RE: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers

[Dick Harms PA2DW]

Hi Steve,

I personally have no bad experiences with MFJ antenna analysers at all. On
the contrary! In our city-club Leiden we have a MFJ-259B that goes from
station to station and is highly appreciated by all of us. And believe me,
there are some around here (excluding me of course hihi...) that really know
what they are doing!

Wishing you all succesfull antenna measurements. Meanwhile I will play
around with my "new" KX1, which just arrived last wedenesday from N7BNT.
Maybe some remembered my plea for a deal with a FT817? Well this list made
two people happy again; Doug's son and me ;)

Best 73, Dick PA2DW

K2 # 3892
KX1 # 731



-Oorspronkelijk bericht-
Van: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Stephen W. Kercel
Verzonden: vrijdag 15 april 2005 6:31
Aan: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Onderwerp: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers


There is an interesting piece in the May 2005 QST. It has product reviews
on four different antenna analyzers.

Two that were included are the MFJ-269 and the Autek VA-1. I have heard
endless horror stories from many hams about both, abysmal quality control,
virtually useless tech support and so on. None of these negatives are
mentioned in the QST product review.

There is also a new product favorably mentioned in the review, the Palstar
ZM-30. Since the MFJ and the Autek are apparently both junk, despite being
favorably reviewed in this article, I'm not sure whether I can trust the
product review on the Palstar.

Anybody have any experience with it? Is it any good?

73,

Steve Kercel
AA4AK


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[Elecraft] K2 4498

[F5UL]

Hello the list,

I posted,a few days ago an inquiry about a PA problem with my K2
Till now no return!
But I have a lot of changes since this post. The two PA Xstors finished with 
junction B/E open. 
After changing both of them with two new ones, the same reactions happend, that 
is very low output on 1.8, 3.5, 7.0, nothing on 10.1 and up.
Whenever I try to key  the Tx during some seconds, with power set at 2 watts, 
the curent start at 0.7 Amp for a few seconds, then go up to limit with High 
Cur indication. 
The power out goe down during this time !
I still had another pair of 2SC1969 to change, but the resultswhere the 
same...!!!
So I am lost. This K2 was working nicely and that incident happen suddunly just 
after turn on in the morning with a brutal howlin the speaker, and after turn 
of followed by turn on the apparition of this no fonctioning !
Who can help me pse?
F5UL/Bob
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Re: [Elecraft] KX1 losing its match

[Trev - K6ESE]

I'd really like to hear if this is an issue and if there is a solution. I've
been thinking of building a KX1 for the fun of it, but don't want a buggy
rig...

>From my point of view it sounds like an RF on the rig problem...high voltage
at the antenna connector may be triggering the ATU into some wierd tune
state? It's just a guess, but in the past I've had similar problems with
other rigs when this was the case, a voltage node at the rig...

73's Trev K6ESE
- Original Message - 
From: "David Pratt" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Lloyd Lachow" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Cc: "List Elecraft" 
Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2005 11:00 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX1 losing its match


> I get a very similar problem with my KX1, Lloyd, and it has put me off
> using it.
>
> I can tune it up and it matches nicely, producing almost 4W output. Then
> unexpectedly while in the middle of a QSO the relays will start
> clattering and the power goes down to 1 to 2W.
>
> I have rewound all my toroids and checked everything for dry joints and
> solder bridges, but the problem still persists.  It doesn't happen every
> time I use it, but it is unreliable.  Any pointers that anyone can give
> as to the possible cause will be much appreciated.
>
> 73 de David G4DMP
>
> In a recent message, Lloyd Lachow <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> said
> >  Lately, there have been a bunch of times when I
> >power my KX1 with a 12V supply, activate the tuner to
> >get a match, and the result is 4-5W and a good match.
> >Then, while operating, or just while it's sitting, not
> >being operated, I'll sometimes hear a few relays
> >chatter for a split second, and the match seems to
> >have been lost. When I transmit, I see that the power
> >out is down to 2W or so. I need to activate TUN again,
> >which will restore the match and the higher power out.
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Re: [Elecraft] Tuning Knob for K1 (K2)

[Thom R Lacosta]

On Thu, 14 Apr 2005, John Young wrote:




Rubber bands sound good to me - being that I am cheap.


They also qualify you for the Low-Tech Award!

You'll understand why I was thrilled one day when I went to the local
supermarket and found a gazillion asparagus rubber bands at the salad bar.
I got quite a few...as not only are they great for knobsbut by not having
to buy the asparagus to get themI qualified for the Dumpster Diver Club.


Some time I will tell of the joys of garbage eve.


Sounds like somethings that could be put up on the QRP web page
www.zerobeat.net/qrp/

73,Thom-k3hrn
www.zerobeat.net Home of QRP Web Ring, Drakelist home page,
Free Classified Ads for amateur radio, QRP IRC channel
Elecraft Owners Database
www.tlchost.net/  Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month
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Re: [Elecraft] KX1 losing its match

[g4ilo]

I had an identical problem a few years ago with an SGC-239 autotuner that I 
originally used to tune my attic loop at the feedpoint. It was worst on 10 
metres. It was suggested to me that RF could be getting in to the tuner. I 
thought that was a bad joke, because an ATU ought to be pretty immune to 
RF, especially if it is capable of being used at the antenna feedpoint.

I thought about this when I ordered the T1. I seem to recall Wayne saying 
that one reason the T1 doesn't automatically retune if it senses a mismatch 
is because this can sometimes cause problems. Because of my experience with 
the SGC-239, this seemed like a definite advantage to me.

SGC sent me a new controller for the 239 that greatly reduced the incidence 
of this trouble, presumably by reducing the threshold at which it did a 
re-tune. I'm guessing that if there is an issue with the KX1, Elecraft 
could resolve it with a firmware change too, by making it work more like 
the T1 and only retuning if you change band or specifically tell it to.

Julian, G4ILO
G4ILO's Shack: http://www.tech-pro.net/g4ilo

"Trev - K6ESE" wrote:

>From my point of view it sounds like an RF on the rig problem...high 
voltage at the antenna connector may be triggering the ATU into some wierd 
tune state? It's just a guess, but in the past I've had similar problems 
with other rigs when this was the case, a voltage node at the rig...


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Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers

[Charles Greene]

Steve,

I take issue with your statement that both the MFJ-269 and the Autek VA1 
are "apparently junk."  I have the Autek and the MFJ-259B, the model 
without UHF, and both are quality although inexpensive instruments.  I have 
used the VA1 for approximately 3 years and the MFJ for 2 years and I have 
never had any problem with either.  I have found the MFJ to be good on 
battery usage, as is the Autek.  I recommend both to an average ham who 
doesn't need laboratory precision and has the need for the occasional use 
of an antenna analyzer.  In fact the readings obtained by the ARRL Lab show 
amazing accuracy for such relatively inexpensive units.  If you don't need 
the sign of the complex impedance, the less expensive Autek RF1 is fine.  I 
had one of those too, but I needed the functions of the more expensive VA1.


I have no knowledge o the Palstar.

This is not a flame, but an attempt to set the record straight.

At 12:31 AM 4/15/2005, Stephen W. Kercel wrote:
There is an interesting piece in the May 2005 QST. It has product reviews 
on four different antenna analyzers.


Two that were included are the MFJ-269 and the Autek VA-1. I have heard 
endless horror stories from many hams about both, abysmal quality control, 
virtually useless tech support and so on. None of these negatives are 
mentioned in the QST product review.


There is also a new product favorably mentioned in the review, the Palstar 
ZM-30. Since the MFJ and the Autek are apparently both junk, despite being 
favorably reviewed in this article, I'm not sure whether I can trust the 
product review on the Palstar.


Anybody have any experience with it? Is it any good?

73,

Steve Kercel
AA4AK


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73,  Chas,  W1CG 


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RE: [Elecraft] K2 4498

[W3FPR - Don Wilhelm]

Bob,

Somewhere in the transmit signal path, the signal is being lost - the trick
is to find out where.

If you have not yet done so, build the RF probe from the parts that came
with your K2 and then look at the K2 manual - Transmitter Signal Tracing on
page 12 of Appendix E.  Follow those steps to discover where the problem
area is, and then we can help isolate the failed component for you.

Sorry, but all we can conclude at this point is simply that "It doesn't
work!", and the list of potential causes is very large - in fact it includes
everything in the transmit chain.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -Original Message-
>
> I posted,a few days ago an inquiry about a PA problem with my K2
> Till now no return!
> But I have a lot of changes since this post. The two PA Xstors
> finished with junction B/E open.
> After changing both of them with two new ones, the same reactions
> happend, that is very low output on 1.8, 3.5, 7.0, nothing on 10.1 and up.
> Whenever I try to key  the Tx during some seconds, with power set
> at 2 watts, the curent start at 0.7 Amp for a few seconds, then
> go up to limit with High Cur indication.
> The power out goe down during this time !
> I still had another pair of 2SC1969 to change, but the
> resultswhere the same...!!!
> So I am lost. This K2 was working nicely and that incident happen
> suddunly just after turn on in the morning with a brutal howlin
> the speaker, and after turn of followed by turn on the apparition
> of this no fonctioning !
> Who can help me pse?
> F5UL/Bob
>


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[Elecraft] OT: Palstar QST review

[Steve Jackson]

The Palstar ZM-30 is essentially the AmQRP Micro908
kit antenna analyzer, less some features, and
repackaged as a manufactured item.

I have a Micro908.

It's beyond fabulous.  I sold my MFJ and the Autek.




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RE: [Elecraft] K2 power meter/wattmeter question

[W3FPR - Don Wilhelm]

Mike,

The K2 internal RF metering is quite accurate - BUT it depend on having a
precise 50 ohm non-reactive load.

The wattmeters built into the KAT2, KPA100 and KAT100 remove the dependency
on a 50 ohm resistive load, but need to be properly calibrated first.

Many (IMHO most) external wattmeters are less acurate than the internal K2
metering, particularly at low power levels.  A typical specification for
them is 20% of the full scale reading, and on your 10 watt scale, that is a
2 watt error.

In addition, you may not be setting the tuner for a true 50 ohm resistive
load to the K2.  If you have an antenna analyzer, you can do an experiment -
tune the antenna as normal and then disconnect the coax from the K2 and
measure the impedance.  I will venture to guess that it will not be 50 ohms
resistive unless you were quite lucky.  Even in bypass mode with a dummy
load on the far side of the tuner, you will likely see something other than
a 50 ohm reactive load at the input side.

While you have the antenna analyzer out, check your connecting cables too,
they can become lossy and produce strange results, and deserve to be checked
every now and then.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -Original Message-
>
> How accurate have you found the internal power meter/wattmeter to
> be on the K2???
>
> I ask this because there is a large difference between what I set
> the power for, on the K2, and what it displays  as compared to
> the external meter (contained in a Ten Tec tuner, scale 0 to 200
> watts, first division being between 0 and 10 watts).  To get a
> half scale reading between 0 and 10 watts (5 watts) on the Ten
> Tec  I have to set the K2's power level to over 8 watts.
>


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Re: [Elecraft] K2 power meter/wattmeter question

[Robert Conley]

Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:


Mike, KT2E asked:

How accurate have you found the internal power meter/wattmeter to be on the
K2??? 


Reply: -

Mine is well within the 1/2 watt at 5 watts as stated in the specifications.


Measuring RF power at QRP levels is really not difficult. A low
forward-voltage drop diode from the 'hot' side of the RF line to a capacitor
that goes to ground will give you an accurate peak RF voltage across the
cap. Measure that with a high-impedance meter like most DMMs today. RMS
value is .707 times that reading. To get the power, multiply the RMS voltage
times itself (square it) and divide the result by the resistance: 50 ohms.
 


> my $.02 
Now! Someone  pointed out to me several weeks ago that using the 
Elecraft DL1 (dummy load)
with a DDM and a calculator ( the formula on the assembly sheet) works 
very well and is accurate.

de "rc" kc5wa

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Re: [Elecraft] WTB: K8FF paddle kit]

[David Toepfer]

It's not a kit, but Vibroplex sells a production version of the K8FF, The Code
Warrior Jr.:

  

  

Universal Radio sells a brass and a chrome version:

  

dt
.

--- Paul Erickson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Anyone have a spare K8FF paddle kit they don't want?
> 
> -- 
> 
> cheers, Paul - VA7NT - email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> 
> "Those who hear not the music, think the dancers mad."
> 
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] WTB: K8FF paddle kit]/vibroplex

[Bill NY9H]

I got mine at r & l  for 89.95$   (10$off) & shpg

It's nice and small and good, as far as i know (a beginner cw op).

http://www.randl.com/cgi-local/cart/cart.cgi?ID=9331&cart=moreinfo

bill


At 08:31 AM 4/15/2005, David Toepfer wrote:


It's not a kit, but Vibroplex sells a production version of the K8FF, The Code
Warrior Jr.:

  

  

Universal Radio sells a brass and a chrome version:

  

dt
.

--- Paul Erickson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Anyone have a spare K8FF paddle kit they don't want?
>
> --
> 
> cheers, Paul - VA7NT - email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> "Those who hear not the music, think the dancers mad."
>
>
>
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[Elecraft] Antenna analyzers

[Dave G.]

I have no problems with the MFJ unit I used to borrow!. I 
have ordered the model which covers up to 450 MHz.. 

The Palstart ZM-30 is a commercial partial implementation of 
the NJQRP groups Micro908 in AA908 configuration (which I 
also have) and it covers up  to 30 MHz.

The difference is the MFJ is 'fixed' as an analyzer and the 
Micro908 can also be software re-configured as an Audio DSP 
unit, a stand alone PSK31 unit (coming) and a few others.. 
BUT -- it is a kit...  and I like it :-)

Dave KK7SS

>There is also a new product favorably mentioned in the 
>review, the
>Palstar ZM-30. Since the MFJ and the Autek are apparently 
>both junk,
>despite being favorably reviewed in this article, I'm not 
>sure whether I
>can trust the product review on the Palstar.

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Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers

[Stephen W. Kercel]

Charles:

Thanks for your message. I did not take it as a flame.

However, speaking of fire, before I lay out hundreds of dollars for such a 
widget, I'd like to make a prudent effort not to get burned.


The record with both MFJ and Autek appears to be a mixed bag. I've heard 
both good stories and bad. However, as some of the other posts to this 
thread indicate, even among Elecrafters, not everybody seems to have had as 
good luck as you have had with these two manufacturers.


73,

Steve


At 08:09 AM 4/15/2005 -0400, you wrote:

Steve,

I take issue with your statement that both the MFJ-269 and the Autek VA1 
are "apparently junk."  I have the Autek and the MFJ-259B, the model 
without UHF, and both are quality although inexpensive instruments.  I 
have used the VA1 for approximately 3 years and the MFJ for 2 years and I 
have never had any problem with either.  I have found the MFJ to be good 
on battery usage, as is the Autek.  I recommend both to an average ham who 
doesn't need laboratory precision and has the need for the occasional use 
of an antenna analyzer.  In fact the readings obtained by the ARRL Lab 
show amazing accuracy for such relatively inexpensive units.  If you don't 
need the sign of the complex impedance, the less expensive Autek RF1 is 
fine.  I had one of those too, but I needed the functions of the more 
expensive VA1.


I have no knowledge o the Palstar.

This is not a flame, but an attempt to set the record straight.

At 12:31 AM 4/15/2005, Stephen W. Kercel wrote:
There is an interesting piece in the May 2005 QST. It has product reviews 
on four different antenna analyzers.


Two that were included are the MFJ-269 and the Autek VA-1. I have heard 
endless horror stories from many hams about both, abysmal quality 
control, virtually useless tech support and so on. None of these 
negatives are mentioned in the QST product review.


There is also a new product favorably mentioned in the review, the 
Palstar ZM-30. Since the MFJ and the Autek are apparently both junk, 
despite being favorably reviewed in this article, I'm not sure whether I 
can trust the product review on the Palstar.


Anybody have any experience with it? Is it any good?

73,

Steve Kercel
AA4AK


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73,  Chas,  W1CG



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RE: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers

[Howard W. Ashcraft]

The Palstar unit is based on a design developed by AmQrp, its AA-908
based on the Micro 908 platform.  The Micro908 is more flexible than the
Palstar, but the antenna analyzer circuitry is similar.  There is a
substantial reflector community for the Micro908 and the designers
monitor the reflector and are quick to respond.  The reflector archives
also have some discussion of the Palstar unit since it is a derivative
of the Micro908.  AmQrp releases the Micro908 as a kit as soon as they
can put together enough to issue.  I believe there are about 300
micro908 units in existence.

I have a later micro908 and it functions quite well.  I also use it as a
DSP with my KX-1  (It uses the same dsp board as in the K2 dsp filter.)
It is a scanning antenna analyzer and there is free software that allows
you to control the unit from a computer or a Palm PDA.  In both cases,
the scans are plotted on the computer or the PDA.  You can get more
details on the Micro908 at the www.amqrp.org.  I think they are
currently sold out, but an email would get you a reply as to when they
could be available.

Note:  the kit is virtually all surface mount components, many very,
very small.  So if you don't like handling surface mount, then you
should pass or have someone build it for you.

Howard Ashcraft, W1WF

-Original Message-
From: Larry Phipps [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2005 9:51 PM
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers


In addition to my professional bench gear, I have an MFJ, Autek and AEA
CIA Analyst. I use all but the Autek and AEA regularly and find they
each have a purpose. When I want a to do a quick check of resistance,
reactance, SWR or return loss on the bench I grab the AEA... especially
if I want a quick plot to go with it (using the included software and
serial connection). It is a bit too slow and definitely too heavy to
carry up the tower though.

The Autek is the one I always grab when going up the tower because it is
fast and small. It is also quite accurate. The tuning is a bit touchy as
mentioned in the article, but I find it a quite useful tool.

I don't hate the MFJ, I just like the others better. I have heard a lot
of horror stories about MFJ, but the few things I have work as
advertised.

My units may just be good ones, while others may not be as good. For
better or worse, QST tends to rate the products by the performance of
the tested unit, not anecdotal evidence or feedback from the field.

Larry N8LP



Stephen W. Kercel wrote:

> There is an interesting piece in the May 2005 QST. It has product 
> reviews on four different antenna analyzers.
>
> Two that were included are the MFJ-269 and the Autek VA-1. I have 
> heard endless horror stories from many hams about both, abysmal 
> quality control, virtually useless tech support and so on. None of 
> these negatives are mentioned in the QST product review.
>
> There is also a new product favorably mentioned in the review, the 
> Palstar ZM-30. Since the MFJ and the Autek are apparently both junk, 
> despite being favorably reviewed in this article, I'm not sure whether

> I can trust the product review on the Palstar.
>
> Anybody have any experience with it? Is it any good?
>
> 73,
>
> Steve Kercel
> AA4AK
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers

[Stephen W. Kercel]

Hi Joe:

I do not own a MFJ-269. I lusted after one for a while, but there are so 
many bad stories posted on so many different ham Web sites that I decided 
not to buy one. Now, I'll admit that you do hear the occasional good story 
about MFJ, but the reported experiences (even on this thread) constitute a 
mixed bag.


Having come to the conclusion that if I did buy a 269 I might get lucky and 
I might not, I decided to do without the MFJ-269. Instead I bought a 
MFJ-207 on eBay. It was cheap, and had it not lived up to the task, I would 
not have lost much. It turns out that I got a good specimen. I only use it 
to adjust my antenna tuner without the need to put a transmitted signal on 
the air. The 207 is up to that task.


The possible availability of a genuinely reliable and not too expensive 
device for measuring R+JX impedances at HF has rekindled my interest in a 
fancier instrument.


In the case of the MFJ-269 versus the Palstar I note the following points. 
The list price of the Palstar is ten dollars cheaper than the MFJ. Reported 
experience with the MFJ is unmistakably a mixed bag; some hams love it and 
some  hate it. The reports on the Palstar constitute a much smaller sample, 
but those reports thus far are uniformly positive. The fact that the 
Palstar is a reboxed AA-908 seems to be a decided positive; I've never 
heard a bad story about the 908.


Thanks and 73,

Steve
AA4AK





Howdy Steve:

Not sure if you own an MFJ analyzer...I have owned the model 269 for 
several years now without problem.  It is an excellent tool for antenna 
measurements.


I am fully aware that MFJ quality leaves something to be desired (Mighty 
Fine Junk:-) but the 269 has been a reliable performer for meso I 
wouldn't discard it out of hand..perhaps you can pick up a used one to 
play with and see if it meets your standardsthey usually re-sell 
quickly so you wouldn't lose much.


   73, Joe W2KJ




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Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers

[Stephen W. Kercel]

Weymouth:

Actually, the Kuranishi is included in the review, and quite favorably rated.

Steve


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Re: [Elecraft] Antenna analyzers

[Jim Brown]

On Fri, 15 Apr 2005 07:20:03 -0700, Dave G. wrote:

>I have no problems with the MFJ unit I used to borrow!. 

When getting back into ham radio several years ago and stocking up 
on RF test gear, I was quite reluctant to buy "mighty fine junk" in 
the form of an antenna analyzer. However, one of my 2-way radio 
buddies owns one and loves it, there are several in my ham club, and 
so last summer I bought a 259B used, but like new, at a hamfest. I 
downloaded and used Tom Rauch's (W8JI) alignment procedure. 

I also have access to a friend's CIA-HF, which I have used 
extensively. Its graphical display is QUITE helpful, and is worth 
the extra money over the MFJ. 

If your interest is building, tuning, and tweaking antennas, the MFJ 
is a lot of tool for the money. And none of those friends I've 
mentioned have had problems with them, nor have I. 

Jim Brown  K9YC


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Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers

[Vic Rosenthal]

Stephen W. Kercel wrote:

There is an interesting piece in the May 2005 QST. It has product 
reviews on four different antenna analyzers.


Two that were included are the MFJ-269 and the Autek VA-1. I have heard 
endless horror stories from many hams about both, abysmal quality 
control, virtually useless tech support and so on. None of these 
negatives are mentioned in the QST product review.


You hear the horror stories, not the ones in which people successfully use these 
products.  I have an MFJ-259B and an Autek VA-1.  They have their weaknesses, 
but compared to the higher-quality AEA unit, for example, they are very 
inexpensive.  This is a tradeoff many hams are willing to make, given the fact 
that they don't earn their livings using these tools every day.  I know that 
they have enabled me to do all kinds of jobs that would have been much more 
difficult without them.


Maybe I've been lucky.  I do want to say that I've also heard 'horror stories' 
and some (OK, not all) have been from people who don't have a clue how the tool 
works and what its limitations are, while others are the guys who have a 
permanent 'attitude' (just read some of the postings on eHam.net if you want to 
see what I mean).


--
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco

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Re: [Elecraft] Antenna analyzers

[Stephen W. Kercel]

Jim:

Yes, I'd like to have a CIA-HF. However, the company that made them got 
bought out. As far as I know, they are no longer being manufactured.


Once in a very rare while you can find one on eBay, but they are very 
difficult to find.


73,

Steve
AA4AK






I also have access to a friend's CIA-HF, which I have used
extensively. Its graphical display is QUITE helpful, and is worth
the extra money over the MFJ.



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Re: [Elecraft] K2 power meter/wattmeter question

[Vic Rosenthal]

Mike Monger wrote:


How accurate have you found the internal power meter/wattmeter to be on the
K2???


The wattmeter in a basic K2 (without the KAT2 or KPA100) just measures the RF 
voltage and computes the power.  Therefore, the accuracy is highly dependent on 
having an accurate 50 ohm resistive load.  The KATs and the KPA contain 
directional wattmeters, which are more accurate if the load varies from exactly 
50 ohms.  Of course, you calibrate them when you build the rig, and the accuracy 
depends on what you use to calibrate them!


Also, as someone else has pointed out, the accuracy of a wattmeter with a 200 
watt scale is quite poor at the low end.  Bird rates their meters at 5% of full 
scale, so if the Tentec is the same then it could be off as much as + or - 10 
watts!  Because of the nonlinearity of diodes in the low part of their curves, 
usually such meters are worse at the low end.


The OHR WM2 is a good and accurate QRP wattmeter.  A calibrated scope or DVM 
with RF probe and a known accurate 50 ohm load can also be used.


--
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco

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Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers

[G3VVT]

I had the analog MFJ-209 for a number of years without any problems and  
bought the later MFJ-259B with digital readout two years back. Also have the 
AEA  
SWR-121VU for VHF/UHF antenna tests. No complaints with any of these analyzers 
 as they have worked faultlessly since purchase. The surplus MFJ-209 was  
sold the same evening it was advertised at the local radio club.
 
 
A point to remember with antenna analyzers built for the ham market, is  
mostly that they will not work in areas of high RF field strength such as at  
communications sites. Have to resort to the old faithful Bird Thruline or other 
 
professional test equipment to get anywhere in these cases. Can also occur at  
contest sites where multiple stations are in use.

 
Like a lot of ham gear these antenna analyzers are built to a  price 
otherwise they would not sell. I doubt very much if more than a few  affluent 
hams 
would be willing to pay the price demanded for new professional  test 
equipment. 
Prices in the USA for ready built ham gear are low in any case  compared what 
we have to pay in the UK. The Robber Barrons here have an  exclusive grip on 
our market which appears to be in some cases supported by  the manufacturers. 
The normal ploy seems to be to rub out the $ sign and replace  it with the £ 
sign, a 155% mark up at present exchange rates when local taxes  are removed. 
Have even seen some cheaper items of MFJ that cost more  numerically in £ than 
in US$ on the market here. Importing the items from  the USA seems to be 
hindered by inflated shipping charges. Thankfully,  Elecraft at least leave it 
open 
to the buyer which shipping method is used, so  allowing costs to be minimised.
 
 
Bob, G3VVT
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Re: Re: [Elecraft] K2 power meter/wattmeter question

[vze3v8dt]

I have the OHR WM2 and a Bird 43 with a 50W 2-30 MHz slug.  Both the Bird & the 
OHR showed about the same power at 10W out of the K2 on all HF bands into a 
good 50 ohm non-inductive load.  Power settings at various power levels from 
0.1 to 10W going through the OHR WM2 show pretty good results across the whole 
range.  I haven't measured it on any lab grade power meters that I have at work 
yet, because frankly, it just doesn't matter.

I notice power settings that appear to be off by as much as 0.5W at 5W set 
power on the K2 but that is going through an external antenna tuner to the 
antenna.  I think the "error" is more in the slight VSWR mismatch causing 
measurement problems.  The power readings are only accurate into a 
non-inductive 50 ohm load.  

If you convert your measured power to the set power ratio to dB it is likely a 
very small amount.  For instance if the apparent measured power is say 6W and 
the K2 is set for 5W, this power difference is only 0.8 dB.  For "ham" 
requirements this is likely fine, but for "lab" or "professional" measurements 
this may not be acceptable.  

An old saying "Don't sweat the little stuff" may apply here.

Mark, NK8Q
K2 #4786

>
>The OHR WM2 is a good and accurate QRP wattmeter.  A calibrated scope or DVM 
>with RF probe and a known accurate 50 ohm load can also be used.
>
>-- 

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[Elecraft] KX1 losing its match (discussion and remedies)

[wayne burdick]

The KX1 should definitely not lose power output or the KXAT1 change its 
L-network settings under any normal circumstances. We've tested the 
tuner and the rig extensively, and I've never seen this happen.


The first things that come to mind are intermittent component failures 
or power supply brownouts that reset the MCU. However, using the tuner 
with a very poor (or non-existent) ground, and/or an antenna that is 
close to a half wavelength or a multiple thereof could also cause 
trouble. RFI in such cases is a challenge for almost any ATU. The usual 
remedies are (1) better ground counterpoise, (2) adjustment to antenna 
length, (3) balun. A 4:1 balun can be quite effective at reducing high 
RF voltages that might be present on the chassis or antenna, in many 
cases transforming a difficult match into one that's in range of the 
tuner.


If anyone has a KX1 that exhibits a consistent failure pattern, please 
contact me directly. I would need to know exactly how the failure 
occurs so I can determine whether it's likely to be due to RFI, a 
component failure, or some other cause. I'll also need to know what L, 
C, and network selections were in effect at the time. (The KX1, like 
the K1 and K2, provide ATU menu entries that allow you to determine how 
the tuner is configured. See the manual for details.) I will analyze 
and repair any KX1 that is demonstrated to have such a problem. But 
let's discuss it by e-mail first  ;)


I should mention one other possibility. If you have an antenna that you 
know presents high RFI to the rig, but you'd like to use it anyway, or 
if you just want to "ruggedize" the KXAT1, you could add a few bypass 
capacitors. I would place a very small .01 uF capacitor from each of 
the MCU's relay drive pins to ground. Since relays K1-K3 are so close 
to the KXAT1's MCU, you could place capacitors directly across the 
relay coil drive pins. The other four relays (K4-K7) are farther from 
the MCU, so it would be best to put the bypass capacitors right at the 
MCU itself, i.e. from pins 10, 11, and 12 to pin 5 (ground).


The Elecraft part number for these bypass capacitors is E530019. Anyone 
who wants to add these to their KXAT1 can request seven of them at no 
charge by e-mailing [EMAIL PROTECTED]


Note that our new T1 ATU has such bypass capacitors on all relay drive 
lines (surface-mount capacitors, pre-installed on the board). We felt 
that the T1 should have this protection because it is a very wide-range 
tuner, capable of operation on 6 meters where RFI problems can be 
significantly worse than on the HF bands. Also, the T1 is rated at 20 
watts, and has been successfully used at twice this level on 40 meters 
and up (with "backpacker" amps, usually). The KXAT1, in contrast, is 
never going to be operated at high power levels and is only intended to 
cover 40, 30, and 20 meters. But in extreme cases, it too could benefit 
from the extra bypassing.


73,
Wayne
N6KR


---

http://www.elecraft.com

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Re: [Elecraft] K2/KIO2 with newer Palm... IR?

[Jack Brindle]

OK, there has been several inquiries about this, so let me follow up on  
my own reply.


Let's assume that we can solve the protocol stack issues and somehow  
make the IR connection work between the Palm (or any laptop) and the  
K2. You then have the problem of the very narrow beamwidth and short  
distance of the IrDA IR optics. This means you have to keep the  
Palm/laptop and K2 aligned perfectly to maintain communications. This  
is a major pain!


We are hams, radio types, so why not a better approach. My amateur  
astronomy friends have pointed out an interesting device from a Santa  
Cruz company called AirCable (http://www.aircable.net/). This is a  
BlueTooth device that provides a serial port that could be plugged into  
the K2 and communicate with a BlueTooth-enabled Palm or laptop. Other  
similar devices are coming onto the market at this point also.


So, why put up with the hassles that IR brings when we can move to RF  
using technologies such as BlueTooth or ZigBee, and be able to move  
around at will?


On Apr 14, 2005, at 6:23 PM, Jack Brindle wrote:

No. The K2 does not handle the IR encoding/decoding that is needed for  
IrDA and other IR-related protocols. There are other problems also,  
like the Palm's IrDA runs at a faster data rate than the K2 can  
handle.


On Apr 14, 2005, at 2:28 PM, Daniel Reynolds wrote:

Noticing the recent postings about running a K2 through a Palm, it  
just occured
to me - could a simple IR T/R pair be used with the KIO2 to run the  
K2 with a

newer USB/Palm throught the Palm's IR port?

Just a thought - maybe you've tried it already... I'd just be curious  
to know

any of your thoughts on this method of controlling the K2.

(My palm can last for many hours compared to the power hog laptop  
I've got).



- Jack Brindle, W6FB
 
-


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RE: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers

[EricJ]

 I also have the Autek VA-1. For the average ham who enjoys building his own
antennas or adjusts and maintains his commercially available antennas, the
VA-1 is accurate and has enough features to get the job done. The signed
reactance really saves a lot of time.

DO NOT LISTEN to the VA-1 signal on a receiver. It will scare you away. It
is very raspy and it drifts...but it isn't intended to be a preceision
signal source. It does the job it was intended for, and does it very well.

Like Steve, I write only to set the record straight with one more example. I
can't speak for the MFJ, nor have I read the QST article.

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Charles Greene
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2005 5:09 AM
To: Stephen W. Kercel; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers

Steve,

I take issue with your statement that both the MFJ-269 and the Autek VA1 are
"apparently junk."  I have the Autek and the MFJ-259B, the model without
UHF, and both are quality although inexpensive instruments.  
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Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers

[Stephen W. Kercel]

Vic:

Your point is well taken.

73,

Steve
AA4AK


"while others are the guys who have a permanent 'attitude' (just read some 
of the postings on eHam.net if you want to see what I mean)"




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Re: [Elecraft] K2/KIO2 with newer Palm... IR?

[Lyle Johnson]

So, why put up with the hassles that IR brings when we can move to RF  
using technologies such as BlueTooth or ZigBee, and be able to move  
around at will?


Sadly, the Bluetooth serial port adapters all seem to require 45 mA to 
50 mA -- I checked several manufacturers.  OK for the shack, not so good 
for PDA or field use :-(  OTOH, there are tons of USB Bluetooth dongles 
that sell for under $20 -- even without rebates! :-)


Zigbee may be better for current consumption...

RFM modules, which don't have protocol stacks and error correction, 
have the advantage of needing very tiny currents.  Hmmm, maybe a 6-pin 
PIC plus an RFM module and we'd be able to create a transsparent, 
low-current, reasonable performance wireless link...


Lyle KK7P

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Re: [Elecraft] K2/KIO2 with newer Palm... IR?

[Leigh L Klotz, Jr.]

The aircable serial null modem looks nice, but it's $138 for the pair 
and they both require power supplies, with wall warts pictured, so it 
doesn't like like something I will be ordering right away.


I have thought of something similar for the T1 and FT-817 though and 
will put it in another thread.


Leigh / WA5ZNU
On Fri, 15 Apr 2005 9:41 am, Jack Brindle wrote:
Cruz company called AirCable (http://www.aircable.net/). This is a  
BlueTooth device that provides a serial port that could be plugged 
into  the K2 and communicate with a BlueTooth-enabled Palm or laptop.

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[Elecraft] T1 wireless control

[Leigh L Klotz, Jr.]

On the heels of the K2 wireless KIO2 discussion, I thought I would share 
some partly-baked ideas on T1 control.


I noticed that Microchip makes a line of PICs with ISM-band transmitters 
in them.  The T1 uses a 2-channel control with its own modulation, and I 
wondered about making a wireless dongle for the 817, the idea being to 
locate the T1 at the antenna end of the coax, as this seems to be the 
answer so so many problems with deploying multi-band antenna systems.


Along the way I found quite a few encoded and OOK boards and systems for 
remote control.  The simplest were $9 boards with 300MHz transistor 
oscillators, up to more complex oens with multi-channel modulation built 
in.  It seemed like just directly driving the T1 with OOK would be 
problematic due to noise rejection, so my idea of a one-chip solution 
would still require the PIC to do some encoding on the rig side, and a 
bit of work on the T1 side as well.


Here are some URLs for perusal:

418MHz and 434MHz ASK transmitters, 4 pins and tiny.  2" receiver 
module.  Tiny surface-mount transmitter module.  Also 315MHz devices. 
All in the $10 range

http://tinyurl.com/9o8z5

Sample use of Holtek encoder
Http://tinyurl.com/873jr

RFPIC Forum
http://forum.microchip.com/tm.asp?m=82165


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[Elecraft] Error 080 Problem solved

[Stephen]

Alan, Jan, worshipful members of the Elecraft mailing list,

I have resolved to 080 error. Alas I accidentally juxtaposed X2 and X1 
on the 
control board. Unsoldering them was a bit of a pain...especially the 
miniature xtal case for X1 which was difficult to extract. Rather than wick 
the solder out of the holes after extraction i used a small drill bit to 
drill through the residual solder to avoid overheating the board. The whole 
exercise took me 2 hours it was so fiddley. All my fault because I did not 
RTFM closely enough

For what its worth to other constructors installing the xtals on the 
control 
board the wrong way around is definitely not goodso play close attention 
to the manual. 

Also, for whats its worth (a great song that) Maplins Electronic part 
number 
HH60Q DC Power Plug 2.1mm/5.5mm will fit the DC Input socket on the K2 for 
those of you who need a spare, or managed to snap the solder tag for the 
positive connection on the Elecraft original as I did.  

Thanks to you guys and girls at Elecraft for a great kitI'll have 
to 
start saving for something else to build once the K2 is done..should be able 
to get to Pacificon this year...should I buy another K2, a K1, or..we 
have an expression over here which is "Spoilt for choice" which is what I 
feel when I look at the range of kits you produce..

Take care,
-- 
Stephen Farthing G0XAR
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[Elecraft] KSB2 Problem: Big attenuation of received signals

[Andrew Meier]

My first post, this is regarding my attempt to install
the KSB2 option into my K2/100 #4363. 

I built the KSB2 option, and removed C167 and the two
jumpers from the RF board, plugged in the KSB2 board,
applied power, and got the "Elecraft" on the display. 


The problem is that the receiver became very quiet. I
could still hear the strongest signals if I turn the
AF Gain way up, and instead of S9 on the meter,
they're way down to S1. The KSB2 manual specifically
states (page 15, final step of "initial test") this
should not happen, and if it does, to go to the
troubleshooting section.  I confirmed about half of
the DC measurements in the troubleshooting section. I
noticed when I jiggle around RFC2 I get some noise in
the receiver, and those little RFC1 & 2 toroids on the
KSB board were a challenge to wind, so I'm wondering
if I have a problem there. 

I removed the KSB2 board, put the jumpers and the C167
back into the RF board, and now I am back to my
well-performing K2/100. 

The KSB2 board is sitting on the bench waiting to be
fixed.

Have any of you seen receiver attenuation problems
when you first plugged in the KSB2? What was your
solution? 

Thanks,
-Andrew, KF7HB





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[Elecraft] K2 1641 update - alignment and test II, no BFO at TP2

[Margaret Leber]

Well, I thought it might be time to update you folks on where my K2 
build stands.


Yesterday I began Alignment and Test Part II. Things were nominal until 
it came time to do the VCO voltage readings, some of which were fine and 
some were way out of wack. Following the helpful guidance in the book, I 
discovered that C73 on the RF board was occupied with that 4.7pf cap I 
couldn't find (as opposed to the 47pf cap that's supposed to be there).


With that corrected, the VCO voltage readings on each band fell into 
line, and I'm now up to the BFO test. There's just plain no signal that 
CAL Fctr can find at TP2, even though there *is* a 4918 kHz or so signal 
at U11 pin 6, and even at the ungrounded side of C169. Q24 *looks*  OK, 
but what can you tell by looking? :-)


I've just started squinting at the schematic to see where I should be 
looking for other possible sources of the problem. Of course, I'm 
looking for the perpetual prime suspects: solder bridges and 
cold-soldered joints, but haven't found any yet.


I also noted that something has the S-meter calibration in an uproar; it 
 set up with completely nominal values originally but now requires 
extreme settings to unpin it from the top end and the RF gain doesn't 
move the lit bar around like it used to.


Suggested avenues of investigation are welcome...

 73 de Maggie K3XS

--
-/___.   _)Margaret Stephanie Leber CCP, SCJP/"The art of progress /
/(, /|  /| http://voicenet.com/~maggie SCWCD/ is to preserve order/
---/   / | / |  _   _   _`  _  AOPA 925383/ amid change and to  /
--/ ) /  |/  |_(_(_(_/_(_/__(__(/_  K3XS / preserve change amid/
-/ (_/   '.-/ .-/ARRL 39280 /order."-A.N.Whitehead/
/(_/_(_/___AMSAT 32844_/<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>/

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RE: [Elecraft] KSB2 Problem: Big attenuation of received signals

[W3FPR - Don Wilhelm]

Andrew,

Plug the KSB2 in again and be certain that it is properly positioned on the
headers.  It is easy to misplug the KSB2 - if you see the standoff and TP2
properly aligned with the holes in the SSB board, it probably is mounted
correctly.

As a check (but not a permanent fix) slide a small sheet of paper between
RFC1 and RFC2 and the adjacent crystal cans.  That is a quick check of
whether or not the windings of the chokes are shorting to the crystals - if
they are, rewind the chokes being careful not to scrape the insulation on
the wire.

Check the orientation of the diodes - all of them should have the banded end
away from the board.

Lastly (or maybe best doen first) check the soldering carefully,
particularly in the crystal filter area.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -Original Message-
>
> The problem is that the receiver became very quiet. I
> could still hear the strongest signals if I turn the
> AF Gain way up, and instead of S9 on the meter,
> they're way down to S1. The KSB2 manual specifically
> states (page 15, final step of "initial test") this
> should not happen, and if it does, to go to the
> troubleshooting section.  I confirmed about half of
> the DC measurements in the troubleshooting section. I
> noticed when I jiggle around RFC2 I get some noise in
> the receiver, and those little RFC1 & 2 toroids on the
> KSB board were a challenge to wind, so I'm wondering
> if I have a problem there.
>
>


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Re: [Elecraft] KSB2 Problem: Big attenuation of received signals

[Vic Rosenthal]

Andrew Meier wrote:


 I
noticed when I jiggle around RFC2 I get some noise in
the receiver, and those little RFC1 & 2 toroids on the
KSB board were a challenge to wind, so I'm wondering
if I have a problem there. 


Be sure to check for PTTL (Poorly Tinned Toroid Leads).

--
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco

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Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers

[Stuart Rohre]

My clubs, (two) have had 3 MFJ's.   The only reason we had 3, was we
replaced a 259 with the 259 B for added features, and gave the still working
one away as a door prize.  I have the Autek RF 1, and then later got the MFJ
269 to gain 440 band.  All have worked well.  There was an intermittent
display problem in earlier RF 1's that was a connector pin length issue.  I
did the suggested mod myself, and no longer have any intermittent.

The MFJ's have a lot of computing and active devices so do use batteries
pretty hard.  I think the same of the Autek, but then found that its on off
switch was easily tripped on in transporting the analyzer in its box.
Thus, I added an adhesive ring around the push button to make it harder to
hit accidentally and since no more run down battery.  Just glue an o ring of
enough thickness to protect the button from bumping into padding of the box.

Also, all the club analyzers, and my two agree in readings very closely.
And compare well to a Bird SWR/Power meter we checked.

-Stuart K5KVH



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Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers

[Stuart Rohre]

Ten Tec has a great "T kit" for adjusting Antenna Tuners with out a signal
on the air, save the built in noise bridge.  And it costs a LOT less than an
Antenna Analyzer from the commercial sources.  The kit is one board, handful
of components and maybe one hour or less assembly.  You listen for a null in
noise bridge signal as you tune your antnena tuner connected to your
receiver.  Works great.
-Stuart
K5KVH



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Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers

[Stuart Rohre]

Many pieces of equipment never get a comment from hams when they work as
advertised, or have so many advanced features that most hams never learn to
use them.

Thus, it is likely you hear the war stories of the problem equipment; rather
than of the successes.

In addition to my own MFJ 269, which has been perfect; our clubs locally
have had 3 good 259's, and at work we bought about 3 259B's for various
projects.  All worked and even are useable with "eye ball averaging"  in the
locally high RF field during days from an AM station one mile down the road,
(25 kW).  You can buy an add on series trap kit to bypass RF such as this
from the MFJ's if it is a problem in your application.

The MFJ's have quietly found a place in the tool boxes of many Broadcast
operations, and I would bet they might be made in the numbers that only VOMs
held before.  With so many out in the field, you are likely to get the
occasional failure.  The quality control seems to have improved on the MFJ
products as evidenced by visual inspection of the insides of the analyzers I
have had around, and also those at work.
-Stuart
K5KVH



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RE: [Elecraft] KSB2 Problem: Big attenuation of received signals

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

> The problem is that the receiver became very quiet. I
> could still hear the strongest signals if I turn the
> AF Gain way up, and instead of S9 on the meter,
> they're way down to S1. The KSB2 manual specifically
> states (page 15, final step of "initial test") this
> should not happen, and if it does, to go to the troubleshooting 
> section. 


Andrew: Don's suggestions are right on track. I have one to add, assuming
this is a new build. Check for d-c continuity from each pin of each crystal
to ground. It should be an open circuit for d-c. If not then most likely you
used enough solder to form a small fillet around the pad. On the crystal
side of the pad, the fillet easily shorts the signal path to the crystal
case and so to ground. 

If so, then remove the crystal involved, clean off the solder, the carefully
replace it, using a minimum of solder. (Note that you have jumpers across a
couple of capacitor locations, so a short there will require that you open
the jumper to see which crystal is involved). 

Ron AC7AC



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Re: [Elecraft] K2 power meter/wattmeter question

[Wayne Reed]

Guys,
   If you read the specifications carefully and do the math, at 10% of 
scale the reading can be off by a huge percentage even with a fine 
instrument like a Byrd.  Rare to see proper slug for HF qrp for a Byrd.

Wayne K9NE

- Original Message - 
From: "Larry Phipps" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Cc: 
Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2005 11:52 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 power meter/wattmeter question




Mike, I wouldn't put much stock in any wattmeter, including Bird, at 10% 
of full scale.


Larry N8LP



Mike Monger wrote:


Hi Fellow Elecrafters,

How accurate have you found the internal power meter/wattmeter to be on 
the K2???
I ask this because there is a large difference between what I set the 
power for, on the K2, and what it displays  as compared to the external 
meter (contained 


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RE: [Elecraft] Error 080 Problem solved

[Robert Tellefsen]

"should be able to get to Pacificon this year"
Gordon, look forward to seeing you there.
73, Bob N6WG


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RE: [Elecraft] OT: Palstar QST review

[Stan Rife]

I'll second that...except for the MFJ and Autek part. The Micro 908
is the second analyzer that I have owned, and by far the better. I
previously owned an MFJ 209 analyzer. It worked well, as far as I know. The
Micro 908 kit is a great piece of gear. It is essentially a Microprocessor
based unit that has the ability to run different software packages, and
consequently can serve different hardware functions. So far, the software
available is the AA908 (antenna analyzer) and the AF908 (dsp filter). When
running the AA908 software there is also a PC software program that allows
you to download and graph the SWR curve of your antenna, as well as the
resistance and reactance curves. It is a really neat platform and they are
developing more software for it. You should consider this kit. It winds up
being about the same price as the MFJ unit. 

Stan Rife
W5EWA
Houston, TX
K2 S/N 4216
 

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Steve Jackson
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2005 7:32 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Palstar QST review

The Palstar ZM-30 is essentially the AmQRP Micro908
kit antenna analyzer, less some features, and
repackaged as a manufactured item.

I have a Micro908.

It's beyond fabulous.  I sold my MFJ and the Autek.




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[Elecraft] More K2 Mojo.

[Larry Phipps]

Just worked a special events station in Maine... W1T... commemorating 
the sinking of the Titanic. He is on 14256. I had just finished a change 
on my HB minibeam and was tuning around A/B'ing signals with my sloper, 
and came across him. There was a huge pileup, and for kicks I called 
him. Nabbed him on the second try. He gave me a 59, and said he was 
amazed he pulled my call out of the pileup since most of the stations 
calling were 20 over. I was running the K2 at 10W into the minibeam at 
35' ;-)


Is it the clean K2 audio, lucky timimg... or just the K2 mojo?

Larry N8LP
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RE: [Elecraft] More K2 Mojo.

[Stan Rife]

Is this a spot??  

Stan Rife
W5EWA
Houston, TX
K2 S/N 4216
 

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Larry Phipps
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2005 6:08 PM
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] More K2 Mojo.


Just worked a special events station in Maine... W1T... commemorating 
the sinking of the Titanic. He is on 14256. I had just finished a change 
on my HB minibeam and was tuning around A/B'ing signals with my sloper, 
and came across him. There was a huge pileup, and for kicks I called 
him. Nabbed him on the second try. He gave me a 59, and said he was 
amazed he pulled my call out of the pileup since most of the stations 
calling were 20 over. I was running the K2 at 10W into the minibeam at 
35' ;-)

Is it the clean K2 audio, lucky timimg... or just the K2 mojo?

Larry N8LP
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[Elecraft] KX-1 on spectrum analyzer

[John Harper AE5X]

I took my KX-1 in to work today to see how it looked on our HP. Results are 
at:

http://www.ae5x.com/kx1.html

If anyone else has done similar tests with their KX1, I'd appreciate hearing 
the results.


Thanks and 72,

John Harper AE5X
Portable QRP: http://www.ae5x.com


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Re: [Elecraft] More K2 Mojo.

[Larry Phipps]

Did I break some kind of rule? The frequency was a throwaway in case 
someone else was interested. The thrust of the posting was the "mojo" 
that was reported a couple days ago. If I wanted to just post a spot, I 
would have done so on a web cluster, which I didn't do.


Larry N8LP



Stan Rife wrote:


Is this a spot??  

Stan Rife
W5EWA
Houston, TX
K2 S/N 4216


-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Larry Phipps
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2005 6:08 PM
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] More K2 Mojo.


Just worked a special events station in Maine... W1T... commemorating 
the sinking of the Titanic. He is on 14256. I had just finished a change 
on my HB minibeam and was tuning around A/B'ing signals with my sloper, 
and came across him. There was a huge pileup, and for kicks I called 
him. Nabbed him on the second try. He gave me a 59, and said he was 
amazed he pulled my call out of the pileup since most of the stations 
calling were 20 over. I was running the K2 at 10W into the minibeam at 
35' ;-)


Is it the clean K2 audio, lucky timimg... or just the K2 mojo?

Larry N8LP
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RE: [Elecraft] More K2 Mojo.

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Larry N8LP wrote:
Did I break some kind of rule? The frequency was a throwaway in case 
someone else was interested. The thrust of the posting was the "mojo" 
that was reported a couple days ago. 

Reply: --

Not to worry, Larry. 

The keeper of the Wouff Hong for this list is Eric, WA6HHQ. He wields it
gent...Ouch!...gently but firmly when he feels some comment is not
appropriate for the reflector or if a thread goes on too long.

If you don't hear from him, you haven't transgressed. 

I caught the post and if I'd have been in the shack I'd have listened. Tnx

Ron AC7AC



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[Elecraft] OT: Bargain 130 volt AC meters

[n9pt]

Looking for some parts at my local Radioshack I came across some panel
mount 130volt AC meters for the amazing price of $1.97. These are
D'Arsonval movements and quite good looking. The catalog number is
22-412.

Cheers,

Pete/N9PT




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Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bargain 130 volt AC meters

[David A.Belsley]

This radio shack number comes up blank on the RS web page.  Is it 
correct?


best,

dave belsley, w1euy



On Apr 15, 2005, at 8:34 PM, n9pt wrote:


22-412

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Re: [Elecraft] More K2 Mojo.

[Mike Monger]

Speaking of special events stations, K2 Mojo etc.

I worked one about a half an hour ago on 7.050, it was W5E in Louisiana, 
commemorating the last combat mission flown by the 8th Air Force, against 
Germany in WW 2.  I was running 2 watts (from my just installed this 
evening, internal battery for the K2) and he gave me a 579.


I don't know what it is Larry but whatever it is, it works.

Mike
KT2E
K2 4777



Just worked a special events station in Maine... W1T... commemorating the 
sinking of the Titanic. He is on 14256. . Nabbed him on the second try. He 
gave me a 59, and said he was amazed he pulled my call out of the pileup 
since most of the stations calling were 20 over. I was running the K2 at 
10W into the minibeam at 35' ;-)


Is it the clean K2 audio, lucky timimg... or just the K2 mojo?

Larry N8LP
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[Elecraft] K2 Internal Speaker Dead

[Mike Monger]

Hi Fellow Elecrafters,

My K2 internal speaker is dead.  

I had messed up a crimp pin in the initial stages of assembly and so was not 
even using the internal speaker but only using headphones.  I discovered 
tonight that I had an extra crimp pin.  So, I got it installed. plugged to P5 ( 
I think it is) but no audio from internal speaker or from external speaker 
jack, only through headphones.  I checked the archives and found that there 
have been problems in the past and that apparently it comes back to some bad 
contacts in the headphone jack.  So, should I just get Elecraft to send me 
another headphone jack or should I check something else??   

Thanks in Advance,

Mike
KT2E
K2 4777
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RE: [Elecraft] K2 Internal Speaker Dead

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Mike KT2E wrote:
no audio from internal speaker or from external speaker jack, only through
headphones.  I checked the archives and found that there have been problems
in the past and that apparently it comes back to some bad contacts in the
headphone jack.  So, should I just get Elecraft to send me another headphone
jack or should I check something else??   

Reply: 

If you get the speaker wires backwards this will happen too. One side of the
speaker wiring is grounded and reversing them grounds out the audio to the
speaker.

There have been issues with K2 headphone connectors, but I have no idea how
widespread it is. My K2 is 5 years old and the original headphone jack is FB
and I'm constantly plugging and unplugging phones in that jack. 

One thing I *never* do with these little jacks is to plug in a large adapter
for a 1/4 inch phone plug, etc., so  the jack has to support it's weight. I
don't know if any others have done that, but I try to be gentle with the
miniature jacks.  

Ron AC7AC



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RE: [Elecraft] K2 Internal Speaker Dead

[W3FPR - Don Wilhelm]

Mike,

Before concluding that the headphone jack is at fault, check the wiring to
the external speaker jack and the plug at the end of the wire.  If the
conductors are reversed at one of these points, the audio is shorted to
ground.

The other thing you can do is put the plug into the RF Board connector and
check for continuity between control board P3 pins 7, 8 and 10 through the
headphone jack and on to the external speaker jack and the speaker.  The
ohmmeter will show you where the discontinuity is occurring.

The headphone jack problem is rare - only a few occurrances have been
reported on the reflector in the over 5 years that I have been
participating, so put it down low on the list of possible 'things that could
be wrong' until proven otherwise.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -Original Message-
>
> My K2 internal speaker is dead.
>


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RE: [elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 12, Issue 19

[Michael L. Hasenfratz Sr.]

We

The ZM-30 is actually the AmQRP AA908 Antenna Analyst ***KIT***
modified for Palstar.

Check out the AA908 at  http://www.amqrp.org/kits/micro908/index.html

But, ONLY if your interested building kits...

73's de Mike WA6FXT
// [EMAIL PROTECTED]
// [EMAIL PROTECTED] 

Message: 5
Date: Fri, 15 Apr 2005 00:31:02 -0400
From: "Stephen W. Kercel" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers
To: 
Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

There is an interesting piece in the May 2005 QST. It has product reviews 
on four different antenna analyzers.

Two that were included are the MFJ-269 and the Autek VA-1. I have heard 
endless horror stories from many hams about both, abysmal quality control, 
virtually useless tech support and so on. None of these negatives are 
mentioned in the QST product review.

There is also a new product favorably mentioned in the review, the Palstar 
ZM-30. Since the MFJ and the Autek are apparently both junk, despite being 
favorably reviewed in this article, I'm not sure whether I can trust the 
product review on the Palstar.

Anybody have any experience with it? Is it any good?

73,

Steve Kercel
AA4AK


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