Re: [Elecraft] K1 extinct?

The K1 is as remarkable as the K2, for its small rugged box, it’s a power house feature packed rig. Gotta say its been in its case since I got the KX2. Remarkable rig. Leroy AB7CE -Original Message- From: Lane Sent: Thursday, June 06, 2019 7:50 PM To: Fred Jensen Cc:

Re: [Elecraft] K1 extinct?

Wow, I am really sad about that. After the K2 and a few K3's, I guess I waited too long thinking parts for the 4 band version would eventually be found. :( On Wed, Jun 5, 2019 at 8:58 PM Fred Jensen wrote: > > Yes, sad indeed, but predictable when the parts transmute to unobtainium > in shorter

Re: [Elecraft] K4 Questions

Definitely. Wayne > On Jun 6, 2019, at 2:59 PM, Doug Turnbull wrote: > > Would switching out the superhet front end allow a wider bandwidth for FT8 > in the event that narrower filters are used in the front end. > 73 Doug EI2CN > > -Original Message- > From:

[Elecraft] Flex 6500 Trade?

Would anyone be interested in trading a late model K3S-F fully loaded for a Flex 6500 + cash? This might be a fun opportunity to try a Flex and provide some cash for that K4 purchase you're planning. I'm looking for a really decked out K3S. 73, Kev N4TT (formerly K4VD)

Re: [Elecraft] K4 standing on Sherwood's RX list

Speaking of the foreseeable future  How long will the K3S be in production? I'm a new owner as of last fall and hope pieces/parts and upgrades will continue for some time. Hank K4HYJ K3s, P3, KX3 -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Wayne Burdick

Re: [Elecraft] K4 Skimmer

Yes. Wayne elecraft.com > On Jun 6, 2019, at 3:20 PM, William Osborne wrote: > > Sorry, if this is already answered, but I cannot find it. With the K4 is > there an I/Q output to PC that will support CW Skimmer in wide band mode > (not audio)? I am a 6600M user who is getting

[Elecraft] K4 Skimmer

Sorry, if this is already answered, but I cannot find it.  With the K4 is there an  I/Q output to PC that will support CW Skimmer in wide band mode (not audio)?  I am a 6600M user who is getting very interested in a better UI and better CW! Thanks Bill--K5ZQ

Re: [Elecraft] K4 Questions

Would switching out the superhet front end allow a wider bandwidth for FT8 in the event that narrower filters are used in the front end. 73 Doug EI2CN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Wayne

Re: [Elecraft] K4 Questions

> On Jun 6, 2019, at 2:28 PM, wrote: > > 1.I understand that the K4HD will have a selectable feature that would > allow it to use either the direct sampling or the superhet front end. If I > had a K4HD, why would I ever want to switch from the better superhet front > end to SDR -

[Elecraft] K4 Questions

I have a couple questions regarding the K4 and K4HD - perhaps for Wayne/Eric. 1. I understand that the K4HD will have a selectable feature that would allow it to use either the direct sampling or the superhet front end. If I had a K4HD, why would I ever want to switch from the better

Re: [Elecraft] New K1 Kit

#1 would be true for thru-hole components. SMD components on a board in, say, a K3 were ramped up to about 225 deg C (435 deg F) over SEVERAL minutes. They're designed to withstand those temps. I don't know what the little heat gun I use puts out, but it doesn't burn paper which famously burns

Re: [Elecraft] New K1 Kit

I have serious issues with dexterity as a complication from a broken neck in 2006. I've used sport lock picking as a form of occupational therapy. It has really helped me keep and improve my hand and finger coordination. That translates well to soldering capability. It's not perfect, but it's

Re: [Elecraft] New K1 Kit

1/ It always seemed to me that this method heats up the components much more than using a simple soldering iron, where you can pause between soldering each pad to allow heat to dissipate. 2/ Is that a capacitor standing up at about the 1:12 mark? Not good. Al  W6LX

Re: [Elecraft] New K1 Kit

So true... Eyesight and finger dexterity are the right tools as well. And, as it was so astutely stated - not everyone has the right tools. Let me add one thing - not everyone has the right tools in their peak condition. I used to dismiss this argument myself. Now I am ashamed that I did. (My

Re: [Elecraft] New K1 Kit

Heathkit has a kit to learn surface mount soldering. You build a code practice oscillator. https://shop.heathkit.com/shop/product/heathrulestm-cpo-active-rulertm-surface-mount-solder-skills-learning-kit-er-1001-40 I’m tempted to get one. That would be a nice skill to pick up. wunder K6WRU

Re: [Elecraft] New K1 Kit

That’s the key, of course. Most don’t have the right tools ... regardless, I think it would be a losing proposition since it would require basically re-engineering the radio .. Grant NQ5T Sent from my iPhone > > With the right tools building surface mount can be easier than thu hole. > >

Re: [Elecraft] New K1 Kit

Hi Grant, There certainly were a lot more than a handful that build the NorCal 2030 that had a surface parts count close if not more that the K1. With the right tools building surface mount can be easier than thu hole. ---Paul AK1P On 6/6/2019 3:18 PM, Grant Youngman wrote: There probably

Re: [Elecraft] band decode/antenna switch controller

Joe I have built the SM2WMW 2x6 and have a separate Arduino based decoder that supports SO2R configuration and works with N1MM. Its not too difficult to design nor pull together the code to have it interface between N1MM and the 2x6 switch. Details here….

Re: [Elecraft] New K1 Kit

There probably aren’t more than a handful of folks who could actually build an SMD kit of any size without having to send it back to Elecraft to be built or to fix the mess. Grant NQ5T K3 #2091 KX3 #8342 > On Jun 6, 2019, at 3:13 PM, Gwen Patton wrote: > > I have a decent soldering station,

Re: [Elecraft] band decode/antenna switch controller

If you'd like to tackle a DIY project, take a look at the FreqEZ Band Decoder project. http://hamprojects.info/freqez/ Decode by: BCD output, Radio Frequency, or up to 250 Band Segments16 SPDT relay outputsNo DIP switches, diodes, solder-bridges. All configuration is via software

Re: [Elecraft] New K1 Kit

I have a decent soldering station, but for SMD beyond a few parts I don't use a soldering iron. I use an i-Extruder pencil (a stepper-motor powered syringe dispenser) to apply dots of solder paste to the pads, then tweezers to pick-and-place the components. If it's a small area, I use my hot air

Re: [Elecraft] band decode/antenna switch controller

Note: the SM2WMV 6x2 switch (including "lockout" board") is essentially a knock off of the microHAM "Double Six Switch." While it handles the antenna switching, it does not perform any band decoding. That requires a separate decoder for each transmitter - from a simple BCD to 1 of N decoder

Re: [Elecraft] New K1 Kit

Dead bug construction ROCKS. On Thu, Jun 6, 2019 at 2:02 PM Wayne Burdick wrote: > I miss the good ol' days, e.g. high school, when my quick 'n' dirty > transceiver projects were built by twisting component leads together. No > PCB, no chassis, nothing but raw parts. Hook up a 9 V battery and a

Re: [Elecraft] New K1 Kit

Yes, pretty easy, but not true that it takes any special or expensive soldering station to do quality SMD work. In the winter months I do a lot of SMD work. I don't have a quality soldering station at all. I use solder paste from a small syringe, cheap tweezers, a $2 coffee cup warmer

Re: [Elecraft] New K1 Kit

I miss the good ol' days, e.g. high school, when my quick 'n' dirty transceiver projects were built by twisting component leads together. No PCB, no chassis, nothing but raw parts. Hook up a 9 V battery and a shamelessly untuned wire antenna. Work DX. Repeat. Wayne N6KR > On Jun 6, 2019, at

Re: [Elecraft] New K1 Kit

I agree. SMD soldering is actually much faster than through holes because you don't have to trim leads. It is just a matter of getting used to small parts. Magnifying glasses will definitely be necessary for most of us. Reviving K1 with SMD parts will make a very trail-friendly radio. On Thu,

Re: [Elecraft] K4 standing on Sherwood's RX list

To quote the K4 product brochure: Modular, upgradeable architecture The K4 is our radio for the present and foreseeable future, extensible in both software and hardware. Wayne N6KR > On Jun 6, 2019, at 10:53 AM, Grant Youngman wrote: > > Certainly agree. And you never know — if the K4

Re: [Elecraft] New K1 Kit

Not for me!  The soldering station is a WMD in my hands at this age. 73, Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW Sparks NV DM09dn Washoe County On 6/6/2019 10:50 AM, James Doty wrote: SMD soldering is actually pretty easy. __ Elecraft mailing list

Re: [Elecraft] New K1 Kit

Correct on both counts. Trust me, as the designer of both the K1 and KX1 I have a soft spot for them and would love to bring them back. But several of the critical parts became impossible to source, and a substantial redesign would be required to work around them. The good news: the KX2 is

Re: [Elecraft] Alpha Antenna/KX3

The RX only loop you're describing are VERY different from magnetic loops designed for TX. 73, Jim K9YC On 6/6/2019 9:11 AM, Edward R Cole wrote: Interesting reviews on some of the loop antennas.  I've seen W4OP adv's for several years. I plan to make a receive-only 630m loop (4 to 6 foot

Re: [Elecraft] K4 standing on Sherwood's RX list

Certainly agree. And you never know — if the K4 has a life-cycle similar to the K3/K3S, there may one day be new (affordable) plug-in 24 bit A/D boards without having to buy.a whole new radio :-) Grant NQ5T K3 #2091 KX3 #8342 > On Jun 6, 2019, at 1:47 PM, Scott Manthe wrote: > > Where a

Re: [Elecraft] New K1 Kit

SMD soldering is actually pretty easy. It does take a good quality soldering station to do it though. Yes, I need magnification when soldering surface mount components. :) __ Elecraft mailing list Home:

Re: [Elecraft] New K1 Kit

I thought the retirement of the K1 was due to parts being rendered as unobtanium, which would more or less demand a redesign; would it not? On Thu, Jun 6, 2019 at 1:28 PM Dan Baker wrote: > With the K1 talk I would like to propose, a thousand of us give a 50% > deposit on a new run. I’m not

Re: [Elecraft] K4 standing on Sherwood's RX list

Where a particular rig lands on "The List" isn't the only consideration. The K4 seems improved in a number of ways beyond its raw performance compared to the K3. It is a more modern design (direct sampling) with the ability to add extra features as needed. I'm not sure I'll be upgrading soon,

Re: [Elecraft] New K1 Kit

Maybe it's just me, but seems the issue is the end of through-hole components? In other words, it might be possible to revive the K1, but it'd be all surface mount. 73 -- Lynn On 6/6/2019 10:28 AM, Dan Baker wrote: A K1 would provide us with a through hole kit.

Re: [Elecraft] K4 standing on Sherwood's RX list

I wouldn't go that far but a much improved standing on the Sherwood list would probably be lost on me. I would be more interested in the improved NB/NR processing of the K4 and several operational features. 73, Drew AF2Z On 06/06/19 13:27, Grant Youngman wrote: The way I operate, I’d

Re: [Elecraft] New K1 Kit

That would be so great! I’m in! Only 998 to go. Randy KE8JWB > On Jun 6, 2019, at 1:28 PM, Dan Baker wrote: > > With the K1 talk I would like to propose, a thousand of us give a 50% > deposit on a new run. I’m not asking for a redesign, just one with updated > parts so they can resume

[Elecraft] New K1 Kit

With the K1 talk I would like to propose, a thousand of us give a 50% deposit on a new run. I’m not asking for a redesign, just one with updated parts so they can resume manufacturing. I don’t see a need for the KX1, we have a KX2. A K1 would provide us with a through hole kit. I would not have to

Re: [Elecraft] K4 standing on Sherwood's RX list

The way I operate, I’d probably be fine with a DX-20 and SX-99 :-) Grant NQ5T K3 #2091 KX3 #8342 > As you can tell, I am no RF engineer but simply a numbers guy > who is interested in having a better performing rig purely for ego sake > because the K3 already supplies and outperforms my

[Elecraft] K4 standing on Sherwood's RX list

Maybe I've missed an answer since I don't read all the posts but I'm wondering if the K4HD's design should beat the K3S's on Sherwood's RX list. I'm sure it will be at least a year before that list is updated with a production K4HD so plenty of time to speculate. I have not seen any detailed

Re: [Elecraft] Alpha Antenna/KX3

I built a loop a few months ago, using flexible plastic pipe strap and 1/2" copper foil tape with conductive adhesive. I used a junkbox air-gap capacitor and a 10x vernier knob to tune it. I ran 100w through it on FT8 and ran an infrared thermometer all around it and it barely warmed past room

Re: [Elecraft] band decode/antenna switch controller

Evert, No, it decodes by band and not by frequency segments. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/6/2019 11:32 AM, Evert Bakker wrote: A Q abt the KRC2: Is it possible two switch to two different antennes within one band but based on frequency span ?

Re: [Elecraft] Alpha Antenna/KX3

Interesting reviews on some of the loop antennas. I've seen W4OP adv's for several years. I plan to make a receive-only 630m loop (4 to 6 foot diam) out of some surplus 1/2-inch hardline that is too old for coax use. The copper shield should do well in a loop. I will use a preamp with it

Re: [Elecraft] band decode/antenna switch controller

Going in a slightly different direction, you might want to consider the Green Heron Everyware system. It will allow you to do all kinds of things, pretty much anything you can think up, and has the added advantage of eliminating a bunch of control cables. You can use inexpensive multiple relay

Re: [Elecraft] band decode/antenna switch controller

A Q abt the KRC2: Is it possible two switch to two different antennes within one band but based on frequency span ? Example: 3.500 - 3.650 Mc Antenna 1 3.650 - 3.800 Mc Antenne 2 73's, Evert PA2KW __ Elecraft mailing list Home:

Re: [Elecraft] band decode/antenna switch controller

I concur. I have owned the original Top Ten six position Banddecoders for decades. They work very well with Elecraft as well as other brands of transceivers and N3RD offers fantastic support. Automatic antenna and bandpass filter switching is so nice to have. I even brought one along

Re: [Elecraft] band decode/antenna switch controller

David, You are apparently looking for the Elecraft KRC2. It is on the website - enter KRC2 in the website search box to find it. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/6/2019 10:52 AM, David F. Reed wrote: In planning my next station, I have not found one item I would like to add... I wish to automatically

Re: [Elecraft] band decode/antenna switch controller

I've used band decoders from Top Ten Devices for many years. https://toptendevices.com/products/band-aide-band-decoder/ Jim N7US > On Jun 6, 2019, at 3:52 PM, David F. Reed wrote: > > In planning my next station, I have not found one item I would like to > add... > > I wish to

Re: [Elecraft] band decode/antenna switch controller

David Elecraft does and its the KCR2 kit. See my blog for snaps etc https://nomadic.blog/2019/01/07/suitcase-dxpedition-station-automation-step-1-the-elecraft-krc2/ Also, I have been down a

[Elecraft] band decode/antenna switch controller

In planning my next station, I have not found one item I would like to add... I wish to automatically select the correct antenna per band when using a K3 or K4 with associated amplifier. The objective is to select the appropriate 1 of 8 possibilities remotely, I am currently doing this

Re: [Elecraft] K3: Antenna not connecting on change to BC frequencies

I don’t think that “neither” is a normal state for the AKAT3. Its either 1 or 2. Have you talked to Elecraft? Perhaps there’d be more able to help. Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill > On Jun 6, 2019, at 1:24 AM, Nigel wrote: > > Hi Ben, thankyou for your suggestions, all of which I have

Re: [Elecraft] K4: superhet vs. direct sampling

Which is interesting. We were taught that you can recover signals up to the Nyquist frequency (half sampling frequency) before aliasing becomes an issue. People low pass filter well before then to avoid aliasing issues, but it means you need a sampling frequency sufficiently more than twice the

Re: [Elecraft] K4: superhet vs. direct sampling

On 05/06/2019 13:23, W2xj wrote: Direct sampling has no image issues. That's because they are called aliasing issues! -- David Woolley __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: