Re: [Elecraft] Post to the group
I don't agree with that -- I think the moderator(s) keep attacks to a minimum, if that's what you mean by flames. Some people think a flame is a difference of opinion. I don't think that's the case -- this is a discussion group -- people discuss. Beyond that, I don't mind if people go off list, but I hope most universally interesting stuff stays on the list. 73- Nick, WA5BDU -- no flame intended. On 1/28/2013 6:40 AM, briana wrote: OK Bill, here is a group posting. Posting to the group here runs the risk of frequent and protracted flames. Thus, I often post to individuals instead. 73 de Brian/K3KO __ 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] Is the K3 a fun radio to operate ?
I guess you should ask yourself what controls need to be accessible right in front of you without menus. I mainly operate CW. Here's what I can access immediately without hitting menu: keyer speed, sidetone pitch level, power output, IF shift / bandwidth / filter selection, preamp / attenuator, NR, NB, RIT/XIT, VFO B, AGC, SPOT, RF AF gain, ATU tune, keyer memories. There's more, but you get the idea. I also have four macro key functions programmed to make some quick configuration changes with a single press. My previous rig was an FT-1000. It had lots of knobs and essentially no menus. I didn't think I lost anything as far as quick access to needed functions when I upgraded to the K3. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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] need help with hiss on ssb receive
Could Audacity do this? It sounds interesting. I haven't tried searching for software equalizers on the web yet. How abot Cool Edit? 73- Nick, WA5BDU So I built an accurate 3db/octave downsloping filter (in software) and fed it with the K3's RX audio. Could anyone else give this a try? There are quite a lot of software EQ's able to make a -3dB/octave slope. Or milder slopes if you wish as long as it's quite precise in dB/oct. I have a feeling the K3 can do way(ne) better then it does in the audio department. Please excuse my english 73' Paul PD0PSB¨ __ 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] CFL lamp noise (fluorescent ballasts)
Yes, I have some issues with electronic ballasts too. I was bummed by the amount of audible hum from the conventional ballasts in my four kitchen ceiling fixtures. As an experiment I replaced the ballasts in two of them with Phillips electronic units. I listened on AM on 160 meters and also higher up in HF and heard no noise so I pronounced myself satisfied. Later I discovered that those ballasts are putting out tremendous RFI on 6 meters and also make it impossible to hear anything on the FM broadcast band. So now they stay switched off most of the time. I've been meaning to try separate AC line filters in each fixture but haven't done it yet. 73- Nick, WA5BDU On 11/18/2012 2:35 PM, Jim Wiley wrote: Are you talking about a CFL, or a conventional fluorescent lamp? Many newer fluorescent lamps come with an electronic ballast. These are sometimes a problem, in that the ballast operates like a switching power supply, and if not designed or built properly, can emit copious amounts of noise. A standard old fashioned magnetic ballast does not have this problem. If your lamp uses the newer electronic ballast, replacing the ballast with a magnetic type will fix the problem. __ 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] KX3 in Sweepstakes
Also had a great time giving my KX3 its first taste of a real contest in the CW SS. I made 388 Qs operating about 20 hours or so. Missed the clean sweep by one section. I was bummed because I'd had no idea I could get that close and should have spent more effort on sections early in the contest. I did enjoy working all 50 states in less than a day at 5 watts out though. The rig did really well. I had N1MM logging and sending. I could use the KX3's paddle for fills and have the end panel key jack set up for hand key so N1MM could key via that port. Slick. I should have done the per-band filter adjustment since I did hear some opposite sideband among all the super strong signals. At the end I realized I had just about zero listener fatigue from radio noise, artifacts, etc. A pretty subjective observation, but it did seem to jump out at me that my ears weren't ringing. 73- Nick, WA5BDU TU NR 389Q WA5BDU CK 62 AR On 11/6/2012 8:54 PM, Tim Groat wrote: Mine performed very well: 305 QSOs and 72 sections for 10 hours of operating time, using my HF6V vertical antenna. The great dynamic range and no-ring filtering makes a receiver that's easy on the ears: it is much less fatiguing than my old rig. When the clock struck 0300Z, I said What? Time's up already? This rig makes the operating fun--thank you Wayne, and everyone at Elecraft! __ 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] PsychoAcoustics and Delay
Back in the 70s I had a three head reel to reel tape recorder. The separate record and playback heads allowed you to monitor what you'd just put on the tape, but a fraction of a second later. We discovered that we could have great fun with this ... put headphones on the victim, turned up fairly loud, and challenge him to recite something simple into the microphone such as the nursery rhyme Mary Had A Little Lamb. Of course, no one could do it and the sputtering and looks of astonishment were hilarious. This works even better after a few beers. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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] I thought Elecraft was a household name!
I still can't get myself to pronounce the name correctly. For me it's L-Craft. Elecraft oughta be pretty well known at least on the CW segments, since I seem to work a lot of them on the air. And more recently, a lot of guys who either have a KX3 or (more often) have one on order. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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 Triple Macro
Bill- There are probably a lot of things that could go wrong. When I did my macro toggle a couple days ago it didn't work at first and after a bit I realized I'd put spaces after the semicolons on the macro code - not allowed! You might copy and paste your code to the list for inspection. 73- Nick, WA5BDU On 7/9/2012 3:43 PM, Bill Wiehe wrote: Rich - K1HTV I followed your instructions for the K3 Triple Macro setup but for some reason I cannot get it to work. The macro cycles through the power setting when PF2 is pressed but the actual output power level remains the same, that is it it only affected by adjusting the power level manually. I must be missing something for sure so any additional direction would be helpful. Thanks Bill - W0BBI __ 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 Macro toggle
Whoa, I like this. Must have missed it the first time around. I now tap M3 to toggle between 5W (label: QRP) and 100W (label: QRO) with these macros: MACRO1 PC005;MN110;SWT12;SWT35;SWT14; MACRO2 PC100;MN110;SWT11;SWT35;SWT14; That freed up (hold) M3 for another macro. TU / 73- Nick, WA5BDU On 7/1/2012 12:35 PM, KU4AF wrote: Two macros instead of one - that sums up what is needed, but how to call two macros with one button? I was just fiddling around and came up with this, though it may not be original. The idea is to let the macro itself reassign the PF key to a different macro. For example, say you want the PF2 key to toggle between setting VFO A to 14010 and 14020 (not useful but just an example). Use the Utility to create the two macros like this: MACRO1 FA0001401;MN110;SWT12;SWH47;SWT14; MACRO2 FA0001402;MN110;SWT11;SWH47;SWT14; Send the Macros to the K3 then, on the K3, go to CONFIG:MACRO X, tap 1 and then hold PF2. Tap MENU to get out of CONFIG. Now MACRO1 is assigned to PF2. When you Hold PF2 the macro changes the frequency and then assigns MACRO2 to PF2. The next operation of PF2 sets a different frequency and sets PF2 back to MACRO1. Substitute whatever you want to toggle between for the FA commands. Put the two macros in whatever slots you have open and change the SWT11/12 taps to match. Change SWH47 to match the PF/M button you want to use. You could also expand on this to rotate among 3 or more macros. I expect others can add to this and again, I claim no originality for this idea. Now, who will be the first to suggest we need more than 8 Macro slots? John, KU4AF Pittsboro, NC __ 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 on FD
My K3 got in its 4th Field Day here in Russellville, Arkansas at K5PXP. I had some issues late into the night when the K3 totally wigged out while we were working 40M. First the CW sidetone went away. A restart fixed it. Then the audio went away, then the rig would stick in transmit with or without indicated power, then the CW messages wouldn't send or would send a couple characters and stop, then the N1MM memories wouldn't key the rig properly, then a couple of those ERR FW1 (or something) messages popped up. I even reloaded the firmware at one point. I noticed Sunday morning after we'd gone back to 20M that the rig was behaving properly. So I assumed it was an RF feedback problem on 40M. After I got back home I checked out the rig on 40 into a dummy load and then on my antenna and everything was normal. So I don't think there's anything wrong with the K3. Wondering if next year I should attach a quarter wave 40M counterpoise to the rig. Funny thing - we were using a center fed 180 foot dipole with ladder line and a Johnson Matchbox. Tuning was broad and I didn't get any RF bites. Maybe it was just being in the near field of the antenna that caused the problem. Those things didn't hold us back much. The CW station made over 1100 Qs, most on 40 and 20 and some on 15. I got good comments on the rig. Before FD I disabled most of my macros and set the bandswitch to skip the WARC bands. I should have disabled the fast QSY feature of the RIT. I like that feature but it caused some guys to lose their run frequency a couple times and even caught me once. One thing I'd like to see, possibly as an option. I was using the repeat feature of my CQ memory. The need to tap the paddle to stop the next repeat caused me to miss a letter or two of the calling station over half of the time that I initiated QSOs in that way. I'd like the fist dit (or first paddle closure) not to be sent, or have some other way of stopping sending, maybe tapping the memory key again. It would be very cool if the K3 could detect a signal come on in the passband and cancel the next repeat. Even with some false triggers, that would be nice. Our temperature got to 104 degrees - hottest reported temperature in the state. What are the odds of that happening twice in a row? Meanwhile I've got a buddy in Oregon who says they were freezing and blowing smoke, sitting on their hands to keep them warm. Maybe when it's time for an SS report, I'll be talking about the KX3. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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] put together for kx3 kit?
Since there's not an assembly manual yet, it's hard to say. But probably it's a lot like the K3 but less complicated. I believe it's another no-solder kit, so you're basically mounting boards and components and plugging in the interconnection cables jumpers. I believe there are a couple of main boards, LCD display, battery holder, etc. If by discrete components you mean things like resistors and transistors, I'd say no. But if you consider things like connectors and so forth to be discrete components, then yes. If one can follow written instructions carefully, tell the difference between screws of different lengths, etc., most people will have no difficulty. Since you haven't ordered yet, by the time you could receive a kit any difficult spots will have been worked out and discussed here, and there will probably be YouTube videos of people doing the assembly. 73- Nick, WA5BDU Screwdrivers and kitchen table ready for my KX3. (My components tell no tales.) On 4/20/2012 8:39 AM, af6ni wrote: I have the same question. I'm thinking of ordering a KX3, but wonder how much is involved in building the kit? There seems to be mucho info on the KX3 but hardly any on how the kit goes together. Is it just a couple of boards? Are there discreet components? Where can I find the info? Thanks and 73. Joe AF6NI __ 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] 1st CW QSO on 60M
I got in a CW QSO on the first day the new privilege became available. Pretty fun. I set up another bank of memories for the CW frequencies. Then I was thinking that it's kind of difficult to check for USB QSOs in progress with the way CW is required to transmit 1.5kHz above the USB carrier frequency. You're listening too high even if you go to USB mode and open the bandwidth. It's cumbersome. My next notion was to program the CW frequency into each of the five channels but put the USB frequency and mode into VFO B for each memory. That way I can just hit the A/B switch to monitor the channel on USB, tuned properly, proper bandwidth. If OK, I go back to VFO A and put out a call. With an asterisk in front of each channel's name, I can use VFO A to channel hop up and down the five channel band. One minor problem here is that VFO B doesn't follow along with the channel hopping. It might be useful if it did so. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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 macro to put ATU in norm/bypass mode
While we're wishing, I'd hoped to have macros for when using my relay switched AL-811: QSK: off, VOX: off, TX Dly: 012, PWR: 60W And Normal QSK: on, VOX: on, TX Dly: 008, PWR: 100W Looks like the TX Dly might be do-able, Power certainly is, but not the QSK and VOX items. 73, Nick, WA5BDU On 2/28/2012 11:51 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: While you're at it, please include control of the Sub RX RX Ant (RX Ant Hold). 73, ... Joe, W4TV __ 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 TX delay
I use semi-break-in with my AL-811 amplifier. TX delay set to 8 ms. Key Out line to amplifier. No separate PTT switch - T/R control by paddle only. Semi-break-in delay set to 0.5. I do not get choppy CW. 73- Nick, WA5BDU On 2/16/2012 10:05 PM, Igor Sokolov wrote: But I am finishing my 300w HF amplifier kit and will be using a dc open-frame relay for TR switching of RF. I guess I can time it using my dual trace scope and set K3 TX DLY accordingly (amp will be keyed with KEYOUT). I do not use CW very much on HF so QSK with 300w is not necessary (or probably possible). Even if you use PTT CW and set TX delay for 20 ms you will get choppy CW __ 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 TX delay
I'd like to see a feature to allow different TX-DLY settings for QSK and semi-breakin. If I seldom use my amplifier and it requires 8ms, I have to change TX-DLY before using it. But since I prefer fast QSK in general, I have to set it back again when I go barefoot. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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 TX delay
I think when in semi-break-in, you'd only be concerned about chopping the first element. I just checked my AL-811 manual and it says the relay may take 15ms to operate. My K3 is set for 8ms (default) but I turn QSK off when I use it. I just tried it while monitoring on a separate receiver sending Vs at 25 WPM with the built-in keyer and don't hear shortening of the first dit. But I am on the edge, unless the 15ms figure is for drop-out and pull in is a lot faster than that. 73- Nick, WA5BDU On 2/15/2012 12:26 PM, Sam Morgan wrote: confused by all this K3 TX DLY chatter please answer the following question(s) my cw operation is with Simi QSK @ 13-25wpm sometimes with a straight key but most times using the internal K3 keyer so are you saying. I shouldn't run the K3 with my older AL-811 (3 tube) or I will be transmitting these chopped off cw characters or would this only happen if I were to use FAST QSK or is it ok in either Slow or Fast as long as I stay below about 30wpm also, if I can use the K3 and AL-811, in either or both QSK modes, what TX DLY setting should be used -- GB 73 K5OAI Sam Morgan __ 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] Second Antenna Port
This is similar to how I connect the K3 with KAT3. Port ANT-2 goes to my antenna switch and port ANT-1 goes to my dummy load. When the K3 is powered down, it is in the ANT-1 position, so I get a measure of protection when I switch off the rig. 73- Nick, WA5BDU On 2/11/2012 5:13 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: You can easily arrange antenna switching external to the K3 with a little bit of work. The nice thing about using external relays is that you can design the contacts to connect a dummy load to your transceiver when the relay box is not powered - no problems with static surges when not operating. 73, Don W3FPR __ 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] (OT) EFHW Vertical Antenna (Mike Morrow)
The EFHW looks pretty similar in terms of matching on the full wave frequency (EFFW?) too. That is, it's purely resistive and a couple thousand ohms. Actually a little lower on the higher band but not much. I use the same matcher for both bands. So it's a good dual band antenna. My field QRP efforts the past few years have been on 40 and 20 meters. I use a single 66 foot long EFHW on both 40 and 20. It works quite well. Also, my radiator is #22 or maybe #24 AWG Teflon insulated wire. 73- Nick, WA5BDU First, a multi-band antenna cannot be a “end-fed half wave” on all bands. only on one band, as far as I know. I’ve read many articles about “end-fed half wave” antennas over the years, and they have always been single band antennas with special matching circuits to tune them, and most have agreed that when they are a half wave on the frequency used, a counterpoise or radial is not required. __ 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] Memory Keyer - Dumb Question
Tap the REC button, then tap a message button M1 through M4. Send your message with the paddle. Tap the message number again and your message recording has been completed. Hey, reading the manual really *does* help. I just found out (or re-learned) that there are TWO banks of messages. Switch between bank 1 and bank 2 by HOLDING REC. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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] TOM HAMMOND, N0SS, SILENT KEY
Tom was the first ham I met when I moved from AR to MO in 1981. I ID'd on the repeater and there he was. I bought a house across the river from Jeff City and so was in a different ham club, but did see him from time to time and will always remember a few things. He was a big contester and had one of those cool new AEA CK1 memory keyers. He removed the key pad from it and mounted it to the back of his paddle at right angles so the memory buttons would be just that much closer to his sending hand. I was timidly working on putting a small A3 tribander on a 40 foot tower. Tom suggested a big TH5DX but I said that's too big and might scare the neighbors. So he proposed I put it at 75 feet and then it would look a lot smaller. Years later he'd gotten into QRP and I saw him at OzarkCon. Tom told me that Elecraft was working on something really big and he couldn't tell me more but I'd be impressed when it was announced. Sure enough, the K3 became my first Elecraft purchase. A great guy and a great ham. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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] RF on pipes
A hollow conductor is not analogous to a coaxial cable. It has no center conductor. In the case of the hollow conductor (copper pipe), current will flow on the outside surface only. Skin effect still applies and works exactly as if the conductor were solid. 73- Nick, WA5BDU On 7/9/2011 4:51 PM, Jim Dunstan wrote: Yes, as in coax for an example. when transmitting eg via coaxial cable which is properly installed the rf currents flow on the inside surface and not on the outside surface. I mention proper installation .. In which case steps are taken to keep the inside and outside surfaces separate (at rf). In your example, plain copper pipe wil have a total surface of the inside + outside. If you solder on caps then you will have just the outside. Jim VE3CI Sent from my iPod __ 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] Uses for Programmable Function Keys
PF1 - SPKR + Phones / Phones only toggle PF2 - CQ fast QSK (QRQ) toggle I use M1 and M2 for CW memories and M3 M4 for additional macros: M3 tap for QRO (100W); M3 hold for QRP (5W) M4 tap for DX split (+2 kHz) 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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] Klaatu
I thought it sounded like H.P. Lovecraft. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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] My K3 forgets where it's at on DC failure
My MFJ-4225V power supply sometimes trips off when I'm operating in 160M contests, giving me the same problem. If I'm running stations (calling CQ), after establishing a frequency I'll power the K3 off normally, then back on. Now if the P/S trips the K3 will come back up on the current frequency. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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] What made you decide on purchasing an Elecrafttransceiver?
Let's see. I'd had the FT-1000 for about eight years and had a bit of new rig fever, plus a bonus check was looming and I didn't want to fritter it away on food and shelter! When I bought the FT-1000, I liked the fact that it was a real boatanchor in size and weight. But after I gimped up my back a bit later I started longing for a rig I could take to Field Day without killing myself. I liked the FT-1000 pretty well, but reports of chirp and clicks, especially in QSK mode, made me abandon QSK on it. That and the clacking relays. My previous rigs had included a Triton II, Triton IV and Corsair, all of which had excellent QSK. I thought the K3 might take me back to smooth QSK with good transmit quality on CW, my primary mode. I'd never owned or used an Elecraft product before, but I'd been active in QRP for ten years or so and always heard glowing reports on the K2 and other products. So those were the major factors and here I sit, still well pleased to have such a fine transceiver. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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] Take the plung!
I made about 380 Qs in the 160 meter test and worked some at the superstition level, a couple I used the APF on, several who were no doubt QRPers. I never heard anyone sign /QRP. So this may be one of those things to be indignant about that has little basis in reality. If someone had signed /QRP, I wouldn't have felt greatly harmed. I worked other stations who took longer than typical to work due to being unfamiliar with contest procedures, etc. I was still happy to get 'em into the log. 73/72- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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] ANT1 / ANT2 for RX / TX?
Working the ARRL 160 last weekend I was considering trying a pennant receiving antenna but then realized I don't have a receive antenna input. (I don't have the transverter option.) I wonder if the capability to use ANT1 for TX and ANT2 (assuming the ATU is installed) for RX could be incorporated as an option? If there is an issue with relay speed or noise, it could be made functional in semi-break-in mode only. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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] RIT/XIT offset control moves vfo A in large steps?
Rick- This is a great feature for large QSYs. In my manual (revision D2), it's on page 59 at the bottom. In the VFO CRS entry, it says to set CONFIG:VFO OFS to ON. (Well, maybe I should have directed you to the VFO OFS entry on page 60 first.) Some people prefer to leave it off because they bump the knob and do an inadvertent QSY. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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] ZL8X on 160 from Arkansas
I've been turning on 160 the first thing in the morning for a couple weeks, ever since putting elevated radials under my inverted L, and hearing nothing but noise and a couple U.S. super stations calling CQ DX. Did I mention there was a wasp on the window outside my room yesterday? So this morning the cluster reported that he was on 1.826.5 and eventually I was able to barely hear him. Using every trick in the K3's tool box including APF, I could finally make him out sending his call, but he was ESP level. I put in my call a few times without much hope of working him. After one last time, I decided to go cook some oatmeal and maybe check again in 30 minutes, so I pushed the TX standby switch on the rig as I always do when I walk away from it. I don't want the cats working DX with my call. Just as I was pulling the phones off, I heard: DU? So I mashed the TX standby switch for the eternity of one-half second it takes to go back to active. While doing this, I felt a tiny breeze on the back of my hand -- that red wasp was attempting a landing. I heard the beep and moved my hand to the paddle, the wasp landed on the K3's display, and I sent 'WA5BDU' a couple times. He came back 'WA5BDU 5NN' and naturally he was 5NN too. New 160M country in the log and another thing to be thankful for. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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] APF preview: very nice
Too bad I didn't get it installed in time for the QRP Zombie Shuffle -- lots of signals needing help there. It's not easy to find just the right signal that might benefit when you want to test one, but I've found several in the past couple days. I think the APF is going to be a useful addition here. I prefer operation pretty much the way it is now. I definitely want a tunable center frequency and I prefer minimal complexity beyond that. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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] APF suggestions
Regarding contest usage, that was my thought too. It's been about three years since I swapped the FT-1000 for the K3 but IIRC, the APF was pretty great in certain situations -- usually a weak signal, low band noise, and station not sending too fast. The APF was a little ring-y and muddied faster code a little bit. Last week I got to play with an FT1k at a club station and confirmed those impressions somewhat. In contests I'm usually hands off -- I won't even touch the RIT if it's possible at all to copy the off-frequency station as-is. In a contest, even if I ask the other guy for a repeat, the repeat might take two or three seconds, not enough time to optimize settings. But it's not all about contests, and some contests (QRP, for example) tend to be less frenzied too. I'm one of the many anxious to get a look at this new feature in an already great rig. 73- Nick, WA5BDU On 10/27/2010 6:00 PM, Al Lorona wrote: Why? Too many controls to remember, too fast a pace to turn it on and off and tune it in the elapsed time of one contact. No way would I leave it on while running. I'm good at using the existing controls to do what I have to do to dig a signal out. __ 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] Nearfield monitors
Where's the rich, Corinthian leather? Pretty speakers though, but $239 per pair is an order of magnitude high for me. 73- Nick, WA5BDU On 10/28/2010 2:25 PM, Randy Hall wrote: Audio marketing, you got to just love it! Randy K7AGE On Thu, Oct 28, 2010 at 12:19 PM, Bill NY9Hn...@arrl.net wrote: __ 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] QRM and filtering
Quite a coincidence. In 1978 I had horrible RFI that blanketed HF and 2 meters and also affected TVs and even people's stereo systems. Naturally, my neighbor asked if it could be my ham radio. At one point I looked out and saw another guy walking up and down the street with a portable radio, the same thing I'd been doing. But it was impossible to localize the noise - it seemed to come from every power pole and every circuit. Finally the power company was called in and they found that the source was my neighbor's doorbell transformer. A couple years later I'd bought a house was seriously chasing DX with the great sunspot peak when the same kind of noise came back. Again, neighbors up the street wondered if it was my ham radio. And again, attempts to trace the noise were futile. I finally walked up to the neighbors' house, which did seem pretty hot, and pressed the doorbell button. The noise stopped momentarily. So I told them their doorbell transformer was likely at fault and they replaced it. Problem solved. 73- Nick, WA5BDU On 10/22/2010 6:08 PM, Dick Williams wrote: After a little detective work, I traced the source of the interference to the doorbell transformer. Disconnected it, and told him to go buy a new one. Of course we were both happy campers. Dick K8ZTT __ 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] How to program quick 100 or 200 KHz QSY
In addition to fine / coarse and spinning the knob, using the RIT for fast QSY can move you 100 kHz or more pretty quickly. I use that function a lot for quick QSY over a good span. 73- Nick, WA5BDU I know about Fine/Coarse and spinning the knob, but would like to find a better way __ 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] RFI, KUSB and MFJ-4225
I was surprised to hear of the MFJ-4225 generating noise on 160, since I use a MFJ-4225MV and work 160 a fair amount, yet hadn't noticed any noise. OTOH, I could I tell if I'm hearing P/S generated noise as opposed to other 160 meter band noise? I dug out my homebrew linear supply and decided to use the AFV reading on the K3 for comparisons. With AGC off, antenna connected, K3 tuned to an empty spot on the band with no signals present (daytime). The readings jump around a fair amount with random bursts of noise and possibly QRN crashes, so I jotted down ten or so over a ten second period, first with the MFJ powering the K3, then with the linear P/S, and then back to the MFJ to close the loop. I know this isn't highly rigorous, but it should tell me something. The average readings were MFJ, 146; linear, 168; MFJ, 141. I don't think the differences are significant, that is, I don't think the linear power supply is noisy. So I'd say there's no significant difference. I turned on the MFJ while listening with the K3 powered from the linear P/S and didn't hear any noise increase. The MFJ had long leads attached, going to my IC-706, but not loaded. Looking at the QST product review (January, 2000), they found that the MFJ-4225 was very quiet with some increase in noise between 7.5 and 10 MHz. Maybe there's something wrong with your specific power supply. I guess it's also possible that a change in manufacturing techniques or design has caused the MFJ-4225 to degrade. 73- Nick, WA5BDU On 10/5/2010 7:38 PM, Ignacy wrote: MFJ-4225 generates a 10db noise on 160m. Can a simple filter cure the problem or is it better to get a linear PS? Ignacy, NO9E __ 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] [OT] Frequency Guide
I think a lot of the confusion comes from the fact that the USA is a pretty good sized country. It's rare that I hear EU on 40 meters here in Arkansas. Probably more rare on the west coast. Meanwhile one the east coast, I'd imagine EU stations are pretty strong, so those guys can't understand someone trying to operate CW on 7040 will all the EU PSK being so loud there. I still hear more QRP CW activity on 7040 although I do check 7030 and at times hear some there too. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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 CW keyer issues
Hmmm ... I'm a 99% CW operator and I find the K3's built-in keyer to be excellent, free of misfires and glitches for the most part. I'd use one of my fine external keyers if there was a need, but there's not. Over the years I've used the Accu-Keyer, the AEA Contester, and the Super CMOS II, all fine keyers, and I find the K3's keyer to have a very similar feel. I will say that I have had the K3's keyer misfire or hesitate while the K3 was being bombarded with serial interchanges from HRD and/or N1MM. This surprised me because I thought the keyer would have a very high priority. But it hasn't happened in many months and may have been a glitch since eliminated in either the K3 or the external software I was using. 73- Nick, WA5BDU On 9/20/2010 10:01 AM, Wes Stewart wrote: Nevertheless, with my TS-870 and its built-in Accukeyer I send nearly flawless CW. With the K3---well if I haven't programmed the message with the utility, I don't send it. --- On Mon, 9/20/10, Barryw...@comcast.net wrote: For many years, I've used the Island keyer II (in CMOS Superkeyer III emulation mode), the CMOS Superkeyer III, and prior to that the VVF Accu-keyer. I find with the K3 keyer, I tend to miss trailing dits, __ 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] Modification day for SN 01195
I've been storing up a list of modifications I wanted to install in my K3 (S/N 01195, July 2008) and managed finally to do them today. Due to the number (nine) and varying descriptions, purposes and locations in the rig, I tried to organize my thinking by putting them in a list, trying to see which ones I really need or want, how hard they might be to install, and which ones might be best done together due to being on the same board, etc. Some are documented in Elecraft's modification kits parts area and some in the application notes area. I started by putting all of the PDFs into a directory of official K3 modifications so I could study them. The ones applicable to my K3's vintage were - K3AFMDKT --- Improve speaker line out distortion and IMD K3DSPLPF --- Active audio LPF to reduce artifacts in the audio chain, add daughter board to DSP board K3IOBUFFKT -- Increase signal level at I.F. output by more than 10 dB AFOPMDKT -- Protect audio amp from short circuit or low impedance loads App Note -- Extreme signal RX protection mod App Note -- Protect against RF pickup at microphone connection by bypassing RF choke App Note -- Protect against chirp from synthesizer by increasing DDS signal driving the PLL App Note -- Improve immunity of RS232 and audio connections to RF by bypassing RF chokes App Note -- K3 SYN ALC mod. Assure enough drive when in high temperature environment Descriptions are my paraphrase and might not be totally accurate. Anyway, I did all of these today and made notes on the degree of difficulty and which ones might best work at the same time here - http://pages.suddenlink.net/wa5bdu/k3_mods.pdf If you have a similar vintage K3 and haven't kept up on mods, they might be of interest. None of them were really difficult for me, and the instructions were complete and accurate. I should say, I assembled my K3 from a kit, I do a lot of homebrewing but it's pretty ugly, and my vision wouldn't allow SMT work with just my bifocals, but with a 10x jeweler's loupe jammed into my good eye I do OK. I did all the mods today and didn't put anything back together until I'd finished them all. Doing it this way, it's important to bag or otherwise segregate all of the screws or other hardware from each cover or component removed and keep each piece in a separate place with its own hardware. I was most interested in the lowpass filter. I'm no golden ear, but possibly the power of suggestion made me think I heard some of the harshness others described. I found myself cranking the bandpass way down toward the low end. At least preliminarily, I think I do notice the improvement in the quality of the sound (I work CW) with the LPF installed. I'm pleased with Elecraft's way of publishing instructions and making mod kits available. Not to diss any other manufacturers, but most have a no user serviceable parts inside approach. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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] Product Suggestion Big Box K3
I worked the NAQP-CW in multi-two (two stations) this weekend and we used my K3 and an FT1000, which was my former rig. Operators went back and forth between rigs. Of course I'm currently more familiar with the K3, but even the day I left the FT1000 for it, I found the K3 very easy to use and human engineered very well. Easier to use for contesting than the FT1000. I'm mainly a CW operator so I appreciate that everything I needed was right in front of me -- shift, selectivity, keyer speed, keyer memories, RIT, and main tuning, all dedicated controls with no menu access needed. (Yes, the serial link screwed up and I used the built-in keyer for sending.) The FT1000 was a great rig, but I wouldn't want my K3 to be inflated to FT1000 size. I have fat fingers and am not the most dexterous, but I don't see how one could bump the width control while going for the main tuning knob. Maybe one small suggestion for a tweak. I used the auto-repeat memory function for CQing. My impulse was to tap the paddle to stop message sending if someone would begin to respond. But that would send a dit (or dah) and I'd miss part of his call. Perhaps while in auto-send mode, the first tap of the paddle should stop sending but not be transmitted. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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] AFSK A RTTY with VOX?
Thanks for several on- and off-list responses. Yes indeed, my VOX gain was still sitting at 0.00 and cranking it up a bit took care of the problem. I had done a search for VOX related entries in the CONFIG menu but failed to check the MENU menu. My bad. The idea that the tones from the software (sound card) might get filtered if they don't match those in the rig was a good one too. I think mine are lined up pretty well. Now I'll write all this stuff down in my notes to self and next time won't re-invent the wheel or perturb the list. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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] AFSK A RTTY with VOX?
Is it possible to have VOX control over transmission while in the AFSK A mode on RTTY and using the Line In jack for audio from the soundcard? I tried unsuccessfully to do this in the recent RTTY Sprint using MMTTY. I finally had to use HRD with DM780, which I assume was controlling the T/R switching via the PTT. Here's how I've set things and troubleshooting I've done - Mode: Data; Data mode: AFSK A Soundcard out connected to Line In on rear panel. VOX is ON TX Standby is not enabled MENU: MIC SEL is selected to LINE IN MIC Gain set to a nominal non-zero value Verified that the sound card is putting out a strong AFSK signal. Also, by pressing XMIT, the K3 does transmit this signal and give the required bars of ALC indication. Should I be using the microphone input to have VOX control? I wouldn't mind using PTT control but I'm not sure N1MM with MMTTY are up to the task. HRD and DM780 aren't really contest software since no dupe checking is available. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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] (no subject) (HRD and K3 and VISTA)
I do. It works pretty well but HRD does lock up if I turn off the K3 before stopping HRD. I use the newest HRD version for which the logbook is separate. I think this is version 5. Running Vista on a Dell inspiron 1525 laptop. 73- Nick, WA5BDU On 7/2/2010 12:40 PM, ussv dharma wrote: Is anyone using Ham radio Deluxe, Vista, AND K3I cant get it to run over three to four minutes. Susan If you don't change direction you WILL arrive exactly where you're headed!! Susan Meckley, Skipper W7KFI-mm AFA9SM USSV DHARMA - __ 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 chirp in cross-band split
I worked special Armed Forces Day station AAZ today as I transmitted on 14.050 and listened on 13.507. A guy emailed later that my signal sounded interesting so I monitored it with a separate receiver and sure enough it was chirping like my old Heath VF-1 VFO. I'm not sure if this is expected behavior or not so this is more observation than complaint. I don't have the sub-receiver. Experimenting a little, when I turned off both the QSK and VOX indicators and used the XMIT button to go into the transmit mode, there was no chirp. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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] Grounding Mat Chatter
This thread got me off onto a tangent, trying to measure resistances on some of these anti-static materials, such as the black foam pad and the silvery plastic envelope. I had a capacitor discharge through the unknown and used a MOSFET to monitor the capacitor, since a 10 M-ohm DMM would have discharged it. I got 33 G-ohms between two electrodes about an inch apart in one of the black pads and 4.2 G-ohms between two electrodes 1/4 inch apart in one of those envelopes. Discussion on my blog - http://wa5bdu.blogspot.com/ 73-Nick, WA5BDU David Woolley (E.L) wrote: Some of the anti-static bags that Elecraft use are the pink ones. Those are non-conducting and get their anti-static properties by not generating static, rather than dissipating it. They would be useless as an anti-static mat. __ 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] [OT] Grounding Antenna when not in use
My antennas come in to one manual selector switch, which connects the selected antenna to a second selector switch, which then connects that to the desired rig. Both switches ground unselected inputs. Since the K3 is switched to ANT1 when powered down, I keep my Cantenna connected to the ANT1 input and I use ANT2, which connects to that second selector switch. The K3 remembers that I like ANT2 when I power up, so that's no hassle. If I accidentally transmit into ANT1, there's a dummy load there. So I have some level of protection even if I forget to rotate both switches to ground or unused inputs when not operating. I usually do remember though, since I also lost my SWR / power measuring diodes to a nearby lightning strike, so I've got several levels of protection. I admit this isn't as good as disconnecting coax, but I'd never get on the air if I had to go through all of that every time I turned on the rig. Some guys disconnect everything and throw it outside, seal the rig in the original shipping carton, sacrifice a goat and pray a novena when thunder approaches, but I can't go that far. I think my next logical step would be to have the AC plug for my K3's power supply handy at desktop level so I can easily pull it when I'm going to be away from the rig for a while. This in response to what W8JI said about the mains connection being the primary path for damage. 73-Nick, WA5BDU .hank. wrote: Chuck . Like you, I have never had to disconnect any radios in the past from the antenna - except during severe thunder storms. About a year ago when the SWR SMT diodes went bad in my K3, I admitted to K3 support that I did not remove the coax from the back of the K3 but I grounded the Six Pak switch connections out in the garage. __ 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] Low and High Power Cmd
I guess the responses saying to set up the TUNE power level are appropriate for your use. I've also wanted this command but for different reasons and when the ability to use macros was expanded a couple months ago, I added a QRP (5 W) and a QRO (100 W) macro. One goes to M3 (tap) and the other to M3 (hold). This is pretty useful since I do a lot of switching between regular and QRP ops. I think the commands are PC005; and PC100; Use the K3 Utility to create them and send them to the K3, then use the K3's CONFIG:MACRO# function to assign them to keys. 73--Nick, WA5BDU __ 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 Beta Firmware
Regarding beta releases ... if you're concerned about new bugs or problems, just wait a week or two following the initial announcement and monitor the reflector. If there's a bug, you'll hear about it. If not, go ahead and download. Regarding Vista -- I have no problems whatever downloading the beta packages and sending them to my K3. 73--Nick, WA5BDU __ 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 - erratic keyer behavior serial related
This morning my K3's keyer is behaving erratically - long dashes from dash paddle, dashes from dot paddle, gaps in strings of continuous dits. This is my first time transmitting since installing the most recent firmware a couple days ago. I had HRD connected at the time. The stuff I've tried - Backed down from 38k to 19k and eventually 4.8k on the serial port. That didn't help, but the keyer works OK when the serial interface is not connected. My serial port is the Elecraft supplied USB to serial dongle, plugged into a laptop running Vista. I tried going to my XP computer with real serial port and HRD, communicating at 4800 baud, but no luck there either. Also tried turning off QSK and turning off VOX. In case of RF interference, I transmitted at 5 watts into my dummy load and also went into TX standby mode. The only thing that has worked has been to have no serial connection. Oh yeah, my speed is 22 WPM. And the erratic sending also occurred while sending a memory message. I haven't tried going back to the previous firmware yet. Any ideas? 73--Nick, WA5BDU K3 #1195 __ 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] feature notion
Thus far I've only used one of my programmable function keys. (Speaker plus phones or not.) I do about half my operating at QRP and half at ~100 W. A nice single-push toggle would be one that could swap the K3 from, for example, 5 W and 100 W. 73--Nick, WA5BDU __ 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 #1195 at Field Day
This K3 is 25 serial number units and 25 miles from the K3 Brad posted about earlier. So it was pretty hot here too. Supposedly a record temperature for the date, last set in 1952. That's one Field Day record I didn't want to set. I kept moving equipment around on my table to keep direct sun off the K3 and laptop. I was afraid to even look at the heat sink and FP temperatures. My K3 survived and showed no heat related issues even though I kept it QSOing or CQing at 100W CW for long periods. The main issue I had was strong RF fields, and I've had that about every FD regardless of rig. It was more an N1MM thing, as N1MM would hang up with key down if I tried to send from the log. Well, laptop thing really. So I did most of my sending with the paddle, which I didn't really mind since I miss using my paddle in some of these contests. One surprising thing though was that the K3's internal memory keyer would stick too. That didn't make any sense since I was using the paddle (K3 internal keyer) with no issues. The rig would lock into transmit mode with sidetone ON, but no RF output. Eventually I fixed the USB to serial dongle with three split ferrites, two passes each, and the N1MM plus the K3's memory keyer began working fine. Go figure. I had the same issue with not enough audio. I blamed it on the fact that I was using a pair of small stereo speakers, and hi-fi speakers can be pretty inefficient. I also went to the extreme of making sure the gain setting was on high. I used the internal speaker some and got plenty of volume, but it's pretty raspy, especially under FD pileup conditions. I think too that under open air outside conditions, you want more audio than you need in a small room. I always had the headphones handy when needed though. The overall performance of the rig under crowded conditions was very good. I have both the 400 Hz and 200 Hz filters and previously didn't think the 200 had much value to me, but it proved useful in digging out weak ones and also when SPing through crowded band segments. We had two CW ops at our site. I did 14 hours and the other fellow did 10 and we wound up with 761 Qs and 74 of 80 sections (even though they don't count). The antenna we used was a 180 foot dipole, center at 45 feet or so with 450 ohm line feeder through a Johnson Matchbox on all bands. Oh yeah, other evidence of RF problems, I got shocked once touching the brass base of my paddle and again grabbing a knob on the K3. That surprised me until I saw that the path was shaft thru set screw to finger. 73--Nick, WA5BDU __ 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] Sending sequential serial numbers with
Me too. I was having such fun in the contest, I had not idea it could be causing such pain in others. 155 Qs, 61 countries and a nice little test drive for the K3 ... 73- Nick, WA5BDU R. Kevin Stover wrote: I apologize for the stomach upset. __ 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] WWII-era US Military MF/HF QRP rigs (OT)
Yeah, I was licensed in early 62 -- the bottom of the cycle. I'd visit older hams with incredible collections of DX QSLs on display. They'd say, That was from back in '57 -- you could just put a piece of pipe on a coke bottle on ten meters and work the whole world. The first big peak that seemed comparable came about 17 years later (1979). 73--Nick, WA5BDU Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: Amazing? Did everyone catch **when** that was? In the late 50's... at the peak of the most humungous sunspot cycle seen since Guglielmo Marconi was in diapers. You guys can have your DXCC, WAS and whatever certificates. I just want to see another sunspot cycle like that! Ron AC7AC __ 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] Power off settings: ANT1 / ANT2
Speaking of the powering down housekeeping routines, here's one I wondered about a while back. Maybe it's a proposal ... I generally just use the ANT1 connector and do my antenna switching and disconnecting ahead of that, externally. ANT 2 is currently connected to my dummy load. Assuming the antenna relays remain latched in their last selected position when off, it might be a good enhancement to have the rig switch to a defined position when OFF, as an option. In many cases, that could provide modest protection against lightning induced transients entering the rig. Not as good as disconnecting, but better than being solidly connected, in my opinion. 73--Nick, WA5BDU __ 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 - No power / SWR metering
Is this an operator error, or what? This evening I don't get any SWR or watts metering on my K3, just CMP and ALC, like I was on SSB. I'm fairly sure that earlier in the evening I did have the expected SWR and power indications. When I transmit, I get 6 bars of ALC and no bars of SWR, regardless of power level. S meter works, CWT on/off works. Here's what I tried - Cycled through all modes. Recalled memories. A/B switch (I don't have the sub receiver). Power off and back on. Re-loaded firmware (2.80). Is there a configuration item I might have wrong? Thanks, Nick, WA5BDU __ 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 - No power / SWR metering
Ah, better to be a knucklehead than to have a hardware problem. Guess I'll keep my hands in my pockets and fingers off the buttons for a while. Now, could you help me with my VCR ... 73--Nick, WA5BDU Lyle Johnson wrote: This evening I don't get any SWR or watts metering on my K3, just CMP and ALC, HOLD the METER button (long press of DISPLAY) to toggle between the ALC/CMP and SWR/PWR displays. 73, Lyle KK7P __ 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] K3/100 input voltage and TX IMD
I did my own little unscientific IMD check yesterday. I connected the K3 to my Cantenna and monitored with my IC-706IIg on the same desk and same power supply. I used a bit of wire in the 706's antenna terminal sufficient to give an S9 or higher received signal strength. Had the K3 at 100 watts and mic gain to hit 100W on peaks. Then tuned up and down from my signal several kHz each way on the 706 listening for splatter as I transmitted. Didn't hear any, unless it was faint. Of course, I hear my signal changing in pitch and diminishing in strength as I moved the receiver away, but I hope I know what that sounds like. I did this on 40 meters and 15 meters, and with CMP on and off. I did it again at 50 and 80 watts and didn't notice any difference. Also checked at 13.8V and 14.5V supply voltage and didn't notice a difference. I checked my voltage drop on the K3's internal meter. From receive to 100 watts CW key down, I got 0.7 VDC drop. I note that the MFJ switcher provided 0.19V of that. Today I soldered my crimped lugs at the P/S end and noticed no difference when I did the measurement check again. 73-Nick, WA5BDU ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] IO Issues with K3
I've been finding the same problems in the 160 test. A lower baud rate seems like it would be fine for most things, but I wonder if it would tend to shorten any Morse elements? Now that I think of it, maybe not, since the speed would remain the same at the USB end of the interface. And to send CW, the program just toggles a handshaking line, independent of baud. I do think that CW seems a tiny bit clipped from N1MM compared with that using the built-in keyer. I'm thinking RF problems too. I just re-intsalled my quarter wave Marconi since the landscapers cut down my main antenna tree the other day, so I probably changed the local field strength in some way. N1MM is having other hesitation problems as well. I should probably re-install it. 73--Nick, WA5BDU Cady, Fred wrote: Check the baud rate. I find if I run faster than 4800 either N1MM or the K3 (probably N1MM) doesn't like it. 4800 seems to be OK. KE7X Fred Cady fcady at ieee dot org *From:* elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] *On Behalf Of *Lee Buller *Sent:* Friday, January 23, 2009 8:48 PM *To:* Elecraft Reflector *Subject:* [Elecraft] IO Issues with K3 Running the 160 meter contest. Lost connection with the rig from N1MM logger. Cannot re-establish connection now with anything included the k3 utility. I wonder if RF got to something? Running the Prolific drivers and the USB adapter. Changed ports. Turned off and on CPU and associated USB hubs, cycled the K3nada. Any one have an idea? Lee ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] ESD Question!
Wow, Lyle. You sound like the nuns in parochial school. But Sister, I *can't* sit still! 73--Nick, WA5BDU (squirming and fidgeting) Lyle Johnson wrote: 3) Sit quietly in your chair while working, with your feet on the floor (no rubber soles). Don't shuffle your feet - especially if a carpeted area - and don't wiggle in your chair. 73, Lyle KK7P ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker cabinet resonances
I tried various things recommend here on the list and I think cabinet buzz is no longer an issue. But I still have a bad resonance or other effect in my built-in speaker itself. In decreasing frequency, it starts buzzing at around 340 Hz, worse at 330 Hz, slight at 320 Hz, and then gone. I pretty much can't use the built-in speaker. At moderate volume levels, even band noise excites those resonances and makes a kind of pulsing, buzzing noise like rough CW. For additional info - I'm not a musical golden ear, I don't expect high fidelity out of the built-in speaker, and I'm pretty crazy about the K3 overall. Yes, I know I should contact support, but I want to get my facts together and maybe even make some recordings first. 73--Nick, WA5BDU Deni F5VJC wrote: Has anyone found a solution to the cabinet buzz from the K3 internal speaker? I've not used the internal speaker until recently on my K3 and now find I have annoying cabinet buzz around 450Hz and 600Hz, not so good for CW! I haven't tried any damping as yet and just wondered if anyone has managed to cure this cabinet resonance. 73,Deni F5VJC K3 325 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - interfacing to N1MM Contest Logging software
Thanks to all who pointed me to the info that I should have been able to find myself. ;^) And to K1EL for providing the nice documentation. 73--Nick, WA5BDU Simon (HB9DRV) wrote: The WinKey programming interface is available - see K1EL's website. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - interfacing to N1MM Contest Logging software
Is the N1MM protocol for communicating with Winkey made public anywhere? For us MCU programming CW enthusiasts? 73--Nick, WA5BDU That's correct - we have already passed the Point Of No Return on this one. There is no point in software developers attempting to support several fragmented subsets of the KY protocol on different rigs (*none* of which currently supports the needs of all users) when the WInkey protocol is already there and does it all. Now if the K3 could have built-in support for the Winkey protocol, that would be a very different matter! But that's for the future; and in the meantime the hardware Winkey option is already available. I was a very reluctant convert to the Winkey chip, because Who needs yet another paddle-driven keyer? I've already got three, and still only one keying hand! Instead, I decided to use the Winkey chip in a minimalist way as a simple Morse Modem - a small dongle that has only an ASCII serial input and a Morse output. Used in this way, it needs no paddle input or manual speed control; the keying speed is controlled entirely by the host software (N1MM) which can also command the chip to switch its keying output between two different rigs. The only feature lost by not using the Winkey's own paddle inputs is the ability to interrupt outgoing CW by touching a paddle - and the Esc key works fine for that. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Kent Single Lever Paddles
Wow, if I had to do all that extra junk I'd get rid of my dual paddle Kent, Brown Bros., and K8RA keys and go back to that cruddy Heath single paddle integrated unit I used to have. Steve, I think you make the common assumption that having a dual paddle *requires* the operator to use the squeeze method. It really doesn't. It just *allows* you to go from dit to dah and vice versa more efficiently. 73--Nick, WA5BDU n4lq wrote: With duals, we push left and hold, push right, release left, release right. 4 moves! I Steve Ellington [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Software
I'd wait until the latest beta (now 2.34) has been out there a week or two and then consider it a de-facto official release and use it. By then users will have spotted all but the most obscure and/or least offensive bugs and they will have been corrected. I'm on the fast track myself though. 73--Nick, WA5BDU ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] annoying resonance with internal speaker in K3
I've got this too. I did some things to eliminate top cover resonances and then I began to notice this. It's a little more subtle than a continuous buzzing along with the tones of CW. Sort of a scratchy sound. I thought it was in the audio, but no, it's gone when I use headphones or an external speaker. I thought it might be an artifact of processing, but no, it's still there when I turn processing off. Band noise is enough to cause the sound on a moderately noisy band (not hard to find these days). Moderate (but not excessive) volume is required to being it in. I did note that as I crank up the Lo Cut, the noise disappears when I cross 250 or 300 Hz. Thus far, I've removed some of the things I did to dampen the top cover plate. I removed the top and looked for any loose screws and tapped various components for sound. Removed the bottom cover and attempted the same. No luck. I hate the thought of disassembling the entire front of the rig ... 73--Nick, WA5BDU Fern Rivard wrote: I have a K3 serial #412 which has always had an annoying resonance from the internals of the radio cabinet somewheres when using the internal speaker. I thought that it may have been the top lid which did that so I tried to isolate the top lid by temporarily adding some electrical tape between the top and when it meets the the top of the radio. However, that did NOT accomplish anything for me. Has anyone found a permanent cure for that annoying resonance? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: fan control in MFJ-4225MV switching P/S
That's a pretty good solution. When I was making measurements I noted that when I turned the supply voltage down to the 10 to 11 volt range the fan got very quiet. In fact, I was going to forget about the thermostatic control solution. But when I put the cover on, the noise worsened quite a bit at the same voltage. Pulling air through those case perforations seems to do it. Since the K3 is spec'd for 11 to 15 volts, I wanted to run at a little over 14 V or so. The fan really gets noisier as voltage climbs, so I definitely needed either the resistor solution or fan control. 73- Nick, WA5BDU NZ0T wrote: As I'm not a very technical person I just used a couple of resistors in parallel to slow the fan down in my 4225. I can't remember the values this early in the morning but it seems to be working just fine. The supply does run a little warmer but not hot and the fan is no longer heard. Bill NZ0T ___ 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] OT: fan control in MFJ-4225MV switching P/S
This could almost be on topic, as the desire to control the fan in my MFJ-4225MV P/S is associated with my acquisition of a K3. There was recently a discussion of switching power supplies for the K3 on the list. I thought the MFJ unit was quiet while others found it to be noisy. After the noisy fans in my FT-1000 and in my old PC left the shack, the MFJ P/S did become the loudest box in the vicinity. I had a sense that the P/S didn't really need that continuous fan activity, especially during low duty cycle operation or just listening. So I put a temperature sensor on a heat sink and use it to turn the fan on and off via a comparator circuit and MOSFET switch. I think it's going to work out pretty well. Of course, the simple circuit could be used on any P/S that runs the fan all the time but doesn't really need to. Schematic and lots of rambling chatter about the little project are here -- http://pages.suddenlink.net/wa5bdu/fan_control_page.html 73-- Nick, WA5BDU in Arkansas #1195 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 - speaker buzz
A month or so ago there was a flurry of posts about buzz in the speaker. On poster replaced fiber washers used to mount the speakers with neoprene and reported good results. With my sidetone level set at about 45, I heard pronounced buzzing at 350 and 400 Hz sidetones. (Adjust your sidetone level with MON, then go to PITCH and adjust the sidetone pitch throughout its range.) Since I had to pop the top to install my back ordered 6kHz filter, I took the opportunity to replace the fiber washers with improvised ones made from small grommets sliced in half. I did get some improvement. Now the major buzz is limited to 350 Hz. In putting some slight finger pressure at various places on the top cover, I see that the speaker isn't at fault but that the top plate has some resonances. I'm thinking of putting some kind of resonance killers on the underside, maybe some globs or beads of RTV or similar, so as to avoid any kind of permanent change to the rig. Anyone else done anything similar? 73--Nick, WA5BDU #1195 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 - COM port iterating ...
I use the USB to serial converter from Elecraft to connect my laptop to my K3. When I initially plugged it in it configured itself as COM 4. Hmmm? My laptop doesn't have any real serial ports. Later, I moved it to a different connector and lost communications. The COM port had re-configured itself as COM 5. So I changed the settings on my software to suit and things were good. I wondered if this behavior was somehow related to the specific USB port. So I moved the connector back to the initial USB port. This time the COM port iterated up to COM 6. I wonder if there's a way to tell this thing to be the same COM port each time I plug it in? My computer is a fairly new Dell laptop running Vista. As recommended, I let Vista go out and find the best driver for it on the web. 73--Nick, WA5BDU #1195 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sidetone Monitor Preference Opinions
I hadn't noticed that they didn't track until this thread, so I guess status quo is OK with me. Just now, I found that in swapping between speaker and phones, I do not feel the need to adjust the sidetone level. While transmitting ... well, it can be disconcerting to start transmitting full QSK and the band noise is so loud you can't hear your sidetone. But as one poster said, you could turn down the AF gain in that case as a quick interim cure. During noisy contests, I like the keep the sidetone level high. A dedicated knob would be nice, but not worth the panel space for just that function. I'm well pleased with the ease of accessing both pitch and sidetone level -- much easier than on the FT-1000 I sold to buy the K3. Adjust pitch without hearing it? I can't imagine that. Bonus opinion: I like the CCW for less bandwidth of the Width control. Can I have a little more banjo in the monitor? 73--Nick, WA5BDU ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Off Topic RG-174
Well, that shows that it ought to be OK from the voltage breakdown perspective, but consider current carrying capability or self heating of that little bitty center conductor too. It might be limiting. If you allow it an amp, 50 watts. Two amps, 200 watts. At 100 watts of course, 1.414 amps. Probably OK, I'd think. But I don't know that I'd go much higher. 73--Nick, WA5BDU Don Wilhelm wrote: Mike, My chart in the ARRL Handbook says RG-174 has a dielectric breakdown voltage of 300 volts RMS. So in theory, it will handle 1800 watts at an SWR = 1.0 (less at higher SWR) - but I would not trust it at much over 25 watts myself. I like to see a larger safety factor where transmission lines are concerned. The ohmic losses may be great too, that all depends on the length and the SWR. 73, Don W3FPR ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Band Button gripe - was ON4UN has a K3?
And take away my CW memory buttons? That's madness! I've got more band changing methods than I can keep track of already. 73- Nick, WA5BDU Don Rasmussen wrote: It still sticks in my craw that I have 5 single press buttons on the front panel that I'll never use. Elecraft - please make these available for use as single press BAND buttons. M1 M2 M3 M4 REC 80 40 20 15 10 That way we get into the ballpark with a single press and can band up or band down from there. Seriously, this should be a no-brainer! == ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 RTTY MMTTY, etc
I'd like to figure out how to get on RTTY by noon tomorrow. I'm working with N1MM and MMTTY at the moment, with HRD and my trusty paddle as 2nd and 3rd back-ups. Transmit control - It looks like the K3 gives the option of having RTS or DTR actuate the PTT. MMTTY seems to use both, with no choice to use just one. I tried that method, but with serial port connected, the PTT was asserted at all times. Tried both DTR - OFF and RTS - OFF in the setup with same result. (First field is for PTT control and 2nd is for keyed line control.) Second choice is VOX. I set the K3 for AFSK A, connected line out of the PC to line in of the K3, turned VOX on, told MMTTY to transmit. No VOX operation. Plugged phones into the line out jack of the PC and verified -- yes, good strong RTTY tones being generated. I did try adjusting the MIC gain, which seems to become a line-in control for this mode. I also did go to the menu and chose Line In as the MIC input. What's left? I guess my third choice would be to use the serial port, have MMTTY send ACSII data, and the K3 would do the FSK thing. But I'm not sure how I'd get around my PTT control issues. Receive - Seems to be working. No RTTY on at the moment, but when there's a signal, I see it in the waterfall. PC / OS- I'm using a new Vista laptop. I know MMTTY isn't guaranteed to work with Vista, but I think it's working well enough that I should be able at least to operate the VOX. The rig control features of HRD are working fine. TNX / 73- Nick --what a tangled web we weave / when we let computers become part of our ham stations ... ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 RTTY MMTTY, etc
Hi Bob- No, I had not tried that. It was at zero. I cranked it up to 25 and still no luck. Did some searches in the nabble archives and saw that it might need to be higher yet. So I went to 50 and now it keys the VOX. I have line in mic gain at about 20. Thanks for the suggestion. 73-Nick, WA5BDU Bob Cunnings wrote: Regarding VOX - have you tried adjusting VOX gain? Bob NW8L ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 builder's notes # 1195
Amazing what can be done with a keg of 4-40 hardware and a few other misc items. Assembly of the kit took me about 16 hours total. Fourteen for the basic ten watter and two to add the 100 watt amp. My configuration has the ATU, general coverage receive, four filters, KPA3 amplifier. The manual was very clear and I had almost no missteps. I did lose about an hour trying to fit the front panel. It would almost but not quite go all the way on to make the screw holes align. Tried to remove it but couldn't do that either. I finally noticed that the main (RF) board on the front right corner was a little long and was hitting the front panel board, preventing full insertion of the connectors. I had to shave a bit of the board at the break point and then it went together OK. I was on the verge of just forcing things, and I'm glad I didn't. Later I shaved the bottom of the crystal oscillator board at the break point which helped with getting the connector to align with the hole in the front shield -- or was the the front panel? Got it finished at 8:11 PM last night and put it on the air for a few test QSOs in the IARU, CW portion. All I knew about the rig was how to turn it on and where to plug in the key. Lots of fun. Worked several EU stations on 40, which isn't all that routine from Arkansas. My initial impression is that I'm going to like it a lot. I was very fond of the FT-1000 I sold to buy this rig, but I think I'm going to like this one better. The K3 is my first Elecraft product of any kind. 73-Nick, WA5BDU ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] 1N34A-Diode,RF probe
It's common to recommend a Schottky as a replacement for the 1N34A. I've done it myself. That's why I was surprised to find this web page - http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/diode_vf_vs_if.htm where this guy discovers that the Schottky diode (1N5711, to be specific) can show some pretty high forward voltage drops. Turns out that the low drop we're all familiar with exists at quite low values of forward current -- less than 1 mA. At ~2 mA is a sort of breakpoint where Vf begins to increase at a faster rate than in the silicon or the germanium diodes. By ~10 mA, the 1N5711 has the highest forward voltage of all three. Quite an eye-opener! You might think that for the RF probe application, forward current will be small. Maybe it is. But often times small average currents are misleading if there's a short conduction angle (time). 72--Nick, WA5BDU --back to counting screws ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 - It's here. S/N-1195
My K3 S/N 1195 arrived today at 18:00 local, 30 minutes ago Ordered 2/18/08 Shipped 7/2/08 (135 days, 4.5 months) Receipt 7/9/08 (142 days, 4.73 months) Pleased purchasers: 1 Two minutes before UPS arrived, my wife left to visit relatives for several days. I have unrestricted access to the kitchen table. How's that for timing? 73--Nick, WA5BDU in Arkansas ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: re.: [Elecraft] Switching Supplies
Here's a plug for the MFJ-4225MV which I'll be using with my K3 any day now ... It should go well because it's small and light (I guess most switchers can make that claim though). I have not noticed any RF noise when using it with my IC-706 or alongside my now departed FT-1000. It has a fan that runs continuously. Fairly quiet but I don't like hearing fans at all. I'm thinking of doing some sort of temperature controlled mod so the fan only runs if needed. 73--Nick, WA5BDU ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Shipping Status
So we've gone from four months to five? Ack! There went my hopes for Field Day! 73--Nick, WA5BDU So, you might use a date of 5 months after your order date as the general guideline. They will most likely be able to improve that time as goes by. 73, John W2XS ___ 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
