[Elecraft] Transverters
Reflector members, Just a note about the Elecraft Transverters... So very little has been written or posted on the reflector about these units. These deserve a much higher profile in the product line. I urge every Elecrafter to try out one of these kits. It compliments the K2 line so nicely and the rigs perform so well! I put together two of them and they do liven up the activity in the shack. I will complete the third one this fall. I cannot speak more highly of the units. Performance, as expected is right up there with the entire K2 line. If you have given any of transverters a consideration and then hesitated or not made the purchase - please - reconsider and do make the purchase!! You will have a blast working with them. They are high performance - and they look so good with the K2. Thank you Paul K8QT #3479 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Transverters
The transverters are excellent. Easy to build and awesome performance. I ordered my first Elecraft product, a XV144 - the 2m transverter, a week ago. Took just a few hours to assemble it, and it was easy to align and setup. I have done a fair bit of kit building and home brewing (DSP10, Tandem Match, KK7B R1 and R2, and others). This is smoothest kit yet. And in Elecraft tradition, the outcome is world class. Just see the review of the transverter in October's QST Product Review. It beats the Down East Transverter hands down and measures up to the gold standard - the SSB LT2S which cost $900 (and is not available any more.) The closest commercial competitor today is DB6NT's TR144H that costs a $1,000 Euro - about $1,200 and its still incomplete (needs special options/parts to work with low power transverter outputs like that from Yaesu 1KMP, provide IF swithcing, etc). I am so impressed with Elecraft's transverter that just after building the XV144, I ordered the XV222. Can't wait for the XV432. If only I could rig up a pan adapter for the K2, I'd use that as an IF rig instead of the Kenwood 850. I guess I've joined the family of Elecraft fans. Regards, Raj -- Rajiv Dewan, N2RD [EMAIL PROTECTED] FN13fc -- On Sep 1, 2004, at 10:28 AM, Paul wrote: Reflector members, Just a note about the Elecraft Transverters... So very little has been written or posted on the reflector about these units. These deserve a much higher profile in the product line. I urge every Elecrafter to try out one of these kits. It compliments the K2 line so nicely and the rigs perform so well! I put together two of them and they do liven up the activity in the shack. I will complete the third one this fall. I cannot speak more highly of the units. Performance, as expected is right up there with the entire K2 line. If you have given any of transverters a consideration and then hesitated or not made the purchase - please - reconsider and do make the purchase!! You will have a blast working with them. They are high performance - and they look so good with the K2. Thank you Paul K8QT #3479 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Microphone for K2
As some of you know, I'm in the pro audio business, so microphones are something I know a bit about. :) At a recent hamfest, I bought three variations of Plantronics headsets made for use with cellphones. I paid $5 each; in a store they would likely fetch $15-$25. I've seen similar Plantronics models at Fry's Electronics, packaged for use with VOIP into a computer sound card, for $25. For those of you who don't know, Plantronics is the originator of the miniature Starset headsets for telecommunications decades ago. They're a publically traded US company. Over the past two weeks, I've made adapters to use these headset/mic combos with my laptop for Echolink and VOIP, and also to run into my ham rigs. I haven't done one yet for the K2, but I just did one for the Icom 746 that I use on six meters. I am VERY pleased with the result -- on the air reports from critical listeners tell me that I have clean, punchy audio, the emphasized high end that works for good communications quality, and no breathe pops. The wiring to make these mics work with a K2 is quite simple. First, you need to cut off the plug and identify which conductors go to the mic and earphone. On my Plantronics units, white is the mic, red is the earphone, blue is common, and there is an overall shield that should be tied to the mic connector shell. To get bias for the mic element, add a 2.2K resistor between +8v and the white wire. If you want the earphone to work, you'll have to either bring receive audio to the connector or put a second connector on the mic to go to the headphone jack. If you're adapting it to a typical computer sound card, you'll also want the 2.2K resistor from wherever it shows up on the computer's mic input to the hot mic lead. It's no problem fitting a low wattage resistor into a Switchcraft 1/8 plug. It's trickier fitting it into the 8-pin plug used on the K2. Jim Brown K9YC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Transverters
If only I could rig up a pan adapter for the K2, I'd use that as an IF rig instead of the Kenwood 850. Raj, As an alternative, N4PY's software control program has a bandscan function, that when you press it, it takes over the K2 for about 10 seconds, and scans the bandwidth you want, and shows the display on a quasi-spectrum analyzer screen shot. Works very well. http://www.ralabs.com/n4py/ Also, on six meters, I have an older Icom 551D. The receiver blows wind, but it transmits OK. Receive audio is just oh so bad! In looking at the Icom diagram, the IF shift uses a 10.xx MHz IF. Hmm. So I tapped that feed, and ran that to my K2, which picked up the IF signal on the 10 MHz band. Now I have the clean K2 receive audio. Basically, I tune with the Icom, and transmit with it, but receive on the K2. Kinda weird, but it works. I'm saving up the nickels to buy another K2 ( so I can be on six and the low bands at the same time), and of course a Elecraft six meter transverter. And for Elecrafts next item: Oh would I like a box that taps the K2 IF, and is a spectrum analyzer. The output would be VGA, to plug into your monitor, or USB/UTP connection. That UTP connection would also tie into the K2 rs-232 for control across any network. (UTP connectors with built in web browers are around $ 40 today) Someday, 73, Tom K8IIE ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Microphone for K2
Jim, The American economy will suffer ! You were not supposed to let the cat out of the bag about expensive ham microphones. Before you know it, someone out there will discover that the cheapest electret element , ripped out of an old panasonic or nortel telephone will provide EXCELLENT audio. Then these ham guys will put these elements into some kind of stand , and walah A FREE EXCELLENT MICROPHONE. causing economic disaster... Plus we know these guys become attached to things they build. GOOD JOB Bill ny9h ( a manufacturers' rep who has represented several REAL microphone manufacturers over the last 30 years,,, AKG, SHURE, SENNHEISER and none of them importers of someone else's products...) At 10:34 AM 9/1/2004, Jim Brown wrote: As some of you know, I'm in the pro audio business, so microphones are something I know a bit about. :) At a recent hamfest, I bought three variations of Plantronics headsets made for use with cellphones. I paid $5 each; in a store they would likely fetch $15-$25. I've seen similar Plantronics models at Fry's Electronics, packaged for use with VOIP into a computer sound card, for $25. For those of you who don't know, Plantronics is the originator of the miniature Starset headsets for telecommunications decades ago. They're a publically traded US company. Over the past two weeks, I've made adapters to use these headset/mic combos with my laptop for Echolink and VOIP, and also to run into my ham rigs. I haven't done one yet for the K2, but I just did one for the Icom 746 that I use on six meters. I am VERY pleased with the result -- on the air reports from critical listeners tell me that I have clean, punchy audio, the emphasized high end that works for good communications quality, and no breathe pops. The wiring to make these mics work with a K2 is quite simple. First, you need to cut off the plug and identify which conductors go to the mic and earphone. On my Plantronics units, white is the mic, red is the earphone, blue is common, and there is an overall shield that should be tied to the mic connector shell. To get bias for the mic element, add a 2.2K resistor between +8v and the white wire. If you want the earphone to work, you'll have to either bring receive audio to the connector or put a second connector on the mic to go to the headphone jack. If you're adapting it to a typical computer sound card, you'll also want the 2.2K resistor from wherever it shows up on the computer's mic input to the hot mic lead. It's no problem fitting a low wattage resistor into a Switchcraft 1/8 plug. It's trickier fitting it into the 8-pin plug used on the K2. Jim Brown K9YC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] my idea for the K2, no mods have to be done - KG4DNI
Hello to all, I have been thinking alot about how I can have a backlit keypad on the K2 for night use. Here is a simple idea that can be carried along with the K2 and not take too much room in my luggage. This idea has not been tested yet. here is the link: http://www.qsl.net/k4wbt/members/DB/Elecraft-K2-keypad-backlight.htm Daniel KG4DNI Get your name as your email address. Includes spam protection, 1GB storage, no ads and more Only $1.99/ month - visit http://www.mysite.com/name today! ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Microphone for K2
Another option may be to use a PC microphone/headset that are available in the market at very low prices. I use an Altec Lansing AHS-201 headset electret boom microphone with a single earpiece with my K2. As the headset is terminated in the standard 2 x 3.5mm stereo jacks I made up the necessary connectors and a PTT in a small plastic box with two leads out for the K2, 8 pin mic connector and a 3.5mm stereo plug for the headphone connector. A foot switch could be added if desired for PTT. The +5V bias voltage is already available at P1 on the K2 Front Panel board. All it takes is a suitable resistor to provide the bias voltage needed from the +5V on P1 pin 6 to the designated AF pin or pin 1 on the K2/KSB2 side. There is already a 2.2uF isolating capacitor, C34 on the KSB2 I/P, so no other isolation is required with the standard K2/KSB2. The bias voltage needed for the Altec Lansing AHS-201 does not seem critical. I used a single AA 1.5V dry cell in tests and with that was able to overdrive the K2 in the microphone high setting. An added advantage with this particular headset is the microphone is noise cancelling for use in noisy situations and the earpiece seems to work well with the K2 giving a good RX audio level. I had built the setup originally to use with a Yaesu VHF/UHF mobile and it was pleasing to find that it worked very well with the K2. Trying it out was easy as I already used the Yaesu standard for the K2 8 pin microphone connector. The Altec Lansing AHS-201 should be retailed from about $10 in the USA. The obsolete AHS-15 should also work well at an even cheaper price if still available. Bob, G3VVT K2 #4168 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Microphone for K2
I must not have been clear. it is not another option -- it's precisely the Plantronics headset I noted I had seen at Fry's Electronics. So everything that applies to making a cell phone headset work applies equally to making the PC headset work. The point is that these headsets differ only in 1) the quality of the headset and mic elements; 2) Physical comfort; 3) the connector(s) on the end. All of the Plantronics headsets have noise cancelling mics. Bill, NY9H, has observed that these capsules (and the capsules used in the VERY expensive ham mics) sell for half a dollar or less without the name of the very expensive ham mic marketing company on them. Another point. Plantronics is an old line telecommunications company. The Altec Lansing NAME was purchased at least a decade ago, is applied to cheap junk from the far east, and sold. There is no connection (other than this sale of the name) between the company using the name and the company that MADE the name a household word for high quality audio. In spite of its pedigree, I'll bet your headset works a treat on the K2! What can be very tricky to get to work is a headset with an inline PTT switch sold to work with a ham talkie. In essence, you have to do major surgery on what is a very delicate (and cheap) switch with very tiny and delicate wiring to either disable it or rewire it to work with a radio for which it was not intended. I bought one of these new at a hamfest. VERY bad idea. Jim Brown K9YC --Original Message Text--- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2004 19:08:31 EDT Another option may be to use a PC microphone/headset that are available in the market at very low prices. I use an Altec Lansing AHS-201 headset electret boom microphone with a single earpiece with my K2. As the headset is terminated in the standard 2 x 3.5mm stereo jacks I made up the necessary connectors and a PTT in a small plastic box with two leads out for the K2, 8 pin mic connector and a 3.5mm stereo plug for the headphone connector. A foot switch could be added if desired for PTT. The +5V bias voltage is already available at P1 on the K2 Front Panel board. All it takes is a suitable resistor to provide the bias voltage needed from the +5V on P1 pin 6 to the designated AF pin or pin 1 on the K2/KSB2 side. There is already a 2.2uF isolating capacitor, C34 on the KSB2 I/P, so no other isolation is required with the standard K2/KSB2. The bias voltage needed for the Altec Lansing AHS-201 does not seem critical. I used a single AA 1.5V dry cell in tests and with that was able to overdrive the K2 in the microphone high setting. An added advantage with this particular headset is the microphone is noise cancelling for use in noisy situations and the earpiece seems to work well with the K2 giving a good RX audio level. I had built the setup originally to use with a Yaesu VHF/UHF mobile and it was pleasing to find that it worked very well with the K2. Trying it out was easy as I already used the Yaesu standard for the K2 8 pin microphone connector. The Altec Lansing AHS-201 should be retailed from about $10 in the USA. The obsolete AHS-15 should also work well at an even cheaper price if still available. Bob, G3VVT K2 #4168 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] WTB: KAT100
Looking for an assembled KAT100 antenna tuner. If you have one for sale please email direct to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks Tim NZ8J ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
