Re: [Elecraft] For Sale - "K-line" Covers

[David Inger]

The covers have been spoken for.

73 de K6SBA

David in Santa Barbara, CA

OhK4 #906, Yeah Baby!!!
__
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] K1 and KX3 for sale

[Randall Wood]

Good evening all,

I have both a K1 and a KX3 for sale. 

Please reach out for details.

Thanks!
Randy KE8JWB 
__
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] For Sale - "K-line" Covers

[Edward Mccann]

Dave-
I’ll take them.
Ed McCann
AG6CX
Sausalito

> On Aug 24, 2022, at 5:53 PM, David Inger  wrote:
> 
> Recently I sold my K3 and P3 to partially fund my new K4.  I have set of 
> barely used covers that are in excellent (dare I say new?) condition.  The 
> way I ended up arranging my equipment there was very little need to cover the 
> various pieces.
> 
> The covers were made by Pat Osborne, KI4RFT.  They are made very high quality 
> felt-backed black vinyl. Each cover is embroidered in gold with "ELECRAFT" 
> and the equipment model.  The four covers are for the:
> 
> * K3
> * P3
> * KAT500
> * KPA500
> 
> I want to sell them as a set, rather than messing around with multiple 
> shipments.  $50.00 will get you the complete set including shipping.   Please 
> no PayPal.  I will accept USPS M.O., personal check, Venmo or Zelle.  Or, if 
> you are in the vicinity of Santa Barbara, CA you are welcome to pick them up.
> 
> 73 de K6SBA
> 
> David Inger
> __
> 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 edwmcc...@gmail.com 
__
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] For Sale - "K-line" Covers

[David Inger]

Recently I sold my K3 and P3 to partially fund my new K4.  I have set of barely 
used covers that are in excellent (dare I say new?) condition.  The way I ended 
up arranging my equipment there was very little need to cover the various 
pieces.

The covers were made by Pat Osborne, KI4RFT.  They are made very high quality 
felt-backed black vinyl. Each cover is embroidered in gold with "ELECRAFT" and 
the equipment model.  The four covers are for the:

* K3
* P3
* KAT500
* KPA500

I want to sell them as a set, rather than messing around with multiple 
shipments.  $50.00 will get you the complete set including shipping.   Please 
no PayPal.  I will accept USPS M.O., personal check, Venmo or Zelle.  Or, if 
you are in the vicinity of Santa Barbara, CA you are welcome to pick them up.

73 de K6SBA

David Inger
__
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] Lighting

[David Gilbert]

The current can be an issue, though if you have anything metallic in 
your hand.  Solid state linear power supplies are basically arc welders.


73,
Dave  AB7E


On 8/24/2022 4:52 PM, jerry wrote:



   One of the most endearing things about my solid state linear 
projects is that there's nothing in there that will kill me.  Just 53V.


 - Jerry, KF6VB



__
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] KX3 and its "TUNE" selection. (With mag loop)

[jerry]

On 2022-08-24 16:19, Fred Jensen wrote:

Tuning on most mag loops is very touchy, and more so on lower
frequencies, because of the extremely high Q.  My Alexloop has a
reduction gearbox on the capacitor,


*** What kind of motor does it have?  I've been planning to use a
stepper, controlled by a microcontroller.  Use frequency data from
the radio ( or at least band data ) to get it into the ballpark, and
then zero in onto resonance.

  It's not going to be a portable system.  The size of the capacitor 
alone
guarantees that.  I'm going to either mount it on a mast, or on top of a 
shed.


   - Jerry, KF6VB




 and I wish it had 3 times the

reduction it has.  I doubt you could get close enough with a
motor-driven cap to a preset position. And, exact resonance matters.
However, it's pretty easy these days to use a V-I sensor and a phase
detector to determine where resonance exactly is, and have a little
microcontroller drive the cap to zero phase difference. We used to do
it with HF mobiles.  Still may be done.

Most of the cost in transmitting loops >QRP is in the vacuum variable
capacitor, the construction to minimize I-squared R losses, and to
withstand the extremely high voltages which, at 100+ watts can range
well above 100 amps circulating current and multi-KV potentials.

73,

Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

Geoffrey Feldman wrote on 8/24/2022 12:11 PM:
Magloops with effective remote tuning are very pricey but those are 
not (as far as I know) automatic tuning, just remote)  With a tiny bit 
of practice, it’s not hard to do manually.  I give it almost no 
thought.   To simply have a mag loop go to the perfect spot of 
resonance in response to instructions from the radio would be 
difficult if not impractical.


  The key thing here is that it’s not a problem (for low power) to 
have the mag loop close to you nor is it hard to adjust it (as I 
described) to be perfectly resonant to the radio.


  However, Julia is right.  You can have the KX3 report its frequency 
(and everything else) through the ACC1 port.  Similarly the KX3 can be 
controlled by this magic box (to transmit a bit)   Getting a mag loop 
with its very high Q to perfectly tune to that frequency would be 
interesting.  When you see how tiny the changes to the Variable Cap 
are – you might perceive the problem.   Are there effective 
auto-tuning magloops that work as perfectly as hand tuning for low 
power levels?  I’d like to know.


  I also think that complexity can get in the way of portability. The 
beauty of the mag loop I have (alex loop) is that it’s light weight, 
quick to set up and take down.  Adding complexity would change all 
that.  At that point, I would use the kxpa100 with its tuner. 
(possibly even cheaper)


  W1GCF

Geoff

  From: Julia Tuttle [mailto:ju...@juliatuttle.net]
Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2022 12:53 PM
To: jerry
Cc: Geoffrey Feldman; Elecraft; JEROME SODUS
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 and its "TUNE" selection. (With mag loop)

  Hi Jerry,

  That's absolutely possible over the serial port (ACC1)! The 
Programmer's Reference has the details:


  https://ftp.elecraft.com/K3S/Manuals%20Downloads/K3S  
 
 %20Pgmrs%20Ref,%20G5.pdf


  73,

  Julie

  On Wed, Aug 24, 2022, 12:49 jerry  wrote:

I'm starting work on a magloop project.  I wonder how hard it would be
to
have a transceiver tell the magloop what frequency it's tuned to?  
That

could
operationally be simpler than having to hit it with low-power RF so it
can tune
itself...

 - Jerry, KF6VB



On 2022-08-23 14:28, Geoffrey Feldman wrote:

If your antenna is a magloop - DO NOT USE the tune button. In fact,
clear
the tuner memory for your band per instructions.   The tuner feature
(assuming you have the option) is great with other antennas, 
especially
random wire but it doesn't go well with mag loops.  The xmit button 
is

simply "PTT".



For any mag loop, choose a frequency you wish to start work, 
somewhere

in
the middle of the band.  Mag Loops are high Q antennas, that is they
are
effective in a very narrow range of frequencies to which they are
adjusted
with the tuning box.  This fact should inform your thoughts on
effective
use.

Turn the tuning dial (ON THE MAG LOOP) until you hear the maximum
amount of
noise (or blessed with a real signal).   The antenna and the radio 
are

now
tuned.

Turn the KX3 tuning knob SLOWLY until you hear some kind of 
interesting

signal.  (PX3 is great for this too).

Tweak the tuning knob on the mag loop to get the strongest signal for
your
exact frequency. (just a tweak).   This is important even if you hear
the
signal, to get the most efficient use of transmitter.

If while seeking a station you hear a lot less static, adjust the mag
loop
as above.



IF seeking up and down the band, just rinse and repeat as above until
you
get a station to work.



Once the mag loop is tuned to the 

[Elecraft] Lightning

[JOHN MENDENHALL via Elecraft]

Snow static and rain also can generate a nice charge. Saw that  in the 60’s had 
a long wire not connected to my sx-99 rcvr and end laying about 1-2 inches from 
chassis and drawing a nice blue arc btw them. This was in winter and snowing. 
73 john

Sent from my iPad
__
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] Lighting

[jerry]

On 2022-08-24 14:23, David Gilbert wrote:

Several years ago before my house was fully completed, I had my coax
lines disconnected but just lying on the concrete floor of the room I
had my ham gear in.  I usually had those lines terminated in a short,
but one day as a storm was approaching (it was still at least five
miles away) I noticed that the line from the 80m dipole didn't have
the shorted PL-259 on it.  I bent down with one hand on the concrete
floor and reached for the insulated casing on the coax with the other
hand.  My free hand swept by the end of the coax, though, and I drew a
very bright, very thick, and very blue 2 inch long arc to my hand ...
which of course traveled through my body to the other hand that was on
the floor.  My biceps were sore for three days afterward.


*** Ouch.  I actually have a high-ohms resistor that I plan to put at 
the

base of my vertical, just to drain off static.

   Once upon a time, I was working on a homebrew linear with 4 811A's.  
It
was oscillating and making noise during receive.  I was spudging at the 
plate
wires trying to get it to quiet down whenZAP!  I swear I didn't 
touch anything,
it reached out and touched ME.  Knocked me across the room, paralyzed 
both my arms.


   One of the most endearing things about my solid state linear projects 
is that there's nothing in there that will kill me.  Just 53V.


 - Jerry, KF6VB

__
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] KX3 and its "TUNE" selection. (With mag loop)

[Fred Jensen]

Tuning on most mag loops is very touchy, and more so on lower 
frequencies, because of the extremely high Q.  My Alexloop has a 
reduction gearbox on the capacitor, and I wish it had 3 times the 
reduction it has.  I doubt you could get close enough with a 
motor-driven cap to a preset position. And, exact resonance matters. 
However, it's pretty easy these days to use a V-I sensor and a phase 
detector to determine where resonance exactly is, and have a little 
microcontroller drive the cap to zero phase difference. We used to do it 
with HF mobiles.  Still may be done.


Most of the cost in transmitting loops >QRP is in the vacuum variable 
capacitor, the construction to minimize I-squared R losses, and to 
withstand the extremely high voltages which, at 100+ watts can range 
well above 100 amps circulating current and multi-KV potentials.


73,

Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

Geoffrey Feldman wrote on 8/24/2022 12:11 PM:

Magloops with effective remote tuning are very pricey but those are not (as far 
as I know) automatic tuning, just remote)  With a tiny bit of practice, it’s 
not hard to do manually.  I give it almost no thought.   To simply have a mag 
loop go to the perfect spot of resonance in response to instructions from the 
radio would be difficult if not impractical.

  


The key thing here is that it’s not a problem (for low power) to have the mag 
loop close to you nor is it hard to adjust it (as I described) to be perfectly 
resonant to the radio.

  


However, Julia is right.  You can have the KX3 report its frequency (and 
everything else) through the ACC1 port.  Similarly the KX3 can be controlled by 
this magic box (to transmit a bit)   Getting a mag loop with its very high Q to 
perfectly tune to that frequency would be interesting.  When you see how tiny 
the changes to the Variable Cap are – you might perceive the problem.   Are 
there effective auto-tuning magloops that work as perfectly as hand tuning for 
low power levels?  I’d like to know.

  


I also think that complexity can get in the way of portability. The beauty of 
the mag loop I have (alex loop) is that it’s light weight, quick to set up and 
take down.  Adding complexity would change all that.  At that point, I would 
use the kxpa100 with its tuner. (possibly even cheaper)

  


W1GCF

Geoff

  


From: Julia Tuttle [mailto:ju...@juliatuttle.net]
Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2022 12:53 PM
To: jerry
Cc: Geoffrey Feldman; Elecraft; JEROME SODUS
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 and its "TUNE" selection. (With mag loop)

  


Hi Jerry,

  


That's absolutely possible over the serial port (ACC1)! The Programmer's 
Reference has the details:

  


https://ftp.elecraft.com/K3S/Manuals%20Downloads/K3S  
  
%20Pgmrs%20Ref,%20G5.pdf

  


73,

  


Julie

  


On Wed, Aug 24, 2022, 12:49 jerry  wrote:

I'm starting work on a magloop project.  I wonder how hard it would be
to
have a transceiver tell the magloop what frequency it's tuned to?  That
could
operationally be simpler than having to hit it with low-power RF so it
can tune
itself...

 - Jerry, KF6VB



On 2022-08-23 14:28, Geoffrey Feldman wrote:

If your antenna is a magloop - DO NOT USE the tune button. In fact,
clear
the tuner memory for your band per instructions.   The tuner feature
(assuming you have the option) is great with other antennas, especially
random wire but it doesn't go well with mag loops.  The xmit button is
simply "PTT".



For any mag loop, choose a frequency you wish to start work, somewhere
in
the middle of the band.  Mag Loops are high Q antennas, that is they
are
effective in a very narrow range of frequencies to which they are
adjusted
with the tuning box.  This fact should inform your thoughts on
effective
use.

Turn the tuning dial (ON THE MAG LOOP) until you hear the maximum
amount of
noise (or blessed with a real signal).   The antenna and the radio are
now
tuned.

Turn the KX3 tuning knob SLOWLY until you hear some kind of interesting
signal.  (PX3 is great for this too).

Tweak the tuning knob on the mag loop to get the strongest signal for
your
exact frequency. (just a tweak).   This is important even if you hear
the
signal, to get the most efficient use of transmitter.

If while seeking a station you hear a lot less static, adjust the mag
loop
as above.



IF seeking up and down the band, just rinse and repeat as above until
you
get a station to work.



Once the mag loop is tuned to the band, you won't have to adjust it
much to
tune it for the particular part of the band you are on. Gentle tweaks
is the
way.  Notice too, mag loops are very directional. Consult the
manufacturing
manual for where it's sensitive and turn it along a great circle to
where
you want to go.  (In Boston, where I live, Europe is north east by
great
circle.



I note there is something about tuning the radio in some mag loop
instructions.  I find 

Re: [Elecraft] Lighting

[Fred Jensen]

While we're on the subject of huge amounts of static electricity, I've 
posted this before but it is important [see text]:  Precipitation static 
... rain, snow, and even dust ... can kill your radio, and it will do it 
with no rumble, flashes, sparks, and crashes.  On the panadapter, it 
will look like very low grass on the baseline.  In the cans, it may 
sound like very faint "frying" or may not sound at all.  Each flake, 
drop, or dust particle carries a minuscule charge which it deposits on 
the antenna.  However, there are gazillions of them.  Most front ends 
these days have an FET as the first stage, and the gate acts like a tiny 
capacitor, charged incrementally by each little minuscule charge coming 
down the coax. Eventually, if the precip lasts long enough, the gate 
will charge to the failure point.  You won't see or hear it coming but 
you can discern this when you suddenly don't hear anything.


Some current transceivers have a bleed across the antenna jack [100K-ish 
resistor or maybe an RF choke].  I "believe" Elecraft rigs do, but I've 
never checked.  Years ago, at the dawn of the transistor age, I learned 
to wire a PL259 with a 100K 1/2 W resistor shorting it, put a coax Tee 
on the antenna jack, connect the antenna to one arm, and put the PL259 
on the other.


Back around 2010 or so, four of us were activating Alpine County CA 
during the CQP.  We were at about 8,500 ft AMSL, and it began to snow 
[of course, with wind too].  Barely perceptible grass on the 
ICOM panadapter.  Suddenly, it got very quiet.  So we replaced 
it with the spare, and it met the same fate.


73,

Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

PS The combined longevity of the 4 of us in ham radio was something 
around 200 years.  You'd have thought one of us would have remembered.


Gene Robinson wrote on 8/24/2022 1:54 PM:

Working at Collins in the 60’s we had a lab with no windows but we did have 18 
foot vertical antennas on the roof.
We would have NE2 neon bulbs connected to the RF coax feed lines and when 
thunderstorms were within 5 miles they would start to flash.
We all then went out to the parking lot and rolled up our windows.
The rain and lightning would arrive about 10 to 15 minutes latter.
The break down and flash voltage for a NE2 is 90 volts! Keep those antennas 
disconnected when not in use.
Gene N5LDX

Sent from my iPhone
__
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 tok6dg...@gmail.com  




--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software.
www.avg.com
__
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] Problem with KAT500 firmware v. 2.05

[Dave (NK7Z)]

Bill,
Please post your results between the two KAT tuners.  If it is a 
software issue, perhaps going back one version might be on the table.


73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 8/24/22 12:20, Bill Mader wrote:

Andy and Len,

Yes, V2.05 DOES ignore a configuration with solutions that work in V1.75.
I have used both versions and tested them again for Dick, K6KR, with whom I
am working.  He has the trace log showing the problem along with the same
configuration file that works for V1.75 and not for V2.05.

BTW, the log and utility indicate the KAT500 knows the frequency in both
cases but fails to select the proper tuning solution (in some cases) when
V2.05 is loaded.  There is 20-50 Watts available for reading the frequency
in both cases.  When tuned, the output is 100 Watts.

Also, which should be obvious, the KAT500 is trained on each band and acts
appropriately with V1.75.  Why it doesn't with V2.05 is currently a
mystery.  It could be a problem with this specific KAT500.  I will try
another S/N soon.  Lightning is approaching so I shall unplug and
disconnect.

73, Bill Mader, K8TE
ARRL New Mexico Section Manager
*ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio**™*
Secretary/Treasurer and Past President, Albuquerque DX Association
W6H NM Coordinator, Route 66 On-the-Air 10-18 Sep 2022
New Mexico QSO Party 8 Apr 2023
Duke City Hamfest Chairman www.dukecityhamfest.org 15-17 Sep 2023
__
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 d...@nk7z.net

__
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] Problem with KAT500 firmware v. 2.05

[Andy Durbin]

"Also, which should be obvious, the KAT500 is trained on each band and acts 
appropriately with V1.75.  Why it doesn't with V2.05 is currently a mystery. "

No, it was not obvious to me that you had trained all of each band.  I had the 
impression that you had trained only the FT8 frequencies in each band.

You have not said whether your problem is that the correct frequency is not 
detected, or if the correct frequency is detected but the wrong bin is 
selected, or if the correct bin is selected but the wrong tuning solution is 
active.  All that can be deduced using the utility.

If Dick is helping you I doubt I can contribute much.  However, if you need an 
attempt to reproduce this on a different KAT500, then email me your config file 
and tell me the frequencies on which you observe the problem.

(I'm interested because I spent many hours testing this firmware before it was 
released.  I don't like "escapes".)

Andy, k3wyc
__
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] Lighting

[David Gilbert]

Several years ago before my house was fully completed, I had my coax 
lines disconnected but just lying on the concrete floor of the room I 
had my ham gear in.  I usually had those lines terminated in a short, 
but one day as a storm was approaching (it was still at least five miles 
away) I noticed that the line from the 80m dipole didn't have the 
shorted PL-259 on it.  I bent down with one hand on the concrete floor 
and reached for the insulated casing on the coax with the other hand.  
My free hand swept by the end of the coax, though, and I drew a very 
bright, very thick, and very blue 2 inch long arc to my hand ... which 
of course traveled through my body to the other hand that was on the 
floor.  My biceps were sore for three days afterward.


The breakdown voltage of air with 40% humidity (roughly what we have 
here in southern Arizona during the monsoons) is about 8kv/cm.  Of 
course that is also a function of the sharpness of electrodes, but still 
... I got zapped with a LOT of energy especially considering the 
thickness of the arc.  Apparently, though, it was too much to represent 
a lethal shock to my heart (which is more like milliamps) and too little 
to fry my body.


To be clear, that energy wasn't the result of a strike.  It was simply 
static buildup between the legs of the 80m dipole.  I short everything 
now when it isn't in use.


73,
Dave   AB7E



On 8/24/2022 1:54 PM, Gene Robinson wrote:

Working at Collins in the 60’s we had a lab with no windows but we did have 18 
foot vertical antennas on the roof.
We would have NE2 neon bulbs connected to the RF coax feed lines and when 
thunderstorms were within 5 miles they would start to flash.
We all then went out to the parking lot and rolled up our windows.
The rain and lightning would arrive about 10 to 15 minutes latter.
The break down and flash voltage for a NE2 is 90 volts! Keep those antennas 
disconnected when not in use.
Gene N5LDX

Sent from my iPhone
__
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 ab7e...@gmail.com


__
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] Lighting

[Gene Robinson]

Working at Collins in the 60’s we had a lab with no windows but we did have 18 
foot vertical antennas on the roof. 
We would have NE2 neon bulbs connected to the RF coax feed lines and when 
thunderstorms were within 5 miles they would start to flash.
We all then went out to the parking lot and rolled up our windows.
The rain and lightning would arrive about 10 to 15 minutes latter.
The break down and flash voltage for a NE2 is 90 volts! Keep those antennas 
disconnected when not in use.
Gene N5LDX

Sent from my iPhone
__
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] KIO3 failure mode

[Bob McGraw]

Many faults occur via the station ground system.  This fault indicated a 
difference in potential between the station ground and the AC Mains 
ground.  In many cases, the station equipment is connected between 
station ground and the AC Mains ground.   The nearby lightning strike 
produces a difference in potential between two or more grounds to which 
the station is effectively connected in series with these grounds. Thus 
the current flow is through the station equipment, even if power is off 
and antennas are disconnected.


My example:  A cow is standing under a tree during a thunder storm.  
Lightning hits the tree and the energy is dispersed through the earth in 
all directions.  Cow is connected via its 4 feet to the earth at 4 
places.   The difference in potential between the 4 connected places 
electrocutes the cow.   Lightning did NOT strike the cow.


If your station ground IS NOT BONDED to the AC Mains ground, (a) this is 
in violation of the NEC, (b) one has a high likelihood for damage in the 
event of a nearby lightning strike.


Second, each piece of equipment MUST be bonded to a common point.    
There is a difference in bonding and grounding. Station lightning 
protection and grounding is always outside of the structure, never inside.


Jim, K9YC and Ward Silver, N0AX in the ARRL book /GROUNDING AND BONDING 
for the Radio Amateur/ contains a wealth of correct information.  Use 
this information to defuse "old ham lore" regarding grounding.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 8/24/2022 11:49 AM, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:

Message: 8
Date: Tue, 23 Aug 2022 21:31:42 + (UTC)
From:cemil...@aol.com
To:"ab7e...@gmail.com"  ,
"elecraft@mailman.qth.net"  
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] KIO3 failure mode
Message-ID:<903648173.1119840.1661290302...@mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

Not owning a K3, but have the KX3..and other rigs!? Perhaps 
disconnecting the antenna (before and during an electrical storm)? from the 
shack hardware makes little boards like the K103 enjoy a longer life.? Just 
suggesting.? No disrespect in this comment.
73ChuckW4MIL


--
Bob, K4TAX
__
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] Subject: Re: [K3] KIO3 failure mode

[jerry]

On 2022-08-24 12:27, Dr. William J. Schmidt wrote:


I worked with a guy at Honeywell who was trained in atmospheric
discharges in his graduate work at MIT.


*** And I once worked for a little company that made
railroad equipment.  Our devices sat by the railroad tracks and 
monitored passing trains.  Life and property were at stake.  And 
apparently, steel railroad tracks in the middle of nowhere get a LOT of 
lightning strikes.   Our equipment
was designed to survive all near strikes, and to break in an 
easily-fixed manner in case of a direct strike.


  This was many many years ago, but I remember that each digital I/O 
input was a comparator.  And the part that went to the outside world had 
a special surge supressor zener, a series high wattage resistor, and 
 I forget what else.


  In general, that gadget was the highest quality thing I ever worked on 
- both in hardware and in software - and everything I've worked on since 
has been crap in comparison.


   - Jerry, KF6VB
__
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] Problem with KAT500 firmware v. 2.05

[Lyn Norstad]

Bill -

The good news is you're working with The Best.  

Dick, K6KR, is The KAT500 Guru in my book.  He's the one who steered me to 
v2.05 when it was still Beta and together we figured out how to adjust it to 
solve the very problem you're experiencing.  As I said, v2.05 is even less 
interested in listening to the Icom frequency output, and more focused on K3/K4 
band data.  But still, there are many positive reasons to update from v1.75.

So the secret is to fine tune v2.05 to the appropriate level of frequency 
recognition for your system.

Ask Dick for a copy of the Command Reference Manual, if you don't already have 
it.  He can steer you to the proper settings (for me it was FDT1000) after 
re-training.

73
Lyn, WØLEN

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill Mader
Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2022 2:21 PM
To: Elecraft E-mail Reflector
Subject: [Elecraft] Problem with KAT500 firmware v. 2.05

Andy and Len,

Yes, V2.05 DOES ignore a configuration with solutions that work in V1.75.
I have used both versions and tested them again for Dick, K6KR, with whom I
am working.  He has the trace log showing the problem along with the same
configuration file that works for V1.75 and not for V2.05.

BTW, the log and utility indicate the KAT500 knows the frequency in both
cases but fails to select the proper tuning solution (in some cases) when
V2.05 is loaded.  There is 20-50 Watts available for reading the frequency
in both cases.  When tuned, the output is 100 Watts.

Also, which should be obvious, the KAT500 is trained on each band and acts
appropriately with V1.75.  Why it doesn't with V2.05 is currently a
mystery.  It could be a problem with this specific KAT500.  I will try
another S/N soon.  Lightning is approaching so I shall unplug and
disconnect.

73, Bill Mader, K8TE
ARRL New Mexico Section Manager
*ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio**™*
Secretary/Treasurer and Past President, Albuquerque DX Association
W6H NM Coordinator, Route 66 On-the-Air 10-18 Sep 2022
New Mexico QSO Party 8 Apr 2023
Duke City Hamfest Chairman www.dukecityhamfest.org 15-17 Sep 2023
__
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 l...@lnainc.com 

__
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] Subject: Re: [K3] KIO3 failure mode

[Jim Brown]

On 8/24/2022 12:10 PM, Bill Mader wrote:

A recent article in QEX talked about avoiding cable loops (not antennas) in
the shack during lightning storms.


Although I subscribe to QEX, I haven't seen that piece. HOWEVER -- I 
strongly concur with W8JI that the best strategy is proper BONDING, not 
disconnection.


Study N0AX's ARRL book on the topic, to which I contributed, and this 
slide deck for talks I've done at west coast conventions and to several 
clubs.


http://k9yc.com/GroundingAndAudio.pdf

73, Jim K9YC
__
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] Subject: Re: [K3] KIO3 failure mode

[David Gilbert]

Pretty sure I said I had everything disconnected from the K3 except for 
the RS-232 link to the laptop.   What part of that do you want to contest?


And now I disconnect that as well.

Dave   AB7E


On 8/24/2022 12:10 PM, Bill Mader wrote:

Having the laptop charger connected to AC and the KIO3 connected to the
laptop is NOT having everything disconnected, Dave.  This has been
discussed here numerous times and Elecraft warns us each spring to reduce
their revenue while saving us from frustration.

A recent article in QEX talked about avoiding cable loops (not antennas) in
the shack during lightning storms.  The nearby strikes and associated EMP
can generate sufficient Voltage to damage connected circuits.

My rule is to unplug ALL devices associated with my station from commercial
AC power and disconnect ALL antennas from any shack connections.  Soon,
I'll have an entry panel where I can bond the coax/control cables to the
external station ground too.

I have a spare radio or two just in case the precautions I take don't
work.  I also have an AC-powered lightning detector to warn me of
approaching lightning (and my wife who just texted me 22 miles out").  I
unplug and disconnect within 10 miles, if not sooner, even during a
contest.  I have not lost a KIO3 in either K3 or had a similar problem with
my other rigs.

73, Bill Mader, K8TE
ARRL New Mexico Section Manager
*ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio**™*
Secretary/Treasurer and Past President, Albuquerque DX Association
W6H NM Coordinator, Route 66 On-the-Air 10-18 Sep 2022
New Mexico QSO Party 8 Apr 2023
Duke City Hamfest Chairman www.dukecityhamfest.org 15-17 Sep 2023
__
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 ab7e...@gmail.com


__
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] Subject: Re: [K3] KIO3 failure mode

[Dr. William J. Schmidt]

Lightning seems to me the topic on all of the groups currently... so we must be 
in storm season!

I worked with a guy at Honeywell who was trained in atmospheric discharges in 
his graduate work at MIT.  I guess Honeywell was looking into survival of 
military equipment at the time.  He knew I was a ham and told me I was an idiot 
if I thought I could stop a 30K Amp lightning discharge. He told me the only 
thing that really works is disconnecting the electronics (which we all already 
know).  He also beat into me that damage does not necessarily occur from 
lightning itself, but rather different potentials in all of your entrance 
paths.  So its key to make sure that the phone, cable, power, antennas, rotor 
cables, etc are all tied together so that no matter what, they maintain the 
same potential during a lightning strike (not necessarily to GROUND).  There 
are many ways to do this of course, but there are two very good references to 
follow that basically talk about the same thing.  One was published by Ron 
Block and is only two pages (its out in the SteppIR groups files section).  The 
other is a complete book on commercial installations and lightning proofing 
published by PolyPhaser Corp called “Lightning Protection and Grounding 
Solutions for Communication Sites” , first edition by Ken Rand, copyright 1999. 
 That is copyright so I can't upload it.

Happy reading!

__
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] [K3] KIO3 failure mode

[David Gilbert]

That's about on par with the "non-magnetic mattresses" I used to see 
being sold to "prevent disturbance of the earth's natural magnetic field 
while you sleep."


All of this is pretty much economic Darwinism.

73,
Dave   AB7E



On 8/24/2022 11:27 AM, Walter Underwood wrote:

You could get one of these “router EMF guards". Tinfoil hat is optional. Do not 
click on this if stupidity makes your brain hurt.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07MXD75TR/ 


wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)


On Aug 24, 2022, at 11:20 AM, Nick - WB5BKL  wrote:

What Dave said.  Almost identical here.

Now, during t-storms, the K3 is a box sitting on the desk with _nothing_  
repeat _nothing_ connected.  If I thought wrapping it with tinfoil* would 
help...

cln - Nick
WB5BKL
Lake Buchanan, TX

*  One of my neighbors has a plentiful supply.



On 8/24/22 11:49, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:

Message: 9
Date: Tue, 23 Aug 2022 14:47:24 -0700
From: David Gilbert
To:
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] KIO3 failure mode


When my KIO3 got zapped, I had everything disconnected.? Antenna and all
accessories from the K3 ... power supply as well.? The one thing I
didn't have disconnected was the RS-232 link between the laptop and the
KIO3.? Somehow a transient from a nearby lightning strike (not a direct
one to my tower) traveled through the laptop power brick and to an
otherwise completely floating K3.? If I remember correctly, the laptop
power supply was even plugged into a quality surge protected UPS.

It takes very little to zap the KIO3.? I now disconnect EVERYTHING in
the shack duri


__
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] Problem with KAT500 firmware v. 2.05

[Bill Mader]

Andy and Len,

Yes, V2.05 DOES ignore a configuration with solutions that work in V1.75.
I have used both versions and tested them again for Dick, K6KR, with whom I
am working.  He has the trace log showing the problem along with the same
configuration file that works for V1.75 and not for V2.05.

BTW, the log and utility indicate the KAT500 knows the frequency in both
cases but fails to select the proper tuning solution (in some cases) when
V2.05 is loaded.  There is 20-50 Watts available for reading the frequency
in both cases.  When tuned, the output is 100 Watts.

Also, which should be obvious, the KAT500 is trained on each band and acts
appropriately with V1.75.  Why it doesn't with V2.05 is currently a
mystery.  It could be a problem with this specific KAT500.  I will try
another S/N soon.  Lightning is approaching so I shall unplug and
disconnect.

73, Bill Mader, K8TE
ARRL New Mexico Section Manager
*ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio**™*
Secretary/Treasurer and Past President, Albuquerque DX Association
W6H NM Coordinator, Route 66 On-the-Air 10-18 Sep 2022
New Mexico QSO Party 8 Apr 2023
Duke City Hamfest Chairman www.dukecityhamfest.org 15-17 Sep 2023
__
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] KX3 and its "TUNE" selection. (With mag loop)

[Geoffrey Feldman]

Magloops with effective remote tuning are very pricey but those are not (as far 
as I know) automatic tuning, just remote)  With a tiny bit of practice, it’s 
not hard to do manually.  I give it almost no thought.   To simply have a mag 
loop go to the perfect spot of resonance in response to instructions from the 
radio would be difficult if not impractical.

 

The key thing here is that it’s not a problem (for low power) to have the mag 
loop close to you nor is it hard to adjust it (as I described) to be perfectly 
resonant to the radio.

 

However, Julia is right.  You can have the KX3 report its frequency (and 
everything else) through the ACC1 port.  Similarly the KX3 can be controlled by 
this magic box (to transmit a bit)   Getting a mag loop with its very high Q to 
perfectly tune to that frequency would be interesting.  When you see how tiny 
the changes to the Variable Cap are – you might perceive the problem.   Are 
there effective auto-tuning magloops that work as perfectly as hand tuning for 
low power levels?  I’d like to know.

 

I also think that complexity can get in the way of portability. The beauty of 
the mag loop I have (alex loop) is that it’s light weight, quick to set up and 
take down.  Adding complexity would change all that.  At that point, I would 
use the kxpa100 with its tuner. (possibly even cheaper)

 

W1GCF

Geoff

 

From: Julia Tuttle [mailto:ju...@juliatuttle.net] 
Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2022 12:53 PM
To: jerry
Cc: Geoffrey Feldman; Elecraft; JEROME SODUS
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 and its "TUNE" selection. (With mag loop)

 

Hi Jerry,

 

That's absolutely possible over the serial port (ACC1)! The Programmer's 
Reference has the details:

 

https://ftp.elecraft.com/K3S/Manuals%20Downloads/K3S 

 %20Pgmrs%20Ref,%20G5.pdf

 

73,

 

Julie

 

On Wed, Aug 24, 2022, 12:49 jerry  wrote:

I'm starting work on a magloop project.  I wonder how hard it would be 
to
have a transceiver tell the magloop what frequency it's tuned to?  That 
could
operationally be simpler than having to hit it with low-power RF so it 
can tune
itself...

- Jerry, KF6VB



On 2022-08-23 14:28, Geoffrey Feldman wrote:
> If your antenna is a magloop - DO NOT USE the tune button. In fact, 
> clear
> the tuner memory for your band per instructions.   The tuner feature
> (assuming you have the option) is great with other antennas, especially
> random wire but it doesn't go well with mag loops.  The xmit button is
> simply "PTT".
> 
> 
> 
> For any mag loop, choose a frequency you wish to start work, somewhere 
> in
> the middle of the band.  Mag Loops are high Q antennas, that is they 
> are
> effective in a very narrow range of frequencies to which they are 
> adjusted
> with the tuning box.  This fact should inform your thoughts on 
> effective
> use.
> 
> Turn the tuning dial (ON THE MAG LOOP) until you hear the maximum 
> amount of
> noise (or blessed with a real signal).   The antenna and the radio are 
> now
> tuned.
> 
> Turn the KX3 tuning knob SLOWLY until you hear some kind of interesting
> signal.  (PX3 is great for this too).
> 
> Tweak the tuning knob on the mag loop to get the strongest signal for 
> your
> exact frequency. (just a tweak).   This is important even if you hear 
> the
> signal, to get the most efficient use of transmitter.
> 
> If while seeking a station you hear a lot less static, adjust the mag 
> loop
> as above.
> 
> 
> 
> IF seeking up and down the band, just rinse and repeat as above until 
> you
> get a station to work.
> 
> 
> 
> Once the mag loop is tuned to the band, you won't have to adjust it 
> much to
> tune it for the particular part of the band you are on. Gentle tweaks 
> is the
> way.  Notice too, mag loops are very directional. Consult the 
> manufacturing
> manual for where it's sensitive and turn it along a great circle to 
> where
> you want to go.  (In Boston, where I live, Europe is north east by 
> great
> circle.
> 
> 
> 
> I note there is something about tuning the radio in some mag loop
> instructions.  I find this not necessary with the KX3.  What I describe 
> here
> is what I do and it works well.
> 
> 
> 
> I have contacted Europe USB with a KX3 at 15 watts and a mag loop.  The
> antenna was on the top floor of my wood frame town house for this, not 
> even
> outdoors.  If you think about what I wrote, you want the antenna in 
> arm's
> length while working the radio.  Don't worry about your body affecting 
> the
> near field. Mag Loops are not like that.
> 
> 
> 
> -73-
> 
> W1GCF
> 
> Geoff
> 
> __
> 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
> 

[Elecraft] Subject: Re: [K3] KIO3 failure mode

[Bill Mader]

Having the laptop charger connected to AC and the KIO3 connected to the
laptop is NOT having everything disconnected, Dave.  This has been
discussed here numerous times and Elecraft warns us each spring to reduce
their revenue while saving us from frustration.

A recent article in QEX talked about avoiding cable loops (not antennas) in
the shack during lightning storms.  The nearby strikes and associated EMP
can generate sufficient Voltage to damage connected circuits.

My rule is to unplug ALL devices associated with my station from commercial
AC power and disconnect ALL antennas from any shack connections.  Soon,
I'll have an entry panel where I can bond the coax/control cables to the
external station ground too.

I have a spare radio or two just in case the precautions I take don't
work.  I also have an AC-powered lightning detector to warn me of
approaching lightning (and my wife who just texted me 22 miles out").  I
unplug and disconnect within 10 miles, if not sooner, even during a
contest.  I have not lost a KIO3 in either K3 or had a similar problem with
my other rigs.

73, Bill Mader, K8TE
ARRL New Mexico Section Manager
*ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio**™*
Secretary/Treasurer and Past President, Albuquerque DX Association
W6H NM Coordinator, Route 66 On-the-Air 10-18 Sep 2022
New Mexico QSO Party 8 Apr 2023
Duke City Hamfest Chairman www.dukecityhamfest.org 15-17 Sep 2023
__
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] [K3] KIO3 failure mode

[Walter Underwood]

You could get one of these “router EMF guards". Tinfoil hat is optional. Do not 
click on this if stupidity makes your brain hurt.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07MXD75TR/ 


wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)

> On Aug 24, 2022, at 11:20 AM, Nick - WB5BKL  wrote:
> 
> What Dave said.  Almost identical here.
> 
> Now, during t-storms, the K3 is a box sitting on the desk with _nothing_  
> repeat _nothing_ connected.  If I thought wrapping it with tinfoil* would 
> help...
> 
> cln - Nick
> WB5BKL
> Lake Buchanan, TX
> 
> *  One of my neighbors has a plentiful supply.
> 
> 
> 
> On 8/24/22 11:49, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:
>> Message: 9
>> Date: Tue, 23 Aug 2022 14:47:24 -0700
>> From: David Gilbert
>> To:
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] KIO3 failure mode
>> 
>> 
>> When my KIO3 got zapped, I had everything disconnected.? Antenna and all
>> accessories from the K3 ... power supply as well.? The one thing I
>> didn't have disconnected was the RS-232 link between the laptop and the
>> KIO3.? Somehow a transient from a nearby lightning strike (not a direct
>> one to my tower) traveled through the laptop power brick and to an
>> otherwise completely floating K3.? If I remember correctly, the laptop
>> power supply was even plugged into a quality surge protected UPS.
>> 
>> It takes very little to zap the KIO3.? I now disconnect EVERYTHING in
>> the shack during lightning season.
> 
> __
> 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 wun...@wunderwood.org

__
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] [K3] KIO3 failure mode

[Nick - WB5BKL]

What Dave said.  Almost identical here.

Now, during t-storms, the K3 is a box sitting on the desk with 
_nothing_  repeat _nothing_ connected.  If I thought wrapping it with 
tinfoil* would help...


cln - Nick
WB5BKL
Lake Buchanan, TX

*  One of my neighbors has a plentiful supply.



On 8/24/22 11:49, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:

Message: 9
Date: Tue, 23 Aug 2022 14:47:24 -0700
From: David Gilbert
To:
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] KIO3 failure mode


When my KIO3 got zapped, I had everything disconnected.? Antenna and all
accessories from the K3 ... power supply as well.? The one thing I
didn't have disconnected was the RS-232 link between the laptop and the
KIO3.? Somehow a transient from a nearby lightning strike (not a direct
one to my tower) traveled through the laptop power brick and to an
otherwise completely floating K3.? If I remember correctly, the laptop
power supply was even plugged into a quality surge protected UPS.

It takes very little to zap the KIO3.? I now disconnect EVERYTHING in
the shack during lightning season.


__
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] KX3 and its "TUNE" selection. (With mag loop)

[Julia Tuttle]

Hi Jerry,

That's absolutely possible over the serial port (ACC1)! The Programmer's
Reference has the details:

https://ftp.elecraft.com/K3S/Manuals%20Downloads/K3S%20Pgmrs%20Ref,%20G5.pdf

73,

Julie

On Wed, Aug 24, 2022, 12:49 jerry  wrote:

> I'm starting work on a magloop project.  I wonder how hard it would be
> to
> have a transceiver tell the magloop what frequency it's tuned to?  That
> could
> operationally be simpler than having to hit it with low-power RF so it
> can tune
> itself...
>
> - Jerry, KF6VB
>
>
>
> On 2022-08-23 14:28, Geoffrey Feldman wrote:
> > If your antenna is a magloop - DO NOT USE the tune button. In fact,
> > clear
> > the tuner memory for your band per instructions.   The tuner feature
> > (assuming you have the option) is great with other antennas, especially
> > random wire but it doesn't go well with mag loops.  The xmit button is
> > simply "PTT".
> >
> >
> >
> > For any mag loop, choose a frequency you wish to start work, somewhere
> > in
> > the middle of the band.  Mag Loops are high Q antennas, that is they
> > are
> > effective in a very narrow range of frequencies to which they are
> > adjusted
> > with the tuning box.  This fact should inform your thoughts on
> > effective
> > use.
> >
> > Turn the tuning dial (ON THE MAG LOOP) until you hear the maximum
> > amount of
> > noise (or blessed with a real signal).   The antenna and the radio are
> > now
> > tuned.
> >
> > Turn the KX3 tuning knob SLOWLY until you hear some kind of interesting
> > signal.  (PX3 is great for this too).
> >
> > Tweak the tuning knob on the mag loop to get the strongest signal for
> > your
> > exact frequency. (just a tweak).   This is important even if you hear
> > the
> > signal, to get the most efficient use of transmitter.
> >
> > If while seeking a station you hear a lot less static, adjust the mag
> > loop
> > as above.
> >
> >
> >
> > IF seeking up and down the band, just rinse and repeat as above until
> > you
> > get a station to work.
> >
> >
> >
> > Once the mag loop is tuned to the band, you won't have to adjust it
> > much to
> > tune it for the particular part of the band you are on. Gentle tweaks
> > is the
> > way.  Notice too, mag loops are very directional. Consult the
> > manufacturing
> > manual for where it's sensitive and turn it along a great circle to
> > where
> > you want to go.  (In Boston, where I live, Europe is north east by
> > great
> > circle.
> >
> >
> >
> > I note there is something about tuning the radio in some mag loop
> > instructions.  I find this not necessary with the KX3.  What I describe
> > here
> > is what I do and it works well.
> >
> >
> >
> > I have contacted Europe USB with a KX3 at 15 watts and a mag loop.  The
> > antenna was on the top floor of my wood frame town house for this, not
> > even
> > outdoors.  If you think about what I wrote, you want the antenna in
> > arm's
> > length while working the radio.  Don't worry about your body affecting
> > the
> > near field. Mag Loops are not like that.
> >
> >
> >
> > -73-
> >
> > W1GCF
> >
> > Geoff
> >
> > __
> > 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 je...@tr2.com
> __
> 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 ju...@juliatuttle.net
>
__
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] KX3 and its "TUNE" selection. (With mag loop)

[jerry]

I'm starting work on a magloop project.  I wonder how hard it would be 
to
have a transceiver tell the magloop what frequency it's tuned to?  That 
could
operationally be simpler than having to hit it with low-power RF so it 
can tune

itself...

   - Jerry, KF6VB



On 2022-08-23 14:28, Geoffrey Feldman wrote:
If your antenna is a magloop - DO NOT USE the tune button. In fact, 
clear

the tuner memory for your band per instructions.   The tuner feature
(assuming you have the option) is great with other antennas, especially
random wire but it doesn't go well with mag loops.  The xmit button is
simply "PTT".



For any mag loop, choose a frequency you wish to start work, somewhere 
in
the middle of the band.  Mag Loops are high Q antennas, that is they 
are
effective in a very narrow range of frequencies to which they are 
adjusted
with the tuning box.  This fact should inform your thoughts on 
effective

use.

Turn the tuning dial (ON THE MAG LOOP) until you hear the maximum 
amount of
noise (or blessed with a real signal).   The antenna and the radio are 
now

tuned.

Turn the KX3 tuning knob SLOWLY until you hear some kind of interesting
signal.  (PX3 is great for this too).

Tweak the tuning knob on the mag loop to get the strongest signal for 
your
exact frequency. (just a tweak).   This is important even if you hear 
the

signal, to get the most efficient use of transmitter.

If while seeking a station you hear a lot less static, adjust the mag 
loop

as above.



IF seeking up and down the band, just rinse and repeat as above until 
you

get a station to work.



Once the mag loop is tuned to the band, you won't have to adjust it 
much to
tune it for the particular part of the band you are on. Gentle tweaks 
is the
way.  Notice too, mag loops are very directional. Consult the 
manufacturing
manual for where it's sensitive and turn it along a great circle to 
where
you want to go.  (In Boston, where I live, Europe is north east by 
great

circle.



I note there is something about tuning the radio in some mag loop
instructions.  I find this not necessary with the KX3.  What I describe 
here

is what I do and it works well.



I have contacted Europe USB with a KX3 at 15 watts and a mag loop.  The
antenna was on the top floor of my wood frame town house for this, not 
even
outdoors.  If you think about what I wrote, you want the antenna in 
arm's
length while working the radio.  Don't worry about your body affecting 
the

near field. Mag Loops are not like that.



-73-

W1GCF

Geoff

__
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 je...@tr2.com

__
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] Problem with KAT500 firmware v. 2.05

[Andy Durbin]

"The question is why does V2.05 appear to ignore what should be memorized 
tuning solutions?"

V2.05 does not ignore memorized solutions.

I wonder if V2.05 is selecting an adjacent "bin" that you had not tuned and 
memorized with V1.75.  There was a change in bin boundary frequencies in V2.05.

The selected bin and the tuning solution in use can be examined easily using 
the KAT500 Utility.  Also the command DMf; can be used to print all the 
solutions in any bin e.g.

DM3573;
DM BN01;BIN 28;FR 3560-3579;ADDR 15904;
AN3;BYPN;SIDEA;C58;L50;VSWRB 13.33;
AN3;BYPN;SIDEA;C55;L40;VSWRB 8.11;
AN3;BYPN;SIDEA;C5A;L3C;VSWRB 8.38;
AN3;BYPN;SIDEA;C80;L40;VSWRB 9.85;
AN3;BYPN;SIDET;C00;L06;VSWRB 1.00;
AN3;BYPB;VSWRB 1.00;

Andy, k3wyc


__
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] Problem with KAT500 firmware v. 2.05

[Lyn Norstad]

Bill -

Over 5 years elapsed between v1.75 and v2.05.  In that time, many changes were 
made including several that relate to frequency adjustment and precedence of 
transceiver data (which Icom does not supply) over counter data.

It would seem logical to "teach" the KAT500 your frequency settings once again 
with the new firmware.  I did that, and the newer version performs better - for 
me (with Icom) - than v1.75 did.

There is an Elecraft document detailing changes, "KAT500 Firmware Release 
Notes" that may be helpful.

73
Lyn, WØLEN 

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill Mader
Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 3:33 PM
To: Elecraft E-mail Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Problem with KAT500 firmware v. 2.05

While this may be an old thread, I have an input which could be interesting
to some.  I recently noticed the KAT500 I am currently using had V1.75 of
the firmware installed.  I use it with an IC-7610 and trained it on each HF
band, placed the MODE switch in MAN and tuned it for the FT8 frequencies.
This worked well until I updated the firmware to V2.05.

After that, the KAT500 failed to use the memorized tuning solutions even
though its frequency counter correctly identified the frequency.  It would
operate in AUTO mode but the tuning took too long for my purposes.  I
reverted the firmware to V1.75 and it performed as it should.

The question is why does V2.05 appear to ignore what should be memorized
tuning solutions?

73, Bill Mader, K8TE
ARRL New Mexico Section Manager
*ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio**™*
Secretary/Treasurer and Past President, Albuquerque DX Association
W6H NM Coordinator, Route 66 On-the-Air 10-18 Sep 2022
New Mexico QSO Party 8 Apr 2023
Duke City Hamfest Chairman www.dukecityhamfest.org 15-17 Sep 2023
__
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 l...@lnainc.com 

__
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