[Elecraft] please be considered - postings to the reflector
Guys, I would like to ask everybody to be a little bit considered when starting new threads on the reflector! Please use a convention which would allow for automatic sorting of the emails by the email client - it is very easy and it doesn't require much effort! For instance, please insert in the beginning of your email subject line the elecraft product which is actually the subject of the thread. Something like this: "K2 - Question about the IF amp alignment" or "K3 - shipping dates?" or "K2, K3 : Performance comparison" This will help everybody to organize hundreds of emails per day coming from this reflector. Please understand - there are many people out there that are interested only in a specific product and it is very hard to manually sort thru all of the emails. With the release of the K3 the reflector became very busy but not everybody is interested in K3 (for instance I have no interest whatsoever in the K3 but I would like to read all of the K2 posts, the XV posts, KAT/KPA, etc). If everybody is using such Subject line convention it would be very easy to setup email rules so for instance all of the emails regarding K2 are moved to the corresponding K2 folder and all of the K3 post are moved to the K3 folder or Trash folder, the XV posts will go to the XV folder, etc. I am sure everybody will benefit from a little bit more organized traffic on the refflector. Thanks in advance! 73 de Andrey, AE1Z ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] please be considered - postings to the reflector
Guess you missed the directive from Wayne/Eric earlier in the week saying the same thing. Sorry...I aplogize to everybody for the QRM than (I hope it is lost in the already high noise floor caused by the "K3 shipping status" subject)...I guess I did miss it, trying to sort the 30+ emails per day coming from the reflectror just by reading the subject lines... (and I can't read all of the emails the same day btw. so if I miss just a few days than I have well over a hundred emails to soft thru - that's why I politely asked everybody to assist an automated sorting. 73, de Andrey, AE1Z ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] [OT] Software for Learning Morse Code
This one is pretty good too - http://justlearnmorsecode.com/ 73 AE1Z - Original Message - From: "Corboy-Poteet" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Friday, October 19, 2007 1:08 AM Subject: [Elecraft] [OT] Software for Learning Morse Code A friend of mine recently retired and has expressed a desire to learn code (International Morse). I hope that someone on this list may have taught code as part of an Amateur Radio class and will have a suggestion of a good software package that my friend could use. MikeW5FTD ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] KPA800 / KPA1500: status update?
I guess this is a question for Wayne and Eric. I am on the market for a linear amp and I would love to buy an Elecraft amp instead of Tokyo Hi-Power for instance. I am not in a terrible rush but I would really like to do it in the next 3 to 6 months. I was wondering if there is any progress with the KPA 800 and KPA 1500 and what is the rough estimated time of release for those amps? Any chance for one of those models to out by ... lets say April - May? Just want to know so I can make a decision what and when to buy - no sense for me to wait with the amp if the Elecraft models are not very close to turn from prototype to a real product. Thanks in advance!! 73 de Andrey AE1Z ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Anyone using DeoxIT Gold?
I am uing both DeoxIt and ProGold products and they are simply excellent!!! ProGold is perfect for Bird 43 slugs too! It also lubricates the slug in the directinal coupler! I use the standard DeoxIt on all of my RF connectors and my RF patch bay as wel as Mic connectors, phone and paddle jacks etc. It slows down the tarnishing process on any silver plated connector! You can buy a smal combo pack of ProGold and DeoxIt from Radio Shack (at least here in New England RS carries it) 73, de Andrey, AE1Z ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzer
Hi, Take a look at Palstar ZM30 (http://www.palstar.com/zm30.php). IMHO it is a pretty good analyzer. Check also the reviews at eham.net for more details on the performance! 73 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Looking for a scan of the front panel (faceplate)
Hey guys, While at the scanning topic, I am looking for a HQ 300 dpi scan of the faceplate of an unbilt K2. (pretty much what Tom needs but on the front of the K2). Any help will be greatly appreciated! 73s ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzer
Hi, If you consider yourself as "lucky" you can try the MFJ - it's a good idea as product but very slopy execution and on the top of everything seems there is no QC at the factory whatsoever - you might get a good unit but you might get pure junk as well! A good choice (and just a bit more expensive) would be Palstar ZM30 - http://www.palstar.com/zm30.php - i think its a much better product then the mfj - well built, upgradeable firmware, VFO, PC interface, etc. Hope this helps! 73s Hello All, I've decided that before I get too carried away with antenna experiments (mag loops, etc.), it would probably be a good idea to get an antenna analyzer. Anyone have a favorite they would like to recommend? I'm leaning toward the Micro908 from the American QRP Club. Anyone want to talk me into an MFJ or another brand? Too bad Elecraft doesn't offer one. I would love to see them do for antenna analyzers what they did for antenna tuners with the T1. Regard, Kurt - ae6uj ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 Glitch on Field Day
In the same Physics 101 class they teach that black painted objects radiate heat better - one reason why the anode of a tube and also heatsinks are black. The black painted box of the K3 will dissipate the internally generated heat better. I personally preffer the grey color of the K2. To me it looks better and gives a unique look like no other radio. When I asked Wayne at Dayton about K3's color he said that he thinks black looks better and that's why KX1 is black as it is the K3. Anyway...I miss the gray look - maybe I can make a silk screen of the front panel and repaint the K3 once I get it in Grey. :-)) 73 AE1Z - Original Message - From: "Fred (FL)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 11:05 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Glitch on Field Day If anyone remembers their Physics 101 "Painted Tin Can" experiment - one painted light, and one painted dark - the K3 will naturally be an internally hot rig, on field days. In Physics 101 class - the can painted black - took on like 20% more internal heat, than did the can painted light. Heat reflectivity, and all that . Reason we wear white T-shirts, etc. Fred Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games. http://sims.yahoo.com/ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] How do I unsubscribe?
I think the whole reflector became too "heavy" with the introduction of the K3. It is difficult for me to keep track of what's going on, especially given the fact that I have no interest in K3 at this point. Eric and Wayne stated numerous times that they like to keep "the momentum" and don't want to split the reflector into different products but it is going to get even worse, once the amplifiers come to the scene. Now I have to sort thru hundreds of posts each month just to read only those posted about the K2. If a specific word like the product name is included in the subject line I can have my mail client sort the mails for me into different mailboxes. For instance all the mails regarding K2 could start with "K2" in the subject, same for K3, etc. Then how do you make thousands of users to follow such naming convention? 73 AE1Z - Original Message - From: "Julian G4ILO" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "elecraft" Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2007 3:25 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] How do I unsubscribe? James, Instead of unsubscribing altogether you could open a free GMail account and change your subscription to that address. That way you won't fill up your local mailbox with reflector messages. GMail has a clever filtering system that allows you to select any messages based on their content. I use it to highlight K3 related postings and anything from Wayne or Eric, so I can ignore the rest. I am one of the folks who in the past has suggested a web forum with sub-boards for each Elecraft product (plus a general topic for the off-topic chatter.) But there has been so much resistance to the idea (not least from Elecraft themselves) that I don't think it will ever happen. Although I predict the situation will get worse when the K3s actually ship and we all start posting "Hooray, it's here" followed by "How do you do this?" and then "Wow, what a great radio!" -- Julian, G4ILO K2 s/n: 392 K3 s/n: ??? G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com Ham-Directory: www.ham-directory.com On 9/11/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Hello, I would like to know how to unsubscribe to this list. With easily well over 100 emails average per day from this mailing list I find myself deleting 99 percent of it (unless I have a problem with my K2.. but it's been flawless for a long time now). This reflector is a great resource for repairs, advice and seeking help but lately I have seen more ratings, opinions and reviews of equipment which if I want to see.. I'll go find it for myself. Someone suggested a while back moving to a forum based system to ease the amount of email flowing in the inbox and would allow you to go look at items that only interest you (I have a K2 and some mini-modules..). I think it's a great idea to move to a forum based system but that's only my opinion..and opinions are like.. well you know the rest. I get far too many emails a day and just find myself having to maintain my inbox by deleting all the elecraft mails. Often if I don't check my mailbox for a few days I find hundreds upon hundreds of elecraft emails to go through. Unfortunately I still use crappy AOL for my email so I can't use it with outlook that has nice sorting features. That would make deleting the emails even easier (sorry, I just don't have time to go through 100+ emails a day. It's overwhelming at this point. I'm sorry, but I have to leave this mailing list. Any information how to remove myself from the list would be greatly appreciated. 73, James KB2FCV Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail! - http://mail.aol.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Schematics?
Looks like I am not the only one who is interested in the schematics and the block diagrams - evrybody is saying how great K3 would be but why we cant see any schematics in the manual and make our own conclusions? What is the deal with the schematics - are they not public? cant belive they are not finalized already...hmm this doesnt fit with the spirit of my beloved K2 and the kit-building... 73 AE1Z - Original Message - From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Saturday, September 15, 2007 8:57 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Schematics? Hi Everybody! The "Lets build it" manual was great but the schematics are missing :^( 73's Bob K7HBG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] RE: K2 Front Panel Extension, K2/PC
Hey guys, here are some thoughts about a front panel extension: There is a special type PC out there called Mini-ITX ( also is known as CarPC) - this type PC is extremely small in size, some models are powered with 12V DC and in some solid state media (CF card) is used instead of a hard drive. There are models which are even fanless. Here are few links: http://www.mini-itx.com/ http://www.mini-box.com/s.nl/sc.8/category.101/.f http://minipc.aopen.com/Global/ Perhaps an enclosure can be made, something like a "docking station" where K2 will be installed along the side of such MiniPC. The actual front panel of the K2 will be fully accessible and next to it a 7 or 8 inch Touch-screen LCD will be showing the Ham Radio Deluxe interface. Griffin PowerMate will take care of the VFO control for added convenience. I think HRD + touch-screen LCD will make a nice virtual control panel with all of the buttons needed, and the overall dimensions of such combo will not exceed the standard rack-mountable form factor. One can also use touch screen LCD with an existing PC - there are many models of 7-8-10 inches touch screens for car installations which will do nice job. ( http://www.avdeals.com/xenarclcdmain.htm ) Another way to do it is with the so-called Tablet PCs - there are many models available even on ebay - some used ones are very inexpensive. That way an all-in-one virtual control panel interface utilizing HRD can be used with different rigs. 73s KB1FZA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 display line
I think this is done on purpose as part of the design. In most cases the radio is placed on a desk and the operator looks down at the radio. Under such condition if the display is perfectly align then the top edge of the front panel display opening will obstruct the top portion of the LCD. (the actual LCD is recessed in the front panel). It will appear like the top edge is "touching" the numbers of the LCD. Depends on the angle it could be a pretty annoying effect. By lowering a little bit the LCD in the display opening, the designer compensates for the recessed display. As a side effect when you look straight at the faceplate or the radio sits above your normal line of sight, you can see a small "gap". This is completely normal! (note how small is the space between the top segments and the actual edge of the LCD. On other radios with bigger screens this is not a problem since they have a lot of "padding" around the actual display elements. Just shows that Wayne and Eric thought of everything while designing the radio! Btw. My radio also has this feature and nothing is wrong with the way my display board is mounted in the front panel. Hope this helps! 73s - Original Message - From: "Bill Carpenter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "elecraft list" Sent: Tuesday, October 24, 2006 7:26 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K2 display line I took my K2 (5703) to the lake cabin last week and noticed that the display has a line that slants down across the top from left to right. I sit much lower in relation to the rig there than here at home so I had not seen it before. At first I thought the display had moved but of course it's held in place very well so that wasn't it. Do I have a problem or is this normal? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] LCD Voltmeter mod for KPA100/KAT100 in EC2
Hey guys, Recently somebody was nice enough to post information about some LCD front panel meters he found on internet (Thanks!!!). I thought that such meters will be a nice addition to my KPA/KAT in EC2. The front panel looks empty and it is only occupied by the LED indicators at the bottom so there is a plenty of space. I got two meters from Martel Electronics - QM-100V (voltmeter 4 - 25V) and QM-110T (thermometer with internal and external sensors, Fahrenheit or Celsius). The voltmeter shows the voltage of the main supply and the thermometer shows the temperature of the heatsink. The LCD meters are very nice and quick to install (just a 5mm hole is needed). They are pretty accurate too - dead on with my recently calibrated Fluke. Both meters can be calibrated if needed. The thermometer can show the external temperature from a sensor which I installed on the heatsink or the internal temperature from a build-in sensor. Both sensors can be calibrated if needed (small adjustment screws on the back of the meter). I left also space for future addition of an amp-meter, but it will require pretty big shunt, which I might install in a separate box outside of the EC2. I used different computer connectors (from an old motherboard) so everything can be plugged or unplugged easy should I decide to move the KPA100 into my K2. There is also a jumper on the back of the front panel to switch the thermometer between F and C and EXT/INT sensor). The voltmeter is also very useful with an adjustable power supply to get the exact voltage for charging the SLA battery in K2 Here are some pictures - (sorry, didn't have time to write a HTML). http://pages.cthome.net/itv/KPA100_LCD1.jpg http://pages.cthome.net/itv/KPA100_LCD2.jpg http://pages.cthome.net/itv/KPA100_LCD4.jpg http://pages.cthome.net/itv/KPA100_LCD5.jpg 73s Andrey E. Stoev KB1FZA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] LCD Voltmeter mod for KPA100/KAT100 in EC2
The URL for the meters : http://www.marteltesttools.com/products.php?cat=113&action=detail&id=69 QM-100V QM-110T QM-130M or QM-140V might work for an amp-meter. Proper current sensing resistor (shunt) will be needed and some other components. The thermistor is from Mouser Part# 594-2322-640-63103 73s Anrey E. Stoev KB1FZA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] LCD Voltmeter mod for KPA100/KAT100 in EC2
Hi Sverre, You are absolutly right! I totally forgot about the current sensor in KPA100 - i havent looked at the schematics for awhile. I think i can even use the I SENSE signal which already has swing 0-5V. Using an op-amp buffer with high impedance input should not affect the signal and than it is a matter of an adjustable voltage divider to get it down to 0-1V (QM-130V). Peak-holding feature might be a good ideas since QM-130V samples 10 times per sec and its not difficult to add. QM-130V has 9 segments so choosing swing 0 to 27A will result in an exact 3A per unit display - should be accurate enough to detect current anomalies at high power levels.. Small PCB attached to the back of the front panel should do the trick. Now I have to find time to build it :-) 73s - Original Message - From: "Sverre Holm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "'Andrey Stoev'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: Sent: Sunday, May 01, 2005 5:25 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] LCD Voltmeter mod for KPA100/KAT100 in EC2 -Original Message- The URL for the meters : http://www.marteltesttools.com/products.php?cat=113&action=detail&id=69 QM-100V QM-110T QM-130M or QM-140V might work for an amp-meter. Proper current sensing resistor (shunt) will be needed and some other components. --- Nice idea with the KPA1100 metering. The KPA100 already has a current sensing resistor in the 12V line: R7 0.005 ohms. At 20A it gives 100 mV, so maybe it can be used? 73 Sverre LA3ZA http://www.qsl.net/la3za/ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 EXTERNAL VFO CONTROL
Chris, If you have a computer close by, you could use a remote control software - there are few good ones...including Ham Radio Deluxe or the one by Elecraft and you can use Power Mate from Griffin Technology as your VFO knob - http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/powermate/. It is USB device and comes in aluminum and black metal finish, look very neat!. You can even configure the driver to perform specific key strokes, while rotating or pressing the encoder. You can even attach the Finger Dimple which Elecraft sells. 73s Andrey E. Stoev - Original Message - From: "Chris Page" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2005 3:45 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K2 EXTERNAL VFO CONTROL Has anyone built an external VFO for the K2, please? I took the plunge last Sunday and sold my UK main station transceiver, a Ten-Tec Omni VI, and have replaced it with one of my K2s. I am now an all Elecraft K2 station at both my UK and at my Florida QTHs (SO2R in Florida and shortly SO2R in the UK). The only thing I miss with the Omni is the external VFO control (Ten- Tec model 301) and wondered if anyone has built an external VFO for the K2? Perhaps one of our technically minded members on the Reflector can tell us if it would be possible and/or very difficult to build such a control for the K2, possibly from Elecraft spare parts? I found a short thread in the Reflector Archives in July 2000 about it but without any firm conclusions. I didn't realise just how much I have come to use and depend on the external VFO of the Omni, especially in contests, until operating without it this week! 73 de Chris, G4BUE ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] KBT2 charging
Hi Ron, The proper charging voltage is 13.8 V across the battery terminals (!). To get this voltage I have to supply my K2 (sn 2894) with ~14.1 V from the power supply because of the forward votage drop caused by the diode. Looks like you either need a separate power supply for charging or even better - an adjustable one. I am using Alinco DM-330MV which has an adjustable "PRESET" function. My PRESET is set for 14.1 volts and there is a little switch on the back of the PS which activates the preset voltage when I need to charge the battery. If you supply K2 with exactly 13.8 volts at the external power supply you risk damaging the battery by undercharging it (!) especially if you run K2 at the same time which will cause the voltage to drop further. You won't overcharge the battery as long as the voltage across the battery terminals does not exceed 13.8 Volts. The SLA battery will be in "float" charge mode where the battery will self-regulate the charging current when supplied with 13.5-13.8 volts. In this mode the charging current will equal the self-discharge current and the battery can (float) stay indefinitely in a fully charged state. Less than 13.5 volts is considered "undercharge" which will decrease the capacity of the battery and will lead to "sulfation" shortening its life. More than 13.8 V is charging mode (usually at around 14.1-14.5 until the current drops to a specific level indicating fully charged battery) but if the battery is already fully charged, then it will be overcharging if you maintain higher then 13.8 voltage. Both "undercharging" and "overcharging" will damage the battery and severe "overcharging" can damage even your K2. In overcharge mode the SLA battery produces excessive amounts of hydrogen and as the pressure builds up it is vented from a special relief valve, along with corrosive fumes from the acid and the battery dries out. When severely overcharged, the battery also heats up and as it heats up will accept more current and this will make it event hotter - it's called thermal runaway and the battery will be permanently damaged and may lead to damage of your K2 - not a pretty sight. If you have an adjustable power supply you can connect a DMM across the battery terminals and start slowly increasing the voltage until your DMM reads 13.8 V. Then disconnect the DMM from the battery and connect it to the power supply and note the voltage coming from the power supply. Maintain this voltage when K2 is not in use. This will keep the battery fully charged at all times. If you are using the radio and you are transmitting for prolonged periods of time it is better to check how much the voltage drops across the battery terminals when transmitting at full power with K2 and the radio is supplied with the voltage necessary to maintain 13.8 v at the battery terminals. If at full power the voltage does not drop under 13.5 volts you don't have to turn the battery switch off. You MUST turn the battery switch off when you power your radio from an external 12 V battery - for example when mobile with the engine not running. What I usually do is to charge my battery for few days when not using K2 - every 2-3 weeks, ill leave my battery on "float" for 2-3 days and then turn the battery switch off and use my K2 as usual. 73s Andrey E. Stoev KB1FZA - Original Message - From: "Ron McDowell - W5RCM / ZS1MCD" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Thursday, May 19, 2005 10:20 PM Subject: [Elecraft] KBT2 charging According to the builtin volt meter on my K2, my old Astron RS-20A is putting out 13.3V (which I understand to be really more like 13.5-13.6 because of voltage drop across the diode). A couple questions regarding that and the KBT2: 1. Is that adequate voltage for charging the KBT2? The battery manual calls for 13.8V. 2. Is it OK to leave the red battery switch on the back of the rig ON whenever I'm using the K2 on the power supply...in other words, am I running any risk of overcharging the battery? Or should I switch the battery off unless I'm running from (or charging up) the battery? Thanks for the input! -- 72, Ron - W5RCM / ZS1MCD Austin TX / Hermanus ZA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: Sal Ammoniac (WAS: [Elecraft] Hakko 808 tips)
Hi Ron, The sal ammoniac (ammonium chloride) which was widely used back in the days to clean the soldering iron tips is very corrosive agent when heated. Under hight temperature the ammonium chloride breaks down as NH4CL + heat to NH3 (ammonia) and HCL (Hydrocloride, which when solved in water is known as Murratic acid). The HCL does the cleaning of the soldering iron tip and it is an extremly corrosive agent (not to mentioned what will do to your lungs - it turns into murratic acid and can cause swelling, inflamation, etc). Just the vapours and the particles on the soldering iron tip will cause corrosion to the electronics if used during the soldering process. Its OK to clean the iron every once in awhile but its very BAD idea to use it as soldering aid (as flux). On other hand it is used as a component of the flux in the plumbing. 73s KB1FZA - Original Message - From: "Ron D'Eau Claire" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Friday, October 07, 2005 10:38 PM Subject: Sal Ammoniac (WAS: [Elecraft] Hakko 808 tips) Steve, AA4K wrote: I'd be very reluctant to use a soldering iron tip cleaned with sal ammoniac on electronic equipment. For some manufacturers, it will void the warranty. -- Now that's an interesting thought. What possible harm does a common salt (NH4)Cl do, especially if it's used as a cleaner that is long gone before the iron ever approaches an electronic component, not as a soldering aid. It's been a long time since I fiddled with that strange stuff, but Jerry reminds me that it is an excellent de-oxidizer. One of its interesting properties is that it is NEVER a liquid. It is either a solid or a gas, depending upon the temperature. It's the gas boiling off of the solid material when heated that provides the cleaning action. I've never seen an electronics company that worried about irons that had been cleaned with the stuff, Steve. Please fill us in! Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Need K2 Front panel scan
Hey guys, I am looking for a scan (JPG file would be perfect - 300 dpi will work the best for me) on the front panel of the K2. Any help will be apreicated 73s KB1FZA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Need K2 Front panel scan
Hi guys, I am sorry for not beeing very specific - I need a scan of the actual faceplate - the image on elecraft.com is a drawing. I am looking for a scanned image of the faceplate - not the front panel PCB, should someone has it handy or has an unassembled kit and he is willing to scan the faceplate for me! Thanks in advance!!! 73s KB1FZA - Original Message - From: "W3FPR - Don Wilhelm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Andrey Stoev" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; Sent: Saturday, October 08, 2005 8:06 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Need K2 Front panel scan Ingo already provided the answer if you were looking for the front panel layout and artwork, but if what you meant was the FP board itself, you can find scans of most all the Elecraft boards at Tom Hammond's website (www.n0ss.net). 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- I am looking for a scan (JPG file would be perfect - 300 dpi will work the best for me) on the front panel of the K2. Any help will be apreicated 73s KB1FZA -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.11.13/123 - Release Date: 10/6/2005 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Question about KX3 display brightness and contrast
I have question about the KX3 LCD backlight. Looking at the schematics, it appears that Elecraft designed the Backlight to have 2 levels of brightness besides being turned OFF. Watching an old KX3 demo by Wayne, when he entered the Menu system, the LCD Brightness menu item displayed "2" as level, instead of "ON" but the current firmware only allows for ON/OFF. Why was this abandoned? When I operate in my shack, I like to keep it dark and the KX3 display is just way too bright - actually brighter than anything else I have running. Any chance to see also a contrast adjustment for the LCD - this will help when viewing the LCD at very steep angles when operated in the field - Wayne mentioned that he will put this on the "whishlist" for firmware updates years ago and both of these feature doesn't seem to require a lot of codding (considering that the brightness level seems to have been implemented at one point). 73 de Andrey, AE1S __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] I need some guidance regarding the equalizer in the KX3
The equalizer is an audio level equalizer much like your stereo system's EQ and it is used to enhance or suppress certain audio-range frequencies in order to "model" the output audio response to your listening preferences. Look at it as your Audio Treble / Bass adjustment It is NOT intended to eliminate / filter interference - for this you have to use Pass Band Tuning and in addition you can get help from the DSP noise reduction. Move the PBT to narrow the pass band or use it as HI CUT/LO CUT IF Filter (depending on where the interference is located). The EQ is downstream from there and will have a marginal effect - the skirts are not steep but rather gradual and the amount of attenuation is minimal to remove offending interference but enough to change how a signal sounds . There is also Tx EQ which you can use for your mic to adjust how your voice sounds when Tx. 73 de Andrey, AE1S __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K2 - LCD front panel meters for KPA100/KAT100 in EC2
Hey guys, I posted on my blog ( http://blog.kotarak.net/ ) some text and pictures of KPA100/KAT100 in EC2 modification I did a few years ago. I installed a couple of LCD meters on the front panel of the EC2. This is a fun project and easy to do! Its been working just fine all those years. 73 de Andrey, AE1Z ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Question about the display LEDs
Hey guys! I am looking for yellow/orange display LEDs like the ones used in K2.I would like to change the original green LEDs in the LCD of my K2 with yellow ones. Most of my equipment is using yellow/orange display lights and i really like the "warm" feeling of the yellow glow - like the tungsten lamps used in the vintage radio sets. The LCD display of the K2 is very uncommon and i dont have luck finding LEDs for the backlighting of any color. I am aware that the current draw might go up few miliamps depending on the type yellow LEDs used. Any help would be greatly apreciated! 73s Andrey E. Stoev KB1FZA K2 #2894 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
