Re: [Elecraft] K2 freq calibration...
Today, I could pick up the time signal on 20 MHz and did the setup with moving the probe between tp1 and tp2 to get the readings the same. It seems spot on now, and I was in a qso on 80 meters and was right on frequency on both TX and RX. Same report as far as the audio goes, restricted but clean. Its likely to sound a bit better with a real microphone. The station I was talking to sounded VERY nice using an external speaker. I have been told the variable xtal filter looks bad on ssb with spectrogram, and assume that is normal. I am really pleased with the K2 and the ssb part of it also. Who needs a K3! Brett N2DTS - Original Message - From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com To: Brett Gazdzinski brett.gazdzin...@verizon.net Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2009 10:36 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 freq calibration... Brett, You ask several questions, and I will delay on all of them except the one about calibration. You are relying on too many variables when setting the 4 MHz reference oscillator. To reduce those variables, use the N6KR method that is documented at http://www.elecraft.com/Apps/K2%20C22%20Adjust%20App%20Note.pdf. If you can tune WWV accurately, all other variables are cancelled out by that method. You may also find helpful information in the K2 Dial Calibration article on my website www.w3fpr.com. For your restriceted SSB audio, consider the comments in that article about the low frequency corner of the SSB filter passband carefully - 300 Hz is the 'magic' frequency. After you get the dial calibration correct (within 20 Hz or less), ask about the other items. 73, Don W3FPR Brett Gazdzinski wrote: I am having a hard time getting the frequency calibration on my K2 closer than 80 Hz. I set the osc to exactly 4Mhz, plus or minus a Hz on the pro3 switching between usb and lsb, it also agrees with the HP spectrum analyzer, I then run the cal pll, and the bfo calibration, and when tuning in ssb signals, they sound normal 80 or more Hz higher than they should (as tuned in on the pro 3). Is this as good as it gets on ssb? I have compared CW signals between the two rigs and they are very close, within about 10 Hz on 80 meters anyway. It seems the freq counter, pll cal, and bfo all sort of interact, but if the freq counter calibration is spot on, why the 80 Hz difference? (80 Hz is as close as I have gotten it in many attempts) Also, is it normal for the non ssb filters to look SO bad on spectrogram?? I got the ssb option on Tuesday, it was done Tuesday night, the antenna tuner was done Wednesday, no problems with them, no missing parts, no issues, I made my first ssb contact yesterday on 80 meters using the hand mic from the pro 3. SSB from the K2 sounds good in the pro 3, the report I got said it sounded a bit restricted, the hand mic sounds poor on the pro 3... What would be a nice sounding microphone to use with the K2? Also, I have been thinking of taking down the home made G5RV and trying an alpha delta dx-lb plus (160 through 10), the G5RV does not seem to work as good as the 40 meter dipole on 40, and its likely worse on other bands... Anyone got anything bad to say about the dx-lb plus, I know its not as good as a full size 160 m antenna, but I have about 110 feet max between trees. I sure am enjoying the K2! Brett N2DTS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 freq calibration...
Brett, What is the width of your OP1 filter? The initial ones were 2.1 kHz wide for best use with a QRP K2, then it was changed to 2.4 kHz for better fidelity. A 2.6 kHz width will sound even better. Elecraft offers a capacitor kit to allow you to change the width to either the 2.1, 2.4 or 2.6 kHz width. Yes, the variable filter looks a bit 'ratty' at wide widths, but if the filter passband is positioned properly (low frequency corner at 300 Hz), it provides a means of cutting out QRM while listening to SSB despite the great passband ripple. It is never used for transmitting SSB. 73, Don W3FPR Brett Gazdzinski wrote: Today, I could pick up the time signal on 20 MHz and did the setup with moving the probe between tp1 and tp2 to get the readings the same. It seems spot on now, and I was in a qso on 80 meters and was right on frequency on both TX and RX. Same report as far as the audio goes, restricted but clean. Its likely to sound a bit better with a real microphone. The station I was talking to sounded VERY nice using an external speaker. I have been told the variable xtal filter looks bad on ssb with spectrogram, and assume that is normal. I am really pleased with the K2 and the ssb part of it also. Who needs a K3! Brett N2DTS - Original Message - From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com To: Brett Gazdzinski brett.gazdzin...@verizon.net Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2009 10:36 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 freq calibration... Brett, You ask several questions, and I will delay on all of them except the one about calibration. You are relying on too many variables when setting the 4 MHz reference oscillator. To reduce those variables, use the N6KR method that is documented at http://www.elecraft.com/Apps/K2%20C22%20Adjust%20App%20Note.pdf. If you can tune WWV accurately, all other variables are cancelled out by that method. You may also find helpful information in the K2 Dial Calibration article on my website www.w3fpr.com. For your restriceted SSB audio, consider the comments in that article about the low frequency corner of the SSB filter passband carefully - 300 Hz is the 'magic' frequency. After you get the dial calibration correct (within 20 Hz or less), ask about the other items. 73, Don W3FPR Brett Gazdzinski wrote: I am having a hard time getting the frequency calibration on my K2 closer than 80 Hz. I set the osc to exactly 4Mhz, plus or minus a Hz on the pro3 switching between usb and lsb, it also agrees with the HP spectrum analyzer, I then run the cal pll, and the bfo calibration, and when tuning in ssb signals, they sound normal 80 or more Hz higher than they should (as tuned in on the pro 3). Is this as good as it gets on ssb? I have compared CW signals between the two rigs and they are very close, within about 10 Hz on 80 meters anyway. It seems the freq counter, pll cal, and bfo all sort of interact, but if the freq counter calibration is spot on, why the 80 Hz difference? (80 Hz is as close as I have gotten it in many attempts) Also, is it normal for the non ssb filters to look SO bad on spectrogram?? I got the ssb option on Tuesday, it was done Tuesday night, the antenna tuner was done Wednesday, no problems with them, no missing parts, no issues, I made my first ssb contact yesterday on 80 meters using the hand mic from the pro 3. SSB from the K2 sounds good in the pro 3, the report I got said it sounded a bit restricted, the hand mic sounds poor on the pro 3... What would be a nice sounding microphone to use with the K2? Also, I have been thinking of taking down the home made G5RV and trying an alpha delta dx-lb plus (160 through 10), the G5RV does not seem to work as good as the 40 meter dipole on 40, and its likely worse on other bands... Anyone got anything bad to say about the dx-lb plus, I know its not as good as a full size 160 m antenna, but I have about 110 feet max between trees. I sure am enjoying the K2! Brett N2DTS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 freq calibration...
Don, I just got the K2 and ssb add on in the last 2 weeks. I don't think it said anything about the bandwidth other than what is in the manual that came with the ksb2, 2.3 KHz. It sure sounds nice on receive, and it seems to sound fine in the pro3 when I monitor it. Perhaps I just need a good microphone. What caps need to be changed to what in order to get 2.6? Brett N2DTS Brett, What is the width of your OP1 filter? The initial ones were 2.1 kHz wide for best use with a QRP K2, then it was changed to 2.4 kHz for better fidelity. A 2.6 kHz width will sound even better. Elecraft offers a capacitor kit to allow you to change the width to either the 2.1, 2.4 or 2.6 kHz width. Yes, the variable filter looks a bit 'ratty' at wide widths, but if the filter passband is positioned properly (low frequency corner at 300 Hz), it provides a means of cutting out QRM while listening to SSB despite the great passband ripple. It is never used for transmitting SSB. 73, Don W3FPR ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 freq calibration...
Brett, If you just purchased the KSB2, your filter is 2.4 kHz width. If you want to change it to 2.6, download the manual of the SSBCAPKT from the Elecraft website. 73, Don W3FPR Brett Gazdzinski wrote: Don, I just got the K2 and ssb add on in the last 2 weeks. I don't think it said anything about the bandwidth other than what is in the manual that came with the ksb2, 2.3 KHz. It sure sounds nice on receive, and it seems to sound fine in the pro3 when I monitor it. Perhaps I just need a good microphone. What caps need to be changed to what in order to get 2.6? Brett N2DTS Brett, What is the width of your OP1 filter? The initial ones were 2.1 kHz wide for best use with a QRP K2, then it was changed to 2.4 kHz for better fidelity. A 2.6 kHz width will sound even better. Elecraft offers a capacitor kit to allow you to change the width to either the 2.1, 2.4 or 2.6 kHz width. Yes, the variable filter looks a bit 'ratty' at wide widths, but if the filter passband is positioned properly (low frequency corner at 300 Hz), it provides a means of cutting out QRM while listening to SSB despite the great passband ripple. It is never used for transmitting SSB. 73, Don W3FPR ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.233 / Virus Database: 270.10.16/1925 - Release Date: 1/30/2009 7:37 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2 freq calibration...
I am having a hard time getting the frequency calibration on my K2 closer than 80 Hz. I set the osc to exactly 4Mhz, plus or minus a Hz on the pro3 switching between usb and lsb, it also agrees with the HP spectrum analyzer, I then run the cal pll, and the bfo calibration, and when tuning in ssb signals, they sound normal 80 or more Hz higher than they should (as tuned in on the pro 3). Is this as good as it gets on ssb? I have compared CW signals between the two rigs and they are very close, within about 10 Hz on 80 meters anyway. It seems the freq counter, pll cal, and bfo all sort of interact, but if the freq counter calibration is spot on, why the 80 Hz difference? (80 Hz is as close as I have gotten it in many attempts) Also, is it normal for the non ssb filters to look SO bad on spectrogram?? I got the ssb option on Tuesday, it was done Tuesday night, the antenna tuner was done Wednesday, no problems with them, no missing parts, no issues, I made my first ssb contact yesterday on 80 meters using the hand mic from the pro 3. SSB from the K2 sounds good in the pro 3, the report I got said it sounded a bit restricted, the hand mic sounds poor on the pro 3... What would be a nice sounding microphone to use with the K2? Also, I have been thinking of taking down the home made G5RV and trying an alpha delta dx-lb plus (160 through 10), the G5RV does not seem to work as good as the 40 meter dipole on 40, and its likely worse on other bands... Anyone got anything bad to say about the dx-lb plus, I know its not as good as a full size 160 m antenna, but I have about 110 feet max between trees. I sure am enjoying the K2! Brett N2DTS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 freq calibration...
Brett, You ask several questions, and I will delay on all of them except the one about calibration. You are relying on too many variables when setting the 4 MHz reference oscillator. To reduce those variables, use the N6KR method that is documented at http://www.elecraft.com/Apps/K2%20C22%20Adjust%20App%20Note.pdf. If you can tune WWV accurately, all other variables are cancelled out by that method. You may also find helpful information in the K2 Dial Calibration article on my website www.w3fpr.com. For your restriceted SSB audio, consider the comments in that article about the low frequency corner of the SSB filter passband carefully - 300 Hz is the 'magic' frequency. After you get the dial calibration correct (within 20 Hz or less), ask about the other items. 73, Don W3FPR Brett Gazdzinski wrote: I am having a hard time getting the frequency calibration on my K2 closer than 80 Hz. I set the osc to exactly 4Mhz, plus or minus a Hz on the pro3 switching between usb and lsb, it also agrees with the HP spectrum analyzer, I then run the cal pll, and the bfo calibration, and when tuning in ssb signals, they sound normal 80 or more Hz higher than they should (as tuned in on the pro 3). Is this as good as it gets on ssb? I have compared CW signals between the two rigs and they are very close, within about 10 Hz on 80 meters anyway. It seems the freq counter, pll cal, and bfo all sort of interact, but if the freq counter calibration is spot on, why the 80 Hz difference? (80 Hz is as close as I have gotten it in many attempts) Also, is it normal for the non ssb filters to look SO bad on spectrogram?? I got the ssb option on Tuesday, it was done Tuesday night, the antenna tuner was done Wednesday, no problems with them, no missing parts, no issues, I made my first ssb contact yesterday on 80 meters using the hand mic from the pro 3. SSB from the K2 sounds good in the pro 3, the report I got said it sounded a bit restricted, the hand mic sounds poor on the pro 3... What would be a nice sounding microphone to use with the K2? Also, I have been thinking of taking down the home made G5RV and trying an alpha delta dx-lb plus (160 through 10), the G5RV does not seem to work as good as the 40 meter dipole on 40, and its likely worse on other bands... Anyone got anything bad to say about the dx-lb plus, I know its not as good as a full size 160 m antenna, but I have about 110 feet max between trees. I sure am enjoying the K2! Brett N2DTS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2, freq calibration error, solved !
Finally my lasting K2 frequency calibration issue is solved ! Although no errors could be found (all data ok) my K2 has been of frequency for approx. 1 KHz. Only thing was the PLL reference frequency. The range was ok (10 KHz) but just a bit low, 12.095 MHz max. After changing the Xtal and redo the calibration my readout is now perfect (max PLL freq is now approx. 12.099 MHz, range 10 KHz) As I didn't found any pointers showing a relation between the actual (max) PLL frequency and a slightly off dial calibration, it might be good to put this phenomena to the FAQ/known errors-issues database. Gl, Carel, pc5m p.s. Special thanks to Don w3fpr and Tom n0ss for their help/encouragement and of course Elecraft for the splendid part replacement service. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
