[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Announcement

Good Evening,    I hiked along the southern edge of my property today.  Much of the alder that had blown down in 2007 has crumbled into soil.  I found it easier to traverse as did a number of elk.  They were cutting across from the intermittent stream to get to the canyon on the other side. 

[Elecraft] Power Supplies and Voltage drop

{I changed the topic for good reason.}    Was " K3S poor CW keying further investigation" Lee brings up a good point with regard to power supply terminals. If you have one of those power supplies that have the terminals with a set screw in the side, you are limited to the number or wires or

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

Chuck, I am late to this discussion so I might be saying things that already been said. I found the same issue. Voltage down to 11.5 volts on any ps I used. So, I found the issue was power pole connectors that were to light. Look for power pole connectors that handle 30 amps or so. Power

Re: [Elecraft] Power supply V drop - was poor CW on K3S

This is a huge misperception that is very dangerous! If the power supply (PSU) doesn't have an in-line fuse on the 12VDC, then you're taking a grave chance should a short occur in the cable between the PSU and radio. Ask folks who have set their cars on fire. Like a battery, there should be a

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

Power poles are fine, if they are installed according to directions. Rig runners are OK for accessories and QRP rigs, but if your K2 has the amplifier it should be connected directly to the power supply. 73, Victor, 4X6GP Rehovot, Israel Formerly K2VCO CWops no. 5 http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

Wonder what the time constant is for a remote sense power supply. Jack BMW Motorcycles Chuck KE9UW c-haw...@illinois.edu Sent from my iPad > On Apr 25, 2020, at 2:00 PM, Pete Lascell wrote: > > To bad the power supply doesn't have remote voltage sense to regulate at the > far end of the 12

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

I bought another one of those Samsung supplies just for the K3S. Jack BMW Motorcycles Chuck KE9UW c-haw...@illinois.edu Sent from my iPad > On Apr 25, 2020, at 11:55 AM, N4ZR wrote: > > Thanks, Martin - I take it all back - my radio drops the voltage down to > 11.0 volts at 100 watts key

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

Just an observation regarding Don's comment: Last week I decided to do my radio shack reorganization (complete relocation of things) and one result is the main 12v line from my station Astron 50M PS, which is welding wire (no.6 awg?), to my main distribution strip was shortened from about 16

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

To bad the power supply doesn't have remote voltage sense to regulate at the far end of the 12 volt power cable. Pete W4WWQ - Original Message - From: To: Sent: 4/25/2020 2:47:12 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

Hi Pete, The K3 100 watt power amplifier includes a 25 amp circuit breaker on the rear panel of your radio. The rest of the K3 electronics is protected by an internal 5 amp self resetting fuse. There's absolutely no need for external fuses, except in a mobile installation where external

Re: [Elecraft] Power supply V drop - was poor CW on K3S

On 4/25/2020 12:19 PM, Fred Jensen wrote: ... If this is a fixed installation and your power supply has some form of overcurrent protection [e.g. crowbar], there may be no need for any fuses in the power cable. A crowbar circuit will short the output of the PS to prevent an over-voltage

Re: [Elecraft] Power supply V drop - was poor CW on K3S

"glass fuses"?  You want to avoid the in-line cylindrical cartridge fuses, the holders almost always have too much resistance.  Blade-type automotive fuses are much better ... much more contact surface, much more contact pressure, and a wiping action as you insert the fuse.  A drop of DeOxit

Re: [Elecraft] About my capacitor failure (etc.) issue:

We're getting far off the topic of Elecraft radios ... > > > Investigation showed that the steel chassis was not 100% flat and the > contact surface of the rectifier was compromised. Good lesson. Contact resistances need to be accounted for in the thermal model and analysis.. They are never

Re: [Elecraft] About my capacitor failure (etc.) issue:

If they are paralleling two 35A diodes in the new builds, they may have repeated the same mistake. Does this give a 50% derating (a typical factor) for full load forward current? I dunno. One can do the math [1] and figure it out. A 50 A bridge (no need to parallel) is OK by design. That's

[Elecraft] Power supply update

I'm trying to keep the subject line updated... I'm now powering the K3S with just under 3 feet of #10, direct from the power supply to the rig, nothing else in the line. The K3S reads 14.2V at rest, 13.6V at full power out. The power supply at the terminals, using my DVM, reads 14.50 at rest,

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

Thanks, Martin - I take it all back - my radio drops the voltage down to 11.0 volts at 100 watts key down.  I'm really surprised, because I figured that the breakers in the 4005i wouldn't have so much drop.I'll have to figure out how best to siamese my power supply output so that it goes both

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

On 4/25/2020 5:13 AM, Chuck Chandler wrote: At rest the K3S panel display shows 13.6V, with full power key down it dips to 11.5 or so. This seems like a lot. I'm running the power cable thru a RigRunner Powerpole strip. If I can dig out another power supply from the packed boxes I can wire

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

I agree with Bob, TAX. if it doesn't have the connectors you need, then don't buy it. The message is pretty clear if one has the needed connectors for that power level and the other doesn’t. One sits on the shelf of the vendor, the other one flys off the shelf. -73- FrankKG9H

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

Tap DISC and rotate the B knob for various including voltage readout Jack BMW Motorcycles Chuck KE9UW c-haw...@illinois.edu Sent from my iPad > On Apr 25, 2020, at 11:19 AM, N4ZR wrote: > > That's right - my focus was (perhaps too narrowly) on the behavior of the > power supply under load,

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

Change the connectors on the power supply to accommodate several ring type connectors.   Use 1" long   #10 bolts, nuts, flat washers and insulating washers which are easy to find at your local hardware store and are very easy to use and replace.  Then you can connect 8 to 10 pieces of

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

DISP and rotate vfo B for desired measurement option. Martin, HS0ZED On 25/04/2020 23:19, N4ZR wrote: That's right - my focus was (perhaps too narrowly) on the behavior of the power supply under load, not on losses in the system.  Now if someone can just tell me how to read the voltage at

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

That's right - my focus was (perhaps too narrowly) on the behavior of the power supply under load, not on losses in the system.  Now if someone can just tell me how to read the voltage at the transceiver - I know there's a menu setting somewhere but my radio is fairly early and the manual

Re: [Elecraft] Power supply V drop - was poor CW on K3S

If it’s a regulated power supply with crowbar And the radio has a fuse why are you using inline fuses? Sent from my iPhone > On Apr 25, 2020, at 10:04, Chuck Chandler wrote: > > Here's an update. > > I replaced the power cable running from the powerstrip with a 3-foot length > with glass

[Elecraft] Power supply V drop - was poor CW on K3S

Here's an update. I replaced the power cable running from the powerstrip with a 3-foot length with glass fuse holders in each leg. I also adjusted the power supply to 14.50V at rest. The K3S now shows 14.2V at rest. At 100W TX the K3S shows 13.2V, so a 1 volt drop. Way too much. The power

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

I took off the original connectors and replaced them with suitable #10 bolts, nuts, insulating washers and flat washers. The point, if the supply doesn't have the connectors you need, then don't buy it!     We are hams and hams have always made things work they way needed and as they should

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

Solder each power supply lead to a short length of #10 wire. Insulate the connection well. 73, Don W3FPR On 4/25/2020 11:12 AM, Ron Manfredi wrote: Fewer power supplies (meaning the switching type) have actual terminal bolts to use with ring connectors.  If the supply doesn't have that type

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

Ron: > On Apr 25, 2020, at 10:12 AM, Ron Manfredi wrote: > > Fewer power supplies (meaning the switching type) have actual terminal bolts > to use with ring connectors. If the supply doesn't have that type of > connector, then what alternatives are there to being able to use one supply > in

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

I did notice that the post mentioned that his power supply dipped in voltage but as for preventing issues due to low voltage, it's not your voltmeter on the power supply that is the proper indicator. It is the voltage on the input to the K3 that you should be noting. It's available on the menu

Re: [Elecraft] For Sale: Elecraft W-2 Wattmeter/SWR Bridge

Do you have a price? Which Sensors to you have? Mike va3mw On Sat, Apr 25, 2020 at 11:21 AM Charles Tropp wrote: > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help:

[Elecraft] For Sale: Elecraft W-2 Wattmeter/SWR Bridge

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Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

Fewer power supplies (meaning the switching type) have actual terminal bolts to use with ring connectors.  If the supply doesn't have that type of connector, then what alternatives are there to being able to use one supply in a station that has more than one high current rig,  (even if they

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

Jim et al: Thank you for confirming  exactly what I've written and suggested. TO ALLPLEASE do not use power strips to supply DC to your radio from your power supply.   ALWAYS connect the radio direct to the power supply terminals.    The power pole and DC distributions strips are ok

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

For whatever it may be worth, my K3 is run through a West Mountain RigRunner 4005i, and the voltmeter on my SEC 1235M doesn't even flicker when I go key-down at 100 watts. I'm wondering if a 25-amp-rated supply (perhaps a little optimistic) might be to blame.  My K3 draws 20.2 amps at 100

[Elecraft] K4 S-Meter Characteristics

Who uses S-values anyway? Maybe for serious propagation measurements, but I haven't heard anything but "5NN" or "59" in a contest as far back as I can remember, and likewise in CW DX work. It's programmed into the logging software and probably impossible to dislodge. I was recently in a DX

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

Gunny et al: The issue with power distribution strips for DC is resistance. Every contact or connection in the path adds some value of resistance.  Using Ohms law, where E = IR, we see that more resistance = more voltage drop.  This includes the resistance of the DC power cable and any

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

Don, Yes, Anderson Powerpoles are fine connectors. Just don't use too many of then when powering a 100 watt rig. IMHO, Rigrunners are handy things, but running a 100 watt transceiver from them is cause for significant voltage drops. Each contact point will have some resistance. A fused

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

The short answer is that too much voltage drop on transmit puts radios in an operational configuration where they produce more IMD and other bad things. Any connection in the power supply will introduce additional resistance. At the current levels used during 100W transmission, it doesn't

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

I had been using a power pole strip to power everything. After seeing some discussion on this topic some time ago I found that in the string of 3 power pole connections in my setup at the time I was seeing around a 1 volt drop in the voltage on the K3 metering between receive and 100 watts

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

Bob, Is it safe to run my K2 using Anderson Power Pole connections, and/or RigRunner equipment? For my info, what is the reason for NOT using them? I’m rewiring, and I want to do it right! Gunny, KE0PVQ Sent from Mail for Windows 10 From:

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

Nuts, just measure the drop between radio and power supply see if it is reasonable. Mine is 0.25 volts when transmitting. I run 14.0 out of supply. Ray W8LYJ Sent from my iPad > On Apr 25, 2020, at 07:48, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: > > As to the RigRunner power pole strip.PUT IT IN

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

As to the RigRunner power pole strip.PUT IT IN THE TRASH where it belongs.    NEVER NEVER NEVER use a power distribution strip to power a 100 watt radio.   ALWAYS connect the radio direct to the power supply terminals.   NO exceptions! 73 Bob, K4TAX On 4/25/2020 7:13 AM, Chuck

[Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

After more checking, I suspect the internal 100W amp is the common factor in the poor keying characteristics I'm seeing and hearing about from my rig. I am trying to determine if my power supply is doing it's job. I'm using a TenTec 963 switching supply rated at 25A continuous. At rest the K3S

Re: [Elecraft] KX3 with older Heil headset

YES, a LOT of Mic Gain! On Fri, Apr 24, 2020 at 10:03 PM Nr4c wrote: > Oops, one more thing. You’ll need lots of mic gain. > > Sent from my iPhone > ...nr4c. bill > > > > On Apr 24, 2020, at 8:29 PM, Bert wrote: > > > > Hi all, > > > > I want to use an older Heil headset, with an HC-4

Re: [Elecraft] K4 S-meter characteristics

Well said, Brian. A calibrated S-meter may be helpfull for side-to-side on-air equipment comparisons (e.g. antennas) and not for contest business. From time to time you will even find a few people fighting the 20dB HF to VHF/UHF offset Real- world VHF transverters do need slightly more

Re: [Elecraft] Frequency display on P3?

+1, yup!  Mine is spot on, as calibrated... as in less than 1 Hz error rate. __ Clay Autery, KY5G (318) 518-1389 On 04/24/20 20:27, M. George wrote: It sounds like you need to do the frequency calibration as documented on page 39 of the manual

Re: [Elecraft] OT: Astron RS-35M Transformer Hum

LOL!  That's funny! 73, __ Clay Autery, KY5G (318) 518-1389 On 04/24/20 18:21, Dale Boresz wrote: I have a stack of QST magazines from 1996 resting on top of my Astron VS-35M. No transformer hum at all! Have not tried magazines from any other years, so YMMV... 73, Dale -