http://www.edn.com/article/521690-High_performance_HF_transceiver_design_A_ham_s_perspective.php
Thanks to Rein W6SZ who brought this link to the Linrad reflector.
73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com
EME: 50-1.1kw?,
Hey everybody:
I can verify an amazIng opening on *40 metres* early this AM @ 0500 mountain
time.when I worked HK1MW with only one watt into my trusty homebrew wire
vertical with 4 counterpoise wires. He had to ask for several fills but only
becus of rude operators from EU who simply not
Doc:
I know where you are at a good day nets me 3-3 1/2 hrs of sleep a night then
up and into the shack. I'm waiting on my K2 so still using my IC-703 Plus
with W4RT duel filters it does a good job still waiting to compare the 2
radios. Finally made a QRP contact with 7O6T 5w on 17m 02:37 5/6/12
I don't believe I ever tried to run split on 30M before so I don't know if it
was always this way or not.
When I called the 7O on 30M I was suprised that I could not hear the pile up
on the subRX. I can hear background noise in my right ear but when I see a
signal on the P3 and tune the subRX to
Any reason not to use a magic-tee splitter between the RX ANT OUT and RX
ANT IN ports on a K3 (no antenna tuner) to feed the received signals
simultaneously to a second receiver? I want to be able to use my main
antennas with my QS1R for Reverse Beacon functions. I realize that will
cost 3+ db
Pete,
If the 3 dB does not bother you, then I would say do it.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 5/6/2012 8:24 AM, Pete Smith N4ZR wrote:
Any reason not to use a magic-tee splitter between the RX ANT OUT and RX
ANT IN ports on a K3 (no antenna tuner) to feed the received signals
simultaneously to a second
Pete Smith N4ZR wrote:
Any reason not to use a magic-tee splitter between the RX ANT OUT and RX
ANT IN ports on a K3 (no antenna tuner) to feed the received signals
simultaneously to a second receiver? I want to be able to use my main
antennas with my QS1R for Reverse Beacon functions. I realize
I was listening on my 6M beam on the sub on that band.
Get used to it guys. I'm getting older and I'm not giving up the K3.
73.
-Robby
--
View this message in context:
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/No-SubRX-on-30M-tp7532226p7532304.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at
Good Morning Ya’ll
This morning my Astron SS-30M (used regularly for 15 years) went south in a
puff of smoke and voltage on the meter was fluctuating around 10VDC. No damage
to the K3. WHEW! I pulled out my Astron VS-50M (haven’t used in 15 years) and
its voltage was also fluctuating a bit
Check on how your sub's antenna is sourced.
matt W6NIA
On Sun, 06 May 2012 05:23:20 -0700 (PDT), you wrote:
I don't believe I ever tried to run split on 30M before so I don't know if it
was always this way or not.
When I called the 7O on 30M I was suprised that I could not hear the pile up
on
This isn't an answer to the question, but a comment about Astron linear power
supplies. I
have twice seen a situation in which the screws that hold the circuit board to
the
capacitors work loose over time. The resultant heat can damage the board. It's
a good idea
to check that the screws are
Unreliable??? I have been using the same VS-50M here for over 25 years. It
presently powere my K3 and a few other things in the shack. I leave it on
24/7 unless there is a storm coming through. Then everything is powered
down disconnected.
73,
Tim - N3XX
- Original Message -
Do a hold on RX ANT button to toggle between main and aux jack. This is
a per band per mode setting, so you can have it set wrong on one band/mode
only.
73, Guy.
On Sun, May 6, 2012 at 8:23 AM, Robby.VY2SS ro...@bellaliant.net wrote:
I don't believe I ever tried to run split on 30M before so
Mike,
I have used the Samlex SEC1235M supplies for several years with no issues. I
know there have been some fellows who have said the fan noise is objectionable
to them but I have never had the issue. In fact that fan rarely comes on with
my K3 running 100 watts.
Good luck.
Bill - W0BBI
I have one SAMLEX and three Astron power supplies and they have operated
perfectly since they day I bought them. I own the following:
--one Samlex 13.8, 3 to 5 amp power supply I have in the garage
for various little projects and experimental work.
--two Astron RS-35M power supplies.
--one
I do this to feed my ancient R-4C as an auxiliary receiver. I built up a
special RX antenna relay switching matrix to manage feeds to the Main
and Sub receivers with a Mini-Circuits PSC-2-2 embedded in it for this
purpose. The splitter can be switched in or out to share the Aux R-4C
with the
The Astron Power Supplies are great. Don't always believe what people at
Hamfests tell you.
Check the connections inside the chassis and make sure all the mounting and
connection screws are tight before turning the 50 amp supply on. I've been
using the same Astron AS50 for 15 years and it has
I have an Astron RM70 to power the shack. 20+ years and not a hiccup!
Highly recommend
Phil
Philip LaMarche
727-944-3226
727-510-5038 Cell
www.w9dvm.com
WWW.FLAMGROUP.COM
K3 # 1605
KPA500 # 029
P3 #1480
CCA 98-00827
CRA 1701
W9DVM
-Original Message-
From:
We have about 60 K3 owners testing the K3's new AGC. I'm sure we'll
hear from some of them, but here's a summary of comments they've sent
to me so far:
- copy is much improved in dense pile-up conditions
- signals have more clarity
- QSB is more noticeable on weak signals (this is to be
I has an Astron RS-20 that worked great fo 20 years. The only problems I had
were the loosening of the big cap screws and the need to replace the LM723
once. On the other hand I purchased a new RS-35M last January and last week
it decided to stop putting out any DC voltage. Something on the
Hi Wayne, I would like to try the new firmware!
THX 73, Bill N2BC
-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Wayne Burdick
Sent: Sunday, May 06, 2012 11:06 AM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Cc: elecraft...@yahoogroups.com
Hi Wayne,
How does the AGC work with respect to the Sub RX? Do the AGC config settings
affect both the main and sub in the same manner? Will the latest
improvements also be noticeable on the sub RX. While listening to the CW
pileups for 7O6T on the sub RX I felt that I was hearing the mush that
Fred:
Many tks fer the feedback. You will be very happy wid ur k2 radio. I have
used several and my present one is #054. The K2 was the world's gold standard
until the K3 came along. I remember several rare DXpededitions where K2s were
the main transceivers used! Now its the K3 as in the
I had a samlex 20 amp power supply and replaced it when I had some issues with
it and my back up rig, FT920 which gave the small switching supply fits.
I have since bought two RS35 Astrons one which has the meters and voltage pot
and they have been great.
I also have a small powerwerx 35 amp
It may be that there's a difference between the Astrons of yesteryear and
new ones. When I got my K3 about 2 years ago, I went shopping for a new PS.
Astron was my first choice. Two were DOA. Their customer service was not
helpful. I ended up with a Samlex 1235M also and that has been fine.
YMMV!
To all,
I had a computer crash yesterday and have spent the weekend reinstalling ham
radio software and interfaces on a replacement pc. I almost have everything
working except that I still can't get DX4WIN to key the K3 in RTTY AFSK A mode.
I use MMTTY and DX4WIN. Maybe someone can help
On Sun, May 6, 2012 at 11:09 AM, Randy Moore wrmoor...@gmail.com wrote:
It may be that there's a difference between the Astrons of yesteryear and
new ones
Over the history of Astron power supplies there have been some component
changes and some design changes. There
I recently purchased a Bulldog RDC-55 55A power supply from Rivergate
Distributing. It's compact, runs cool, is very quiet, looks good on an
oscilloscope and was designed to be used in a high-RF environment. I cannot
honestly state that I have been running it for twenty years without a problem,
I recently decided to test a very old low output/low impedance hand mic on
my K3 when I soon found some confusing information in the latest K3 manual.
My K3's firmware is current. I have two concerns: first, pg. 20 of the
owner's manual mentions additional mic gain can be enabled by tapping the 3
Wayne Burdick wrote:
We have about 60 K3 owners testing the K3's new AGC. I'm sure we'll
hear from some of them, but here's a summary of comments they've sent
to me so far:
- copy is much improved in dense pile-up conditions
- signals have more clarity
- QSB is more noticeable on weak signals
What is the latest version of firmware for the K3's DVR? Mine shows v. 01.04
but I can't say I've ever seen DVR files in the zipped K3 firmware packs yet
it shows up on the utility under installed firmware. Is this still the
latest? Can it be included in future K3 firmware folders for the sake of
Gary,
Regarding the mic Z, you can use any mic, high or low Z.
I am using a D104 with my K3, and as you know conventional wisdom says they
want extremely high Z. Use what mic you have and use TX EQ to get it to sound
good.
Rick K2XT
All,
Here's the latest on my K3, now that I'm back from 7QP and can put it up on
the bench and focus on this.
When the PA setting is set to normal, I can in fact hear the relay click
when I turn the power control past 12 watts. However the display keeps
indicating Hi Curr and kicks it all back
The DVR firmware is installed at the factory. There is no in-the-field
upgrade capability planned, required, or implemented.
From K3 Utility Help:
The KDVR3 comes with factory-installed firmware whose version is shown in
the Installed column. There is no DVR firmware file.
73 de Dick, K6KR
Ian White GM3SEK wrote:
We have about 60 K3 owners testing the K3's new AGC
Does this affect the C238 modification?
No. The new DSP AGC changes are completely independent of the hardware
AGC time constant.
Increasing the size of C238 was experimental (maybe even dodgy, in
hindsight,
Hi Mike:
Thank you for sharing about the Bulldog supplies. I have never heard of them
before. My first reaction to the pictures is sooo ugly only its mother would
love it. The spec sheets are clear but leave out a few things. Maybe you know.
If it is a switcher what is its noise specification?
On 5/6/2012 9:26 AM, Gary wrote:
The second concern involves mic impedance. Except for a brief mention of
Low-Z (~600 ohms) on pg. 13 and MIC MONO; hi- or low-Z on pg 20 I
haven't found any mention of where Elecraft differentiates between high and
low mic impedance nor what may be too high or
I have a pair of RS-35A - one for each K3 (yes, it's overkill) one of
which is 20 years old - with nary a problem. In addition, I have an
RS-12A that I use for miscellaneous 12V loads and low power testing.
Astron RS series analog supplies were somewhat unreliable 35 years
ago when the standard
Pete,
I've been doing that to feed my SDR-IQ and it does not seem to be
a sensitivity problem.
*NOTE* the RX Out/In loop is *after* the transmit lowpass filters
and as such they will impact the ability of your QSR-1 to receive
on bands above the one in use on the main receiver.
73,
...
I have the K3 Data Mode set at AFSK A. I have always used AFSK A
with the K3. The K3 PTT-Key setup in Configurator is set as DTR -
RTS. If I run MMTTY outside of DX4WIN, under MMTTY Setup, TX tab, I
have PTT FSK port set at None. If I go into DX4WIN and bring up the
RTTY window and then do
I just use cocoaModem (CCM) standalone.
Now here's the big disconnect. I was describing the PSK window,
an I gather you are trying to use CCM for RTTY. Sorry for that.
I have RTTY on my to learn someday list, perhaps after
screwing up enough courage to try for my first CW QSO.
A few minutes
For about two years, I've had a pair of KRC2s in my SO2R station, each
driving a WX0B switching matrix for W3NQN filters. They have worked
fine. Friday, our power was off so that PGE could do some maintenance,
so I pulled power from a bank of power pole outlets that feeds one of
the KRC2s to
OK, another update.
I tried the PA alignment procedure with the K3 utility. The 5 watt
alignment goes fine. The 50 watt alignment fails with Hi Curr.
Removed the KPA3, checked for anything obviously loose (all looks good) and
reinstalled. Same error
Guess this will be a call to Elecraft
On Sun, May 6, 2012 at 12:42 PM, Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com wrote:
For about two years, I've had a pair of KRC2s in my SO2R station, each
driving a WX0B switching matrix for W3NQN filters. They have worked
fine. Friday, our power was off so that PGE could do some maintenance,
so I
If anyone is interested, there is a link to a local club mobile trailer
used during this contest weekend.
They are at Martha's Vineyard (MA) .
google hamcow and click on the streaming video to see the k3 in action
with other radios.
it's a riot.
The remaining website relates to hamcow itself
To all,
Thanks to several replies, I resolved the RTTY keying problem. It was a simple
cabling issue.
73,
Dave, N4QS
- Original Message -
From: N4QS
To: Elecraft Reflector
Sent: Sunday, May 06, 2012 11:11 AM
Subject: RTTY Keying problem
To all,
I had a computer
*Hi All,
I have been testing the new settings available with the new FW.
The original settings allowed setting the AGC from 2 thru 8. The new
settings allow you to increase the delay of AGC onset from 2 through 20.
The effect you *hear* is that QSB becomes more rapid (expected behaviour)
but
I think those questions are better suited for the manufacturer/distributed
rather than Mark. Mark paid his money and took his chances and it appears to ne
working out for him. He was kind enough to share his individual experience with
us for our benefit. For those who require a tad more
Hello
I setup my K3 with the remoterig box. No problem with this.
On the other side I need to setup the remoterig with my computer using Ham
Radio Deluxe. I have some questions about the connections
If someone is using this setup please let me know.
Thanks,
Jorge
CX6VM/CW5W
Gary,
All you said is true --- BUT
I am not trying to be argumentative, but the AGC adjustment that has had
the range increased is the Threshold and not the delay I would not
necessarily bring this up, but there *is* a menu setting for AGC DLY,
and I do not wish to see owners confused
It appears that a setting of 0 for AGC SLP (slope) may cause an
unwanted interaction with the new AGC algorithm (in K3 MCU firmware
rev 4.50/DSP 2.74). For now, please use AGC SLP=1 or higher, and if
you hear anything unusual, let us know.
We'll eliminate this oddity in the next release.
Good Afternoon,
The second net will be at its new time:
Monday 0100z (Sunday 6 PM PDT) 7045 kHz
Hopefully this is late enough for 40 meters to wake up. If not I'll
move the 40 meter net one hour later next week.
Let's see how it works,
Kevin. KD5ONS
I may have been a bit hasty in concluding that there were oscillations on
20m; after I disconnected my K3's 20m antenna, the 20m signal looks fine.
So I may have just been overloading the K3's front end. Not sure why the
40m signal didn't suffer the same issue, though.
Still have a very low
Hey all, KX3 (Kit) #80 is on the air. Looking for some QSOs to help me
get familiar with the radio.
I'm at 14044 now, and could jump up to SSB - I'd like to get the mic
gain, etc set nicely, so on the air reports would be helpful.
It was a blast to assemble - and even more fun to operate :)
73
Stan,
I was not available yesterday, so could not respond to your initial post.
The problem is most likely in the Low Pass Filter, so count the turns on
L1 and L2 very carefully - count the number of times the wire passes
through the center of the core. Double check the capacitors in the LPF
So now you have 2 SNs on your KX3? Confusing!
Assume you didn't have any show stoppers either? Looking good for 11th launch
then!
73, W0EA
TJ
QRP ARCI #14612
CW Ops #953
SKCC #4593T
Elecraft KX3 SN?
Skill transcends power!
On May 6, 2012, at 5:46 PM, Jeff Kinzli N6GQ wrote:
Hey
2 S/Ns? Not sure what you mean...
No real issues on assembly - except my huge fingers made the tiny parts
sometimes a challenge to put together.
The Elecraft crew was great in helping me, a joy to work with.
A blast to operate!
73 de N6GQ
On Sun, May 6, 2012 at 3:50 PM, TJ Campie
Ah got confused, thought you were W6GQ who already has a Factory Built one!
73, W0EA
TJ
QRP ARCI #14612
CW Ops #953
SKCC #4593T
Elecraft KX3 SN?
Skill transcends power!
On May 6, 2012, at 5:54 PM, Jeff Kinzli N6GQ wrote:
2 S/Ns? Not sure what you mean...
No real issues on
Hello;
Just testing some waters...
I have a nearly mint Ten Tec Century 21 CW Transceiver I would like to trade
for a KX1. I can send photos. It works 100% and includes the matching crystal
calibrator, manual, and a Century keyer. The keyer was added later and doesn't
match color and is in
OF course, with the threshold that high the CWT decode does not work well.
Guess I can use the deocder between my ears.
Toby W4CAK
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help:
Jeff,
To set the mic gain correctly, use the ALC meter on the KX3 while
operating into a dummy load. Adjust your mic level for 6 to 7 bars on
the ALC meter (and do not change it no matter what others on the air
tell you.
With that accomplished, try compression of 10% as indicated by the
*Don,
Correct...forgive me for the *brain fade*...yes the new adjustment IS for
the onset of AGC as you point out. My observations still remain as stated.
Apologies to the grout for my tardiness in explaining what I am
seeing/hearing.
I will repeat that the muddiness I had before is now not
Manual notch still works, but not the auto notch as pointed out by Wayne.
Toby W4CAk
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Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post:
Gary,
No problem - my goal is that no one become confused because of terminology.
What you report is great news. This has been a mystifying thing at
Elecraft for some time because of the difficulties of testing the
results of any changes.
Thank you for your efforts and comments.
73,
Don
Good questions, Fred! From their dimensions I'm guessing they are switchers. I
could not find the info either.
They look like they are designed to go into an equipment rack, not on a desk
top. But I bet you could put rubber feet on those tabs easily enough.
Color me old fashioned (I still
Thanks, Don. Yes, just like the K3 set up. Got it going...
Cheers,
Jeff
On Sun, May 6, 2012 at 4:03 PM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote:
Jeff,
To set the mic gain correctly, use the ALC meter on the KX3 while
operating into a dummy load. Adjust your mic level for 6 to 7 bars on
Most of the answer's to Fred's questions can be found on the company's website,
but...
- Yes, it's a switching design
- The feet/tabs/protrusions are metal. These are provided so as to allow the
user (installer?) to bolt them into a cabinet or onto a desk. There are
adhesive rubber feet that
Dear Folks:
I have a K2/10 (#6922) and a K1 (#1024). I have used the latter in the
field, and hope to use both portable. I have a Buddi-Pole setup, but am
annoyed at how long it takes to set up. I am wondering if you folks have a
suggestion for a really easy portable antenna setup. Anyone?
I guess in any case your experience may vary, but here is mine.
I have an Astron VS-35M that was bought in 1980 and only repaired
once when I back biased the LM923 by charging a battery, Pass
transistors are the originals. That is 32-years of service! It now
serves as my service bench
Hi Bernie,
You might have to trim the antenna wire a bit so that the autotuners
will load it up on all bands, and maybe add one or two extra wires on
the ground side. After that you should have yourself a very good,
compact antenna.
I worked Seychelles on my KX-1 on batteries (2 watts) on
Gentlemen: Not to put too fine a point on this but none of my questions were
answered on the web page. That's why I asked them. (I did not ask if it was a
switcher). Linear or switcher it's all about noise and regulation. Nothing puts
the banana boat swing on your CW like poor regulation. How
Bernie, I'm no expert but I've been a QRP HF CW addict for 52 years and
one solution I've found that works quite well with all my Elecraft rigs
(KX1, K2, K2, and K3) is a simple halfwave vertical with *no* radials or
any other ground return except for the coax shield. It's not perfect
but
Don, Gary and the group,
Wayne's earlier comments about the noise blanker working better turns out to be
an understatement to say the least. Not only has the clarity of signals
improved by being able to tailor the onset of the SW AGC to start at a higher
level and clean up many of the
Loaded the new SW and I miss having NR. I have been tuning around in
the 7O piles and it is hard for me to compare as I never really
experienced what others have. I need to split the antenna and share
with two K3's and see if I can hear a difference.
Glad to hear the NB is working better.
Gee and here I was thinking it was just due to the K3 I Just finished
building. I brought it to the cottage for the first real test and
thought how wonderful how this new rig is, in that it can here EU on 20m
at 2:00 am in Ontario. :-)
On 5/5/2012 12:52 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
In
Those Astrons ... The SS-30M, I took the cover off and went, YUK! It is a
switching power supply and my first thought is to treat it like I treat
computer power supplies I liked it because it small and light weight
and it fit perfect in my portable station container.
As for the VS-50M,
All noise blankers cause some distortion -- it's a matter of degree.
NARrow blanking pulses and lower DSP blanker settings will cause less.
I'm surprised the AGC changes are having this much of a benefit, but
I'm not going to complain.
Wayne
On May 6, 2012, at 6:40 PM, W0MU Mike Fatchett
*Bob,
I concur with all your observations. This is the largest FW improvement
effecting all styles of operation that I can recall in quite some time.
An S3 noise on 40M this morning was easily eliminated and then a local Ham
travelling by was 30db over S9 and I noticed the lack of distortion
Just providing some information that may help others that have
experienced RF slow ramp up to full power when driving Tx audio from
a soundcard (typ DATA-A application). I
I had comments back at the time I asked for solutions to check for
low audio level. But it was the opposite, in fact!
I
Waste heat? Then why to linear supplies typically have NO fans while even small
switchers depend upon them?
A linear supply has only a tiny loss in the transformer.
Both linear and switching supplies have losses associated with the voltage
regulator circuits, but in that respect they are
Hi Bernie,
There will be many opinions, here are mine. There are many different
antennas each with its pros and cons. You are looking for something quick.
While I have no experience with the Buddi-Pole system it seems to me to be
something that should not take a lot of time to set up. Maybe
While I do not have one, I am looking into the alexloop. On eham it has
positive reviews. But don't by the MFJ 1899 (it is quick) but pretty well
useless unless you are lucky
Robert
a 'kosher' ham
Sent from my BlackBerry device
-Original Message-
From: Mike WA8BXN
The laws of physics still apply. Small loop antenna have very large
circulating RF currents. Such currents are highly vulnerable to any
resistance in the conductors or connections.
Until we have room-temperature superconductors such antennas will have very
low efficiencies. But even low
If you are using Windows, there *is* a way to adjust the emu0202 output
in software. It's not by using the EM-U control panel app but by using the
Windows Volume Control applet instead.
I'm using an emu0202 with Windows XP.
Either access the Windows Volume Control from the task bar
or
Navigate
Propagation seemed very poor today. A lot of stations that required
cranking up the gain to pull in, and there were others that I just couldn't
read. We had 21 participants over a 17 minute period. Have a great week.
Here is the list of participants.
Station NameQTH Rig S/N
What is your DC voltage? The KX1 specification is 3-4 watts with 12 volts,
so you are close to the spec right now. If you have an antenna analyzer,
check you dummy load to be certain it is the same 50 ohm pure resistive load
on both bands. Your wattmeter may also be frequency sensitive - many
Now we need to be patient to see if the auto-notch feature can be
enabled whilst running the new settings.
Agreed but not too patient! The new settings seem to work find on SSB
but the loss of auto-notch is the one big miss.
73,
... Joe, W4TV
On 5/6/2012 10:08 PM, Gary Gregory wrote:
At what point in the build process do I install the back light while building
a new K1?
Thanks.
Joe
--
View this message in context:
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/backlight-in-unbuilt-k1-tp7533728.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
How do you know what time the order was placed?
I went back and viewed my original order confirmation e-mail and there is no
time on it, just an order number. Are we to go off of the time that the
e-mail was generated? If that's the case my order went in 12/28 at 6:24PM
EST, or 2324UTC (I
Temporary work-around: manual notch.
Wayne
On May 6, 2012, at 8:49 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
Now we need to be patient to see if the auto-notch feature can be
enabled whilst running the new settings.
Agreed but not too patient! The new settings seem to work find on SSB
but the loss of
90 matches
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