Re: [Elecraft] KE6D K2 Software
Neil, KN3ILZ Thank you for the fix for my K2S software, the Run Compatibility Troubleshooter fix did not work, however selecting the compatibility manually solved the problem. I restarted the computer after setting the compatibility to Windows 7 for this program and the KE6D, K2S software worked like a champ. 73, Steve K4JPN __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KE6D K2 Software
I have been using Dan's excellent K2S software for my K2 with Windows 7 for a number of years. I recently upgraded my computer to Windows 10. Now when I load K2S I get the following error message. "Unable to read software logging model". The program comes up, but does not respond to any commands. I know my serial interface is good as it works with my K2 on the SKCC and NAQCC logging programs. Does anyone have a solution, so I can use Dan's excellent program. 73, Steve K4JPN __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] USB to Serial Adapters
While I have not had any problems with the USB to Serial Adapter with my K2, I did have problems with the USB ports on another computer, not my ham station computer. I had a printer, mouse, scanner and keyboard on USB from the computer, this computer did not have a USB to Serial Adapter. Everything worked fine except the scanner. When I disconnected the printer, the scanner worked fine. I bought a powered splitter for USB and solved the problem allowing all the devices to work correctly. 73, Steve K4JPN __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K2 Control Software
I have been using Dan's KE6D K2 program for years. It is easy to use, and works great. The link for Dan's page is http://www.qsl.net/ke6d/ 73, Steve K4JPN __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 SSB Monitor
While not exactly what you are looking for in monitoring your output signal, this is the way I set up my audio on my K2. This was published back in May 2009 in QST Hints and Kinks. Many of the new rigs have the capability for one to listen to transmitted audio, for setting up levels, compression etc. The problem is that listening to your audio, while speaking it is difficult to comprehend differences in settings. I simply use my PSK31 interface to record into the sound recorder of my computer and then play it back. This eliminates the problem of speaking and listening at the same time. When I do this I actually state into the recording the various levels I have the compression etc set at, then reset them at another value and make another recording. Then play back the recordings. This permits me to listen to the audio files and know what is going out on the air, with different audio levels and settings. The PSK31 interface is also useful when someone asks how their audio sounds. Simply record it into the sound recorder and play it back for them using the PSK31 interface. I often do this and then Email them the file, that way they are hearing exactly what I heard with out the effect of my rigs audio on the recorded audio I play back. 73, Steve K4JPN __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 Settings Retrieval Software
I want to thank AB3AP for the K2 parameter program; it is nice to be able to record all the settings on my K2. I found one thing that maybe of interest I found when I ran it if the real time clock is on it takes about 3 minutes to run vs. the real time clock off it takes about 2 minutes 15 seconds. While the time difference is insignificant, the advantage of running with the real time clock is you do not get all the time print out. You do have to hit the menu button, after you run the parameter program with the real time clock off after the program says Done. On a different note, I can run the program fine from the web site, but I need directions on how to run the program off line. Could someone contact me off line and lead me step by step how to run the program off line. I am sure the reason I cannot get it to run off line is something simple. Thanks Steve K4JPN www.thewinstonator.com/K4JPN.htm __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K2 Speaker
Rather then plug and unplug headphones, I simply wired up a box to take the output from the K2 speaker jack, and feed it into a switch that in one position drives the headphones and the other drives an external speaker. This eliminates wear and tear on both the headphone cord and the headphone jack in the rig. 73, Steve K4JPN www.thewinstonator.com/K4JPN.htm __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 and installing KSB2 160m
I used computer jumpers for the configuration header mic connector and they work great. I also took a computer jumper, and used a Demel tool to cut a computer jumper in two, then soldered a surface mounted 10 K resistor across the terminals. The surface mounted resistor came from an old computer board. This jumper goes to the 5V terminal on the mic configuration header. I use this for the bias for a computer mic that requires 5V. 73, Steve K4JPN www.thewinstonator.com/K4JPN.htm __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Mic Configuration
Checked my notebook, thought I had used a 1K SMD, but I had used a 5K SMD. The current draw with a short would only be 1mA and the power dissipated across the 5K SMD would be 5mW. Earlier I had said. The jumper blocks reminded me of what I did to get the bias voltage out for the mic. I took a jumper block carefully cut with my Demel Tool through the short at the top and sweated soldered a SMD 1K resistor across the terminals. It prevents an accident short of the 5V from the mic and if it is shorted it only draws 5ma with a 25mW draw on the resistor. A better choice might be a 10K and that would only draw .5ma and 2.5mW. However, I have had no problem with the 1K SMD. This was done an experiment to try a cheap computer mic (which worked fine) I went back to my Heil Mic which I prefer and does not need bias. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Mic Configuration
The jumper blocks reminded me of what I did to get the bias voltage out for the mic. I took a jumper block carefully cut with my Demel Tool through the short at the top and sweated soldered a SMD 1K resistor across the terminals. It prevents an accident short of the 5V from the mic and if it is shorted it only draws 5ma with a 25mW draw on the resistor. A better choice might be a 10K and that would only draw .5ma and 2.5mW. However, I have had no problem with the 1K SMD. This was done an experiment to try a cheap computer mic (which worked fine) I went back to my Heil Mic which I prefer and does not need bias. 73, Steve K4JPN Elecraft K2 S/N 1809 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Elecraft] [K2] Receiver overload protection
I got tired of reaching behind to hook up a cable to the aux receiver antenna input, so made up a cable with a couple of 1N4002 diodes across the cable from center conductor to ground (cathode end of one diode to center conductor and anode to the shield and the other diode anode end to center conductor and cathode end to shield). This gives a protection as the diodes conduct at about 0.7 Volts. I just leave this cable connected to the aux receiver input all the time, however most of the time I just use the regular antenna for operating with the aux receive antenna off. 73, Steve K4JPN www.thewinstonator.com/K4JPN.htm __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Windows 7 configuration to allow seven USB 2.0 devices to work together in a multitasking
I had a similar problem just running a couple of devices off the USB ports of my small Dell Desktop. The output voltage gets loaded down with a few devices on the USB port. The solution was to purchase a USB expander with its own wall wart power supply. 73, Steve K4JPN __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K2 Mic Configuration
K2 mic configuration. I use computer jumpers for the mic headers (get them at Radio Shack), you don't need the resistor in the 5V on the mic header unless you are using a electrodynamic mic, like a computer mic. I normally leave the 5V line unjumpered. I have some old computer boards, so I found a 1K surface mount resistor on one of the old boards, took a jumper and used my Dremel tool to cut away the short, then soldered the 1K surface mount resistor to the jumper. I then checked to make sure I had the 1K resistance across the jumper. This was how I got a resistor for the jumper, for use with a electrodynamic mic. All the other pins are jumpered across, with unmodified jumpers (direct shorts). Realize I created the jumper with the resistor to bias the 5V line for experimentation when I was trying various mics. I now only use my HC5 element in an old Kenwood MC50 Mic. There is no need for a bias resistor with the standard Heil Mics. Heil does make a mic for Icom rigs which requires a bias resistor. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K2 Headphone Jack
The problem with the headphone jack on the K2 is not a new problem; you cannot expect it to last forever. My solution was to take the audio out of the speaker jack in the back and feed it to a small box. The box has a switch to go between a standard headphone jack and a output to a external speaker. This way I can leave the headphones plugged in all the time and switch between the external speaker and the headphones. On a side note I have found the old Heathkit HS-1661 speaker makes a ideal external speaker for my K2, I repackaged the Heath HS-1661 in a new case to match the station. I have also tried the GE or Motorola old mobile speakers. These work very good also. The GE and Motorola mobile speakers can be found at most hamfests. 73, Steve K4JPN http://www.thewinstonator.com/K4JPN.htm __ 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] External Speaker K2
I have to agree the Heathkit HS1661 is a great external speaker for the K2. I have used it for over 8 years and been very pleased with the audio output and quality of sound. I liked the HS-1661 speaker so much I removed it from its Heathkit case and built a separate enclosure for it to match the station. I have tried several other speakers, including the GE mobile speaker which is my 2nd choice. 73, Steve K4JPN http://www.thewinstonator.com/K4JPN.htm __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K2 and Headphones
Being lazy and hating to plug and unplug headphones, I simply made an audio box that I feed the audio from the speaker output of the K2 to a switch that switches between my head phones and my external speaker. I use an old Heathkit Speaker HS-1661 rather then the built in Elecraft speaker. The audio from this speaker is great and it points right at me rather then up like the speaker in the K2. Try also the old GE Mobile or Motorola Mobile speakers they have good audio also, the Heathkit, GE and Motorola speakers are often available at hamfests for $10 or $20 at the most. 73, Steve K4JPN http://www.thewinstonator.com/K4JPN.htm __ 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] Raspy Audio
I have run into the first problem with my K2 S/N 1422, which has the latest firmware and mods. I built it back in 2000 and not had any problems with it till a few weeks ago. It now has an intermittent problem of receiving and transmitting a very raspy audio. It is not caused by AC magnetic coupling as I have no magnetic transformers near it. When the problem occurs it will be on all bands and switching bands shows it is probably in the pll. A good sharp wack on the case will make it disappear, so it appears to be a poor solder connection. Needless to say when I open it up and try and duplicate the problem by tapping on various components I cannot make it occur. I have reheated all the connections around the pll circuitry, with no success. The really aggravation is that this problem will not show up for weeks and then start reoccurring. Any ideas? 73, Steve K4JPN __ 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] Parts Storage
Try a Bass Outlet Store in their fishing department and get a Plano storage box. They have dividers that you can adjust, and a lid that is easily completely removed when building and then can be put back on. Best of all they are quite reasonably priced, about $3.00 to $6.00. Usual disclaimers, no connection, no interest, just like the product. Needless to say make sure you use static protection, I found the Plano boxes ideal for the screws, resistors, chokes, etc. Keep the electrostatic stuff in electrostatic bags till installed. 72, Steve Ray K4JPN ex K1VKW EM82ep Warner Robins GA Elecraft K2 1422 KPA-100 Heath Fan HW-101, HW-8 http://www.thewinstonator.com/K4JPN.htm ___ 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] K2 Seven Years Old
It is hard to believe, but 7 years ago today, I finished my K2 S/N 1422 and had the first QSO on it. The rig has worked great since it was completed and over the years I have incorporated the various mods (new crystals, latest firmware etc)and accessories KSB2, KAT2, KIO2, KNB2, KAF2, K160RX. The rig and the KPA100 and KAT100 have served me well and should for years. It still has a while to go to catch up with my HW-101, which I ran from 1976 till 2000, when I finished my K2, I am sure the K2 will beat my HW-101 record. Thanks Wayne and Eric for a great rig and the fun in building, operating it and the various mods to upgrade it. 73, Steve Ray K4JPN ex K1VKW EM82ep Warner Robins GA Elecraft K2 1422 KPA-100 Heath Fan HW-101, HW-8 http://www.thewinstonator.com/K4JPN.htm ___ 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] Preamp Problem K2
Had a strange problem with my K2 S/N 1422, built back in 2000 it appeared the preamp had gotten blown, in a recent thunderstorm, even though the antennas were all grounded through the antenna switch and the rig was off. Anyway I was able to get on the air with the preamp off, but with preamp on sigs were way down all this past week. Yesterday, I got around to trouble shooting the problem, all the voltages were correct on Q21 (the 2N5109 preamp transistor). So I started to inject a signal at the relay and everything appears to work again fb, check out reveals the problem has gone away. Checked for poor solder connections and all are fine, I think there must have been the relay for the preamp sticking and just opening up the K2 must have unstuck it. I really gave the preamp and is working fine. Just wonder if anyone else has had a similar problem? Just for my own peace of mine, I have started disconnecting the K2 from the antenna swich, and I have a good relay I plan to use to provide a extra level of isolation between the K2 and the antenna switch. 72, Steve Ray K4JPN ex K1VKW EM82ep Warner Robins GA Elecraft K2 1422 KPA-100 Heath Fan HW-101, HW-8 http://www.thewinstonator.com/K4JPN.htm ___ 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] Heil HC5 and Bandwidth Mod
I am considering doing the B/W mod for the KSB2 on my K2 S/N1422, and wonder how others have liked it using a Heil Mic element (my HC-5 is in a old Kenwood MC50). At present I get good audio reports, but wonder if widening the B/W to 2.2 or 2.5 KHz is the way to go. I have already changed out the crystals in the filter, so it is a relatively easy mod. As a point of interest when I started using the Heil element I changed out R-14 to 10K and have plenty of audio drive without any preamp for the mics. See my EMail http://www.ac6rm.net/mailarchive/html/elecraft-list/2006-11/msg00278.html I would be interested in hearing from others using a HC-5 element with the original B/W or the new B/W or 2.2 or 2.5KHz. Thanks 72, Steve Ray K4JPN ex K1VKW EM82ep Warner Robins GA Elecraft K2 1422 KPA-100 Heath Fan HW-101, HW-8 http://www.thewinstonator.com/K4JPN.htm ___ 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] (no subject)
With the discussion occurring occasionally about the headphone jack failing on the K2, thought I would pass along my thoughts. I have always had an aversion, (lazy) about plugging and unplugging headphones, from the front of a receiver/transceiver, so over the years I have simply used the speaker output from the receiver to drive the headphones, through a speaker/headphone switch mounted in a separate audio box. The schematic of the audio interface box I use now is available at http://www.thewinstonator.com/PDF%20FILES/digital%20interface.pdf Yes, I know I do not use the K2 speaker, but I have found I prefer a speaker that points at me rather then up, I use a old Heath Kit HS-1661 speaker, I repackaged into a new case. The HS-1661 speaker can give plenty of volume as I rarely turn the volume control above the 9 or 10 o'clock position. The HS-1661 speakers can be found at hamfests for about $10 to $20 and I prefer it over the the old Westinghouse mobile radio speakers. I have not tried the K2 with the Motorola mobile speakers, but the case looks the same as the Westinghouse, and I suspect the speaker is similar. On some of my old rigs with low impedance speaker output and high impedance headphones, I have simply wired in a audio transformer (usually a old small audio output speaker) to drive the headphones. Now a day this is not necessary as most headphones are low impedance. 72, Steve Ray K4JPN ex K1VKW EM82ep Warner Robins GA Elecraft K2 1422 KPA-100 Heath Fan HW-101, HW-8 http://www.thewinstonator.com/K4JPN.htm ___ 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] Some Thoughts on Mics
I have had my K2 since 2000 and really enjoyed it, when I first built the KSB2 I was using a Kenwood MC50 mic. When I built the KSB2 it had the original crystals supplied, back in 2000, I have since changed out crystals to the matched set. The audio drive with the MC50 mic was insufficient, to drive the K2 to the correct output power. Upon recommendation of the Elecraft mailing list, I changed R-14 from 1K to 10K, while this gave me plenty of drive, I got reports of the audio being very bassy. Discussions with several hams and Bob Heil of Heil Audio, all told the same thing. The MC50 was designed for hams in Japan and tended to boost the bass frequencies. I changed the element in the MC50 to a Heil HC-5 element and started getting great audio reports. For an experiment I changed R-14 from 10K back to 1K and found that it was lacking the necessary audio drive. Going back to 10K at R14 provided plenty of audio drive. Recently I decided to try some other mics, the following is the results. Computer electret mic, biased with a 1K resistor and 5V. Good audio reports and very cheap to implement. I have only tried this with R-14 at 10K. D-104 mic with the circuit proposed by N9WB to transform the impedance from high to low. http://www.qsl.net/hcara/D-104.htm Again good audio reports. When I first built this it worked fine on QRP, but anything over 25W resulted in rf feed back. I built a simple pi network on the output of the design by N9WB and solved the problem of rf feedback. The pi network circuit was a couple of .002 microF caps with a 1mH choke. Output Mic Amp ___1mH___ Input to K2 | | .002mF .002mF | | G G Heil HC-5 with the amp suggested by N9WR http://www.ac6rm.net/mailarchive/html/elecraft-list/1999-11/msg00700.html N9WR amp works well, but I found it was not needed if I left R-14 at 10K. I also found I had to again put a pi network filter on the output to eliminate rf feedback. I used the same pi network as I used for the D-104 circuit and solved the rf problem. Well on the air reports are great, but they are subjective and prone to the bias of the person who reports to you. I found a easy way to tell how the audio sounds is to use my psk31 interface with the KSB2 in the bal mode and record into the Sound Recorder on my PC, then play it back. I found this works much better then trying to monitor my audio while I am speaking into the mic. This way I get to hear how the audio sounds to me. Your results may vary, but I have decided to remain with the HC-5 element in the MC-50 mic, with leaving R-14 at 10K and not using a preamp. I have no connection with Heil, or the D-104 or any other mics. 72, Steve Ray K4JPN ex K1VKW EM82ep Warner Robins GA Elecraft K2 1422 KPA-100 Heath Fan HW-101, HW-8 http://www.thewinstonator.com/K4JPN.htm ___ 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] Parts Storage
I use the Brass Pro Shops, storage box, for sorting caps and other non electrostatic sensitive components. The box I like is the model 370, as it has adjustable dividers and the price is right. I would never use them for electrostatic components. Keep your electrostatic components in antistatic foam or in a antistatic bag and use a grounded wrist strap. http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=13316hvarDept=100; hvarEvent=hvarClassCode=11hvarSubCode=9hvarTarget=browse I have no connection with the Bass Pro Shop, just like this product. 72, Steve Ray K4JPN ex K1VKW EM82ep Warner Robins GA Elecraft K2 1422 KPA-100 Heath Fan HW-101, HW-8 http://www.thewinstonator.com/k4jpn.htm ___ 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] Replacing IF Crystals in K2
I finally got around to replacing the IF crystals in my K2 S/N 1422 with the new ones. Thought I might pass along the process I used to accomplish the mod. 1. I have a simple hb crystal checker that I can feed into my counter, each crystal was checked to make sure it was working. 2. I took a small file and roughed up the edges of the crystal where I was going to solder the grounds on. 3. I took Tom's NOSS advice and soldered the grounds on before installing the crystals. Iron set to about 725 degrees, pretinned the ground leads and tacked them on. 4. I rechecked the crystals with my crystal checker and they were all still working fine. 5. Removed the KSB2 and installed my KSB2 rework eliminator 6. Removed the first old crystal and ground with my Soder Wick SC-5000 desoldering tool (very similar to a Hakko 808 desoldering gun). 7. Installed the first new crystal. 8. Powered up the K2 and checked to see if it was receiving signals. 9. Unplugged power to K2 and replaced next crystal. 10 Repeated steps 6 through 9 for all the crystals. 11. Realigned K2 filter 12. Very pleased with results and wish I had done it sooner. 72, Steve Ray K4JPN ex K1VKW EM82ep Warner Robins GA Elecraft K2 1422 KPA-100 Heath Fan HW-101, HW-8 http://www.thewinstonator.com/k4jpn.htm ___ 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] Power Supply Thoughts
Just some comments on power supplies for the K2 and KPA100, I have my K2 in its own case with the KPA100, and KAT100 in a separate EC2 case. I run the K2 and KAT100 off a Tripp Lite PR10 (7.5A continuous 10A ICS)power supply and the KPA100 off a Astron 20A (16A continuous 20A ICS) power supply. The reason for this setup is to permit me to go from QRP to QRO (100 W) by simply remote turning on the power supply dedicated for the KPA100. The earlier discussion got me thinking about the current draw (I do not have a high current amp meter), so I decided to simply measure the voltage drop on the various power supplies under load. All rf output power was measured on a Tek 454A scope with a 10 to 1 probe. (I don't believe my Heath Watt meter is near as accurate across the bands as my scope.) The following is the results, they were measured on 20M, but checking on the other bands 160M thru 10M there was no difference. Tripp Lite power supply with K2 in receive and KAT100 13.741V measured at output terminals of power supply. Tripp Lite power supply with K2 in transmit 10 W and KAT100 13.739V measured at output terminals of power supply Note only a 2mV drop. Astron 20A with K2 in receive 13.755V measured at output terminals of Astron power supply.* Astron 20A with K2 in transmit 100W 13.735V measured at output terminals of Astron power supply.* Note only a 20mV drop *Note Astron 20A is only running KPA100. While I do not know the current draw, the drop of only 2 mV on the Tripp Lite power supply with the K2 at 10W and the drop of only 20 mV with the KPA100 running 100 W, tells me that the Astron 20A is more then adequate to run the KPA100 alone. The Tripp Lite PR10 is a 7.5A continuous, 10 A ICS power supply. The Astron 20A is a 16A continuous, 20A ICS power supply. Also note I have not measured the drop of the Astron 20A running the K2, KAT100 and KPA100. 72, Steve Ray K4JPN ex K1VKW EM82ep Warner Robins GA Elecraft K2 1422 KPA-100 Heath Fan HW-101, HW-8 http://www.thewinstonator.com/k4jpn.htm ___ 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] Electret Mic, Bias Resistor and some ideas
I wanted to try out a Electret Mic (old computer mic) with my K2, so came up with the following to provide the bias voltage. I took a computer jumper short and carefully with my Demel tool cut the short (at the top of the jumper), then probed around a old junked computer board till I found a small in physical size 5K ohm surface mount resistor. After removing the resistor from the junked board, I just sweat solder it across the computer jumper short and plug it into pin 6 of the jumper board, I then wired up a 8 Pin mic connector to a stereo headphone connector with the bias line going to the tip and the audio line going to the ring of the stereo connector. It works great to try out cheap computer mics with the K2. It should be noted I have changed R1 on the KSB2 to 5K and it works great with my Heil Mic. Prior to the change out of R1 I did not get enough audio from the Heil mic. I now needed a way to listen to the different mics, well if you set the K2 menu to SSBA BAL you can listen to the audio on headphones, so why not feed it into the computer using my home brew PSK31 interface to record the various mics on the recorder of the computer and then can play it back. I find this works a lot better, then trying to talk into the mic and listen to yourself at the same time. For general interest I seem to get equally good audio reports with the cheap Electret computer mic, a computer headset mic and my HC5 element in my old MC50 mic. Listening to the recordings of the mics I cannot tell the difference. Just some ideas. 73, Steve Ray K4JPN ex K1VKW EM82ep Warner Robins GA Elecraft K2 1422 KPA-100 Heath Fan HW-101, HW-8 http://www.thewinstonator.com/k4jpn.htm ___ 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] (no subject)
Just finished building my Rework Eliminators for my K2, they work fine. Since I have most of the K2 modules, I needed a safe place to store the Rework Eliminators, my concern was protection of the plug pins. I found that a couple of 35 mm film canisters work fine to hold them. The usual disclaimers, no connection with Elecraft or Rework Eliminators. Just want to pass on an idea. Steve Ray K4JPN ex K1VKW EM82ep Warner Robins GA Elecraft K2 1422 KPA-100 Heath Fan HW-101, HW-8 http://www.thewinstonator.com/k4jpn.htm ___ 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] Problems with SSB Audio
Sounds like the problem I had with my K2 on 80 meters, I tracked it down to rf getting into my Astron 12A power supply. It only did it on 80 and 160 and running the K2 into a dummy load did not correct the problem. The problem would show up with the K2 running as low as 4 Watts. The power supply was setup below my steel operating desk. Tried a number of things to cure it and finally tried another power supply, a Tripp Lite 7 Amp supply cured the problem. I have since put a line filter on the input to the Astron 12A and an output filter and reduced the problem of rf getting into the Astron supply, but not completely cured it. The Trip Lite supply looks similar into the design as the Astron, yet it is not susceptible to rf. By the way I use a Astron 20A to run my KPA 100 with no problems and it also ran the K2 with no problems. I now use the Astron 20A for the KPA 100 and the Trip Lite for the K2 and the KAT100 with no problems. I recently tried some additional filtering (ferrite choke) on the Astron 12A and still have problems with it. Guess I will use the Astron 12A for some other stuff where it will not be subject to rf. 72, Steve Ray K4JPN ex K1VKW EM82ep Warner Robins GA Elecraft K2 1422 KPA-100 Heath Fan HW-101, HW-8 http://www.thewinstonator.com/k4jpn.htm ___ 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] Elecraft at Stone Mountain Hamfest
I just got home from the Stone Mountain Hamfest, outside Atlanta Georgia and want to report Elecraft had an excellent display setup by Don, N4HH. When Don saw my Elecraft shirt he told me I was entitled to a great Southern delicacy, a Moon Pie and a bottle water, (well he got half right, any true Southern, including this converted Yankee, knows a Moon Pie goes with a Coke), but thanks Don. It is amazing how many people asked about my Elecraft shirt at the hamfest, I just told them I was another satisfied customer and it is a great rig. I just wanted the group to know the importance of wearing your Elecraft shirts, to hamfests. Who knows, maybe in New England you could get a lobster, Texas BBQ and California abalone, if you wear your Elecraft stuff. Well, it is just an idea. 72, Steve Ray K4JPN ex K1VKW EM82ep Warner Robins GA Elecraft K2 1422 KPA-100 Heath Fan HW-101, HW-8 http://www.thewinstonator.com/k4jpn.htm ___ 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] Dummy Loads and SWR
Just a thought on dummy loads, a number of years ago I noticed my Heath Cantenna was giving me a slightly higher SWR reading instead of 1 to 1. When I measured it with a VTVM I found it was 40 ohms, not the original 50 ohms when I built it 25 or so years ago. I posted this on the Heath users Email list and received around 5 or 6 replies all with the same condition of 40 ohms. The interesting point is that my dummy load has never seen more then 100 W; as I have never have and probably never will own a KW. Several of the replies I received from the Heath users group also had never run a KW into their Heath cantenna's. Last year a Dayton I picked up a dummy load, which is a 50 ohm it is 10 or 20 W resistor on a massive heat sink, and easily handles 100 W, designed for use on VHF, it is flat across the bands, at least from 1.8 to 30 MHz. By the way I also have several hb dummy loads for QRP which I know are also 50 ohms. Steve Ray K4JPN ex K1VKW EM82ep Warner Robins GA Elecraft K2 1422 KPA-100 Heath Fan HW-101, HW-8 http://www.thewinstonator.com/k4jpn.htm ___ 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] Power Supplies and Amplifiers
Tom Skinner wrote: I've been kinda lurking for a while and haven't seen much about power supplies. Is there a 'supply of choice' for the K2? It's needs are modest, and present no difficulty, but for the 100 watt overshoes - well, that might be a different story. The following is my experience with power supplies. I was using an Astron 12A (9 A continuous, 12 A ICS) power supply for my K2 and KTA100, and an Astron 20A (16 A continuous and 20 A ICS) for my KPA 100. The KPA100 and KAT100 are in a separate EC2 case. Both power supplies are under my desk, so the transformers magnetic field will not mess up the K2. I had them set up so I could go QRP by only turning on the Astron 12A for the K2 and KAT100 from the top of my desk and then if I wanted QRO I would turn on the Astron 20A. The above worked great till I started to work 80 CW and got complaints of a rough CW signal whether or not I had the KPA 100 on or off. In other words, if I was running the K2 with the Astron 12A I got rf into the power line to the K2, (note this was also with the K2 into a good 50 ohm dummy load and with power down as low as 5 watts) I tried another power supply for the K2 and found the problem was in the Astron 12A. The solution was to use a Tripp Lite PR10B (7.5 A continuous, 10 A ICS) for the K2 and KAT100. This cured the rf problem on 80 meters. For general interest, I do not have an amp meter to measure the power supply current for the KPA100, but I did measure the voltage drop at the Astron 20A output terminals when it is driving the KPA100 at 100 watts. The volt drop was 50 mV, from 13.78 volts to 13.73 volts, in other words insignificant. This was on all bands 160 to 10 meters (except 60 meters, do not have that mod) and verifying my rf output power at 100 W using a scope. The power drop at the terminals of the Tripp Lite which is used for the K2 and KAT100 was less then 20 mV with the K2 putting out 10 W, again verifying my output power using a scope. I am not into portable operation, so it is setup permanently with switches (Computer AC power distribution panel that fits under my monitor) and power supplies under my desk. I just turn on the main switch and the K2 switch and I am QRP with the K2 and KAT100, by powering up the Tripp Lite power supply,and if I go QRO with the KPA100 turn on the switch for the Astron 20A. 72, Steve Ray K4JPN ex K1VKW EM82ep Warner Robins GA Elecraft K2 1422 KPA-100 Heath Fan HW-101, HW-8 http://www.thewinstonator.com/k4jpn.htm ___ 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] Heath Kit Speaker for the K2
I thought I might pass this along to fellow K2 owners, that I have used an old Heath Kit HS-1661 speaker with my K2 for 4 years now. I have tried a GE Mobile speaker and several other speakers found at hamfests and a couple of TV speakers and still like the HS-1661 the best. The HS-1661 has plenty of volume (leave the volume control at 9 o'clock position) and sounds good. I recently bought another at a hamfest for $15 to mount in a home brew wooden case and save my original for my HW-101. You can usually find them at hamfests for a good price of $15 to $20. Just thought I'd pass this along. 72, Steve Ray K4JPN ex K1VKW EM82ep Warner Robins GA Elecraft K2 1422 KPA-100 Heath Fan HW-101, HW-8 ___ 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
