Re: [Elecraft] TCXO - 0.5PPM
Wayne, is the TCXO drift spec for the period after warmup, or does it include the warmup period? Steve N9SZ >At present, "method 3" remains unimplemented. Fortunately the TCXO's >uncorrected drift is already less than +/- 0.5 PPM from 0 to 50 C. >This was the target for "method 3". >73, >Wayne >N6KR __ 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] CWT and RF GAIN
I find the CWT indicator very useful as a manual tuning aid, for auto zero beating using SPOT, and for obtaining the proper decoding threshold for CW, PSK, and RTTY. I am also one who uses the RF GAIN control to minimize band noise and increase the S/N ratio of weak signals. Unfortunately, the CWT indication is greatly affected by the RF GAIN setting. Turning down the RF GAIN for weak signals often turns off the CWT indication for that signal. In addition, turning down the RF GAIN affects the required threshold setting for decoding CW, PSK, and RTTY. I was wondering if it is possible in a future firmware to unlink the dependence of the appearance of the CWT marker and the decoding thresholds on the RF GAIN setting? I suspect this is not possible, but if so it would greatly improve the usefulness of CWT for those that use the RF GAIN knob often. Steve N9SZ __ 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] Config:Wattmeter
This bug in the wattmeter calibration still exists in the latest firmware. Pressing XMIT during the wattmeter calibration does not transmit, and pressing TUNE does not permit a change of the calibration paramter. On the other hand keying the rig via a keyer does allow the calibration to be performed. Steve N9SZ >Using the latest 2.80 firmware, I find a problem I didn't have with >prior versions. It may be unrelated to the firmware change. I have >only been using the radio for two weeks. >TECH MD set to ON and select CONFIG: WMTR LP or HP. The display shows a >three digit number. When I hold TUNE, the display changes and shows >SWR. The VFO A knob does nothing. >I had set the wattmeter calibration earlier and all went as described in >the manual. >Firmware bug?? Operator error?? >73 de K1ESE >John __ 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 mods
Confusingly, there are actually two mods for the K3 with similar names: The "K3 AF Mod Kit Rev B" which is called the "K3 AF Stage Upgrade" in its instructions. This one is for the line out and speaker signal pathways, and involves changing an RF choke and two 51 ohm resistors. The other mod is the "K3 AF Output Mod Kit, Rev C" and is called the "K3 AF Amplifier Out Modification" in its instructions. This protects the amps in case of a short circuit or low impedance load and involves adding two 470 ohm resistors. Steve N9SZ Julian G4ILO wrote: >Steven.Zabarnick wrote: >> >> I was not able to perform the K3 AF Output Mod (two 470 ohm >> resistors on the KIO3 board). >> >I thought they were two 51 ohm resistors (according to the instruction >sheet >I have here.) Has there been a mod to the mod? __ 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 mods
Yesterday I overcame my fears :-) and successfully performed the following mods on my K3 (S/N 1672): K3 AF Mod (Line out & speaker) IF Output Buffer Gain Mod K3 Extreme Signal RX Protection Mod But, I was not able to perform the K3 AF Output Mod (two 470 ohm resistors on the KIO3 board). I found it impossible to hold the resistor in place will soldering to the connector pins. Does anyone have any suggestions on techniques for installing these resistors? Steve N9SZ __ 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 Retaining NR settings
Now that the K3 firmware is mature and the DSP noise reduction feature works extremely well, isn’t it time for the firmware to retain NR after power cycling? I’m not asking for memory of per band/mode NR settings (although that would be wonderful!), but NR users should not have to turn this feature on every time they power up the rig. I know this was on the list in the past, but it seems like time to move it to the top. Thanks. Steve N9SZ __ 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 A/B button problem
I found that the problem was caused by PowerSDR software running for my LP-PAN panadapter. Steve N9SZ __ 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 A/B button problem
I'm seeing an intermittent problem with the A/B button on my K3. When I have VFO A and B set for different modes and frequencies, pressing the A/B button sometimes copies the frequency from VFO B to A after exchanging them, rather than exchanging them only (the mode is not copied). The problem never occurs when the mode is the same between the two VFO's. Has anyone else observed this? Does the fact that the problem does not occur when the modes are the same, imply that this is a firmware rather than hardware issue? My K3 does not have the subreceiver. Steve N9SZ __ 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] NR problem with the latest beta release
Jim: I can get rid of the tone upon turning on NR if I do any of the following: revert to v3.30 turn off switch tones use my FL2 filter (500 Hz) rather than my FL1 filter (2.7 kHz) and, of course, turning off NR Wayne had me try an EE init, which got rid of the tone, but it returned after a while. It seems to require a very specific filter or hardware setup, a specfic set of config options, and possibly some time pushing buttons. I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one with this problem, because that means it is not a hardware problem with my K3, and I'm not going crazy! I have faith that Wayne and Lyle will solve this, though. Steve N9SZ -Hi Steve - -In my previous e-mail I suggested it was the NB! not so it was in fact NR -and the symtoms are exactly as you describe, reverting to the prevous -beta -release solves the problem. I am interested to know if we are the only -people experiencing this or is it a general problem? - -Jim G4NWJ - - - -I get a continuous tone when engaging NR, but it requires switch tones -set -to on and my FL1 filter to be engaged. Wayne has tried to help me find -the -cause without success yet. - -Steve N9SZ - - --Sinse installing the latest beta release I have a problem with a loud tone --when I engage the NB. Has anyone else experienced this or am I just doing -something wrong? --Jim G4NWJ __ 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 NB problem
I get a continuous tone when engaging NR, but it requires switch tones set to on and my FL1 filter to be engaged. Wayne has tried to help me find the cause without success yet. Steve N9SZ -Sinse installing the latest beta release I have a problem with a loud tone -when I engage the NB. Has anyone else experienced this or am I just doing -something wrong? - -Jim G4NWJ __ 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] V3.41 NR tone
I’d like someone with a similar K3 configuration to help me diagnose a problem by doing a test. Required K3 configuration: Filters- 2.7 kHz in FL1 and 500 kHz in FL2 KAT3 ATU KXV3 KPA3 100 watt amp V3.41 firmware In cw mode, set your filter width to greater than 500 Hz to engage the 2.7 kHz filter in FL1. In the Config Menu set SW TONE to ON. Set the NR to FL1-1, and cycle the NR on and off. Do you hear a continuous tone when NR is cycled on? Thanks. Steve N9SZ __ 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] (no subject)
This leads to the obvious follow-on suggest: Since the XG-2 signal generator is used to calibrate the RF gain and the S-meter, why not include the XG-2 generator as an internal feature of future versions of the K3 (or K4)? Steve N9SZ Brett Howard said: -So if someone has the 50uV elecraft generator (and can do 1uV as well) -why can't the gain calibration feature also calibrate the S-Meter as -well? Just add the insertion of a 1uV signal after the 50uV signal -allows the rig to linearize things and set the S9 point and then you can -set your offset and slopes and what not... __ 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 VFO Tuning Rates
On May 26, 2009 Wayne wrote: -This is referred to as "ballistic" tuning. We experimented with it but -rejected it when we did the K2 design. I haven't tried it on the K3 -yet, but I've added it to my list. - -73, -Wayne -N6KR Back in Jan 2008 there was a discussion of this on the reflector, and on Jan 17, 2008 Greg wrote: -A ballistic type of tuning is already on the list. - -73 -Greg -AB7R Personally I vote yes on ballistic tuning, but I thought it was already on the list. Steve N9SZ Dayton OH __ 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 Noise Reduction..revisited
Hmm, are Lyle's "other irons in the fire" being heated for Eric's "other fish to fry"? :-) More seriously, I also would love to see changes to the noise reduction, particularly to help with weak signal work. I'm not sure why anyone cares about noise reduction for strong signals -- I just turn down the AF gain and the noise goes away :-) Steve N9SZ Don W3FPR wrote: Perhaps Lyle is looking at other alternatives for NR in the K3, but I do know that he is quite busy with other 'irons in the fire' right now, so patience is a virtue for now and we could possibly discover improvements down the road. __ 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] "Hot" K3
Don: I had the same reaction upon first using my new K3 last year. The K3 is significantly more sensitive than my previous rig (IC-756 non-Pro), and as my noise environment is fairly high (inner suburb with ~110 dBm background noise), at first it seemed as if the K3 is fairly noisy. Also, while the S meter of most rigs are calibrated fairly well at S9, their meters are not linear (in dB units) at lower S unit readings (the K3 meter is very linear at 6 dB per S unit)-- with the result that the K3 meter readings are higher by a few S units. I find that I often use the attenuator and/or the RF gain to decrease the band noise in the K3 -- I rarely used these in my other rigs. Also, try playing with the AGC settings, particularly the THR and SLP settings, which can be customized to suit your operating conditions. Also, turning off the AGC and riding the RF gain can really help pull out very weak signals. Steve N9SZ Don Rasmussen wrote: "My new K3 #2308 shows two to three S-units high as compared to my other HF radios, \ and lots of hiss in the speaker audio at low AF levels." __ 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] Weird EMI issue... part deux
I was able to reproduce the noise that James is hearing on my #1672 K3. In my radio it never reaches S7, but I don't have the KBPF3 option. Here, the RIT and XIT settings do not affect the noise. It is mostly between 4.9 and 5.1 MHz as stated by W4TV. I never would have noticed this without James' post, and I am not concerned, but then, I don't have the general receive capability anyway. Steve N9SZ __ 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] Using USB mode for PSK31 rather than DATA A
No I did not turn off compression. I will give this a try. Has anyone else tried using PSK31 with USB mode? >Did you turn compression off? > >Bob NW8L On Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 12:12 PM, wrote: > After all this discussion of power control in DATA A mode vs SSB, I decided > to try using PSK31 with USB mode, rather than DATA A. I changed the MIC SEL > menu item to Line IN and adjusted the ALC meter to 4-5 bars using the MIC > GAIN control. The PSK31 power output appeared to closely match the K3 power > setting. Unfortunately, I received horrendous feedback about the widthand > IMD of my signal -- when I returned to DATA A mode, my signal width and IMD > returned back to acceptable values. > > Steve N9SZ __ 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] Sub Receiver jones...
Another solution is to get an LP-PAN panadapter. This gives a great panadapter plus two PowerSDR receivers. This weekend I was able to monitor K5D on the K3 and/or the primary PowerSDR receiver and listen to (and watch) the pileup on the PowerSDR subreceiver. PowerSDR allows you to put the pileup in one computer speaker and the DX in the other. Pretty cool! I only wish that PowerSDR receiver un-muting after transmission was a little faster. There is a little too much pause there. Steve N9SZ __ 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] Using USB mode for PSK31 rather than DATA A
After all this discussion of power control in DATA A mode vs SSB, I decided to try using PSK31 with USB mode, rather than DATA A. I changed the MIC SEL menu item to Line IN and adjusted the ALC meter to 4-5 bars using the MIC GAIN control. The PSK31 power output appeared to closely match the K3 power setting. Unfortunately, I received horrendous feedback about the widthand IMD of my signal -- when I returned to DATA A mode, my signal width and IMD returned back to acceptable values. Steve N9SZ __ 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 rev. 2.82
I discovered that my cw power issue was due to a bad power supply for my Elecraft W1 wattmeter. My cw power measurement now agrees with the K3 setting. I still see a 50% higher power output in Data A mode than the K3 setting -- this is an improvement over the nearly 100% that I was seeing using previous firmware. These observations agree with what G4ILO is seeing. > >I installed the new beta last and tested the new output power control. >I don't see any improvement in PSK31 output power using DATA A mode. I >still get nearly twice the output power than I have dialed in by the >PWR knob. In the previous firmware, the measure output power in CW >modes agreed with the PWR knob setting, but now the power output in CW >is 20-30% higher than the setting. > > >I will try to redo the transmitter gain calibration to see if this >helps. > >Steve N9SZ > >K3 #1672 __ 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 output
Make sure that you are not in "test mode". Is the TX panel indicator flashing? If so press and hold TEST to turn it off. Steve N9SZ Dave N1IX wrote: -I just received a "new to me" K3. It is a recent serial number 18XX. -The receiver works fine but there is no output power. It goes into transmit the \ -transmit light illuminates.? but no power at all in any mode or on any band nada, \ -nil,? zero!!!? I have checked all the obvious things. I took the covers off and could \ -see nothing that looked wrong. Anyone have any ideas? - -Also, I have a second K3 that I have been using as my primary radio for 3 months. \ -When I moved it to test the new k3 I heard something rattling around. I removed the \ -top cover, turned it over and out fell a wound torroid. I can's see where it is \ -missing? It is green colored with just a few windings. - -Both of these K3s were factory assembled and tested!!! -Needless to say I am having a very bad day!! - -Dave N1IX __ 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 rev. 2.82
I installed the new beta last and tested the new output power control. I don't see any improvement in PSK31 output power using DATA A mode. I still get nearly twice the output power than I have dialed in by the PWR knob. In the previous firmware, the measure output power in CW modes agreed with the PWR knob setting, but now the power output in CW is 20-30% higher than the setting. I will try to redo the transmitter gain calibration to see if this helps. Steve N9SZ K3 #1672 __ 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] Using K3's Pre-amp
Is Dave's S4 background band noise level unusual or should this be considered normal? In my first tier suburban location I typically see S2 to S3 background noise on the 20 to 40 meter bands using cw receive bandwidths of 500 KKz. The first figure and table in the following link (http://www.ve2si.ca/2-points.htm) shows that for suburban locations, typical background noise levels at a 2.4 KHz receiver bandwidth are about -100 dBm at 14 MHz, which is between S4 and S5 (these background noise estimates are based on ITU standards). Do other suburbanites see much lower noise levels than these? Steve N9SZ K3 SN 1672 Wayne said: >May I ask what's causing all that noise in your location? ___ 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] Re: K3 drift
I finally measured the drift that I'm seeing with my K3. I tracked this using the AFC function of Digipan while monitoring the carrier of WWV at 10 Mhz. Upon power up, I see a drift to higher frequencies of 36 Hz over the first 90 seconds, then over the next 5-10 minutes the rig drifts much more slowly downward towards the original power up frequency. This was for a cold K3 in my 52F basement shack. I calculate a drift of 3.6 ppm which is within the spec of the 5 ppm TCXO. Steve N9SZ -Steven Zabarnick/Research/FacStaff/UDayton wrote: - To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net From: Steven Zabarnick/Research/FacStaff/UDayton Date: 12/30/2008 10:15AM Subject: K3 drift During the past week I have noticed my K3 drifting during the first 20 seconds after power up. I hadn’t noticed this previously in my three month old K3 (SN 1672), so I’m wondering if this is normal? With winter here it is colder in my basement shack (maybe down 55 F), so perhaps that could explain the drift. I haven't measured the drift, but definitely have not noticed it in the past. Does anyone else observe this drift? Is this normal during warmup? Steve N9SZ ___ 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 drift
During the past week I have noticed my K3 drifting during the first 20 seconds after power up. I hadn’t noticed this previously in my three month old K3 (SN 1672), so I’m wondering if this is normal? With winter here it is colder in my basement shack (maybe down 55 F), so perhaps that could explain the drift. I haven't measured the drift, but definitely have not noticed it in the past. Does anyone else observe this drift? Is this normal during warmup? Steve N9SZ ___ 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 S meter and AGC on/off
One unique feature of the K3 is that the S meter operates even when AGC is turned off. Lately I've taken to operating often with AGC off to maximize weak signal performance (using the RF gain to control volume), but have noted that the S meter reading is a strong function of whether AGC is on or off. When AGC is off the S meter readings are lower, while when AGC is on the readings are higher by about 2 or 3 S units. This is with the RF gain in the full clockwise position. My K3 S meter is uncalibrated and operating using the default OF and SC configuration settings. Any thoughts on why the meter reads differently between AGC on and off? Steve N9SZ K3 1672 ___ 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] Re:[K3] AGC THR and noise
Oops, mistakenly sent this with the wrong subject line. Jack's measurements of the K3 AGC on the link listed below are quite interesting. As my noise level on the low bands is usually at least S3 or 4, his plots indicate that the noise (S3 is approx -90 dBm) is either in the linear range of the AGC, or just barely in the software AGC range. Don't we really want the band noise in the flat part of the AGC curve, down near -130 dBm? Would operating with the ATT on and/or the RF gain turned down help move the band noise to this part of the curve, resulting in a higher S/N ratio for signals just above the background noise? Steve N9SZ Barry N1EU wrote: >Steven.Zabarnick wrote: >> >> I'm somewhat puzzled by the behavior of the AGC THR adjustment with >> respect >> to band noise. My understanding is that the AGC THR setting adjusts the >> level at which the AGC is activated. Thus, I would expect when listening >> to >> band noise (QRN) that if the noise is activating the AGC, using a higher >> number would prevent AGC activation, resulting in a lower background band >> noise. >> >A higher number means that AGC compression begins at a higher signal level, >so a higher number means you'll hear more noise. > >take a look at the graphs at >http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/elecraft_k3_agc_and_s-meter.htm#AGC_SLP_and_AGC_THR > >73, >Barry N1EU. ___ 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] Re: Help with distorted transmit audio
Jack's measurements of the K3 AGC on the link listed below are quite interesting. As my noise level on the low bands is usually at least S3 or 4, his plots indicate that the noise (S3 is approx -90 dBm) is either in the linear range of the AGC, or just barely in the software AGC range. Don't we really want the band noise in the flat part of the AGC curve, down near -130 dBm? Would operating with the ATT on and/or the RF gain turned down help move the band noise to this part of the curve, resulting in a higher S/N ratio for signals just above the background noise? Steve N9SZ Barry N1EU wrote: >Steven.Zabarnick wrote: >> >> I'm somewhat puzzled by the behavior of the AGC THR adjustment with >> respect >> to band noise. My understanding is that the AGC THR setting adjusts the >> level at which the AGC is activated. Thus, I would expect when listening >> to >> band noise (QRN) that if the noise is activating the AGC, using a higher >> number would prevent AGC activation, resulting in a lower background band >> noise. >> >A higher number means that AGC compression begins at a higher signal level, >so a higher number means you'll hear more noise. > >take a look at the graphs at >http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/elecraft_k3_agc_and_s-meter.htm#AGC_SLP_and_AGC_THR > >73, >Barry N1EU ___ 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] AGC THR and noise
I'm somewhat puzzled by the behavior of the AGC THR adjustment with respect to band noise. My understanding is that the AGC THR setting adjusts the level at which the AGC is activated. Thus, I would expect when listening to band noise (QRN) that if the noise is activating the AGC, using a higher number would prevent AGC activation, resulting in a lower background band noise. But, my experience with the K3 is just the opposite. When adjusting the AGC THR setting I get lower background band noise with a lower setting -- as a matter of fact, a setting of 2 (the lowest AGC THR) signficantly reduces the background noise relative to higher settings. Can someone explain this to me? Steve N9SZ K3 #1672 ___ 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] Re: Help with distorted transmit audio
I experienced this pinched audio problem this weekend. Using the current beta firmware, I noted severely pinched transmit audio (using the transmit monitor). It occurred on some bands but not all, and was present sometimes on only one of the sidebands (i.e., when switching sidebands the audio pinching was gone, and returned when switched to the original sideband). The problem disappeared upon reboot. Steve N9SZ ___ 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- How Robust iis the Tuner?
Maybe it needs to be more robust? Last week I was attempting to tune a short ladderline fed (via a balun) doublet on 80 meters using the KAT3. The tuner successfully tuned the system for the cw part of the band, but had trouble on 75 meters. I tried retuning a few times, and noted smoke and a burning smell. Now antennas connected to the ANT1 connector are deaf, while using the ANT2 connector the tuner works fine. I've successfully used this antenna on 80 meters using an external manual Palstar balanced tuner, but never got a match using the internal tuner in my IC756. While the IC756 tuner cannot provide a match, it never was damaged in my attempts. On the bright side, Elecraft support is sending a replacement KAT3, no questions asked. Steve N9SZ ___ 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] Chaining CW memory messages
A previous reflector post described problems with chaining messages when using the K3 internal keyer memories (M1-M4). I have also observed this problem -- when tapping a memory to chain a message while a message is already playing, sometimes the playing message is interrupted. I can usually get it working correctly by rekeying in the saved message. Sounds like an intermittent bug. Steve N9SZ ___ 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] KAT3 settings saved per band
I use two doublet antennas, one hooked to ANT1 through a balun for 40M which uses the KAT3 tuner, and a second (ANT2) in which I bypass the KAT3 and use an external Palstar BT1500A balanced tuner for 30-10M. Currently, when changing bands I have to remember to bypass/set the KAT3 correctly. I would like to see the KAT3 bypass/auto setting saved per band as is commonly done on other rigs, such as the IC756. Steve N9SZ ___ 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
