Re: [Elecraft] K4?
Bert wrote: > > You would still need some kind of display to verify the voice instruction > or order to the radio, so one way or another you need something visual. > > I guess an audio response to your verbal instruction is possible, but nothing > you can see/verify after the fact. > > A screen of some kind seems to be necessary for convenience - touch or > otherwise! Yes. 7" diagonal would provide the ideal tradeoff between screen size and the portion of the front panel dedicated to hard controls. The display should have much higher resolution than 800x480 (IC7610), IMHO. 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
Re: [Elecraft] K4?
> On Mar 25, 2019, at 9:57 AM, Bert wrote: > > Hi Phil, > > Voice interface is OK with household electronics but I doubt we'll see it > in our transceivers in the near future. The ham radio market is probably > too small to make this feature commercially viable. Again, dollars and cents! > OMHO! > > Bert VE3NR On the other hand, if your radio had a general-purpose Linux single-board computer designed in, with Ethernet access, you could pretty easily include voice recognition either locally or internet-enabled at zero cost. 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
Re: [Elecraft] K4?
> On Mar 25, 2019, at 9:10 AM, Bert wrote: > > Touch screens are unavoidable! The trick is to provide a full complement of "hard" controls for functions accessed most frequently, "in the heat of battle," as they say, while leveraging the touch screen for its versatility. Touchable fields can be added as a backup/shortcut to hard controls. A touch screen inherently offers immediate context-sensitive feedback and in many cases reduced time/effort. Examples include signal selection, zooming, etc. Zooming should also be done right, by resampling at narrower resolution -- is shouldn't just be a "blow-up" of the original pixels, as implemented on some existing radios. Ultimately, get what you pay for. That said, current prices for "high-end" super-radios are ridiculous; they're two to four times higher than necessary. Not only that, they're not configurable or upgradeable. Very un-Elecraft like. 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
Re: [Elecraft] Will there be a K4
> it's over 25 lbs I'm not interested. Was never so happy as the day I sold > that 57 lb TS-990S. Amen, brother. You’ll never see a home-brew rig weighing more than about 12 pounds in my shack. 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
Re: [Elecraft] Bouvet
I avoid even a hint of impropriety by only counting contacts I make on a KX2, miles from civilization, without a computer in sight, with cellphone off, and logging by hand. I credit myself bonus points for inclement weather, mosquitos, etc. Try it sometime ... it's refreshing, not least of which because there's no urban noise, RF, acoustic, or political. Of course it's going to take one helluva backpack antenna to break the pileup at 10 W. Film at 11. 73, Wayne N6KR > On Mar 23, 2019, at 4:04 PM, ab2tc wrote: > > Hi Rick and all, > > Clearly, operating your own home station from a remote location is not a > problem at all, morally or legally. Operating a remote "superstation", even > if domestic, from your home location (or other place) in order to add DXCC > credits to your home call clearly is. So you are saying that's as long as > the "superstation" is domestic, it's OK. Rules need to be changed. > > See Eric, I didn't end the sentence with "period". I am learning. > > AB2TC - Knut > > > > Rick WA6NHC-2 wrote >> While the ARRL has accepted remotes as 'legal' for DXCC credit (a >> dubious decision) IF the user is within the same entity as the rest of >> the DXCC entries on the application, it then becomes a moral issue. >> It's faster than driving around the entity for better propagation, also >> entirely 'legit'; or owning several stations scattered about (also legal >> for DXCC and brings up the argument of 'buying' the DXCC, ignored for >> the moment). >> >> Ultimately, all operators must live with the moral choices they've >> made... no one else can shame or praise them as much as they do to >> themselves; presuming that each is honest to ones self. >> >> I can say with certainty that every entry in my log was made with my >> radio, using my antenna(s) that I put up personally (sometimes with >> assistance in this arena). Since I don't really compete against others >> and my fiercest competition, is me. That is the (moral) choice one must >> use; to be true to self. I refer to any DXCC standings, simply to see >> how I'm doing in the overall 'game'. Using my station remotely while >> traveling, doesn't affect that; it's still MY station. >> >> In fairness, not everyone can have a station these days (HOA, budget, >> space) so there is a place for a remote station... I'm not belittling >> that. But HOW it's used, is again, a moral choice. For me, having a >> selection of rented stations about, just to use the best propagation, >> violates my ethics. Choose wisely, you have to live with yourself. >> >> 73 >> Rick NHC >> >> On 3/23/2019 3:05 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >>> Knut, >>> >>> If I recall, the DXCC credit is for the location of the transmitting >>> station, so if you are operating remotely, it would be the location of >>> the station you are remoting into, not your control location. >>> >>> 73, >>> Don W3FPR >>> >> > > > > > > -- > Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft 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] Legacy = Low Latency: FSK-D mode
If you're a new owner of a K3, K3S, KX3 or KX2 -- or if, like most of us, you never quite made it all the way through the owner's manual -- you might not have tried our FSK-D mode. This is one of our favorite features. It gives you an amazingly simple way to dabble in amateur radio's original yet still actively used data mode: RTTY. As embodied in our FSK-D mode, RTTY has two major advantages over FT8, JT9, and similar computer-mediated modes...but first some background. * * * RTTY (radio teletype) has a long, colorful history. The basic encoding and transmission methods were invented in the 1800s, and were later used by wireline news services as well as for wartime comms. It has been in use by hams since around the end of WWII, who took advantage of surplus military teleprinters. For more on this, see: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioteletype#Early_amateur_radioteletype_history As a teenager in the 1970s I had a Teletype Corp Model 15. This page shows some examples of what this beast looked like: http://www.baudot.net/teletype/M15.htm In my shack, the Model 15 and all of its associated paraphernalia took up most of a workbench. It made a huge racket and consumed reams of paper, not to mention oil. Sadly, I never did get everything working properly and never made an QSO with it. Yet my fascination with RTTY continued. When we designed the K3, my interest was rekindled, and we endowed it with the ability to decode and encode 45-baud RTTY signals. The DSP handled demodulation, while the MCU assembled character bit streams. (We later added 75-baud RTTY as well as PSK31 and PSK63 modes.) Lyle Johnson (KK7P) and I had quite a bit of fun when we first got decode working. Speaking strictly for both of us, tuning around between 14.080 and 14.100 during an RTTY contest was like being a teenager all over again. We quickly added the ability to transmit in this mode using the CW keyer paddle and message memories. The upshot is that I finally had my first RTTY QSO, doing it the hard way -- writing a good chunk of the firmware that made it possible. Here's the importing thing: our K-Line/KX-Line implementation of RTTY makes it incredibly simple to use. It's nearly foolproof. The setup details vary a bit among the rigs, but basically you select DATA mode, then FSK-D sub-mode, and turn text decode on. Then just tune around in the RTTY band segments until you see signals start to decode. If you're a CW op, you can immediately transmit in RTTY mode by simply sending CW. If not, you can connect a netbook or laptop to your rig (via a USB port), then use the Terminal window in K3/KX3/KX2 Utility along with the keyboard. The Utility for each rig includes instructions for using the Terminal window. * * * Earlier I claimed that RTTY operation using our FSK-D mode has some advantages over FT8, etc. Here they are: 1. You don't necessarily need a computer. Decoded and encoded text scrolls across the radio's display. At your home station, this is great for simply tuning around casually; no need to turn on the computer or set up software applications. It's an even bigger advantage for field operation. With the KX3 or KX2, you can use RTTY (or PSK31/63) from essentially anywhere, even operating hand-held. During Field Day and RTTY contests, I make a point of taking a hike and making a few RTTY Q's pedestrian mobile (/PM). When a band is open, you can work the world in these modes. (For some of us, it doesn't get much better than this :) 2. Our FSK-D and PSK-D modes are *conversational*, with no restrictions on what you can send, no software delays or time synchronization, no predetermined frequencies, and a natural style of interaction as with CW or SSB. The receiver is automatically configured for a narrow passband, so you simply tune in a signal until you start seeing decoded text -- often a CQ -- then respond with the keyer paddle, or with the keyboard on your netbook/laptop, if applicable. As you can see, we've come a long way from the Model 15, paper, oil, noise, and complex terminal hardware. In addition to using the display on the rig itself, our panadapters can be used. Text can be displayed on our P3-SVGA display, as well as on the PX3. A keyboard can be connected to either the P3 or PX3. Next time you're listening on 20 meters, the most popular band for RTTY, take a quick spin above 14.080. If you hear some of those magical tones, turn on FSK-D mode and give this mode a try. Many DXpeditions have an RTTY station operating during some periods, so you'll often hear RTTY ops making DX contacts. In general, RTTY DX stations are quickly "spotted" when they pop up, so mini-pileups can form at any time. There are also a number of RTTY contests, in addition to stations operating in RTTY mode during Field Day, etc. For a calendar of events, see: https://www.rttycontesting.com/records/ If the contest exchange is simple (non-serialized), you can probably oper
[Elecraft] Who's your favorite Elecraft Elmer?
One thing that defines Elecraft is an extended community comprised of builders, operators, tinkerers, and friends. It's been gratifying to watch the breadth and depth of this interaction over the years (mostly civilized and helpful :) In particular, we'd like to recognize those who have stepped up to become "Elecraft Elmers," helping get others' kits working, figuring out cabling or software setup problems, and coaching new operators about how to make the most of their radios' features on the air. If you have someone in mind, please tell us who they are and how they helped. Specific examples with short narratives would be great. We'll include as many of your stories as possible in upcoming newsletters. Please send them to: margaret at elecraft dot com. 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
Re: [Elecraft] Should I worry about the toroids in the KXAT3 with vibration when carrying?
Hi Richard, The toroids weigh almost nothing and the wire is very strong. We've never had an issue with toroids coming loose under normal levels of vibration. 73, Wayne N6KR > On Mar 5, 2019, at 10:11 AM, Richard Corfield > wrote: > > The toroids don't seem fastened down in any way. Cycling with it in my > pannier bag today over our rubbish roads I was a bit worried about it. > Could they shake loose given the vibration? Do I need to do anything to > protect them? (Though I note instruction requiring them to be movable > should I ever install the 2m module). > > Thanks > - Richard > __ > 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 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 AFV TIM
Hi Mike, This will be fixed in the next release. For now the setting is fixed at either 500 ms or 1 second per update. This applies to the audio voltmeter/dBV voltmeter functions of the DISPLAY switch. 73, Wayne N6KR > On Feb 27, 2019, at 3:02 PM, K4PI wrote: > > I asked this before but could never get an answer. At one time I used the > setting in CONFIG AFV TIM but I cannot get it to work anymore. It just has > two - - in the window. I am in TECH MD and have latest updates. It quit > working some time back and apparently one of the upgrades killed it. Any > info on this? 73 Mike K4PI > > __ > 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 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] MacGyvering the AX1 whip antenna: 30 and 40 meters in a pinch
Mac·Gy·ver Verb, informal (U.S.): To make or repair (an object) in an improvised or inventive way, making use of whatever items are at hand * * * Last weekend I had the good fortune to be on the Kern River, in the southern Sequoia range, with excellent hiking *and* RF conditions. I parked my car at the Hobo day-use area and proceed to hunt for a place called Miracle Hot Springs. On the web there are photos of the springs, but I never did find them. (Hints, anyone?) Rather than continue the search, I decided to scramble up a very steep hillside for a better view. And/or a promising operating perch. Thanks to a very wet winter, the soil was just slightly moist and covered in well-rooted grass and moss in several lurid shades of green. It was optimally packed for a near-vertical ascent. When I was a hundred or feet above the river gorge, I took in the view, ate lunch, then broke out the KX2 and the AX1 17/20 meter whip. I found both bands open for short skip. After I got tired of working 20-over-nine VE7s I decided to give the lower bands a listen. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to bring the longer lengths of wire usually required to get onto 40 meters (20-25 feet). But I did have two 13' radial wires of the type supplied with the AX1. I left one of them connected to the rig's chassis ground, then threw the other into a nearby scrub pine and connected it to the rig's BNC jack using a BNC-to-binding-post adapter. The KX2's ATU gave it the ol' college try, but the SWR on 40 m was still in the 8 to 10:1 range due to the very short electrical length. Here's where the "MacGyvering" part comes in. (Remember the TV show? Admittedly the stakes were not quite as high on this occasion. But still.) I reattached the loading coil portion of the AX1 to the KX2, without the whip. Then I stripped the tree-supported radial wire back a couple of inches, unscrewed the coil's aluminum cap a bit, and wrapped a turn of the radial around the cap. Retightening the cap made the assembly quite stable. I found that I could now get close to a 1:1 match on 30 meters with the 17 meter AX1 setting, and the same on 40 meters using the 20 meter setting. In effect, the AX1 became a very high-Q extension to the ATU's L-network. I had no trouble being heard on the low bands with this arrangement. Of course a pair of longer wires would have provided better results. But I'm sure MacGyver would make do with a guitar string if he'd forgotten his garrote. 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] Searching for Noise (i.e., Samples Thereof)
As time permits, we're trying to better characterize the RF noise that plagues stations at various locations. So far, data collected during this informal survey has taken the form of verbal descriptions. Scope traces or digitized samples would be much more helpful, since they'd show the actual waveforms. We could then look at how to better suppress the noise profiles, pulse widths, and rep rates encountered by stations surrounded by modern appliances, vehicles, peripherals, lighting, etc. Many of these didn't exist decades ago when the first noise blankers were designed. On a K3 or K3S, the best place to capture noise signals would be at the output of the first MC1350 in the KNB3's amplifier chain. In the presence of strong noise, the signal at this point is likely to produce a visible scope trace, or a good sample using an RF digitizer. The latter would have to do a good job at the IF, 8.215 MHz. On a KX3, the RX IQ outputs should work, assuming the noise signal is quite strong. As the RX IQ signal occurs at base band, a much lower-bandwidth scope or an audio-class A-to-D converter would suffice. Spectral data would also be of use in both cases. I don't have any specific recommendations for equipment or software. But if you have the means in hand, as well as a noise problem worth capturing, feel free to contact me directly. Please include photos or screen captures as well as details on what remediation techniques work -- and don't. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] How to save your ears when AGC is OFF (K3/K3S/KX3/KX2)
Here's another feature available on all of our newer radios: the AF limiter. Background -- AGC (automatic gain control) keeps the AF output level of a receiver relatively constant over a wide range of RF input levels. Most operators keep their receiver's AGC on at all times, so there's no need to "ride" the RF gain control. However, some operators prefer to turn AGC off. When AGC is off, you experience the full dynamic range of received signals, which can help separate signals from each other, or just provide a more "lively" receiver sound completely free of gain adjustments. But in this case you *do* need to manually adjust RF GAIN to keep signals in a comfortable range. The problem with this operating style is that extra-large signals can pop up unexpectedly. You might not be able to manually react fast enough to keep them in a comfortable range. This is the reason for the AF limiter. Setting Up the AF Limiter - The AF limiter is set using CONFIG:AF LIM (K3/K3S) or MENU:AF LIM (KX3/KX2). The default value is "NOR" (normal), which puts the limit threshold very high -- around the point where the AF amplifier chain itself would cause limiting (extremely loud). So if you plan to turn AGC off, you'll need to set AF LIM lower. A good approach is to start with AF LIM = 23. Then turn off AGC (see below), and see if you feel that the limiter needs to come on at a weaker signal level (lower number), or stronger (higher number). The manual recommends a range of 17 to 23. Turning AGC Off --- - On the K3 or K3S, hold the AGC switch (the yellow label is "OFF"). - On the KX3 or KX2, set MENU:AGC MD to OFF. In both cases, this will change the AGC icon from "AGC-S" or "AGC-F" (AGC on, Slow or Fast) to "AGC-" (AGC off). With AGC off, be prepared to adjust the RF GAIN control, and don't forget to adjust the AF LIM value as described above. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft business practices
Lou, I've asked our sales department to investigate this. Sorry for the double glitch! 73, Wayne N6KR > On Feb 8, 2019, at 4:41 AM, Lou Voerman W2ROW wrote: > > Let me start by saying that I am a long term Elecraft customer. I have built > 4 K2s and a K1. I also own a K3, K3s, KX3, KX2 and other Elecraft gear. I > helped out for several years as a volunteer in the Elecraft booth at the > RARS hamfest here in Raleigh. > > Two recent experiences involving backordered AX1s have left me concerned > because my credit card was charged before Elecraft shipped the product. In > both cases the backorder turned out to be longer than a month. I was not > offered a refund on my credit card until I actually cancelled the orders. > Note this was not a hold of funds on the card, it was an actual charge. In > the first instance the AX1 was part of a larger order which included a KX2. > I was charged for the entire order even though the AX1 did not ship. In the > second instance the AX1 was listed as in stock when I ordered, I was > notified that there was a week delay and then notified the delay was longer. > My credit card was charged on the day the order was received by Elecraft. I > cancelled and am awaiting a refund. > > Back in the early days of internet ordering the most important test of a > company's business practices was that they not charge a credit card before > shipment. Amazon is a perfect example of this, they never charge before > shipment. I will allow for some exceptions where I am told in advance that I > am placing a preorder and my card will be charged immediately. Elecraft did > not do this in either case described above. > > The bottom line and based on the experiences above, it appears to be > Elecraft policy to charge credit cards before shipment. I am extremely > disappointed with this. Sorry for the long post. > > Lou W2ROW > > > > -- > Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to n...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] One of my most-used K3/K3S/KX3/KX2 features: Per-band quick memories
All of our K-Line and KX-Line rigs include our "quick memories" feature. I use this all the time. In case you missed it, I thought I'd remind everyone how it works. First: Why do you need quick memories? The general idea is that, on each band, you probably have some favorite starting points (frequencies) in each mode, or maybe a couple of them in a particular mode. For example, on 20 meters I typically start looking for signals on 14005 in CW mode, 14200 in SSB mode, 140083 in FSK-D (RTTY) mode, etc. On 6 and 10 meters I use only CW and SSB, but I have a couple of favorite beacons. On transverter bands, I have some local repeaters I routinely check. The need for these often-used starting points is what led us to the quick-memory concept. You can store and recall up to 4 quick memories on each band. Here's how it works: 1. Set up a VFO frequency and mode of interest. (Set up both VFO A and B if you like. I always do this, in effect making each quick memory store two frequencies that I can quickly check by tapping A/B. In some cases I use them as the starting and ending points for scanning.) 2. Tap V>M (on the K3/K3S) or STORE (on the KX3/KX2). 3. Tap the '1' switch on the numeric keypad. This saves the present VFOs to the first quick memory. Repeat these steps to create up to four quick memories on the current band, then move to the next band. To retrieve a quick memory, tap M>V (K3/K3S) or RCL (KX3/KX2). 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Winter Field Day report (Blazing Saddles edition)
The "winter" weather in California over the weekend was embarrassingly mild. Even balmy. It'll likely go down as the hottest January on record, as last year's did, and the one before that, etc., making this hardly the place to mount a credible WFD effort. Worse, a heavy slate of honey-dos reduced my on-air time to just a couple of hours. So I band-hopped and logged a dozen or so QSOs on SSB and CW. It was a bit like summer Field Day squeezed into less spectral real-estate. Surely some of you have more exciting reports Polar Vortex, plague, locusts? Grog that wouldn't thaw? Tongue stuck to icy telescoping whip? 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Reminder: Winter Field Day (WFD) going on right now...
Quite a bit of activity right now in WFD, especially 40 m SSB around 7200 kHz. If you're not feeling adventurous, just operate from home and sign "1H ". Have fun! Wayne N6KR > On Jan 24, 2019, at 8:01 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > > If, like me, you feel like one field day a year is not enough, then by all > means give Winter Field Day a try. This event has been going on for some > time, with growing participation, and in most respects it’s very similar to > the annual ARRL Field Day. (It is NOT a QRP-only event.) > > The exchange is the number of transmitters in your group, plus a class, and > your ARRL section. Classes include indoor, outdoor, and home (I, O, and H). > For example, operating outdoors with my single transmitter, I’ll be signing > “1O SCV” in CW, or on phone, “one oh Santa Clara Valley.” > > The contest period is also similar. This year it starts at 1900 UTC on > Saturday and goes through 1900 UTC on Sunday (2 PM U.S. Eastern time). > Specific band segments are designated to help participants find each other. > Given the time of year, I’d expect the low bands to be very active. > > WFD is a great opportunity to throw a wire in the tree and operate from a > picnic table, tent, or RV, or operate from the comfort of home and give the > shivering masses a few well-deserved QSOs. > > For a complete rules, go to winterfieldday.com. > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > > > > elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Latest Elecraft NEWS
Jan wrote: > Nice write-up about CW Spotting... Thanks. > You write: armed with a dozen or so crusty FT-243 crystals for my Heath HW-16 > (Away from "where" was a poorly answered question, as my Hallicrafters > receiver dial wasn't exactly digital.) > > QUESTION: Did your Heathkit HW-16 not have a tune-able receiver? > Out-of-order editing on my part. (Thank you for closely reading your Elecraft News.) The HW-16 does have a receiver, of course. > Then you continue with: Fortunately I soon acquired an outboard VFO, a > life-changing addition to my station. > > QUESTION: What does an outboard VFO have to do with CW?? I could then answer stations on their frequency rather than use crystals. Major step forward. > Jealous friends doubled up on their paper routes to pay for their own. Girls > suddenly paid more attention to me. [What??] Remember: I was 15 and had a nuanced imagination. > So, why the Hallicrafters mention ?? I later acquired a Hallicrafters HT-37 and SX-111 receiver. Dial accuracy was one of their weak points. Wayne N6K __ 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] Winter Field Day — this weekend
If, like me, you feel like one field day a year is not enough, then by all means give Winter Field Day a try. This event has been going on for some time, with growing participation, and in most respects it’s very similar to the annual ARRL Field Day. (It is NOT a QRP-only event.) The exchange is the number of transmitters in your group, plus a class, and your ARRL section. Classes include indoor, outdoor, and home (I, O, and H). For example, operating outdoors with my single transmitter, I’ll be signing “1O SCV” in CW, or on phone, “one oh Santa Clara Valley.” The contest period is also similar. This year it starts at 1900 UTC on Saturday and goes through 1900 UTC on Sunday (2 PM U.S. Eastern time). Specific band segments are designated to help participants find each other. Given the time of year, I’d expect the low bands to be very active. WFD is a great opportunity to throw a wire in the tree and operate from a picnic table, tent, or RV, or operate from the comfort of home and give the shivering masses a few well-deserved QSOs. For a complete rules, go to winterfieldday.com. 73, Wayne N6KR elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Urban stealth HF: Inside-the-backpack loop antenna?
That might fit. Maybe something a little shorter, say 18". Can it be used with just 2 feet of coax? What's the bandwidth? How does it compare to a 3' loop or a 4' whip? Wayne N6KR > On Jan 23, 2019, at 9:51 AM, Jeff Wagner wrote: > > See the picture of a 20 Meter EH antenna on my QRZ page > https://www.qrz.com/db/KK6CUG. > > It would fit into a backpack but it's 20 M only. Beer bottle for scale only - > hi hi. > > https://www.qrz.com/db/KK6CUG > > Jeff, KK6CUG > > On 1/23/2019 8:34, Wayne Burdick n...@elecraft.com [KX3] wrote: >> The entire purpose of the exercise is to be able to operate while walking. >> If the field is a potential health risk, power would have to be dropped >> accordingly. >> >> Wayne >> >> > On Jan 23, 2019, at 8:28 AM, Jim Miller wrote: >> > >> > I assume that this "backpack frame antenna" wouldn't be actually used when >> > being worn. The circulating currents in a Hi-Q loop result in strong RF >> > fields along the loop axis which should be avoided in use. >> > >> > jim ab3cv >> > >> > > > > > > > > > > >> > On Wed, Jan 23, 2019 at 11:21 AM Wayne Burdick wrote: >> > Wish I had time to build one of these myself! A few other things in the >> > queue >> > >> > Wayne >> > N6KR >> > >> > >> > > On Jan 23, 2019, at 6:32 AM, 'Dale Parfitt' pari...@frontier.com [KX3] >> > > wrote: >> > > >> > > >> > > HI Wolf, >> > > >> > > VK3YE could have done so much better from an efficiency standpoint >> > > without making the loop any larger. >> > > >> > > 1. Flat metal stock is not as efficient as round stock (of the same >> > > circumference) because current crowding at the edges of the rectangular >> > > stock makes it appear smaller in surface area. >> > > >> > > 2. A much lower D capacitor such as a dual gang air variable with the >> > > gangs in series (to avoid resistive losses in the bearings) or a >> > > butterfly would also have aided in higher efficiency. >> > > >> > > 3. Copper would have helped efficiency somewhat with its lower RF >> > > resistance and ability to be soldered versus mechanical connections, but >> > > that is partially offset by aluminum’s larger skin depth. Of course >> > > copper is heavier and more expensive, but in tube form the weight issue >> > > could be minimized.. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > Just some thoughts. Again, the VK1OD calculator allows one to make >> > > precise efficiency measurements so even small improvements can be >> > > measured. As an example, the difference in efficiency between using >> > > braided coax as the loop radiator versus hardline or copper tubing is >> > > readily apparent. For the same diameter loop and same conductor >> > > diameter, a narrower bandwidth means higher efficiency. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > Dale W4OP >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > From: k...@yahoogroups.com [mailto:k...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of >> > > 'Wolf Hoeller, OE7FTJ' wolf.oe7...@gmail..com [KX3] >> > > Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2019 4:57 AM >> > > To: k...@yahoogroups.com >> > > Subject: Fwd: [KX3] Urban stealth HF: Inside-the-backpack loop antenna? >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > Wayne, >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > a really good idea. >> > > >> > > Have a look at VK3YE's youtube channel for his experiment to put a loop >> > > antenna in (frame of) a notebook bag. >> > > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC5lFbLqaeg >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > Another good idea for a stealth antenna has the spain company Inac. Here >> > > is the suitcase with a loop inside the frame: >> > > https://www.inac-radio.com/MAK721PRO >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > I would like the idea, to sit in an urban park with my backpack or >> > > similar on my knees and make some contacts. >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > &g
Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Urban stealth HF: Inside-the-backpack loop antenna?
The entire purpose of the exercise is to be able to operate while walking. If the field is a potential health risk, power would have to be dropped accordingly. Wayne > On Jan 23, 2019, at 8:28 AM, Jim Miller wrote: > > I assume that this "backpack frame antenna" wouldn't be actually used when > being worn. The circulating currents in a Hi-Q loop result in strong RF > fields along the loop axis which should be avoided in use. > > jim ab3cv > > On Wed, Jan 23, 2019 at 11:21 AM Wayne Burdick wrote: > Wish I had time to build one of these myself! A few other things in the > queue > > Wayne > N6KR > > > > On Jan 23, 2019, at 6:32 AM, 'Dale Parfitt' pari...@frontier.com [KX3] > > wrote: > > > > > > HI Wolf, > > > > VK3YE could have done so much better from an efficiency standpoint without > > making the loop any larger. > > > > 1. Flat metal stock is not as efficient as round stock (of the same > > circumference) because current crowding at the edges of the rectangular > > stock makes it appear smaller in surface area. > > > > 2. A much lower D capacitor such as a dual gang air variable with the gangs > > in series (to avoid resistive losses in the bearings) or a butterfly would > > also have aided in higher efficiency. > > > > 3. Copper would have helped efficiency somewhat with its lower RF > > resistance and ability to be soldered versus mechanical connections, but > > that is partially offset by aluminum’s larger skin depth. Of course copper > > is heavier and more expensive, but in tube form the weight issue could be > > minimized.. > > > > > > > > Just some thoughts. Again, the VK1OD calculator allows one to make precise > > efficiency measurements so even small improvements can be measured. As an > > example, the difference in efficiency between using braided coax as the > > loop radiator versus hardline or copper tubing is readily apparent. For the > > same diameter loop and same conductor diameter, a narrower bandwidth means > > higher efficiency. > > > > > > > > Dale W4OP > > > > > > > > From: k...@yahoogroups.com [mailto:k...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of 'Wolf > > Hoeller, OE7FTJ' wolf.oe7...@gmail..com [KX3] > > Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2019 4:57 AM > > To: k...@yahoogroups.com > > Subject: Fwd: [KX3] Urban stealth HF: Inside-the-backpack loop antenna? > > > > > > > > > > > > Wayne, > > > > > > > > a really good idea. > > > > Have a look at VK3YE's youtube channel for his experiment to put a loop > > antenna in (frame of) a notebook bag. > > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC5lFbLqaeg > > > > > > > > Another good idea for a stealth antenna has the spain company Inac. Here is > > the suitcase with a loop inside the frame: > > https://www.inac-radio.com/MAK721PRO > > > > > > > > I would like the idea, to sit in an urban park with my backpack or similar > > on my knees and make some contacts. > > > > > > > > > > Wolf, OE7FTJ > > > > Emergency Communications via Winlink Global Radio Email ®️ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Am Di., 22. Jan. 2019 um 21:57 Uhr schrieb Wayne Burdick n...@elecraft.com > > [KX3] : > > > >> > >> > >> I’ve engaged in plenty of ultralight HF pack operation, with a KX2, AX1 > >> antenna and a dragged counterpoise. In wide open spaces it’s a blast. But > >> urban settings with dogs, wire-eating cacti and overzealous Neighborhood > >> Watchers can distract from one’s radio experience. > >> > >> > >> > >> So, just for grins, I’d like to try something completely incognerdo: no > >> visible antenna. A small remotely tuned loop (say 12” diameter) would seem > >> to be the best choice, as it would fit entirely inside a small backpack. > >> It could have modest efficiency while not requiring a counterpoise wire. > >> Rigid 1” copper pipe formed in a square would be convenient to deploy. > >> > >> > >> > >> The loop would be only 6 to 8” from soft tissue, so you’d want to run QRP, > >> of course. OTOH, we’re talking about HF. A cellphone by your ear is > >> probably worse. > >> > >> > >> > >> Any other antenna suggestions? > >> > >
Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Urban stealth HF: Inside-the-backpack loop antenna?
Wish I had time to build one of these myself! A few other things in the queue Wayne N6KR > On Jan 23, 2019, at 6:32 AM, 'Dale Parfitt' pari...@frontier.com [KX3] > wrote: > > > HI Wolf, > > VK3YE could have done so much better from an efficiency standpoint without > making the loop any larger. > > 1. Flat metal stock is not as efficient as round stock (of the same > circumference) because current crowding at the edges of the rectangular stock > makes it appear smaller in surface area. > > 2. A much lower D capacitor such as a dual gang air variable with the gangs > in series (to avoid resistive losses in the bearings) or a butterfly would > also have aided in higher efficiency. > > 3. Copper would have helped efficiency somewhat with its lower RF resistance > and ability to be soldered versus mechanical connections, but that is > partially offset by aluminum’s larger skin depth. Of course copper is heavier > and more expensive, but in tube form the weight issue could be minimized.. > > > > Just some thoughts. Again, the VK1OD calculator allows one to make precise > efficiency measurements so even small improvements can be measured. As an > example, the difference in efficiency between using braided coax as the loop > radiator versus hardline or copper tubing is readily apparent. For the same > diameter loop and same conductor diameter, a narrower bandwidth means higher > efficiency. > > > > Dale W4OP > > > > From: k...@yahoogroups.com [mailto:k...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of 'Wolf > Hoeller, OE7FTJ' wolf.oe7...@gmail..com [KX3] > Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2019 4:57 AM > To: k...@yahoogroups.com > Subject: Fwd: [KX3] Urban stealth HF: Inside-the-backpack loop antenna? > > > > > > Wayne, > > > > a really good idea. > > Have a look at VK3YE's youtube channel for his experiment to put a loop > antenna in (frame of) a notebook bag. > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC5lFbLqaeg > > > > Another good idea for a stealth antenna has the spain company Inac. Here is > the suitcase with a loop inside the frame: > https://www.inac-radio.com/MAK721PRO > > > > I would like the idea, to sit in an urban park with my backpack or similar on > my knees and make some contacts. > > > > > Wolf, OE7FTJ > > Emergency Communications via Winlink Global Radio Email ®️ > > > > > > > > Am Di., 22. Jan. 2019 um 21:57 Uhr schrieb Wayne Burdick n...@elecraft.com > [KX3] : > >> >> >> I’ve engaged in plenty of ultralight HF pack operation, with a KX2, AX1 >> antenna and a dragged counterpoise. In wide open spaces it’s a blast. But >> urban settings with dogs, wire-eating cacti and overzealous Neighborhood >> Watchers can distract from one’s radio experience. >> >> >> >> So, just for grins, I’d like to try something completely incognerdo: no >> visible antenna. A small remotely tuned loop (say 12” diameter) would seem >> to be the best choice, as it would fit entirely inside a small backpack. It >> could have modest efficiency while not requiring a counterpoise wire. Rigid >> 1” copper pipe formed in a square would be convenient to deploy. >> >> >> >> The loop would be only 6 to 8” from soft tissue, so you’d want to run QRP, >> of course. OTOH, we’re talking about HF. A cellphone by your ear is >> probably worse. >> >> >> >> Any other antenna suggestions? >> >> >> >> Wayne >> >> N6KR >> >> >> >> >> > > > __._,_.___ > Posted by: "Dale Parfitt" > Reply via web post• Reply to sender • Reply to group > • Start a New Topic • Messages in this topic (2) > > Have you tried the highest rated email app? > With 4.5 stars in iTunes, the Yahoo Mail app is the highest rated email app > on the market. What are you waiting for? Now you can access all your inboxes > (Gmail, Outlook, AOL and more) in one place. Never delete an email again with > 1000GB of free cloud storage. > VISIT YOUR GROUP > • Privacy • Unsubscribe • Terms of Use > > SPONSORED LINKS > > > > . > > > __,_._,___ __ 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] Urban stealth HF: Inside-the-backpack loop antenna?
Up the power to 100 W and you’ve got a personal heating appliance. Awesome. “Without RF, life itself would be impossible.” Wayne elecraft.com > On Jan 22, 2019, at 9:04 PM, David Gilbert wrote: > > > > Here's another idea. > > Run a wire inside your shirt from one cuff across your back and down to the > other cuff. Wrap loading coils around each arm just above the elbow. Feed > the "dipole" in the center at the back of your neck. > > I did a quick model (assuming your arms are held straight out) with 5.5 feet > total length and 2200 inductive ohms for each coil, with each coil 30% from > their respective ends of the wire. It "resonates" at around 14.15 MHz, but > with only about 0.4 ohms real feedpoint impedance. I assume it would take > some sort of extra matching network to bring that up enough that a KX2 with > the internal tuner could drive it. > > Ignoring the effect of a person's arm, another quick calculation says that > the arm coils would need to be roughly 11 turns of 10 gauge wire 3.5 inches > in diameter ... unless I made a mistake, which is quite possible. > > It would bring new meaning to the term "compromise antenna", but I bet it > would be more effective than a super small loop the size of backpack frame. > > 73, > Dave AB7E > > > >> >> >>> On 1/22/19 12:57 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: >>> I’ve engaged in plenty of ultralight HF pack operation, with a KX2, AX1 >>> antenna and a dragged counterpoise. In wide open spaces it’s a blast. But >>> urban settings with dogs, wire-eating cacti and overzealous Neighborhood >>> Watchers can distract from one’s radio experience. >>> >>> So, just for grins, I’d like to try something completely incognerdo: no >>> visible antenna. A small remotely tuned loop (say 12” diameter) would seem >>> to be the best choice, as it would fit entirely inside a small backpack. It >>> could have modest efficiency while not requiring a counterpoise wire. >>> Rigid 1” copper pipe formed in a square would be convenient to deploy. >>> >>> The loop would be only 6 to 8” from soft tissue, so you’d want to run QRP, >>> of course. OTOH, we’re talking about HF. A cellphone by your ear is >>> probably worse. >>> >>> Any other antenna suggestions? >>> >>> 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 > Message delivered to n...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Urban stealth HF: Inside-the-backpack loop antenna?
Thanks for the amazing response and great ideas. If someone wants to build a backpack loop antenna for 20 m sooner than I can, I promise to extensively field test it for you. If it works, it could become an Elecraft product. (AL1? :) The KXIO2 option for the KX2 includes two open-drain outputs that could be used to slew a C-tuning motor up and down with suitable buffering. I’ll write the code for that if/when it’s needed. Wayne N6KR elecraft.com > On Jan 22, 2019, at 7:43 PM, Bill Johnson wrote: > > The back pack frame would be the antenna? Low power is the game. I am not > concerned. In the Vietnam era, I was in a station where we had ~5 10KW > transmitters using wave guide at ~1.9Ghz and while there were very large > dishes, the exposure was there. I would never worry about HF at 10 watts > close to my body, but there may be studies that dispute that. I am still > alive after 12 months constant exposure to agent orange. No problem. What > was I writing about? :_) > > (Emoji added in case the sarcasm was missed.) > > 73, > Bill > K9YEQ > > https://wrj-tech.com/ > > -Original Message- > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On > Behalf Of Wayne Burdick > Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2019 2:57 PM > To: Elecraft > Cc: KX3 > Subject: [Elecraft] Urban stealth HF: Inside-the-backpack loop antenna? > > I’ve engaged in plenty of ultralight HF pack operation, with a KX2, AX1 > antenna and a dragged counterpoise. In wide open spaces it’s a blast. But > urban settings with dogs, wire-eating cacti and overzealous Neighborhood > Watchers can distract from one’s radio experience. > > So, just for grins, I’d like to try something completely incognerdo: no > visible antenna. A small remotely tuned loop (say 12” diameter) would seem to > be the best choice, as it would fit entirely inside a small backpack. It > could have modest efficiency while not requiring a counterpoise wire. Rigid > 1” copper pipe formed in a square would be convenient to deploy. > > The loop would be only 6 to 8” from soft tissue, so you’d want to run QRP, of > course. OTOH, we’re talking about HF. A cellphone by your ear is probably > worse. > > Any other antenna suggestions? > > Wayne > N6KR > > > > > elecraft.com > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message > delivered to k9...@live.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Urban stealth HF: Inside-the-backpack loop antenna?
I’ve engaged in plenty of ultralight HF pack operation, with a KX2, AX1 antenna and a dragged counterpoise. In wide open spaces it’s a blast. But urban settings with dogs, wire-eating cacti and overzealous Neighborhood Watchers can distract from one’s radio experience. So, just for grins, I’d like to try something completely incognerdo: no visible antenna. A small remotely tuned loop (say 12” diameter) would seem to be the best choice, as it would fit entirely inside a small backpack. It could have modest efficiency while not requiring a counterpoise wire. Rigid 1” copper pipe formed in a square would be convenient to deploy. The loop would be only 6 to 8” from soft tissue, so you’d want to run QRP, of course. OTOH, we’re talking about HF. A cellphone by your ear is probably worse. Any other antenna suggestions? Wayne N6KR elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Auto-spot, tuning aids, and the arcane history of CW pitch-matching
Elecraft's auto-spot and CWT features -- available on the K3/K3S/KX2/KX3 -- are very useful tools for CW operators, especially those not experienced in pitch-matching. Here's a bit of history on where these features came from and how they work. CW Spotting History When a station finishes a CQ in CW mode, the operator faces the challenge of copying someone who's calling back. Callers may be weak or obscured by QRM; the op can usually deal with both problems by narrowing the filter passband. However, callers may also be off frequency. A calling station may be using a wide filter passband themselves, not attempting to carefully match their VFO frequency to that of the CQing station. The result may be no QSO, even when propagation is excellent. In the Days of Yore, a frequency offset between stations didn't always matter. Sometimes both stations used crystal-controlled transmitters, so operators had to patient tune around after calling CQ. As a 14-year-old novice I embraced this operating style for a year or so, armed with a dozen or so crusty FT-243 crystals for my Heath HW-16. I nearly wore out the socket swapping them in and out. After calling CQ, it was not unusual to find a caller 30 or more kHz away! (Away from "where" was a poorly answered question, as my Hallicrafters receiver dial wasn't exactly digital.) Fortunately I soon acquired an outboard VFO, a life-changing addition to my station. Jealous friends doubled up on their paper routes to pay for their own. Girls suddenly paid more attention to me. These days virtually everyone has a VFO, along with the expectation that they won't have to tune theirs very far, if at all, to tune you in. Not only that, they're stable and well calibrated, not like the beasts we had to skillfully tame. Progress! Manual Spotting (SPOT switch) Once I had a VFO I quickly learned to do *manual* pitch matching. Older rigs did't provide a way to do that explicitly, so you'd improvise. Basically, you had to coerce a very weak signal out of your own transmitter, say by turning on only the driver, then tune the transmit VFO until you could hear your signal on your own receiver -- superimposed on the calling station, at the same pitch. This is what we call spotting. Of course spotting is a lot more convenient these days, as many rigs include a SPOT switch. This function is easy for a modern transceiver designer to add, because the radio's firmware is quite capable of turning on only the CW sidetone without transmitting. That is the purpose of the SPOT switch on all Elecraft transceivers. Tap SPOT, and you'll hear your sidetone pitch. Most people can do a good job of adjusting the VFO such that the CQing station's pitch matches that of the SPOT tone. This ensures that when you call them, you'll be close to their own frequency. Tuning Aids: Filtering (APF), PLL (NE567), and Spectral (CWT) Since not everyone has an inherent musical ear, various hardware-enhanced means of tuning in CW signals have been developed. The simplest method is to just narrow your receiver passband so much that, if you can hear a station calling CQ at all, you're guaranteed to be "right on top of him." This assumes that your transceiver enforces alignment between its transmit and receive pitch...true of all Elecraft gear. Narrow filtering has gone through decades of evolution. Some filters were based on op-amps (active filters), while others were based on LC filtering, conscripting humongous toroidal cores scavenged from telco equipment. I acquired my stash of these from a haphazard mound of old switching racks, decaying in an abandoned aircraft hanger on the Bermuda U.S. Navy base. (That irresistible junk pile was also a mother load of TO5 transistors, multi-pound electrolytic capacitors, and tetanus, but that's another story.) Typically the toroids were 88 millihenries -- a huge value for a high-Q inductor, permitting resonance in the low audio range. Later, such filters migrated to digital signal processing, in the form of switched-capacitor ICs or DSPs. You can still buy these switched-capacitor chips, like the MF10, from various sources. It's instructive to roll your own tunable filter, just for fun. Whether passive or active, the goal of filtering is typically to achieve a narrow passband, say 250 Hz or less. With DSP, nearly perfect filters with "brick wall" passbands can be created. But these have the disadvantage of ringing like a bell when pinged by a CW signal or noise, making copy difficult. One solution incorporated into the K-line and KX-line is the Audio Peaking Filter (APF), which provides a 30-Hz bandwidth at -3 dB, but broad skirts, preventing ringing from occurring. As our customers will attest, APF works like magic on weak signals obscured by noise. Another forerunner to DSP techniques was the audio phase-locked-loop, using inexpensive ICs like the legendary LM567. When locked on a signal that matched its cen
Re: [Elecraft] New DSP features? ... thanks
Thanks for all the many great suggestions and digressions, folks. Sorry I can't respond to all of them right away. My favorite so far is the request for Semantic Filtering Mode (SFM), which "might, with skillful adjustment, suppress political commentary from 75 meters." Our DSP IC does include odd/even partisan check bits, so this is a SMOP. Runner-up is a proposal for auto-detection of unattended FT8 transmissions, i.e. the "No One's Home AlarM" (NOHAM). Feel free to pile on, at least until Eric puts the hammer down. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] whats a updated K3 called?
Sure. Or maybe the "real" K3S is "Son of K3," while the upgraded model is "Stepson of K3"? Back to my lab where I belong Wayne N6KR > On Jan 10, 2019, at 7:17 PM, Rich wrote: > > I kind of like > > K3s (lower case S) is modified K3 > > K3S (upper case S) is the new radio > > Rich > > K3RWN > > On 1/10/2019 21:37 PM, Jamie WW3S wrote: >> what do we call an original K3 with the new preamp and synthesizer boards in >> it? K3 1.5? only difference between it and a S model is the USB board. >> __ __ 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] New DSP features?
Hi all, The K3/K3S and KX2/KX3 are SDRs, by definition, because they provide demodulation and modulation features via a DSP chip that is programmable. Our DSP algorithms already give the user all the usual features expected of an all-mode transceiver, and then some: - DVR - variable passband filtering & IF shift - audio peaking filter (APF, for CW) - auto-spotting and automatic tuning (CW, PSK) - dual watch (KX2/KX3) - audio effects - DTMF (KX3) - dual-passband filtering for RTTY - FM subaudible tones - data decode/encode in various modes - noise reduction - RX and TX EQ - synchronous AM (K3/K3S) - ESSB - transmit noise gating - speech compression - manual notch filtering - autonotch ...etc. That said, here's your chance to dream up *new* DSP features we haven't thought of. All suggestions will be debated by our engineering team, even those that appear radical or implausible at first glance. We'll keep this to ourselves, so don't worry about being judged for tossing out some wacky ideas. Let's cast a broad net. Please send all correspondence on this topic directly to yours truly. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] whats a updated K3 called?
...and the AF amp improvements on the DSP board, and the new VFO display bezel, and the 5/10/15 dB attenuator on the RF board, and the lower noise mod on the RF board :) Wayne N6KR > On Jan 10, 2019, at 6:37 PM, Jamie WW3S wrote: > > what do we call an original K3 with the new preamp and synthesizer boards in > it? K3 1.5? only difference between it and a S model is the USB board. > __ > 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 n...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] New tuning knob for the KX2
Nonetheless: to each his own :) Wayne N6KR elecraft.com > On Jan 7, 2019, at 2:32 PM, Mike Morrow wrote: > > Joe wrote: > >> I love my KX2 but the main tuning knob has always been a problem for me. >> >> It’s just a tad too small and not easy to spin rapidly. >> >> I found a very nice aluminum knob for the KX2 being sold on eBay by a >> gentleman in Winterport,ME. >> >> The tracking item nr. is: 264113321673. >> >> The knob costs $24.95 shipped, is CNC machined aluminum and is black in >> color….not exactly cheap but worth every penny IMHO. >> >> I just put it on my KX2 and tuning is now a dream…it feels like a much >> larger knob and the finger dimple is larger than the stock KX2 knob which >> allows for a nice fit. >> >> It also fits the KX1 for all of the KX1 users out there. >> >> A very nice addition to my KX2. >> >> Now, if only Wayne can find a ball bearing rotary encoder for the KX2 all >> would be well in the world (grin). >> >> Enjoy those Elecraft radios. >> >>73, Joe W2KJ >>I QRP, therefore I am > > Better is "I QRP, therefore I HAM"? > > To your point, this is what Wayne/N6KR wrote about the KX2 knob, 30 March > 2017, on the Elecraft list: > > Start quote-- > In response to various comments on the KX2 knob (today and earlier): > > Our goal for the KX2 was to make it really lightweight. Light enough to be > used as an HT. Goat-optional on longer hikes. > > Even 1 ounce of additional weight can increase fatigue when holding a device > (try, for example, carrying around an iPhone 7 vs. an iPhone 7+). So we > designed a low-profile plastic VFO A knob that is big enough to get the job > done. > > Another reason not to use a heavier knob is that the KX2’s VFO encoder is > itself a compact unit that has a sleeve bearing. Weighted knobs should in > general be used only with heavier, ball-bearing style encoders. On this > encoder, a heavy knob would shorten the rotational life. > > Regarding adding a dimple: I’ve tried knobs this size with dimples and found > that they were hard to use. A matter of taste and fingertip size, I guess. > Meanwhile, the present knob can be “spun” to a certain degree by putting > light finger pressure on the rim. > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > End quote-- > > Mike / KK5F > __ > 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 n...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Opportunism, bravery, insanity: putting the "eXtreme" in Elecraft's KX and AX gear
Since the beginning, Elecraft products have been used under difficult field conditions. There's the usual rain, insects, and insomnia of Field Day, of course. Murphy at his best. But our customers have gone well beyond this, conquering uncharted territory, experimenting with new technology, even recruiting diminutive ungulates as pack animals. Feedback about these experiences has helped us hone our ultraportable transceivers; they've gotten smaller, lighter, and more capable, leading to the present KX3 and KX2. We've also answered the call for a truly compact, multi-band pedestrian mobile antenna with the introduction of the AX1 and its accessories. No doubt -- with your help -- our gear will continue to evolve. Tell us about your operating adventures. And misadventures. What worked best? Where could things have been improved? For example, when you were clinging to a tree limb using an inverted vertical last winter, could you still hear signals above the blizzard? On that ironman run, did you need an antenna that deploys with one hand? Maybe an integrated speech-to-FT8 converter? And when you embellish your tales beside a campfire, should your detachable keyer paddle double as a bottle opener? A few of your stories will find their way into our monthly newsletter. All of them will help inform and inspire the next generation of Elecraft's outdoor product line. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Name Origin
We came up with a dozen names. This one stuck. And yes, “elegant craft” was one inspirational phrase. Wayne elecraft.com > On Dec 6, 2018, at 3:49 PM, Rose wrote: > > Lee, > > I believe it's related to "elegant craft". I'm sure we'll hear about it if > I'm wrong. > > 73 ! > > Rose - N7HKW > rose.n7...@gmail.com > > On Thu, Dec 6, 2018, 16:35 Lee Murrah via Elecraft wrote: > >> I saw Wayne and Eric’s interview on HamNation and enjoyed it very much. It >> is always enlightening to know how things like Elecraft got started. >> >> I saw the interview on replay and would have liked to ask them about the >> origin of “Elecraft” brand name. Can someone fill me in? >> >> Lee >> KV5M >> (KX2 and K3S) >> __ >> 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 elecraftcov...@gmail.com > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to n...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Ham Nation / Elecraft's 20th anniversary
In case you missed it, here's the edited version of last night's Ham Nation podcast: https://twit.tv/shows/ham-nation/episodes/379?autostart=false It was an honor to be on the show and to be interviewed by Bob Heil. The first part of the show is about QRZ.com, celebrating their 25th anniversary. The Elecraft segment starts at 20:50. There's also a Q&A segment starting at 1:00:30. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Exact interior specifications of stocking needed to hold KX2
In answer to many private inquiries on the topic: An unboxed KX2 will fit in a stocking whose interior cross section approximates an ellipsoid 3.5" long and 2" wide (9 x 5 cm). An MH3 microphone and KXPD2 paddle inserted ahead of the KX2 will satisfactorily occupy an equilateral conic toe void with altitude of 4" (10 cm) or greater. Given the transceiver's maximum storage temperature of approx. 70 C, a standard decorative incendiary display may be deployed beneath the stocking(s), though during initial testing at daybreak we recommend an operating position no less than 7' (2 m) from open flames. Additional advice on holiday package deployment is available from Elecraft Elf Services (sa...@elecraft.com). Our staff is especially well versed in assisting covert gift purchasing activity by those only tangentially associated with ham radio. -- S. C. __ 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] SSB Features of the KX2 & KX3 You May Have Overlooked...
My bad. Yes, I need to update both the KX2 and KX3 manuals Wayne > On Dec 5, 2018, at 9:17 PM, Walter Underwood wrote: > > Yeah, it is kind of weird that the KX3 specs still say it is a 12 W radio, > but when you look at the right firmware release, it is a 15 W radio under > certain circumstances. > > The manual could use an update, since it has been almost exactly a year since > the last firmware release. > > wunder > K6WRU > Walter Underwood > CM87wj > http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog) > >> On Dec 5, 2018, at 9:10 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> >> Folks, >> >> One thing has become abundantly clear - the Firmware Release Notes are an >> extension of the manual. Pay attention to them. >> If you do not know where to find any but the latest, look in the K3/KX3/KX2 >> Utility Help files - there is a complete list there. >> >> 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] SSB Features of the KX2 & KX3 You May Have Overlooked...
Hi Bill, 26 hours may be a record time for a basic K2 build. (I'll have to consult Guinness.) If you do it again, you could aim even higher. Fastest K2 build in a moving vehicle? While listening to a presidential debate? Sans assembly manual? The mind boggles Wayne N6KR > On Dec 4, 2018, at 7:55 PM, William Johnson wrote: > > Wayne, > > Great recap and reminder for us that own both but are aging and the memory is > disappearing. Love the radios beyond imagination. Not perfect, but better > than anything I have used prior to owning these. Value vs quality is the > best. > > Your XCVRS are amazing and I cannot imagine using anything else other than > spending $’s to explore other stuff…. The latter, a waste of $’s but > nonetheless, fun. I am thinking I should build another K2, but don’t know if > I can beat my ~26 hr. assembly time from 1999 for the basic unit. J Yes, > long nights with no breaks and nothing better to enjoy when on TDY with my CO. > > 73, > Bill > K9YEQ > > https://wrj-tech.com/ > > From: k...@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Wayne Burdick > n...@elecraft.com [KX3] > Sent: Tuesday, December 4, 2018 9:45 PM > To: Elecraft Reflector ; k...@yahoogroups.com > Subject: [KX3] SSB Features of the KX2 & KX3 You May Have Overlooked... > > > Our KX2 and KX3 transceivers have many standard features targeted > specifically at SSB operation. Some are pretty much unheard of in other > radios in this class. > > Just in case you missed them: > > *** DVR (Digital Voice Recorder) *** > > You can record and play back two 15 second DVR messages. These are especially > useful during contests or SOTA operation, allowing you to store a CQ message, > your call, or an exchange. To auto-repeat a played message, just hold the '1' > or '2' switch rather than tap it. The auto-repeat interval can be set using > the MSG RPT menu entry. > > *** Speech Compression *** > > Speech compression can add a lot of "punch" to your low-power signal, > bringing up average voice power. As with the K3/K3S, our KX-line compression > algorithm is exceptionally clean. Use the CMP switch on the KX3 (TX CMP menu > entry on the KX2) to dial in compression of up to 30 dB. > > *** Receive and Transmit EQ *** > > 8-band graphic equalizers (MENU:RX EQ and TX EQ) can be used to tailor the > receive and transmit audio to your liking. > > *** Built-In Mic (KX2) *** > > The KX2 is the world's smallest all-HF-band, all-mode "HT". Using the > built-in mic, you can operate the KX2 like any handheld. Tap XMIT to transmit. > > *** ESSB (Extended SSB) *** > > If you're on a lightly used band and would like to experiment with > higher-quality audio, give ESSB a try. It allows you to transmit with a > passband of up to 4 kHz wide (wider than the usual maximum of about 2.8 kHz). > Typically ESSB is used at both ends of a QSO, by agreement of both operators. > (Again, make sure the additional bandwidth consumed doesn't interfere with > adjacent signals -- e.g., don't use it in a contest.) > > *** Passband Low/High Cut *** > > When interference is heavy, you can often eliminate it by cutting the low or > high end of the audio range. In SSB modes this low-cut/high-cut method is the > default. Use the PBT I/II controls on the KX3, or tap FIL on the KX2 and use > the two knobs above the switch. > > *** Auto-Notch *** > > If a carrier (sometimes called a "tuner-upper") appears, you can use remove > it using auto-notch. Hold the NTCH switch on the KX3, or hold APF-AN on the > KX2. > > *** Noise Reduction *** > > NR on the KX2 and KX3 can be adjusted using a single knob function, from > completely a completely "dry" mix (no NR applied) to 100% "wet" (all NR). NR > can relieve the fatigue of listening to weak signals on a noisy band. > > *** RIT (Receive Incremental Tuning) *** > > Many small transceivers don't provide this important feature. It is often > called a "clarifier" because it allows you to tune in signals that are a bit > off-frequency. The beauty of RIT is that it only changes your *receive* > frequency, leaving your transmit frequency fixed. This is helpful if you're > having a conversation with more than one station at a time, where each signal > is a little off, such as on a net. > > *** Stereo Audio and Dual Watch *** > > The KX2 and KX3 are among very few radios that provide full stereo to the > headphone jack. You can use this to advantage during normal operation by > setting the AFX MD menu entry to "DELAY" -- this simulates ster
[Elecraft] SSB Features of the KX2 & KX3 You May Have Overlooked...
Our KX2 and KX3 transceivers have many standard features targeted specifically
at SSB operation. Some are pretty much unheard of in other radios in this
class.
Just in case you missed them:
*** DVR (Digital Voice Recorder) ***
You can record and play back two 15 second DVR messages. These are especially
useful during contests or SOTA operation, allowing you to store a CQ message,
your call, or an exchange. To auto-repeat a played message, just hold the '1'
or '2' switch rather than tap it. The auto-repeat interval can be set using the
MSG RPT menu entry.
*** Speech Compression ***
Speech compression can add a lot of "punch" to your low-power signal, bringing
up average voice power. As with the K3/K3S, our KX-line compression algorithm
is exceptionally clean. Use the CMP switch on the KX3 (TX CMP menu entry on the
KX2) to dial in compression of up to 30 dB.
*** Receive and Transmit EQ ***
8-band graphic equalizers (MENU:RX EQ and TX EQ) can be used to tailor the
receive and transmit audio to your liking.
*** Built-In Mic (KX2) ***
The KX2 is the world's smallest all-HF-band, all-mode "HT". Using the built-in
mic, you can operate the KX2 like any handheld. Tap XMIT to transmit.
*** ESSB (Extended SSB) ***
If you're on a lightly used band and would like to experiment with
higher-quality audio, give ESSB a try. It allows you to transmit with a
passband of up to 4 kHz wide (wider than the usual maximum of about 2.8 kHz).
Typically ESSB is used at both ends of a QSO, by agreement of both operators.
(Again, make sure the additional bandwidth consumed doesn't interfere with
adjacent signals -- e.g., don't use it in a contest.)
*** Passband Low/High Cut ***
When interference is heavy, you can often eliminate it by cutting the low or
high end of the audio range. In SSB modes this low-cut/high-cut method is the
default. Use the PBT I/II controls on the KX3, or tap FIL on the KX2 and use
the two knobs above the switch.
*** Auto-Notch ***
If a carrier (sometimes called a "tuner-upper") appears, you can use remove it
using auto-notch. Hold the NTCH switch on the KX3, or hold APF-AN on the KX2.
*** Noise Reduction ***
NR on the KX2 and KX3 can be adjusted using a single knob function, from
completely a completely "dry" mix (no NR applied) to 100% "wet" (all NR). NR
can relieve the fatigue of listening to weak signals on a noisy band.
*** RIT (Receive Incremental Tuning) ***
Many small transceivers don't provide this important feature. It is often
called a "clarifier" because it allows you to tune in signals that are a bit
off-frequency. The beauty of RIT is that it only changes your *receive*
frequency, leaving your transmit frequency fixed. This is helpful if you're
having a conversation with more than one station at a time, where each signal
is a little off, such as on a net.
*** Stereo Audio and Dual Watch ***
The KX2 and KX3 are among very few radios that provide full stereo to the
headphone jack. You can use this to advantage during normal operation by
setting the AFX MD menu entry to "DELAY" -- this simulates stereo receive
audio, giving voice signals a warm, rich sound. In dual watch mode (MENU:DUAL
RX), you can listen to your VFO A and B frequencies at the same time, with VFO
spacing wide enough to work most SSB DX stations operating split.
*** Custom VFO Coarse Tuning Steps ***
Using the VFO CRS menu entry, you can select coarse VFO tuning steps
independently for each operating mode. In SSB mode, your choices are 0.1, 0.5,
1.0, and 2.5 kHz per step. The default is 0.5 kHz. Bonus feature: If the
OFS/VFO B knob is in the OFS setting (OFS LED lit), you can use the VFO B knob
to move VFO A in coarse steps while leaving the VFO A knob itself set for fine
steps (10 Hz).
*** CW-In-SSB Mode ***
There are times when you can't quite complete an SSB QSO due to fading, and
switching to CW has an advantage. With the CW-In-SSB feature turned on, you
don't even have to change modes: just hit the key or keyer paddle and start
sending. This feature is particularly useful on 6 meters with fleeting band
openings. Many of have successfully completed (or initiated) a cross-mode QSO
in this manner. To turn CW-in-SSB on, tap the PRE ('1') switch while in the CW
WGHT menu entry.
*** MIC Bias and Switch Configuration ***
Just about any mic with a 1/8th (3 mm) plug can be used with the KX2 or KX3. To
enhance versatility, you can turn mic bias on or off (MENU:MIC BIAS) and
specify whether your mic has no switches, PTT only, or PTT and VFO UP/DN
switches (like our model MH4). No PTT switch? Use VOX or the XMIT switch.
*** VOX (Voice Operated Relay) ***
This feature is missing from many small transceivers. It allows 100% hands-free
operation for vehicle/bike/pedestrian mobile, or just for operating convenience
with a headset/mic. You can turn VOX on/off, set the threshold, and dial in
just the right amount of anti-VOX (VOX INH menu entry) to keep
Re: [Elecraft] Whither VOX delay via software?
It’s on the Even Shorter list now. Thanks for the reminder. Wayne N6KR elecraft.com > On Nov 24, 2018, at 6:35 PM, Rick Miller - N1RM wrote: > > We are operating a K3s remotely and varying conditions/operator styles make > it necessary for us to adjust VOX delay for CW. Searching the archives I > noticed that a software command to adjust VOX delay was on the "short list" > in 2011. I can do a SWH57 to get to the adjustment, but I can't find any > command to actually change the value, which makes me wonder why bother with > SWH57 at all. There is an SD command for QSK delay, but it is GET only. Is > this still on the "short list" or have I missed it? > > Rick > N1RM > > > > -- > Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to n...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] AXT1--with a twist
Just to confirm: The threaded PEM nut at the far end of the AXT1 tripod adapter has 4-40 threads. To use it as a tie point for a counterpoise wire, all you'd need is a 4-40 thumb screw as others have mentioned. The AXT1 has two additional unthreaded 1/8" (3 mm) holes which should help with guying, etc. Something I plan to try soon is using the AXT1 as part of an adapter for *stationary* vehicle use of the AX1. (As noted in the manual, you should never use a lightweight telescoping whip on a *moving* vehicle, other than a bicycle.) The idea is to secure a custom-fabricated extender to the AXT1 (at the PEM nut) for use in window, roof rack, or trunk lid mounting of the antenna. 73, Wayne N6KR > On Dec 2, 2018, at 7:28 PM, eric norris via Elecraft > wrote: > > One final final: The Elecraft part number for the thumbscrews is E700050 > 73 Eric WD6DBM __ 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] Looking for testers for maintenance update of K3/K3S firmware
Hi all, We made a few minor changes to the K3/K3S firmware build recently, including the addition of the "SW" command (to read SWR from a software application). Even though the changes were minor, a few other functions were updated for esoteric reasons having to do with "the linker," etc., that I won't bother you with. However, because of this, we need to do a full re-test (all bands, all modes, all features). The best way to make sure we've covered all the bases is to send the code out to a lot of testers as a field-test release. If you're available to load and test this code (just doing normal operation) between now and Monday, please contact me directly. Thanks! 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] SWR read command for the K3/K3S, KX3 and KX2 transceivers
We've added an SWR read command, "SW;" to the K3/K3S/KX2/KX3 transceiver firmware. It's intended to provide enhanced transmit monitoring in remote-control applications. If you'd like to incorporate this command into your own software, and you can give the new firmware a try this coming week, please send me an email. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Opportunity to write an article for an upcoming Elecraft newsletter
The current Elecraft newsletter includes a great article by Bruce, NJ3K, about his experience working DXCC the hard way (QRP mobile CW, using a KX3). We're hoping to entice more of you to write articles on your experiences with Elecraft gear, or of general interest. These may appear in the newsletter or on our website or both. Articles should be about half a page to a full page (250-500 words). If you supply a photo, we'll try to include that as well. Please have a friend give you feedback (and proofread) first as it will make our job a bit easier. One area ripe for authorship is stories about unique experiences with your K3, K3S, KX2, KX3, etc. at field day or a DXpedition. Feel free to spice things up, though wholesale fabrication is discouraged :) Submit articles to marga...@elecraft.com. Margaret's pretty busy so I can't guarantee she'll get back to you right away, or that any particular article will be published. But I can say for certain that we'll appreciate everyone's efforts. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] AX1 comments from the field, and an AXE1 update (40 m extender)
If you're wondering if an AX1 whip antenna might work for you, check out the early reviews here: https://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/14042 On a separate note, I'd like to thank everyone who replied to our query about a 40 meter extender for the AX1 (the AXE1). Based on the overwhelmingly positive response, we'll try to have these available as soon as possible. We need to prototype several units first to ensure consistent performance. As for 30 meter use of the AXE1 -- yes, that works, too. You just have to select the AX1's 17 meter switch position and shorten the whip a bit. The AX1 and AXE1 together will cover 40/30/20/17/15 meters and break down to just 6" long, fitting in our smallest bag (CS40) along with the KX2 transceiver and an AXB1 whip bipod. This may be the most compact free-standing, 5-band HF antenna available. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] AX1 may add 40 meter coverage with "AXE1" extender
Hi all, Sometimes the bands normally covered by the AX1 just aren't open (20/17/15 meters), yet 40 meters has all sorts of activity. Like tonight, at my QTH. 40 m is also a great local/emergency band, with many active regional nets. For such times, we may offer an extender for the AX1 that moves the 20 meter resonance down to 40 meters. A significant amount of additional inductance is required. The ATU built into the KX2 or KX3 provides any needed fine-tuning to efficiently cover the entire band, despite the unavoidably narrow-band nature of a short whip. I whipped up a prototype of the hypothetical "AXE1" this afternoon and had excellent on-air results. Tests were done in my back yard, featuring hard-packed soil and brown unwatered grass...in keeping with our legendary drought. With one call each I bagged British Columbia and Colorado. Both stations were peaking S-9, and both gave me reports in the S-5 range. This brings up an important caveat: a short whip is not the optimal antenna on 40 meters by any stretch, so calling strong stations is a good strategy. They could be strong due to propagation, good antennas, or high power, and two out of these three aid both ends of the QSO. The extender would be about 6" long and 1/2" in diameter. (Even a small amount of added length helps on 40 meters.) It threads into place between the AX1's whip and base, and adds just 1.8 ounces of weight, still consistent with hand-held use of the KX2. Equally important, for those of us who travel light, the extender -- plus a counterpoise wire for 40 m -- fits comfortably into our smallest bag, the CS40, along with the AX1 and an AXB1 whip bipod. (In answer to the inevitable question: it *might* also work on 30 meters in a pinch, with an ATU, but efficiency would be lower.) If you'd be interested in AX1 use on 40 meters, please email me directly. I won't necessarily be able to respond, but this will help us gauge interest. We'll keep a list for possible early announcement. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] AX1 antenna
Glad you like the AX1, Ed. > What’s next ?? You tell us :) Wayne N6KR > On Nov 15, 2018, at 5:17 PM, edward kacura via Elecraft > wrote: > > > Received my AX1 yesterday, so small but a gorgeous piece of engineering !! > Put it to the test this morning...I had just made a Q on 20m with Keith, > KR7RK doing a SOTA activation from IL with my KX3 @ 80w, I’m in FL. > > I set up my K1 and new AX1 antenna with a table top tripod inside my screened > in porch. > Keith was still calling CQ SOTA, I called and he returned my call. The K1 was > set at 7 watts, the antenna tuned up 1.1 swr. > > I was amazed, it really worked !! Thanks for another great piece of Elecraft > gear Wayne and Eric, you guys have another winner here !! > > 72/73 de Ed > N7EDK __ 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] FT8 + AX1 in the field?
I've been meaning to try pairing the KX2 and AX1 with a notebook computer to try FT8 from the field. But hiking is all but out of the question right now in northern California due to the fires. Anyone try FT8 on their AX1 whip yet? 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Just a thought...
Hi Norm, I power up all my E-gear periodically, including the K1, to remind myself of how much fun it was to design (and to build S/N 001, which always qualifies as a home-brew project). Hope you’re enjoying yours. 73, Wayne N6KR http://www.elecraft.com > On Nov 13, 2018, at 7:14 PM, Norm Lee wrote: > > Reading through all the posts on this list, it just occurred to me - am I the > last person on earth to be running a K1? > Norm vk5gi > McLaren Vale > South Australia > > Sent from my iPad > __ > 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 n...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 booster
Petr, The KXPA100 was designed specifically for this purpose. It is rugged, high performance, fully integrated with the KX3, and very reliable. With PIN diode T/R switching and a fanless design (very large heat sink), it's like having a 100 watt KX3. Also makes a great mobile amp, with fittings for trunk or under-seat mounting on both sides. There are obviously cheaper amps on the market, but they all have compromises compared to the KXPA100. It takes a lot of parts and a solid design to do this job correctly. 73, Wayne N6KR > On Nov 8, 2018, at 5:50 AM, Petr, OK1RP/M0SIS wrote: > > Gordon, > > many thanks. > I know about it but it is 50W only. (at the best) > I am looking for something to give full standard 100W out as same as other > barefoot transceivers. > So idea was to have in portable QTH my KX3 reduced to clean 5W out boosted > to 100W out which is corresponding to conservative 13dB gain. > > In all cases thanks for hint. > > __ 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] KAT500 as a remote-controlled tuner
Someone asked me recently whether a KAT500 could be remote-controlled and placed closer to the antenna(s). The answer is yes: All functions of the KAT500 can be conveniently controlled via our KAT500 Utility program, which runs on any PC. Alternatively, you could write your own controller application using the KAT500's simple 2-letter command set. The tuner would have to be housed in a weather-proof enclosure of your own choice. This part of the project is left as an exercise for the reader. The KAT500 is quite compact, though, so many different NEMA (etc.) enclosures could be used. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Looking for a few operators interested in 6-meter portable operation
If you have an interest in 6 meter portable operation, including the use of quick-deployment gain antennas for this band, please email me directly. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Need a couple of testimonials for our new home page
One of the features of our new website is a rotating series of customer testimonials (at the bottom of the home page). We'd like to upload a couple of fresh quotes here rather than use the ones from our old site. If you'd like to contribute a short sentence or two about your favorite Elecraft product, please email me directly. I can't guarantee all quotes will appear on the home page right away, but I do know they'll make our day :) 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Avoiding costly lightning damage to your radios gear
> On Oct 30, 2018, at 12:50 PM, Fred Jensen wrote: > > Does my K3 have a static bleed across the antenna terminal(s)? Yes. Wayne N6KR > A number of years ago, our CQP team in Alpine County fried the front end of > an IC-760 II in a snow storm [precip static]. Then, with an accumulated 300 > or so years of amateur radio experience on the team, we replaced it with a > spare ... and fried that one too. [:-) I have a coax Tee with a 100K > resistor in a PL259 on my K3, just wondering if it's necessary. > > 73, > > Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW > Sparks NV DM09dn > Washoe County > > On 10/29/2018 8:08 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: >> Every year, especially in summer, our techs see radios come in that have >> been damaged by lightning, despite the radio's protective circuitry. You can >> take steps to reduce your own risk. >> >> 1. Many of us remember to disconnect antennas when lightning is anticipated. >> But in our experience, the most common source of damage, by far, is from an >> attached computer. Computers themselves often fail due to lightning strikes. >> They can also act as conduits for surges to other gear. Just to emphasize >> this point: Customers often say "I disconnected everything but the USB cable >> to the computer...," which left the interface to their radio exposed. >> >> Note: Only in rare cases have we seen surge damage via other I/O ports >> (accessory jack, paddle/keyer jacks, PTT IN, KEY OUT, and DC). USB and RS232 >> ports are the most susceptible. >> >> 2. Some stations have an ad-hoc ground system and little or no ESD or surge >> protection. If you haven't already taken protective measures, we strongly >> recommend reading this article, which goes into some detail regarding how >> lightning finds its way in: >> >> >> http://www.arrl.org/files/file/QST/This%20Month%20in%20QST/June2017/Chusid-Morgan.pdf >> >> At the very least, be sure your PC and other gear share a short, heavy, >> common ground. >> >> 3. As for protecting your PC, here's a good starting point: >> >> https://www.wikihow.com/Protect-a-PC-in-a-Thunderstorm >> >> 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 > Message delivered to n...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Avoiding costly lightning damage to your radios gear
Every year, especially in summer, our techs see radios come in that have been damaged by lightning, despite the radio's protective circuitry. You can take steps to reduce your own risk. 1. Many of us remember to disconnect antennas when lightning is anticipated. But in our experience, the most common source of damage, by far, is from an attached computer. Computers themselves often fail due to lightning strikes. They can also act as conduits for surges to other gear. Just to emphasize this point: Customers often say "I disconnected everything but the USB cable to the computer...," which left the interface to their radio exposed. Note: Only in rare cases have we seen surge damage via other I/O ports (accessory jack, paddle/keyer jacks, PTT IN, KEY OUT, and DC). USB and RS232 ports are the most susceptible. 2. Some stations have an ad-hoc ground system and little or no ESD or surge protection. If you haven't already taken protective measures, we strongly recommend reading this article, which goes into some detail regarding how lightning finds its way in: http://www.arrl.org/files/file/QST/This%20Month%20in%20QST/June2017/Chusid-Morgan.pdf At the very least, be sure your PC and other gear share a short, heavy, common ground. 3. As for protecting your PC, here's a good starting point: https://www.wikihow.com/Protect-a-PC-in-a-Thunderstorm 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] AX1 Status
We were indeed. Wayne N6KR > On Oct 24, 2018, at 10:04 AM, Paul Van Dyke wrote: > > Errr There is a rare chance that they were slammed... > > KB9AVO > > > On 10/24/18, William Shanney wrote: >> I ordered mine on the pre-order day and have heard nothing. >> >> >> Bill, W6QR >> wshan...@verizon.net >> >> __ __ 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] AXT1 status?
Hi Rich, It may already be in the mail. If it ends up backordered (things flew off the shelf pretty fast), and you're in a hurry, I'll send you one of the prototypes. 73, Wayne N6KR > On Oct 22, 2018, at 6:15 PM, rich hurd WC3T wrote: > > I ordered an AXT1 tripod mount about 1 day before the new web site came > online and a bit before Pacificon went on, meaning the chance of my finding > out what’s going on with my order is bordering on “vanishingly small.” > Phone clls are going to voicemail and emails are not being answered. > > I could craft one myself, but I’m just curious as to whether the AXT1 is > awaiting raw materials. Does anyone know? > > Thanks a bunch. > -- > 72, > Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737 __ 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] In response to several AX1 questions at Pacificon
Q: What length of coax should I use with the AXT1 tripod adapter? A: If the whip is close to resonance, which will usually be the case on 20 meters, coax losses should be fairly small even with longer runs, say up to 15 feet. When using the AX1 on 17 and 15 meters where an ATU is required, use 3 feet or less to avoid significant feed point loss. A tripod can be set up very close to the operating position at low power levels, so this requirement can be easily met. * * * Q: Is the AX1 being used by SOTA operators? A: Yes. But that the AX1 is primarily intended for pedestrian mobile, rapid deployment, and as a backup to full size antennas. A longer/higher antenna should be used if supports are available and time permits. I always bring wire to toss into a tree, but my emphasis is on quickly moving from one spot to the next -- literally walking while operating at times -- making the AX1 indispensable. * * * Q: Should I call CQ using the AX1 at QRP power levels? A: If stations are looking for you, as in SOTA operation, sure. But generally at QRP levels with any kind of portable antenna it's more productive to call other stations, with emphasis on trying strong stations first. Strong stations are usually correlated with good propagation, and/or great antennas at their end, which benefits both ends of the QSO. * * * 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] AX1 antenna & eHam
For some perspectives on the AX1, see: https://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/14042 73, Wayne N6KR http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Pacificon
Another Pacificon has come and gone Seems like a great time was had by all. That certainly applies to those of us at the Elecraft booth, where it always feels like a reunion. I’d like to thank everybody who stopped by to kick the tires, tell stories, or just introduce themselves for the first (or Nth) time. Hard to keep track of so many great customers and acquaintances, but we try. I got stuck in traffic somewhere in deepest Hayward, California, and missed the opening hour of the exhibit hall on Friday. I understand all the AX1s we brought sold out within a few minutes. We’ll be better prepared in the future. Thanks for all the great ideas for future products and for improvements to current ones, as usual. 73, Wayne N6KR http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] AX1B for 10/6 meters?
Now that you mention it, Dave, the ATU in a KX2 or KX3 should be able to easily match a 10 and 6 meter version on 12 meters. Wayne N6KR http://www.elecraft.com > On Oct 21, 2018, at 8:10 AM, David F. Reed wrote: > > Wayne, > > I would be interested in a 12, 10 & 6 meter version to complement the current > model AX1. > > 73 de Dave, W5SV > > > On 10/21/18 10:04, Wayne Burdick wrote: > > (stuff deleted) >> If there were a lot of interest in an AX1B, we would consider it. >> >> 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 > Message delivered to n...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Ax1 fun
Thanks for the report, Ed. What was your elevation at the time? Wayne N6KR http://www.elecraft.com > On Oct 20, 2018, at 8:44 PM, Edouard Lafargue wrote: > > Brought my KX3 on a day hike in Donner Pass (California) today, and fired > it up on a small peak (George R. Stewart Peak) with the AX1 whip and its > counterpoise. > > Within 10 minutes, got QSOs over ssb with the state of New York, Florida > and... Bonaire. Pretty cool on a short whip, 10 watts and a bit of luck! > > Great job, Elecraft :-) > > 73 de __ 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] AX1B for 10/6 meters?
Hi Jim, The 17 meter switch position allows efficient operation with an ATU on 17 and 15 meters. While it may be possible to achieve a low SWR on higher bands, the losses would be higher. A better approach would be to build a different base unit with smaller inductors. For example a 10 and 6 meter version would work very well on both bands. Let’s call it an AX1B for discussion purposes. This might appeal to Technician class licensees in particular. If there were a lot of interest in an AX1B, we would consider it. 73, Wayne N6KR http://www.elecraft.com > On Oct 20, 2018, at 8:56 PM, Jim H via Elecraft > wrote: > > Hi all, > I have an AX1 on order. My question is it possible to use it on 10 meters?I > assume you would have to have the switch in the 15/17 meters position, use > the counterpoise wire and shorten up the whip. Plus use an ATU to help the > ant work. Just an idea.73Jim k7sss > __ 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] Pacificon talk on NorCal 40 tonight at 7
To everyone planning to be at Pacificon: A reminder that Doug Hendrix (KI6DS) and I will be doing a presentation tonight on the Norcal 40 transceiver to mark its 25th anniversary (as well as that of the Norcal QRP club). Details: Danville room, 7 PM Cake will be served. If applicable, bring your own Norcal 40 or Norcal 40A for a group photo. 73, Wayne And six http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] New website link for the Elecraft AX1 whip antenna and accessories
Now that the new website is online, the AX1 product page has a new link: https://elecraft.com/products/ax1-antenna 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] NEW Elecraft Webpage now up
> Here are a couple things I'm having trouble finding: > Builder resources: kit advice, soldering tips, etc > I saw eham reviews, didn't see ARRL or rig comparison chart. Thanks for all the input, gang...please keep it coming. We know there will be lots of minor (and some major) improvements to make as time permits. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KPA1500 + AX1?
N! Just joking. Emphasizing the very broad nature of our product line. Frightening Eric, as I tend to do each year around Pacificon/Halloween. But seriously: Now that some AX1s have been shipped, I'd love to hear what everyone's working on their forays into the wild. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft 20th Anniversary
The Safari-4 and Koala are one-of-a-kind. They're in my closet :) Wayne N6KR > On Oct 15, 2018, at 8:15 AM, Petr, OK1RP/M0SIS wrote: > > Congrats for your Safari 4 and Koala rigs in collection if you have them! > SST should not be big problem to find some day... > > Petr > > __ 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] Announcing the Elecraft AX1 whip antenna and accessories
Hi Rich, The AXT1 tripod adapter has a threaded, stainless steel 1/4-20 PEM nut. So you can attach it directly to a standard tripod. One of our major goals for the AX line in general was to avoid Frankenhardware.* 73, Wayne N6KR * But thank you for coining a new word that’s appropriate for the Halloween season. http://www.elecraft.com > On Oct 17, 2018, at 5:12 PM, rich hurd WC3T wrote: > > Hi Wayne, > > A couple more details on the AXT1 tripod adapter, if you would; > > From the illustration, it appears that this adapter has the BNC bulkhead > connector for the AX-1, that seems plain enough; but there's no spec for how > it is secured to the tripod other than the 1/4-20 thread spec. Is the other > side of the adapter a female 1/4-20 connector, requiring only screwing it to > the male (as if you were attaching a camera,) or is it simply a through > bushing requiring some other means of securing it? I would hate to order > the AXT1 only to find out I now have to run to the hardware store to cobble > together some sort of Franken-mount to make it work. > > Thanks! > > >> On Wed, Oct 17, 2018 at 2:03 PM Wayne Burdick wrote: >> Hi gang, >> >> Our new AX1 antenna has to be just about the worst-kept secret in Elecraft >> history. We've been tinkering with it for over a year, going on ultralight >> field outings and giving hands-on demos of the prototypes at hamfests. >> (Thanks for all of your enthusiastic input!) >> >> We're happy to announce that the AX1 is now an official product. You can >> find full details and ordering information here: >> >> http://www.elecraft.com/AX1/AX1.htm >> >> Executive summary: >> >> The AX1 is an ultraportable multi-band whip that disassembles into two 6" >> (15 cm) pieces so it can go anywhere and be deployed rapidly. It's resonant >> on 20 meters in one switch position, while the other is ideal for efficient >> matching on 17 and 15 meters with the aid of an ATU (automatic antenna >> tuner). In this sense the AX1 is the perfect companion to the KX2 and KX3, >> which both have wide-range internal ATU options. >> >> The AX1 was designed specifically to facilitate pedestrian mobile and >> ultralight hiking/backpacking. It can also serve as a convenient backup for >> full-sized antennas. It can be deployed in seconds, and when used with a >> KX2, puts the world's only all-band, all-mode, 10 watt HF "HT" in the palm >> of your hand. >> >> In addition to the antenna itself, we've created two new accessories. >> >> First there's the AXB1 whip bipod, which can be used for table-top operation >> with any lightweight whip antenna. The AXB1 is supplied with a right-angle >> BNC adapter, and has adjustable legs to keep the whip from rotating in light >> to moderate wind. >> >> Next is the AXT1 tripod adapter, which allows any camera tripod with a >> standard mount (1/4-20) to support a BNC-base whip antenna and a coaxial >> feed line. It has extra holes for ground radials and guying/mounting >> hardware. >> >> In short, the AX1 is intended to get us all out of the shack. (It certainly >> has in our case.) We hope you find that the AX1 inspires and facilitates >> many outdoor adventures to come. >> >> 73, >> Wayne, N6KR >> Eric, WA6HHQ >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> __ >> 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 r...@wc3t.us > > > -- > 72, > Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737 > Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information Officer for Scouting > Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75.288988 (40°45.68' N 75°17.33' W) Grid: > FN20is > __ 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] Announcing the Elecraft AX1 whip antenna and accessories
Hi gang, Our new AX1 antenna has to be just about the worst-kept secret in Elecraft history. We've been tinkering with it for over a year, going on ultralight field outings and giving hands-on demos of the prototypes at hamfests. (Thanks for all of your enthusiastic input!) We're happy to announce that the AX1 is now an official product. You can find full details and ordering information here: http://www.elecraft.com/AX1/AX1.htm Executive summary: The AX1 is an ultraportable multi-band whip that disassembles into two 6" (15 cm) pieces so it can go anywhere and be deployed rapidly. It's resonant on 20 meters in one switch position, while the other is ideal for efficient matching on 17 and 15 meters with the aid of an ATU (automatic antenna tuner). In this sense the AX1 is the perfect companion to the KX2 and KX3, which both have wide-range internal ATU options. The AX1 was designed specifically to facilitate pedestrian mobile and ultralight hiking/backpacking. It can also serve as a convenient backup for full-sized antennas. It can be deployed in seconds, and when used with a KX2, puts the world's only all-band, all-mode, 10 watt HF "HT" in the palm of your hand. In addition to the antenna itself, we've created two new accessories. First there's the AXB1 whip bipod, which can be used for table-top operation with any lightweight whip antenna. The AXB1 is supplied with a right-angle BNC adapter, and has adjustable legs to keep the whip from rotating in light to moderate wind. Next is the AXT1 tripod adapter, which allows any camera tripod with a standard mount (1/4-20) to support a BNC-base whip antenna and a coaxial feed line. It has extra holes for ground radials and guying/mounting hardware. In short, the AX1 is intended to get us all out of the shack. (It certainly has in our case.) We hope you find that the AX1 inspires and facilitates many outdoor adventures to come. 73, Wayne, N6KR Eric, WA6HHQ __ 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] AX-1
Thanks for the report, Thaire. As we recommend in the AX1 owners manual, it’s a good idea to also bring along wire for a tree-based antenna for times when conditions are very poor, and/or you have more time to set up. Have fun! Wayne N6KR http://www.elecraft.com > On Oct 16, 2018, at 8:59 AM, Thaire Bryant wrote: > > I received my new AX-1 yesterday at noon at the post office in New Hampshire. > By 1:30 (1700 UTC) I had it set up on a 4’ tripod on the deck, the > counterpoise attached to the KX3 and with 10 watts worked LZ and HA on 20 M > CW! > > Wayne, thank you! This will be my new SOTA antenna. > > Thaire. W2APF > __ > 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 n...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Short whip operating tips
Having operated pedestrian mobile many times, I’d like to offer a few suggestions for those new to the use of short whips (like the AX1). These and other tips appear in the AX1 manual. * Elevate the antenna whenever possible. For example, if you’re using a KX2, HT-style, your transmitted signal will almost always be stronger if you’re standing rather than sitting on the ground. (Exception: sitting on the edge of a cliff is probably just as good as standing. Don’t do anything risky :) * Initially, try to find strong stations to call (S7 or higher), especially when using SSB. High signal strength at your end is often indicative of good propagation and/or that the station is using a gain antenna. * Try the higher-frequency bands first. 17 meters in particular is an outstanding QRP band. When I call strong stations on this band using 10 W SSB and the AX1, my success rate is something like 80%. * ALWAYS use a counterpoise wire (one is supplied with the AX1). Otherwise your transmitted signal will be down as much as 20 dB. * If you use the AX1 with the AXT1 tripod adapter, use a short length of coax, especially on 17 and 15 m were the rig’s ATU is required to achieve resonance. Happy hiking— Wayne N6KR http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft 20th Anniversary
Surely you jest :) Wayne (“just getting started”), N6KR http://www.elecraft.com > On Oct 14, 2018, at 2:26 PM, Fred Jensen wrote: > > Retirement? [:-) > > 73, > > Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW > Sparks NV DM09dn > Washoe County >> On 10/14/2018 12:03 PM, Ed G wrote: >> When you look at what they have accomplished in 20 years, it is >> mind-boggling (but fun) to speculate on what the next 20 years might bring. >> --Ed, N3CW— >> > > __ > 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 n...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft 20th Anniversary
Thanks, Ed. The exact date is hard to pin down. Nonetheless, we’ll keep your kind words in mind as the wild ride continues. 73, Wayne N6KR http://www.elecraft.com > On Oct 14, 2018, at 12:03 PM, Ed G wrote: > > I’m not sure of the exact month, but I believe 2018 is the 20th year since > Elecraft’s founding. I haven’t seen any other posts on this, so thought I’d > pass along my best wishes and sincere thanks to the Elecraft folks, > especially Wayne and Eric. When you look at what they have accomplished in > 20 years, it is mind-boggling (but fun) to speculate on what the next 20 > years might bring. > --Ed, N3CW— > > > Sent from Mail for Windows 10 > > > > --- > This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. > https://www.avast.com/antivirus > __ > 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 n...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Today’s AX1 report
Today I climbed up McGinty Peak trail, a steep, rocky hike with a great payoff — a nearly 360 degree view of western San Diego county. At the top I pulled out the KX2 and used it HT style with the AX1. Bands were in moderately good shape. In short order I worked TI8II (20 CW), JA2CQZ (17 SSB), and KH6TE (20 SSB). All solid QSOs ... a satisfying test of the first AX1 off the production line. A large batch of AX1s have now been shipped. Please share your experiences, both natural and ionospheric. 73, Wayne N6KR http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Hurricane comms?
Hi all, I heard an NPR interview with the city manager of a small town in the Florida panhandle this morning. He said that many nearby towns have zero communications right now, and he was “hoping to be heard” via radio. They’re pretty desperate. Cell towers and landlines are down. They can’t even communicate within emergency agencies. Feel free to post info here on any HF or VHF nets that have been activated. Amateur radio could be the service of last resort for a few days. Wayne N6KR http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT -- Sunspot Cycle 25
Meanwhile, many people are working DX in all modes day and night...go figure :) My weapon of choice is a KX2, hand-held, running 10 watts to a 3-band, 4-foot-long whip. Despite the obvious compromises, I never fail to make some worldwide Qs on hiking trips -- though it is certainly easier when those band openings come along. Wayne N6KR > On Oct 9, 2018, at 10:45 AM, John Stengrevics > wrote: > > These predictions are completely uncertain. Recent info presented by Tamitha > Skov (space weather scientist) suggests the next cycle will not be delayed > and will begin early 2019. > > In a paper presented at Central States VHF, Jim Kennedy reviewed many studies > & predictions and found that they differed by 115%. > > In fact, nobody really knows. > > John > WA1EAZ > >> On Oct 9, 2018, at 1:37 PM, Dauer, Edward wrote: >> >> For those who do not take CQ magazine, there is an article this month very >> much worth reading. It summarizes recent findings about the forthcoming >> sunspot cycle and its effect on propagation. To quote from the reported >> studies, “ . . . the start of Cycle 25 could be delayed to 2021 or 2022 and >> will be very weak, if it even happens at all . . . . this (Cycle 24) could >> be the last solar maximum we’ll see for a few decades . . . .” Guess I’d >> better gear up for FT8. >> >> I personally cannot assess the quality of the research nor its full >> implications. Just thought I would alert others who may be interested to >> the article. >> >> Ted, KN1CBR __ 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] AX1 Order Page Up but Broken?
The wrong early-order link was sent out. Sorry about that. It will be corrected and the email re-sent soon. General product announcement will be later this week. The early order email was for those who signed up previously. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K-Pod CTS to match VFO-What say you Wayne?
Hi Joe (et al), I just reviewed this with our K-Pod firmware engineer. Going from 200 to 400 counts is more complex than it sounds because of system bandwidth limitations at the front panel RJ45 port. We still think it's possible, and we'll both be looking at it when we get a chance. 73, Wayne N6KR > On Oct 5, 2018, at 3:09 PM, Joe Stone (KF5WBO) > wrote: > > Did Wayne respond? > > Joe > KF5WBO __ 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] At Pacificon: 25th anniversary talk about the NorCal 40 transceiver & NorCal QRP Club
Hi all, If you're planning to be at Pacificon, please join Doug Hendricks (KI6DS), myself, and a gathering of NorCal QRP alumnus on Friday night at 7 PM in the Danville room. It's the 25th anniversary of the NorCal 40 transceiver, a little radio that helped get the club off the ground. (Even if you've had no association with NorCal or QRP, come for Doug's promised cake and schmoozefest.) Doug and I will be talking about the NC40's design and its legacy in the form of club projects, commercial gear, and an engineering course at Caltech. Additional details can be found here: https://sites.google.com/a/mdarc.org/pacificon2018/events/qrp 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Announcement
Hi Kevin, Warming up the gear. I'll see you on 14.050, conditions permitting. Wayne N6KR > On Sep 22, 2018, at 8:23 PM, kevinr wrote: > > Good Evening, > >While scouting out trees to thin I found a number of new elk trails. One > poor alder tree had very little bark on the lower four feet of its trunk. > They like the alder thickets when they grow larger than about six inches in > diameter. The lower branches die off and a nice sleeping area forms. It's > also a good place for cedar and hemlock to get a start. Douglas fir likes a > lot of sun so they compete for openings in the canopy. Cedar and hemlock > like it moister and well shaded when they sprout. > >There was a period of solar wind activity this week so there are some ions > floating around. Maybe there will be enough of them left for the nets. I am > going to move the forty meter net frequency a bit higher to 7047 kHz. This > may eliminate some of the QRM. If that doesn't work I'll need to find > something else to try. Luckily the bands are pretty quiet other than the > thunderstorms over the plains. > > Please join us tomorrow on: > > 14050 kHz at 2200z Sunday (3 PM PDT Sunday) > 7047 kHz at z Monday (5 PM PDT Sunday) > > 73, > Kevin. KD5ONS __ 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] Choice of CW pitch
The center frequency of the audio peaking filter tracks the side tone pitch (PITCH control). So does the receive filter center frequency. Wayne N6KR http://www.elecraft.com > On Sep 22, 2018, at 4:40 PM, Fred Jensen wrote: > > Is the center frequency of the K3 Audio Peaking Filter adjustable? I didn't > think so but honestly don't really know. > > The coast marine station I worked at in 56/57 supplied 1 Khz [well 1 Kc in > those days] sidetone to each position. It was higher than most liked, we had > receivers to listen to our TX channel and most used them. Something more > comforting about hearing your own signal rather than a disembodied concoction > from the RX site. The older I get, the lower my sidetone goes. [:=) > > 73, > > Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW > Sparks NV DM09dn > Washoe County > >> On 9/22/2018 4:11 AM, Nr4c wrote: >> Come on!!! >> >> I adjust the “pitch” to suit my hearing. The pitch of the incoming station >> is adjusted by the VFO! The “Spot” button will get you close to Zero-Beat. >> A little XIT will separate you from others who Zero-Beat him in a pile-up. >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> ...nr4c. bill > > __ > 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 n...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Conditions, shmonditions: DXing anyway
90 foot off-center-fed dipole with the apex at about 25 feet. One end slopes to 15' high gazebo roof, the other immediately gets tangled up in a large oak tree. Could be worse, but not much :) Wayne N6KR > On Sep 21, 2018, at 8:50 AM, Barry wrote: > > Wayne, > Nice going! What were you using for an antenna? > > 73, > Barry > K3NDM > > On September 20, 2018 11:07:01 PM EDT, Wayne Burdick > wrote: > Tonight I heard a very weak CW CQ on 7.007 MHz right around sundown -- LA1MFA > (Norway). With the filtering on the K3S dialed down to 100 Hz, 30 Hz audio > peaking filter (APF) turned on, and the noise blanker optimized, he was > readable. I called and he came right back to me. > > I would normally have tried this at 10 watts first, but something about the > tenuous nature of conditions these days had me cranking the power up to 100 W > from the get-go. > > Despite requiring "full" power to make this contact, it was a reminder that > DX is out there if you tune slowly > > On a related topic, I discovered that as a guy of a certain age, 400 Hz may > be a better pitch for copying weak signals than my usual 550 Hz. This could > be a well-understood psychoacoustic phenomenon, but it came as a pleasant > surprise. > > 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Conditions, shmonditions: DXing anyway
Tonight I heard a very weak CW CQ on 7.007 MHz right around sundown -- LA1MFA (Norway). With the filtering on the K3S dialed down to 100 Hz, 30 Hz audio peaking filter (APF) turned on, and the noise blanker optimized, he was readable. I called and he came right back to me. I would normally have tried this at 10 watts first, but something about the tenuous nature of conditions these days had me cranking the power up to 100 W from the get-go. Despite requiring "full" power to make this contact, it was a reminder that DX is out there if you tune slowly On a related topic, I discovered that as a guy of a certain age, 400 Hz may be a better pitch for copying weak signals than my usual 550 Hz. This could be a well-understood psychoacoustic phenomenon, but it came as a pleasant surprise. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 minor build caveat: C135 in the transmitter area
All bottom-side components must be less than 0.25” in height so they don’t
touch the inside of the bottom cover. You can fold parts over, but I would
never, ever attempt to modify their height by removing material. If you feel
compelled to do that, better to just request a lower-profile replacement lower
profile part from Elecraft.
Wayne
N6KR
http://www.elecraft.com
> On Sep 14, 2018, at 6:45 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>
> Mark,
>
> The answer is "Maybe".
>
> I have heard of some builders who have reduced the height of C135, but that
> is a risky situation, you may short the plates of the capacitor rendering it
> useless.
> A better solution is to replace it with a capacitor that is smaller.
> Do you have the KSB2 kit? If so, there is a spare small 0.01 uF capacitor in
> that kit. It has leads for .1 inch lead spacing, but spread them out so they
> will go into the holes in the RF board.
>
> If you do not have the KSB2, but do have the KPA100, you can borrow one of
> those small capacitors from the KPA100 kit and order a replacement p/n
> E530019 - 0.01uF capacitor 0.1 inch lead spacing from pa...@elecraft.com.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>
>> On 9/14/2018 8:37 PM, AE0MM via Elecraft wrote:
>> C135 on my K2 RF board sits 1.1mm higher than the 2d fastener. Is it safe
>> shaving that much material off the capacitor body, or should I replace it
>> with a different 103?
>> I'm one PA transistor away from being able to inspect, test, and align my
>> K2; I don't want to do anything rash.
>> Thanks,
>> --mark/ae0mm
>> ‐‐‐ Original Message ‐‐‐
>>> On July 17, 2018 11:55 AM, Mark Petrovic wrote:
>>> I'm in the home stretch of building my K2, and wanted to point out
>>> something that might help others as they assemble the transmitter portion
>>> of the radio.
>>>
>>> C135 ("103"), which sits adjacent to the 2D heat sink fastener, needs to be
>>> installed as close to the board as possible. Check that it is lower than
>>> the 2D fastener, otherwise the heat sink panel may not make good contact
>>> with Q7 and Q8. My C135 sat a tiny bit higher than the 2D block; I ended
>>> up shaving a very thin layer of the capacitor body with a razor blade so
>>> that it cleared the 2D fastener.
>>>
>>> Mark
>>> AE6RT
>>>
>>> -
>>>
>>> Mark
>>>
>>> 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 ae...@protonmail.com
>> __
>> Elecraft mailing list
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>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com
>
> ---
> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>
> __
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[Elecraft] Great QSOs, 21st century
Wow! Thanks for the nostalgic RF trip, everyone. Seriously...great stories. Moving forward in time a bit, I wanted to note that RF miracles continue to happen every day. (Well, most weekends in my case.) Last Saturday’s physics-be-damned results: several solid SSB QSOs on 20 and 17 meters all over the country, including KH6, with a prototype AX1 dual-band whip and a KX2 used HT style. What I need is an alarm app for my iPhone that tells me that HF conditions are hot and it’s time to get out of the shack. Ring tone of choice: first four bars of “Born to be Wild”. Is it just me, or is there something life-changing about a noise level of S0? It’s just a short drive away, even in Silicon Valley. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Craziest / most rewarding QSOs
15 meters never fails to amaze me. During a recent bout of paper log archaeology, I rediscovered a QSO I logged as a teen, in 1972. I was just minding my own business, tuning up using a Heath DX-20 driving 3 feet of coax to a 40 W incandescent bulb. Then a guy in Illinois called me Some years later I was using a home-brew rig (the “Safari 4”) while visiting my Mom in Arizona. The battery was nearly depleted, the rig putting out only 200 mW. The antenna: 8 feet of wire running directly from the rig through a window to a clothesline. Tuning slowly, I heard a CQ from Rwanda (9X5). I called him and got a “QRZ?” With a *lot* of patience on his end, we completed a basic QSO. No computer, no narrow filtering, no noise blanker. I would’ve gone nuts for a KX2 back in those days. 73, Wayne N6KR http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Menu entries in K3 macros
Hi Fred, Use the MN command select the menu entry number. This simulates going into the menu at the radio. The Programmer's Reference provides a table of MN values for each transceiver--be sure to use the one for the K3/K3S. Then use the MP command to read or change the value. This is also explained in the reference. You can send "MP;" to read the current value to make sure you know how the MP values relate to the menu entry's displayed parameter. Finally, send "MN255;" to exit the menu. Wayne N6KR > On Sep 6, 2018, at 11:28 AM, Fred Jensen wrote: > > Technical difficulty in my mind: How do I change a menu setting from one of > the 16 K3 macro slots. Specifically, I want to toggle SPKR+PH on/off using my > KPOD in Macro #16. My K3 has TECH MD set to ON all the time. I don't fully > understand the K3 Programmer's Reference for the MN command I guess. > > 73, > > Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW > Sparks NV DM09dn > Washoe County > __ > 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 n...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 ATU HELP
Steve, To unlock a menu entry, you have to hold KHZ for about 3 seconds. Wayne N6KR http://www.elecraft.com > On Aug 26, 2018, at 8:11 AM, steve long wrote: > > Message on display indicates, ATU locked. How is it unlocked? Pressing the > Khz button has no effect. > > Thanks, > > Steve/k4mmg > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > k > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Khz button mah > Kes no change > > Thanks, > > SteveK4mmg > > Sent from Mail for Windows 10 > > > > --- > This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. > https://www.avast.com/antivirus > __ > 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 n...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX2/KX3 operating tip: Creating a CW "sound stage" using AFX PITCH mode
Hi Randy, PITCH mode is not available on the K3 at this time. It was a bit of an experiment when we added it to the KX3 (which uses a different DSP chip). We liked it, and kept it. It's on the list for future addition to the K3/K3S. 73, Wayne N6KR > On Aug 21, 2018, at 7:38 PM, Randy Farmer wrote: > > Hmmm... My K3S has Firmware V5.62 (latest production) installed. As > describedin the latest available version of the K3S manual, the only AFX MODE > settings are DELAY 1 through DELAY 5 and BIN. PITCH is not an option. Wayne's > message refers explicitly to the KX3. Indeed, the KX3 manual shows the > available AFX MODE choices to be DELAY and PITCH. > > 73... > Randy, W8FN __ 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] KX2/KX3 operating tip: Creating a CW "sound stage" using AFX PITCH mode
Hi all, The KX3 has two different AFX (audio effects) modes: DELAY (simulated stereo) and PITCH (binaural pitch mapping). DELAY is the default, and it can greatly reduce operating fatigue as compared to mono audio. PITCH is sometimes overlooked as an option, but it too can make listening more enjoyable. Especially on a busy CW band segment. When AFX is set to PITCH, all of the signals in the passband will be "mapped" into a left-to-right acoustic space based on their pitch. Lower-pitched signals map to the left, higher pitches to the right. We describe it as a "sound stage" because it's similar to what you hear in a theater when there are multiple voices or musical instruments. With each signal occupying its own binaural niche, it's easier to pick them out and to recognize them. This can be very useful in contests, on nets, or when working DX split. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT (maybe): Fewer mosquitos to worry about on Field Day?
Hi Lynn, The interesting part is in the first 15 minutes. There's also a text transcript. Search for "Show Transcript" at: https://loe.org/shows/shows.html?programID=18-P13-00033 Wayne > On Aug 21, 2018, at 5:34 PM, Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT > wrote: > > For those of us who don't have 50 minutes to listen to audio, is there a > written version of this? > > ... or maybe the right keywords to search? > > Thanks! > > 73 -- Lynn __ 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] OT (maybe): Fewer mosquitos to worry about on Field Day?
Here’s a bit of peer-reviewed hard science I somehow missed. Also appeared in Wall Street Journal, etc., but this podcast explains it better. Listener discretion advised... not suitable for easily discouraged next-generation listeners. https://bit.ly/2ORWTrR I hope they’re wrong. Wayne N6KR http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: WWV/WWVH Closure
Hi Roger, I spent most of my 4-year USCG career on LORAN-C related activities. 6 months ET school at Governor's Island, a year at the monitor station in Bermuda (yeah, that was tough) and finally two years at the engineering center in Wildwood, NJ (even tougher :) I really despised the resolver/servo-driven LORAN receivers. But I did love the HP9825 "calculator" that the lieutenant installed early in my stay at Bermuda. This thing calibrated the entire U.S. east coast LORAN-C chain, entering phase corrections for atmospheric distortion automatically, replacing manual methods. Of course the '9825 was too cool to be left to this menial task. So every night when I was on mid watch, I would stop the silly LORAN program, teach myself HPL, then write my own programs. I made the phase corrections manually at such times. The lieutenant returned a few months later and was not pleased to see the apparent failure of his software. But meanwhile I'd become the local expert on the '9825, called upon to fix it when it broke, so he forgave me. He also recommended my transfer to the Wildwood engineering center at the end of my Bermuda year, which was an excellent result because one usually got rotated to the Aleutian Islands after being at a desired station Wildwood was great, too. Lots of fun R&D by day, partying by night. By the way, this is ridiculously OT. My apologies in advance to Eric, who will now shut me down :) Wayne > On Aug 20, 2018, at 10:57 AM, Roger D Johnson wrote: > > Ah! LORAN C. I remember it well. > > Roger CWO4, USCG (retired) > > > On 8/20/2018 12:54 PM, Rose wrote: >> Trivia .. >> >> The last I knew the WWVB transmitter is a "repurposed" 100KW >> LORAN C TX from the closed site in ND. >> >> 73! >> >> K0PP __ 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] WWV/WWVH Closure
Personal note Ever since I home-brewed my first receiver when I was 15, I've used WWV at multiple frequencies as a source of reliable on-air test signals. My early receivers used simple direct-conversion schemes based on JFETs (remember the MPF102?). Get the details wrong, and you'd hear WWV whether you were tuned to it or not, thanks to what I now know was IP2 (AM breakthrough). Do it right, and you'd be rewarded with those undulating time-tones: minimalist, almost musical. Something Phillip Glass would pipe into his sensory-deprevation tank. Oh, and you could set your watch to it. These days I still tune into WWV to check VFO calibration, set clocks in the field, and get an approximation of the MUF (Maximum usable frequency). When propagation is good, even the 20.00 MHz signal soars across the aether, a faithful and tireless chronological savant. Losing it would be a tragedy, but a nerdy one, not Greek. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Problem with using a muffin fan on top of a KPA1500
A muffin fan (or other large fan) placed on top of the KPA1500 will, of course, cool the heat sink. However, it will also delay or even prevent onset of the amplifier's own fans. This is a problem because the amp's fans cool both the heat sink *and* the interior of the amplifier. Due to the power levels involved, many components on the PC boards require cooling, including low-pass filter inductors, relays, and high-wattage resistors in the T/R switch and attenuator. Please do not use external fans to cool the amplifier's heat sink. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Will be on Elecraft CW net today, 0000Z
Hi all, Seems like I’m always busy around net time on Sundays, but not today. Hope to hear some of you on 7045 at Z. BTW, I *think* I heard the net on 20 m today (14050 at 2200Z). Too much local noise to hear net control, though. Very weak. (Where’s that 6 over 6 when I need it?) Wayne N6KR http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 AFX - Pitch Setting Enhancement ...?
Grant, The KX3's filter center frequency for all features tracks the sidetone pitch exactly. To change the sidetone and filter pitch, just hold the PITCH switch and rotate the knob above it. If you set PITCH to 500 Hz, for example, then the regular filters, APF (audio peaking filter), CWT (CW tuning aid), manual spot, autospot, and CW decode will all be centered at 500 Hz. Regarding your *exact* question (I think): all of the AFX features should also be centered at the selected PITCH. The only exception is if you have a wide filter passband selected. For example, if your PITCH is 500 Hz and you have a filter WIDTH of something greater than about 1000 Hz, then the passband center starts shifting higher. The lower edge of the filter remains near zero beat + 100 Hz to ensure good opposite-sideband rejection at all WIDTH settings. 73, Wayne N6KR > On Aug 4, 2018, at 12:46 PM, Grant Youngman wrote: > > One of the reasons I never use this setting is that it seems to be a fixed > 700 Hz +/- as “center” in the sound field. I much prefer CW closer to 500 > Hz, which always ends up putting the tuned signal in my left ear with this > option (and no I’m not terribly hard of hearing in this frequency range). > > Have I missed another setting option somewhere? If not, it would be a > worthwhile KX3 (and K3?) enhancement to have the AFX Pitch “center” follow > the CW Pitch setting of the radio to actually make this function useful. > > The CW Binaural option on the TT Orion opened up a very spacious left-right > soundstage that made it easy to copy a “centered” CW signal in crowded band > conditions even at wider filter settings. You could literally point to every > signal … > > My K3 isn’t hooked up right now (shack is currently a table on my patio), so > I’m not sure if it behaves the same way. In any case redoing the AFX Pitch > algorithm would be a very worthwhile enhancement. > > Grant NQ5T > K3 #2091 KX3 #8342 > > __ > 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 n...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Massive opening on 10 and 6 meters right now...
Ron Genovesi wrote: > >Hmmm..Let me see if I understand this concept Wayne. Your talking just > an Antenna, a radio and a mic or key I don’t know man..you might > sell that to us old timers but... I’m not sure how that’s gonna go over with > the younger crowd better run it up the old flag pole and see how many > salute. :) To get millennials, we'll need someone to turn it into a video game...a first-person shooter, maybe with Red Bull as the sponsor. PTT = Pull The Trigger. QSK = quick shot kill. You get the idea. Wayne __ 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] [KX3] Re: OT: Massive opening on 10 and 6 meters right now...
There's been plenty of action on SSB and CW today. I made multiple contacts on both modes, including a nice 10-minute chat with a station 1,000 miles away. I'm using only a dipole on my end. The beauty of CW and SSB is that you don't need one of those "computer" thingies. Just turn on the rig :) Wayne N6K > On Aug 2, 2018, at 4:17 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > > On 8/2/2018 9:35 AM, Richard AG5M via Elecraft wrote: >> Got the word, I'm up on 6m, but absolutely nothing being heard up here in >> south eastern WA. > > All the action is FT8. I've made close to 20 QSOs today -- FL, GA, MS, LA, > TX, OR, AZ, JA. > Earlier today, the QSO map showed a lot of the eastern US working EU. > > K3, KPA500, 4-el Yagi. > > 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Tip for those watching 6 m band openings: channel hopping
If you're into 6 meter SSB, you may want to take advantage of the semi-channelezation that occurs in this band segment. While operators generally start at 50.125, they quickly spread up the band in 5 kHz increments when there's a lot of activity, like today. The K3 and K3S can hop among a group of channels (frequency memories) on 6 meters, either manually (by rotating the VFO) or automatically (by starting a scan). The setup procedure is described in the owner's manual. On my K3S I set up 5 frequency memories: 50.125, .130, .135, .140, and .145. In order to use these with channel hopping, they have to be in a group of contiguous memories (I used 50-54), and each one in the group has to have a label with an asterisk (*) in the first character position. You can set these up at the radio itself or using the K3 Frequency Memory Editor. Once the memories are set up, you can start channel-hop scanning as follows: 1. Do M->V (memory recall), selecting memory #50 with VFO, then tap M->V again. VFO A will can now be used to do manual hopping among the channels. 2. Hold SCAN to start scanning among the 5 channels. The receiver will stay muted during the scan until signals are present. 3. Optionally hold SCAN for > 3 seconds, starting a "Live" scan. In this case the receiver remains unmuted and scanning will continue until you tap any switch or rotate the VFO. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Massive opening on 10 and 6 meters right now...
Just worked Alabama from CA on 50.125 using 50 W and a hamstick dipole :) Call me a 6 m newbie, but this is my best DX on 6 yet. Wayne N6KR > On Aug 2, 2018, at 8:52 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > > Listening on 50.125. > > 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
