Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
... and I would have asked why are you running more? PSK-31 is not a QRO mode. It's also not necessarily a weak-signal mode, so comments about the various JT modes do not apply to PSK-31. 73 -- Lynn On 2/22/2014 2:26 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: While low power may have been the recommendation, I started in PSK31 in 2000 when I had only a K2/10. I ran it in the 5 to 10 watt range. When I revealed my power level, many ops asked why I was running only that much power. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
Glenn, My guess is most figured you were referring to the KXPA100, but your question even has more general reach. Since full output for the KXPA-100 is cited with 10w drive, it is a good guess that 3w = 30w, 4w= 40w, etc. In reality the gain curve for amplifiers is not that flat and often you get a little more gain at lower inputs. One advantage is that linearity is usually much better when an amp is driven below its max specs, so that is good for running psk-31 and other digital modes. The K3 and KX3 are much better transmitters than most so maybe that is not as much of a concern. Just a general comment about digital modes: psk-31 was something I tried when it was fairly new and I generally ran at 15-25w with my FT-847. I did well with a 20m dipole running at that level. There were no locals to cause me grief so power level was not an issue. I recall most contacts as nice chats and not certificate chasing. I am looking forward to returning to psk-31 or its variants with 10w from my K3 or 3-5w from my KX3. On 20-10m bands I use a three element yagi at 50-feet so that gives gain advantage of more ERP and selective reception if a neighbor is operating (I now have a multi-multi class station located about 12mi north of me). But then I am not on for the contests so we have no issues (not even heard him). He is big on RTTY and CW. WSJT suite of digital modes was primarily developed for super weak-signal operation such as meteor scatter or eme. They have evolved to weak-signal proponents on HF and LF, and up to mw, so I agree that a plain-text version is needed for chat style operating. There are so many different digital modes these days so one has more to chose (eg: FLdigi). 73, Ed - KL7UW 17 bands: 600m - 3cm -- From: WA7SPY wa7...@comcast.net To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes? Message-ID: 4144055f-7458-437a-a581-459369add...@comcast.net Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Thank you for all the replies they were very informative. In my original post I stated KPA100. It should have been KXPA100 my bad on my part. Most of you figured out what I meant. I agree about the hi and bye PSK31 QSO's these days. That being said I will say I have had some really nice rag chew QSO's lately on PSK31. I typically start turning my power down during a QSO to see how low I can go and still have a good copy. I do have my KX3 connected to a Hard Rock 50, 50 watt amplifier. I run the Hard Rock at 20 watts or less on PSK31. In regard to the KXPA100 my original question was to find out what the max output power would be safe to go to without causing damage to the amp. If I am correct the answer is the amp will protect itself and automatically throttle itself back if the temp to the finals gets too hot. Now in regard to the KX3 without the amp 2-3 watts is recommended for PSK31. What does 2 -3 watts driving the KXPA100 equate to for output power from the amp. I will be using the Elecraft cable set to integrate the amp. So from what I have read that means the PA menu is selected to on on the KX3. That means the power control on the KX3 is re-indexed. So does that mean it is safe to run in the 20-30 watt range with the amp without over driving the KX3 for PSK31? Thank you Glenn Maclean WA7SPY 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
Well-protected is not quite the same thing as continuous service or maximum linearity. The KX3 is fine at 10-12W for CW or SSB, but people generally run it at 3-5W for FM or digital modes. Of course, when you need the juice, you need it, regardless of mode. wunder K6WRU On Feb 21, 2014, at 11:04 PM, Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com wrote: On 2/21/2014 7:43 PM, WA7SPY wrote: I was looking at the operating manual online and did not see any recommended power setting for operating the amp with digital modes. Elecraft output stages are very well protected. In general, I feel comfortable running them balls to the wall with keydown modes, with all the lights lit. With well matched antennas, I run keydown modes at full power. If the output stage gets warm, the fan will run faster, and if that isn't enough, the rig will back off the drive. Remember that the WSJT modes are weak signal modes, NOT low power modes. There is a big difference. We may get lots of distance per watt and be happy with QRP for easy paths, but for the most difficult paths (EME, transcontinental 160M), great digital ops pile on the watts and use their best antennas. I do a lot of QRP, but I also know when to turn on the big amp. :) 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- Walter Underwood wun...@wunderwood.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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
On 2/21/2014 7:43 PM, WA7SPY wrote: What is the recommended max power setting for the amp using PSK31 with a KX3? In the K3, the limiting factor in some digital modes (notably PSK) is not thermal capability of the radio or amplifier, it is linearity. The linearity limit depends on the particular digital mode in use, and it may also vary depending on the mode used in the radio. For PSK31 and its higher-speed brethren, using the radio's DATA A mode, power settings no higher than half the maximum power rating of the transmitter should be used. This will ensure that the maximum instantaneous peaks of the transmitted signal are not clipped (in PSK these peaks can be up to twice as high as the average transmitted power). I can't speak from personal experience for the KX3, but given the similarity in the way the transmitter power is controlled, I would expect it to be the same as the K3. Using the KXPA100, keeping the power setting below 50 watts should avoid non-linearity. 73, Rich VE3KI __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
I don't think that Elecraft recommends any particular power. The amplifier will put out full power with acceptable distortion, but the lower quality receivers of others will easily overload and if you use more than a few watts it will prevent the use of the pass band by your neighbors and you will not be popular with them. They will tell you as they all want to be in the same SSB pass band so that they can see everybody at one time. Elecraft can't do anything about the quality of their competitors receivers. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman K5EWJ Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart From: WA7SPY wa7...@comcast.net To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, February 21, 2014 9:43 PM Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes? I just ordered a KPA100 with the auto tuner for my KX3. In anticipation of the arrival of the amp I was looking at the operating manual online and did not see any recommended power setting for operating the amp with digital modes. I plan to use the amp for PSK31. What is the recommended max power setting for the amp using PSK31 with a KX3? Thanks, Glenn Maclean WA7SPY __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
For PSK-31, you really want to run the minimal amount of power necessary. Remember that the entire PSK-31 subband fits in your receiver filters -- you don't tune the VFO at all. If you transmit a strong signal, and propagation is good, I'll be able to work you, but when my receiver AGC cuts in all the rest of the PSK-31 stations on the band will go away. If I happened to be working one of those other stations, my QSO is over. As a rule of thumb, you don't want to exceed half the output power, unless the amp is rated for 100% key down. Monitor the temperature. 50 watts is a lot of power on PSK-31. 73 -- Lynn On 2/21/2014 7:43 PM, WA7SPY wrote: I just ordered a KPA100 with the auto tuner for my KX3. In anticipation of the arrival of the amp I was looking at the operating manual online and did not see any recommended power setting for operating the amp with digital modes. I plan to use the amp for PSK31. What is the recommended max power setting for the amp using PSK31 with a KX3? Thanks, Glenn Maclean WA7SPY __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
I run 25 watts on my K3. I adjusted it by watching my peaks on a scope. At 25 watts and my alc set I have a clean signal. There are those that splat more power and we all see them in the waterfall. 25 watts will work the world on PSK. Just my observations and my .02 cents. 73 Gerald On Feb 22, 2014 9:40 AM, Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT k...@coldrockshotbrooms.com wrote: For PSK-31, you really want to run the minimal amount of power necessary. Remember that the entire PSK-31 subband fits in your receiver filters -- you don't tune the VFO at all. If you transmit a strong signal, and propagation is good, I'll be able to work you, but when my receiver AGC cuts in all the rest of the PSK-31 stations on the band will go away. If I happened to be working one of those other stations, my QSO is over. As a rule of thumb, you don't want to exceed half the output power, unless the amp is rated for 100% key down. Monitor the temperature. 50 watts is a lot of power on PSK-31. 73 -- Lynn On 2/21/2014 7:43 PM, WA7SPY wrote: I just ordered a KPA100 with the auto tuner for my KX3. In anticipation of the arrival of the amp I was looking at the operating manual online and did not see any recommended power setting for operating the amp with digital modes. I plan to use the amp for PSK31. What is the recommended max power setting for the amp using PSK31 with a KX3? Thanks, Glenn Maclean WA7SPY __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
Hi Glenn, I started using PSK31 many, many years ago, when it was first introduced by a ham in the UK. It was made very clear to operators that minimum power should always be used for a QSO. It was suggested that more than 10 watts was excessive. As mentioned in one of the other replies, many transmissions can fall within the receiver passband when using this mode. If you, or anyone else uses much higher power, that strongest signal will take over the passband on most receivers, spoiling other QSOs that are going on at the time. I have noticed over the past five years or more there has been a steady increase in the power being used by thoughtless or unknowing operators. As a result of this power creep, I have drifted away from a mode that I once thoroughly enjoyed. With your KX3, you should not normally need an amp to use PSK31. Doug, VE3VS -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA100-recommended-max-power-for-digital-modes-tp7584537p7584569.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] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
Doug, While low power may have been the recommendation, I started in PSK31 in 2000 when I had only a K2/10. I ran it in the 5 to 10 watt range. When I revealed my power level, many ops asked why I was running only that much power. So the push for higher power has been going on since shortly after the beginning of PSK31. While I do use it occasionally, that factor and the preponderance of hello, brag sheet, goodbye QSOs has soured me on the mode. It used to be a lot of keyboard to keyboard ragchew QSOs, but that is rare these days. No opportunity to get to know something about the ham you are in QSO with. 73, Don W3FPR On 2/22/2014 5:05 PM, Doug VE3VS wrote: Hi Glenn, I started using PSK31 many, many years ago, when it was first introduced by a ham in the UK. It was made very clear to operators that minimum power should always be used for a QSO. It was suggested that more than 10 watts was excessive. As mentioned in one of the other replies, many transmissions can fall within the receiver passband when using this mode. If you, or anyone else uses much higher power, that strongest signal will take over the passband on most receivers, spoiling other QSOs that are going on at the time. I have noticed over the past five years or more there has been a steady increase in the power being used by thoughtless or unknowing operators. As a result of this power creep, I have drifted away from a mode that I once thoroughly enjoyed. With your KX3, you should not normally need an amp to use PSK31. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
I agree with Don! I like to chat, learn about the op or Qth. It is a major draw back to Jt 65 or Jt9. On Feb 22, 2014 4:26 PM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Doug, While low power may have been the recommendation, I started in PSK31 in 2000 when I had only a K2/10. I ran it in the 5 to 10 watt range. When I revealed my power level, many ops asked why I was running only that much power. So the push for higher power has been going on since shortly after the beginning of PSK31. While I do use it occasionally, that factor and the preponderance of hello, brag sheet, goodbye QSOs has soured me on the mode. It used to be a lot of keyboard to keyboard ragchew QSOs, but that is rare these days. No opportunity to get to know something about the ham you are in QSO with. 73, Don W3FPR On 2/22/2014 5:05 PM, Doug VE3VS wrote: Hi Glenn, I started using PSK31 many, many years ago, when it was first introduced by a ham in the UK. It was made very clear to operators that minimum power should always be used for a QSO. It was suggested that more than 10 watts was excessive. As mentioned in one of the other replies, many transmissions can fall within the receiver passband when using this mode. If you, or anyone else uses much higher power, that strongest signal will take over the passband on most receivers, spoiling other QSOs that are going on at the time. I have noticed over the past five years or more there has been a steady increase in the power being used by thoughtless or unknowing operators. As a result of this power creep, I have drifted away from a mode that I once thoroughly enjoyed. With your KX3, you should not normally need an amp to use PSK31. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
Don, I go hide on the WARC bands for PSK31 these days :-) Too many big guns on the other bands, I have a hard time trying to filter them out, my receiver always gets swamped! 73, Jack VK4JRC Club.www.cqara.org.au Member WIA SARL ARRL GQRP #14392 QRPARCI #15068 VKQRP.#833 On 23 Feb 2014, at 8:26 am, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Doug, While low power may have been the recommendation, I started in PSK31 in 2000 when I had only a K2/10. I ran it in the 5 to 10 watt range. When I revealed my power level, many ops asked why I was running only that much power. So the push for higher power has been going on since shortly after the beginning of PSK31. While I do use it occasionally, that factor and the preponderance of hello, brag sheet, goodbye QSOs has soured me on the mode. It used to be a lot of keyboard to keyboard ragchew QSOs, but that is rare these days. No opportunity to get to know something about the ham you are in QSO with. 73, Don W3FPR On 2/22/2014 5:05 PM, Doug VE3VS wrote: Hi Glenn, I started using PSK31 many, many years ago, when it was first introduced by a ham in the UK. It was made very clear to operators that minimum power should always be used for a QSO. It was suggested that more than 10 watts was excessive. As mentioned in one of the other replies, many transmissions can fall within the receiver passband when using this mode. If you, or anyone else uses much higher power, that strongest signal will take over the passband on most receivers, spoiling other QSOs that are going on at the time. I have noticed over the past five years or more there has been a steady increase in the power being used by thoughtless or unknowing operators. As a result of this power creep, I have drifted away from a mode that I once thoroughly enjoyed. With your KX3, you should not normally need an amp to use PSK31. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
When I went back to New Hampshire last Christmas, I decided that the trip would be a rag chew trip. Since the only radio I had was the Small Wonder Labs PSK-20 -- The K3 is too big to carry and I don't yet have a KX3 -- it had to be rag chewing on 20M PSK. I found a number of people to chat with and had a good time on the radio. I have a few thoughts on how to encourage rag chewing. Since people are used to the 5NN QRZ type of interchange, start chatting early in the QSO. I use macros for the boiler plate -- name, QTH, and call signs and use the keyboard for everything else. I'm lucky that after 40+ years as a computer programmer, I can type quite rapidly. Don't worry about typing slowly however. Rag chewing isn't a contest or a DX pileup. In my first exchange after exchanging call signs, I try to give meaningful signal reports, I'll start with: Hi OM, you are 569 569 569 and then run my QTH macro. If the other OP has already sent a name I'll use it in place of OM. Later in the QSO, if the other OP has already described the station, I'll try to include something about his station when I describe mine. By then we should be ready to branch out and talk about ARES/RACES, contesting, DX, WX, family, Christmas dinner -- anything that might come up. It doesn't always work, but then just move on and do/answer another CQ. As to being overpowered by strong stations, the K3 with a 250 Hz filter works wonders. However, for me, the real problem stations have been local running well under 50 watts. When you're in the target of a beam 1/4 mile away, it doesn't take much power to overload the A/D converter driving the computer. The PSK-20 doesn't have any narrow filters like the K3 does, but in New Hampshire there aren't any close by PSK operators either. I rarely see any New England stations on my waterfall. (20 meters is that way. I had a devil of a time working Nevada from the Los Gatos too.) Now there are times and places for rag chewing. Contests, DX pileups, and rare opening aren't them. At times when it is appropriate, try to encourage it. Cheers - Bill, AE6JV On 2/23/14 at 2:46 PM, vk4...@gmail.com (Jack Chomley) wrote: I go hide on the WARC bands for PSK31 these days :-) Too many big guns on the other bands, I have a hard time trying to filter them out, my receiver always gets swamped! On 2/22/14 at 2:41 PM, kc6...@gmail.com (Gerald Manthey) wrote: I agree with Don! I like to chat, learn about the op or Qth. It is a major draw back to Jt 65 or Jt9. On Feb 22, 2014 4:26 PM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Doug, ... While I do use [PSK] occasionally, that factor and the preponderance of hello, brag sheet, goodbye QSOs has soured me on the mode. It used to be a lot of keyboard to keyboard ragchew QSOs, but that is rare these days. No opportunity to get to know something about the ham you are in QSO with. --- Bill Frantz| I like the farmers' market | Periwinkle (408)356-8506 | because I can get fruits and | 16345 Englewood Ave www.pwpconsult.com | vegetables without stickers. | Los Gatos, CA 95032 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 2/22/2014 2:05 PM, Doug VE3VS wrote: If you, or anyone else uses much higher power, that strongest signal will take over the passband on most receivers, spoiling other QSOs that are going on at the time. REPLY: This has been true forever, not just with PSK31, and this is why narrowband receivers were invented in the first place. PSK31 is a very narrowband mode so why not receive accordingly? Narrow your RX bandwidth down to 100 Hz or so and the problem goes away and everyone can run whatever power they like. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
Thank you for all the replies they were very informative. In my original post I stated KPA100. It should have been KXPA100 my bad on my part. Most of you figured out what I meant. I agree about the hi and bye PSK31 QSO's these days. That being said I will say I have had some really nice rag chew QSO's lately on PSK31. I typically start turning my power down during a QSO to see how low I can go and still have a good copy. I do have my KX3 connected to a Hard Rock 50, 50 watt amplifier. I run the Hard Rock at 20 watts or less on PSK31. In regard to the KXPA100 my original question was to find out what the max output power would be safe to go to without causing damage to the amp. If I am correct the answer is the amp will protect itself and automatically throttle itself back if the temp to the finals gets too hot. Now in regard to the KX3 without the amp 2-3 watts is recommended for PSK31. What does 2 -3 watts driving the KXPA100 equate to for output power from the amp. I will be using the Elecraft cable set to integrate the amp. So from what I have read that means the PA menu is selected to on on the KX3. That means the power control on the KX3 is re-indexed. So does that mean it is safe to run in the 20-30 watt range with the amp without over driving the KX3 for PSK31? Thank you Glenn Maclean WA7SPY On Feb 22, 2014, at 4:07 PM, Bill Frantz fra...@pwpconsult.com wrote: When I went back to New Hampshire last Christmas, I decided that the trip would be a rag chew trip. Since the only radio I had was the Small Wonder Labs PSK-20 -- The K3 is too big to carry and I don't yet have a KX3 -- it had to be rag chewing on 20M PSK. I found a number of people to chat with and had a good time on the radio. I have a few thoughts on how to encourage rag chewing. Since people are used to the 5NN QRZ type of interchange, start chatting early in the QSO. I use macros for the boiler plate -- name, QTH, and call signs and use the keyboard for everything else. I'm lucky that after 40+ years as a computer programmer, I can type quite rapidly. Don't worry about typing slowly however. Rag chewing isn't a contest or a DX pileup. In my first exchange after exchanging call signs, I try to give meaningful signal reports, I'll start with: Hi OM, you are 569 569 569 and then run my QTH macro. If the other OP has already sent a name I'll use it in place of OM. Later in the QSO, if the other OP has already described the station, I'll try to include something about his station when I describe mine. By then we should be ready to branch out and talk about ARES/RACES, contesting, DX, WX, family, Christmas dinner -- anything that might come up. It doesn't always work, but then just move on and do/answer another CQ. As to being overpowered by strong stations, the K3 with a 250 Hz filter works wonders. However, for me, the real problem stations have been local running well under 50 watts. When you're in the target of a beam 1/4 mile away, it doesn't take much power to overload the A/D converter driving the computer. The PSK-20 doesn't have any narrow filters like the K3 does, but in New Hampshire there aren't any close by PSK operators either. I rarely see any New England stations on my waterfall. (20 meters is that way. I had a devil of a time working Nevada from the Los Gatos too.) Now there are times and places for rag chewing. Contests, DX pileups, and rare opening aren't them. At times when it is appropriate, try to encourage it. Cheers - Bill, AE6JV On 2/23/14 at 2:46 PM, vk4...@gmail.com (Jack Chomley) wrote: I go hide on the WARC bands for PSK31 these days :-) Too many big guns on the other bands, I have a hard time trying to filter them out, my receiver always gets swamped! On 2/22/14 at 2:41 PM, kc6...@gmail.com (Gerald Manthey) wrote: I agree with Don! I like to chat, learn about the op or Qth. It is a major draw back to Jt 65 or Jt9. On Feb 22, 2014 4:26 PM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Doug, ... While I do use [PSK] occasionally, that factor and the preponderance of hello, brag sheet, goodbye QSOs has soured me on the mode. It used to be a lot of keyboard to keyboard ragchew QSOs, but that is rare these days. No opportunity to get to know something about the ham you are in QSO with. --- Bill Frantz| I like the farmers' market | Periwinkle (408)356-8506 | because I can get fruits and | 16345 Englewood Ave www.pwpconsult.com | vegetables without stickers. | Los Gatos, CA 95032 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
Minimum power to accomplish your communication goals, Bill. That still *is* part of the FCC regulations, is it not? Jack, W6NF/VE4SNA On 2/22/2014 5:45 PM, Bill Turner wrote: ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 2/22/2014 2:05 PM, Doug VE3VS wrote: If you, or anyone else uses much higher power, that strongest signal will take over the passband on most receivers, spoiling other QSOs that are going on at the time. REPLY: This has been true forever, not just with PSK31, and this is why narrowband receivers were invented in the first place. PSK31 is a very narrowband mode so why not receive accordingly? Narrow your RX bandwidth down to 100 Hz or so and the problem goes away and everyone can run whatever power they like. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html --- This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. http://www.avast.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] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
Hi Glenn, Typically, the KX3 runs 5W to get 100W output from the KXPA100 (13 dB gain). There are minor varations due to calibration, but that's the gist of it. 73, matt Now in regard to the KX3 without the amp 2-3 watts is recommended for PSK31. What does 2 -3 watts driving the KXPA100 equate to for output power from the amp. I will be using the Elecraft cable set to integrate the amp. So from what I have read that means the PA menu is selected to on on the KX3. That means the power control on the KX3 is re-indexed. So does that mean it is safe to run in the 20-30 watt range with the amp without over driving the KX3 for PSK31? Glenn Maclean WA7SPY Matt Zilmer, W6NIA www.elecraft.com 831-763-4211 x129 Skype: matt.zilmer __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 2/22/2014 6:20 PM, Jack wrote: Minimum power to accomplish your communication goals, Bill. That still *is* part of the FCC regulations, is it not? Jack, W6NF/VE4SNA REPLY: Of course it is. Nothing I said contradicts that. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
I just ordered a KPA100 with the auto tuner for my KX3. In anticipation of the arrival of the amp I was looking at the operating manual online and did not see any recommended power setting for operating the amp with digital modes. I plan to use the amp for PSK31. What is the recommended max power setting for the amp using PSK31 with a KX3? Thanks, Glenn Maclean WA7SPY __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
In Navy-Marine Corps MARS, we use a *lot* of digital modes, including PSK31 and a double handful of others. On this KX3/KXPA100, I normally use no more than 25W for PSK and a little more for some of the others. On MT63, I use 30W. Most data modes don't need a lot of SNR to decode. It also depends on transmission length. If I'm going to transmit MT63 for five minutes straight, I run the power down to 20W. I'm not sure there is a recommended output power setting for data modes using the KX3/KXPA100, but you can find out yourself by monitoring the PA.X temp on the VFO B display (your room temperature is different from others'). If you see the temp rise to more than you're comfortable with, back down on the power. Using the settings stated above keeps the KXPA temp at comfortable levels at this station, usually 50C, but sometimes a bit over. The amp will protect itself by lowering output power if the temp runs too hot. Like everything Elecraft makes, the hardware and software are very robust. 73, matt W6NIA On Fri, 21 Feb 2014 19:43:42 -0800, you wrote: I just ordered a KPA100 with the auto tuner for my KX3. In anticipation of the arrival of the amp I was looking at the operating manual online and did not see any recommended power setting for operating the amp with digital modes. I plan to use the amp for PSK31. What is the recommended max power setting for the amp using PSK31 with a KX3? Thanks, Glenn Maclean WA7SPY 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
On 2/21/2014 7:43 PM, WA7SPY wrote: I was looking at the operating manual online and did not see any recommended power setting for operating the amp with digital modes. Elecraft output stages are very well protected. In general, I feel comfortable running them balls to the wall with keydown modes, with all the lights lit. With well matched antennas, I run keydown modes at full power. If the output stage gets warm, the fan will run faster, and if that isn't enough, the rig will back off the drive. Remember that the WSJT modes are weak signal modes, NOT low power modes. There is a big difference. We may get lots of distance per watt and be happy with QRP for easy paths, but for the most difficult paths (EME, transcontinental 160M), great digital ops pile on the watts and use their best antennas. I do a lot of QRP, but I also know when to turn on the big amp. :) 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
