I have homemade adjustable spark gaps on my open wire line. It’s important to
realize that voltages from normal operation on open wire lines can be quite
high. My installation is atypical since I run a very high SWR on some bands,
but the TLW program calculates as much as 7kv at the entrance to
I’ve had two warranty repairs which were each a couple months after receiving
the Elecraft product and in both cases was shipped the replacement module
before returning the module with the issue. No down time on two products and
out of dozens of Elecraft products purchased which never had any
One of the features of our new website is a rotating series of customer
testimonials (at the bottom of the home page). We'd like to upload a couple of
fresh quotes here rather than use the ones from our old site.
If you'd like to contribute a short sentence or two about your favorite
Elecraft
Open wire feedlines used to have "spark balls" for lightning protection
on high power transmitter installations. Admittedly, the transmitters
used tubes.
73,
Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County
On 10/30/2018 2:32 PM, rv6amark via Elecraft wrote:
Re: "Spark plugs fire at
Yes my grounding system is NEC compliant. And yes my insurance company is
happy. Their last inspection they asked that I replace 5 or 6 boards on the
Deck.
>From a 29 years ago memory I think I had around 2K total plus sweat equity
installing the commercial type ground system. That 2K is small
On 10/30/2018 12:30 PM, Andy Yates wrote:
Follow their directions here:
https://vp6d.com/index.php/dxpedition/ft8-operating-guidelines
The executive summary -- Use WSJT-X version 1.9, NOT 2.0 betas. They are
working DXpedition mode on all bands EXCEPT 160M. To enter DXpedition
mode, go to
Re: "Spark plugs fire at 12,000 to 25,000 Volts. Some require as much as
45,000 V."
That is at the pressure inside the combustion chamber. At atmospheric
pressure, they fire at much lower voltages; however, Walter's point is still
valid. Turn on voltage is far more reliable with gas
> On Oct 30, 2018, at 12:50 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:
>
> Does my K3 have a static bleed across the antenna terminal(s)?
Yes.
Wayne
N6KR
> A number of years ago, our CQP team in Alpine County fried the front end of
> an IC-760 II in a snow storm [precip static]. Then, with an accumulated
Considering that Joe Taylor has specifically said that v2.0-RC3 will
default to 77 bit messages in DXPedition mode and should not be used for
any DXPeditions until after the final General Availability release; and
VP6D on the website's FT8 operating procedure page asks that v1.9.1 be
used
FWIW ... K1JT in the FT8 DXPedition mode user guide specifically says,
if you can't hear the DXPedition station, don't call them.
Item #7 for hounds says:
"Please do not call Fox if you are not receiving his transmissions. Do
not call Fox if he issues a directed CQ (“CQ EU”, “CQ 7”, …) and
Spark plugs fire at 12,000 to 25,000 Volts. Some require as much as 45,000 V.
I’d recommend something in addition to spark plugs. Gas discharge tubes have a
turn-on voltage of 150 V to 2000 V, depending on the model.
wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)
All this is good info. Some right on and some just there. From decades of
using wire antennas with 600 ohm ladder line to a switch yard for selection, I
use the old FORD approach. All ladder lines have back to back old Ford spark
plugs in front of all the switching. The common point on the
Ha...never thought of that one.
I guess it could. Zero $.
Of course, one would have to try it.
73 Tom
-Original Message-
From: Richard Ferch
Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2018 4:09 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Win4k3Suite Question
Tom, a question
Tom, a question for you. He already has a KX3 with IQ outputs. Could he
tune the KX3 to the K3's IF at 8215 kHz, connect it to the K3's IF Out
jack, and use it as the SDR for his spectrum display with the K3?
Thanks for correcting me on the ExtIO business.
73,
Rich VE3KI
Tom wrote:
Your
If one used a KAT500, as I do, it has static bleed resistors on all antenna
inputs.
Bob, K4TAX
Sent from my iPhone
> On Oct 30, 2018, at 2:50 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:
>
> Does my K3 have a static bleed across the antenna terminal(s)? A number of
> years ago, our CQP team in Alpine County
If you're talking about yesterday [Mon], they were completely off the
air for a couple of hours midday here on the western frontier.
73,
Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County
On 10/30/2018 7:25 AM, Carl Yaffey wrote:
I worked them. Like you, I heard many “hounds” and no VP6 for
Does my K3 have a static bleed across the antenna terminal(s)? A number
of years ago, our CQP team in Alpine County fried the front end of an
IC-760 II in a snow storm [precip static]. Then, with an accumulated
300 or so years of amateur radio experience on the team, we replaced it
with a
On 2018-10-30 9:54 AM, Barry wrote:
>
One last comment: I suggest that an UPS be used just for the surge
protection from A/C and other motors on the line. A large motor can
throw quite a surge onto the line even with no lightning to add to
the voltage. An UPS is really cheap insurance to
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Follow their directions here:
https://vp6d.com/index.php/dxpedition/ft8-operating-guidelines
Andy - W4KIL
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Post:
download and try WSJT-X 2.0 rc3 that is the latest I thought there is a
difference between 1.9 & 2.0
Ed KD7PY
--
Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
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Home:
Hi,
Your options are as follows:
First you need the IF output from your K3. Win4K3 does not support an RX
antenna solution on the K3. However, you can use another spectrum display
product like HDSDR or SDRUno synced with OmniRig to Win4K3. You would have
to be sure that your SDR device is
On 2018-10-30 11:21 AM, Richard Ferch wrote:
>
You said you wanted to be able to use a spectrum scope. For that you
will need some kind of software defined radio (SDR) external to the
K3. I believe Win4K3Suite can use any SDR for which there is an ExtIO
dll file available, such as one of the
This is key. I spent most of my professional life as Director of
Engineering in TV stations. Our towers were hit in nearly every
thunderstorm (1000 - 1600 foot towers are targets) but never had
any lightning damage to towers, antennas or equipment because the
towers were properly grounded,
On 10/30/2018 9:17 AM, John K9UWA wrote:
> So YES a Tower can be protected from damage. When the TV stations and Radio
> station towers get hit they don't even go off air. Neither does my Ham
> Station.
My firm designs communication sites for the Public Safety and Homeland
Security sectors
On 10/29/2018 8:08 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
Many of us remember to disconnect antennas when lightning is anticipated. But in our
experience, the most common source of damage, by far, is from an attached computer.
Computers themselves often fail due to lightning strikes. They can also act as
So I've been here before. Had a bad lightning strike and then put a lot of
effort into constructing a proper commercial grounding system around my
vertical. That part worked very well. What I never expected is that the
next strike would jump over the vertical, over my drive way and follow the
Agreed. And your grounding system alone certainly cost several
thousand dollars more than most ham stations.
I will also add, if your ground system, implementation and methods do
not comply with NEC, in the event of any loss, your insurance company
can simply say "it has been nice doing
Depends on which version of WSJT-X being used. For V1.9.1 the 77 bit
message does not apply. For V2.0.0 RC3 it does apply.
73
Bob, K4TAX
On 10/30/2018 10:22 AM, Don Butler wrote:
Same intermittent problem here. I finally found that the ‘Decode only 77 bit
messages’ box seems to be
Correction: -28.5dB
John AE5X
https://ae5x.blogspot.com
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In the fall of 1988 I installed a 160 foot tower. I already had a 120 foot
tower and
an 88 foot tower In the spring of 1989 the tall tower was hit by a direct hit
and it
was about 10K to repair all the damage. My homeowners insurance company was
not at all impressed. I was given Assigned Risk
Since VP6D is responding to multiple callers at once (on multiple
frequencies), his signal strength is reduced from what it would be if he
were making a transmission on a single frequency.
For example, if a single-freq reply from him would be -23dB, if he is
transmitting to several callers
Same intermittent problem here. I finally found that the ‘Decode only 77 bit
messages’ box seems to be checked by default when you go to fox/hound mode in
WSJT-X V 2.0.0 RC3 … when it is ‘unchecked’ VP6D’s transmissions will suddenly
be decoded …. BUT that unchecked box cannot be saved … the
The two connectors you mentioned are actually a DE-9 RS232 port, for radio
control communications with the computer, and a DE-15 ACC port, which is
generally used for communicating with other station equipment such as a
power amplifier, band switches, bandpass filters, automatic antenna tuners,
Yes Brandon is tops!
73 Dwight NS9I
On 10/30/2018 10:53 AM, Gerry Villhauer wrote:
Just a note about the customer service I received from Elecraft. I have been
having a problem getting my newly acquired K3/0 mini and Remoterig to work over
the internet. I received a callback from Brandon,
Just a note about the customer service I received from Elecraft. I have been
having a problem getting my newly acquired K3/0 mini and Remoterig to work over
the internet. I received a callback from Brandon, he very excellently, talked
me through the setup and got the problem solved. I have
Howdy Gang.
The Timewave Navigator advertised yesterday has been sold.
73, Joe W2KJ
I QRP, therefore I am
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I use win4k3 as my rig control. I use the macros window to control other
things. It also has the ability work with AC LOG which is my favorite logging
software. It also works with other digital software.
I use the small rig control window. The only thing I wish it had was adjustable
window
I worked them. Like you, I heard many “hounds” and no VP6 for quite a while.
Then suddenly, there they were, responding. I think it’s propagation. Keep
calling.
73
> On Oct 30, 2018, at 10:00 AM, engineercm wrote:
>
> I'm not able to decode any transmissions from VP6D but can decode
>
No! The KX3 has I analog data coming out of the side of the radio
already. All that is needed is to feed an external sound card that data,
and then, tell Win4K3 what the spectrum source is, pretty straight
forward. I find the KX3 setup easier and less complex than the K3. With
the K3, you need
I'm not able to decode any transmissions from VP6D but can decode
transmissions of those calling VP6D.
I have limited experience with FT8 but have been successful before. Current
version: 1.9.1. Getting red/yellow blobs (love that term) where hounds are
calling. Have read/re-read Don's job
Wayne,
Good advice! I use a combination of preventatives. First, I buffer
my power going to any sensitive electronics. I use a battery backup
system, an UPS, to buffer the power. If there is a surge, the battery
absorbs it. Second, I believe you will ultimately have a problem if you
leave
Does not require an SDR, like an SDRPlay?
73,
de VE5UO
On Tue, Oct 30, 2018 at 7:33 AM Barry wrote:
> Terry,
> All you should need is a connection to the computers com port.
> Win4K3 know which radio and just works. The connection should be the
> data connection, but you will need a
Terry,
All you should need is a connection to the computers com port.
Win4K3 know which radio and just works. The connection should be the
data connection, but you will need a compatible connection on the
computer or an adapter if you only have USB connections on the computer
side. Just
The word we use is "mitigation". All efforts in this regard are done
to minimize damage. Note that I used "minimize damage". With
lightning, "elimination of damage" is not a word or phrase we use.
Thus with lightning, "mitigation" methods should be carefully
considered, and in the
For the past 30 years I have lived-in the highest point for 25 miles in any
direction. I have three towers, 70 feet, 150 feet, and, until two years
ago, 200 feet. I lowered the 200 foot tower to 155 feet two years ago.
For the first 15 years my equipment was struck and damaged 4 times for a
very good suggestions Wayne. I work in the Communications field and have for
40 years. I have seen massive amounts of lightning damage, regardless of
grounding , protection, etc etc. If you take a direct hit.. something is
going to fry and that’s it.
I unplug antennas, power cords AND
Get the KDVR. It can be useful as well as fun!
Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill
> On Oct 30, 2018, at 1:01 AM, Peter Dougherty (W2IRT) wrote:
>
> Now that the problem with the KPA3 module on my K3s has been identified I'm
> sending my beloved rig off to Watsonville later today. While it's
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