>   http://udel.edu/~mm/ham/elecraft/rack/

Yes, I like those chrome plated metal racks. I have used several of
them to make my operating desk strong and stable, and provide shelf
space for heavy battery, power supply, etc..

To stack the radios on top of the desk, I used PVC, as shown about 1/3
into this presentation:

https://www.slvarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Homebrew_2015.pdf

-John AC6SL
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Re: [Elecraft] Advice needed: Remote Station Enhancement

[John Nogatch]

I had difficulty with the Unified Microsystems BCD-14, i.e. the CMOS
inverter IC was overheating.

I eventually received the following advice from AB3CV, which I found to work.

-John AC6SL


From: Jim Miller <j...@jtmiller.com>
Date: Sat, Dec 26, 2015 at 7:06 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and Band Data
To: John Nogatch <jnoga...@gmail.com>


My BCD14 purchased this summer was unreliable as well. If you look at
the K3 (or K3s...the same) the Band Data outputs are open collector
pulled up by 2.2K in series with 200ohms. I knew this could be a
problem with anything which wasn't properly buffered so I looked at
the BCD14 schematic. I found the BCD-14 online schematic differed from
the unit I had after inspection with a ohm meter and magnifying glass.

I probed my unit and found the optoisolators on my board had a current
transfer ratio insufficient to drive the decode chip input to a proper
logic low level when used with its supplied collector resistor and
driven by the K3s' modest pull up. After some discussion with the
supplier I changed the collector resistors to 33K and it works
perfectly now. The dark current on the optoisolator and the input bias
current on the decoder are insignificant making this resistor change
possible.

The improper logic levels on the board could easily result in
operating in the linear zone and oscillate as a result.

Good luck

jim ab3cv
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Re: [Elecraft] Diversity and RF/Vol Controls

[John Nogatch]

> ...Diversity mode does the Main RF gain and Main AF take over for both
> receivers?  At least that appears to be the case...
>
> Hence the Sub RF gain and Sub AF have no function at that point?

Check that CONFIG: SPKRS is set to 2
otherwise it will behave as you described.

Also, you need to have 2 speakers, and/or stereo headset.

-John AC6SL
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Re: [Elecraft] Beam antenna question

[John Nogatch]

>> ...I don't want to be taking the beam down and replacing main structural 
>> components every 5 yrs.
>> Can anyone with a hex beam comment on this?

I have had several homebrew hexbeams, which have survived weather quite well.

1. Use UV-resistant cord, e.g. 3/32" "Antenna Rope" double braided polyester.

2. Paint the fiberglass spreaders, 2 coats, e.g. black "Fusion" spray
paint, recommended for plastic lawn furniture.

3. Use a coaxial center post, i.e. aluminum rod inside aluminum tube,
so that only the stainless steel screw heads are exposed to weather.

4. Use a 90-degree fitting to attach the feedline, so that it can hang
straight down, alongside the center post.

-John AC6SL
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Re: [Elecraft] Stacking K3, KAT500 and KPA500

[John Nogatch]

On Tue, Mar 21, 2017 at 4:43 AM, Jerry  wrote:
> ... planning the layout of the station and the thought came that if I
> stack the K3 at the bottom, with the KAT400 on top of the K3 with the
> KPA500, it would solve the space issue. It raises questions about :
> 1.   Would the K3 support the stack?
> 2.   Will I be having heat issues. 

In 2014, I built a light-weight PVC rack mount to stack my K3, KPA500, KAT500.

It is pictured on slides 5, 6, and 7 of this presentation:
https://www.slvarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Homebrew_2015.pdf

There is enough separation between the units to allow free air flow.

The cabling is still a mess, but easier to work on versus side-by-side
as shown in slide 4.

-John AC6SL
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX2] Next to bandpass on the right-hand side of the display, I see, "I" & "II"

[John Nogatch]

On Sun, Mar 19, 2017 at 5:59 PM, Wp4cw via Elecraft
 wrote:
> I'm a CW operator. Next to the bandpass display I see a "I" while others
> pictures display a "II".
> How do I toggle the setting. Ted wp4cw

Press the WIDTH knob to switch between I & II.
It is explained on p. 24 (upper left) of the K3 Owner's Manual.

-John AC6SL
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Re: [Elecraft] Unstable KXPA100 output on 40 Meters.

[John Nogatch]

On Sat, Jan 16, 2016 at 7:58 AM, Hans J Rasmusen OZ7BQ
 wrote:...
> The output and SWR green LED status indicators on my KX3 (sn 18xx) 
> KXPA100/KXAT100 (sn 08xx) combo exhibit some unusual behavour on 40 Meters 
> CW...
> The above problem appears to be RFI related, as the jumping output/SWR 
> indications are present only when feeding an antenna. ...
> My questions are:Has anyone experienced anything similar?

I experienced similar problems on 40m with my K3+KPA500+KAT500, i.e.
the SWR would suddenly jump, the amplifier would fault, and the
automatic band selector antenna switch would chatter. Because the
problem only seemed to occur on 40m, I investigated the antenna, found
a loose connection, but it did not fix the problem. Eventually,
similar fault occurred on 20m.

Finally, I found that the short coaxial cable between the KAT500 and
the antenna switch was intermittent. I could observe change in receive
signal strength when I twisted the cable, near the PL-259 connector.
Substituting a different cable has completely fixed the problem. I
suspect a bad soldered shield connection in the bad cable.

At one point, while investigating this problem, receive sensitivity on
40m only, was 30 dB worse, although transmit was normal. The RX_ANT
had been activated, and there was no receive antenna connected!

-John  AC6SL
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Re: [Elecraft] CW Paddle for K2

[John Nogatch]

On Wed, Dec 23, 2015 at 5:42 AM, Dauer, Edward  wrote:
> Seeking suggestions about a CW iambic paddle for the K2. 

I made an aluminum bracket approximately 2" x  0.5" x  0.0625", with a
hole near one end to fit the EXT SPKR jack, and additional holes to
mount a KXPD1 paddle. The paddle was firmly held, in a position
suitable for right-handed operation.

-John AC6SL
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 TX Gain failure

[John Nogatch]

On Tue, Mar 24, 2015 at 3:49 PM, Mike Reublin NF4L n...@comcast.net wrote:
 The 5W TX cal fails also, but no error message on the K3. 

I also saw 5W TX Cal fail several times, even crashed k3util somehow
some text lines were modified ..., until I recabled so that MFJ dummy
load was on ANT1, i.e. it failed going through my normal hookup
ANT1-KPA500-KAT500-ant_switch-dummy, and it also failed with
ANT2-dummy, but it did succeed with ANT1-dummy.

I then installed 50 Ohm load on XVTR OUT, and attempted 1mW TX Cal,
but it failed:
IsSamplingComplete: Unexpected response 'DB 2.08 MW;' to .
1 milliwatt calibration failed.


-John AC6SL
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Re: [Elecraft] USB to RS-232 Interfaces for my K-2

[John Nogatch]

 ... adaptor to convert from USB to RS-232 to control the K-2, what brands 
 have
 been found to work

This 4-port GearMo unit has been working well. The LED activity
indicators have been useful.

http://www.amazon.com/GearMo%C2%AE-36inch-Windows-Certified-Drivers/dp/B004ETDC8K/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8qid=1420477177sr=8-7keywords=rs232+4+port

-John AC6SL
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Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Split N/A in DATA A?

[John Nogatch]

On Thu, Nov 13, 2014 at 1:45 AM, Jim Miller j...@jtmiller.com wrote:
 Is there a technical reason why split isn't available in DATA-A?

 It would be nice to use since DATA-A nukes all the equalization stuff and
 would allow WSJT to do split as needed. 


 ... about setting Transceiver to spilt. I am using Data A mode on my K3 and 
 when trying to Select split- I get SPL N/A

Elecraft K3 remembers the MODE per VFO; when it says SPLIT N/A, it
is because VFO A is in MODE=DATA, but VFO B is in some other MODE. To
fix it: switch VFO_A/B, change MODE to DATA, switch VFO_A/B, then hold
SPLIT.

-John AC6SL
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Shutdown

[John Nogatch]

On Tue, Oct 7, 2014 at 6:40 PM, Barry LaZar k3...@comcast.net wrote:
 ... has begun to shut down unexpectedly while running CW or SSB. The
 power supply is an Astron 35 Amp linear that appears to be rock solid

I had a similar problem with my K3. Suspecting a power supply problem,
and after reading:

http://www.repeater-builder.com/astron/astron-intro-stuff.html

I found that the RS-35M pass transistor mounting screws were slightly
loose, i.e. I could easily tighten them perhaps 1/8 turn.
After adding split-ring lockwashers to the pass transistor mounting
screws, the problem has not recurred.

Also, I have added fans to the backs of the heatsinks. The RS-35M no
longer gets hot, like it used to.

-John AC6SL
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Re: [Elecraft] 3rd time!

[John Nogatch]

...
 Hi Don, this would be the third time I've had to re-calibrate CAL-TPA! 
 It's been changing on its own..maybe K100 possessed?
...

As discussed in this old email thread, CAL TPA would be overwritten in
my K2 after trying to TUNE on the wrong antenna:
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/PA-gone-crazy-next-episode-and-solution-td367668.html

-John AC6SL
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Re: [Elecraft] setting K3 drive level to KPA500

[John Nogatch]

 What to invoke to make the output of the K3 go back to 100W when the KPA is
 off or stby? It presently stays at the ~30W needed for 500W out. Is this a
 KPA or K3 issue?

If you have the Aux Cable to connect the K3 to KPA500, then in the K3
Config menu, PWR SET PER_BAND. While still in that menu, the 1 key
locks/unlocks the Power knob, and it notices whether the KPA500 is in
Operate, or not.

I set my K3 to be 100W on each band when KPA500 is not in Operate, and
the appropriate level to drive the KPA500 when it is in operate.

This is adequate for normal operations, but I do wish that the Tune
button would still function, even when ATU is in Bypass mode.

-John AC6SL
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