Re: [Elecraft] RFI PC Speaker Hum
On Sat, 29 May 2010 11:10:39 -0700 (PDT), Brian - N5BCN wrote: Thanks for any suggestions! W4TV has given you great advice. 99.9% of all amplified speakers have RFI problems at some frequency, including pro products with major brand names. The usual causes are 1) lousy shielding 2) lack of RF filtering on audio wiring; and 3) pin 1 problems. W4TV's advice addresses #2 and #3. There's no good solution to #1 short of a science project or a bucket. As others have noted, you don't need amplified speakers with a K3 (or with any ham rig I've used). Ordinary un-amplified speakers work quite well. 73, Jim Brown 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Sub-receiver use
If you want to switch in real time (say on alternate sweeps, so the P3 can display both main and sub at the same time) then you'd need to use solid-state switches. Probably several sections to get the required isolation. I don't know that the requirement is for alternate sweep display - just the ability to select main or sub-RX without the need to open the K3 and make wholesale cable changes. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 5/31/2010 3:49 PM, Alan Bloom wrote: The K3's S-meter reads up to S9 + 60 dB, which is -13 dBm. The noise floor in 500 Hz bandwidth with preamp on is around -136 dBm. So an IF switch really needs more than 120 dB isolation to avoid cross-talk between the main and sub-receivers. That is certainly possible but it's not trivial either. As Guy says, you have to pay careful attention to grounding, power supply decoupling, and other alternate paths in addition to the switch isolation. If you want to switch in real time (say on alternate sweeps, so the P3 can display both main and sub at the same time) then you'd need to use solid-state switches. Probably several sections to get the required isolation. It should all be do-able. A nice project for Wayne in his spare time. :=) Alan N1AL On Mon, 2010-05-31 at 12:33 -0400, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: I don't doubt for an instant what you say. I'm thinking the common ground path issues and cable routing issues would get it, not that you couldn't do it with the relays standalone. And then the complaints would start about hearing signals move in one RX while tuning on the other, starting with 6m and moving down. And parts are not the only cost. After all you can't weigh software, worry or frustration. 73, Guy. On Mon, May 31, 2010 at 11:06 AM, Tom W8JIw...@w8ji.com wrote: Others are asking for that to be switchable back and forth between the two *dynamically*. This involves both IF's and allows for signals in the IF of one RX to be heard in the other. This would a switch with 100 dB isolation. It would be an expensive option, plus some significant new code. Don't think this complexity is commercially feasibility. I can get in that range in a 50 ohm system with a single relay at HF in a proper layout using the right style of relay. I have not tried it with miniature relays, but I see no reason why it could not be done. It would probably take three $2 SPDT relays the size of a sixteen pin DIP package. 73 Tom __ 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] Fw: Buryflex all the way to K3?
Thanks all for the input. I'll just run 8X jumpers from my bonding panel to the K3. - Bigger coax is unlikely to bring better shielding, -unless- it's double shielded, as in RG-214. There is a double-shileded version of RG-58 (RG-223), which would be better (flexible) in this application. Direct burial coax -must- have a non-contaminating jacket. Most MIL-spec coax does ... most RG-XX Type doesn't. Type is an industry disclaimer for any number of just like, except specifications. 73! Ken - K0PP elecraftcov...@rfwave.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Buryflex all the way to K3?
One thought. If you're going to operate SO2R and run power, you should probably use the bigger coax for the jumper, because the more robust shield can help interstation crosstalk. I did that in my shack for that reason, and it made a difference. I'd be very surprised if that had anything to do with shielding Jim. Try this experiment if you have a network analyzer and an amplifier. take 30 feet of RG8X and wrap it tightly against another cable, but treat the ends properly. Terminate the amplifier end and measure cross talk signal on the other with the opposite end terminated. You'll measure virtually no crosstalk, certainly much less than -80 dB, with nearly any cable. Even very crappy Radio Shack cable that you can see through the braid is surprisingly good. After making dozens of measurements here, I concluded the major problems I had were from antennas coupling to antennas (even at 1000 foot spacing) and how connectors were mounted on radios and amplifiers, and things like BNC and phono connectors. I need to expand this page, but here is some actual data comparing coupling at 1/2 mile between antenna to ingress through the shield of one type cable. I think we far overestimate shield ingress. The real problem is poor connector mounting and grounding. (Sound familiar?) We use RG8X no problems, but I have cleaned up the grounding of connectors on all my RF equipment and panels. 73 Tom __ 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] RE your K1 for sale
I assume that since the posting is a month old it is gone...but if not, please email me direct at watchesandclo...@rogers.com Thanks, Larry VE3LR __ 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] Buryflex all the way to K3?
Thanks all! My K3/10 is almost always running at 5w CW. I'm really surprised and grateful for the great ears and enormous patience DXers have shown responding to my puny signal. I did note that the 70ft run to my dipole via RG213 was right on spec when I measured it at 0.5db of loss. But the 20ft of jumpers I had ate another 0.6db. I can eliminate those and will do so now that I'm aware of their penalty. I know it only means a fraction (pick a number...) of an S unit but when the DX on the other side of the world has to ask for a dozen fills I'll be happy to know I've done as much as I can to lessen their pain a bit. ;-) Best so far is an FO in French Polynesia and VQ in Diego Garcia with 5W and a 80ish foot wire dipole at 50ft in Maryland. 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] Buryflex all the way to K3?
On Mon, 31 May 2010 18:59:20 -0400, Tom W8JI wrote: After making dozens of measurements here, I concluded the major problems I had were from antennas coupling to antennas (even at 1000 foot spacing) and how connectors were mounted on radios and amplifiers, and things like BNC and phono connectors. You're certainly not wrong about what you call grounding and I call pin 1 problems. :) I do have an HP 3590D spectrum analyzer sitting in the shack, and put a simple loop on it to look at 2nd harmonics from my Ten Tec 425 amp and 160M vertical. It was about -44 dBc when I started, and I got it down to the rated -50 dBc by doing nothing more than changing coax jumpers. Now, I trust your engineering, and your measuring may be better than mine. :) 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
[Elecraft] K3 Assembly / Static Dissipation
Hi All, Getting ready to take delivery of my K3/100 kit on Tuesday afternoon and expect to start assembly after I stop slobbering all over the cool box of stuff! I've got a nice anti-static mat and attached wrist connector that I got from Fry's just for this project. That was the good news. The bad news is that I'm unsure where to hook the alligator-terminated ground wire. Obviously, if I was going to do the assembly out in the garage I'd connect it to a copper water or ground pipe. But, I'll probably be doing it here in the corner of my microscopic bedroom. Would an aluminum window frame be of sufficient size / mass to dissipate any static buildup by connecting said ground wire? I've looked around the room and don't see a lot of metal objects to connect to. I did have several long screws put in my leg from a skiing accident last year, but that probably doesn't count!!! :-) Any suggestions? Tnx 73, Jim / W6JHB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Assembly-Static-Dissipation-tp5123895p5123895.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] K3 Which headphones for stereo cw work? Summation
Jim Brown-10 wrote: On Sun, 30 May 2010 03:37:25 -0700 (PDT), Bill W4ZV wrote: Dr. Amar Bose taught the introductory circuit theory classes (6.01 and 6.02) at MIT for many years. He was unquestionably the best true teacher I've ever had in my life. So I've heard. But Bose as a company is not at all well respected in the world of pro audio. Their stuff is well built and well designed from a manufacturing and user interface point of view, but not from an acoustic point of view. Audio pros say Better Sound Through Marketing in much the same way that hams say mighty fine junk. I've heard that some east coast contesters are very happy with a model of their headphones. During his early years as a professor, Bose bought a high-end stereo speaker system in 1956 and was reportedly underwhelmed by the performance of his purchase. This would eventually pave the way for his extensive speaker technology research, concentrating on key weaknesses in the high-end speaker systems available during Bose's time, and focusing on psychoacoustics, which would become a hallmark of the company's audio products. Applying similar psychoacoustic principles to headphone technology, Bose created the Tri-Port Earcup Drivers. Today, the Bose Corporation is a multifaceted entity with more than 12,000 employees, worldwide, that produces products for home, car, and professional audio, as well as conducts basic research in acoustics, automotive systems, and other fields. Awards * Elected Fellow of IEEE, 1972 - for contributions to loudspeaker design, two-state amplifier-modulators, and nonlinear systems. * 271st in the 2007 Forbes 400 List[2] (~$2 Billion net worth) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amar_Bose#Awards -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Which-headphones-for-stereo-cw-work-Summation-tp5117775p5123928.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] Cox Connectors (was: Buryflex all the way to K3?)
My rule, learned the hard way -- stick to first quality, name brand connectors. Amphenol isn't cheap, but that's all I buy. If I were a mfr with a decent lab (like Tom, or W2VJN) and could do serious testing of other products, I might add other mfrs to that list. We used Kings double-crimp coax connectors for all our products and installations that went into the global mining industry where reliability and ruggedness were of paramount importance. These were selcted after a lot of testing, though admittedly not at 1.5 kW levels. 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] One more question about CW operation
So I wonder, do people still use straight keys these days? Yes www.skccgroup.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 MH2 Mic Problem
My K3 has an internal 2M module which is working very well. However since installing the 2M module some two weeks ago I have a mic/power problem on the HF bands. When keying the mic on 2M I see a 10 W reading on the power barograph and the power reading in the VFO B area is 1.01 Mw which is what I would expect. Switching to a HF band and keying the mic I see one bar on the power barograph and 60 W in the VFO B area which is my power setting. To generate power out - more than one bar - I need to hold the mic almost in my mouth and at an angle so the top of the mic is nearer to my lips. However generating power out is inconsistent. Mic gain is about 56, compression is 5, MIC SEL is FP.L BIAS. I have the TX EQ set to reduce the base and slightly increase the treble frequencies. What is wrong? Appreciate any ideas. Deane VK1DW K3 #3940 __ 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] Buryflex all the way to K3?
I do have an HP 3590D spectrum analyzer sitting in the shack, and put a simple loop on it to look at 2nd harmonics from my Ten Tec 425 amp and 160M vertical. It was about -44 dBc when I started, and I got it down to the rated -50 dBc by doing nothing more than changing coax jumpers. Something else was going on Jim. Not shielding. We cannot accurately measure harmonic suppression with a probe or loop unless the probe or loop is somehow frequency compensated for sensitivity as frequency changes. In short, the antenna used on the analyzer has increasing sensitivity for a given flux level with frequency. As I recall a very small loop open terminal voltage is about 8*10-6th times F times loop effective area. So your loop has 6dB more sensitivity as frequency doubles, although it could in practice be much more or even somewhat less because of other effects that might unintentionally compensate or enhance the change. More likely you changed the impedance presented to the tank circuit on the second harmonic. Changing 80 meter impedance at the 160 meter tank can radically affect harmonic suppression. Harmonic suppression will be less with a low impedance terminating a pi network on the harmonic, and greater with a higher impedance on the second harmonic. Just changing the velocity factor (electrical length) of the cable a small amount can change the level of the harmonic significantly. When we want to measure something, we have to be careful to actually measure what we think we are measuring. :-) Case in point, I have a 2nd harmonic stub on my 160 antennas. It is in a calculated sweet spot 1/4 wavelength on 80 meters from my amplifier pi-network loading capacitor. This makes maximum possible 80 meter Z across the load cap on the 160 amplifier, so the loading cap looks like a more effective short on 80. By altering nothing but distance of the stub from the amp to 1/2 wave on 80 meters on the 160 feeder, the harmonic suppression decreases 10-15 dB. Even the length of the cable to the matching system affects the harmonics, and each matching system is different! Changing cable electrical lengths will change harmonic levels significantly, even without a harmonic suppression stub in the system. 73, Tom __ 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 MH2 Mic Problem
Hi Deane, I too have the MH2 and the XV144 and my FP MIC BIAS is set to High I use Mic Gain 10, Comp 0 for FM and Mic 10, Comp 20 for SSB Jeff Cochrane VK4BOF Innisfail QLD Australia Elecraft K3 #4257 - Original Message - From: Deane Walkington To: Elecraft Reflector Sent: Tuesday, June 01, 2010 10:45 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 MH2 Mic Problem My K3 has an internal 2M module which is working very well. However since installing the 2M module some two weeks ago I have a mic/power problem on the HF bands. When keying the mic on 2M I see a 10 W reading on the power barograph and the power reading in the VFO B area is 1.01 Mw which is what I would expect. Switching to a HF band and keying the mic I see one bar on the power barograph and 60 W in the VFO B area which is my power setting. To generate power out - more than one bar - I need to hold the mic almost in my mouth and at an angle so the top of the mic is nearer to my lips. However generating power out is inconsistent. Mic gain is about 56, compression is 5, MIC SEL is FP.L BIAS. I have the TX EQ set to reduce the base and slightly increase the treble frequencies. What is wrong? Appreciate any ideas. Deane VK1DW K3 #3940 __ 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 Assembly / Static Dissipation
Jim, Assuming you have modern electrical wiring (2 wires plus ground) at all your wall receptacles, just connect it to the center screw of a nearby receptacle plate. That is sufficient grounding for anti-static protection. It will not suffice for station grounding for lightning, but that is quite another subject. For anti-static purposes, the important thing is for everything in your work area to be at the same potential, and that is not necessarily earth ground. If you are working on carpet, wearing nylon undies, have a fabric chair or stool, then spray the area and your clothing with an anti-static spray (Static Gard is available at most grocery stores - it is sold for removing static-cling from garments) - that helps tremendously. 73, Don W3FPR Jim Bennett / W6JHB wrote: Hi All, Getting ready to take delivery of my K3/100 kit on Tuesday afternoon and expect to start assembly after I stop slobbering all over the cool box of stuff! I've got a nice anti-static mat and attached wrist connector that I got from Fry's just for this project. That was the good news. The bad news is that I'm unsure where to hook the alligator-terminated ground wire. Obviously, if I was going to do the assembly out in the garage I'd connect it to a copper water or ground pipe. But, I'll probably be doing it here in the corner of my microscopic bedroom. Would an aluminum window frame be of sufficient size / mass to dissipate any static buildup by connecting said ground wire? I've looked around the room and don't see a lot of metal objects to connect to. I did have several long screws put in my leg from a skiing accident last year, but that probably doesn't count!!! :-) Any suggestions? Tnx 73, Jim / W6JHB __ 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 Assembly / Static Dissipation
Don (and all) - Thanks for the info. I had totally forgotten about using that center screw terminal on the grounded outlets. D'hhh! Homer Simpson mode after too many Memorial Day cold Heinekens! 73, Jim -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Assembly-Static-Dissipation-tp5123895p5124092.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] K3 MH2 Mic Problem
Deane, Something is wrong, a mic gain of 56 should produce lots of overdrive. You either have a mic problem or a K3 problem. Try another mic if you can (trying another K3 may be more difficult :-) ). 73, Don W3FPR Deane Walkington wrote: My K3 has an internal 2M module which is working very well. However since installing the 2M module some two weeks ago I have a mic/power problem on the HF bands. When keying the mic on 2M I see a 10 W reading on the power barograph and the power reading in the VFO B area is 1.01 Mw which is what I would expect. Switching to a HF band and keying the mic I see one bar on the power barograph and 60 W in the VFO B area which is my power setting. To generate power out - more than one bar - I need to hold the mic almost in my mouth and at an angle so the top of the mic is nearer to my lips. However generating power out is inconsistent. Mic gain is about 56, compression is 5, MIC SEL is FP.L BIAS. I have the TX EQ set to reduce the base and slightly increase the treble frequencies. What is wrong? Appreciate any ideas. Deane VK1DW K3 #3940 __ 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] Bartg Sprint 75
Hello Group. June 12 is the Bartg Sprint 75 (test) Contest. At this speed, what is the best filter to use and can we still use the so sharp Dual PB? Claude Du Berger VE2FK ve...@arrl.net http://www.contestgroupduquebec.com/ http://sites.google.com/site/va2upcontesting/Home __ 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 Which headphones for stereo cw work? Summation
I believe the key word here is psychoacoustics. A lot of non-audiophiles seem to like a lot of bass - even to the point of distortion. Listen to the bass-rumbling of many autos on the road - it drives me nuts at traffic lights, but for some reason or another, earth-shattering bass that shakes the earth will sell products. Dr. Bose capitalized on that in the consumer market. I prefer sound that is as close as possible to the original live concert source, but then I prefer acoustical instrument sounds and classical music too. The music scene has shifted to hard rock and rap stuff, which I somehow cannot equate with pleasing musical sounds - but each to his own, I guess I am just a has-been in my choice of music - yes, kettle drums produce a lot of bass, but it is clean notes, not earth-shattering distortion (the fuzz-boxes used with electrtic guitars is another pet peeve of mine - just not pleasant to my ears), and I do have a sub-woofer on my home music system if that counts for anything, but it is not turned up with the controls full right. 73, Don W3FPR Bill W4ZV wrote: During his early years as a professor, Bose bought a high-end stereo speaker system in 1956 and was reportedly underwhelmed by the performance of his purchase. This would eventually pave the way for his extensive speaker technology research, concentrating on key weaknesses in the high-end speaker systems available during Bose's time, and focusing on psychoacoustics, which would become a hallmark of the company's audio products. __ 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 Which headphones for stereo cw work? Summation
This is the reason I purchased Dynaco A50's back in the 60's. They were very close to flat. Music sounded as close to live as I could afford. Bill K9YEQ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm Sent: Monday, May 31, 2010 8:51 PM To: Bill W4ZV Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Which headphones for stereo cw work? Summation I believe the key word here is psychoacoustics. A lot of non-audiophiles seem to like a lot of bass - even to the point of distortion. Listen to the bass-rumbling of many autos on the road - it drives me nuts at traffic lights, but for some reason or another, earth-shattering bass that shakes the earth will sell products. Dr. Bose capitalized on that in the consumer market. I prefer sound that is as close as possible to the original live concert source, but then I prefer acoustical instrument sounds and classical music too. The music scene has shifted to hard rock and rap stuff, which I somehow cannot equate with pleasing musical sounds - but each to his own, I guess I am just a has-been in my choice of music - yes, kettle drums produce a lot of bass, but it is clean notes, not earth-shattering distortion (the fuzz-boxes used with electrtic guitars is another pet peeve of mine - just not pleasant to my ears), and I do have a sub-woofer on my home music system if that counts for anything, but it is not turned up with the controls full right. 73, Don W3FPR Bill W4ZV wrote: During his early years as a professor, Bose bought a high-end stereo speaker system in 1956 and was reportedly underwhelmed by the performance of his purchase. This would eventually pave the way for his extensive speaker technology research, concentrating on key weaknesses in the high-end speaker systems available during Bose's time, and focusing on psychoacoustics, which would become a hallmark of the company's audio products. __ 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] Revision 3.97; is it still Beta?
And if so, when specifically shall it come off Beta. Thank you. __ 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] Bartg Sprint 75
June 12 is the Bartg Sprint 75 (test) Contest. At this speed, what is the best filter to use and can we still use the so sharp Dual PB?... I just read the rules. The shift is not specified, only the data rate as being 75 bps rather than 45 (or 45.45) bps. The K3 DualPB filter for AFSK or FSK mode should work fine at this data rate. The sidebands will be slightly wider due to the faster keying speed, so a 200 Hz roofing filter is probably a little tight. 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] Revision 3.97; is it still Beta?
That revision will never come off beta. Elecraft does not work the revision levels that way. The firmware Field Testers (and a few others) are currently working with version 3.99. If that version is OK, it will be moved to Beta status (prospects are not good for that, there are a few bugs). When a version is acceptable out of Firmware Field Test, it will be moved to beta firmware so many users other than the Firmware Field Testers will have an opportunity to use it. If there are few problems reported with that beta release, that version may be advanced as a Release Version. Note carefully - there will be NO changes to the firmware when it is changed from beta to release version - it is a decision process only, not a level control. I know this is a bit different than several other pieces of software. Some software products announce a level, and then there are several beta versions using that same level number, differing only by date. when the bugs and other eccentricities have been reduced, it will be moved to a release level using the same revision level. Not so for the Elecraft firmware. Each change results in a new revision level. All version 3.79 versions are the same, all 3.99 versions are the same. If the bugs (and deficiencies) reported are tolerable, any version can be announced as a release version. By the same reasoning, one can try the beta versions with little (if any) concern. That version has been scrubbed by the firmware field testers, and determined to be sufficient (no major bugs discovered) to make that revision an acceptable beta version. 73, Don W3FPR w0...@aol.com wrote: And if so, when specifically shall it come off Beta. Thank you. __ 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] Alpha Software
I noticed for the first time a discussion of wonders and glitches of alpha software for the first time on the reflector. Why? R Thorpe AC9D __ 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 Which headphones for stereo cw work? Summation
On Mon, May 31, 2010 at 9:50 PM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: I believe the key word here is psychoacoustics. Psychoacoustics is the study of subjective human perception of sounds. It has nothing to do with creating artificial ear shattering bass in boom boxes. In the late 1960s, as a part of ongoing acoustic research, Bose engineers carried out experiments on the way people actually perceive sound. In researching a concert hall, they learned that the great majority of sound is reflected off walls, floor and ceiling before reaching your ears. This research led to the development of Direct/Reflecting® speaker technology. http://www.bose.com/controller?event=VIEW_STATIC_PAGE_EVENTurl=/popup/tech_details/learning_center/popup_3space_acoustics.jsp A lot of non-audiophiles seem to like a lot of bass - even to the point of distortion. Listen to the bass-rumbling of many autos on the road - it drives me nuts at traffic lights, but for some reason or another, earth-shattering bass that shakes the earth will sell products. Dr. Bose capitalized on that in the consumer market. I prefer sound that is as close as possible to the original live concert source, but then I prefer acoustical instrument sounds and classical music too. The music scene has shifted to hard rock and rap stuff, which I somehow cannot equate with pleasing musical sounds - but each to his own, I guess I am just a has-been in my choice of music - yes, kettle drums produce a lot of bass, but it is clean notes, not earth-shattering distortion (the fuzz-boxes used with electrtic guitars is another pet peeve of mine - just not pleasant to my ears), and I do have a sub-woofer on my home music system if that counts for anything, but it is not turned up with the controls full right. The following sounds like a very non-engineering non-audiophile approach (i.e. crank the bass full right): In 1983 engineering graduate student Ken Jacob enrolled in Bose’s acoustics class during his final semester at MIT. Jacob planned to design sound for Broadway productions. “Within 20 minutes of the start of that first lecture,” Jacob said, “all my plans had changed. Professor Bose connected everything I had learned and put all the pieces together. I said, I’ve got to work for this guy.’” Jacob was true to his word. He became director and chief engineer of Bose’s Live Music Technology Group. In 1994 he unveiled the Bose Auditioner program, a software tool that allows acoustic engineers to hear precisely what a proposed audio system will sound like from any seat in a large venue even before building construction begins. On the day that Jacob unveiled the project, Bose admitted that he hadn’t expected it to succeed. “He let me work on that with a team of five engineers for 10 years—most of the time thinking that it was impossible,” Jacob says, shaking his head in disbelief. Bose says it’s the principle of allowing bright minds to search for answers that was more important to him. “I thought the computational power wouldn’t be there,” he says. “But the problem was tough enough and the team was talented enough that I thought their research would yield something good.” The funny thing was that Bose was proved wrong: The program works today. The program has been used to design public address systems at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, the Sistine Chapel, and even Masjid al-Haram, the grand mosque at Mecca, a challenging environment, full of reverberating marble, with a history of failed audio solutions. http://www.siliconeer.com/past_issues/2005/january2005.html#Anchor--MA-32328 Too bad Dr. Bose didn't understand engineering or acoustics as well as all the experts here (but then he might not be worth $2 Billion today or employ 12,000 people). Apologies to Eric...last post on this OT subject. __ 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] Alpha Software
I noticed for the first time a discussion of wonders and glitches of alpha software for the first time on the reflector. Why? Occasionally an alpha tester will inadvertently copy the reflector rather than the alpha testers or firmware developers. You can be sure that when firmware is released as Beta, it has undergone a fair amount of testing! 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] Alpha Software
Richard, Normally, the reflector does not see the testing results of Alpha firmware. In this particular case, the alpha level firmware was sent to a number of folks who requested it, and some of them reported their observations on the reflector. Normally, the alpha firmware is available to the Firmware Field Test group, and the reports and observations (and opinions) are handled on a private email reflector. In this particular case, several K3 users were interested in the latest firmware (and Elecraft was interested in their feedback), but those users reported their findings on the Elecraft reflector rather than privately to Wayne and Eric. Sorry for your confusion, but it is all good info in the field of firmware development to improve your K3 performance (usability, operations, etc.). Consider it a work in progress. If you are interested in joining the group testing the latest and greatest, a note to Wayne or Eric may get you included. There is always room for more testing with a greater variety of K3 configurations. 73, Don W3FPR Richard Thorpe wrote: I noticed for the first time a discussion of wonders and glitches of alpha software for the first time on the reflector. Why? R Thorpe AC9D __ 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] Bartg Sprint 75
Necessary bandwidth for 75 baud 170 Hz shift RTTY is about 360 Hz - approximately (75/2 * 5 + 170). A 400 Hz roofing filter is probably close to optimum for 75 baud RTTY. Note - 200 Hz is theoretically too narrow for even 45.45 baud RTTY (necessary bandwidth approximately 280 Hz). 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 5/31/2010 9:38 PM, Claude Du Berger wrote: Hello Group. June 12 is the Bartg Sprint 75 (test) Contest. At this speed, what is the best filter to use and can we still use the so sharp Dual PB? Claude Du Berger VE2FK ve...@arrl.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] FS: Elecraft BL2 balun
250w switchable 1:1 or 4:1 Assembled and tested, but never used. $40+shipping new from Elecraft $25 plus USPS or UPS from me Please contact me offline Randy K6CRC K3 #2051 k6...@arrl.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2 Build - #6950
Good news - the rig is on the air! I have made two QSO's on it so far. I tried holding off to get one of my friends to give me the first QSO but I scrolled past a guy calling CQ and just couldn't resist HI. So I have two QSO's on the rig so far. I tuned the filters first with the receive method. I keyed up one of my other radios in to a dummy load and tuned the filters to peak the meter. I adjusted the power out of the radio so I got close to a jump in the meter on the K2. Then I fine-tuned the inductors and caps more. After the receive test it was on to the transmit. I peaked the filters for power out (based on the K2's internal metering while in tune mode). In most cases I was very close already. A couple of issues that need resolved - First - the buttons on the right side of the rig don't always work right. Specifically the filter button and the ATTN/PRE. They seem to have crossed signals with the display, band up, and band down functions. Any ideas on this one? Most notably - the filter button scrolls through the bands instead of adjusting the filter width. Second - I wasn't able to get any more than .6w out when I did the transmit test on 17m. It seems to me the caps were very touchy during the receive test. I was using a metal screwdriver to adjust them and that was playing all kinds of havoc on the tuning. So I went back to the tuning tool that came with it. The reason I wasn't using it before was because the caps were stiff and I didn't want to break the tool. Oh well - theres a reasn why the tool is plastic, eh? HI. In any event, I will get back over to my buddy's place with the test lab and peak the filters. 17m really seems goofy to me though. I was able to get nearly all the other bands cose on the receive tuning. Then when I hit 17m I couldn't get the power to go up for nothing. Hopefully this one is just being difficult and will be tuned in easier in a lab session. The buttons are also a bit of a concern. However, the transmitter and receiver work for the most part. Steve, KC8QVO -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-Build-6950-tp5091343p5124426.html Sent from the [K2] 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 Which headphones for stereo cw work? Summation
On Mon, 31 May 2010 21:50:34 -0400, Don Wilhelm wrote: I believe the key word here is psychoacoustics. Well, we're a bit off topic here, but psychoacoustics is a very mature science that studies how humans hear and perceive sound. I'm a member of the Acoustical Society of America, and that discipline is well represented among our membership. Indeed, if you look up Bell Labs original stereo patent (from 1936) youl'll see references to important psychoacoustic work on human perception by some folks at Harvard. Bose's best known contribution to home listening is the reflecting loudspeaker that bounces sound off the wall behind it, with the intent of providing some of the difusion inherent in good concert halls. There are better ways to achieve a high quality home listening experience, but Bose is NOT about heavy bass. The various signal processing games that Lyle is playing are based on some well known fundamental psychoacoustic principles. 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
[Elecraft] K2/100 Has No Output on 80 or 40 When Hot
Every since the last Field Day, my K2/100 (#3713) loses output, and the receiver goes dead, on 40m and 80m when it gets hot. This occurs for power levels of 9 watts and 100 watts. The 30m through 10m bands are OK. I can easily replicate the problem when the power amp is connected, but so far it seems to be OK when it is completely unplugged from the K2. Turning off the power amplifier through the Secondary Menu does not make a difference. While transmitting at 9W, the readings on the display for 40 and 80 are 0.1 1.01 - 1. With the power amplifier connected to the K2, I temporarily connected the antenna to J4 on the K2, so that I could bypass the power amplifier path. This did not help the dead reception on 40 or 80. I also tried connecting a dummy load through a power meter to J4 and transmitting at 9W. Again 40 and 80 didn't work but the higher bands were OK. I am assuming that the problem is in the LPF of the power amplifier, but am not sure 30m is OK, while 40 and 80 are not. Any hints would be appreciated. 73, Phil W6TQG __ 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] Psychoacoustics and Simulation
On Mon, 31 May 2010 22:38:30 -0400, Bill Tippett wrote: In 1994 he unveiled the Bose Auditioner program, a software tool that allows acoustic engineers to hear precisely what a proposed audio system will sound like from any seat in a large venue even before building construction begins. On the day that Jacob unveiled the project, Bose admitted that he hadnt expected it to succeed. He let me work on that with a team of five engineers for 10 yearsmost of the time thinking that it was impossible, Jacob says, shaking his head in disbelief. I've known Ken for many years. The Bose Auditioner was used as a marketing tool, and for most of its life, could only be used with Bose loudspeakers. As a marketing tool, it has been successful. As a design tool for system engineers, it has not. Two of my colleagues in Berlin, Dr. Wolfgang Ahnert and Stefan Feistal, developed acoustic modeling software for sound systems in rooms, beginning around 1985. It was well deveoped and in its second version by 1990, and by 1994 it had auralization capabliity. That software is called EASE. It has always been open for all loudspeaker manufacturers to provide the carefully measured data required. Currently at version 4.3 with V 5 in development, EASE is pretty much the standard for system design and acoustic modeling worldwide. I've been a Beta tester since 1990. http://afmg.eu/index.php/company.html 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Sub-receiver use
Hi Guy, It's that way i was thinking to use the P3! -1- ALWAYS on the sub-receiver output. -2- ALWAYS on a separated antenna. My idea was to externally switch the 6m (or internally if possible?) antenna from K3 sub-rcvr to main RF when some activity was detected on th P3. When working on 6m, no necessity, (always speaking for me..) to monitor a 10 to 20m band! In my case, as i'm very space limited, no room for a 2nd 10 to 20m separated antenna for diversity... But a separated 6m antenna is feasible. (for the moment, i use only a vertical for 6m, no DX, but not too bads QSO) 73, Rudolf, HB9ARI Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: The trick involved in that switch is a very high isolation between the two IF's (RXA and RXB) currently very nicely highly isolated. If that is degraded, then one starts hearing in one receiver the contents of the other. Not at all a trivial modification, as high isolation switches are not cheap. So I suspect dynamically selecting display on one RX or the other has a big price tag to it. And perhaps has an internal space price to it. I would think, however, that when installing a sub-RX, that perhaps it could be cabled and the K3 options set to use the sub-RX on the P3 all the time, WITHOUT opening the pandora's box of high-isolation switching of RX IF's. This would be in the same vein as choosing the RX paths when installing the sub-RX to start with. Without the time to think that through carefully, I'd currently chose that were it available. 73, Guy. On Wed, May 26, 2010 at 12:29 PM, Radio Amateur N5GE n...@n5ge.com wrote: On Tue, 25 May 2010 21:25:15 -0700, Alan Bloom a...@elecraft.com wrote: Ouch! Does this mean that the P3 will not display the frequency of or the signals seen by the KRX3? If that is true, it is a show stopper for me. TOM, N5GE BT 73 ES GUD LUK AR DE N5GE SK http://www.n5ge.com Yes, the P3 assumes it is connected to the main receiver's IF output, so if it is actually connected to the sub-RX it would still work but would not display the correct frequencies and levels. If this becomes popular enough maybe we should think about adding sub-RX support to P3 firmware. Alan N1AL [snip] __ 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] [K3] K3 fan noise, part XXLIV
Hi Dave, For the test I progammed the fan to max, after the test I put them back to auto. I would have mentioned it. Tks Philippe A65BI Dave Hachadorian k...@arrl.net 30-05-2010 20:32 --- From: Philippe Trottet trot...@unhcr.org Sent: Sunday, May 30, 2010 4:40 AM To: n...@aiko.com; n...@nf4l.com Cc: Elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] K3 fan noise, part XXLIV PA temp was rising up to 55ºC, the 2 fans were not audible from my chair. === If you didn't exceed 55C, You may not have gotten to high speed with that test. Here are the results of my fan speed vs. temp test a while ago: Time Temp Fan 0:0026C 0 0:26371 0:44412 1:19503 1:45554 2:40604 2:50624 3:15644 4:00644 Room temp was 77F. Dave Hachadorian, K6LL Yuma, AZ . __ 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 Firmware V3.99
All I really like the QSK improvement at ANY speed, but discovered a glitch with ver 3.99 this morning. This occurred in split mode (QRQ CW must be off to do this) with the sub RX on. The sub RX works fine until transmitting, then mutes and will not come back to life until you turn it off then back on. Not good, so reinstalled 3.79 just a few minutes ago and verified that all is normal again with the Sub RX. 73, John K1JD __ 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] Question about K2 mod for optimizing it for 5W CW
I have one more question about K2. I noticed that revision C of K2 manual says that if to increase QRP T4 transfor -- Alexey Kats (neko) __ 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/transverters/driving amps
Hello I have the 2, 222 and 432 Ele transverters and need to drive Lunar Link amps on 6-432 (pairs of 3CPX800s). What have some of you VHF folks done to get up to 40-60 watts of 'clean' drive power? TE systems comes to mind since they use active biasing; could also use hefty input attenuators to swamp power down some. Thanks for your thoughts. 73 Dick, K5AND __ 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] Question about K2 mod for optimizing it for 5W CW
Sorry, I managed to press the wrong key and sent it before I finished it. Anyway... I know that older version of K2 manual refers to changing winding of T4 transformer to 2:2 (instead of original 2:3) in order to increase efficiency of CW performance on 5W or less. Is it still applicable to the current version of K2? I am not interested in SSB mode at all, so limiting max power to 5W is acceptable. I simply want to know whether the rest of tuning instructions will be the same if I change T4 winding according to those directions from rev C manual? (25-30% decrease in current drain is quite important when operating from batteries.) In any case, I am going to add 6.8k resistor to the R2 (of course it depends on the total resistance of R2 in the current kit) on control board according to DK3RED mod (which will limit max power to about 5W anyway), and I want to limit current consumption as well if I can. I went through the schematics in manuals from revision C, D and G, and as far as I can see nothing indicates that this T4 transformer operation had changed (since it is operating in exactly same output stage as the older versions of K2 PA), so I am assuming it is safe to change its winding. But if I am wrong, please, tell me so. Thank you. On Mon, May 31, 2010 at 5:56 AM, Alexey Kats alexeyk...@gmail.com wrote: I have one more question about K2. I noticed that revision C of K2 manual says that if to increase QRP T4 transfor -- Alexey Kats (neko) -- Alexey Kats (neko) __ 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] Question about K2 mod for optimizing it for 5W CW
Alexey, Make that change IF AND ONLY IF 1) you will never install the KSB2, AND 2) you will not operate above the 5 watt level. That change makes the K2 PA transistors more efficient at 5 watts and below, but the operation is non-linear and the efficiency is worse if the power is increased above the 5 watt level. So it is not a recommended change except for those special circumstances. If the major use of the K2 is CW only operation at QRP levels on batteries, then it is worthy of consideration. 73, Don W3FPR Alexey Kats wrote: I have one more question about K2. I noticed that revision C of K2 manual says that if to increase QRP T4 transfor __ 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] Acknowledgement
My amateur career has been characterized by fits and starts and a series of really terrible station locations with concomitant crummy antennas. About eight years ago, after a long hiatus, I purchased a K2, mainly for the enjoyment of the build. I was very pleasantly surprised at the strong performance it always seemed to turn in. This morning, after another long hiatus, and at yet another crummy location with a 20 meter dipole in my attic space and after a credible WPX performance, I was able to work, with little difficulty, the ZK3X expedition in Tokelau. I would like to credit this contact to superior operator skill and so I will. The superior operator was on the other end. Thank you for your great ears. (There is a 67% chance he was using a K3). And thank you to all of you who have made operating my K2 such a good experience. It is your skill at digging my signal out of the noise that has provided more than half of my enjoyment. And last, thank you to Eric and Wayne for creating such a superior set of products and creating, in my opinion, a completely new paradigm in the amateur community. Ed Lambert KD3Y __ 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] Question about K2 mod for optimizing it for 5W CW
Thank you, Don, for responding so early (I hope you do not have insomnia as I do). And yes, that's exactly what I am looking for - K2 restricted to 5W and to CW-only operation, so as long as it is safe and is not going to introduce spurious emission it'll work for me. On Mon, May 31, 2010 at 6:31 AM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Alexey, Make that change IF AND ONLY IF 1) you will never install the KSB2, AND 2) you will not operate above the 5 watt level. That change makes the K2 PA transistors more efficient at 5 watts and below, but the operation is non-linear and the efficiency is worse if the power is increased above the 5 watt level. So it is not a recommended change except for those special circumstances. If the major use of the K2 is CW only operation at QRP levels on batteries, then it is worthy of consideration. 73, Don W3FPR Alexey Kats wrote: I have one more question about K2. I noticed that revision C of K2 manual says that if to increase QRP T4 transfor -- Alexey Kats (neko) __ 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] Question about K2 mod for optimizing it for 5W CW
Alexey, The R2 that is referred to by DK3RED is on the Front Panel - it is the power control pot. There will be no change to any of the alignment procedures with the change in the T4 winding ratio. Please put a sticker inside your K2 stating that the T4 winding ratio is intentionally changed to optimize efficiency at 5 watts. I have worked on several K2s where this change was made, then forgotten about (or the K2 subsequently sold), and then the KSB2 and/or KPA100 was added, and the owner wondered why it did not operate correctly. 73, Don W3FPR Alexey Kats wrote: Sorry, I managed to press the wrong key and sent it before I finished it. Anyway... I know that older version of K2 manual refers to changing winding of T4 transformer to 2:2 (instead of original 2:3) in order to increase efficiency of CW performance on 5W or less. Is it still applicable to the current version of K2? I am not interested in SSB mode at all, so limiting max power to 5W is acceptable. I simply want to know whether the rest of tuning instructions will be the same if I change T4 winding according to those directions from rev C manual? (25-30% decrease in current drain is quite important when operating from batteries.) In any case, I am going to add 6.8k resistor to the R2 (of course it depends on the total resistance of R2 in the current kit) on control board according to DK3RED mod (which will limit max power to about 5W anyway), and I want to limit current consumption as well if I can. __ 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] One more question about CW operation
I apologize if my question is not related to elecraft products at all, but I am simply curious... Of all fine folks using Elecraft transceivers, do you still use straight keys or bugs? Or are you using paddles and keyers all the time? I am asking because so many times I am hearing almost the same code on the air with only two things changing - timing between letters and words and QRS/QRQ. Which usually means that people use paddles. So I wonder, do people still use straight keys these days? -- Alexey Kats (neko) __ 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] Question about K2 mod for optimizing it for 5W CW
No worries, I'll do that (I hate it myself when I have to work on customized equipment when the owner either forgot about it, or didn't even know about it since it's not the original owner). Fortunately, the last time it happened with me was many years ago. And the most embarrassing part was that when I figured out what was customized it was ME who did it. (Even though it was many years ago and even in a different country I still feel ashamed by that experience.) On Mon, May 31, 2010 at 6:50 AM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Alexey, The R2 that is referred to by DK3RED is on the Front Panel - it is the power control pot. There will be no change to any of the alignment procedures with the change in the T4 winding ratio. Please put a sticker inside your K2 stating that the T4 winding ratio is intentionally changed to optimize efficiency at 5 watts. I have worked on several K2s where this change was made, then forgotten about (or the K2 subsequently sold), and then the KSB2 and/or KPA100 was added, and the owner wondered why it did not operate correctly. 73, Don W3FPR Alexey Kats wrote: Sorry, I managed to press the wrong key and sent it before I finished it. Anyway... I know that older version of K2 manual refers to changing winding of T4 transformer to 2:2 (instead of original 2:3) in order to increase efficiency of CW performance on 5W or less. Is it still applicable to the current version of K2? I am not interested in SSB mode at all, so limiting max power to 5W is acceptable. I simply want to know whether the rest of tuning instructions will be the same if I change T4 winding according to those directions from rev C manual? (25-30% decrease in current drain is quite important when operating from batteries.) In any case, I am going to add 6.8k resistor to the R2 (of course it depends on the total resistance of R2 in the current kit) on control board according to DK3RED mod (which will limit max power to about 5W anyway), and I want to limit current consumption as well if I can. -- Alexey Kats (neko) __ 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] One more question about CW operation
YES we use straight keys all the time. Listen on 7040 and above. End of msg. 73 Steve N4LQ - Original Message - From: Alexey Kats alexeyk...@gmail.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, May 31, 2010 9:54 AM Subject: [Elecraft] One more question about CW operation I apologize if my question is not related to elecraft products at all, but I am simply curious... Of all fine folks using Elecraft transceivers, do you still use straight keys or bugs? Or are you using paddles and keyers all the time? I am asking because so many times I am hearing almost the same code on the air with only two things changing - timing between letters and words and QRS/QRQ. Which usually means that people use paddles. So I wonder, do people still use straight keys these days? -- Alexey Kats (neko) __ 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] One more question about CW operation
One of the things you will hear on the air is computer generated keying with contest spacing which is a design cram to shorten sending time without too much of a reduction in readibility. Once used to it, some prefer it. These settings are available in various contest boxes (Microham, etc) and contest loggers and similar programs (N1MM, etc). You're not losing your mind. 73, Guy On Mon, May 31, 2010 at 9:54 AM, Alexey Kats alexeyk...@gmail.com wrote: I apologize if my question is not related to elecraft products at all, but I am simply curious... Of all fine folks using Elecraft transceivers, do you still use straight keys or bugs? Or are you using paddles and keyers all the time? I am asking because so many times I am hearing almost the same code on the air with only two things changing - timing between letters and words and QRS/QRQ. Which usually means that people use paddles. So I wonder, do people still use straight keys these days? -- Alexey Kats (neko) __ 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] One more question about CW operation
I use the internal K3 keyer with a Kent iambic paddle -- but I work a LOT of guys (mostly in the US) who are clearly using bugs -- often poorly adjusted bugs IMHO. I used a bug for years back in the day. Getting the dits just right takes a little patience and a good ear, and not everybody has both, apparently. A lot of the DX stations I work, especially in contests, seem to be using software-driven keyers that can send certain canned strings (like CQ callsign and 599) at QRQ, while instantly slowing down for unexpected, unique strings of characters (like QSO serial numbers). It sounds to me like each canned message element is tagged with its own speed attribute. You can't conveniently do that with a keyer and paddles. LOL This is probably old hat stuff for a lot of HF contest guys -- I just recently got back my toes back into HF CW after many years out of the game. Straight keys -- I hear one every once in a while. Bill W5WVO -- From: Alexey Kats alexeyk...@gmail.com Sent: Monday, May 31, 2010 7:54 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] One more question about CW operation I apologize if my question is not related to elecraft products at all, but I am simply curious... Of all fine folks using Elecraft transceivers, do you still use straight keys or bugs? Or are you using paddles and keyers all the time? I am asking because so many times I am hearing almost the same code on the air with only two things changing - timing between letters and words and QRS/QRQ. Which usually means that people use paddles. So I wonder, do people still use straight keys these days? -- Alexey Kats (neko) __ 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] K1 OT lead acid battery charging
Ok, I have a 12vdc 5ah lead acid battery. I have a 15amp 13.8 volt power supply I use for my qrp power. Can I charge the battery with that supply? How do I know when it is fully charged, etc Greg Doughty Ki4bbl __ 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] One more question about CW operation
Yes, operation here is almost exclusively straight key or bug. I use my Swedish Pump style straight key at least 50% of the time, it's a dream to operate. Bob NW8L On Mon, May 31, 2010 at 7:54 AM, Alexey Kats alexeyk...@gmail.com wrote: I apologize if my question is not related to elecraft products at all, but I am simply curious... Of all fine folks using Elecraft transceivers, do you still use straight keys or bugs? Or are you using paddles and keyers all the time? I am asking because so many times I am hearing almost the same code on the air with only two things changing - timing between letters and words and QRS/QRQ. Which usually means that people use paddles. So I wonder, do people still use straight keys these days? -- Alexey Kats (neko) __ 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] One more question about CW operation
I use my Dad's old j11 straight key once in awhile...but I love the ticks that quietly emanate from by bencher and Kent paddles, too. No keyer here. Greg Doughty On Mon, May 31, 2010 at 7:54 AM, Alexey Kats alexeyk...@gmail.com wrote: I apologize if my question is not related to elecraft products at all, but I am simply curious... Of all fine folks using Elecraft transceivers, do you still use straight keys or bugs? Or are you using paddles and keyers all the time? I am asking because so many times I am hearing almost the same code on the air with only two things changing - timing between letters and words and QRS/QRQ. Which usually means that people use paddles. So I wonder, do people still use straight keys these days? -- Alexey Kats (neko) __ 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] K3 Sub-receiver use
Yeah, The rub is getting Wayne to add an option that will look at the subRX for the P3 interface functions. Think you might get what you're asking for. Others are asking for that to be switchable back and forth between the two *dynamically*. This involves both IF's and allows for signals in the IF of one RX to be heard in the other. This would a switch with 100 dB isolation. It would be an expensive option, plus some significant new code. Don't think this complexity is commercially feasibility. BTW, none of this would allow the subRX to listen while transmitting. They are all in the same box and running full duplex will require circuits with isolations in the 140, 150 dB range to work right. Talking about military applications, and very expensive radios for that kind of thing. 73, Guy. On Mon, May 31, 2010 at 3:04 AM, hb9ari hb9...@bluewin.ch wrote: Hi Guy, It's that way i was thinking to use the P3! -1- ALWAYS on the sub-receiver output. -2- ALWAYS on a separated antenna. My idea was to externally switch the 6m (or internally if possible?) antenna from K3 sub-rcvr to main RF when some activity was detected on th P3. When working on 6m, no necessity, (always speaking for me..) to monitor a 10 to 20m band! In my case, as i'm very space limited, no room for a 2nd 10 to 20m separated antenna for diversity... But a separated 6m antenna is feasible. (for the moment, i use only a vertical for 6m, no DX, but not too bads QSO) 73, Rudolf, HB9ARI Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: The trick involved in that switch is a very high isolation between the two IF's (RXA and RXB) currently very nicely highly isolated. If that is degraded, then one starts hearing in one receiver the contents of the other. Not at all a trivial modification, as high isolation switches are not cheap. So I suspect dynamically selecting display on one RX or the other has a big price tag to it. And perhaps has an internal space price to it. I would think, however, that when installing a sub-RX, that perhaps it could be cabled and the K3 options set to use the sub-RX on the P3 all the time, WITHOUT opening the pandora's box of high-isolation switching of RX IF's. This would be in the same vein as choosing the RX paths when installing the sub-RX to start with. Without the time to think that through carefully, I'd currently chose that were it available. 73, Guy. On Wed, May 26, 2010 at 12:29 PM, Radio Amateur N5GE n...@n5ge.com wrote: On Tue, 25 May 2010 21:25:15 -0700, Alan Bloom a...@elecraft.com wrote: Ouch! Does this mean that the P3 will not display the frequency of or the signals seen by the KRX3? If that is true, it is a show stopper for me. TOM, N5GE BT 73 ES GUD LUK AR DE N5GE SK http://www.n5ge.com Yes, the P3 assumes it is connected to the main receiver's IF output, so if it is actually connected to the sub-RX it would still work but would not display the correct frequencies and levels. If this becomes popular enough maybe we should think about adding sub-RX support to P3 firmware. Alan N1AL [snip] __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Sub-receiver use
Others are asking for that to be switchable back and forth between the two *dynamically*. This involves both IF's and allows for signals in the IF of one RX to be heard in the other. This would a switch with 100 dB isolation. It would be an expensive option, plus some significant new code. Don't think this complexity is commercially feasibility. I can get in that range in a 50 ohm system with a single relay at HF in a proper layout using the right style of relay. I have not tried it with miniature relays, but I see no reason why it could not be done. It would probably take three $2 SPDT relays the size of a sixteen pin DIP package. 73 Tom __ 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] K1 OT lead acid battery charging
Assuming it is like any typical lead acid battery charging voltage of a six cell lead-acid battery, to fully charge the battery, is over 13.8 volts. It has to under 14.7 volts to prevent excessive gassing, 14.4 volts is generally the gassing threshold. Most of the stuff here that includes a voltage chart at the end, although geared for cars and drag racing, is applicable to most lead-acid batteries: http://www.w8ji.com/battery_and_charging_system.htm 73 Tom - Original Message - From: ki4...@cox.net To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, May 31, 2010 10:42 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K1 OT lead acid battery charging Ok, I have a 12vdc 5ah lead acid battery. I have a 15amp 13.8 volt power supply I use for my qrp power. Can I charge the battery with that supply? How do I know when it is fully charged, etc Greg Doughty Ki4bbl __ 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] K1 OT lead acid battery charging
The short answer is that if the battery is discharged, you will, at least in the initial phase, be severely overcharging it and in the end phase, be undercharging it. At the very least, as a rule of thumb you should limit the current initially to something under C/4, where C= AH rating = 5A. So this is an Ohm's law problem. Measure the open circuit voltage, subtract that value from the charging voltage and provide a series resistor that limits the current to that calculated earlier. For example, say the battery measures 12.0V. You want to drop 13.8 - 12.0 or 1.8V across a resistor with 5 / 4 A passing through it. So R = 1.44 Ohm. This of course isn't a common value, so if you err on the conservative side you would want to use a higher value, thus lower initial charging current. You can also see that as the battery charges, and its voltage rises, less and less charge current results. In theory, due to self-discharge, the battery voltage never quite reaches 13.8V. And even if it did, it's still not fully charged; so overcharging, i.e. a higher voltage still is required to do that. More here: http://www.amplepower.com/primer/full/index.html --- On Mon, 5/31/10, ki4...@cox.net ki4...@cox.net wrote: From: ki4...@cox.net ki4...@cox.net Subject: [Elecraft] K1 OT lead acid battery charging To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Monday, May 31, 2010, 8:42 AM Ok, I have a 12vdc 5ah lead acid battery. I have a 15amp 13.8 volt power supply I use for my qrp power. Can I charge the battery with that supply? How do I know when it is fully charged, etc Greg Doughty Ki4bbl __ 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] One more question about CW operation
Hi Alexey, I am one that uses a straight key - thats the way I started and although I have played with paddles and bugs I always seem to revert to the old navy straight key I have had since 1955. Larry Ingram AG4NN At 09:54 AM 5/31/2010, you wrote: Of all fine folks using Elecraft transceivers, do you still use straight keys or bugs? Or are you using paddles and keyers all the time? -- Alexey Kats (neko) __ 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] Question about K2 mod for optimizing it for 5W CW
On 5/31/2010 6:59 AM, Alexey Kats wrote: Anyway... I know that older version of K2 manual refers to changing winding of T4 transformer to 2:2 (instead of original 2:3) in order to increase efficiency of CW performance on 5W or less. Keep in mind that the 25% decrease in current draw applies only when the key is down. Assuming that you are operating in contest mode and running stations you may be transmitting half of the time. During the time you are transmitting the duty cycle will be about 50%. So the key will be down a maximum of 25% of the time (and if you are doing search-and-pounce, as you must as a QRP contester, it will be significantly less). So you have a 25% improvement x 50% transmit time x 50% duty cycle, which translates to only a 6.25% reduced current draw overall. Of course if you are operating casually, listening and ragchewing, the improvement will even be smaller. Is it worth permanently crippling your K2 so that it cannot produce the 10-15 watts it is capable of making, and which in some circumstances you might be happy to have, for this small improvement? I've never understood the enthusiasm some have for this modification. -- Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ __ 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 Firmware V3.99 (?)
John, are you referring to V3.97? On another note, for my ears, the NR in V3.97 is night and day better than any so far. At the lower odd number settings (e.g. dash 1) The signal is not significantly degraded but there is a noticeable reduction in noise. 73, Fred, AE6IC, K3 2241 __ 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] One more question about CW operation
On Mon, 31 May 2010 06:54:17 -0700, Alexey Kats alexeyk...@gmail.com wrote: Yes, straight keys and bugs are still used, although only about ten to fifteen percent of the users have mastered them. Those who have mastered them send pretty darn good code. I was never able to master the bug, but learned the straight key in the Army and feel comfortable with it even now, although I use the keyer in the K3 most of the time. With the K3 you can have a straight key and paddle key both connected at the same time. TOM, N5GE BT 73 ES GUD LUK AR DE N5GE SK http://www.n5ge.com I apologize if my question is not related to elecraft products at all, but I am simply curious... Of all fine folks using Elecraft transceivers, do you still use straight keys or bugs? Or are you using paddles and keyers all the time? I am asking because so many times I am hearing almost the same code on the air with only two things changing - timing between letters and words and QRS/QRQ. Which usually means that people use paddles. So I wonder, do people still use straight keys these days? __ 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] One more question about CW operation
On Mon, 31 May 2010 10:24:02 -0400, Guy Olinger K2AV olin...@bellsouth.net wrote: One of the things you will hear on the air is computer generated keying with contest spacing which is a design cram to shorten sending time without too much of a reduction in readibility. Once used to it, some prefer it. These settings are available in various contest boxes (Microham, etc) and contest loggers and similar programs (N1MM, etc). You're not losing your mind. 73, Guy [snip] Guy, I found this when programming the CW memories on the K3; If you use the K3 Utility you can use half spaces between letters. TOM, N5GE BT 73 ES GUD LUK AR DE N5GE SK http://www.n5ge.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] K2 - Why no enameled wire for T4?
Why does the K2 manual tell you NOT to used enameled wire for T4? 73, Ross N4RP -- FCC Section 97.313(a) “At all times, an amateur station must use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications.” __ 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] One more question about CW operation
On May 31, 2010, at 9:54 AM, Alexey Kats wrote: I apologize if my question is not related to elecraft products at all, but I am simply curious... Of all fine folks using Elecraft transceivers, do you still use straight keys or bugs? Or are you using paddles and keyers all the time? I am asking because so many times I am hearing almost the same code on the air with only two things changing - timing between letters and words and QRS/QRQ. Which usually means that people use paddles. So I wonder, do people still use straight keys these days? I used a straight key in my Novice days (75-77), but once I got my code speed above 13 wpm for my General, I graduated to iambic keyer paddles and haven't looked back. I do enjoy making a few contacts every year during straight key night, but generally I use paddles for casual contacts. Now, for contesting, the computer generates virtually all the code, except for certain fills I make with the paddles. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] [P3] : Eric at the German Hamfest
Hi Elecrafters, The June issue of the German Ham magazine Funk Amateur has just arrived. There is a P3 presentation (page 590), which also announces Eric's presence at the International German Hamfest at Friedrichshafen last week-end of June for a first European presentation of the P3 (Booth A1-751A, beneath DL-QRP A.G., Elecraft's representative in Europe). In the same magazine several photos of Elecraft rigs : same page 590 an advertising from Kuhne Electronics (db6nt) showing a K3 beneath their own equipment, page 597 in the 3V3S Tunisian Contest report, a photo of DJ8NK with his K3 and, page 587, DL2LCE's QSL card showing a K2. Hope to see you, Eric, at the Hamfest 73 Raymond, F4FNT __ 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 Sub-receiver use
I don't doubt for an instant what you say. I'm thinking the common ground path issues and cable routing issues would get it, not that you couldn't do it with the relays standalone. And then the complaints would start about hearing signals move in one RX while tuning on the other, starting with 6m and moving down. And parts are not the only cost. After all you can't weigh software, worry or frustration. 73, Guy. On Mon, May 31, 2010 at 11:06 AM, Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com wrote: Others are asking for that to be switchable back and forth between the two *dynamically*. This involves both IF's and allows for signals in the IF of one RX to be heard in the other. This would a switch with 100 dB isolation. It would be an expensive option, plus some significant new code. Don't think this complexity is commercially feasibility. I can get in that range in a 50 ohm system with a single relay at HF in a proper layout using the right style of relay. I have not tried it with miniature relays, but I see no reason why it could not be done. It would probably take three $2 SPDT relays the size of a sixteen pin DIP package. 73 Tom __ 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 Firmware V3.99
JohnK1JD wrote: I really like the QSK improvement at ANY speed, but discovered a glitch with ver 3.99 this morning. This occurred in split mode (QRQ CW must be off to do this) with the sub RX on. The sub RX works fine until transmitting, then mutes and will not come back to life until you turn it off then back on. Not good, so reinstalled 3.79 just a few minutes ago and verified that all is normal again with the Sub RX. I'm unable to replicate this glitch with v3.99 on my K3. If anybody else notices something similar, please post to the list with particulars on configuration. 73, Barry N1EU -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Firmware-V3-99-tp5121572p5122414.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] One more question about CW operation
There has been a revival of operators using straight keys, bugs and cooties. Some are very good to the point that you can hardly tell what key they are using. Some are in the learning/relearning phase and are not so good. The Straight Key Century Club www.skccgroup.com is a group of such enthusiasts. I have three keys on my desk, a straight key, a bug and a paddle set. I also use computer macros for working contests and sometimes DX. There is no real advantage for bugs, straight keys and cooties over paddles and a keyer except the nostalgia of doing it the old fashioned way. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ From: Alexey Kats alexeyk...@gmail.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Mon, May 31, 2010 8:54:17 AM Subject: [Elecraft] One more question about CW operation I apologize if my question is not related to elecraft products at all, but I am simply curious... Of all fine folks using Elecraft transceivers, do you still use straight keys or bugs? Or are you using paddles and keyers all the time? I am asking because so many times I am hearing almost the same code on the air with only two things changing - timing between letters and words and QRS/QRQ. Which usually means that people use paddles. So I wonder, do people still use straight keys these days? -- Alexey Kats (neko) __ 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] One more question about CW operation
I use my 1930's brass straight key regularly! The rest of the time I use an Elecraft / Bencher HexKey. One of the best paddles I've ever used. (:-) I have a small box to switch the two between the K2 and the K3. 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP elecraftcov...@rfwave.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] One more question about CW operation
Both. I still have my Skilcraft straight key that I started with in 1958 as a Novice. And added a Bencher BY-1 paddle a couple years ago (which I am still getting used to using). Full disclosure is that I have been off CW for several years (except for eme where I use a computer to generate CW at 17wpm). I run the paddle in the slap mode as I could not get comfortable with full iambic mode. Old Dog - New Toys. On 40m CW in the 1950's I could send perfect 18wpm with my straight key. 73, Ed - KL7UW PS: Nice 6m opening last night from Alaska to PNW. -- Message: 33 Date: Mon, 31 May 2010 06:54:17 -0700 From: Alexey Kats alexeyk...@gmail.com Subject: [Elecraft] One more question about CW operation To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: aanlktil1n7lrrg-wvhaqntf7svfqyfnfovxk_w04m...@mail.gmail.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 I apologize if my question is not related to elecraft products at all, but I am simply curious... Of all fine folks using Elecraft transceivers, do you still use straight keys or bugs? Or are you using paddles and keyers all the time? I am asking because so many times I am hearing almost the same code on the air with only two things changing - timing between letters and words and QRS/QRQ. Which usually means that people use paddles. So I wonder, do people still use straight keys these days? 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-600w, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-fall 2010 DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.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 Firmware V3.99 (?)
3.99 is in alpha test at this point. It mainly includes QSK and high speed CW improvements. On Mon, May 31, 2010 at 11:58 AM, Fred Atchley hamkt...@att.net wrote: John, are you referring to V3.97? On another note, for my ears, the NR in V3.97 is night and day better than any so far. At the lower odd number settings (e.g. dash 1) The signal is not significantly degraded but there is a noticeable reduction in noise. 73, Fred, AE6IC, K3 2241 __ 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] K2 - Why no enameled wire for T4?
Ross, 3 reasons I can think of: 1) The enamel wire supplied is a smaller gauge than the green and white wires that are also supplied. 2) If the enamel wire is scraped in the process of winding T4, there can be a shorted turn produced. 3) If the smaller wire is used, it may overheat also producing shorted turns. If you do not have the proper wire, you can use most any #22 wire. If you use two different colors it is easier to tell which winding is which. Teflon insulated wire would be ideal, but not required at this power level. 73, Don W3FPR Ross Primrose N4RP wrote: Why does the K2 manual tell you NOT to used enameled wire for T4? 73, Ross N4RP __ 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 Sub-receiver use
Hi Guy, All OK ! Effectively, i don't envisage to look for 50MHz activity on the P3 during transmitting on lower bands. I will look at the K3 schematics how are switched antennas, KAT3, KRX3, etc. I'm not 100% ok with all these connections for the moment... and how TX/RX switching is done... I've the KAT3 installed and i'm using ANT2 input for 50MHz antenna. I think that P3 monitoring can be useful also for K144XV or external transverter users on higher bands where some nice apertures can appears. Thank you to you, Guy, and all OM for very good informations and help in my choice! 73 QRO, Rudolf, HB9ARI Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: Yeah, The rub is getting Wayne to add an option that will look at the subRX for the P3 interface functions. Think you might get what you're asking for. Others are asking for that to be switchable back and forth between the two *dynamically*. This involves both IF's and allows for signals in the IF of one RX to be heard in the other. This would a switch with 100 dB isolation. It would be an expensive option, plus some significant new code. Don't think this complexity is commercially feasibility. BTW, none of this would allow the subRX to listen while transmitting. They are all in the same box and running full duplex will require circuits with isolations in the 140, 150 dB range to work right. Talking about military applications, and very expensive radios for that kind of thing. 73, Guy. On Mon, May 31, 2010 at 3:04 AM, hb9ari hb9...@bluewin.ch wrote: Hi Guy, It's that way i was thinking to use the P3! -1- ALWAYS on the sub-receiver output. -2- ALWAYS on a separated antenna. My idea was to externally switch the 6m (or internally if possible?) antenna from K3 sub-rcvr to main RF when some activity was detected on th P3. When working on 6m, no necessity, (always speaking for me..) to monitor a 10 to 20m band! In my case, as i'm very space limited, no room for a 2nd 10 to 20m separated antenna for diversity... But a separated 6m antenna is feasible. (for the moment, i use only a vertical for 6m, no DX, but not too bads QSO) 73, Rudolf, HB9ARI Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: The trick involved in that switch is a very high isolation between the two IF's (RXA and RXB) currently very nicely highly isolated. If that is degraded, then one starts hearing in one receiver the contents of the other. Not at all a trivial modification, as high isolation switches are not cheap. So I suspect dynamically selecting display on one RX or the other has a big price tag to it. And perhaps has an internal space price to it. I would think, however, that when installing a sub-RX, that perhaps it could be cabled and the K3 options set to use the sub-RX on the P3 all the time, WITHOUT opening the pandora's box of high-isolation switching of RX IF's. This would be in the same vein as choosing the RX paths when installing the sub-RX to start with. Without the time to think that through carefully, I'd currently chose that were it available. 73, Guy. On Wed, May 26, 2010 at 12:29 PM, Radio Amateur N5GE n...@n5ge.com wrote: On Tue, 25 May 2010 21:25:15 -0700, Alan Bloom a...@elecraft.com wrote: Ouch! Does this mean that the P3 will not display the frequency of or the signals seen by the KRX3? If that is true, it is a show stopper for me. TOM, N5GE BT 73 ES GUD LUK AR DE N5GE SK http://www.n5ge.com Yes, the P3 assumes it is connected to the main receiver's IF output, so if it is actually connected to the sub-RX it would still work but would not display the correct frequencies and levels. If this becomes popular enough maybe we should think about adding sub-RX support to P3 firmware. Alan N1AL [snip] __ 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:
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Firmware V3.99
I can replicate this (with 3.99alpha) but only if I have VFO A in CW mode then SUB in SSB mode. If the same mode in A and B (main and sub) then problem is not active. It seems to be something around mode switching... so my few cents... 73! Lexa, OK1DST 2010/5/31 Barry N1EU barry.n...@gmail.com JohnK1JD wrote: I really like the QSK improvement at ANY speed, but discovered a glitch with ver 3.99 this morning. This occurred in split mode (QRQ CW must be off to do this) with the sub RX on. The sub RX works fine until transmitting, then mutes and will not come back to life until you turn it off then back on. Not good, so reinstalled 3.79 just a few minutes ago and verified that all is normal again with the Sub RX. I'm unable to replicate this glitch with v3.99 on my K3. If anybody else notices something similar, please post to the list with particulars on configuration. 73, Barry N1EU -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Firmware-V3-99-tp5121572p5122414.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 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] [P3] : Eric at the German Hamfest
It will be good to see Eric at Friedrichshafen. In the case of Elecraft, I would purchase a cap if available. Now I can see the P3, which has already been ordered. 73 Doug EI2CN PS 1) It will be possible to take FCC exams on Saturday at Friedrichshafen. 2) I plan to be there for the full of Friday and Saturday and if you need another body on the stand while taking a break then I am amenable. __ 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 Sub-receiver use
The K3's S-meter reads up to S9 + 60 dB, which is -13 dBm. The noise floor in 500 Hz bandwidth with preamp on is around -136 dBm. So an IF switch really needs more than 120 dB isolation to avoid cross-talk between the main and sub-receivers. That is certainly possible but it's not trivial either. As Guy says, you have to pay careful attention to grounding, power supply decoupling, and other alternate paths in addition to the switch isolation. If you want to switch in real time (say on alternate sweeps, so the P3 can display both main and sub at the same time) then you'd need to use solid-state switches. Probably several sections to get the required isolation. It should all be do-able. A nice project for Wayne in his spare time. :=) Alan N1AL On Mon, 2010-05-31 at 12:33 -0400, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: I don't doubt for an instant what you say. I'm thinking the common ground path issues and cable routing issues would get it, not that you couldn't do it with the relays standalone. And then the complaints would start about hearing signals move in one RX while tuning on the other, starting with 6m and moving down. And parts are not the only cost. After all you can't weigh software, worry or frustration. 73, Guy. On Mon, May 31, 2010 at 11:06 AM, Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com wrote: Others are asking for that to be switchable back and forth between the two *dynamically*. This involves both IF's and allows for signals in the IF of one RX to be heard in the other. This would a switch with 100 dB isolation. It would be an expensive option, plus some significant new code. Don't think this complexity is commercially feasibility. I can get in that range in a 50 ohm system with a single relay at HF in a proper layout using the right style of relay. I have not tried it with miniature relays, but I see no reason why it could not be done. It would probably take three $2 SPDT relays the size of a sixteen pin DIP package. 73 Tom __ 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] Odd error code... DVR ?!
To anyone who has had the same experience I'm at yet another standoff point with my K3, latest firmware update, everything installed, and just two days ago I got ERR DVR, so I looked it up. Not one such item listed, just a notation that I made myself, and I can't recall what I did to correct it. One question - when you upgrade the firmware, do all your custom settings get blown away, requiring a total reset? I'm still playing games with the 144 MHz module, trying to figure out how to make it work with tone and to access repeaters, then I noted that one PDF file about upgrades is different from the original. Perhaps that's why a lot of items aren't covered, or even mentioned. Ideas? Tnx, 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
[Elecraft] K2 goes wild on 40m - - need advice
Elecrafters, I bought a K2 already built up from a friend while on a trip to the USA. It is serial number 1008. It is stable on all bands except on 40m where it breaks into oscillation as soon as I start sending CW, even with the power output set to a very low level. I would appreciate advice from any K2 owner who has experience of this problem and could help me rectify it. 73 Vidi - ZS1EL __ 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] Odd error code... DVR ?!
On Mon, 31 May 2010 14:53:52 -0500, Gil WA5YKK wa5...@centurytel.net wrote: From page 67 of the manual... ERR DVR Digital Voice Recorder not found DVR module may be defective or incorrectly installed, or the MCU or DSP firmware may require updating. I keep a copy of the K3 Manual PDF file on my desktop. These PDF's have a search function on the R/H side of the Adobe Reader Tool Bar. Try it. You'll like it. TOM, N5GE BT 73 ES GUD LUK AR DE N5GE SK http://www.n5ge.com I'm at yet another standoff point with my K3, latest firmware update, everything installed, and just two days ago I got ERR DVR, so I looked it up. Not one such item listed, just a notation that I made myself, and I can't recall what I did to correct it. __ 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 Firmware V3.99
I have the same thing occurring here with 3.99. When working split, as soon as I transmit, sub RX reception quits. (just a slight noise in background on the sub rx, like a receiver that has no antenna connected). This was on CW. Both the sub and the main receiver was set to the same mode (CW). It occurs with QRQ on or off. This was on 20m. 500hz filters selected on both receivers. So far, it occurs every time. Turning off and on the sub receiver re enables reception on the sub rx. By the way, I really like the new QSK+ mode. It may be the best QSK I have heard on any rig. Thanks! 73, John KD8K I'm unable to replicate this glitch with v3.99 on my K3. If anybody else notices something similar, please post to the list with particulars on configuration. 73, Barry N1EU __ 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 Firmware V3.99
I must agree. It's really awesome QSK and for some strange reason I find that I can send faster and with less errors with the internal keyer. The sidetone seems more articulate or maybe the response to the paddle commands are faster...Whatever...I like it. RIT will be nice to have back. Steve N4LQ - Original Message - From: John, KD8K j...@kd8k.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, May 31, 2010 4:38 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Firmware V3.99 I have the same thing occurring here with 3.99. When working split, as soon as I transmit, sub RX reception quits. (just a slight noise in background on the sub rx, like a receiver that has no antenna connected). This was on CW. Both the sub and the main receiver was set to the same mode (CW). It occurs with QRQ on or off. This was on 20m. 500hz filters selected on both receivers. So far, it occurs every time. Turning off and on the sub receiver re enables reception on the sub rx. By the way, I really like the new QSK+ mode. It may be the best QSK I have heard on any rig. Thanks! 73, John KD8K I'm unable to replicate this glitch with v3.99 on my K3. If anybody else notices something similar, please post to the list with particulars on configuration. 73, Barry N1EU __ 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 Firmware V3.99
Hello all, I must agree. It's really awesome QSK and for some strange reason I find that I can send faster and with less errors with the internal keyer. The sidetone seems more articulate or maybe the response to the paddle commands are faster...Whatever...I like it. RIT will be nice to have back. Where could I get Firmware V3.99 just to test it ? Steve N4LQ Best 73. CT1DRB David Quental - Original Message - From: John, KD8K j...@kd8k.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, May 31, 2010 4:38 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Firmware V3.99 I have the same thing occurring here with 3.99. When working split, as soon as I transmit, sub RX reception quits. (just a slight noise in background on the sub rx, like a receiver that has no antenna connected). This was on CW. Both the sub and the main receiver was set to the same mode (CW). It occurs with QRQ on or off. This was on 20m. 500hz filters selected on both receivers. So far, it occurs every time. Turning off and on the sub receiver re enables reception on the sub rx. By the way, I really like the new QSK+ mode. It may be the best QSK I have heard on any rig. Thanks! 73, John KD8K I'm unable to replicate this glitch with v3.99 on my K3. If anybody else notices something similar, please post to the list with particulars on configuration. 73, Barry N1EU __ 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] K3 Firmware V3.99
3.99 Alpha. Something similar. Frequency is 7012 but don't think that matters. Set to CW. Turn on SUB. Double tap AB. SPLIT. BSET. MODE to SSB. Clear BSET. TUNE. Clear TUNE. Sub RX now has some very strange audio as if went to CW filter but shift is way high. Hitting BSET to view SUB settings restores SSB audio. Most likely not the way Wayne wants it to work and the root problem causing other unwanted behavior. This is what alpha is for Not a secret but usually not on reflector. Alpha testing is more fun because you have a better chance of catching something. : ) Love the new CW+ QSK. 73, Guy. On Mon, May 31, 2010 at 4:38 PM, John, KD8K j...@kd8k.com wrote: I have the same thing occurring here with 3.99. When working split, as soon as I transmit, sub RX reception quits. (just a slight noise in background on the sub rx, like a receiver that has no antenna connected). This was on CW. Both the sub and the main receiver was set to the same mode (CW). It occurs with QRQ on or off. This was on 20m. 500hz filters selected on both receivers. So far, it occurs every time. Turning off and on the sub receiver re enables reception on the sub rx. __ 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 Firmware V3.99
On Mon, May 31, 2010 at 5:14 PM, David Quental ct1...@gmail.com wrote: Hello all, I must agree. It's really awesome QSK and for some strange reason I find that I can send faster and with less errors with the internal keyer. The sidetone seems more articulate or maybe the response to the paddle commands are faster...Whatever...I like it. RIT will be nice to have back. Where could I get Firmware V3.99 just to test it ? Steve N4LQ Best 73. CT1DRB David Quental - Original Message - From: John, KD8K j...@kd8k.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, May 31, 2010 4:38 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Firmware V3.99 I have the same thing occurring here with 3.99. When working split, as soon as I transmit, sub RX reception quits. (just a slight noise in background on the sub rx, like a receiver that has no antenna connected). This was on CW. Both the sub and the main receiver was set to the same mode (CW). It occurs with QRQ on or off. This was on 20m. 500hz filters selected on both receivers. So far, it occurs every time. Turning off and on the sub receiver re enables reception on the sub rx. By the way, I really like the new QSK+ mode. It may be the best QSK I have heard on any rig. Thanks! 73, John KD8K I'm unable to replicate this glitch with v3.99 on my K3. If anybody else notices something similar, please post to the list with particulars on configuration. 73, Barry N1EU __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] Odd error code... DVR ?!
If you don't have a DVR, you probably now have it turned on in CONFIG: KDVR3. Set it to not inSt. I've done just about every beta firmware and a lot of alphas. Rarely, will sometimes get bit changes to config settings when installing new firmware. Have never been able to make it the same reset happen twice. Just reset it to what I want and move on. More often, will lose last TX/RX state settings and need to get it back on mode, filter, or whatever, where I was. But I sort of expect this as code is moving around. 73, Guy. On Mon, May 31, 2010 at 4:25 PM, Radio Amateur N5GE n...@n5ge.com wrote: On Mon, 31 May 2010 14:53:52 -0500, Gil WA5YKK wa5...@centurytel.net wrote: From page 67 of the manual... ERR DVR Digital Voice Recorder not found DVR module may be defective or incorrectly installed, or the MCU or DSP firmware may require updating. I keep a copy of the K3 Manual PDF file on my desktop. These PDF's have a search function on the R/H side of the Adobe Reader Tool Bar. Try it. You'll like it. TOM, N5GE BT 73 ES GUD LUK AR DE N5GE SK http://www.n5ge.com I'm at yet another standoff point with my K3, latest firmware update, everything installed, and just two days ago I got ERR DVR, so I looked it up. Not one such item listed, just a notation that I made myself, and I can't recall what I did to correct it. __ 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] One more question about CW operation
Thank you all, that was most educative. And I apologize for the provocative question - I simply couldn't restrict my curiosity. -- Alexey Kats (neko) __ 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 Firmware V3.99
On Mon, 31 May 2010 16:38:11 -0400, John, KD8K j...@kd8k.com wrote: Yes, the QSK is much improved. Good work guys! [snip] By the way, I really like the new QSK+ mode. It may be the best QSK I have heard on any rig. Thanks! 73, John KD8K [snip] __ 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 - Why no enameled wire for T4?
On Mon, 31 May 2010 12:19:29 -0400, Ross Primrose N4RP wrote: Why does the K2 manual tell you NOT to used enameled wire for T4? I haven't studied that circuit,but I'd guess it's because the dielectric of insulated wire changes the stray capacitance, which changes the tuning of the circuit. 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
Re: [Elecraft] Buryflex all the way to K3?
On Sun, 30 May 2010 15:13:19 -0400, Tom W8JI wrote: There is some bad information on Internet about it and some real wild myths, YES. That said, some of the misinformation and myth is based on the use of cheap, no-name junk connectors sold at hamfests and on the internet, often by respected ham vendors. When I test connectors here at HF, I actually have to do it thermally with a few kilowatts of power!!! Some of these junk connectors will fail the power test. I learned that the hard way, having bought a bunch of the junkers and put them in my station. One coax elbow overheated with 1.5kW in the first hour of contest operation, and failed (to the extent tht my Titan amp got very unhappy). It was VERY hot, because the internal connection for the center conductor was a tiny spring! My rule, learned the hard way -- stick to first quality, name brand connectors. Amphenol isn't cheap, but that's all I buy. If I were a mfr with a decent lab (like Tom, or W2VJN) and could do serious testing of other products, I might add other mfrs to that list. 73, Jim Brown 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
Re: [Elecraft] Buryflex all the way to K3?
On Sun, 30 May 2010 15:37:23 -0400, Jim Miller wrote: Thanks all for the input. I'll just run 8X jumpers from my bonding panel to the K3. One thought. If you're going to operate SO2R and run power, you should probably use the bigger coax for the jumper, because the more robust shield can help interstation crosstalk. I did that in my shack for that reason, and it made a difference. 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 goes wild on 40m - - need advice
Vidi, If it is the 100 watt K2, I strongly recommend adding the KPA100UPKIT - that change was made because some KPA100s tended to develop a parasitic on 40 meters. You should also install the upgraded shield kit. If you have the 10 watt K2, then there is another problem and we need more details. The basic K2 is normally quite stable, and I have never know one to have a parasitic. Can you find the frequency of the parasitic oscillation? 73, Don W3FPR vidi wrote: Elecrafters, I bought a K2 already built up from a friend while on a trip to the USA. It is serial number 1008. It is stable on all bands except on 40m where it breaks into oscillation as soon as I start sending CW, even with the power output set to a very low level. I would appreciate advice from any K2 owner who has experience of this problem and could help me rectify it. 73 __ 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 Which headphones for stereo cw work? Summation
On Sun, 30 May 2010 03:37:25 -0700 (PDT), Bill W4ZV wrote: Dr. Amar Bose taught the introductory circuit theory classes (6.01 and 6.02) at MIT for many years. He was unquestionably the best true teacher I've ever had in my life. So I've heard. But Bose as a company is not at all well respected in the world of pro audio. Their stuff is well built and well designed from a manufacturing and user interface point of view, but not from an acoustic point of view. Audio pros say Better Sound Through Marketing in much the same way that hams say mighty fine junk. I've heard that some east coast contesters are very happy with a model of their headphones. 73, Jim Brown 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
