Re: [Elecraft] [K3] K3 Distorted Sound while using AM
Thanks to all that have replied in trying to help me! There was just a new download posted from Elecraft K3# for (3.66). This seems to have taken care of all the problem I was having. The radio is now sounding much like a Superb SW receiver in its sound. I will be testing it on AM as well as the New AM mode, synchronous detection! For anyone who has not tried it, it is the cats meow. Listening to Foreign Broadcasters is something to behold, if you have not had the pleasure please cheek it out! It is especially interesting when (the signals have) multiple hops or maybe going over the polls to your receive antenna! I am very much aware that there are many SW (Short Wave) Listeners (and a few of us hams) using the Elecraft K3, please enjoy! Thanks again for all who have answered my original question Regards, Rick Richard Jones - KJ5QY wrote: Hello, I am having a problem when I go into AM, or AM sync. Example: I go to an AM Shortwave station. If I turn the AF gain past approximately 3/4 or farther the radio starts to Stutter, Distort, and finally the audio disappears. I cannot make out what is coming out from my speaker. The audio is completely distorted or gone. I noticed I could rotate the Af gain (Counter Clockwise) and it would go back to less distortion. I did check the external speaker jack and also unplugged it only to find the same problem. The AF knob feels like it was one of those old potentiometers that we are all aware of (Get scratchy after use and loose). From my understanding Elecraft used extremely fine pots with a very long life (They do have a bad wobble/looseness in them though). Upon further investigation I found that if I rotated the RF gain control from the fully clockwise position (all the way open) to the full counter clockwise position (all the way closed) that when you almost get to the end of travel the radio audio goes completely dead. I have tried this multiples times and it is very repeatable. After more investigation I found that if I rotated the shift (While in AM or Sync AM) control from its standard (Normal) value of 1.50 to 1.55 this horrible distortion would disappear? I am really confused as to what is going on here. This happens while in the Normal AM mode as well as the Sync AM mode. I have tried to explain this in away that I hope most people will understand my problem (I am not an EE). Could others please let me know if it is my unit or a wider problem? I am using 3.59 and the serial number is 283?. This unit was fully loaded and built by Elecraft. Thanks, Rick -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Distorted-Sound-while-using-AM-tp4120316p4138023.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.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
[Elecraft] K3 Noise blanker board
Good morning all Almost finished putting the K3 all together but last night I did notice while putting the NB board on the 8th pin from the left was missing. I ended up plugging it into the main board but will wait to find out if this is intentional or defective before I power up the unit. Thanks Mike VE3WDM _ Windows Live: Friends get your Flickr, Yelp, and Digg updates when they e-mail you. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9691817 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] Thinking about KXR3
Think you have that pretty much sorted Jim. I have an 8 pole 250Hz roofing filter in my 2nd rx as I thought it would be good for 'mult-hunting' during contests but in reality hardly ever use it. Not sure how important it would be to insist on a matched 2.7KHz filter either. Because the bandwidth is so high you can simply make the small 'centre frequency' adjustments in software without affecting performance hardly at all; obviously more of an issue for the narrower filters...that's my understanding anyway. You'll really like having the 2nd receiver...have fun, Stewart Rolfe, GW0ETF Jim AB3CV wrote: I'm considering asking Santa for a KXR3. I don't have extra antennas but might someday so I'm planning to get matched 2.7Khz filters for starters just in case diversity is in my future. Since for now I plan on only using the KXR3 for split use in CW I thought I'd just have the standard 2.7Khz in the sub and leave my serious filters in the main where the DX or Fox is lurking. The sub would be primarily for listening to the pileup. In the remote chance I ever become proficient enough to be a Fox the sub would be tuned to my transmit freq to listen for potential QRM while the main would be trying to separate the hounds. Am I on the right track? Santa is getting stretched a bit thin so I thought this would keep the cost within reason. 73 jim ab3cv __ 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 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Thinking-about-KXR3-tp4137468p4138824.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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
[Elecraft] LPA power tran's standoff's
Greetings, When it was time to put the bottom cover on over the LPA unit I found the cover did not fit all that well. Seems one of the power transistors was sitting a bit high. With some playing I was able to get the bottom cover on but still wondering if anyone else had this trouble? I checked the standoff's and washers all was good but it still was sitting a bit high. I did look at the LPA unit and it was fully seated and level as per the instructions. Any ideas Mike VE3WDM _ Windows Live: Friends get your Flickr, Yelp, and Digg updates when they e-mail you. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9691817 __ 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] Wall warts, et heat
I find it both fascinating and nearly elementary when I read about problems and questions about wall warts. The little packages were a surprise to me when they first appeared, and I had to buy some extra extension outlets to plug them into, making sure that the darn extensions had a switch on them. It didn't take long before I lost track of what was plugged into what, then I noted that too many of them generated a bit too much heat while being on all day. This started concerning me when I noticed some hash in a receiver that was all but inline with a computer accessory wall wart, and led to a rethink of how to address the situation better. The whole idea really made for a big warning, when the Commodore outfit introduced their cheap little computers, and unless you unplugged their version of a wall wart, it really heated up big time! My thought was Why set up an outside power supply to just save space, and have a half baked, undervalued little heater to do the job?. The whole mess came to a head one day in a big nearby city, when a guy rewarded his family with a computer, plugged it in with good faith, went out to eat dinner, and came home to a burned-out apartment complex! The Fire Marshall traced the source to that wall wart, and he got sued by his neighbors for the value of their lost items, then by the apartment management. He, in turn, sued the computer company, so everyone wound up in litigation for years, all due to a dangerous design for a power supply. When I had mine sputter on me one day, I took time to look up and order an aftermarket replacement, and dug into the factory version. It was a solid block of epoxy fill in an otherwise fair design, but due to the lack of cooling, it had no place to put the heat from pure aluminum heat sinks, and the regulators would burn out! My solution for all of them was to make up, if not buy, a short extension cord to plug into the socket strip, and have an inline switch to turn each one off with. I've had variations on that for a long time now, and one other idea worked fairly well, too, to just wait for after warranty, then open the little case, note where air holes needed to be drilled, then ventilate them as best I could. Some didn't get ventilated in time, and are hanging on a sick list until I can get time to figure out a parts replacement. The one aspect of this whole mess is that a few of them have oddball voltages coming out, to power an oddball addon for a computer or radio accessory, so it's not a case of simply setting up a 12 vdc strip for everything and grab power from a very well made, highly regulated 12 vdc power supply. I continue to clench my teeth when I see a neat little package that works fine, just plug the wall wart into the wall socket and enjoy the toy. That's a cheap, and somewhat dangerous way to avoid adding a bit of bulk, a far better power supply, a switch, and some ventilation to a toy or rig that someone will use for who knows how long. The other irritant is the guy who, when he was asked How would you go green, said If everyone would simply unplug these little things, we could save x number of $$ in fuel for the power company. Essentially, he's blaming the victim for the crime. Maybe its time for all of us to find a way around the nonsense, look over our shacks, and think safety from the beginning. Perhaps this would give everyone some practice in building better power supplies? Good luck, 73's Gil WA5YKK __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] Wall warts, et heat
I believe one powerful motivation for the outboard supply approach is that it exempts the manufacturer from having to put the entire assembly through the various safety and regulatory processes (UL, CSA, CE, etc.). He can instead put the regulatory burden on the subcontractor who furnishes the supply. This can save LOTS of money when bringing a new electronic product to market. 73... Randy, W8FN I continue to clench my teeth when I see a neat little package that works fine, just plug the wall wart into the wall socket and enjoy the toy. That's a cheap, and somewhat dangerous way to avoid adding a bit of bulk, a far better power supply, a switch, and some ventilation to a toy or rig that someone will use for who knows how long. __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3: AGC Adjustment
Ken, Answer 1: The slope number refers to the AGC action, and that is the inverse of the audio response. If charts are helpful to you, Jack Smith has measured and plotted the AGC response for the K3 - see http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/elecraft_k3_agc_and_s-meter.htm#AGC_SLP_and_AGC_THR 73, Don W3FPR Kenneth Waites wrote: Question 1: AGC SLP: The manual reads wrong to me in the discussion pp 53. Wouldn't a slope of zero keep signals from going up in volume more so than a slope of 10? I think of a higher slope meaning faster audio increase as signals get stronger. __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100
Jerry, Since U4 does not carry any RF signals, a socket there would not be a problem, other than reduced reliability because of socket contact failure. Use a good quality socket for longer trouble-free operation. 73, Don W3FPR n0jrn wrote: Gang: I'm in the process of replacing U4 on the KPA's board. Just curious if it would hurt anything if I install a socket in this position. That would make it much easier to replace should I have an issue with this IC again. Your opinion would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and 72: Jerry N0JRN __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] Wall warts, et heat
Many of the ones we find in the UK emit copious amounts of RF interference. Although they are CE marked, we suspect that this only stands for - China Export. 73 Stewart G3RXQ On Wed, 09 Dec 2009 07:01:05 -0600, Randy Farmer wrote: I believe one powerful motivation for the outboard supply approach is that it exempts the manufacturer from having to put the entire assembly through the various safety and regulatory processes (UL, CSA, CE, etc.). He can instead put the regulatory burden on the subcontractor who furnishes the supply. This can save LOTS of money when bringing a new electronic product to market. 73... Randy, W8FN I continue to clench my teeth when I see a neat little package that works fine, just plug the wall wart into the wall socket and enjoy the toy. That's a cheap, and somewhat dangerous way to avoid adding a bit of bulk, a far better power supply, a switch, and some ventilation to a toy or rig that someone will use for who knows how long. __ 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 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3: AGC Adjustment
I also wondered about that. The slope of a line (the ratio of vertical to horizontal displacement) is flatter for lower values. But in the K3 a smaller SLP value means a steeper AGC curve (the AF output changes more for a given change in RF signal). SLP=0 really means least AGC action, not flattest AGC, so the manual description is correct. 73, Drew AF2Z On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:37:16 -0800 (PST), Ken K5WK wrote: Question 1: AGC SLP: The manual reads wrong to me in the discussion pp 53. Wouldn't a slope of zero keep signals from going up in volume more so than a slope of 10? I think of a higher slope meaning faster audio increase as signals get stronger. Question 2: Under what conditions do you want to change AGC PLS? Ken K5WK __ __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Noise blanker board
Well, according to the K3 schematic, pin 5 of the connector shows 'no connection'. This would be the 8th pin from one end. Bob NW8L On Wed, Dec 9, 2009 at 4:14 AM, Mike Weir ve3...@hotmail.com wrote: Good morning all Almost finished putting the K3 all together but last night I did notice while putting the NB board on the 8th pin from the left was missing. I ended up plugging it into the main board but will wait to find out if this is intentional or defective before I power up the unit. Thanks Mike VE3WDM __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] LPA power tran's standoff's
VE3WDM wrote: Greetings, When it was time to put the bottom cover on over the LPA unit I found the cover did not fit all that well. Seems one of the power transistors was sitting a bit high. With some playing I was able to get the bottom cover on but still wondering if anyone else had this trouble? I checked the standoff's and washers all was good but it still was sitting a bit high. I did look at the LPA unit and it was fully seated and level as per the instructions. Any ideas Mike I presume you are referring to the K3 low power amplifier? Yes, I did find the same thing. I eased it back up a bit so it was not quite fully seated but it was still about a millimetre higher than it needed to be. - Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222. * G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com * KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html * KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/LPA-power-tran-s-standoff-s-tp4138898p4139948.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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
Re: [Elecraft] K3: AGC Adjustment
That certainly helps me a lot, I have been struggling with K3 AGC settings and this helps a lot, I don't remember seeing this posted before. So thanks to Don for posting the link and many, many thanks to Jack for making it clearer. I just need to read that a few more times now. 73 de M0XDF, K3 #174 -- Everything secret degenerates, even the administration of justice; nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear discussion and publicity. -Lord Acton, historian (1834-1902) On 9 Dec 2009, at 13:15, Don Wilhelm wrote: If charts are helpful to you, Jack Smith has measured and plotted the AGC response for the K3 - see http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/elecraft_k3_agc_and_s-meter.htm#AGC_SLP_and_AGC_THR __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100
I hope to be building a KPA100 myself in another month or so. How does one distinguish a good quality IC socket from a less-than-good one? Is there something apparent to the naked eye? Thanks and 73, Ken --- On Wed, 12/9/09, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 To: n0jrn n0...@mchsi.com Cc: Elecraft elecr...@mailman.qth..net Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2009, 1:18 PM Jerry, Since U4 does not carry any RF signals, a socket there would not be a problem, other than reduced reliability because of socket contact failure. Use a good quality socket for longer trouble-free operation. 73, Don W3FPR n0jrn wrote: Gang: I'm in the process of replacing U4 on the KPA's board. Just curious if it would hurt anything if I install a socket in this position. That would make it much easier to replace should I have an issue with this IC again. Your opinion would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and 72: Jerry N0JRN __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:elecr...@mailman.qth..net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3: AGC Adjustment
I have found so many different adjustment parameters for AGC in K3 that I would apperciate AGC settings for dummies type of instructions. :) I previously owned IC-756PRO3 which can be used as reference of well functioning AGC among DSP radios. Very pleasant experience. Olli OH6CT -Alkuperäinen viesti- Lähettäjä: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] Puolesta David Ferrington, M0XDF Lähetetty: 9. joulukuuta 2009 17:53 Vastaanottaja: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Aihe: Re: [Elecraft] K3: AGC Adjustment That certainly helps me a lot, I have been struggling with K3 AGC settings and this helps a lot, I don't remember seeing this posted before. So thanks to Don for posting the link and many, many thanks to Jack for making it clearer. I just need to read that a few more times now. 73 de M0XDF, K3 #174 -- Everything secret degenerates, even the administration of justice; nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear discussion and publicity. -Lord Acton, historian (1834-1902) On 9 Dec 2009, at 13:15, Don Wilhelm wrote: If charts are helpful to you, Jack Smith has measured and plotted the AGC response for the K3 - see http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/elecraft_k3_agc_and_s-meter.htm#AGC _SLP_and_AGC_THR __ 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 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100
Ken, It is not something that is apparent just by looking. It has to do with the contact material and the plating. Is the material springy enough to retain tension on the IC leads? Is the plating of sufficient depth to withstand many removals and insertions? Questions of that nature can only be determined from the specifications (if you can get them). I would not recommend sockets for anything other than the firmware (already socketed in the kit). A soldered-in IC will be more reliable over time, and the frequency of IC failures (unless abused) does not warrant it. But then make your own decision. Machined pin sockets are usually better because they should have a gas-tight contact area, but require more force to seat the IC. BTW - gold plated sockets should only be used with ICs having gold plated leads - use tin plated sockets because normal ICs have tin plated leads. There were industry studies about tin/gold contact problems that I was aware of about 20 years ago (yes, I worked in a reliability group), and I do not know that anything has changed in the meantime - just because it is gold does not make it better. 73, Don W3FPR Ken Alexander wrote: I hope to be building a KPA100 myself in another month or so. How does one distinguish a good quality IC socket from a less-than-good one? Is there something apparent to the naked eye? Thanks and 73, Ken __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100
Don, Gold embrittlement is still a problem, and we have a chem egr dept that spends a great deal of their time analyzing gold plated parts to determine if we need to either slim down the gold plate or possible dip the IC's to avoid these issues. Matt W8ESE __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3: AGC Adjustment
Olli, I don't think it is so difficult that one needs AGC for dummies. If you want every signal to have about the same audio level, then set the slope to a higher number, but if you want to hear that a strong signal is louder than a weaker signal by ear (without looking at the S-meter), then go for a smaller numbered slope. That is what Jack Smith's charts indicate - and I have set my slope to 2 since that setting is close to the AGC response on the K2 which I liked. The threshold is set so the AGC will not be active on weak signals - the lower the number, the lower the AGC action will start - set too low, the AGC can become active on band noise and will de-sense the receiver even though there are no signals present. How much band noise is present will depend on atmospheric conditions, local QRN, and your antenna. The beauty of the K3 is that it allows you to change the AGC behavior. If you are not of a mind to study the effect of various setting, I believe you would just leave it set at the defaults until you are ready to investigate the possibilities and learn about them - that is what defaults are all about IMHO. 73, Don W3FPR Olli Tuppurainen wrote: I have found so many different adjustment parameters for AGC in K3 that I would apperciate AGC settings for dummies type of instructions. :) I previously owned IC-756PRO3 which can be used as reference of well functioning AGC among DSP radios. Very pleasant experience. Olli OH6CT __ 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] OT - Outlet Strips
Please be careful about selecting budget outlet strips. I know our conditions are not identical with those in the U.S., but there have been a number of fires down here caused by cheap outlet strips. Adding to the safety concerns, someone had mentioned using a short Radio Shack extension cord with a multiple outlet on one end, presumably used in a series daisy-chain with an outlet strip. Both the outlet strip and short extension cord with multiple outlets are both Relocatable Power Taps, neither of which are designed for a daisy-chain power connection. The UL and many local codes prohibit their use in that manner. The RPT device should only be plugged into the serving outlet from the branch circuit. For example, one could plug the strip into a duplex wall receptacle and the short, multiple-head extension cord into the other duplex receptacle, but neither device should take its feed from the other. Paul, W9AC __ 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] Help
Thank you to all who replied to my help note. First thing Monday morning elecraft emailed me and the problem is solved. I should know better than to think I can understand the menue system right away. Hi Hi. R Thorpe KD6LAZ/AE __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3: AGC Adjustment
Gentlemen, I truly love this reflector and my sincere thanks to Jack Smith of Clifton Labs for this interesting piece. The ultimate user manual for the K3 might rival Webster's in its weight. 73 Doug EI2CN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of David Ferrington, M0XDF Sent: 09 December 2009 15:53 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: AGC Adjustment That certainly helps me a lot, I have been struggling with K3 AGC settings and this helps a lot, I don't remember seeing this posted before. So thanks to Don for posting the link and many, many thanks to Jack for making it clearer. I just need to read that a few more times now. 73 de M0XDF, K3 #174 -- Everything secret degenerates, even the administration of justice; nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear discussion and publicity. -Lord Acton, historian (1834-1902) On 9 Dec 2009, at 13:15, Don Wilhelm wrote: If charts are helpful to you, Jack Smith has measured and plotted the AGC response for the K3 - see http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/elecraft_k3_agc_and_s-meter.htm#AGC_SLP_a nd_AGC_THR __ 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 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] clsar...@gmail.com
clsar...@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
Re: [Elecraft] OT: DZKIT Sienna?
Seriously, this is tounge in cheek right? For a long time I've thought the Kenwood TS-2000 was the worlds ugliest radio but then the Sienna appeared! Looks like a WWII Russian tank radio. No offense to our Rusian friends. Doug W6JD - Original Message - From: Al Lorona alor...@sbcglobal.net To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, December 8, 2009 1:22:08 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: DZKIT Sienna? Brian, the designer gave me the impression that the rig isn't really designed for contesting but, more for rag chewing and leisurely operating. The Sienna's front panel is gorgeous, definitely the most attractive and innovative of any rig. You can order one in any color you'd like for an extra fee. Quite a bit of work went into that rig's face: the knobs, the display. Really cool. Al W6LX __ 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 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] [K2] Crystal filter impedance
Hi How must be K2's variable-bandwidth crystal filter in/out impedance (W2,W3 points) with FL1 1.5 CW choosen? Thanks in advance Sergey 4Z5TV -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K2-Crystal-filter-impedance-tp4141621p4141621.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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
Re: [Elecraft] OT: DZKIT Sienna?
Most WW2 Russian tank radios were the 19 set, a British design manufactured in Canada and supplied to the Red Army under Lend-Lease. That's another two friends who won't take offence :-) Pete G4PLZ/F5VNB Seriously, this is tounge in cheek right? For a long time I've thought the Kenwood TS-2000 was the worlds ugliest radio but then the Sienna appeared! Looks like a WWII Russian tank radio. No offense to our Rusian friends. Doug W6JD __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] [HAM] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
Is someone tried on K2? If YES, what kind of settings you are using on K2? Thanks 7S7V Wes Stewart wrote: I second all of this. I've been using one since June. --- On Mon, 11/23/09, Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com wrote: From: Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com Subject: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN) To: Elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Monday, November 23, 2009, 11:28 AM Last night, K6MM posted to the NCCC Email list: Headset Report: The new Yamaha CM500 headset performed flawlessly. Great reports, comfortable all weekend, good soundproofing. A real bargain at $40 -- thanks again for the group purchase, Josh (W6XU). After about 22 hours of use in SS-SSB, I'd like to reinforce John's comments on these headsets. I find the headset quite comfortable, the cans sound very good, and the mic produces GREAT audio. I bought three, and they are replacing the EV RE16 that I've used exclusively for contesting for the last five years! If you worked W6BX, K9YC, K6MM, AK6M, or W6XU, you were listening to the CM500. The mic in this headset is not a FLAT mic, but it's quite smooth and clean sounding, and the EQ is close to perfect for ham radio and contesting. It sounds MUCH MUCH MUCH better than most Heils I've heard (and at 1/3 the price). Because it's EQed for communications use and my existing voice messages were recorded with an RE16 (a very flat professional recording/broadcast mic), I had to re-record all of my SS messages. The only negative of this mic (and it's a minor one, because it's easy to work around it) is that it is a bit sensitive to breath pop and handling noise, so you need to roll off the low end AND keep it away from your mouth. I found myself alternating between two positions -- one below my mouth a few inches, and the other a few inches above and to the side, but out of the way of my nose (so that breathing didn't get into the mic). Both positions are quite comfortable, and both sound very good. I used the higher position for recording the messages. One VERY important caution -- the output from this mic is VERY high, and can easily overload the electronics that it is feeding if you don't take care with gain settings. To record, I ran straight into the sound card of my IBM T22 (eight year old Thinkpad) with the mic preamp OFF, the gain at minimum, and the mic about four inches away. Any closer caused the sound card to clip! I did NO eq while recording. When operating, I plugged the mic and headset into the rear panel connectors, turned on the bias (tap 2 on the keypad while in the mic select menu) and set mic gain to Low (tap 1 on the keypad in the mic select menu). I used max cut of the two lowest bands on the K3 to minimize the breath and handling noise. With other rigs, you may need to do that with a series cap. 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 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Yamaha-CM500-Headset-is-a-WINNER-and-a-BARGAIN-tp4052975p4141865.html Sent from the [HAM] mailing list archive at Nabble.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
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Crystal filter impedance
Sergey, I believe the crystal filter is designed for 150 ohm termination - at least that is the input termination used with the -5dB post mixer amplifier pad, and since the IF filter is symmetrical, its input and output impedances should be the same. The design point for the variable filter is 400 Hz if I recall correctly, and the capacitance changes to permit different widths. I do not believe the impedance changes a lot over the 1.5kHz to 200 Hz range, so I would assume it is close to 150 ohms. 73, Don W3FPR Sergey Dan wrote: Hi How must be K2's variable-bandwidth crystal filter in/out impedance (W2,W3 points) with FL1 1.5 CW choosen? Thanks in advance Sergey 4Z5TV __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] [HAM] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
I ordered mine through Full Compass. With shipping it was $48 but they are out of stock and don't expect to be able to ship until after the first of the year. Bob W6TR - Original Message - From: sm7vzx 7...@tele2.se To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 1:48 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [HAM] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN) Is someone tried on K2? If YES, what kind of settings you are using on K2? Thanks 7S7V Wes Stewart wrote: I second all of this. I've been using one since June. --- On Mon, 11/23/09, Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com wrote: From: Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com Subject: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN) To: Elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Monday, November 23, 2009, 11:28 AM Last night, K6MM posted to the NCCC Email list: Headset Report: The new Yamaha CM500 headset performed flawlessly. Great reports, comfortable all weekend, good soundproofing. A real bargain at $40 -- thanks again for the group purchase, Josh (W6XU). After about 22 hours of use in SS-SSB, I'd like to reinforce John's comments on these headsets. I find the headset quite comfortable, the cans sound very good, and the mic produces GREAT audio. I bought three, and they are replacing the EV RE16 that I've used exclusively for contesting for the last five years! If you worked W6BX, K9YC, K6MM, AK6M, or W6XU, you were listening to the CM500. The mic in this headset is not a FLAT mic, but it's quite smooth and clean sounding, and the EQ is close to perfect for ham radio and contesting. It sounds MUCH MUCH MUCH better than most Heils I've heard (and at 1/3 the price). Because it's EQed for communications use and my existing voice messages were recorded with an RE16 (a very flat professional recording/broadcast mic), I had to re-record all of my SS messages. The only negative of this mic (and it's a minor one, because it's easy to work around it) is that it is a bit sensitive to breath pop and handling noise, so you need to roll off the low end AND keep it away from your mouth. I found myself alternating between two positions -- one below my mouth a few inches, and the other a few inches above and to the side, but out of the way of my nose (so that breathing didn't get into the mic). Both positions are quite comfortable, and both sound very good. I used the higher position for recording the messages. One VERY important caution -- the output from this mic is VERY high, and can easily overload the electronics that it is feeding if you don't take care with gain settings. To record, I ran straight into the sound card of my IBM T22 (eight year old Thinkpad) with the mic preamp OFF, the gain at minimum, and the mic about four inches away. Any closer caused the sound card to clip! I did NO eq while recording. When operating, I plugged the mic and headset into the rear panel connectors, turned on the bias (tap 2 on the keypad while in the mic select menu) and set mic gain to Low (tap 1 on the keypad in the mic select menu). I used max cut of the two lowest bands on the K3 to minimize the breath and handling noise. With other rigs, you may need to do that with a series cap. 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 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Yamaha-CM500-Headset-is-a-WINNER-and-a-BARGAIN-tp4052975p4141865.html Sent from the [HAM] mailing list archive at Nabble.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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] [HAM] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
www.zzsounds.com has them in stock for 59.95 Philip LaMarche LaMarche Enterprises, Inc. www.instantgourmetspices.com www.w9dvm.com 800-395-7795 pin 02 727-944-3226 FAX 727-937-8834 NASFT 30210 K3 #1605 CCA 98 00827 CRA 1701 W9DVM -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bob Maser Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 4:03 PM To: sm7vzx; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [HAM] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN) I ordered mine through Full Compass. With shipping it was $48 but they are out of stock and don't expect to be able to ship until after the first of the year. Bob W6TR - Original Message - From: sm7vzx 7...@tele2.se To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 1:48 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [HAM] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN) Is someone tried on K2? If YES, what kind of settings you are using on K2? Thanks 7S7V Wes Stewart wrote: I second all of this. I've been using one since June. --- On Mon, 11/23/09, Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com wrote: From: Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com Subject: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN) To: Elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Monday, November 23, 2009, 11:28 AM Last night, K6MM posted to the NCCC Email list: Headset Report: The new Yamaha CM500 headset performed flawlessly. Great reports, comfortable all weekend, good soundproofing. A real bargain at $40 -- thanks again for the group purchase, Josh (W6XU). After about 22 hours of use in SS-SSB, I'd like to reinforce John's comments on these headsets. I find the headset quite comfortable, the cans sound very good, and the mic produces GREAT audio. I bought three, and they are replacing the EV RE16 that I've used exclusively for contesting for the last five years! If you worked W6BX, K9YC, K6MM, AK6M, or W6XU, you were listening to the CM500. The mic in this headset is not a FLAT mic, but it's quite smooth and clean sounding, and the EQ is close to perfect for ham radio and contesting. It sounds MUCH MUCH MUCH better than most Heils I've heard (and at 1/3 the price). Because it's EQed for communications use and my existing voice messages were recorded with an RE16 (a very flat professional recording/broadcast mic), I had to re-record all of my SS messages. The only negative of this mic (and it's a minor one, because it's easy to work around it) is that it is a bit sensitive to breath pop and handling noise, so you need to roll off the low end AND keep it away from your mouth. I found myself alternating between two positions -- one below my mouth a few inches, and the other a few inches above and to the side, but out of the way of my nose (so that breathing didn't get into the mic). Both positions are quite comfortable, and both sound very good. I used the higher position for recording the messages. One VERY important caution -- the output from this mic is VERY high, and can easily overload the electronics that it is feeding if you don't take care with gain settings. To record, I ran straight into the sound card of my IBM T22 (eight year old Thinkpad) with the mic preamp OFF, the gain at minimum, and the mic about four inches away. Any closer caused the sound card to clip! I did NO eq while recording. When operating, I plugged the mic and headset into the rear panel connectors, turned on the bias (tap 2 on the keypad while in the mic select menu) and set mic gain to Low (tap 1 on the keypad in the mic select menu). I used max cut of the two lowest bands on the K3 to minimize the breath and handling noise. With other rigs, you may need to do that with a series cap. 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 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Yamaha-CM500-Headset-is-a-WINNER-and-a-BARGAIN-tp 4052975p4141865.html Sent from the [HAM] mailing list archive at Nabble.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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] [HAM] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
As someone posted before, they are here for 38.00 free shipping, they are not a stocked item but if you order they say about a week to ship them. Cheapest I have seen so far. www.bhphotovideo.com http://www.bhphotovideo.com 73 Merv KH7C www.zzsounds.com has them in stock for 59.95 Philip LaMarche LaMarche Enterprises, Inc. www.instantgourmetspices.com www.w9dvm.com 800-395-7795 pin 02 727-944-3226 FAX 727-937-8834 NASFT 30210 K3 #1605 CCA 98 00827 CRA 1701 W9DVM -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bob Maser Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 4:03 PM To: sm7vzx; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [HAM] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN) I ordered mine through Full Compass. With shipping it was $48 but they are out of stock and don't expect to be able to ship until after the first of the year. Bob W6TR - Original Message - From: sm7vzx 7...@tele2.se To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 1:48 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [HAM] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN) Is someone tried on K2? If YES, what kind of settings you are using on K2? Thanks 7S7V Wes Stewart wrote: I second all of this. I've been using one since June. --- On Mon, 11/23/09, Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com wrote: From: Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com Subject: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN) To: Elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Monday, November 23, 2009, 11:28 AM Last night, K6MM posted to the NCCC Email list: Headset Report: The new Yamaha CM500 headset performed flawlessly. Great reports, comfortable all weekend, good soundproofing. A real bargain at $40 -- thanks again for the group purchase, Josh (W6XU). After about 22 hours of use in SS-SSB, I'd like to reinforce John's comments on these headsets. I find the headset quite comfortable, the cans sound very good, and the mic produces GREAT audio. I bought three, and they are replacing the EV RE16 that I've used exclusively for contesting for the last five years! If you worked W6BX, K9YC, K6MM, AK6M, or W6XU, you were listening to the CM500. The mic in this headset is not a FLAT mic, but it's quite smooth and clean sounding, and the EQ is close to perfect for ham radio and contesting. It sounds MUCH MUCH MUCH better than most Heils I've heard (and at 1/3 the price). Because it's EQed for communications use and my existing voice messages were recorded with an RE16 (a very flat professional recording/broadcast mic), I had to re-record all of my SS messages. The only negative of this mic (and it's a minor one, because it's easy to work around it) is that it is a bit sensitive to breath pop and handling noise, so you need to roll off the low end AND keep it away from your mouth. I found myself alternating between two positions -- one below my mouth a few inches, and the other a few inches above and to the side, but out of the way of my nose (so that breathing didn't get into the mic). Both positions are quite comfortable, and both sound very good. I used the higher position for recording the messages. One VERY important caution -- the output from this mic is VERY high, and can easily overload the electronics that it is feeding if you don't take care with gain settings. To record, I ran straight into the sound card of my IBM T22 (eight year old Thinkpad) with the mic preamp OFF, the gain at minimum, and the mic about four inches away. Any closer caused the sound card to clip! I did NO eq while recording. When operating, I plugged the mic and headset into the rear panel connectors, turned on the bias (tap 2 on the keypad while in the mic select menu) and set mic gain to Low (tap 1 on the keypad in the mic select menu). I used max cut of the two lowest bands on the K3 to minimize the breath and handling noise. With other rigs, you may need to do that with a series cap. 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 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Yamaha-CM500-Headset-is-a-WINNER-and-a-BARGAIN-tp 4052975p4141865.html Sent from the [HAM] mailing list archive at Nabble.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:
Re: [Elecraft] [HAM] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WIN NER ( and a BARGAIN )
I had them on watch at BH and received an email about a week ago that they are no longer stocking them, but will handle as special order. Don't know if their price has changed. Gary -- KJ7RT Sun City, AZ U.S.A. Life Member ARRL - FISTS #14460 - NAQCC # 3709 Elecraft K1 #2760 Elecraft K2 #6815 On Wednesday 09 December 2009 02:37:34 pm Merv Schweigert wrote: As someone posted before, they are here for 38.00 free shipping, they are not a stocked item but if you order they say about a week to ship them. Cheapest I have seen so far. www.bhphotovideo.com http://www.bhphotovideo.com 73 Merv KH7C __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] General discussion of DSP vs. IF noise blanking
Is the DSP blanker input level also subject to AGC? Hardware AGC - yes; software AGC - no. 73, Lyle KK7P __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] [HAM] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER ( and a BARGAIN )
The price hasn't changed. Still free shipping. I ordered one on 12/4/09 shortly after I got their email and it is still listed as on backorder. 73, Ken K3IU ~ Gary W. Marklund wrote: I had them on watch at BH and received an email about a week ago that they are no longer stocking them, but will handle as special order. Don't know if their price has changed. Gary __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] [k3] NB Chirp [+ general discussion of DSP vs. IF noise blanking]
The DSP NB causes some artifacts at its higher settings. Note that the DSP NB works by signal substitution while trying to maintain frequency rather than just blasting a hole in the signal stream. 73, Lyle KK7P __ 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] XV50 Transverter (and more) for Sale
Several of my previously listed items have sold. The transverter and Heil Proset are still available at lower prices: 1. Elecraft XV50 6m transverter. Less than 1 yr old. Like-new condition and works very well. $325.00 (was $350.00) 2. Heil Proset with HC4 element. That's the DX/contesting element. Comes with adapter for Yaesu transceivers with RJ type mic connector. (I have replaced the original 1/4 headphone plug with a 1/8 plug) $80.00 (was $100.00) Prices are in U.S. dollars. I will ship anywhere in Canada or continental U.S. at my expense. Please contact me off-list. Thank you 73, Ken Alexander VE3HLS __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3: AGC Adjustment
Don Wilhelm wrote: I don't think it is so difficult that one needs AGC for dummies. If you want every signal to have about the same audio level, then set the slope to a higher number, but if you want to hear that a strong signal is louder than a weaker signal by ear (without looking at the S-meter), then go for a smaller numbered slope. That is what Jack Smith's charts indicate - and I have set my slope to 2 since that setting is close to the AGC response on the K2 which I liked. The threshold is set so the AGC will not be active on weak signals - the lower the number, the lower the AGC action will start - set too low, the AGC can become active on band noise and will de-sense the receiver even though there are no signals present. How much band noise is present will depend on atmospheric conditions, local QRN, and your antenna. Possibly, that WAS K3 AGC For Dummies. I'm gonna go look at mine, I was bewildered at first. Maybe now, not so much. 73, Fred K6DGW Auburn CA USA __ 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] W2 Questions
A few questions about the W2 meter: 1. The posted accuracy is +- 0.5 dB which I calculate as about +- 12 %. Is this full scale accuracy and if so is half scale possibly more accurate or is this the most accurate the meter is likely to be. I am not even sure if it makes a difference for full scale or half scale for a digital meter so that part of my question may be moot. 2. What does it take to achieve an accuracy better then 5 % (for example), and is it possible to achieve an accuracy of 1 % or better? I am curious as to where the money needs to be spent in achieving such accuracy. Is it in the directional coupler? 3. I am thinking that the company that can build the best receiver on the market (the K3) can also build the best meter. So, would Elecraft principles consider a future super-accurate, best on the planet, amateur radio RF/SWR power meter? Oh, I think a current meter would be cool too. And, I know that having meter accuracy is of little importance in ham radio but there is some kind of deep seated quirk in me that wants accuracy just for the heck of it. Certainly 5 % is achievable, right? 73, phil, K7PEH __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] W2 Questions
Phil, With each LED representing 100-watts on the 2KW scale, it may be of some help to go from 10% to 5% in accuracy, but in the case of the W2, the display resolution is limited to 50-watts in between mid power ranges (e.g., 250-watts) but a display of 200-watts with two LEDs showing may actually mean 151 watts or 249 watts. 50-watts is mid-way between any two LEDs at the 2KW range and I'm making an assumption that levels less than any 50-watt range (e.g., 240-watts) will result in the preceding element being lit which shows 200-watts. If it's more than the mid point (e.g., 260-watts) then the next LED should be lit. So, at the low-end of the W2's range at say the 200-watt level, the meter can at best resolve to only 50/200 = 25% and seemingly 100/200 = 50% at worst (using the 149W to 249W example). I don't want to confuse resolution with accuracy but the two parameters go hand-in-hand. That said, I see no real benefit of going from 10% to 5% in accuracy when resolution deficiencies can easily mask the error in accuracy. I may be completely wrong with the manner in which the W2 resolves, so someone set me straight if my assumptions aren't correct. You asked the question about what it takes to achieve better accuracy. You may want to read N8LP's excellent article in QEX from a few years ago, along with articles from Warren Bruene, Roy Lewallen, John Grebenkemper, and others who have published on the accuracy subject. Paul, W9AC - Original Message - From: Phil Hystad k7...@comcast.net To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 7:51 PM Subject: [Elecraft] W2 Questions A few questions about the W2 meter: 1. The posted accuracy is +- 0.5 dB which I calculate as about +- 12 %. Is this full scale accuracy and if so is half scale possibly more accurate or is this the most accurate the meter is likely to be. I am not even sure if it makes a difference for full scale or half scale for a digital meter so that part of my question may be moot. 2. What does it take to achieve an accuracy better then 5 % (for example), and is it possible to achieve an accuracy of 1 % or better? I am curious as to where the money needs to be spent in achieving such accuracy. Is it in the directional coupler? 3. I am thinking that the company that can build the best receiver on the market (the K3) can also build the best meter. So, would Elecraft principles consider a future super-accurate, best on the planet, amateur radio RF/SWR power meter? Oh, I think a current meter would be cool too. And, I know that having meter accuracy is of little importance in ham radio but there is some kind of deep seated quirk in me that wants accuracy just for the heck of it. Certainly 5 % is achievable, right? 73, phil, K7PEH __ 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 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] K3 Memory Management
I am brand new K3 owner, unless I have missed something in all my research, cannot find a program to manage memory via the PC. I surely hope I am wrong, currently using a TS-480, the Kenwood utility is simple and does a great job of running the radio via the PC including uploading downloading memory with associated parameters. Is there a similiar program available for the K3? -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Memory-Management-tp4143163p4143163.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Memory Management
Hi Greg, We'll be adding this function to our K3 Utility program at some point. We'd be happy to get your input on it. 73, Wayne N6KR On Dec 9, 2009, at 5:24 PM, w4grj wrote: I am brand new K3 owner, unless I have missed something in all my research, cannot find a program to manage memory via the PC. I surely hope I am wrong, currently using a TS-480, the Kenwood utility is simple and does a great job of running the radio via the PC including uploading downloading memory with associated parameters. Is there a similiar program available for the K3? __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] W2 Questions
Paul, Thanks for your comments. And, in followup, if Elecraft were to make a meter with reasonably high accuracy I presume that another display method, other then LEDs, would be required. I think a high-resolution LCD with nice color graphic renditions of power information. OK, sort of kidding here, I presume that a computer interface could handle that kind of information display. peh On Dec 9, 2009, at 5:23 PM, Paul Christensen wrote: Phil, With each LED representing 100-watts on the 2KW scale, it may be of some help to go from 10% to 5% in accuracy, but in the case of the W2, the display resolution is limited to 50-watts in between mid power ranges (e.g., 250-watts) but a display of 200-watts with two LEDs showing may actually mean 151 watts or 249 watts. 50-watts is mid-way between any two LEDs at the 2KW range and I'm making an assumption that levels less than any 50-watt range (e.g., 240-watts) will result in the preceding element being lit which shows 200-watts. If it's more than the mid point (e.g., 260-watts) then the next LED should be lit. So, at the low-end of the W2's range at say the 200-watt level, the meter can at best resolve to only 50/200 = 25% and seemingly 100/200 = 50% at worst (using the 149W to 249W example). I don't want to confuse resolution with accuracy but the two parameters go hand-in-hand. That said, I see no real benefit of going from 10% to 5% in accuracy when resolution deficiencies can easily mask the error in accuracy. I may be completely wrong with the manner in which the W2 resolves, so someone set me straight if my assumptions aren't correct. You asked the question about what it takes to achieve better accuracy. You may want to read N8LP's excellent article in QEX from a few years ago, along with articles from Warren Bruene, Roy Lewallen, John Grebenkemper, and others who have published on the accuracy subject. Paul, W9AC - Original Message - From: Phil Hystad k7...@comcast.net To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 7:51 PM Subject: [Elecraft] W2 Questions A few questions about the W2 meter: 1. The posted accuracy is +- 0.5 dB which I calculate as about +- 12 %. Is this full scale accuracy and if so is half scale possibly more accurate or is this the most accurate the meter is likely to be. I am not even sure if it makes a difference for full scale or half scale for a digital meter so that part of my question may be moot. 2. What does it take to achieve an accuracy better then 5 % (for example), and is it possible to achieve an accuracy of 1 % or better? I am curious as to where the money needs to be spent in achieving such accuracy. Is it in the directional coupler? 3. I am thinking that the company that can build the best receiver on the market (the K3) can also build the best meter. So, would Elecraft principles consider a future super-accurate, best on the planet, amateur radio RF/SWR power meter? Oh, I think a current meter would be cool too. And, I know that having meter accuracy is of little importance in ham radio but there is some kind of deep seated quirk in me that wants accuracy just for the heck of it. Certainly 5 % is achievable, right? 73, phil, K7PEH __ 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 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 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
Re: [Elecraft] W2 Questions
It's kinda' hard to beat numerical digits when you want the best possible resolution displayed. By the way Phil, I should re-phrase my earlier statement when I referred to a resolution deficiency. I really meant to imply a resolution limitation. There's nothing wrong with that form of wattmeter display, even with the set limitation on resolution. I prefer a bargraph display as a quick indicator of what's going on rather than interpolating quickly flashing numbers on a display. Here's a link to N8LP's article in QEX. Accuracy is highly dependent on directional coupler design and construction technique as well as detector design. http://www.telepostinc.com/Files/phipps-1.pdf Paul, W9AC - Original Message - From: Phil Hystad k7...@comcast.net To: Paul Christensen w...@arrl.net Cc: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 8:37 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] W2 Questions Paul, Thanks for your comments. And, in followup, if Elecraft were to make a meter with reasonably high accuracy I presume that another display method, other then LEDs, would be required. I think a high-resolution LCD with nice color graphic renditions of power information. OK, sort of kidding here, I presume that a computer interface could handle that kind of information display. peh On Dec 9, 2009, at 5:23 PM, Paul Christensen wrote: Phil, With each LED representing 100-watts on the 2KW scale, it may be of some help to go from 10% to 5% in accuracy, but in the case of the W2, the display resolution is limited to 50-watts in between mid power ranges (e.g., 250-watts) but a display of 200-watts with two LEDs showing may actually mean 151 watts or 249 watts. 50-watts is mid-way between any two LEDs at the 2KW range and I'm making an assumption that levels less than any 50-watt range (e.g., 240-watts) will result in the preceding element being lit which shows 200-watts. If it's more than the mid point (e.g., 260-watts) then the next LED should be lit. So, at the low-end of the W2's range at say the 200-watt level, the meter can at best resolve to only 50/200 = 25% and seemingly 100/200 = 50% at worst (using the 149W to 249W example). I don't want to confuse resolution with accuracy but the two parameters go hand-in-hand. That said, I see no real benefit of going from 10% to 5% in accuracy when resolution deficiencies can easily mask the error in accuracy. I may be completely wrong with the manner in which the W2 resolves, so someone set me straight if my assumptions aren't correct. You asked the question about what it takes to achieve better accuracy. You may want to read N8LP's excellent article in QEX from a few years ago, along with articles from Warren Bruene, Roy Lewallen, John Grebenkemper, and others who have published on the accuracy subject. Paul, W9AC - Original Message - From: Phil Hystad k7...@comcast.net To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 7:51 PM Subject: [Elecraft] W2 Questions A few questions about the W2 meter: 1. The posted accuracy is +- 0.5 dB which I calculate as about +- 12 %. Is this full scale accuracy and if so is half scale possibly more accurate or is this the most accurate the meter is likely to be. I am not even sure if it makes a difference for full scale or half scale for a digital meter so that part of my question may be moot. 2. What does it take to achieve an accuracy better then 5 % (for example), and is it possible to achieve an accuracy of 1 % or better? I am curious as to where the money needs to be spent in achieving such accuracy. Is it in the directional coupler? 3. I am thinking that the company that can build the best receiver on the market (the K3) can also build the best meter. So, would Elecraft principles consider a future super-accurate, best on the planet, amateur radio RF/SWR power meter? Oh, I think a current meter would be cool too. And, I know that having meter accuracy is of little importance in ham radio but there is some kind of deep seated quirk in me that wants accuracy just for the heck of it. Certainly 5 % is achievable, right? 73, phil, K7PEH __ 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 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 mailing list Home:
Re: [Elecraft] W2 Questions
Phil, The W2 wattmeter is similar in its detector accuracy to the Tandem Match (by John Grebenkemper KI6WX) in that its accuracy depends on matching the detector diodes with the compensation diodes. The Gold Standard of power measuring devices is the HP436A wattmeter, and it has a stated accuracy of +/-0.05 dB. That amounts to a +/-1.16% accuracy - you are not going to get much better than that lab instrument in an amateur grade instrument. The Tandem Match that KI6WX built tracks the HP436A within +/- 0.5 dB over a range of 10 mW to 100W (your 11.2% error), and also tracks the HP436A within +/-0.1 dB over a 1W to 100W range for a 2.33 % difference. Power measurement is tough on accuracy as expressed in percentage. Most ham grade wattmeters specify 20% of full scale. The Tandem Match and the W2 wattmeter are percentages of actual readings. Since power is normally best expressed in dB (because the apparent signal strength is related in dB), a specification of 0.5 dB is not bad at all. BTW - I believe that is the accuracy of the power reported using the PC link. The resolution of the LED scale is not adequate to indicate the degree of precision available. The directional coupler will have frequency dependencies as well as accuracy implications. 73, Don W3FPR Phil Hystad wrote: A few questions about the W2 meter: 1. The posted accuracy is +- 0.5 dB which I calculate as about +- 12 %. Is this full scale accuracy and if so is half scale possibly more accurate or is this the most accurate the meter is likely to be. I am not even sure if it makes a difference for full scale or half scale for a digital meter so that part of my question may be moot. 2. What does it take to achieve an accuracy better then 5 % (for example), and is it possible to achieve an accuracy of 1 % or better? I am curious as to where the money needs to be spent in achieving such accuracy. Is it in the directional coupler? 3. I am thinking that the company that can build the best receiver on the market (the K3) can also build the best meter. So, would Elecraft principles consider a future super-accurate, best on the planet, amateur radio RF/SWR power meter? Oh, I think a current meter would be cool too. And, I know that having meter accuracy is of little importance in ham radio but there is some kind of deep seated quirk in me that wants accuracy just for the heck of it. Certainly 5 % is achievable, right? 73, phil, K7PEH __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Memory Management
Suggest you look at the Kenwood control program RCP-570 for the TS-480. In addition to memory management, it makes it very easy to control the radio in addition to filter management and IF shift, DSP control, etc. http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Support/Amateur_Radio/#_ wayne burdick wrote: Hi Greg, We'll be adding this function to our K3 Utility program at some point. We'd be happy to get your input on it. 73, Wayne N6KR On Dec 9, 2009, at 5:24 PM, w4grj wrote: I am brand new K3 owner, unless I have missed something in all my research, cannot find a program to manage memory via the PC. I surely hope I am wrong, currently using a TS-480, the Kenwood utility is simple and does a great job of running the radio via the PC including uploading downloading memory with associated parameters. Is there a similiar program available for the K3? __ 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 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Memory-Management-tp4143163p4143391.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Relay noise?
I've followed this thread concerning a QSK clicking noise through all comments, as well as other similar threads on the list, but it doesn't appear as if anyone ever came to a firm conclusion as to origin of this clicking noise. As others have stated, I can hear a very faint mechanical clicking that follows my code when using QSK. It sounds like it's coming from the KPA100 region, but I can't tell for sure. Did anyone ever come to a conclusion, or receive any information from Elecraft? Thanks- Jason AC7JW Steve Ellington wrote: Is there a mechanical relay that follows keying? I've had my K3 for nearly a year and didn't notice any relay noise until lately. I know the antenna TR is done by pin diodes but I can now hear the faint click of a small relay that wasn't there before. I'm using ver. 2.8 Steve Ellington n...@carolina.rr.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 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Relay-noise-tp2269079p4143403.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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
Re: [Elecraft] W2 Questions
Within 0.5 dB worst case of the actual power being measured. Not of full scale. We actually do much better than that. 73, Eric Phil Hystad wrote: A few questions about the W2 meter: 1. The posted accuracy is +- 0.5 dB which I calculate as about +- 12 %. Is this full scale accuracy and if so is half scale possibly more accurate or is this the most accurate the meter is likely to be. I am not even sure if it makes a difference for full scale or half scale for a digital meter so that part of my question may be moot. __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] W2 Questions [pending firmware changes and software applications]
We'll be making a number of improvements to W2 firmware in future releases (starting in January). Firmware updates are very easy to do on the W2, and the required serial cable is supplied. For example, the last LED segment illuminated will be able to show a range of intensities (from off to fully on), allowing you to resolve power steps with finer granularity than the panel labeling. This will be especially useful when peaking amplifiers. We also have PC and Mac software applications in the works that will provide very high-resolution bargraphs and additional features. 73, Wayne N6KR __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Relay noise?
i found i was having some random clicks going on but they went away when i moved my hps-1 power supply a few inches away from the k3. 73 jim ab3cv __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] W2 Questions
And take a look at HP's note AN64 (cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5965-6630E.pdf), particularly chapter VII. After that, the question about whether more resolution is necessary or meaningful might be moot. --- On Wed, 12/9/09, Paul Christensen w...@arrl.net wrote: You asked the question about what it takes to achieve better accuracy. You may want to read N8LP's excellent article in QEX from a few years ago, along with articles from Warren Bruene, Roy Lewallen, John Grebenkemper, and others who have published on the accuracy subject. Paul, W9AC - Original Message - From: Phil Hystad k7...@comcast.net To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 7:51 PM Subject: [Elecraft] W2 Questions A few questions about the W2 meter: 1. The posted accuracy is +- 0.5 dB which I calculate as about +- 12 %. Is this full scale accuracy and if so is half scale possibly more accurate or is this the most accurate the meter is likely to be. I am not even sure if it makes a difference for full scale or half scale for a digital meter so that part of my question may be moot. 2. What does it take to achieve an accuracy better then 5 % (for example), and is it possible to achieve an accuracy of 1 % or better? I am curious as to where the money needs to be spent in achieving such accuracy. Is it in the directional coupler? 3. I am thinking that the company that can build the best receiver on the market (the K3) can also build the best meter. So, would Elecraft principles consider a future super-accurate, best on the planet, amateur radio RF/SWR power meter? Oh, I think a current meter would be cool too. And, I know that having meter accuracy is of little importance in ham radio but there is some kind of deep seated quirk in me that wants accuracy just for the heck of it. Certainly 5 % is achievable, right? 73, phil, K7PEH __ 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 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 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
Re: [Elecraft] W2 Questions
Don: All I've done is read the spec sheet, but Minicircuits has a relatively new sensitive termination wattmeter with USB interface for a quite reasonable price, at least by Agilent standards. http://www.minicircuits.com/pdfs/PWR-6G+.pdf -- it's a virtual instrument as it consists of the sensor and a USB port to plug into your computer. At $700, it isn't much more than you might pay for a single used Agilent sensor in decent shape and calibration. Depending on frequency and power range, the typical error runs from +/- 0.1 db to +/- 0.35 dB. power range from -30 to +20 dBm, frequency range 1 MHz - 6 GHz. If I didn't already have a 437B and 8481A and 8482A sensors, I would give the Minicircuits product serious consideration. Jack K8ZOA Don Wilhelm wrote: Phil, The W2 wattmeter is similar in its detector accuracy to the Tandem Match (by John Grebenkemper KI6WX) in that its accuracy depends on matching the detector diodes with the compensation diodes. The Gold Standard of power measuring devices is the HP436A wattmeter, and it has a stated accuracy of +/-0.05 dB. That amounts to a +/-1.16% accuracy - you are not going to get much better than that lab instrument in an amateur grade instrument. The Tandem Match that KI6WX built tracks the HP436A within +/- 0.5 dB over a range of 10 mW to 100W (your 11.2% error), and also tracks the HP436A within +/-0.1 dB over a 1W to 100W range for a 2.33 % difference. Power measurement is tough on accuracy as expressed in percentage. Most ham grade wattmeters specify 20% of full scale. The Tandem Match and the W2 wattmeter are percentages of actual readings. Since power is normally best expressed in dB (because the apparent signal strength is related in dB), a specification of 0.5 dB is not bad at all. BTW - I believe that is the accuracy of the power reported using the PC link. The resolution of the LED scale is not adequate to indicate the degree of precision available. The directional coupler will have frequency dependencies as well as accuracy implications. 73, Don W3FPR Phil Hystad wrote: A few questions about the W2 meter: 1. The posted accuracy is +- 0.5 dB which I calculate as about +- 12 %. Is this full scale accuracy and if so is half scale possibly more accurate or is this the most accurate the meter is likely to be. I am not even sure if it makes a difference for full scale or half scale for a digital meter so that part of my question may be moot. 2. What does it take to achieve an accuracy better then 5 % (for example), and is it possible to achieve an accuracy of 1 % or better? I am curious as to where the money needs to be spent in achieving such accuracy. Is it in the directional coupler? 3. I am thinking that the company that can build the best receiver on the market (the K3) can also build the best meter. So, would Elecraft principles consider a future super-accurate, best on the planet, amateur radio RF/SWR power meter? Oh, I think a current meter would be cool too. And, I know that having meter accuracy is of little importance in ham radio but there is some kind of deep seated quirk in me that wants accuracy just for the heck of it. Certainly 5 % is achievable, right? 73, phil, K7PEH __ 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 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
Re: [Elecraft] [MM] W2 Questions [pending firmware changes and software applications]
Thanks for the update Wayne - do you srill anticipate the first version of the PC software to be available this week? 73 Bill nz0t wayne burdick wrote: We'll be making a number of improvements to W2 firmware in future releases (starting in January). Firmware updates are very easy to do on the W2, and the required serial cable is supplied. For example, the last LED segment illuminated will be able to show a range of intensities (from off to fully on), allowing you to resolve power steps with finer granularity than the panel labeling. This will be especially useful when peaking amplifiers. We also have PC and Mac software applications in the works that will provide very high-resolution bargraphs and additional features. 73, Wayne N6KR __ 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 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Re-W2-Questions-pending-firmware-changes-and-software-applications-tp4143406p4143514.html Sent from the [MM] mailing list archive at Nabble.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
Re: [Elecraft] W2 Questions
Wes, Thanks for the link to what looks like a very interesting document. Just what I have been looking for. And, thanks to others for the suggested resources. phil On Dec 9, 2009, at 7:01 PM, Wes Stewart wrote: And take a look at HP's note AN64 (cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5965-6630E.pdf), particularly chapter VII. After that, the question about whether more resolution is necessary or meaningful might be moot. --- On Wed, 12/9/09, Paul Christensen w...@arrl.net wrote: You asked the question about what it takes to achieve better accuracy. You may want to read N8LP's excellent article in QEX from a few years ago, along with articles from Warren Bruene, Roy Lewallen, John Grebenkemper, and others who have published on the accuracy subject. Paul, W9AC - Original Message - From: Phil Hystad k7...@comcast.net To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 7:51 PM Subject: [Elecraft] W2 Questions A few questions about the W2 meter: 1. The posted accuracy is +- 0.5 dB which I calculate as about +- 12 %. Is this full scale accuracy and if so is half scale possibly more accurate or is this the most accurate the meter is likely to be. I am not even sure if it makes a difference for full scale or half scale for a digital meter so that part of my question may be moot. 2. What does it take to achieve an accuracy better then 5 % (for example), and is it possible to achieve an accuracy of 1 % or better? I am curious as to where the money needs to be spent in achieving such accuracy. Is it in the directional coupler? 3. I am thinking that the company that can build the best receiver on the market (the K3) can also build the best meter. So, would Elecraft principles consider a future super-accurate, best on the planet, amateur radio RF/SWR power meter? Oh, I think a current meter would be cool too. And, I know that having meter accuracy is of little importance in ham radio but there is some kind of deep seated quirk in me that wants accuracy just for the heck of it. Certainly 5 % is achievable, right? 73, phil, K7PEH __ 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 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 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 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] Initial Build: Error calibrating Synthesizer
I am in the process of building my K3 kit SN:3700. I am at the configure synthesizer step; I am getting ERR VCO displayed in the VFO B portion of the screen and E 5 in the VFO A portion of the screen. Does anyone have any recommendations on how to correct this and clear the error? 73, Rob Gault / KC2VMP __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] W2 Questions
Jack, At $700 I will stick with my W7ZOI power meter with its 40 dB power tap and my Tandem Match! I have calibration data that Bob Friess provided on my Power meter from 1 MHz to 500 MHz (and ham band intervals in between). The Tandem Match tracks that data quite well in its basic metering, but is limited to 30 MHz with the couplers available. I really like the Tandem Match for general purposes, but the parallax from the analog meters must be taken into consideration too (op amp accuracy is a great thing indeed, nothing like analog computers using precision resistors - but then I am partly old school). That is certainly good enough to give me ± 5% power measurement accuracy from 1 MHz to 500 MHz, and that is more than I require at the moment. The world of Power measurement is getting better, but it still is not down to really precise accuracy, no matter what the instrument. Thanks for the information. Perhaps one day when the ham budget allows and I have a purpose for it, I will make the investment. 73, Don W3FPR Jack Smith wrote: Don: All I've done is read the spec sheet, but Minicircuits has a relatively new sensitive termination wattmeter with USB interface for a quite reasonable price, at least by Agilent standards. http://www.minicircuits.com/pdfs/PWR-6G+.pdf -- it's a virtual instrument as it consists of the sensor and a USB port to plug into your computer. At $700, it isn't much more than you might pay for a single used Agilent sensor in decent shape and calibration. Depending on frequency and power range, the typical error runs from +/- 0.1 db to +/- 0.35 dB. power range from -30 to +20 dBm, frequency range 1 MHz - 6 GHz. If I didn't already have a 437B and 8481A and 8482A sensors, I would give the Minicircuits product serious consideration. Jack K8ZOA __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Relay noise?
I used some plastic tubing stuck in one ear trying to track it down. I narrowed it down to one relay but it's been at least 6 months ago and I can't recall which one made the noise. I had suggestions to check for loose ferrite chokes along the high current DC line but that wasn't the source. If I happen to remember which relay it was, I'll post it here. 73 Steve N4LQ n...@carolina.rr.com - Original Message - From: AC7JW jre...@thebluezone.net To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 9:40 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: Relay noise? I've followed this thread concerning a QSK clicking noise through all comments, as well as other similar threads on the list, but it doesn't appear as if anyone ever came to a firm conclusion as to origin of this clicking noise. As others have stated, I can hear a very faint mechanical clicking that follows my code when using QSK. It sounds like it's coming from the KPA100 region, but I can't tell for sure. Did anyone ever come to a conclusion, or receive any information from Elecraft? Thanks- Jason AC7JW Steve Ellington wrote: Is there a mechanical relay that follows keying? I've had my K3 for nearly a year and didn't notice any relay noise until lately. I know the antenna TR is done by pin diodes but I can now hear the faint click of a small relay that wasn't there before. I'm using ver. 2.8 Steve Ellington n...@carolina.rr.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 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Relay-noise-tp2269079p4143403.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.709 / Virus Database: 270.14.101/2555 - Release Date: 12/09/09 14:41:00 __ 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] The few, the proud, the Beta testers! Free new K3 software.
http://www.zerobeat.net/mediawiki/index.php/K3_BSR-SM_Version_7 By popular demand there is now a new 32 bit installer for K3 Band Stacking Registers w/S-Meter. The original VB installer is actually simpler for the computer but has some file naming limitations and the user needs to know where their Windows/System folder is. I would hope that any PC user would know this, but for the rest - the new installer is easy enough for a caveman... ;-) Cheers, Don - As always - all correspondence direct only PLS! __ 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] [K3] RE: K3: Relay noise?
Thanks Steve. It's sure strange that I get the same click whether I run 1 W, or 100 W. I could understand some sort of residual magnetic effect (for lack of a better term) causing some mechanical movement to create the noise if it was only present while running high power, in which case high currents are present, and thus the potential for a powerful magnetic field. But at 1 watt- there is something else going on. In any case, I don't think it's a problem- just an annoyance. Jason From: Steve Ellington [via Elecraft] [mailto:ml-node+4143590-665332...@n2.nabble.com] Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 8:57 PM To: AC7JW Subject: Re: K3: Relay noise? I used some plastic tubing stuck in one ear trying to track it down. I narrowed it down to one relay but it's been at least 6 months ago and I can't recall which one made the noise. I had suggestions to check for loose ferrite chokes along the high current DC line but that wasn't the source. If I happen to remember which relay it was, I'll post it here. 73 Steve N4LQ [hidden email] http://n2.nabble.com/user/SendEmail.jtp?type=nodenode=4143590i=0 - Original Message - From: AC7JW [hidden email] http://n2.nabble.com/user/SendEmail.jtp?type=nodenode=4143590i=1 To: [hidden email] http://n2.nabble.com/user/SendEmail.jtp?type=nodenode=4143590i=2 Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 9:40 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: Relay noise? I've followed this thread concerning a QSK clicking noise through all comments, as well as other similar threads on the list, but it doesn't appear as if anyone ever came to a firm conclusion as to origin of this clicking noise. As others have stated, I can hear a very faint mechanical clicking that follows my code when using QSK. It sounds like it's coming from the KPA100 region, but I can't tell for sure. Did anyone ever come to a conclusion, or receive any information from Elecraft? Thanks- Jason AC7JW Steve Ellington wrote: Is there a mechanical relay that follows keying? I've had my K3 for nearly a year and didn't notice any relay noise until lately. I know the antenna TR is done by pin diodes but I can now hear the faint click of a small relay that wasn't there before. I'm using ver. 2.8 Steve Ellington [hidden email] http://n2.nabble.com/user/SendEmail.jtp?type=nodenode=4143590i=3 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] http://n2.nabble.com/user/SendEmail.jtp?type=nodenode=4143590i=4 This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Relay-noise-tp2269079p4143403.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] http://n2.nabble.com/user/SendEmail.jtp?type=nodenode=4143590i=5 This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.709 / Virus Database: 270.14.101/2555 - Release Date: 12/09/09 14:41:00 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] http://n2.nabble.com/user/SendEmail.jtp?type=nodenode=4143590i=6 This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html _ View message @ http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Relay-noise-tp2269079p4143590.html To unsubscribe from Re: K3: Relay noise?, click (link removed) 6b25lLm5ldHw0MTQzNDAzfDM0MTY1ODI0MA== here. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Relay-noise-tp2269079p4143797.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.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
Re: [Elecraft] OT: DZKIT Sienna?
Seriously, this is tounge in cheek right? Doug W6JD No, not at all! I find refreshing a rig that is not trying to look like consumer hi-fi stereo equipment. And wasn't it just a few days ago that real aluminum knobs made more than a few Christmas wish lists? Color can convey a lot of information. Even from across the room functional groups of knobs can be discerned due to the silk screening, and those big, lighted switches stand out much better than LEDs and fit big fingers like a glove. The fluorescent display is a throwback to Nixie tubes-- a neat combination of new technology and past memories. Go look at the features again-- you've gotta admit that there're some ideas there to seriously consider. I don't think the Sienna is trying to be a K2 (or K3). Given that operating parameters such as current drain, diversity reception, and ultra-high-end dynamic range aren't in the primary target market, the bullseye that it does hit is a very interesting one that should help it carve out a little niche for itself. Al W6LX __ 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] K3 diversity A/B VFO bumpage
...I would accidentily bump the VFO-B knob. Is there any reason why the VFO-B knob could be not be deactivated... Happens to me, too. Fortunately, I found that 'lock' will work for either VFO. Go to 'BSET', hold 'LOCK', and presto - problem solved! And RIT/XIT still work for both linked VFOs. A real plus for 160m diversity operation, IMHO. ...hold the SUB button for a longer time until you see DVRSTY on the screen. Doesn't work on my 3.63 (but I don't need it to). VE7XF __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] OT: DZKIT Sienna?
I'm honestly curious. What bullseye is that? What features or performance does it offer that other rigs don't provide more cheaply? I looked over the specs carefully and I simply didn't find it. The colorful panel?? 73, Dave AB7E Al Lorona wrote: the bullseye that it does hit is a very interesting one that should help it carve out a little niche for itself. Al W6LX __ 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
