Re: [Elecraft] K3 on SSB

[John Simmons]

Al,

How about sharing your settings?

-de John NI0K

Al Lorona wrote on 3/31/2020 1:47 PM:

Jack beat me to the comment I was going to make. Far be it from me to contradict a 
seasoned contester like W3LPL, nor to dismiss the comments of many others, but I wonder 
how many "the K3 sounds bad on SSB" comments occur because of operator error in 
setting the AGC and gain controls improperly? In my experience, a number of such 
declarations are due to not knowing how to set the controls to optimum. Then, at some 
point, these perceptions attain legend status.

Now, if W3LPL's assertion is that the need to know *how* to set those controls 
properly poses a problem for contesters, that could be a valid point. If, for 
instance, the newest Flex 1,000,000 just works out of the box, with the default 
settings, that may appeal to contesters and I understand that.

However, it's never bothered me that the default AGC parameters of a K3 aren't 
optimum for me... that's why the controls are variable, no? I've learned to set 
them to obtain incredible SSB readability. My settings aren't magical; I got 
them from others and are based on my own measurements (which others have 
dismissed over the years, I don't know why).

Al  W6LX
  


With the default settings things can get quite jumbled and the audio is not 
clean and crisp.

__
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 jasimm...@pinewooddata.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 on SSB

[Al Lorona]

Jack beat me to the comment I was going to make. Far be it from me to 
contradict a seasoned contester like W3LPL, nor to dismiss the comments of many 
others, but I wonder how many "the K3 sounds bad on SSB" comments occur because 
of operator error in setting the AGC and gain controls improperly? In my 
experience, a number of such declarations are due to not knowing how to set the 
controls to optimum. Then, at some point, these perceptions attain legend 
status.

Now, if W3LPL's assertion is that the need to know *how* to set those controls 
properly poses a problem for contesters, that could be a valid point. If, for 
instance, the newest Flex 1,000,000 just works out of the box, with the default 
settings, that may appeal to contesters and I understand that. 

However, it's never bothered me that the default AGC parameters of a K3 aren't 
optimum for me... that's why the controls are variable, no? I've learned to set 
them to obtain incredible SSB readability. My settings aren't magical; I got 
them from others and are based on my own measurements (which others have 
dismissed over the years, I don't know why). 

Al  W6LX
 

>>> With the default settings things can get quite jumbled and the audio is not 
>>> clean and crisp.

__
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 on SSB

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

I believe what Frank is referring to is not Tx audio, but receive audio during 
times of very heavy band loading, which pretty much occurs only in busy 
contests such as CQ WPX SSB last weekend. During these times stations are 
basically on top of each other or very closely spaced. We tend to hear stations 
from many different areas simultaneously. Here in CA I was hearing JA, US, EU 
and South American stations at the same time on 20 meters. After working the 
strong stations it is the weaker ones that become very important. With the 
default settings things can get quite jumbled and the audio is not clean and 
crisp. I tend to ride the HI and LO cut bandpass knobs along with RF Gain 
during this time to get an advantage with blocking out stations as best I can. 
K3/K3S AGC also plays into this situation. N6TV has done quite a bit of work 
with AGC and has some interesting suggestions that improve the receive 
characteristics with many stations in the passband. The problem Bob found was 
that close-in stations would cause AGC action that would make the stations 
blend together. The best description is that you simply heard “mush”. With the 
work that was done and improvements in firmware much of this has been improved, 
although I’m not sure that it can ever be completely eliminated. This is a 
trait common to most modern radios, although they tend to differ in the amount 
of mush and distortion that occur. The key is to know your radio and apply 
settings that improve its characteristics. Note that all radios have 
compromises that tend to only be heard in extreme conditions such as we see in 
contesting.

All of this has been discussed on the reflector some time ago. In the Nabble 
archives look up “K3 Receiver Mush”.

As a contester, it is very important that we know and understand all aspects of 
our stations, including the radios to get peak performance. The best contesters 
get the most from their radios; they can only do that by knowing them. 
Contesters that are new to a big station may not know the details of the radio 
in front of them, which says more about the contester than the radio. 

I chose the K3 and K3S for my station because they were the best available. I 
still believe that, and use them in every contest I enter. Now my antennas 
could definitely use some improvement…

73!
Jack, W6FB


> On Mar 31, 2020, at 8:12 AM, Bob McGraw K4TAX  wrote:
> 
> Having used a K3 for a few weeks sometime back, and now having a K3S on my 
> desk for about 3 years, I can attest that there is a noted improvement and 
> difference in the SSB receive audio with my K3S.   I did wait on buying a K3S 
> but I did so, only after learning of the improved SSB receive audio.
> 
> As to transmit audio, I find there are several critical areas under the users 
> control that do affect the SSB transmitted audio. I am not a fan of external 
> EQ and Processing.  Lousy audio going in which is EQ'd and Processed sounds 
> like lousy audio that is EQ'd and processed.  Otherwise stated, one can't 
> make a silk purse out of a sows ear.
> 
> Factors which affect audio are namely mike technique and room acoustics.  And 
> to some noted extent the adjustment or setting of the K3S internal EQ.   In 
> order to determine mike technique one needs to be able to record and playback 
> their transmitted audio. You can't do it with headphones and the monitor 
> system.  Carefully listen to the recording.   Adjust and repeat as needed.   
> In this process one needs to move the mike, thus changing mike-to-mouth 
> distance along with talking direct into the face of the mike.  The frequency 
> response of most mikes will change as one moves off to the side of the mike.  
> Likewise, lip smacks, nasal noise, denture buzz, and others is affected by 
> mike-to-mouth distance.  If it is a dynamic mike, closer to the mike will 
> enhance the lower end. Back away and the low end goes down.   You can use 
> this to your advantage, understanding the artifacts of mike-to-mouth distance.
> 
> If one has any fan noise, room reverberation or HVAC noise,  I suggest 
> working closer to the mike and adjusting the MIC level and/or Speech 
> Processor levels down.  Excessive processing brings up unwanted noises.Of 
> course changing or improving room acoustics is another advantage, if this can 
> be done. {Topic for another discussion.}
> 
> As recommended by Bob Heil, Jim Brown and others including me. FYI -  I'm 
> using a dynamic professional grade Shure SM58 mike direct to the radio.   The 
> TX EQ is as follows: 50 Hz -16dB, 100 Hz -16dB, 200 Hz -16dB, 400 Hz, -12dB, 
> 800 Hz -0dB, 1.6kHz -0dB, 2.4 kHz +3dB, 3.2 kHz +6dB.   ESSB is OFF.  As 
> others have indicated, and as I have determined, using the record and play 
> back method described above, this sounds really good.   And my voice is no 
> Don Pardeau either!  I work directly on axis and about 1" from the face of 
> the mike.   With another mike brand/model,  I find that I must 

Re: [Elecraft] K3 on SSB

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Having used a K3 for a few weeks sometime back, and now having a K3S on 
my desk for about 3 years, I can attest that there is a noted 
improvement and difference in the SSB receive audio with my K3S.   I did 
wait on buying a K3S but I did so, only after learning of the improved 
SSB receive audio.


As to transmit audio, I find there are several critical areas under the 
users control that do affect the SSB transmitted audio. I am not a fan 
of external EQ and Processing.  Lousy audio going in which is EQ'd and 
Processed sounds like lousy audio that is EQ'd and processed.  Otherwise 
stated, one can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear.


Factors which affect audio are namely mike technique and room 
acoustics.  And to some noted extent the adjustment or setting of the 
K3S internal EQ.   In order to determine mike technique one needs to be 
able to record and playback their transmitted audio. You can't do it 
with headphones and the monitor system.  Carefully listen to the 
recording.   Adjust and repeat as needed.   In this process one needs to 
move the mike, thus changing mike-to-mouth distance along with talking 
direct into the face of the mike.  The frequency response of most mikes 
will change as one moves off to the side of the mike.  Likewise, lip 
smacks, nasal noise, denture buzz, and others is affected by 
mike-to-mouth distance.  If it is a dynamic mike, closer to the mike 
will enhance the lower end. Back away and the low end goes down.   You 
can use this to your advantage, understanding the artifacts of 
mike-to-mouth distance.


If one has any fan noise, room reverberation or HVAC noise,  I suggest 
working closer to the mike and adjusting the MIC level and/or Speech 
Processor levels down.  Excessive processing brings up unwanted noises. 
   Of course changing or improving room acoustics is another advantage, 
if this can be done. {Topic for another discussion.}


As recommended by Bob Heil, Jim Brown and others including me. FYI -  
I'm using a dynamic professional grade Shure SM58 mike direct to the 
radio.   The TX EQ is as follows: 50 Hz -16dB, 100 Hz -16dB, 200 Hz 
-16dB, 400 Hz, -12dB, 800 Hz -0dB, 1.6kHz -0dB, 2.4 kHz +3dB, 3.2 kHz 
+6dB.   ESSB is OFF.  As others have indicated, and as I have 
determined, using the record and play back method described above, this 
sounds really good.   And my voice is no Don Pardeau either!  I work 
directly on axis and about 1" from the face of the mike.   With another 
mike brand/model,  I find that I must work 4" or about one fist distance 
from the face of the mike.


There is no short coming of the K3S receive or transmit audio. It is 
excellent communications audio.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 3/30/2020 8:44 PM, Scott Manthe wrote:
When I was active, I often got unsolicited positive comments on my 
audio quality. Partly due to my great voice, I'm sure, but the radio 
didn't wreck the raw material.


73,
Scott N9AA

On 3/30/20 9:17 PM, Ignacy wrote:
Many contesters with large budgets use K3 to win or obtain top scores 
in SSB
contests. This means that K3 is competitive on SSB with other radios, 
and

its flaws in SSB if any are balanced by its advantages.
Early K3 had large AF distortions, fixed by a simple modification.
Ignacy, NO9E






__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to rmcg...@blomand.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] K3 on SSB

[Scott Manthe]

When I was active, I often got unsolicited positive comments on my audio 
quality. Partly due to my great voice, I'm sure, but the radio didn't 
wreck the raw material.


73,
Scott N9AA

On 3/30/20 9:17 PM, Ignacy wrote:

Many contesters with large budgets use K3 to win or obtain top scores in SSB
contests. This means that K3 is competitive on SSB with other radios, and
its flaws in SSB if any are balanced by its advantages.
Early K3 had large AF distortions, fixed by a simple modification.
Ignacy, NO9E






__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

Re: [Elecraft] K3 on SSB

[Ignacy]

Many contesters with large budgets use K3 to win or obtain top scores in SSB
contests. This means that K3 is competitive on SSB with other radios, and
its flaws in SSB if any are balanced by its advantages.
Early K3 had large AF distortions, fixed by a simple modification. 
Ignacy, NO9E



--
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 arch...@mail-archive.com 

Re: [Elecraft] K3 on SSB

[George Thornton]

I have owned a K3 forever.  I am not myself a contester except on Field Day.

Most performance measurements for the K3(s) show it still in the top group in 
terms of ability to hear weak signals adjacent to a stronger signal, an 
important measure for performance in a contest.  Until recently they were in 
the #1 position or near #1.  Now some newer rigs have barely exceeded the K3S 
performance by a very small amount, we will see how the K4 performs, I suspect 
Elecraft will be at the top of the heap again.I am not sure you can 
actually tell the difference in performance at this level.

The main criticism as I understand it with SSB is that the K3 produces a 
harsher sound on SSB than some other rigs.  While this will not interfere with 
your ability to operate, it can irritate the listener over time. 

You can moderate that somewhat through EQ settings, but I do think that some 
other rig manufacturers have been noted for more pleasant sounding audio. 

For me, long ago I found some really nice speakers (Sounds Sweet, no longer in 
business) that do an excellent job of making my K3 with updated synthesizers 
sound pleasant.   

I am looking forward to the K4 getting released and tested.

I will probably not be in the market to purchase anything major until this 
coronavirus situation stabilizes and the economy gets back to normal.  

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Dauer, Edward
Sent: Sunday, March 29, 2020 10:48 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 on SSB

Previous posts suggest a consensus, or at least a widely-held opinion, that the 
K3 is below par on SSB.  I have owned one for years, using it more than 95% on 
CW, and on SSB in only one contest and a few casual ragchews and nets.  In what 
ways is the K3 inferior to others on SSB?  Yes, this is a question, not an 
argument.  And is the K4 designed to correct whatever those flaws may be?  I 
have not yet ordered a K4.  Knowing this info would be helpful to that 
decision.  Tnx,

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 gthorn...@thorntonmostullaw.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 on SSB

[Rick NK7I]

Ah, the brand wars re-emerge again...

While every brand must be tailored to the operators voice and use (rag chew vs 
DXing), it has been my observation that the K3 is certainly a cleaner 
transmitter on phone than most Yaesu transmitters which are generally wider 
using both side bands (easily seen on a P3) if not precisely set up.   Some 
contesters prefer that, as it ‘opens up’ bandwidth, giving them a clear space 
to call. 

It’s either a ‘feature’ of how the Yaesu is set up or several poor operators or 
the brand.  I don’t suggest the brand at all anymore, when asked. 

The Anan and Flex are among the cleanest, sheer cliff walls of audio. 

Rick NK7I

Small phone keyboard, smell Czech corruptions are inevitable

> On Mar 29, 2020, at 10:48 AM, Dauer, Edward  wrote:
> 
> Previous posts suggest a consensus, or at least a widely-held opinion, that 
> the K3 is below par on SSB.  I have owned one for years, using it more than 
> 95% on CW, and on SSB in only one contest and a few casual ragchews and nets. 
>  In what ways is the K3 inferior to others on SSB?  Yes, this is a question, 
> not an argument.  And is the K4 designed to correct whatever those flaws may 
> be?  I have not yet ordered a K4.  Knowing this info would be helpful to that 
> decision.  Tnx,
> 
> 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 rick.n...@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 arch...@mail-archive.com 

[Elecraft] K3 on SSB

[Dauer, Edward]

Previous posts suggest a consensus, or at least a widely-held opinion, that the 
K3 is below par on SSB.  I have owned one for years, using it more than 95% on 
CW, and on SSB in only one contest and a few casual ragchews and nets.  In what 
ways is the K3 inferior to others on SSB?  Yes, this is a question, not an 
argument.  And is the K4 designed to correct whatever those flaws may be?  I 
have not yet ordered a K4.  Knowing this info would be helpful to that 
decision.  Tnx,

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] [Elecraft-K3] K3s SSB transmitting bandwidth?

[Don Wilhelm]

Michael,

There are curves of the filter response on the Elecraft website - but 
with the new website, I cannot give you a link, things have changed.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/25/2018 12:10 PM, Michael Blake via Elecraft wrote:

Bob, good information as was Don’s response but I am looking for a specific 
piece of information relative the actual response of a K3s on SSB using the 
stock 2.7KHz. filter and zero TX equalization.


__
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-K3] K3s SSB transmitting bandwidth?

[Michael Blake via Elecraft]

Bob, good information as was Don’s response but I am looking for a specific 
piece of information relative the actual response of a K3s on SSB using the 
stock 2.7KHz. filter and zero TX equalization.

Michael Blake
k9...@mac.com 






> On Dec 25, 2018, at 12:05 PM, W2XJ  wrote:
> 
> The rule for a balanced sound is that the product of the lowest and highest 
> frequency should be between 450,000 and 500,000. So for a 2.7 KHz cutoff that 
> means a low cut of 166 to 185 Hertz, or rounding that could be 200 Hertz. 
>> On Dec 25, 2018, at 8:03 AM, Michael Blake via Elecraft 
>>  wrote:
>> 
>> When using the stock K3s 2.7 KHz. roofing filter and all TX EQ settings are 
>> zero (0) what is the normal TX audio rolloff below 300Hz.?
>> 
>> Michael Blake
>> k9...@mac.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 w...@w2xj.net
>> 
> 
> 
> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
> Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
> 
> View/Reply Online (#30275): https://groups.io/g/Elecraft-K3/message/30275
> Mute This Topic: https://groups.io/mt/28853370/243989
> Group Owner: elecraft-k3+ow...@groups.io
> Unsubscribe: https://groups.io/g/Elecraft-K3/leave/2016512/216803710/xyzzy  
> [k9...@mac.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: Adjusting SSB modulation for proper PEP rating

[Edward R Cole]

Thanks, Don, as I suspected (kind of).

Of course in CW PEP=carrier power and makes 
sense.  I never really *asked* this question 
before as I always had nice reports on my 
SSB.  Gives me confidence running my new 
*expensive* LDMOS kilowatt amps on 144 and 1296 
plus my old-school 16 NLA transistor Harris on 
50-MHz when running SSB.  Mostly run them "full 
bore" with either CW or digital on eme, where PEP 
is approx equal to carrier power.


The 144 and 1296 amps are new and not yet QRV 
(but soon).  I will sell my 2m W6PO-8877 with 
HVPS when this is accomplished.  Passing of an 
era to "no-tube" operation which started 60 years ago with a DX-35 (6146).


73, Ed - KL7UW

At 02:52 AM 4/23/2018, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Ed,

The power you request with the power knob is the 
PEP level that the K3 will control.  That is regardless of mode.

The K3 compensates for the mode automatically.

The same should be true of the transverter output.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/23/2018 4:56 AM, Edward R Cole wrote:
Since the K3 operates so differently (than 
traditional radios) for proper modulation I thought I'd ask this:
In olden days amplifiers were rated in PEP 
typically as 2x average (or CW) power, so for 
AM one had to set carrier at 1/4 full carrier 
output to stay linear. (1/2 carrier  for SSB).
But now I am setting up a 600w linear amp to 
run at P1 which is about 0.9 of P3 (saturated 
power) and wondering what level of carrier 
power to run in SSB to stay linear and also not 
to overdrive and stress the expensive LDMOS device in the amplifier.
I'm running the K3 in transverter mode on 
28-MHz so max output is 1.5mw.  I can view 
this with a scope.  The amplifier is running 
at 1296-MHz which is too high a freq to monitor 
with my scope.  I can only observe average RF 
power from a directional coupler and diode detector (like a Bird meter).
Normally, I just set power on the K3 to drive 
my amp to nominal full power and select SSB 
mode.  Modulation level is set by observing 
ALC meter.  I is ALC showing five bars when 
saying the word "five" loudly and six bars with 
compression.  So does this mean the K3 
automatically adjusts RF power in SSB to stay 
linear with proper modulation audio setting?
My reason is when running 1296 SSB to avoid 
overdriving the amplifier into P3 possibly 
causing harm, as much as not wanting to produce non-linear products.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@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 arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3: Adjusting SSB modulation for proper PEP rating

[Don Wilhelm]

Ed,

The power you request with the power knob is the PEP level that the K3 
will control.  That is regardless of mode.

The K3 compensates for the mode automatically.

The same should be true of the transverter output.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/23/2018 4:56 AM, Edward R Cole wrote:
Since the K3 operates so differently (than traditional radios) for 
proper modulation I thought I'd ask this:
In olden days amplifiers were rated in PEP typically as 2x average (or 
CW) power, so for AM one had to set carrier at 1/4 full carrier output 
to stay linear. (1/2 carrier  for SSB).


But now I am setting up a 600w linear amp to run at P1 which is about 
0.9 of P3 (saturated power) and wondering what level of carrier power to 
run in SSB to stay linear and also not to overdrive and stress the 
expensive LDMOS device in the amplifier.


I'm running the K3 in transverter mode on 28-MHz so max output is 
1.5mw.  I can view this with a scope.  The amplifier is running at 
1296-MHz which is too high a freq to monitor with my scope.  I can only 
observe average RF power from a directional coupler and diode detector 
(like a Bird meter).


Normally, I just set power on the K3 to drive my amp to nominal full 
power and select SSB mode.  Modulation level is set by observing ALC 
meter.  I is ALC showing five bars when saying the word "five" loudly 
and six bars with compression.  So does this mean the K3 automatically 
adjusts RF power in SSB to stay linear with proper modulation audio 
setting?


My reason is when running 1296 SSB to avoid overdriving the amplifier 
into P3 possibly causing harm, as much as not wanting to produce 
non-linear products.

__
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] K3: Adjusting SSB modulation for proper PEP rating

[Edward R Cole]

Since the K3 operates so differently (than traditional radios) for 
proper modulation I thought I'd ask this:
In olden days amplifiers were rated in PEP typically as 2x average 
(or CW) power, so for AM one had to set carrier at 1/4 full carrier 
output to stay linear. (1/2 carrier  for SSB).


But now I am setting up a 600w linear amp to run at P1 which is about 
0.9 of P3 (saturated power) and wondering what level of carrier power 
to run in SSB to stay linear and also not to overdrive and stress the 
expensive LDMOS device in the amplifier.


I'm running the K3 in transverter mode on 28-MHz so max output is 
1.5mw.  I can view this with a scope.  The amplifier is running at 
1296-MHz which is too high a freq to monitor with my scope.  I can 
only observe average RF power from a directional coupler and diode 
detector (like a Bird meter).


Normally, I just set power on the K3 to drive my amp to nominal full 
power and select SSB mode.  Modulation level is set by observing ALC 
meter.  I is ALC showing five bars when saying the word "five" loudly 
and six bars with compression.  So does this mean the K3 
automatically adjusts RF power in SSB to stay linear with proper 
modulation audio setting?


My reason is when running 1296 SSB to avoid overdriving the amplifier 
into P3 possibly causing harm, as much as not wanting to produce 
non-linear products.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@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 arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3-P3 SSB spectrum

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

 He said my signal was very clean and asked me to crank up my Mic gain
 to the max which I reluctantly did for a short transmission. He said
 it stayed clean with no splatter.  Can that be?

The K3 ALC is *very* effective.  It does not rely on over driving the
final amplifier to produce a feedback voltage to reduce gain; instead
it keeps the drive from the DSP modulation process to the level needed
for the selected power output based on the results of the TXG (transmit
gain) calibration.  That means the K3 does not overdrive the transmit
IF stages, the low power (driver) amplifier or the KPA3 no matter how
high you turn the mic gain or the compression level.

Yes, the excess compression/mic gain can cause distortion in the DSP
modulator but *will not* generate excess bandwidth.  Further, since
the DSP generated transmit signal goes through the 2.7 or 2.8 KHz
filter before passing through the transmit IF, any spatter if further
reduced and - more importantly - no more is generated in the rest of
the transmit chain because it is run strictly below clipping level at
all stages (unless there is a *device failure* in the LPA or KPA3).

Every other transceiver (except, perhaps the Flex 6000 series and
ANAN) uses a closed loop ALC which is susceptible to distortion from
both overshoot and misalignment of individual stage gains.  In the
days of tube type transmitters this was not the issue it is now since
tubes had a relatively soft clipping point - the transition from
gain compression to hard clipping occurred over a large change in
input levels - such that ALC feedback (typically grid current in the
final amplifiers) started well before the tubes saturated.  However,
with most transistors and FETs the change in input drive necessary
to move from the 1 dB compression point to saturation is very small
(as little as 1 dB or 20% increase in drive) and that can occur in
any of several places (IF, driver, final).

As soon as any single stage is driven even close to saturation the
signal goes to crap - one need only look at some of the big signals
on the band with a good SDR or the P3 to see many that look like
AM signals with no carrier due to the amount of IMD that appears in
the other sideband.

 I thought any radio would splatter if over-driven.

To review ... the K3's ALC circuits assure that none of the post
filter stages are ever over-driven.  While the in-band audio can
become badly distorted through a combination of excess drive to the
DSP (high mic gain) and excess clipping/compression, once the DSP
and IF filter have set the transmit bandwidth, the ALC *prevents* 
overdrive and assures that the frequency conversion and amplification

processes do not allow the signal to become excessively wide.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 2015-06-08 1:56 PM, Richard Fjeld wrote:

Just a comment somewhat related to this thread.  Not long ago, a ham
with an SDR set-up was comparing signals in a round-table for proper
bandwidth.

He said my signal was very clean and asked me to crank up my Mic gain
to the max which I reluctantly did for a short transmission. He said
it stayed clean with no splatter.  Can that be? I thought any radio
would splatter if over-driven.

For me, seeing is believing.Dick, n0ce








Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2015 16:58:26 -0400 From: li...@subich.com To:
elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3-P3 SSB
spectrum


The TX Monitor is a time domain display - not a frequency domain
display.  If you want to see the frequency domain display of your
own signal, temporarily disconnect the RS-232 cable between the two
(or connect another SDR to a directional coupler in the antenna
line).

73,

... Joe, W4TV






__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3-P3 SSB spectrum

[Richard Fjeld]

Just a comment somewhat related to this thread.  Not long ago, a ham with an 
SDR set-up was comparing signals in a round-table for proper bandwidth. 

He said my signal was very clean and asked me to crank up my Mic gain to the 
max which I reluctantly did for a short transmission. He said it stayed clean 
with no splatter.  Can that be? I thought any radio would splatter if 
over-driven.

For me, seeing is believing.Dick, n0ce


  




 Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2015 16:58:26 -0400
 From: li...@subich.com
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3-P3 SSB spectrum
 
 
 The TX Monitor is a time domain display - not a frequency domain
 display.  If you want to see the frequency domain display of your
 own signal, temporarily disconnect the RS-232 cable between the
 two (or connect another SDR to a directional coupler in the antenna
 line).
 
 73,
 
 ... Joe, W4TV
 

  
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3-P3 SSB spectrum

[Fred Jensen]

Exactly what I intended to say!  And Joe did it without waving his arms. 
:-) Thanks.


73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
- www.cqp.org

On 6/8/2015 11:44 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:


  He said my signal was very clean and asked me to crank up my Mic gain
  to the max which I reluctantly did for a short transmission. He said
  it stayed clean with no splatter.  Can that be?

The K3 ALC is *very* effective.  It does not rely on over driving the
final amplifier to produce a feedback voltage to reduce gain; instead
it keeps the drive from the DSP modulation process to the level needed
for the selected power output based on the results of the TXG (transmit
gain) calibration.  That means the K3 does not overdrive the transmit
IF stages, the low power (driver) amplifier or the KPA3 no matter how
high you turn the mic gain or the compression level.

Yes, the excess compression/mic gain can cause distortion in the DSP
modulator but *will not* generate excess bandwidth.  Further, since
the DSP generated transmit signal goes through the 2.7 or 2.8 KHz
filter before passing through the transmit IF, any spatter if further
reduced and - more importantly - no more is generated in the rest of
the transmit chain because it is run strictly below clipping level at
all stages (unless there is a *device failure* in the LPA or KPA3).

Every other transceiver (except, perhaps the Flex 6000 series and
ANAN) uses a closed loop ALC which is susceptible to distortion from
both overshoot and misalignment of individual stage gains.  In the
days of tube type transmitters this was not the issue it is now since
tubes had a relatively soft clipping point - the transition from
gain compression to hard clipping occurred over a large change in
input levels - such that ALC feedback (typically grid current in the
final amplifiers) started well before the tubes saturated.  However,
with most transistors and FETs the change in input drive necessary
to move from the 1 dB compression point to saturation is very small
(as little as 1 dB or 20% increase in drive) and that can occur in
any of several places (IF, driver, final).

As soon as any single stage is driven even close to saturation the
signal goes to crap - one need only look at some of the big signals
on the band with a good SDR or the P3 to see many that look like
AM signals with no carrier due to the amount of IMD that appears in
the other sideband.

  I thought any radio would splatter if over-driven.

To review ... the K3's ALC circuits assure that none of the post
filter stages are ever over-driven.  While the in-band audio can
become badly distorted through a combination of excess drive to the
DSP (high mic gain) and excess clipping/compression, once the DSP
and IF filter have set the transmit bandwidth, the ALC *prevents*
overdrive and assures that the frequency conversion and amplification
processes do not allow the signal to become excessively wide.

73,

... Joe, W4TV


On 2015-06-08 1:56 PM, Richard Fjeld wrote:

Just a comment somewhat related to this thread.  Not long ago, a ham
with an SDR set-up was comparing signals in a round-table for proper
bandwidth.

He said my signal was very clean and asked me to crank up my Mic gain
to the max which I reluctantly did for a short transmission. He said
it stayed clean with no splatter.  Can that be? I thought any radio
would splatter if over-driven.

For me, seeing is believing.Dick, n0ce








Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2015 16:58:26 -0400 From: li...@subich.com To:
elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3-P3 SSB
spectrum


The TX Monitor is a time domain display - not a frequency domain
display.  If you want to see the frequency domain display of your
own signal, temporarily disconnect the RS-232 cable between the two
(or connect another SDR to a directional coupler in the antenna
line).

73,

... Joe, W4TV






__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to k6...@foothill.net


-
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2015.0.5961 / Virus Database: 4355/9975 - Release Date: 06/08/15




__
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-P3 SSB spectrum

[Guy Olinger K2AV]

Perhaps it would be good for understanding to know that the audio
processing algorithms in a K3 are entirely digital. Any analog audio input
to the K3 is immediately converted to a number soup, and at that point any
analog mental pictures of what happens no longer apply.

ALC, as understood from older analog circuits, is really not a good
description. Clipping is not a good description. Our mental expectation
from those processes include the effects of diodes that run those processes
as implemented in older analog circuit rigs.

Even compression, as we are used to hearing it, does not apply. You simply
are not driving diodes anywhere in the audio process.

Wayne has devised proprietary algorithms for processing the number soup
that is your digitized audio. It is our unconscious analog evaluation of
four bars solid and the fifth flickering that makes that smell like
overdriving and distortion to us. In the number soup plus algorithm world,
that is no big deal.

In this day and age there are many solid and verified digital processes in
use that simply have no analog circuit equivalent at all.

The only reason we have volume controls is the need for analog-minded
operators (that is not a dun, just a reality) to be able to intuitively
operate the rig.

The four double knobs on the front left of the rig each control a
potentiometer which has a standard voltage across it. The wipe of the pot
goes to a very minimalist analog-digital converter which then sends a
number across a multiplexed digital bus to the CPU. The pot+A/D converter
sends NUMERICAL ADVICE to the CPU.

Contrary to an analog circuit understanding, there is never an audio
voltage across the pot. There will never be scratchy audio due to
incomplete contact by the pot wiper arm.

The four knobs to the right of the concentrics are all encoders. The advice
to the CPU from them is I have just been advanced one blip clockwise, or
one blip counterclockwise. Every effect from those is entirely
programmatic in the firmware.

The K3 is made to seem like an analog radio to allow intuitive operation,
but it is the firmware that sets the essential behavior of the radio.
Analog considerations apply to things like amplifiers in the
transmit/amplifier chain, or in physical characteristics of synthesizers,
etc, for things like distortion, noise, state changes, etc.

Brave new world, digital. When I can't stand it any more, I go turn on my
Collins 75A3, Johnson Ranger and Courier, breathe a sign of relief and do
things the old way for a while. There everything is simple, all tubes,
electronic parts you can see without magnification, what I learned from my
Elmers, and doesn't require any non-intuitive thinking to understand. If I
don't want to deal with throwing all the RX/TX switches, I turn on the
Yaesu FT101ZD, which is a treasured gift from PEARL back in my New York
days. But it's mostly transistors, so not strictly legit.

I put up with all this digital nonsense in a K3 because I like hearing 20
dB farther down into the soup than with my 75A3. I like being able to have
my voice processed into something that carries in all the cr*p on the SSB
frequencies. I like the visual graphical display of all the frequencies. I
like the digital settings that cancel out key clicks. I like the filter
response skirts that go all the way down to somewhere below the water
table. I really like my K3 for all kinds of reasons.

And the ghost of my WCTT Chief Engineer elmer, who spent his time building
exact copies of Gates AM BC 833 tube transmitters, holed up in the
transmitter building down at the swamp in Corbin, Ky where I took my
first FCC exam, just gave me a good swift kick in the b*tt, and whispered
Traitor in my ear.

There wasn't a transistor anywhere in that place at the time, and certainly
nothing digital except the power switches :)

73, Y'all

Guy K2AV

On Mon, Jun 8, 2015 at 1:56 PM, Richard Fjeld rpfj...@outlook.com wrote:

 Just a comment somewhat related to this thread.  Not long ago, a ham with
 an SDR set-up was comparing signals in a round-table for proper bandwidth.

 He said my signal was very clean and asked me to crank up my Mic gain to
 the max which I reluctantly did for a short transmission. He said it stayed
 clean with no splatter.  Can that be? I thought any radio would splatter if
 over-driven.

 For me, seeing is believing.Dick, n0ce







  Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2015 16:58:26 -0400
  From: li...@subich.com
  To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
  Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3-P3 SSB spectrum
 
 
  The TX Monitor is a time domain display - not a frequency domain
  display.  If you want to see the frequency domain display of your
  own signal, temporarily disconnect the RS-232 cable between the
  two (or connect another SDR to a directional coupler in the antenna
  line).
 
  73,
 
  ... Joe, W4TV
 


 __
 Elecraft mailing list
 Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
 Help: http

[Elecraft] K3-P3 SSB spectrum

[Fred Jensen]

Don't get to phone very often but most of the museum ships seem to be on 
SSB today.  An awful lot of signals seem to have most of their energy in 
close to the carrier and sound constricted [a technical term].  There 
are occasional ones that look pretty even and they sound great.  I sure 
wish there was a way to look at my SSB spectrum on the P3.  Anybody know 
if the new TX monitor capability will do that?


73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
- www.cqp.org
__
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-P3 SSB spectrum

[Ken G Kopp]

Hi Fred,

I have one on order based on my understanding that it does.  If I'm
incorrect I'm sure I'll be corrected.

73 !

Ken - K0PP
On Jun 7, 2015 1:33 PM, Fred Jensen k6...@foothill.net wrote:

 Don't get to phone very often but most of the museum ships seem to be on
 SSB today.  An awful lot of signals seem to have most of their energy in
 close to the carrier and sound constricted [a technical term].  There are
 occasional ones that look pretty even and they sound great.  I sure wish
 there was a way to look at my SSB spectrum on the P3.  Anybody know if the
 new TX monitor capability will do that?

 73,

 Fred K6DGW
 - Northern California Contest Club
 - CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
 - www.cqp.org
 __
 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 kengk...@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 arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3-P3 SSB spectrum

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

The TX Monitor is a time domain display - not a frequency domain
display.  If you want to see the frequency domain display of your
own signal, temporarily disconnect the RS-232 cable between the
two (or connect another SDR to a directional coupler in the antenna
line).

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 2015-06-07 3:32 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:

Don't get to phone very often but most of the museum ships seem to be on
SSB today.  An awful lot of signals seem to have most of their energy in
close to the carrier and sound constricted [a technical term].  There
are occasional ones that look pretty even and they sound great.  I sure
wish there was a way to look at my SSB spectrum on the P3.  Anybody know
if the new TX monitor capability will do that?

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
- www.cqp.org
__
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 li...@subich.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-P3 SSB spectrum

[GRANT YOUNGMAN]

The new P3TXMON does not include transmit spectrum monitoring.  

Although I’ve never tried it, if you unplug the P3 from the K3, you can/might 
observe your transmit spectrum.  But this isn’t a feature.  Alan sent an email 
about this some time ago .. don’t have it, but you can probably find it in the 
archive.  The K3 does not normally provide a transmit spectrum output.  There’s 
only transmit IF “leakage”, which varies by K3, the time of day, phase of the 
moon, lottery numbers  … so it wouldn’t be consistent enough to have a 
documented “feature”.

Grant NQ5T


 On Jun 7, 2015, at 2:56 PM, Ken G Kopp kengk...@gmail.com wrote:
 
 Hi Fred,
 
 I have one on order based on my understanding that it does.  If I'm
 incorrect I'm sure I'll be corrected.
 
 73 !
 
 Ken - K0PP
 On Jun 7, 2015 1:33 PM, Fred Jensen k6...@foothill.net wrote:
 
 Don't get to phone very often but most of the museum ships seem to be on
 SSB today.  An awful lot of signals seem to have most of their energy in
 close to the carrier and sound constricted [a technical term].  There are
 occasional ones that look pretty even and they sound great.  I sure wish
 there was a way to look at my SSB spectrum on the P3.  Anybody know if the
 new TX monitor capability will do that?
 

__
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-P3 SSB spectrum

[Fred Jensen]

Thanks to all who replied.  I now know that the new feature is time 
domain only which doesn't help me.  I tried unplugging the RS-232 cable, 
and apparently the phase of the moon is not quite right because I really 
don't see much.  I tried running up the gain [SCALE] to no avail, 
brought the noise up too.


I think I'll have a QSO with a local with a P3 and he can do a screen 
capture and send it to me.


Thanks again,

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
- www.cqp.org

On 6/7/2015 2:04 PM, GRANT YOUNGMAN wrote:

The new P3TXMON does not include transmit spectrum monitoring.

Although I’ve never tried it, if you unplug the P3 from the K3, you
can/might observe your transmit spectrum.  But this isn’t a feature.
Alan sent an email about this some time ago .. don’t have it, but you
can probably find it in the archive.  The K3 does not normally
provide a transmit spectrum output.  There’s only transmit IF
“leakage”, which varies by K3, the time of day, phase of the moon,
lottery numbers  … so it wouldn’t be consistent enough to have a
documented “feature”.

__
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: Any SSB user comments regarding the new synth?

[Dave Olean]

Fred
I bought a nifty up converter that converts everything from DC to 500 kHz up 
to 10 MHz and can listen to the low freqs on my K3 there. It is made by 
Jackson Harbor Press and has some mods made by Clifton Labs. There is a lot 
of info on the Clifton Labs website about using this kit.  It was really 
cheap in comparison to even a single Synthesizer board and there is no 
sensitivity roll off. I think I paid $14 and had to add a diecast box 
enclosure and a DC feedthru connector with two BNC jacks.  NAA is very 
strong as are a myriad of navigation beacons and a few low band broadcast 
stations from Europe and Africa. The big problem is man made noise from all 
sorts of consumer products. I use my 160 M beverages to receive.  You could 
also make up or buy an active antenna and maybe get more isolation from man 
made noise.  It would have to be matched as the normal input is low 
impedance. I think the low freq converter is a great amount of fun to play 
with. $14 is about what you pay for a good hamburger these days!!

Dave K1WHS
- Original Message - 
From: Fred Jensen k6...@foothill.net

To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2015 3:35 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: Any SSB user comments regarding the new synth?


That is also my big reason for ordering, I like to play around down there 
as an SWL.  I'm 95%+ CW [really crummy hearing for SSB], I really like the 
current QSK, and I'm looking forward to seeing if I can tell any 
difference.  I'm sure I could have if I was younger. :-)


73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
- www.cqp.org

On 3/2/2015 7:19 PM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft wrote:


To me I thought it was worth it to get the extra range under 500 KC
since I've had an interest there since I was a kid. I would say if it
gives you something you want then it's worth it. As far as actually
hearing a difference, well that takes someone with a bit better ears
than me.

__
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 k1...@metrocast.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] K3: Any SSB user comments regarding the new synth?

[Edward R Cole]

Dave,

I guess if you only want to receive that is a good choice.  The new 
SYNTH enables both Tx and Rx at below 490-KHz (current synth will 
work down to 490).  For those interested in operating on 472-478 MHz 
the K3+(new)SYNTH makes this possible (with the addition of an 
experimental license from the FCC).


I will get the new synth when I have the funds (cost is x2 as I have the KRX3).

Early on air reports look good for general use and extension to the 
new 630 meter band is a real plus!


73, Ed - KL7UW
Re: TEST mode - I stand corrected by Eric (NO3M).  I do use CONFIG: 
KVX3 = TEST for operating on 600m (bad memory).


From: Dave Olean k1...@metrocast.net
To: k6...@foothill.net, Elecraft Reflector
elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: Any SSB user comments regarding the new
synth?
Message-ID: 6725D475BF234EEF9939F6217DFBD96D@t30ce0d73e1b34
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
reply-type=response

Fred
I bought a nifty up converter that converts everything from DC to 500 kHz up
to 10 MHz and can listen to the low freqs on my K3 there. It is made by
Jackson Harbor Press and has some mods made by Clifton Labs. There is a lot
of info on the Clifton Labs website about using this kit.  It was really
cheap in comparison to even a single Synthesizer board and there is no
sensitivity roll off. I think I paid $14 and had to add a diecast box
enclosure and a DC feedthru connector with two BNC jacks.  NAA is very
strong as are a myriad of navigation beacons and a few low band broadcast
stations from Europe and Africa. The big problem is man made noise from all
sorts of consumer products. I use my 160 M beverages to receive.  You could
also make up or buy an active antenna and maybe get more isolation from man
made noise.  It would have to be matched as the normal input is low
impedance. I think the low freq converter is a great amount of fun to play
with. $14 is about what you pay for a good hamburger these days!!
Dave K1WHS



73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
Kits made by KL7UW
Dubus Mag business:
dubus...@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 arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] K3: Any SSB user comments regarding the new synth?

[Bill]

I use my K3 only for rag chew and arm chair copy (Only hamming I do) - 
hence, I am very interested if this new synth would enhance my listening 
pleasure? I am not interested in upgrading solely for the sake of 
upgrading and I am taking my K3 with me, so no concerns regarding resale 
value either.


Anyone out there using a K3 like I do that would care to comment? If I 
thought the new synth would be a solid improvement - I'd order it 
immediately.


Thanks,

Bill W2BLC K-Line



__
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: Any SSB user comments regarding the new synth?

[Fred Jensen]

That is also my big reason for ordering, I like to play around down 
there as an SWL.  I'm 95%+ CW [really crummy hearing for SSB], I really 
like the current QSK, and I'm looking forward to seeing if I can tell 
any difference.  I'm sure I could have if I was younger. :-)


73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
- www.cqp.org

On 3/2/2015 7:19 PM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft wrote:


To me I thought it was worth it to get the extra range under 500 KC
since I've had an interest there since I was a kid. I would say if it
gives you something you want then it's worth it. As far as actually
hearing a difference, well that takes someone with a bit better ears
than me.

__
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: Any SSB user comments regarding the new synth?

[Harry Yingst via Elecraft]

To me I thought it was worth it to get the extra range under 500 KC since I've 
had an interest there since I was a kid.
I would say if it gives you something you want then it's worth it.
As far as actually hearing a difference, well that takes someone with a bit 
better ears than me.









  From: Bill w2...@nycap.rr.com
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
 Sent: Monday, March 2, 2015 4:04 PM
 Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Any SSB user comments regarding the new synth?
   
I use my K3 only for rag chew and arm chair copy (Only hamming I do) - 
hence, I am very interested if this new synth would enhance my listening 
pleasure? I am not interested in upgrading solely for the sake of 
upgrading and I am taking my K3 with me, so no concerns regarding resale 
value either.

Anyone out there using a K3 like I do that would care to comment? If I 
thought the new synth would be a solid improvement - I'd order it 
immediately.

Thanks,

Bill W2BLC K-Line



__
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 hlyin...@yahoo.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 no SSB receive

[Hank P]

On any band   CW/DATA/AM receive normal  both main and sub dead on SSB 
either sideband. Can watch the P3 and signals obviously still coming out of 
the IF but rx goes dead when MODE is tapped to USB . And I mean DEAD - not a 
whisper phones or speaker RF and AF gain wide open. NB/NR on or off no 
change.


Saw that W4BQF has same issue - but could not find any responses.

Hank K7HP


__
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 no SSB receive

[Harry Yingst via Elecraft]

did you change something?
Load new firmware?


  From: Hank P pfizenma...@q.com
 To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
 Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2015 2:39 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 no SSB receive
   
On any band  CW/DATA/AM receive normal  both main and sub dead on SSB 
either sideband. Can watch the P3 and signals obviously still coming out of 
the IF but rx goes dead when MODE is tapped to USB . And I mean DEAD - not a 
whisper phones or speaker RF and AF gain wide open. NB/NR on or off no 
change.

Saw that W4BQF has same issue - but could not find any responses.

Hank K7HP


__
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 hlyin...@yahoo.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 no SSB receive

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

Check your filter assignments - CONFIG:FL # or use the
K3 Utility.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 2015-02-22 2:39 PM, Hank P wrote:

On any band   CW/DATA/AM receive normal  both main and sub dead on SSB
either sideband. Can watch the P3 and signals obviously still coming out
of the IF but rx goes dead when MODE is tapped to USB . And I mean DEAD
- not a whisper phones or speaker RF and AF gain wide open. NB/NR on or
off no change.

Saw that W4BQF has same issue - but could not find any responses.

Hank K7HP


__
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 li...@subich.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 no SSB receive

[Hank P]

FWIW - a simple restore of the current config fixed it - live and learn.

73 Hank K7HP

-Original Message- 
From: Hank P

Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2015 12:39 PM
To: Elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 no SSB receive

On any band   CW/DATA/AM receive normal  both main and sub dead on SSB
either sideband. Can watch the P3 and signals obviously still coming out of
the IF but rx goes dead when MODE is tapped to USB . And I mean DEAD - not a
whisper phones or speaker RF and AF gain wide open. NB/NR on or off no
change.

Saw that W4BQF has same issue - but could not find any responses.

Hank K7HP


__
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 pfizenma...@q.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 no SSB receive

[Bruce Meier]

The NO SSB audio also happened to me on one of my K3s.  All other modes were
fine but and after a few minutes of experimenting I found out that I could
get SSB RX but only by opening up the Width beyond the 2.7kHz first filter.
As soon as the width was at or below 2.7 the audio was gone.   I also
checked to see if I could open up other modes - NO.  The width setting would
not go beyond my second filter which is set to kick in / out at 500 hz.
So, I did a RESTORE CONFIGURATION from the one that I saved just after
loading the new 5.1 firmware.   That seems to have fixed it.  Not sure why -
but it is working.   My other K3 is running the same 5.1 firmware and has
not had the problem.

 

Something must have changed, but to my knowledge, I did not do anything.

 

73,

Bruce - N1LN

__
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 no SSB receive

[Hank P]

OK what did I do ? Been working on cw and external noise canceller for 
couple days - and just tried to listen for the TI9 on SSB - both main and 
sub rx are dead. All other modes fine , Just USB or USB dead - all bands 
absolutely not a trace of audio - did a couple on -off cycles no joy .


The 2.7 khz filter is selected for  SSB and is functional in all other modes 
both receivers.


Hank K7HP

__
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] K3 no SSB

[Roger D Johnson]

I went to call VY2ZM on 75m SSB thia AM and nothing! I've gone thru all the 
checking proceedures

I can think of including reloading software. I'm stumped. Any suggestions?

73, Roger

__
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 no SSB

[Matt Zilmer]

Did you try TX with 2TONE turned on?  If the K3 TX audio is good with
2TONE but not with your mic, there is probably an issue with your mic
- cabling or something else.

Also, make sure TX TEST is turned off.

73,
matt W6NIA

On Tue, 26 Aug 2014 08:32:38 -0400, you wrote:

I went to call VY2ZM on 75m SSB thia AM and nothing! I've gone thru all the 
checking proceedures
I can think of including reloading software. I'm stumped. Any suggestions?

73, Roger

__
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 mzil...@roadrunner.com
Matt Zilmer, W6NIA
--
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will
spend the first four sharpening the axe. -A. Lincoln
__
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 no SSB

[Phil Wheeler]

You might want to better define nothing :-)

Phil W7OX

On 8/26/14, 5:32 AM, Roger D Johnson wrote:
I went to call VY2ZM on 75m SSB thia AM and 
nothing! I've gone thru all the checking 
proceedures
I can think of including reloading software. I'm 
stumped. Any suggestions?


73, Roger


__
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 Erratic SSB Power Output (G8DX)

[JACK WHITE]

Hi Roger


I do not have the P3 and I'm not equipped to test the transverter output at the 
moment.


With the KPA turned off (power below 12w) the problem is still present. Also, 
just now when trying to operate on 10m CW, the issue was there - I thought CW 
was ok, but now it appears not.


73


Jack





 From: Roger Crofts ro...@monitorsensors.com
To: elecraft reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Sent: Wednesday, 24 July 2013, 23:57
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Erratic SSB Power Output (G8DX)
 

I had a look at Jack's video showing the power fluctuations. They are quite 
rapid and continuous.
If they stay like that, it will be a big help in tracking down the problem. The 
tx signal can be traced
through the various stages with an oscilloscope to find where the steady signal 
begins the fluctuations.
In my case, the darn fault would always disappear just when I was ready to 
start!
However there are a few simple tests to do, before taking the covers off.

Turn the power down to 12 watts or less. Do the fluctuations disappear? If so, 
problem is in the 100watt 
Amp. If not, 100watt Amp is eliminated.

Are the fluctuations present at the transverter output? I have the 2meter 
transverter installed. So in my
case, I only needed to look at the 2 meter output. If fluctuations are here, 
then the LPA board can be
eliminated.

There is also a method to look at the tx signal on the P3. It is described in 
the manual. Are the fluctuations
present at this intermediate point?

I do understand your frustration, Jack. There was a point when I was about to 
chuck my K3 in the trash.
I'm glad I persevered and now I have a superb radio.

73
Roger, VK4YB
__
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] K3 Erratic SSB Power Output (G8DX)

[Tom Boucher]

Jack,

Each time I have had problems with my K3, including the one described by 
yourself, I have fixed it by removing the front panel, carefully cleaning all 
connector contacts and re-assembling. I put a thin layer of 'Contralube' 
(Maplins) on the connector pins which not only keeps the connector surfaces in 
good condition but also reduces the amount of force needed to remove the panel. 
I can do it with my thumbs now and don't have to use the little screw driver 
slot. Remember to remove that screw on the 3-D block on the lower left side.

Good luck!
Tom G3OLB
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 Erratic SSB Power Output (G8DX)

[Roger Crofts]

I had a look at Jack's video showing the power fluctuations. They are quite 
rapid and continuous.
If they stay like that, it will be a big help in tracking down the problem. The 
tx signal can be traced
through the various stages with an oscilloscope to find where the steady signal 
begins the fluctuations.
In my case, the darn fault would always disappear just when I was ready to 
start!
However there are a few simple tests to do, before taking the covers off.

Turn the power down to 12 watts or less. Do the fluctuations disappear? If so, 
problem is in the 100watt 
Amp. If not, 100watt Amp is eliminated.

Are the fluctuations present at the transverter output? I have the 2meter 
transverter installed. So in my
case, I only needed to look at the 2 meter output. If fluctuations are here, 
then the LPA board can be
eliminated.

There is also a method to look at the tx signal on the P3. It is described in 
the manual. Are the fluctuations
present at this intermediate point?

I do understand your frustration, Jack. There was a point when I was about to 
chuck my K3 in the trash.
I'm glad I persevered and now I have a superb radio.

73
Roger, VK4YB
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 Erratic SSB Power Output

[G8DX]

Thanks to everybody that took the time to reply to my post.

Yesterday I took my rig to a different shack with a different ground, PSU, 
load, meter and feeder to eliminate any problems at my station, but sadly the 
problem is still there. The Array Solutions Power Master on the fast setting 
really demonstrated the problem clearly - here's a quick video of the issue (no 
mic connected - just two tone activated). The rig was set to about 50w and the 
power control wasn't touched during the video. Excuse the conversation in the 
background - but you get the idea! 

http://youtu.be/Gl2k7gfelV4

Today I had the cases off and checked all the various pins and sockets were 
properly mated, I also had both the LPA and KPA out to double check them. I 
also had D1 on the LPA reworked but no change. Physically everything looks FB.

So far a bit disappointing and right on top of the IOTA Test. Currently in 
discussion with Elecraft about a resolution.

--
73 de G8DX/M




On 22 Jul 2013, at 17:32, Terry Schieler w...@swbell.net wrote:

 Jack,
 I just sent my K3 (474) off to Elecraft service after wrestling with that 
 same problem.  My TX output was suddenly all over the place.  The K3 power 
 out bar graph showed 25% lower power than I had dialed up, but good, 
 calibrated external watt meters were showing 40-50% higher power than what I 
 had set on the K3.
 
 After reading your post I wonder if a new version of Firm Ware might have 
 caused something to go wack-o.
 
 Terry W0FM
 
 
 -Original Message-
 From: JACK WHITE [mailto:g...@btinternet.com] 
 Sent: Sunday, July 21, 2013 2:12 PM
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Erratic SSB Power Output
 
 Hello K3 Reflector.
 
 
 I have an issue with my new K3/100 #7482. On SSB the peak power output isn't 
 stable. The SSB power output fluctuates about +/- 15% of where it is set, but 
 occasionally spikes to much more. The issue is on all bands but seems worse 
 on 12/10m. I have tested the rig connected straight to a 1kW Bird 50ohm load 
 and have tried 2 different linear power supplies. The problem is present 
 using the two tone test feature, microphone or direct PC audio fed into the 
 rig. 
 
 
 The real problem is: I set up my Acom 1000 at the legal limit here (400w) and 
 the power output is all over the place, sometimes 150w, then maybe 500w, then 
 300w, then all of a sudden the power can spike to 1kW+. I operate mostly CW. 
 Things seem more stable on CW, but compared to my previous Jap rigs 
 (FT1000MP, FT990, TS850) etc, the power output is very difficult to properly 
 regulate. On my previous rigs, I'd set them up to drive the Acom to a certain 
 power level and they'd run for hours rock solid without a peep.
 
 
 I've had an e-mail exchange with a friendly Elecraft Guy which resulted in me 
 redoing the TX Gain calibration, he said the numbers looked good, but the 
 problem persists. I am curious to see if anybody else has this issue and 
 knows of a fix? As it is, the rig isn't much use to me.
 
 
 
 Cheers
 
 
 
 Jack G8DX  
 
 
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 Erratic SSB Power Output

[Terry Schieler]

Jack,
I just sent my K3 (474) off to Elecraft service after wrestling with that same 
problem.  My TX output was suddenly all over the place.  The K3 power out bar 
graph showed 25% lower power than I had dialed up, but good, calibrated 
external watt meters were showing 40-50% higher power than what I had set on 
the K3.

After reading your post I wonder if a new version of Firm Ware might have 
caused something to go wack-o.

Terry W0FM


-Original Message-
From: JACK WHITE [mailto:g...@btinternet.com] 
Sent: Sunday, July 21, 2013 2:12 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Erratic SSB Power Output

Hello K3 Reflector.


I have an issue with my new K3/100 #7482. On SSB the peak power output isn't 
stable. The SSB power output fluctuates about +/- 15% of where it is set, but 
occasionally spikes to much more. The issue is on all bands but seems worse on 
12/10m. I have tested the rig connected straight to a 1kW Bird 50ohm load and 
have tried 2 different linear power supplies. The problem is present using the 
two tone test feature, microphone or direct PC audio fed into the rig. 


The real problem is: I set up my Acom 1000 at the legal limit here (400w) and 
the power output is all over the place, sometimes 150w, then maybe 500w, then 
300w, then all of a sudden the power can spike to 1kW+. I operate mostly CW. 
Things seem more stable on CW, but compared to my previous Jap rigs (FT1000MP, 
FT990, TS850) etc, the power output is very difficult to properly regulate. On 
my previous rigs, I'd set them up to drive the Acom to a certain power level 
and they'd run for hours rock solid without a peep.


I've had an e-mail exchange with a friendly Elecraft Guy which resulted in me 
redoing the TX Gain calibration, he said the numbers looked good, but the 
problem persists. I am curious to see if anybody else has this issue and knows 
of a fix? As it is, the rig isn't much use to me.



Cheers



Jack G8DX  


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3 Erratic SSB Power Output

[JACK WHITE]

Hello K3 Reflector.


I have an issue with my new K3/100 #7482. On SSB the peak power output isn't 
stable. The SSB power output fluctuates about +/- 15% of where it is set, but 
occasionally spikes to much more. The issue is on all bands but seems worse on 
12/10m. I have tested the rig connected straight to a 1kW Bird 50ohm load and 
have tried 2 different linear power supplies. The problem is present using the 
two tone test feature, microphone or direct PC audio fed into the rig. 


The real problem is: I set up my Acom 1000 at the legal limit here (400w) and 
the power output is all over the place, sometimes 150w, then maybe 500w, then 
300w, then all of a sudden the power can spike to 1kW+. I operate mostly CW. 
Things seem more stable on CW, but compared to my previous Jap rigs (FT1000MP, 
FT990, TS850) etc, the power output is very difficult to properly regulate. On 
my previous rigs, I'd set them up to drive the Acom to a certain power level 
and they'd run for hours rock solid without a peep.


I've had an e-mail exchange with a friendly Elecraft Guy which resulted in me 
redoing the TX Gain calibration, he said the numbers looked good, but the 
problem persists. I am curious to see if anybody else has this issue and knows 
of a fix? As it is, the rig isn't much use to me.



Cheers



Jack G8DX  
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 Erratic SSB Power Output

[Tim Hague]

Jack, my K3 is stable, sounds to me that you might have a grounding problem or 
traces of feedback. Not an inherent problem with the K3

Best regards, Tim Hague, M0AFJ
Skype m0afj.Tim
Sent on my iPad


On 21 Jul 2013, at 20:12, JACK WHITE g...@btinternet.com wrote:

 Hello K3 Reflector.
 
 
 I have an issue with my new K3/100 #7482. On SSB the peak power output isn't 
 stable. The SSB power output fluctuates about +/- 15% of where it is set, but 
 occasionally spikes to much more. The issue is on all bands but seems worse 
 on 12/10m. I have tested the rig connected straight to a 1kW Bird 50ohm load 
 and have tried 2 different linear power supplies. The problem is present 
 using the two tone test feature, microphone or direct PC audio fed into the 
 rig. 
 
 
 The real problem is: I set up my Acom 1000 at the legal limit here (400w) and 
 the power output is all over the place, sometimes 150w, then maybe 500w, then 
 300w, then all of a sudden the power can spike to 1kW+. I operate mostly CW. 
 Things seem more stable on CW, but compared to my previous Jap rigs 
 (FT1000MP, FT990, TS850) etc, the power output is very difficult to properly 
 regulate. On my previous rigs, I'd set them up to drive the Acom to a certain 
 power level and they'd run for hours rock solid without a peep.
 
 
 I've had an e-mail exchange with a friendly Elecraft Guy which resulted in me 
 redoing the TX Gain calibration, he said the numbers looked good, but the 
 problem persists. I am curious to see if anybody else has this issue and 
 knows of a fix? As it is, the rig isn't much use to me.
 
 
 
 Cheers
 
 
 
 Jack G8DX  
 __
 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] K3 Erratic SSB Power Output

[Brian Alsop]

I second the grounding strap problem.
Through heat cycling or whatever, the ground nut of the back of my K3 
became loose.  Had a series of weird problems with power.  Tightened it 
up and the problems went away.


There is also the possibility that the cable between your K3 and the amp 
is flaky.


73 de Brian/K3KO

On 7/21/2013 20:13, Tim Hague wrote:

Jack, my K3 is stable, sounds to me that you might have a grounding problem or 
traces of feedback. Not an inherent problem with the K3

Best regards, Tim Hague, M0AFJ
Skype m0afj.Tim
Sent on my iPad


On 21 Jul 2013, at 20:12, JACK WHITE g...@btinternet.com wrote:


Hello K3 Reflector.


I have an issue with my new K3/100 #7482. On SSB the peak power output isn't 
stable. The SSB power output fluctuates about +/- 15% of where it is set, but 
occasionally spikes to much more. The issue is on all bands but seems worse on 
12/10m. I have tested the rig connected straight to a 1kW Bird 50ohm load and 
have tried 2 different linear power supplies. The problem is present using the 
two tone test feature, microphone or direct PC audio fed into the rig.


The real problem is: I set up my Acom 1000 at the legal limit here (400w) and 
the power output is all over the place, sometimes 150w, then maybe 500w, then 
300w, then all of a sudden the power can spike to 1kW+. I operate mostly CW. 
Things seem more stable on CW, but compared to my previous Jap rigs (FT1000MP, 
FT990, TS850) etc, the power output is very difficult to properly regulate. On 
my previous rigs, I'd set them up to drive the Acom to a certain power level 
and they'd run for hours rock solid without a peep.


I've had an e-mail exchange with a friendly Elecraft Guy which resulted in me 
redoing the TX Gain calibration, he said the numbers looked good, but the 
problem persists. I am curious to see if anybody else has this issue and knows 
of a fix? As it is, the rig isn't much use to me.



Cheers



Jack G8DX
__
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


-
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2012.0.2242 / Virus Database: 3204/6008 - Release Date: 07/21/13






-
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2012.0.2242 / Virus Database: 3204/6008 - Release Date: 07/21/13

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 Erratic SSB Power Output

[Roger Crofts]

Jack, G8DX, wrote that his K3 has erratic output.

I had the same fault on my kit-built K3 (ser # 6906)
In fact my problem was worse, because at times I had no output and, 
occasionally, the K3 (set to 20w) would drive my Metron Linear Amp with 110w 
causing the breaker to trip.
I followed the instructions from Elecraft support, and the problem improved, 
but it never went away completely.
After 6 months the problem got much worse until output power failed completely. 
This was a blessing, because it was then
easy to trace the fault. The fault was on the LPA board. Diode D1 was not 
soldered at both ends. Diode D1 is directly in the transmit path. It is a 
surface-mount device, and is not visible until the 100watt amplifier module is 
removed. Under the microscope, the contacts of this diode appeared slightly 
tarnished or dull.
In a normal manufacturing process, each circuit board is fitted with a solder 
mask, and solder paste is wiped across the mask. This deposits exactly the 
right amount of solder paste on each solder pad. Then a Pick-and-Place machine 
places the components on the pads. Then, the loaded boards move slowly on a 
conveyor belt through a re-flow oven. All the connections are made perfectly.
This process can occasionally go wrong. Because the contacts on D1 were 
slightly tarnished, the solder did not flow properly. The problem did not show 
up during testing at the factory because the contact was still touching the 
pad. Components come in batches, and if one diode has this problem, there may 
be other K3s out there with the same problem. If your K3 is showing this 
symptom, it might be a good idea to take a good look at the connections of D1 
on the LPA board. After hand soldering the connections on D1, the output power 
from my K3 is now rock solid.

73, Roger, VK4YB
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3 - NO SSB RX (Reprise)

[Lee Trout]

The below was posted last July. I just experienced the same problem
(for no apparent reson)
that Bruce discribed, only my problem affected LSB only.  I tried
disabling and then
reenabling FL1 in LSB using the K3 utility -- no help. I did not do a
reset; the RESTORE
CONFIGURATION


To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - NO SSB RX


 Now that this problem has occurred twice it is time to ask if I am alone.

 One of my K3s lost all audio on SSB RX.  It still worked fine on CW.  TX was
 fine on both modes.  However, if I increased the Width beyond 3.0kc SSB RX
 audio came back.  When the Width was decreased below 3.0kc the audio was
 again gone.  The problem was not band specific - it occurred on all bands.
 This happened last week during the IARU and again about 10 minutes ago.
 Last week it occurred while the K3 was powered up and being used.   This
 week, when I it was powered on, it came up in this condition.

 The fix appears to be a RESET.  (Push NORM - power up - EE INIT) Then I run
 the RESTORE CONFIGURATION from the K3 utility program.The K3 is then
 back to normal.

 My concern here is two fold.  1. This should not be happening. 2. This issue
 could be the beginning of a larger issue that won't be fixable with a RESET.

 Has anyone else had this issue?

 K3 # 1193
 Firmware: 3.97
 Filters: 2.7kc, 400hz, 250hz


 73,
 Bruce - N1LN

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3 - NO SSB RX (Reprise) _ IGNORE PREVIOUS POST

[Lee Trout]

Darn computers -- I accidentally hit the send button before my message
was complete.  Here it is again:

The below was posted last July. I just experienced the same problem
(for no apparent reason)
that Bruce described, only my problem affected LSB only.  I tried
disabling and then
re-enabling FL1 in LSB using the K3 utility -- no help. I did not do a
reset; the RESTORE
CONFIGURATION resulted in normal operation.

Hope this helps someone who encounters a similar problem.  73,  Lee (K9CM)


To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - NO SSB RX


 Now that this problem has occurred twice it is time to ask if I am alone.


 One of my K3s lost all audio on SSB RX.  It still worked fine on CW.  TX was
 fine on both modes.  However, if I increased the Width beyond 3.0kc SSB RX
 audio came back.  When the Width was decreased below 3.0kc the audio was

 again gone.  The problem was not band specific - it occurred on all bands.
 This happened last week during the IARU and again about 10 minutes ago.
 Last week it occurred while the K3 was powered up and being used.   This

 week, when I it was powered on, it came up in this condition.

 The fix appears to be a RESET.  (Push NORM - power up - EE INIT) Then I run
 the RESTORE CONFIGURATION from the K3 utility program.The K3 is then

 back to normal.

 My concern here is two fold.  1. This should not be happening. 2. This issue
 could be the beginning of a larger issue that won't be fixable with a RESET.

 Has anyone else had this issue?


 K3 # 1193
 Firmware: 3.97
 Filters: 2.7kc, 400hz, 250hz


 73,
 Bruce - N1LN

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - NO SSB TX

[Bruce Meier]

Joe,

After I found out that by changing the Width beyond 3.0kc SSB RX came back,
I suspected a problem with filter configuration,  so I checked via the K3
Utility (Configure Crystal Filters) and via the K3 itself.  In both cases
FL1 was ON, FLTx SB = FL1, FL1 FRQ = -.88, FL1 BW = 2.7. 

However, I did not try to reset anything, just verify the settings were
correct.

73,
Bruce - N1LN



Date: Sat, 17 Jul 2010 12:08:06 -0400
From: Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - NO SSB RX
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Message-ID: 4c41d566.6060...@subich.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed



Sounds like something is wiping out (or changing) the SSB filter
Offset.  Before restoring the configuration, check the offset
(CONFIG: FLx FRQ) and see if it is correct.  You can also try
resetting just the filter offset (from the radio) and see if
that restores SSB Receive.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 7/17/2010 9:15 AM, Terry Posey wrote:
 I think you are not alone, Bruce.  I have experienced a similar SSB RX
audio
 loss on several occasions. And there seems to be no recovery other than a
 RESTORE CONFIGURATION.

 In my case, I keep my K3 M1 memory loaded with VFO A 50.110 USB and VFO B
 50.125 USB, and M2 memory loaded with VFO A 50.100 CW ALT and VFO B
50.110.5
 CW ALT. My loss of SSB RX audio seems to occur if I am working CW with the
 K3, then press the M1 memory and hurry-press the A/B button before the M1
 memory change sequence is completed (the K3's frequency and mode changes
 from memory is not instantaneous).  After the K3 settles down, the USB RX
 audio is completely dead, but the CW, DATA, AM, FM modes audio still work.
 I have also cycled through the bands, and the USB RX audio is dead on each
 band.  The USB TX audio seems to work; however, I have not tested for that
 extensively.  I have found no way to restore the USB RX audio other than
to
 RESTORE CONFIGURATION.  This problem would be most inconvenient if it
occurs
 during a contest or a DXpedition.  Do not leave home without your K3
 Utility.

 Something for Wayne to ponder over the weekend.

 73, Terry K4RX

 -Original Message-
 From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
 [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bruce Meier
 Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2010 8:04 AM
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - NO SSB RX


 Now that this problem has occurred twice it is time to ask if I am alone.

 One of my K3s lost all audio on SSB RX.  It still worked fine on CW.  TX
was
 fine on both modes.  However, if I increased the Width beyond 3.0kc SSB RX
 audio came back.  When the Width was decreased below 3.0kc the audio was
 again gone.  The problem was not band specific - it occurred on all bands.
 This happened last week during the IARU and again about 10 minutes ago.
 Last week it occurred while the K3 was powered up and being used.   This
 week, when I it was powered on, it came up in this condition.

 The fix appears to be a RESET.  (Push NORM - power up - EE INIT) Then I
run
 the RESTORE CONFIGURATION from the K3 utility program.The K3 is then
 back to normal.

 My concern here is two fold.  1. This should not be happening. 2. This
issue
 could be the beginning of a larger issue that won't be fixable with a
RESET.

 Has anyone else had this issue?

 K3 # 1193
 Firmware: 3.97
 Filters: 2.7kc, 400hz, 250hz


 73,
 Bruce - N1LN
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3 - NO SSB RX

[Bruce Meier]

Now that this problem has occurred twice it is time to ask if I am alone.

One of my K3s lost all audio on SSB RX.  It still worked fine on CW.  TX was
fine on both modes.  However, if I increased the Width beyond 3.0kc SSB RX
audio came back.  When the Width was decreased below 3.0kc the audio was
again gone.  The problem was not band specific - it occurred on all bands.
This happened last week during the IARU and again about 10 minutes ago.
Last week it occurred while the K3 was powered up and being used.   This
week, when I it was powered on, it came up in this condition.

The fix appears to be a RESET.  (Push NORM - power up - EE INIT) Then I run
the RESTORE CONFIGURATION from the K3 utility program.The K3 is then
back to normal. 

My concern here is two fold.  1. This should not be happening. 2. This issue
could be the beginning of a larger issue that won't be fixable with a RESET.

Has anyone else had this issue?

K3 # 1193
Firmware: 3.97
Filters: 2.7kc, 400hz, 250hz


73,
Bruce - N1LN


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - NO SSB RX

[Terry Posey]

I think you are not alone, Bruce.  I have experienced a similar SSB RX audio
loss on several occasions. And there seems to be no recovery other than a
RESTORE CONFIGURATION.  

In my case, I keep my K3 M1 memory loaded with VFO A 50.110 USB and VFO B
50.125 USB, and M2 memory loaded with VFO A 50.100 CW ALT and VFO B 50.110.5
CW ALT. My loss of SSB RX audio seems to occur if I am working CW with the
K3, then press the M1 memory and hurry-press the A/B button before the M1
memory change sequence is completed (the K3's frequency and mode changes
from memory is not instantaneous).  After the K3 settles down, the USB RX
audio is completely dead, but the CW, DATA, AM, FM modes audio still work.
I have also cycled through the bands, and the USB RX audio is dead on each
band.  The USB TX audio seems to work; however, I have not tested for that
extensively.  I have found no way to restore the USB RX audio other than to
RESTORE CONFIGURATION.  This problem would be most inconvenient if it occurs
during a contest or a DXpedition.  Do not leave home without your K3
Utility.

Something for Wayne to ponder over the weekend.

73, Terry K4RX

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bruce Meier
Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2010 8:04 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - NO SSB RX


Now that this problem has occurred twice it is time to ask if I am alone.

One of my K3s lost all audio on SSB RX.  It still worked fine on CW.  TX was
fine on both modes.  However, if I increased the Width beyond 3.0kc SSB RX
audio came back.  When the Width was decreased below 3.0kc the audio was
again gone.  The problem was not band specific - it occurred on all bands.
This happened last week during the IARU and again about 10 minutes ago.
Last week it occurred while the K3 was powered up and being used.   This
week, when I it was powered on, it came up in this condition.

The fix appears to be a RESET.  (Push NORM - power up - EE INIT) Then I run
the RESTORE CONFIGURATION from the K3 utility program.The K3 is then
back to normal. 

My concern here is two fold.  1. This should not be happening. 2. This issue
could be the beginning of a larger issue that won't be fixable with a RESET.

Has anyone else had this issue?

K3 # 1193
Firmware: 3.97
Filters: 2.7kc, 400hz, 250hz


73,
Bruce - N1LN


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - NO SSB RX

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

Sounds like something is wiping out (or changing) the SSB filter
Offset.  Before restoring the configuration, check the offset
(CONFIG: FLx FRQ) and see if it is correct.  You can also try
resetting just the filter offset (from the radio) and see if
that restores SSB Receive.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 7/17/2010 9:15 AM, Terry Posey wrote:
 I think you are not alone, Bruce.  I have experienced a similar SSB RX audio
 loss on several occasions. And there seems to be no recovery other than a
 RESTORE CONFIGURATION.

 In my case, I keep my K3 M1 memory loaded with VFO A 50.110 USB and VFO B
 50.125 USB, and M2 memory loaded with VFO A 50.100 CW ALT and VFO B 50.110.5
 CW ALT. My loss of SSB RX audio seems to occur if I am working CW with the
 K3, then press the M1 memory and hurry-press the A/B button before the M1
 memory change sequence is completed (the K3's frequency and mode changes
 from memory is not instantaneous).  After the K3 settles down, the USB RX
 audio is completely dead, but the CW, DATA, AM, FM modes audio still work.
 I have also cycled through the bands, and the USB RX audio is dead on each
 band.  The USB TX audio seems to work; however, I have not tested for that
 extensively.  I have found no way to restore the USB RX audio other than to
 RESTORE CONFIGURATION.  This problem would be most inconvenient if it occurs
 during a contest or a DXpedition.  Do not leave home without your K3
 Utility.

 Something for Wayne to ponder over the weekend.

 73, Terry K4RX

 -Original Message-
 From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
 [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bruce Meier
 Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2010 8:04 AM
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - NO SSB RX


 Now that this problem has occurred twice it is time to ask if I am alone.

 One of my K3s lost all audio on SSB RX.  It still worked fine on CW.  TX was
 fine on both modes.  However, if I increased the Width beyond 3.0kc SSB RX
 audio came back.  When the Width was decreased below 3.0kc the audio was
 again gone.  The problem was not band specific - it occurred on all bands.
 This happened last week during the IARU and again about 10 minutes ago.
 Last week it occurred while the K3 was powered up and being used.   This
 week, when I it was powered on, it came up in this condition.

 The fix appears to be a RESET.  (Push NORM - power up - EE INIT) Then I run
 the RESTORE CONFIGURATION from the K3 utility program.The K3 is then
 back to normal.

 My concern here is two fold.  1. This should not be happening. 2. This issue
 could be the beginning of a larger issue that won't be fixable with a RESET.

 Has anyone else had this issue?

 K3 # 1193
 Firmware: 3.97
 Filters: 2.7kc, 400hz, 250hz


 73,
 Bruce - N1LN


 __
 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] K3 unstable ssb power

[juergen]

Hi Ruben

The K3 also has problems with intense RF fields on the coax cables. I use a 
3cx3000 amp which causes the K3 to stutter. Basically when driving the amp, the 
power output  becomes erratic. 

Common mode chokes helped a bit, however I still  have problems. I dont have 
these problems on other radios. I am going to rewire the amplifier with some 
quad  shield Habia coax. I will then use multiple common chokes per K9YC's 
recipe book. 

As a last resort I will mount the K3 in a shielded 19 inch rack cabinet. 
Although I  not sure if this will help. I am using a single vacuum DPDT vacuum 
relay on the rf deck. The  coax comes from the RF deck directly from the relay, 
then  directly to the radio.

Any suggestions for a fix, besides running qrp?

John

--- On Sun, 3/28/10, Ruben Navarro Huedo runa...@gmail.com wrote:

 From: Ruben Navarro Huedo runa...@gmail.com
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 unstable ssb power
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Date: Sunday, March 28, 2010, 11:41 AM
 Same here.
 I have to overload a little ALC and CMP and it solves
 almost all the 
 problem, but it continues.
 Before the k3 i owned an Icom 7700 and with the correct ALC
 and CMP it 
 had a very stable SSB Power.
 
 I am sure it can be solved with a firmware update.
 
 El 28/03/2010 20:30, Jan Erik Holm escribió:
  Doesn´t seem to be a fix. My K3 is just about the
 same.
 
  Jim SM2EKM
  --
  Juha Kasari wrote:
  Thanks,
 
  Ok, so it is feature!
 
  Yes I have adjust MIC and CMP just like manual,
 not effect. So there is no
  solution to problem.
 
  juha
 
 
  2010/3/28 Dave, G4AONelecr...@astromag.co.uk
 
  Juha this problem is an old one. Some time
 back the K3 had poor ALC which
  allowed for overshoot on peaks, the firmware
 was altered to soften the ALC
  control with the results you (and the rest of
 us) experience. The power can
  slowly increase over the first few seconds on
 SSB, the effect is less if you
  TUNE first via the front panel button. Also,
 have you checked that you are
  driving the ALC meter reasonably well, as per
 the manual?
 
  For comparison, my TS-480SAT is also quite
 soft on ALC control with the
  peak power seeming to vary from one moment to
 the next. With some previous
  radios I recall seeing the peaks on an
 oscilloscope looking like a trimmed
  hedge, which is liable to create excessive
 IMD.
 
  I use an LP-100 peak reading power meter and
 the K3 is similar in it's
  peaks compared to my TS-480 with the same
 linear (Acom 1000). I don't think
  it's anything to worry about.
 
  73 Dave, G4AON
  K3/100 #80 f/w 3.79
  -
 
 
  I have K3 #2100. On CW power is very stable,
 but not on SSB. There is some
  change on output power, it is not constant.
 
 
 
 __
  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
 
 -- 
 Rubén Navarro Huedo - EA5BZ
 http://www.palotes.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

Re: [Elecraft] K3 unstable ssb power

[chen dave]

Hi Juha,
 Are you use 2.7KHz filter? If so please check the shift freqency
setting.
One of my friend meet this problem on SSB mode, I checked his setting, found
he did not
correctly set the filter shift freqency.  After set to correct value, no
problem now.

73 de ba4rf,David

2010/3/29 Juha Kasari juhakas...@gmail.com

 Help!

 I have K3 #2100. On CW power is very stable, but not on SSB. There is some
 change on output power, it is not constant.

 If I tune my linear (Titan) on CW with 50 W, output is stable 1500 W. but
 on
 SSB with the same driving power I get only about 1200 W? If I whistle to
 mic
 it takes about 2-3 seconds and power rising to 1500W. Titan has peak power
 meter and I have also Bird 43.

 I have tested also to 50 ohm dummy load and without linear, with and
 without
 tuner. Really, power is first about 80 W and then it go to 100 W very
 slowly
 on SSB. TXG VCE has no effect.

 Why? Is that normal behavior of K3? I have latest firmware, today loaded. I
 think it is like ALC react too much and too quickly.

 73 de Juha - oh6os
 __
 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




-- 


All the best!

David,ba4rf
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3 unstable ssb power

[Juha Kasari]

Help!

I have K3 #2100. On CW power is very stable, but not on SSB. There is some
change on output power, it is not constant.

If I tune my linear (Titan) on CW with 50 W, output is stable 1500 W. but on
SSB with the same driving power I get only about 1200 W? If I whistle to mic
it takes about 2-3 seconds and power rising to 1500W. Titan has peak power
meter and I have also Bird 43.

I have tested also to 50 ohm dummy load and without linear, with and without
tuner. Really, power is first about 80 W and then it go to 100 W very slowly
on SSB. TXG VCE has no effect.

Why? Is that normal behavior of K3? I have latest firmware, today loaded. I
think it is like ALC react too much and too quickly.

73 de Juha - oh6os
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 unstable ssb power

[Dave, G4AON]

Juha this problem is an old one. Some time back the K3 had poor ALC 
which allowed for overshoot on peaks, the firmware was altered to soften 
the ALC control with the results you (and the rest of us) experience. 
The power can slowly increase over the first few seconds on SSB, the 
effect is less if you TUNE first via the front panel button. Also, 
have you checked that you are driving the ALC meter reasonably well, as 
per the manual?

For comparison, my TS-480SAT is also quite soft on ALC control with the 
peak power seeming to vary from one moment to the next. With some 
previous radios I recall seeing the peaks on an oscilloscope looking 
like a trimmed hedge, which is liable to create excessive IMD.

I use an LP-100 peak reading power meter and the K3 is similar in it's 
peaks compared to my TS-480 with the same linear (Acom 1000). I don't 
think it's anything to worry about.

73 Dave, G4AON
K3/100 #80 f/w 3.79
-

I have K3 #2100. On CW power is very stable, but not on SSB. There is some
change on output power, it is not constant.

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 unstable ssb power

[Juha Kasari]

Thanks,

Ok, so it is feature!

Yes I have adjust MIC and CMP just like manual, not effect. So there is no
solution to problem.

juha


2010/3/28 Dave, G4AON elecr...@astromag.co.uk

 Juha this problem is an old one. Some time back the K3 had poor ALC which
 allowed for overshoot on peaks, the firmware was altered to soften the ALC
 control with the results you (and the rest of us) experience. The power can
 slowly increase over the first few seconds on SSB, the effect is less if you
 TUNE first via the front panel button. Also, have you checked that you are
 driving the ALC meter reasonably well, as per the manual?

 For comparison, my TS-480SAT is also quite soft on ALC control with the
 peak power seeming to vary from one moment to the next. With some previous
 radios I recall seeing the peaks on an oscilloscope looking like a trimmed
 hedge, which is liable to create excessive IMD.

 I use an LP-100 peak reading power meter and the K3 is similar in it's
 peaks compared to my TS-480 with the same linear (Acom 1000). I don't think
 it's anything to worry about.

 73 Dave, G4AON
 K3/100 #80 f/w 3.79
 -


 I have K3 #2100. On CW power is very stable, but not on SSB. There is some
 change on output power, it is not constant.


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 unstable ssb power

[Jan Erik Holm]

Doesn´t seem to be a fix. My K3 is just about the same.

Jim SM2EKM
--
Juha Kasari wrote:
 Thanks,
 
 Ok, so it is feature!
 
 Yes I have adjust MIC and CMP just like manual, not effect. So there is no
 solution to problem.
 
 juha
 
 
 2010/3/28 Dave, G4AON elecr...@astromag.co.uk
 
 Juha this problem is an old one. Some time back the K3 had poor ALC which
 allowed for overshoot on peaks, the firmware was altered to soften the ALC
 control with the results you (and the rest of us) experience. The power can
 slowly increase over the first few seconds on SSB, the effect is less if you
 TUNE first via the front panel button. Also, have you checked that you are
 driving the ALC meter reasonably well, as per the manual?

 For comparison, my TS-480SAT is also quite soft on ALC control with the
 peak power seeming to vary from one moment to the next. With some previous
 radios I recall seeing the peaks on an oscilloscope looking like a trimmed
 hedge, which is liable to create excessive IMD.

 I use an LP-100 peak reading power meter and the K3 is similar in it's
 peaks compared to my TS-480 with the same linear (Acom 1000). I don't think
 it's anything to worry about.

 73 Dave, G4AON
 K3/100 #80 f/w 3.79
 -


 I have K3 #2100. On CW power is very stable, but not on SSB. There is some
 change on output power, it is not constant.


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 unstable ssb power

[Ruben Navarro Huedo]

Same here.
I have to overload a little ALC and CMP and it solves almost all the 
problem, but it continues.
Before the k3 i owned an Icom 7700 and with the correct ALC and CMP it 
had a very stable SSB Power.

I am sure it can be solved with a firmware update.

El 28/03/2010 20:30, Jan Erik Holm escribió:
 Doesn´t seem to be a fix. My K3 is just about the same.

 Jim SM2EKM
 --
 Juha Kasari wrote:
 Thanks,

 Ok, so it is feature!

 Yes I have adjust MIC and CMP just like manual, not effect. So there is no
 solution to problem.

 juha


 2010/3/28 Dave, G4AONelecr...@astromag.co.uk

 Juha this problem is an old one. Some time back the K3 had poor ALC which
 allowed for overshoot on peaks, the firmware was altered to soften the ALC
 control with the results you (and the rest of us) experience. The power can
 slowly increase over the first few seconds on SSB, the effect is less if you
 TUNE first via the front panel button. Also, have you checked that you are
 driving the ALC meter reasonably well, as per the manual?

 For comparison, my TS-480SAT is also quite soft on ALC control with the
 peak power seeming to vary from one moment to the next. With some previous
 radios I recall seeing the peaks on an oscilloscope looking like a trimmed
 hedge, which is liable to create excessive IMD.

 I use an LP-100 peak reading power meter and the K3 is similar in it's
 peaks compared to my TS-480 with the same linear (Acom 1000). I don't think
 it's anything to worry about.

 73 Dave, G4AON
 K3/100 #80 f/w 3.79
 -


 I have K3 #2100. On CW power is very stable, but not on SSB. There is some
 change on output power, it is not constant.


 __
 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

-- 
Rubén Navarro Huedo - EA5BZ
http://www.palotes.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

Re: [Elecraft] K3 in SSB

[KD3TB]

Our VE2DXY team (zone 2) exclusively used K3 Radio's for the CQWW SSB
contest last year. Previously we had used Icom 756pro's and other Icom
radio's. Although not, scientific, and there are many factors which affect
propagation, we felt there was a significant difference in our ability to
hear and work weak stations.  We also felt that the filtration in the K3
gave us an edge in the crowded bands even over the 756pro with the IRC
roofing filter installed. If you can't hear them, you can't work them. One
of our operators who joined us this year had previously used an Icom 7800 in
the contest. He was so impressed with the performance of the K3 that he
stated he wanted to purchase one going forward. 

This weekend, I used the K3 in AFSK for the RTTY contest. I used the 500 Hz
roofing filter and was able to work numerous stations, picking out stations
in a very crowded band. Previously I had used my Icom 756pro.

Once again, this is not scientific and just my opinion. 

Irwin KD3TB



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Emilse Peraza
Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2010 8:03 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 in SSB


Well tahnks to everybody that has answer me, so seems like a lot of you guys
use the K3 in CW what about SSB, I ma mostly interested in SSB PSK31 and
some MARS, so any ideas about that aspecte compare to the jap radios


EMILSE 

KE7EOZ







 

  
_
Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection.
http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469227/direct/01/
__
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] K3 in SSB

[Bob - W0GI]

While I got the K3 for CW and digital, and still like the Mark-V for
operating SSB, I find that the K3 is just as capable for SSB as the Mark-V,
and maybe more capable after I learn more about setting the NR. 

On SSB I find the Mark-V more convenient to operate, but it isn't really any
better in performance. More creature comfort then anything else. 
-- 
View this message in context: 
http://n2.nabble.com/K3-in-SSB-tp4572401p4581612.html
Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at 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] K3 in SSB

[Emilse Peraza]

Well tahnks to everybody that has answer me, so seems like a lot of you guys 
use the K3 in CW what about SSB, I ma mostly interested in SSB PSK31 and some 
MARS, so any ideas about that aspecte compare to the jap radios


EMILSE 

KE7EOZ







 

  
_
Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection.
http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469227/direct/01/
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 in SSB

[Don Wilhelm]

The K3 is data ready.  What that means is that you can simply connect 
two stereo cables with 3.5mm plugs between the K3 and your computer 
soundcard.  Add to that an RS-232 cable to handle the PTT function and 
you can operate all of the data modes.  The K3 has a DATA mode in 
addition to SSB that turns compression off for best IMD.  There are 4 
sub-modes for DATA mode - 1) DATA A for most soundcard data modes - 2) 
AFSK A for soundcard generated RTTY (RTTY works in DATA A too, but AFSK 
A adds some features. -3) PSK D (for PSK Direct) which allows you to 
enter text from the paddles and it will be converted to PSK31 signals in 
the K3 with decode of the received signal in the VFO B display.  That is 
handy when you want to operate PSK without a computer.  Finally -4) FSK 
D which can be used just like PSK D with input from the paddles and text 
display on the VFO B LCD area, but can also be used with true FSK with 
the input on the ACC connector.

The bottom line, you can easily use the K3 on data modes, and the 
interface is built-in, no need for an external data mode interface box.  
There are transformer isolated LINE IN and LINE OUT connectors on the 
back of the K3 just or this purpose (and more too).

73,
Don W3FPR

Emilse Peraza wrote:
 Well tahnks to everybody that has answer me, so seems like a lot of you guys 
 use the K3 in CW what about SSB, I ma mostly interested in SSB PSK31 and some 
 MARS, so any ideas about that aspecte compare to the jap radios


 EMILSE 

 KE7EOZ
   

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3 on SSB mode with FL-7000

[Oleg Zakhodyakin]

 Hi all! I'm a new happy K3 owner. I configured my K3 with my old Yaesu-7000
linear. 
K3 with linear is OK on CW mode, but on SSB mode, the linear is shutting
down oftenly, with LED Protect blinking even with less power feeding.
Have EXT ALC  ON.
Does anyone, who uses same linear, had same problem?
 73! Oleg ua4hej
-- 
View this message in context: 
http://n2.nabble.com/K3-on-SSB-mode-with-FL-7000-tp4452341p4452341.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at 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

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?

[David Cutter]

Putting several in parallel on a suitable outboard heatsink is not expensive 
and, properly rated, will cater for any load.  As with semiconductors, the 
trick is to not exceed the junction temperature.  As always, follow the 
manufacturer's recommendations then add your own fiddle factor.  MIL 217 
taught me a lot.

David
G3UNA
We've drifted off this thread subject somewhat, my apologies.


 Dave,

 I can vouch for that statement.  I do use the Caddock Thick Film 50 ohm
 resistors as precision dummy loads.  They are flat up to 500 MHz with
 good mounting using no leads.  They MUST be mounted on a heat sink, and
 yes, they will go open in a flash if the rated power is exceeded (don't
 bother to ask me how I know that).

 So, recommending them for a K3 application may not be the best, but if
 you want an inexpensive dummy load, got a heat sink from a defunct
 computer CPU cooling device and one of those resistors and connect it to
 a BNC or UHF jack using zero length leads - but don't exceed its power
 rating (they are available up to 100 watts).

 73,
 Don W3FPR

 David Gilbert wrote:
 Metal film resistors are notoriously fragile.  They will typically meet
 their published dissipation specs just fine, but they go from being OK
 to being an open in a flash (literally) when overstressed.  I personally
 would never use one in any application where the power they were
 expected to handle wasn't rigid controlled.  Check with any industrial
 control manufacturer and you will hear the same story.

 73,
 Dave   AB7E

 

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?

[Ian White GM3SEK]

David Gilbert wrote:
juergen piezo wrote:
 A 2nd option could also be a dummy load using one of those very cheap 
RF film resistors. This would have to be mounted onto the case for a 
heatsink.

 John

Metal film resistors are notoriously fragile.  They will typically meet
their published dissipation specs just fine, but they go from being OK
to being an open in a flash (literally) when overstressed.  I personally
would never use one in any application where the power they were
expected to handle wasn't rigid controlled.  Check with any industrial
control manufacturer and you will hear the same story.

73,
Dave   AB7E

This isn't an industrial control application where huge surges may be 
encountered.

TO220 film resistors make excellent RF dummy loads, up to at least 
50MHz. Many of these resistors are also used in RF power attenuators and 
as  passive grid loads in tetrode amplifiers. Power handling depends 
on the resistor rating, but is limited mostly by the performance of the 
heatsink (which is mandatory, because the power dissipation of the bare 
T220 package is only a few watts).

A 50-ohm dummy load will normally use two 100-ohm resistors in parallel. 
VSWR at higher frequencies is limited mostly by layout and construction 
technique. For example, see
http://tinyurl.com/inpractice/#0908

Turning to conventional wire-ended metal film resistors, again my 
experience is entirely the opposite. I have deliberately overloaded 
samples until they were glowing bright red and the paint has completely 
burned off... and still they did NOT fail. Furthermore, when they cooled 
down their resistance was still within a few percent of the correct 
value.

Also, it's largely a myth that tubular wire-ended metal film resistors 
are too inductive for RF. If you calculate or measure the inductance, 
you'll find it's generally no more than a few tens of nanohenries, and 
the effective inductance can be reduced even more by paralleling several 
higher-value resistors. With care, they are even usable at 144MHz.



-- 

73 from Ian GM3SEK 'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB)
http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?

[David Gilbert]

As I said, stay below the rated power and they should work fine.  When 
they go, they don't go gradually, though.  They really are simply fuses 
on a heat sink.

As far as their RF characteristics is concerned, no argument from me.

73,
Dave   AB7E

 


Ian White GM3SEK wrote:
 David Gilbert wrote:
   
 juergen piezo wrote:
 
 A 2nd option could also be a dummy load using one of those very cheap 
 RF film resistors. This would have to be mounted onto the case for a 
 heatsink.

 John
   
 Metal film resistors are notoriously fragile.  They will typically meet
 their published dissipation specs just fine, but they go from being OK
 to being an open in a flash (literally) when overstressed.  I personally
 would never use one in any application where the power they were
 expected to handle wasn't rigid controlled.  Check with any industrial
 control manufacturer and you will hear the same story.

 73,
 Dave   AB7E
 

 This isn't an industrial control application where huge surges may be 
 encountered.

 TO220 film resistors make excellent RF dummy loads, up to at least 
 50MHz. Many of these resistors are also used in RF power attenuators and 
 as  passive grid loads in tetrode amplifiers. Power handling depends 
 on the resistor rating, but is limited mostly by the performance of the 
 heatsink (which is mandatory, because the power dissipation of the bare 
 T220 package is only a few watts).

 A 50-ohm dummy load will normally use two 100-ohm resistors in parallel. 
 VSWR at higher frequencies is limited mostly by layout and construction 
 technique. For example, see
 http://tinyurl.com/inpractice/#0908

 Turning to conventional wire-ended metal film resistors, again my 
 experience is entirely the opposite. I have deliberately overloaded 
 samples until they were glowing bright red and the paint has completely 
 burned off... and still they did NOT fail. Furthermore, when they cooled 
 down their resistance was still within a few percent of the correct 
 value.

 Also, it's largely a myth that tubular wire-ended metal film resistors 
 are too inductive for RF. If you calculate or measure the inductance, 
 you'll find it's generally no more than a few tens of nanohenries, and 
 the effective inductance can be reduced even more by paralleling several 
 higher-value resistors. With care, they are even usable at 144MHz.



   
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?

[David Y.]

Hi All,

I think we are getting a pretty strong message here in this thread.  It has 
been my observation that avid contesters are probably the most critical hams 
when it comes to their radios.  I know a few folks who I think are pretty 
serious about contesting, and it certainly seems to me that they dig pretty 
deep when deciding just what they want to be using.  And I would certainly 
think that someone, like the person in Rochester who just dropped $25K or 
more for 8 K3's, didn't do that without a lot of very serious evaluation.

I suppose some significant part of the decision making process is that, in 
order to step up further (if you can really even do that!), you need to 
spend $5K, $6K, or even $10K to do it.  You won't get a better RX, but you 
might pick up a feature or two that is of interest.

While we seem to have something approaching a consensus as to the 
superiority of the K3, it isn't unanimous.  It never will be, and for a 
lot of reasons.  However, I think it's pretty amazing just how extensive the 
appreciation for the K3's capabilities seems to be.  It reminds me of the 
domination that Collins seemed to have in the 60's.  Not everyone had one, 
but most people wanted one!  Nearly every QSO I have, using my K3, turns 
into a Q  A session about how do I like it, etc.  Obviously not everyone 
has a K3 right now, but there sure are a lot of folks out there who seem to 
want one!  I'm kind of enjoying being envied!

Dave W7AQK



- Original Message - 
From: Bob Maser bmas...@q.com
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL doug...@gmail.com
Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 12:06 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?


 Doug, I was very happy to read you analysis of the K3 radio.  I have mine 
 on
 order and it should arrive tomorrow barring another snow storm like we had
 yesterday.  I have be reading most of the posts to the Elecraft reflector
 and it is quite intimidating.  My plan is to apply power, connect an 
 antenna
 and a mic and start playing.  I just sold my Flex 5000A because I got 
 tired
 of all the tweaking and discussion. Your post has given me hope.  BTW, a
 good friend of mine in the Rochester area has just received  8 K3's  for 
 his
 multi-multi station.  He doesn't think that the K3 is complicated at all.

 Bob W6TR Fort Collins, CO
 - Original Message - 
 From: DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL doug...@gmail.com
 To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 11:46 AM
 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?


 The K3 is as simple or complex as you want to make it.  I have a pair
 of K3s (and still a K2) and I contest 99% of the time I'm on the
 radio.  Honestly, I hardly ever touch anything other than the tuning
 knob.  I think many folks using other radios NEED to play with the
 knobs because of the inherently inferior design of the RX.  The K3 is
 so good as is one really does not need to twiddle the knobs much
 at all.  You certainly are NOT going into the menus during the contest
 (if you're a serious all band contester).  I am not saying you can't
 twiddle around, but for 99% of the contacts, there is no need.

 Too complicated?  Well, selfishly, I hope that rumor continues to
 spread so those us who already own the K3 can maintain our undeniable
 advantage for contesting in crowded, multiple strong signal
 environments.  Hey, I did win both modes CQWW for USA qrp last year
 (yes, using the K3).

 And yes, there are several BIG contest stations that have moved to all
 K3s (including Multi-multi).

 Just because a radio is capable of being changed on the fly to the
 nth degree does not mean you're doing that all the time (or more than
 once or twice a year).

 de Doug KR2Q
 __
 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 mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?

[DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL]

On Sat, Oct 31, 2009 at 7:11 AM, David Y. w7...@cox.net wrote:
 It reminds me of the
 domination that Collins seemed to have in the 60's.  Not everyone had one,
 but most people wanted one!
 Dave W7AQK


Dave:

But the big difference is that while most everybody wanted Collins,
very few could afford one.  With the K3, well, it is the least
expensive (NOT cheapest as cheap = poor quality) of the big
performance rigsBY FAR!

And lets not forget that with rigs like the IC7800 or FT9000, you
really cannot pick and choose what you want to anywhere near the
degree that you can with the K3.  For example, I have resonant
antennas, so no Antenna tuner here.  I am not serious about low band
DXing, so no 2nd receiver here, I already had an external DVK, so
didn't get that either, I don't care about FM, etc etc etc.  My K3's
(pair) were a down-right BARGAIN on par with the bottom end of the
other guy's cost wise, but on par with their TOP END (and then some)
performance-wise.  Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too?
:-)

de Doug KR2Q
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?

[John]

At 05:45 AM 31/10/09, you wrote:
.  For example, I have resonant
antennas, so no Antenna tuner here.

de Doug KR2Q

Hi Doug,

I did opt for the tuner here, even though my antennas are resonant. I 
did so to have the ant1/2 option. I made a (wish list) suggestion to 
Elecraft for a module, to replace the ATU module, that only had a 
ANT1/2 switch on it and two antenna ports. Wonder if any others would 
like that feature? It would be nice if the stock K3 came with the 2 
antenna port module, or optional ATU. The hole is there...

John k7up
K3 #501 2-K2's  K1 

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?

[Hector Padron]

Thst's a great suggestion because I order mine as well with the tuner that I 
didn't need just to have the two antenna ports(SO-239)in the back,if they could 
make just a small board with a relay it will be better and save others some 
money from the tuner.In a year I have the radio I have enever used the tuner.
 
AD4C

 

For a refined ham it is compulsory to own a k3

--- On Sat, 10/31/09, John k...@hughes.net wrote:


From: John k...@hughes.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2009, 3:22 PM


At 05:45 AM 31/10/09, you wrote:
.  For example, I have resonant
antennas, so no Antenna tuner here.

de Doug KR2Q

Hi Doug,

I did opt for the tuner here, even though my antennas are resonant. I 
did so to have the ant1/2 option. I made a (wish list) suggestion to 
Elecraft for a module, to replace the ATU module, that only had a 
ANT1/2 switch on it and two antenna ports. Wonder if any others would 
like that feature? It would be nice if the stock K3 came with the 2 
antenna port module, or optional ATU. The hole is there...

John k7up
K3 #501 2-K2's  K1 

__
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] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?

[juergen piezo]

Hi

Another good option to have on this board would be a directional coupler
for oscilloscope and spectrum analyzer monitoring. The Elecraft CP1 on this 
board would be a great option.

A 2nd option could also be a dummy load using one of those very cheap RF film 
resistors. This would have to be mounted onto the case for a heatsink.

John

--- On Sat, 10/31/09, Hector Padron ad4c2...@yahoo.com wrote:

 From: Hector Padron ad4c2...@yahoo.com
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Date: Saturday, October 31, 2009, 2:34 PM
 Thst's a great suggestion because I
 order mine as well with the tuner that I didn't need just to
 have the two antenna ports(SO-239)in the back,if they could
 make just a small board with a relay it will be better and
 save others some money from the tuner.In a year I have the
 radio I have enever used the tuner.
  
 AD4C
 
  
 
 For a refined ham it is compulsory to own a k3
 
 --- On Sat, 10/31/09, John k...@hughes.net
 wrote:
 
 
 From: John k...@hughes.net
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U
 kidding?
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Date: Saturday, October 31, 2009, 3:22 PM
 
 
 At 05:45 AM 31/10/09, you wrote:
 .  For example, I have resonant
 antennas, so no Antenna tuner here.
 
 de Doug KR2Q
 
 Hi Doug,
 
 I did opt for the tuner here, even though my antennas are
 resonant. I 
 did so to have the ant1/2 option. I made a (wish list)
 suggestion to 
 Elecraft for a module, to replace the ATU module, that only
 had a 
 ANT1/2 switch on it and two antenna ports. Wonder if any
 others would 
 like that feature? It would be nice if the stock K3 came
 with the 2 
 antenna port module, or optional ATU. The hole is there...
 
 John k7up
 K3 #501 2-K2's  K1 
 
 __
 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 mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?

[David Gilbert]

Metal film resistors are notoriously fragile.  They will typically meet 
their published dissipation specs just fine, but they go from being OK 
to being an open in a flash (literally) when overstressed.  I personally 
would never use one in any application where the power they were 
expected to handle wasn't rigid controlled.  Check with any industrial 
control manufacturer and you will hear the same story.

73,
Dave   AB7E


juergen piezo wrote:
 A 2nd option could also be a dummy load using one of those very cheap RF film 
 resistors. This would have to be mounted onto the case for a heatsink.

 John

   
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?

[Don Wilhelm]

Dave,

I can vouch for that statement.  I do use the Caddock Thick Film 50 ohm 
resistors as precision dummy loads.  They are flat up to 500 MHz with 
good mounting using no leads.  They MUST be mounted on a heat sink, and 
yes, they will go open in a flash if the rated power is exceeded (don't 
bother to ask me how I know that).

So, recommending them for a K3 application may not be the best, but if 
you want an inexpensive dummy load, got a heat sink from a defunct 
computer CPU cooling device and one of those resistors and connect it to 
a BNC or UHF jack using zero length leads - but don't exceed its power 
rating (they are available up to 100 watts).

73,
Don W3FPR

David Gilbert wrote:
 Metal film resistors are notoriously fragile.  They will typically meet 
 their published dissipation specs just fine, but they go from being OK 
 to being an open in a flash (literally) when overstressed.  I personally 
 would never use one in any application where the power they were 
 expected to handle wasn't rigid controlled.  Check with any industrial 
 control manufacturer and you will hear the same story.

 73,
 Dave   AB7E
   

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?

[Hector Padron]

This K3 is not only not complicated to operate but its even more simple to use 
than an IC-7800/FT-9000/ TT OrionII/FT-2000,at the last contest I set up first 
my TX audio,my RX audio,and the roofer/DSP settings before it started,that was 
once,then after the contest was running only knobs I used were the main VFO  to 
move the freq,volumen control and sometimes RF gain to be able to lower the 
front end gain to fight QRM,there was no need to set anything else,I made more 
than 50 countries and more than 20 zones in the world working it for only 20 
hours,If anyone can't understand how to operate a K3 then he will not be able 
to operate any other modern radio,73
 
AD4C
 


For a refined ham it is compulsory to own a k3

--- On Thu, 10/29/09, ab2tc ab...@arrl.net wrote:


From: ab2tc ab...@arrl.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2009, 7:46 PM



Hello,

I also found Doug's posting refreshing. Reading the posts on the reflector,
it's very easy to get the impression that the K3 is complex and
intidimidating to operate. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I
upgraded from the simple, entry level IC-718 and find that I operate the
K3 pretty much same way as that radio. I adjust the AF volume to a
comfortable level, tune around and talk into the microphone. When the going
gets tough, like in the CQWW contest, I crank the hi cut down to 2.1kHz (lo
cut stays at 0.3kHz always) and watch the 1.8kHz filter kick in.
Occasionally I need the noise blanker. This is an excellent radio which does
not need a lot of knob twiddling to perform its duty. The new macro feature
is very interesting and I have every intention of creating a few, but so far
I have just continued to operate the radio on the bands. One of these days,
but with 15m starting to come back to life, at least in contests

AB2TC - Knut


Bob Maser wrote:
 
 Doug, I was very happy to read you analysis of the K3 radio.  I have mine
 on 
 order and it should arrive tomorrow barring another snow storm like we had 
 snip
 

-- 
View this message in context: 
http://n2.nabble.com/K3-CQWW-SSB-Observations-R-U-kidding-tp3914434p3915045.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at 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

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?

[Julius Fazekas n2wn]

S!

You forgot varying the filter width ;o)

Just received two certificates from CQ160, second place US SO-LP (10th
World) on CW (damn you ice storms! Congrats to WA1Z!) and 5th in the US SOLP
SSB (shoulda put the time in)

Both with K3s, not to mention 1st SOLP in ARRL160. K2 managed to get me to
2nd (with KB7Q running a very close 3rd also with a K2)

Watch what the topbanders are using... you'll see many K3s... same for
DXpeditions.

4000 K3s now? Can't be all that bad ;o)

72,
Julius
n2wn



-
Julius Fazekas
N2WN

Tennessee Contest Group
http://www.k4ro.net/tcg/index.html

Tennessee QSO Party
http://www.tnqp.org/

Elecraft K2/100 #4455
Elecraft K3/100 #366
Elecraft K3#1875
-- 
View this message in context: 
http://n2.nabble.com/K3-CQWW-SSB-Observations-R-U-kidding-tp3914434p3919111.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at 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

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?

[Bill W4ZV]

Julius Fazekas n2wn wrote:
 
 Watch what the topbanders are using... you'll see many K3s... same for
 DXpeditions.
 

A most welcome change from all those clicking Yaesu rigs.  Also from the
Flex 5000's +/-2.4 kHz spurs (~ 58 dB down on 160 which will cover even
strong DX signals like DF2PY, etc.)  The quality of topband signals has
taken a definite upturn as more are adopting the K3.  

Kudos to Elecraft for not making the Rise/Fall times adjustable...which
prevents folks from intentionally making their signals click (some do that
in contests with adjustable Rise/Fall rigs in order to keep their run
frequencies clear).  :-(

73,  Bill  W4ZV
-- 
View this message in context: 
http://n2.nabble.com/K3-CQWW-SSB-Observations-R-U-kidding-tp3914434p3919268.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at 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

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?

[gdaught6]

Hector wrote...

 This K3 is not only not complicated to operate ...

 snip 

The complicated bad rap is almost surely the result of people watching this 
reflector.  Things like:  

Firmware beta version 5.555.001 allows the setting of macros to turn on your 
coffeemaker at a user-programmed time, and to increase the rate of change of 
audio 
gain with knob twist.

First, it isn't mandatory to make these continuing updates, if it isn't 
important to your 
application(s) of the radio.  Just buy it (and build it, if you got the kit) 
turn it on, and 
USE it!!!  It's magnificent!

Second, it's amazing that the radio can be customized infinitely, if you want.

Third, it's amazing that the company continues to provide these changes and 
upgrades.  

Try that with your Hammarlund!

73,

George T Daughters, K6GT
CU in the California QSO Party (CQP)
October 3-4, 2009


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] [K3] CQWW SSB observations

[Julius Fazekas n2wn]

Rumor has it (second hand) that some Contesters are now shying away  
from the K3 due to it's complexity, but not necessarily it's performance. As
a  
relatively experienced owner I had no problem running what I consider to be  
excellent radio. I've owned or operated most of the modern rigs sold in the  
last 15 years, and find the K3 (and my IC-765) to be the best of the group.


Gary,

Think there will always be some who will find the K3 complex coming from
another rig, and there is a learning curve (even coming from a K2). Some
just won't like it.

Judging by how many come up on the second hand market and how quickly they
sell, it doesn't seem like folks are shying away from it.

Some like to tweak every setting and in a M/M or M/S that can be an issue.

Wonder if you could save user preference settings using K3_EZ? This sounds
like something that should be easy to do in software.

Sounds like you had fun. See you in the CW event.

73,
Julius

-
Julius Fazekas
N2WN

Tennessee Contest Group
http://www.k4ro.net/tcg/index.html

Tennessee QSO Party
http://www.tnqp.org/

Elecraft K2/100 #4455
Elecraft K3/100 #366
Elecraft K3#1875
-- 
View this message in context: 
http://n2.nabble.com/CQWW-SSB-observations-tp3909919p3920596.html
Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at 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

Re: [Elecraft] [K3] CQWW SSB observations

[Arie Kleingeld PA3A]

During the last CQWW SSB we had my K3 aside with two 756 pro III's and an
FT2000 at PI4D.

All operators agreed that it was very easy to operate the K3 and that it was
not the most handsome of the three but nobody cared. All eyes were on the
N1MM screen and the hands on the keyboard.

Excellent performance and easy to operate filters, gain and balance between
sub and main rx. No problem for the newbies either.


The only person who cares about all the menu possibilities is me. And I do
that about once per month if a new FW release comes along. Once the menu
item is set, there is very little need to change things.

73,
Arie PA3A




-Oorspronkelijk bericht-
 


Rumor has it (second hand) that some Contesters are now shying away  
from the K3 due to it's complexity, but not necessarily it's performance. As
a  
relatively experienced owner I had no problem running what I consider to be

excellent radio. I've owned or operated most of the modern rigs sold in the

last 15 years, and find the K3 (and my IC-765) to be the best of the group.



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?

[DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL]

The K3 is as simple or complex as you want to make it.  I have a pair
of K3s (and still a K2) and I contest 99% of the time I'm on the
radio.  Honestly, I hardly ever touch anything other than the tuning
knob.  I think many folks using other radios NEED to play with the
knobs because of the inherently inferior design of the RX.  The K3 is
so good as is one really does not need to twiddle the knobs much
at all.  You certainly are NOT going into the menus during the contest
(if you're a serious all band contester).  I am not saying you can't
twiddle around, but for 99% of the contacts, there is no need.

Too complicated?  Well, selfishly, I hope that rumor continues to
spread so those us who already own the K3 can maintain our undeniable
advantage for contesting in crowded, multiple strong signal
environments.  Hey, I did win both modes CQWW for USA qrp last year
(yes, using the K3).

And yes, there are several BIG contest stations that have moved to all
K3s (including Multi-multi).

Just because a radio is capable of being changed on the fly to the
nth degree does not mean you're doing that all the time (or more than
once or twice a year).

de Doug KR2Q
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?

[Bob Maser]

Doug, I was very happy to read you analysis of the K3 radio.  I have mine on 
order and it should arrive tomorrow barring another snow storm like we had 
yesterday.  I have be reading most of the posts to the Elecraft reflector 
and it is quite intimidating.  My plan is to apply power, connect an antenna 
and a mic and start playing.  I just sold my Flex 5000A because I got tired 
of all the tweaking and discussion. Your post has given me hope.  BTW, a 
good friend of mine in the Rochester area has just received  8 K3's  for his 
multi-multi station.  He doesn't think that the K3 is complicated at all.

Bob W6TR Fort Collins, CO
- Original Message - 
From: DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL doug...@gmail.com
To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 11:46 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?


 The K3 is as simple or complex as you want to make it.  I have a pair
 of K3s (and still a K2) and I contest 99% of the time I'm on the
 radio.  Honestly, I hardly ever touch anything other than the tuning
 knob.  I think many folks using other radios NEED to play with the
 knobs because of the inherently inferior design of the RX.  The K3 is
 so good as is one really does not need to twiddle the knobs much
 at all.  You certainly are NOT going into the menus during the contest
 (if you're a serious all band contester).  I am not saying you can't
 twiddle around, but for 99% of the contacts, there is no need.

 Too complicated?  Well, selfishly, I hope that rumor continues to
 spread so those us who already own the K3 can maintain our undeniable
 advantage for contesting in crowded, multiple strong signal
 environments.  Hey, I did win both modes CQWW for USA qrp last year
 (yes, using the K3).

 And yes, there are several BIG contest stations that have moved to all
 K3s (including Multi-multi).

 Just because a radio is capable of being changed on the fly to the
 nth degree does not mean you're doing that all the time (or more than
 once or twice a year).

 de Doug KR2Q
 __
 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] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?

[ab2tc]

Hello,

I also found Doug's posting refreshing. Reading the posts on the reflector,
it's very easy to get the impression that the K3 is complex and
intidimidating to operate. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I
upgraded from the simple, entry level IC-718 and find that I operate the
K3 pretty much same way as that radio. I adjust the AF volume to a
comfortable level, tune around and talk into the microphone. When the going
gets tough, like in the CQWW contest, I crank the hi cut down to 2.1kHz (lo
cut stays at 0.3kHz always) and watch the 1.8kHz filter kick in.
Occasionally I need the noise blanker. This is an excellent radio which does
not need a lot of knob twiddling to perform its duty. The new macro feature
is very interesting and I have every intention of creating a few, but so far
I have just continued to operate the radio on the bands. One of these days,
but with 15m starting to come back to life, at least in contests

AB2TC - Knut


Bob Maser wrote:
 
 Doug, I was very happy to read you analysis of the K3 radio.  I have mine
 on 
 order and it should arrive tomorrow barring another snow storm like we had 
 snip
 

-- 
View this message in context: 
http://n2.nabble.com/K3-CQWW-SSB-Observations-R-U-kidding-tp3914434p3915045.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at 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

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CQWW SSB Observations - R U kidding?

[Lee Buller]

Doug,

Did you have to let the secret out?  Rats!  Lets try to keep this quiet...ok?

Lee - K0WA


In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply.  If you don't 
have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it.  If you can't find 
any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense.  Is 
Common Sense divine?

Common Sense is the image of the Creator expressing revealed truth in my mind. 
-  J. Wolf


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3: proposed SSB coarse tuning rate change

[Dr. Werner Furlan]

Hi Wayne, 

Wayne Burdick schrieb am 29 Sep 2009 um 10:29:

 We've had many requests to provide an 0.5-kHz VFO tuning step size in  SSB
 modes. I'd like to substitute this for the current 2.5 kHz  selection. The
 new set of steps sizes for SSB would then be:
 
0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0
 
 Most operators probably don't find 2.5 kHz steps to be particularly  
 useful. 0.5 kHz, on the other hand, seems to be a useful lowest-common-
 denominator for tuning the SSB band segments.
 
 Each mode can have up to 4 step sizes with the K3's present per-mode  data
 structure. I could add more step sizes, but that would require a  much more
 extensive change.
 
 Please let me know if you have a compelling requirement for 2.5 kHz  
 steps.

I dont really care if the last step is 2.5 or 5 kHz. I think 5 is better for a 
fast move (QSY).  My 
wish is that I can choose 0.5 kHz for the fast tuning rate with the clarifier 
knob. Most stations 
are sitting either at .0 or .5, and it is nice to check the band with the RIT 
knob and fine tune with 
the main VFO (which is rarely necessary in fact) This is what I use very often. 
YMMV. 

cheers, 
Werner oe9fwv


-- 
The only substitute for good manners is fast reflexes.


Email powered by Pegasus Mail free at http://www.pmail.com
Homepage: http://www.qsl.net/oe9fwv/
Fone +43 5522 75013
Fax +43 5522 75013 15
Mobile +43 664 6340014
Elecraft K2 #5203 K3 #656


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3: proposed SSB coarse tuning rate change

[Wayne Burdick]

We've had many requests to provide an 0.5-kHz VFO tuning step size in  
SSB modes. I'd like to substitute this for the current 2.5 kHz  
selection. The new set of steps sizes for SSB would then be:

   0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0

Most operators probably don't find 2.5 kHz steps to be particularly  
useful. 0.5 kHz, on the other hand, seems to be a useful lowest-common- 
denominator for tuning the SSB band segments.

Each mode can have up to 4 step sizes with the K3's present per-mode  
data structure. I could add more step sizes, but that would require a  
much more extensive change.

Please let me know if you have a compelling requirement for 2.5 kHz  
steps.

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] K3: proposed SSB coarse tuning rate change

[AD6XY]

This is the one aspect of the K3 I find frustrating. To QSY a few hundered
kHz takes a lot of turning. I really like the way some radios speed up the
tuning rate as you turn the dial faster. I use the RIT tuning very often to
QSY quickly and for larger steps I end up having to use DFE which is tedious
and often results in mistakes. I think this is almost the only thing Icom do
better.

To answer your question Eric, I don't find the higher corse tuning steps
useful so I won't miss 2.5kHz steps.




wayne burdick wrote:
 
 We've had many requests to provide an 0.5-kHz VFO tuning step size in  
 SSB modes. I'd like to substitute this for the current 2.5 kHz  
 selection. The new set of steps sizes for SSB would then be:
 
0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0
 
 Most operators probably don't find 2.5 kHz steps to be particularly  
 useful. 0.5 kHz, on the other hand, seems to be a useful lowest-common- 
 denominator for tuning the SSB band segments.
 
 Each mode can have up to 4 step sizes with the K3's present per-mode  
 data structure. I could add more step sizes, but that would require a  
 much more extensive change.
 
 Please let me know if you have a compelling requirement for 2.5 kHz  
 steps.
 
 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
 
 

-- 
View this message in context: 
http://n2.nabble.com/K3-proposed-SSB-coarse-tuning-rate-change-tp3737732p3738936.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at 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

Re: [Elecraft] K3: proposed SSB coarse tuning rate change

[Dave G4AON]

Mike are you using the RIT/XIT control as a means of rapid tuning? On
80m SSB I can cross the band in less than two full turns of that knob,
and on CW it does 300 KHz in 6 turns or so, how quickly do you need to tune?

73 Dave, G4AON
K3/100 #80
---
This is the one aspect of the K3 I find frustrating. To QSY a few hundered
kHz takes a lot of turning.
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3: proposed SSB coarse tuning rate change

[Julian, G4ILO]

Dave G4AON wrote:
 
 Mike are you using the RIT/XIT control as a means of rapid tuning? On
 80m SSB I can cross the band in less than two full turns of that knob,
 and on CW it does 300 KHz in 6 turns or so, how quickly do you need to
 tune?
 

I won't miss 2.5kHz, though I don't envisage using 0.5kHz either. I find
1kHz steps to be the most useful, thanks to the fact that so many people
nowadays use transceivers with a high degree of frequency accuracy and tend
to pick a frequency with all zeros in the last 3 digits. I don't think that
means we've all turned into CB good buddies either. ;)

-
Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392  K3 #222.
* G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com
* KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html
* KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html

-- 
View this message in context: 
http://n2.nabble.com/K3-proposed-SSB-coarse-tuning-rate-change-tp3737732p3739093.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at 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

Re: [Elecraft] K3: proposed SSB coarse tuning rate change

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Julian G5ILO wrote:

... so many people
nowadays use transceivers with a high degree of frequency accuracy and tend
to pick a frequency with all zeros in the last 3 digits. I don't think that
means we've all turned into CB good buddies either. ;)

-

No, but it is a bit of a surprise when I call CQ, a station answers me, then
he complains that I'm 'off frequency' because I'm not transmitting on an
even kilohertz so he can't tune me in correctly using 1 kHz steps...

Okay, it's only happened once (so far) but I almost never work phone
either... 

Ron AC7AC


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] [K3] New SSB Squelch function

[AB3EN]

Lance,

Wayne is working on the issues and the latest release that I have tested looks 
good. Wait for the next beta and I think you will find it more effective.

73
Dan

I downloaded the latest beta with the squelch and tried to set it up, 
-- 
Lance Collister, W7GJ (ex: WN3GPL, WA3GPL, WA1JXN, WA1JXN/C6A, ZF2OC/ZF8)



-

Dan AB3EN
-- 
View this message in context: 
http://n2.nabble.com/New-SSB-Squelch-function-tp2608662p2620483.html
Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at 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] K3 TX SSB peak power higher than CW

[W6IZT]

All:

My K3 TX peak power output is slightly higher on SSB than it is on CW. Is
there a way to minimize this difference?

Gregg
W6IZT


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 TX SSB peak power higher than CW

[Grant Youngman]

See CONFIG:TXG VCE in the D2 manual page 59.  TECH MODE must be turned  
on.

Grant/NQ5T


On Mar 15, 2009, at 2:14 PM, W6IZT wrote:


 All:

 My K3 TX peak power output is slightly higher on SSB than it is on  
 CW. Is
 there a way to minimize this difference?

 Gregg
 W6IZT


 __
 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] K3 TX SSB peak power higher than CW

[W6IZT]

Thanks Grant, I saw that but I didn't understand the reference to TUNE mode

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net]on Behalf Of Grant Youngman
Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 3:23 PM
To: Elecraft_List List
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 TX SSB peak power higher than CW

See CONFIG:TXG VCE in the D2 manual page 59.  TECH MODE must be turned
on.

Grant/NQ5T


On Mar 15, 2009, at 2:14 PM, W6IZT wrote:


 All:

 My K3 TX peak power output is slightly higher on SSB than it is on
 CW. Is
 there a way to minimize this difference?

 Gregg
 W6IZT


 __
 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 mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3 ESSB/SSB firmware corrected; Beta revision now 2.32

[wayne burdick]

Well, this is why we do beta test

Revision 2.32, now on our web site, corrects a major problem we 
introduced in rev 2.31 and somehow didn't catch during our own testing. 
ESSB should once again be functional, and LSB/USB balance in both 
normal SSB and ESSB should be improved.


Also note that we're planning to further improve the ESSB passband in 
future revisions. At present when you select 4.0 kHz, for example, you 
might get a -3 dB cutoff of around 3700 Hz. While this is much wider 
than normal SSB, we think we can extend it.


73,
Wayne
N6KR

---

http://www.elecraft.com

___
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft


Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3 ESSB/SSB firmware corrected; Beta revision now 2.32

[n4lq]

Wayne
I still see a large difference in LSB vs. USB when ESSB is ON. Which 
sideband is strongest varies by band. LSB is about 50% weaker than USB on 40 
meters. Turning ESSB OFF cures the problem but my audio reports are far 
better with it ON.
Is there anything I can do on this end or should I wait for firmware 
changes. I just want to know if this is normal.

Steve Ellington
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
- Original Message - 
From: wayne burdick [EMAIL PROTECTED]

To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 8:42 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 ESSB/SSB firmware corrected; Beta revision now 2.32



Well, this is why we do beta test

Revision 2.32, now on our web site, corrects a major problem we introduced 
in rev 2.31 and somehow didn't catch during our own testing. ESSB should 
once again be functional, and LSB/USB balance in both normal SSB and ESSB 
should be improved.


Also note that we're planning to further improve the ESSB passband in 
future revisions. At present when you select 4.0 kHz, for example, you 
might get a -3 dB cutoff of around 3700 Hz. While this is much wider than 
normal SSB, we think we can extend it.


73,
Wayne
N6KR

---

http://www.elecraft.com

___
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: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 
270.6.12/1640 - Release Date: 8/28/2008 6:58 PM






___
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft


Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

RE: [Elecraft] K3: 6M SSB audio hash

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

 Your description says the very same thing as I did ... mic wires 
 floating with the shield connected directly to the chassis.  
 
 I'm not ambiguous, you are! :)  PTT ground is ambiguous, 
 and implies that it goes somewhere and eventually finds the 
 chassis. I'm talking the CHASSIS. Period. 

Then I should not have said PTT Ground but that is how Icom, 
Kenwood and Yaesu all label their mic connectors.  In all three 
brands, the PTT ground is DC return and is, in fact, chassis 
ground - usually a short jumper from the PTT Ground pin to 
the chassis or the ground trace on a circuit board which contains 
mic connector which is tied to chassis with multiple grounding 
and mounting screws. 

The whole point is that all of the big three manufacturers use 
the shield in their microphones improperly by connecting it to an 
ungrounded mic return instead of the chassis (PTT Ground).  In 
the schematics I have checked, every one provides a DC return for 
the mic/preamp using an RF choke but connects the mic shield to 
the mic return instead of the chassis.  

73, 

   ... Joe, W4TV 
 
 



 -Original Message-
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
 [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jim Brown
 Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 7:09 PM
 To: Elecraft List
 Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3: 6M SSB audio hash
 
 
 On Sat, 7 Jun 2008 17:50:13 -0400, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
 
 
 Jim, 
 
 Which is it?  In this reply you say: 
 
  ... but not as good as if the shield were connected to the 
  chassis (usually PTT ground) and the mic treated as a 
  floating/balanced input.  
  
  WRONG! What you have just described is perfect example of a pin 1 
  problem, and a VERY common cause of hum, buzz, and RFI. 
 
 but in the reply to Jamie you say: 
 
  The proper connection for that is to connect the two mic 
  wires (the hot and the shield) to the balanced input AND 
  to connect the shield DIRECTLY TO THE CHASSIS by a very 
  short path.   
 
 Your description says the very same thing as I did ... mic wires 
 floating with the shield connected directly to the chassis.  
 
 I'm not ambiguous, you are! :)  PTT ground is ambiguous, 
 and implies 
 that it goes somewhere and eventually finds the chassis. I'm 
 talking the 
 CHASSIS. Period. 
 
 The point is that Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood and Heil all float the 
 mic return above the chassis and then connect the shield of the 
 mic cable to the floated mic return!  
 
 The shield should be 
 connected to the PTT return - which is connected to the chassis. 
 
 The shield should be connected STRAIGHT to the CHASSIS, not 
 to something 
 that is connected to the chassis. That connected to covers 
 a multitude 
 of sins -- like a circuit trace that several inches to a phone jack 
 that's screwed to the chassis. That trace has inductance, and 
 the voltage 
 drop across that inductance causes mischief!   
 
 Elecraft connect the mic return to chassis inside the K3 *BUT* 
 Pins 7 and 8 (PTT and mic return) have series chokes which result 
 in about 5 Ohms of resistance between both pins and the case. 
 The same is true for the shield/sleeve of the rear panel mic 
 jack ... the sleeve is floated by an RF choke with about 5 Ohms 
 of DC resistance.  
 
 Yes, they do, and I have a BIG problem with that. I had that 
 discussion 
 with Wayne about three years ago. I'm not at all happy with the audio 
 interface on the K3. For one thing, those transformers are 
 unshielded, 
 and pick up hum from power transformers nearby (like the 
 power supply for 
 my power amp, which right under the operating desk). There's 
 low level 
 hum when my line input is turned on (so I can playback 
 contest messages 
 from the computer, or send AFSK). The hum is there with or without a 
 cable plugged in. This hum pickup is so bad on my neighbor's 
 K3 that it 
 regenerates to full power!  I suspect he has an unusually 
 strong magnetic 
 field. 
 
 The one saving grace of what they are doing with the shield 
 is that it is 
 also bypassed to the KIO audio daughterboard. It isn't clear 
 to me how 
 the bypass capacitors on that daugherboard gets to the 
 chassis. If it's a 
 short (small fraction of an inch), great. If it isn't, it's a 
 potential 
 RFI problem, especially at higher frequencies. A clue (not an 
 encouraging 
 one) -- the retaining screws for  the DB connectors are 8 
 ohms off of the 
 chassis of the radio!  Not a good thing! I haven't measured the audio 
 daughterboard chassis, but I suspect the same problem there. 
 So far, I 
 have not had RF feedback problems, but my QTH is not 
 challenging in that 
 regard -- only my 160M vertical is closer to the radio than 100 ft. 
 
 The best solution for all amateurs is to connect the mic return 
 pin on the mic connector to the shell to tie both mic return and 
 shield to the chassis by the lowest possible resistance path. 
 
 The cable shield must go to the chassis. If that is the mic 
 return, so be 
 it.  BUT  it doesn't help if the shell isn't connected

RE: [Elecraft] K3: 6M SSB audio hash

[Jim Brown]

On Sun, 8 Jun 2008 14:28:45 -0400, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

Then I should not have said PTT Ground but that is how Icom, 
Kenwood and Yaesu all label their mic connectors.  In all three 
brands, the PTT ground is DC return and is, in fact, chassis 
ground - usually a short jumper from the PTT Ground pin to 
the chassis or the ground trace on a circuit board which contains 
mic connector which is tied to chassis with multiple grounding 
and mounting screws. 

Joe, 

Thanks for hanging in on this issue, because it is VERY important.

My point is that what you have described is ALSO WRONG. That short jumper 
can cause common impedance coupling, as the voltage drop across it is 
added to circuit common. That short jumper has inductance, and at some 
frequency, and/or at some power level, the voltage drop across it becomes 
strong enough to cause RFI. 

On my website are photographs of very high quality (and very expensive, 
German-made) condenser mics with serious RFI problems. In one of them, 
the cable shield goes to the shell of the mic with a jumper less than one 
inch long. In downtown Chicago, where TV transmitters are on tall 
buildings, that mic begins to detect TV broadcast stations at roughly 180 
MHz. An older mic from the same manufacturer begins detecting at TV 
channel 2 (54-60 MHz) and FM broadcast!  Mics with shorter jumpers begin 
having trouble only on higher UHF channels. They ALL have trouble with 
cell phones. Documentation of this, along with the extensive testing I've 
performed, are on my website. 

http://audiosystemsgroup.com/publish

The voltage drop across that inductance is proportional to frequency, 
inversely proportional to distance between the victim equipment and the 
transmitting antenna, and proportional to the square root of the 
transmitter power!  

I will keep repeating this until it becomes clear. The ONLY good place to 
terminate a cable shield is to the shielding enclosure DIRECTLY. Any 
other connection sets up the possibility of common impedance coupling -- 
what pro audio folks call the pin 1 problem.  

The whole point is that all of the big three manufacturers use 
the shield in their microphones improperly by connecting it to an 
ungrounded mic return instead of the chassis (PTT Ground).  In 
the schematics I have checked, every one provides a DC return for 
the mic/preamp using an RF choke but connects the mic shield to 
the mic return instead of the chassis.  

I also see this, and I strongly agree with you that it is VERY WRONG, and 
is often the cause of RFI into the ham rig (what we call RF feedback). 
This improper connection of cable shields is the primary cause of RFI of 
all types, including RF in the shack. Add to this the US members of that 
group, which should more properly be called the big five. The K2 and the 
K3 have improperly terminated shields at some connectors. So does my Ten 
Tec Omni V. 

One piece of good news -- the front panel mic connector on the K3 IS 
mounted directly to the shielding enclosure. So are all the RF 
connectors. 

n Sun, 8 Jun 2008 09:39:20 -0700, Brian Lloyd wrote:

I guess that people forget that, in shielding equipment, they are  
building a Faraday cage around it. That means that you need to  
terminate your shield at the OUTSIDE of the equipment, not inside. One  
wants to continue the Faraday cage all the way out to the input  
device. This means that the shield of any wire needs to be attached to  
the chassis externally. That isn't hard to understand. I know that I  
solved the problem in my designs by using shielded twisted-pair for  
phono cartridge input and tying the shield to the chassis.

YES! 

73,

Jim Brown K9YC


___
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3: 6M SSB audio hash

[Phillip Buckholdt]

Do you have anything plugged into the rear headphone jack ?  I have a pair 
oof Bose powered  speakers plugged in  and at higher power levels, I get 
severe RFI,
. With the same speakers on my K-2/100 or my IC-7000 I have no trouble. When 
I had a IC-746 I had no RFI in the speakers.


Just a thought.

Phil K8MBY


- Original Message - 
From: Jim Brown [EMAIL PROTECTED]

To: Elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 12:45 AM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3: 6M SSB audio hash



On Fri, 6 Jun 2008 21:22:41 -0400, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:


There is a significant problem in using balanced input with any
amateur mic - including Icom, Kenwood, Yaesu and Heil.  Yaesu,
Kenwood and Heil connect the shield of the mic cable to the mic
return and not chassis (ground).  Icom uses the shield as the
mic return.



When the shield of the mic cable is tied to the low side of a
balanced input, RF that SHOULD go to ground/chassis is forced
through the mic preamp instead.   With the shield tied to the
mic return there is effectively a 10' piece of wire (antenna)
connected to the mic input unless the mic return is tied to
the chassis and the chassis is connected to a solid RF ground.


This is not correct. There is nothing wrong with connecting an
unbalanced mic to a balanced input -- you simply unbalance the
input by grounding one side of the input. You lose the benefit of
the balanced circuitry's ability to reject noise, but the input
will work fine. The correct wiring is simply hot to one side,
shield to the other side AND the chassis.

I do have a serious quarrel with the W2IHY equalizer though -- it
is FAR more complex and expensive than needed to get great audio
from a pro mic with a ham rig. All you really need for an
equalizer is a good quality capacitor of suitable value in series
between the mic and the mic input of the radio. The capacitor is
chosen to provide a low frequency rolloff fairly high in the
audio passband. See

http://audiosystemsgroup.com/HamInterfacing.pdf

I have used a circuit like this with an EV RE16 and several rigs.
Total cost about $0.50. It would work equally well with any good
low-Z dynamic mic. I've also changed values in coupling
capacitors in the K2 to achieve the same result, and that works
quite well too. You don't need the capacitor with a K3, of course
-- the equalizer in DSP does the job.

Pro dynamic mics are easily connected to ham rigs -- since
they're balanced, one side of the balanced output goes to the mic
input, the other side goes to audio return, and the shield goes
to the chassis. I've done this quite successfully with an Omni V,
a TS850, and FT1000MP. By successfully, I mean that I get VERY
competitve, clean, contest-quality audio that cuts through QRM
and noise.


___
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 mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft


Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

RE: [Elecraft] K3: 6M SSB audio hash

[James C. Hall, MD]

Jim and Joe:

This is all very interesting. What do you see as my solution ? Do I need to
add a ground in some way to the cable ?

73, Jamie
WB4YDL

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jim Brown
Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 11:46 PM
To: Elecraft List
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3: 6M SSB audio hash

On Fri, 6 Jun 2008 21:22:41 -0400, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

There is a significant problem in using balanced input with any 
amateur mic - including Icom, Kenwood, Yaesu and Heil.  Yaesu, 
Kenwood and Heil connect the shield of the mic cable to the mic 
return and not chassis (ground).  Icom uses the shield as the 
mic return.  

When the shield of the mic cable is tied to the low side of a 
balanced input, RF that SHOULD go to ground/chassis is forced 
through the mic preamp instead.   With the shield tied to the 
mic return there is effectively a 10' piece of wire (antenna) 
connected to the mic input unless the mic return is tied to 
the chassis and the chassis is connected to a solid RF ground. 

This is not correct. There is nothing wrong with connecting an 
unbalanced mic to a balanced input -- you simply unbalance the 
input by grounding one side of the input. You lose the benefit of 
the balanced circuitry's ability to reject noise, but the input 
will work fine. The correct wiring is simply hot to one side, 
shield to the other side AND the chassis. 

I do have a serious quarrel with the W2IHY equalizer though -- it 
is FAR more complex and expensive than needed to get great audio 
from a pro mic with a ham rig. All you really need for an 
equalizer is a good quality capacitor of suitable value in series 
between the mic and the mic input of the radio. The capacitor is 
chosen to provide a low frequency rolloff fairly high in the 
audio passband. See

http://audiosystemsgroup.com/HamInterfacing.pdf

I have used a circuit like this with an EV RE16 and several rigs. 
Total cost about $0.50. It would work equally well with any good 
low-Z dynamic mic. I've also changed values in coupling 
capacitors in the K2 to achieve the same result, and that works 
quite well too. You don't need the capacitor with a K3, of course 
-- the equalizer in DSP does the job. 

Pro dynamic mics are easily connected to ham rigs -- since 
they're balanced, one side of the balanced output goes to the mic 
input, the other side goes to audio return, and the shield goes 
to the chassis. I've done this quite successfully with an Omni V, 
a TS850, and FT1000MP. By successfully, I mean that I get VERY 
competitve, clean, contest-quality audio that cuts through QRM 
and noise. 


___
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. 
Version: 8.0.100 / Virus Database: 270.0.0/1488 - Release Date: 6/6/2008
5:48 PM

___
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