Re: [Elecraft] Let's Try This Again -- was [K3] ... A 750 Hz, 8-Pole ... Filter?
At that sort of bandwidth you are going to be clipping a non-trivial amount of sideband power. Are you sure that a brick wall filter would be a good idea; I would wave thought it would cause significant dispersion. Ian White GM3SEK wrote: However, contesters are always looking for an extra edge, and a true 250-270Hz 8-pole filter with a steeper transition from the passband into the stopband would be the next step to try. -- David Woolley Emails are not formal business letters, whatever businesses may want. RFC1855 says there should be an address here, but, in a world of spam, that is no longer good advice, as archive address hiding may not work. __ 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 on Order
Chris, I have two JetStream switching supplies that I have used for four years. I have not been able to attribute any spurious receiver responses to the supply in either my TS-850 or my Elecraft K3. I have a few continuous carriers that seem to be spurious on 10 meters and 6 meters, but they are very weak, less than S1 and I have never lost a contact that I blame these signals. I read a lot of comments about the power supply generated artifacts, but I have not seen any that properly documented a serious problem with any commerically offered supply. One of my JetStreams does have some fan noise that I can hear when my air conditioner is not running and my amplifier is turned off. I would categorically say that there is a lot more worry about switching supplies than the actual problems warrent. I am sure that there are many who will not be convinced, but I have worked over 200 countries per year for the last four years while using switching supplies and I have an Astron analog supply sitting on the shelf that I don't use as well as a Pyramid analog supply that needs repair in the closet. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ From: Chris Hembree w7...@yahoo.com To: Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com; Larry 'Rebar' Rebarchik - N6CCH re...@hamilton.com; n...@contesting.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Fri, July 16, 2010 9:08:36 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 on Order Very good Point.. What switching supply's are you using? Thanks Chris From: Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com To: Chris Hembree w7...@yahoo.com; Larry 'Rebar' Rebarchik - N6CCH re...@hamilton.com; n...@contesting.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Fri, July 16, 2010 6:35:06 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 on Order My concern for any Switching supply is the RFI noice that the radio will pick up from the power supply. Looking at the SEC 1235m, I was reading that it has a build in RFI filter. Plus I like the AD5X mod to slow down the fan. And the Alinco DM-340 MVT has a knob to change the freq. of the noise that the radio is picking up. Any power supply that has a VFO knob built in means they either don't know how to get harmonics down to the proper level or don't want to spend a few bucks on components, so they took the cheap way out. I have several switching supplies and can't hear any of them anywhere unless I run an antenna right in the room. __ 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] Switching power supplies...yet another comment
This topic goes around every few months, and I hesitated (unsuccessfully) to add to it this time around. I have several inexpensive 25-amp switching supplies from Radio Shack and Pyramid. I also have a couple of linear supplies that are built like the battleships of yore, and some gel batteries for portable operation. I have used these supplies in various combinations on a K2/100, a K3/100, and an ICOM 910H. I have never been able to tell the difference in noise level between any of these sources. My two rigs sit ~2 to 3 feet from a computer,and I have occasionally also put a small laptop directly in front of the XCVRs. Same comment: no discernible noise from the computers...they are impressively shielded with finger-stock, etc. Some lines have ferrites on them because that's the way they came from the factory. I do have a few birdies up and down the bands, but these are apparently from external sources and disappear when I disconnect my antennas or switch over to my dummy loads. My antennas are fed with good quality coax, and I live in the boonies. The nearest above-ground utilities are a city block away. I imagine this is a fairly quiet location. When I bought my first K2 I was concerned about this question, hence the linear supplies. My current take on this question about switching power supplies is that it is/was a needless worry. I suppose that if one is using open-wire feeders the situation might be different? John Ragle -- W1ZI __ 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: Draws high current on XMIT on 30 meters only
My K3 is having a problem on 30 meters but is fine on all other bands. While transmitting into a 50 ohm dummy load and verifying that the SWR is better than 1.1:1, if I set the output power level above 80 watts on 30 meters, I get a HI CUR message. When that happens, the K3 indicates that it is drawing slightly more than 24 amps and the voltage as measured by the K3 is 12.6 volts. This current level is quite a bit higher on 30 meters running 80 watts than on any other band running 100 watts. Any ideas why the behavior should be so different on 30 meters? By the way, I don't have the ATU. Also, I don't think this just happened recently. I bought the K3 a year ago and it might have been this way from day 1 but I'm retired and it takes a while to get around to things :-).. Thanks and 73, Ted, W2ZK __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] OT: Trade Dual for Single Paddle
Off Topic I'd like to trade one of my dual lever paddles - Kent Twin Paddle Key or K8RA P-2 Iambic for a comparable single lever paddle key. Please respond off list to jhohnc at gmail dot com 73 de K1ESE John __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] OT: Trade Dual for Single Paddle
Off Topic I'd like to trade one of my dual lever paddles - Kent Twin Paddle Key or K8RA P-2 Iambic for a comparable single lever paddle key. Please respond off list to hjohnc at gmail dot com 73 de K1ESE John __ 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] Let's Try This Again -- was [K3] ... A 750 Hz, 8-Pole ... Filter?
David Woolley wrote: Ian White GM3SEK wrote: However, contesters are always looking for an extra edge, and a true 250-270Hz 8-pole filter with a steeper transition from the passband into the stopband would be the next step to try. At that sort of bandwidth you are going to be clipping a non-trivial amount of sideband power. Are you sure that a brick wall filter would be a good idea; I would wave thought it would cause significant dispersion. That theory only applies to the copy of weak RTTY signals against a background of noise. But when the main problem is QRM, the best *available* copy is obtained by reducing the bandwidth and accepting a small reduction in accuracy. The recommendation for a 250-270Hz filter is based on many years of practical experience in heavy contest QRM, starting with different combinations of cascaded filters in the FT-1000MP, and then moving on to different combinations of roofing filters and DSP in the K3. The measurable performance parameters have been certificates and a modest amount of silverware. With off-the-shelf roofing filters in the K3, the quality of RTTY copy in extreme QRM was inferior to the FT-1000. The 400Hz filter let in too much QRM which was routinely triggering the hardware AGC, while the 200Hz 5-pole required manual fine tuning for each new caller which made it unusable for serious contesting. With the modified 270Hz 5-pole, the performance of the two radios is now about the same... so the next logical step forward would be a 250-270Hz 8-pole, a gaussian to 6dB design with improved roll-off outside the passband. -- 73 from Ian GM3SEK http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek __ 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 - NO SSB RX
Now that this problem has occurred twice it is time to ask if I am alone. One of my K3s lost all audio on SSB RX. It still worked fine on CW. TX was fine on both modes. However, if I increased the Width beyond 3.0kc SSB RX audio came back. When the Width was decreased below 3.0kc the audio was again gone. The problem was not band specific - it occurred on all bands. This happened last week during the IARU and again about 10 minutes ago. Last week it occurred while the K3 was powered up and being used. This week, when I it was powered on, it came up in this condition. The fix appears to be a RESET. (Push NORM - power up - EE INIT) Then I run the RESTORE CONFIGURATION from the K3 utility program.The K3 is then back to normal. My concern here is two fold. 1. This should not be happening. 2. This issue could be the beginning of a larger issue that won't be fixable with a RESET. Has anyone else had this issue? K3 # 1193 Firmware: 3.97 Filters: 2.7kc, 400hz, 250hz 73, Bruce - N1LN __ 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 KAT2 Issues/Questions
Paul, Good to hear you were successful. Yes, many amateur grade wattmeters are not accurate at low power. Remember that those with analog meters have an accuracy spec based on percentage of full scale - that is even true of the much revered Bird meters which are speced at 5% of full scale - immediately after calibration (many amateur grade meters are speced at 20%) On a 100 watt scale, 5% is 5 watts *anywhere* on the scale! That fact makes measuring a 2 watt signal level problematic. The meter can read anywhere between 2 watts (plus or minus) 5 watts and still be correct - the student should do the math. :-) 73, Don W3FPR Paul Locker wrote: Don, I followed your steps outlined and it looks good. The issue could be me trusting my watt meter. I think it's time I invested in a new watt meter. Tomorrow I hope to spend some time testing it on the air. Thank you again for your help. Paul k4pml __ 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 BFO problem
Ken, Make sure you have your probe plugged into the correct jack. Sounds like what first happened to me, until I turned the rig around (back to me) I forgot there were 2 jacks. Probably not the problem, but hey, you never know. John K2QY __ 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 - NO SSB RX
I think you are not alone, Bruce. I have experienced a similar SSB RX audio loss on several occasions. And there seems to be no recovery other than a RESTORE CONFIGURATION. In my case, I keep my K3 M1 memory loaded with VFO A 50.110 USB and VFO B 50.125 USB, and M2 memory loaded with VFO A 50.100 CW ALT and VFO B 50.110.5 CW ALT. My loss of SSB RX audio seems to occur if I am working CW with the K3, then press the M1 memory and hurry-press the A/B button before the M1 memory change sequence is completed (the K3's frequency and mode changes from memory is not instantaneous). After the K3 settles down, the USB RX audio is completely dead, but the CW, DATA, AM, FM modes audio still work. I have also cycled through the bands, and the USB RX audio is dead on each band. The USB TX audio seems to work; however, I have not tested for that extensively. I have found no way to restore the USB RX audio other than to RESTORE CONFIGURATION. This problem would be most inconvenient if it occurs during a contest or a DXpedition. Do not leave home without your K3 Utility. Something for Wayne to ponder over the weekend. 73, Terry K4RX -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bruce Meier Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2010 8:04 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - NO SSB RX Now that this problem has occurred twice it is time to ask if I am alone. One of my K3s lost all audio on SSB RX. It still worked fine on CW. TX was fine on both modes. However, if I increased the Width beyond 3.0kc SSB RX audio came back. When the Width was decreased below 3.0kc the audio was again gone. The problem was not band specific - it occurred on all bands. This happened last week during the IARU and again about 10 minutes ago. Last week it occurred while the K3 was powered up and being used. This week, when I it was powered on, it came up in this condition. The fix appears to be a RESET. (Push NORM - power up - EE INIT) Then I run the RESTORE CONFIGURATION from the K3 utility program.The K3 is then back to normal. My concern here is two fold. 1. This should not be happening. 2. This issue could be the beginning of a larger issue that won't be fixable with a RESET. Has anyone else had this issue? K3 # 1193 Firmware: 3.97 Filters: 2.7kc, 400hz, 250hz 73, Bruce - N1LN __ 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] Switching power supplies...yet another comment
My experience is the opposite - I haven't yet used a switching PSU that _didn't_ cause some kind of nasty noise in my rigs, usually like computer generated noise. A broadband hash with spikes of hum at various places is usually what I get. I simply threw batteries at the problem - now I exclusively use my 80AH wheelchair battery for my K2 and K3 with no more troubles. The PSU's either went in the trash or were sold, and the money was used to buy my battery 73, LS W5QD -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-on-Order-tp5299697p5306020.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] Switching power supplies...yet another comment
I'll add my two cents about switching power supplies here as well. I bought an HPS-1a PS from Gamma Research. This is a tiny switching power supply not too much larger than a deck of cards, yet it can deliver about 100W voice, and maybe 80W slow CW with my K2. It is marketed as a hybrid PS because it uses a great bit of capacitance to smooth out the duty cycle, all fed by a small, switching PS. In a nutshell, this little switching PS works great. I use it in my home shack sometimes, and when I set up in my backyard (not quite a DXpedition, but fun...) and have not noticed any noise. On the down side, this particular unit was a bit expensive. Anyway, I am a new ham, and originally was convinced by what I read that one should avoid switching PSs at all cost. Perhaps switching PSs are better engineered now than in the past. When my main supply -- all iron, size and heat -- gives up the ghost, I'm replacing it with a modern, efficient switcher. Cheers, Doug K8EXB Publish your photos in seconds for FREE TRY IM TOOLPACK at http://www.imtoolpack.com/default.aspx?rc=if4 __ 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] Switching power supplies...yet another comment
In all fairness to the switching supplies, if you are forced to have indoor antennas or close to the ground stealth antennas, you might not want to consider them. Of course they will generate noise in those cases. I have decent outdoor antennas and still have to be careful with computer switching supplies and their placement in the shack. I probably have a lifetime supply of heavy, Astron linear supplies, but the size and weight of the Samlex and other supplies is sure getting tempting!! That RS-50A is getting AWFULLY heavy to move, hi. 73, Don, WB5HAK __ 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] Switching power supplies...yet another comment
I think a lot has to do with the antenna, and how it's connected to the rig. If you are using a balanced antenna, properly fed with coax and a balun or two-wire line with a well-balanced tuner, it's unlikely that you will have a problem. If you have a wire stuck in the coax connector of your rig, then you almost certainly will. Other setups will be in between. A dipole fed with coax with no balun will certainly be vulnerable to picking up noise on the outside of the shield. Noise currents flowing on the shield will then be connected directly to the antenna at the feedpoint! If the coax runs near power wiring which is connected to a switching supply (or computer, etc.) then you are asking for trouble. Having said that, I'm sure some switchers are worse than others. But it's very hard to make one at consumer prices that doesn't allow some noise to escape. On 7/17/2010 7:13 AM, lstavenhagen wrote: My experience is the opposite - I haven't yet used a switching PSU that _didn't_ cause some kind of nasty noise in my rigs, usually like computer generated noise. A broadband hash with spikes of hum at various places is usually what I get. I simply threw batteries at the problem - now I exclusively use my 80AH wheelchair battery for my K2 and K3 with no more troubles. The PSU's either went in the trash or were sold, and the money was used to buy my battery 73, LS W5QD -- 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] Switching power supplies...yet another comment
On Sat, 17 Jul 2010 08:32:24 -0700, Vic K2VCO wrote: I think a lot has to do with the antenna, and how it's connected to the rig. If you are using a balanced antenna, properly fed with coax and a balun or two-wire line with a well-balanced tuner, it's unlikely that you will have a problem. If you have a wire stuck in the coax connector of your rig, then you almost certainly will. Other setups will be in between. A dipole fed with coax with no balun will certainly be vulnerable to picking up noise on the outside of the shield. Noise currents flowing on the shield will then be connected directly to the antenna at the feedpoint! If the coax runs near power wiring which is connected to a switching supply (or computer, etc.) then you are asking for trouble. Exactly right. What matters is not proximity of the power supply to the rig, but the power supply to the antennas! I have some switchers in my shack and in my house. Most of my antennas are high and away from those noise sources, but two antennas (160M and 2M) are quite close to the shack. I have ferrite common mode chokes on ALL of those switchers, and I had to get VERY serious with the two cheap switchers in my shack that float-charge my batteries to kill the noise on 160M and 2M. They're now quiet, but they didn't come that way. :) 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 - NO SSB RX
Sounds like something is wiping out (or changing) the SSB filter Offset. Before restoring the configuration, check the offset (CONFIG: FLx FRQ) and see if it is correct. You can also try resetting just the filter offset (from the radio) and see if that restores SSB Receive. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 7/17/2010 9:15 AM, Terry Posey wrote: I think you are not alone, Bruce. I have experienced a similar SSB RX audio loss on several occasions. And there seems to be no recovery other than a RESTORE CONFIGURATION. In my case, I keep my K3 M1 memory loaded with VFO A 50.110 USB and VFO B 50.125 USB, and M2 memory loaded with VFO A 50.100 CW ALT and VFO B 50.110.5 CW ALT. My loss of SSB RX audio seems to occur if I am working CW with the K3, then press the M1 memory and hurry-press the A/B button before the M1 memory change sequence is completed (the K3's frequency and mode changes from memory is not instantaneous). After the K3 settles down, the USB RX audio is completely dead, but the CW, DATA, AM, FM modes audio still work. I have also cycled through the bands, and the USB RX audio is dead on each band. The USB TX audio seems to work; however, I have not tested for that extensively. I have found no way to restore the USB RX audio other than to RESTORE CONFIGURATION. This problem would be most inconvenient if it occurs during a contest or a DXpedition. Do not leave home without your K3 Utility. Something for Wayne to ponder over the weekend. 73, Terry K4RX -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bruce Meier Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2010 8:04 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - NO SSB RX Now that this problem has occurred twice it is time to ask if I am alone. One of my K3s lost all audio on SSB RX. It still worked fine on CW. TX was fine on both modes. However, if I increased the Width beyond 3.0kc SSB RX audio came back. When the Width was decreased below 3.0kc the audio was again gone. The problem was not band specific - it occurred on all bands. This happened last week during the IARU and again about 10 minutes ago. Last week it occurred while the K3 was powered up and being used. This week, when I it was powered on, it came up in this condition. The fix appears to be a RESET. (Push NORM - power up - EE INIT) Then I run the RESTORE CONFIGURATION from the K3 utility program.The K3 is then back to normal. My concern here is two fold. 1. This should not be happening. 2. This issue could be the beginning of a larger issue that won't be fixable with a RESET. Has anyone else had this issue? K3 # 1193 Firmware: 3.97 Filters: 2.7kc, 400hz, 250hz 73, Bruce - N1LN __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K2 - KPA100 works but Tpa won't budge from 0 c. ??
I've checked out the KPA100, have it operating on the hi Amp power supply and it works great except for these two items: 1. In Fan Menu, going to LoHi setting - the fan doesn't run. If I go to the high it kicks in and runs. When I first turned on the K2 (back when I was using the normal 12v supply it ran but after awhile it quit. 2. In the TPA for the temperature will not change from 0 c. turning the encoder. Can't for the life of me figure out what might be causing this. Is it some other parameter I have to change before doing these. Anyone experience this? John NQ3RP -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-KPA100-works-but-Tpa-won-t-budge-from-0-c-tp5306343p5306343.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Repair
Well, here's a follow up. A week after the assumed return posting date, I emailed, asking for a status update and got a phone call from Elecraft the next day. Nothing had happened during that week, apparently the return shipping just fell thru a crack and didn't occur (and yes, they are swamped with work). So we got that moving and I received the radio on the 15th. Still exhibits the same problem it had when I sent it in. So I'm now 3 and a half months into my K3 ownership and still can't get on SSB. Considering that I bought the radio specifically for SSB contesting and sold all my other radios to pay for the K3, this is not making me a happy camper. I haven't the slightest doubt that what I was told by Elecraft was 100% accurate, that the low output problem was confirmed on the bench and that an EEINIT had fixed it, and it stayed fixed while at Elecraft. However, as someone who spent 30 years or so troubleshooting complex systems, the fact that several previous EEINITs had failed to fix the problem would have been a big red flag that I had not yet got to the root cause of the issue. So I emailed Rene and let him know the problem was back. I expect I'll hear from him early next week and we will figure out the next step. BTW here's a quick summary of the problem in hopes someone on the list may have an idea to try. (1) Low average output on SSB, typically 10 to 15 watts (AVG) according to my W2 and confirmed in that it only drives my SB-200 to about 150 watts when driven by voice. This occurs with what I take to be normal metering indications from the K3, 5 to 7 bars of ALC, a few bars of compression and the PO meter hanging around 50 watts with peaks up around 100W. (2) Weird power fluctations in PSK31. With higher audio frequencies, when PSK1 idle tones are transmitted, the power out will start at about 50 to 60 watts and rise to a nominal 75 watts or so over 15 to 20 seconds.If I preform this test repeatedly with a few seconds off time between tests, the starting PO number gets progressively higher each time. After 6 to 8 test cycles the power will only vary a few watts. However if I power cycle the K3, changing nothing else, the PO reverts to starting at 50 watts or so drifting up to normal over several seconds, repeating the whole sequence. At lower audio frequencies, below around 800 hz, the overall PO tapers off, and is down 50% at 300 hz. TX EQ is flat, and all config parameters are still as received from Elecraft repair except RS-232 baud rate and the mic selection. To me, at this point, the two most likely possibilities are something mechanically/physically intermittent in the K3 (although it has never worked normally for me), or something in the local station environment. I have tried 3 mics, a Heil PR22 and both elements of a Heil Pro-set, FP, RP, and Line-IN, thru a pro-audio chain or direct connected with no change. Recordings on the internal DVR sound fine on Monitor but exhibit the same problem. The power supply is solid at 13.8V. High quality station ground system. Everything else works fine, superb reception, normal CW operation, PSK works if I keep the audio carrier above 1000 hz. The DSP board was swapped out before sending the radio in. I would be just totally tickled to discover the problem is something stupid I'm doing or not doing, or a function of some other problem in my station setup, but I don't know what the heck it would be. Any ideas? 73 Jack KZ5A On 7/2/2010 10:50 AM, Jack Brabham wrote: I agree that a posted repair queue length figure would probably eliminate a lot of angst by setting reasonable expectations. Probably eliminate a lot of phone calls to Elecraft as well. A weekly prognostication would be more than adequate for my purposes. Another thing that could use a little work is the level of communication. Last Friday I got a call from Elecraft stating that the symptoms (low SSB PO) had been confirmed, and that an EEINIT had resolved the problem. My K3 was going to soak over the weekend and shipout Monday (last) if was still good. I was glad to hear it was coming back but a bit curious as to why the first half a dozen or so times we did an EEINIT had not resolved the problem. Now its a week later, I don't know if my K3 is back in the shop (as I suspect) or if it is has been shipped and I need to hang around to receive it... I'm sure I could call and get an update but, being lazy, I would rather just get a short simple email periodically while the RSA is open or anytime there is a status update. 73 Jack KZ5A K3 #4165 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list:
Re: [Elecraft] Switching power supplies...yet another comment
On 7/17/2010 11:10 AM, Douglas Furton wrote: (JLR edited) ...Perhaps switching PSs are better engineered now than in the past... = I can tell the assembled multitude that this assessment is correct. Before retirement, I did a lot of weak-signal work in the lab (related to NMR imaging), and in the earliest days of this work, ca. 1970 or so, I used Apple-2-Plus machines for data collection. Some of you may recall that these small microcomputers were powered by open-board switching power supplies, and the cabinets contained no shielding whatsoever. They were exceedingly potent sources of RFI and had to be kept isolated from the spectrometer circuitry. At some point, I considered isolating them by taking them out in a field and burying them. Fortunately, technology advances. My comments about proximity were to the point that modern devices (computers or switching power supplies) are very well shielded, as are modern XCVRs. The Radio Shack 25 amp switchers that I have contain good shielding AND massive ferrites on the inside of the cabinet directly on the DC terminals. The AC line cord is similarly ferrite-trapped, directly inside the metal cabinet. The computers (a la FCC type-acceptance regulations) have RF-tight enclosures with close-fitting fingerstock around the openable places and below-cutoff screening on the fan ports. My K2 and K3 are exceedingly well shielded...surely an open 100-watt source a couple of feet from a computer would make itself known. I think it is really a question of physician, heal thyself -- I believe that some truly have the problems they report, and that they have taken the correct steps to ameliorate them. But...my overall opinion is that switching power supplies have taken a bad rap. My linear supplies are gathering dust, keeping their shelving from floating up into the air. Maybe the way to convince oneself one way or the other is to buy an inexpensive Astron or Radio Shack supply and try it. Also...with care...batteries make very good filters. John Ragle -- W1ZI __ 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 Repair
Jack, I was unaware of your difficulties. I'll discuss your repair with Rene first thing Monday and get back to you by phone. We carefully test repaired or modified rigs before sending them back, so your results are a bit baffling. I'm sure we'll figure it out. 73, Wayne N6KR Jack Brabham wrote: Well, here's a follow up Still exhibits the same problem it had when I sent it in. __ 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] 250 Hz and 400 Hz Filter Measurements
Beware of the conclusions of the so-called K3 Filter Study. I don't know who wrote it since there is no name on it, but the 250 Hz filter does not fall apart at -25 dB. The results shown are exactly what you would expect for a well-designed receiver with no signal at the input. The author of this study doesn't state the conditions of the K3 such as band, preamp status and antenna connection, but I will assume no antenna connected with the preamp on. If you look at the first plot on page 3 labeled Study of Inrad 400 and 250 Hz Filters, you will see a broad shoulder at about 30 dB down that the author is concerned about. This shoulder drops off at 100 Hz and 1100 Hz due to the DSP filtering. So let's look at what is causing this. There is no signal into the K3, so all of the noise is internally generated. At 600 Hz, the noise is coming from the preamp and is then filtered by the 250 Hz and 400 Hz roofing filters. The shoulder is caused by the internally generated noise after the roofing filter. The noise from the preamp is dominate, so that is sets the noise figure. However, if we made it even more dominate, so that the shoulder was lower, we would reduce the dynamic range of the K3. Receiver design is a tradeoff so that you create both minimum noise and maximum dynamic range. If the author had coupled a noise diode to the input of this K3, he would have found that the shoulder would disappear because he now had a noise signal into the K3 much stronger than the preamp. My advice would be to disregard this report because the measurements were not made in such a way as to accurately determine the response of the K3 filters. -John KI6WX Both you and Ed raise good points. No intent there -- I agree that the so-called 250 Hz filter is slightly more useful than the 400 Hz. My real objective is to get Inrad to clean up their act! BUT -- take a look at the data in this link. Lots of food for thought. There's something different about the K3 Sub-RX, and the Roofing filters seem to fall apart below about -25dB. Makes a guy wonder what's going on! http://audiosystemsgroup.com/K3FilterStudy-250HzRoof.pdf 73, Jim K9YC __ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Kit Building estimated Times: KX1, W2, P3
I have two kits right now and a third (the P3) on the way soon (I hope). I got the KX1 to replace my Norcal 40A QRP rig and I just got (yesterday) the W2 to add to my growing collection of SWR meters. My plan is to do the P3 first. So, I am waiting until the P3 arrives. But, I am thinking that maybe I can whip out the W2 pretty quickly. Therefore, can anyone give me an estimate of what I should expect on the W2 build time? I got estimates here for the K3/100 when I got that and my build time came right near the average of those values reported by various peoples (8 1/2 hours). So, I know that the P3 build time is probably not known by anyone other then beta kit builders. How about the average build times for the W2-kit (one coupler) and the KX1 kit (toroids done by the Toroid Guy, already here). 73, phil, K7PEH __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] 250 Hz and 400 Hz Filter Measurements
I love this reflector and the discussion which takes place on it. Thank you all for this discourse. Good radio, good users and good company and we are all learning. 73 Doug EI2CN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of John, KI6Wx Sent: 17 July 2010 18:49 To: 'Elecraft List' Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 250 Hz and 400 Hz Filter Measurements Beware of the conclusions of the so-called K3 Filter Study. I don't know who wrote it since there is no name on it, but the 250 Hz filter does not fall apart at -25 dB. The results shown are exactly what you would expect for a well-designed receiver with no signal at the input. The author of this study doesn't state the conditions of the K3 such as band, preamp status and antenna connection, but I will assume no antenna connected with the preamp on. If you look at the first plot on page 3 labeled Study of Inrad 400 and 250 Hz Filters, you will see a broad shoulder at about 30 dB down that the author is concerned about. This shoulder drops off at 100 Hz and 1100 Hz due to the DSP filtering. So let's look at what is causing this. There is no signal into the K3, so all of the noise is internally generated. At 600 Hz, the noise is coming from the preamp and is then filtered by the 250 Hz and 400 Hz roofing filters. The shoulder is caused by the internally generated noise after the roofing filter. The noise from the preamp is dominate, so that is sets the noise figure. However, if we made it even more dominate, so that the shoulder was lower, we would reduce the dynamic range of the K3. Receiver design is a tradeoff so that you create both minimum noise and maximum dynamic range. If the author had coupled a noise diode to the input of this K3, he would have found that the shoulder would disappear because he now had a noise signal into the K3 much stronger than the preamp. My advice would be to disregard this report because the measurements were not made in such a way as to accurately determine the response of the K3 filters. -John KI6WX Both you and Ed raise good points. No intent there -- I agree that the so-called 250 Hz filter is slightly more useful than the 400 Hz. My real objective is to get Inrad to clean up their act! BUT -- take a look at the data in this link. Lots of food for thought. There's something different about the K3 Sub-RX, and the Roofing filters seem to fall apart below about -25dB. Makes a guy wonder what's going on! http://audiosystemsgroup.com/K3FilterStudy-250HzRoof.pdf 73, Jim K9YC __ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ 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] Kit Building estimated Times: KX1, W2, P3
Phil, The W2 is a VERY easy build, and took me less than an hour and a half, and I work slowly to avoid mistakes, hi. The build was done during the latter part of a rest break building the K3 for me and it worked fine, first time!! I too am ANXIOUSLY awaiting my P3 73, Don, WB5HAK __ 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 Repair
Jack, I see Wayne has responded and I am certain he will help get to the bottom of the problem. I do have one question about your SSB behavior - do you see the same drop-off in power if you set the wattmeter to read peak? The power rating of the K3 is expressed in Peak Envelope Power, so your metering should match when trying to compare apples to apples. On your PSK31 situation, are you driving the audio to the K3 high enough to produce 4 to 5 bars on the ALC meter, and setting your desired power output with the K3 power knob? If you are trying to use the audio level to control the power output, it will behave much as you have described. The K3 measures the power output, and decides there is not enough to match the setting of your power knob, so it increases the drive attempting to produce more power. Drive the audio input so you have at least 4 ALC bars with maybe the 5th flickering. The ALC meter on the K3 is not completely an indication of ALC - the first 4 bars act more like a VU meter to tell you the audio level. The 5th bar indicates the start of ALC action. 73, Don W3FPR Jack Brabham wrote: Well, here's a follow up. A week after the assumed return posting date, I emailed, asking for a status update and got a phone call from Elecraft the next day. Nothing had happened during that week, apparently the return shipping just fell thru a crack and didn't occur (and yes, they are swamped with work). So we got that moving and I received the radio on the 15th. Still exhibits the same problem it had when I sent it in. So I'm now 3 and a half months into my K3 ownership and still can't get on SSB. Considering that I bought the radio specifically for SSB contesting and sold all my other radios to pay for the K3, this is not making me a happy camper. I haven't the slightest doubt that what I was told by Elecraft was 100% accurate, that the low output problem was confirmed on the bench and that an EEINIT had fixed it, and it stayed fixed while at Elecraft. However, as someone who spent 30 years or so troubleshooting complex systems, the fact that several previous EEINITs had failed to fix the problem would have been a big red flag that I had not yet got to the root cause of the issue. So I emailed Rene and let him know the problem was back. I expect I'll hear from him early next week and we will figure out the next step. BTW here's a quick summary of the problem in hopes someone on the list may have an idea to try. (1) Low average output on SSB, typically 10 to 15 watts (AVG) according to my W2 and confirmed in that it only drives my SB-200 to about 150 watts when driven by voice. This occurs with what I take to be normal metering indications from the K3, 5 to 7 bars of ALC, a few bars of compression and the PO meter hanging around 50 watts with peaks up around 100W. (2) Weird power fluctations in PSK31. With higher audio frequencies, when PSK1 idle tones are transmitted, the power out will start at about 50 to 60 watts and rise to a nominal 75 watts or so over 15 to 20 seconds.If I preform this test repeatedly with a few seconds off time between tests, the starting PO number gets progressively higher each time. After 6 to 8 test cycles the power will only vary a few watts. However if I power cycle the K3, changing nothing else, the PO reverts to starting at 50 watts or so drifting up to normal over several seconds, repeating the whole sequence. At lower audio frequencies, below around 800 hz, the overall PO tapers off, and is down 50% at 300 hz. TX EQ is flat, and all config parameters are still as received from Elecraft repair except RS-232 baud rate and the mic selection. To me, at this point, the two most likely possibilities are something mechanically/physically intermittent in the K3 (although it has never worked normally for me), or something in the local station environment. I have tried 3 mics, a Heil PR22 and both elements of a Heil Pro-set, FP, RP, and Line-IN, thru a pro-audio chain or direct connected with no change. Recordings on the internal DVR sound fine on Monitor but exhibit the same problem. The power supply is solid at 13.8V. High quality station ground system. Everything else works fine, superb reception, normal CW operation, PSK works if I keep the audio carrier above 1000 hz. The DSP board was swapped out before sending the radio in. I would be just totally tickled to discover the problem is something stupid I'm doing or not doing, or a function of some other problem in my station setup, but I don't know what the heck it would be. Any ideas? 73 Jack KZ5A On 7/2/2010 10:50 AM, Jack Brabham wrote: I agree that a posted repair queue length figure would probably eliminate a lot of angst by setting reasonable expectations. Probably eliminate a lot of phone calls to Elecraft as well. A weekly
Re: [Elecraft] Kit Building estimated Times: KX1, W2, P3
Phil, Well, after building a LOT of KX1s (I've lost count), I can complete the KX1, KXB3080, and KXAT1 in about 12 hours at the workbench. But consider that I no longer read all the detail in the manual - I only use it as a guide in the order in which to place the parts (do not try to second guess that order). For the first time through a KX1 build, I would estimate double the time it takes me, so somewhere in the range of 20 to 25 hours should be about right. I have not yet built a W2, so no answer on that. 73, Don W3FPR Phil Hystad wrote: I have two kits right now and a third (the P3) on the way soon (I hope). I got the KX1 to replace my Norcal 40A QRP rig and I just got (yesterday) the W2 to add to my growing collection of SWR meters. My plan is to do the P3 first. So, I am waiting until the P3 arrives. But, I am thinking that maybe I can whip out the W2 pretty quickly. Therefore, can anyone give me an estimate of what I should expect on the W2 build time? I got estimates here for the K3/100 when I got that and my build time came right near the average of those values reported by various peoples (8 1/2 hours). So, I know that the P3 build time is probably not known by anyone other then beta kit builders. How about the average build times for the W2-kit (one coupler) and the KX1 kit (toroids done by the Toroid Guy, already here). 73, phil, K7PEH __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2 - KPA100 works but Tpa won't budge from 0 c. ??
John, Were you able to set the bias on the KPA100 with the pot set to about 1/3 rotation? (yes it is related). The tpa value seen in the K2 CAL menu follows the temperature variation of the heatsink as sensed by the base to emitter junction of Q3. Measure the voltage for TSENSE at KPA100 U1 pin 5. It should be somewhere close to 0.6 volts at normal heatsink temperatures. If it is wildly different, check R5, R6 and Q3 to be certain they are properly placed and well soldered. 73, Don W3FPR NQ3RP wrote: I've checked out the KPA100, have it operating on the hi Amp power supply and it works great except for these two items: 1. In Fan Menu, going to LoHi setting - the fan doesn't run. If I go to the high it kicks in and runs. When I first turned on the K2 (back when I was using the normal 12v supply it ran but after awhile it quit. 2. In the TPA for the temperature will not change from 0 c. turning the encoder. Can't for the life of me figure out what might be causing this. Is it some other parameter I have to change before doing these. Anyone experience this? John NQ3RP __ 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 Repair - ALC Setting
- Original Message - From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com snip The ALC meter on the K3 is not completely an indication of ALC - the first 4 bars act more like a VU meter to tell you the audio level. The 5th bar indicates the start of ALC action. 73, Don W3FPR I may be reading something into part of what you say, straighten me out. Is the ALC setting at 4-5 bars the norm for any mode other than PSK? Should it be 4-5 for SSB and other modes as well??? Thanks es 73, de Jim KG0KP __ 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 Repair - ALC Setting
Jim, That is the norm only for DATA modes where you would not want to activate the ALC. For SSB and other speech modes, drive the ALC meter to 5 - 7 bars with the Compression set to zero and a normal voice. See the manual page 28. Best results are when you are kicking up to 7 bars on voice peaks. 73, Don W3FPR Jim Miller KG0KP wrote: - Original Message - From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com snip The ALC meter on the K3 is not completely an indication of ALC - the first 4 bars act more like a VU meter to tell you the audio level. The 5th bar indicates the start of ALC action. 73, Don W3FPR I may be reading something into part of what you say, straighten me out. Is the ALC setting at 4-5 bars the norm for any mode other than PSK? Should it be 4-5 for SSB and other modes as well??? Thanks es 73, de Jim KG0KP __ 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] My K3 Line Out Setting
I played with line out settings today to determine for my soundcard-K3 setup what an optimum line out setting might be. I think of optimum as that setting that produces adequate speckling on a waterfall display with minimum harmonic distortion. My K3 serial 508 has all of the audio modifications that I am aware of. I can remember conducting a study like this prior to modifications unfortunately I can not find my old data. Bottom line I have my line out set at 3 now. This gives good copy on PSK signals, good speckling on a waterfall and maximum signal-to-3rd-harmonic ratio. Spot pitch = 500, CW signal centered, 3rd harmonic well outside of roofing filter as well as 50 Hz IF filter. The only way for the 3rd harmonic to be seen is if it is created in the analog post digital audio stages. For PSK copy I would be using wider filters but much wider would mask the 3rd harmonic measurements which I wanted to be well beyond the processing pass band. Using Spectrogram for signal measurement and Ham Radio Deluxe-Digital Master 780 for PSK copy I took some data below. At line out set at 3 I found maximum base signal to 3rd harmonic ratio. I find this is pretty good at the lower line out settings and up to 15 dB worse at significantly higher settings. I would guess that most could live with the higher settings if the sound card needs it. IF BW = 50 Hz Roofing Filter BW = 500 Hz LineReference 3rd Delta Out dB Harmonic 3rd 0 -68.6 noise limited 1 -55 noise limited 2 -41.7-11371.3 3 -38.2-11172.8 4 -35.8-10771.2 5 -33.5-10167.5 10 -27.8-87.5 59.7 15 -24.5-82 57.5 20 -21.5-80.3 58.8 25 -19.4-78.5 59.1 30 -18.1-75.8 57.7 50 -13.7-72.1 58.4 100 -7.7 -67.8 60.1 Mike Scott - AE6WA Tarzana, CA (DM04 / near LA) NAQCC 3535 K3-100 #508 / KX1 #1311 __ 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 Repair
Don, What I'm watching to see the creep is the W2 meter's Windows app with the meters set to AVG and the peak hold bar ON. I'm interpreting this as the peak of the fluctuating average power level This is the number that rolls up around 50% during the first 20 seconds of an initial transmission after a power cycle. If I change the meters to peak, the numbers change as you would expect, the initial peak power starts off around 70 watts and drifts up to around 95. BTW normal PSK31 etc operation in DATA A seems to proceed as expected as long as I stay above 1000 hz or so for the audio. Below that there is an increasingly noticeable reduction in PO, but otherwise functions normally. I'm using my PSK31 program as an audio generator for these tests, not having anything better to use. In this role it is not adjusted the same way one would for actual PSK operation. Do not try this at home.. ;) I have tried, in the last hour or so, increasing the audio drive levels and decreasing the mic and line-in gain. This somewhat reduced the power creep issue, at least in terms of the number of transmission cycles before it settles, but the radio still seems to have to relearn this from scratch after a power cycle. Reducing the Mic gain from 18 to 6 and increasing the output from my mic pre-amp to get 4-5 bars of ALC, did not seem to help the low output on SSB problem. Thanks for the tip about the ALC meter, makes more sense now. 73 Jack KZ5A On 7/17/2010 1:18 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Jack, I see Wayne has responded and I am certain he will help get to the bottom of the problem. I do have one question about your SSB behavior - do you see the same drop-off in power if you set the wattmeter to read peak? The power rating of the K3 is expressed in Peak Envelope Power, so your metering should match when trying to compare apples to apples. On your PSK31 situation, are you driving the audio to the K3 high enough to produce 4 to 5 bars on the ALC meter, and setting your desired power output with the K3 power knob? If you are trying to use the audio level to control the power output, it will behave much as you have described. The K3 measures the power output, and decides there is not enough to match the setting of your power knob, so it increases the drive attempting to produce more power. Drive the audio input so you have at least 4 ALC bars with maybe the 5th flickering. The ALC meter on the K3 is not completely an indication of ALC - the first 4 bars act more like a VU meter to tell you the audio level. The 5th bar indicates the start of ALC action. 73, Don W3FPR Jack Brabham wrote: Well, here's a follow up. A week after the assumed return posting date, I emailed, asking for a status update and got a phone call from Elecraft the next day. Nothing had happened during that week, apparently the return shipping just fell thru a crack and didn't occur (and yes, they are swamped with work). So we got that moving and I received the radio on the 15th. Still exhibits the same problem it had when I sent it in. So I'm now 3 and a half months into my K3 ownership and still can't get on SSB. Considering that I bought the radio specifically for SSB contesting and sold all my other radios to pay for the K3, this is not making me a happy camper. I haven't the slightest doubt that what I was told by Elecraft was 100% accurate, that the low output problem was confirmed on the bench and that an EEINIT had fixed it, and it stayed fixed while at Elecraft.However, as someone who spent 30 years or so troubleshooting complex systems, the fact that several previous EEINITs had failed to fix the problem would have been a big red flag that I had not yet got to the root cause of the issue. So I emailed Rene and let him know the problem was back. I expect I'll hear from him early next week and we will figure out the next step. BTW here's a quick summary of the problem in hopes someone on the list may have an idea to try. (1) Low average output on SSB, typically 10 to 15 watts (AVG) according to my W2 and confirmed in that it only drives my SB-200 to about 150 watts when driven by voice. This occurs with what I take to be normal metering indications from the K3, 5 to 7 bars of ALC, a few bars of compression and the PO meter hanging around 50 watts with peaks up around 100W. (2) Weird power fluctations in PSK31. With higher audio frequencies, when PSK1 idle tones are transmitted, the power out will start at about 50 to 60 watts and rise to a nominal 75 watts or so over 15 to 20 seconds.If I preform this test repeatedly with a few seconds off time between tests, the starting PO number gets progressively higher each time. After 6 to 8 test cycles the power will only vary a few watts. However if I power cycle the K3, changing nothing else, the PO reverts to starting at 50 watts or so
Re: [Elecraft] K2 BFO problem
Don - You have me on the right track. I have a valid frequency reading at pin 6 of U11 and I can follow it back through L33 and C169 to the gate of Q24. The waveform gets fuzzier and has lower amplitude past L33 (I do have a scope) but is still countable at C169. Past Q24 I don't have anything recognizable. I have reflowed the solder on everything around there. D36 appears to be installed correctly. I don't have an extra J310 to swap out Q24, but will get one if you think that's the next step. BTW, I measured the voltages at U11 and all are what you told me to expect except pin 8 is around 6 volts. Still, the BFO seems to be working, just not getting anything as far as TP2. Thanks for the help and please keep it coming. 73, Ken K0WKM -Original Message- From: Don Wilhelm [mailto:w3...@embarqmail.com] Sent: Friday, July 16, 2010 6:49 PM To: Ken Mohler Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 BFO problem Ken, Did you obtain a good frequency reading when you did the PLL Reference Oscillator test back on page 36? If so, check the probe again by putting the probe into either TP3 or TP1. If you see a valid frequency displayed, your probe is OK. The most common problem builders have are soldering problems. Re-flow the soldering in the BFO and U11 area with a hot soldering iron (750 deg/F). Also check carefully for solder bridges. Unfortunately, one lead of both X3 and X4 are under the pad for L33, so ignore those for the time being (if nothing else works, Lift one end of the resistor securing L33 and re-flow the soldering at those leads). Do you have near 8 volts at U11 pin 8? Is U11 pin 1 and 2 close to 1.4 volts? Do you have about 6 volts at U11 pin 6? Touch the counter probe to U11 pin 6 (careful not to short to an adjacent pin). Do you have a valid frequency reading? If you do, then the BFO is working, and the problem is with Q24 and its associated components. Be certain you have mounted D36 (the SMT1B) part correctly, and the soldering of Q24, RP6, R98, and R99 is good. If still no progress, either assemble the parts provided in your K2 kit for the RF Probe (schematic in Appendix E) or let us know that you have an oscilloscope available. 73, Don W3FPR Ken Mohler wrote: Hi Gang - I'm building my 2nd K2 and am at the point of Alignment and Test, Part II. All of the tests and alignment steps through the VCO alignment have been completed successfully. Everything has been right in the center of the expected parameters. Then I got to the BFO test. I'm getting a reading of .00. Here's what I know so far: D37 and D38 are the correct types and oriented properly. I have measured the resistance across the resistor holding L33 down (or up?) and get a reading of 1.5 ohms, indicating to me that L33 is intact and effectively soldered to the resistor leads. I have checked the positioning of Q24 and it looks correct. The right crystals are installed at X3 and X4 and grounding the cases went smoothly, so I don't think I overheated them. I have reflowed the solder on the parts around the BFO area. A symptom that may or may not mean anything: the S-Meter is showing S5. It was properly adjusted back in Alignment and Testing Part I. What should I do next? __ 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: Is Inventory really a necessity?
Hello. My name is Stan WB2LQF and I am a new lister, having just received my K2 kit yesterday. My question is, Do you folks think it is really necessary to detail-inventory the Elecraft K2 product?? The packaging was impressive. The task of a complete and detailed inventory looks time consuming, downright boring, and a great opportunity to lose/break/misplace/confuse or static-damage parts. Seems to me that Elecraft should be able to get it mostly correct. My thinking is that all those parts may be safer just sitting in their little bags until it's time to open the bag. if it takes me too long to report a missing part and as a result Elecraft won't replace it for free, I won't exactly go broke buying the missing part from them. Seems like a reasonable risk to offset the investment of time + the aforementioned risks of inventorying. I'm a new Elecraft customer so I'm not in a position to size them up, although I keep hearing they are a first class outfit and I would assume their quality control extends to shipment accuracy. I'd be interested in the majority opinion from Elecraft customers who've faced this same decision - to inventory or not. Thanks! __ 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: Is Inventory really a necessity?
Actually it's more than an inventoryit allows you to separate items into containers for easy finding. But even more important is that you are able to identify all the various pieces, as it's very easy to confuse one choke for another, or one capacitor for another. It's not inventory for inventory's sake...it's actually a pure building step in familiarizing yourself will all the parts. Gregg, W9DHI __ 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: Is Inventory really a necessity?
Really short answer: yes, although you needn't check all the resistors that are supplied on a tape. Reason: you get to know and recognize the parts. There are some variations in some of the capacitors, etc. and some which are different but which look similar to each other. If you clarify before installing anything, you're less likely to find yourself having installed a wrong part. The whole job will not take longer, because if you have identified and sorted the parts you will be able to grab them more quickly when you need them. Construction will go more smoothly. You are not so much doing it to catch Elecraft's mistakes as to prevent YOU from making mistakes! On 7/17/2010 1:06 PM, stan levandowski wrote: Hello. My name is Stan WB2LQF and I am a new lister, having just received my K2 kit yesterday. My question is, Do you folks think it is really necessary to detail-inventory the Elecraft K2 product?? The packaging was impressive. The task of a complete and detailed inventory looks time consuming, downright boring, and a great opportunity to lose/break/misplace/confuse or static-damage parts. Seems to me that Elecraft should be able to get it mostly correct. My thinking is that all those parts may be safer just sitting in their little bags until it's time to open the bag. if it takes me too long to report a missing part and as a result Elecraft won't replace it for free, I won't exactly go broke buying the missing part from them. Seems like a reasonable risk to offset the investment of time + the aforementioned risks of inventorying. I'm a new Elecraft customer so I'm not in a position to size them up, although I keep hearing they are a first class outfit and I would assume their quality control extends to shipment accuracy. I'd be interested in the majority opinion from Elecraft customers who've faced this same decision - to inventory or not. Thanks! -- 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] K2: Is Inventory really a necessity?
At 02:06 PM 17/07/10, you wrote: lose/break/misplace/confuse or static-damage parts. These things are more apt to happen without inventory. Just my point of view after building a K1 and a couple K2's. Don't rush it, because a few days after it's done miss the build. Good luck Stan, most of all, have fun. John k7up __ 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 DSP Board Upgrade Info
I have now completed all of the modifications to upgrade the DSP board to the latest spec and can say that the improvement is worthwhile. For me, the receive audio, especially on ssb, is a lot less fatiguing. For those wishing to attempt this yourself, here is some more info: - Resistors and chip capacitors are 0603 size - C9 and C13 (100uf/6.3v) need to be the correct size to fit the pcb pads. Panasonic part number EEEFKJ101UAR are suitable. I also found it easier to remove the headphone socket from the pcb to facilitate removal / replacement of these capacitors. My K3 S/N 3017 already had some of the components changed on the DSP board. The only components left for me to do were C1, C11, C9 and C13. My DSP board (Revision B) had a 1 handwritten after the revision number. My guess is mine was a revision B1? Andy VK4KY -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-DSP-Board-Upgrade-Info-tp5252898p5307405.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] K2: Is Inventory really a necessity?
Stan, I do not do a complete inventory for all the packages up front (but then I have spare parts available, and that makes me a it different). I DO sort each package and place the components in an order so I can reach them quickly. I use the corrugated box method advocated by Heathkit 'way back when' - cut a USPS Priority Mail cardboard box (the O-1097 size works best) in half along all the narrow edges. The center serves as a tray for miscellaneous parts and the holes in the corrugations along the sides hold leaded components - just stick the leads in the holes. I arrange the capacitors in value order with the lowest values toward the front. Inductors, diodes (and resistors for the KX1) go on the right side =- again arranged in value order. When building, I can quickly pluck out the correct component, check its value and insert it on the board. The sorting takes a little time, but once sorted, the quick and easy picking of the correct component is accomplished much faster than any other method I have used. I have tried muffin tins, assorted envelopes, taping components on a paper, and other various methods over the years, but the Heathkit style corrugated box has always been the one I come back to. OK, I went a little astray in my response, but my point is - If you don't want to do an inventory, at least do a sort, it will save you a lot of time later in the process. 73, Don W3FPR stan levandowski wrote: Hello. My name is Stan WB2LQF and I am a new lister, having just received my K2 kit yesterday. My question is, Do you folks think it is really necessary to detail-inventory the Elecraft K2 product?? The packaging was impressive. The task of a complete and detailed inventory looks time consuming, downright boring, and a great opportunity to lose/break/misplace/confuse or static-damage parts. Seems to me that Elecraft should be able to get it mostly correct. My thinking is that all those parts may be safer just sitting in their little bags until it's time to open the bag. if it takes me too long to report a missing part and as a result Elecraft won't replace it for free, I won't exactly go broke buying the missing part from them. Seems like a reasonable risk to offset the investment of time + the aforementioned risks of inventorying. I'm a new Elecraft customer so I'm not in a position to size them up, although I keep hearing they are a first class outfit and I would assume their quality control extends to shipment accuracy. I'd be interested in the majority opinion from Elecraft customers who've faced this same decision - to inventory or not. Thanks! __ 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 Repair
Jack, Yes, the K3 has to recalculate the power drive after a power cycle or a band change - so let's not call that part of the process creep, it is just the K3 power control mechanism coming up to speed with the power setting that you requested using the Power Knob. The power will start out a bit low and then come up to the level requested. It will then stay there until a power cycle or a band change. What power level do you have set? That is an important piece of information. Initially, ignore the power output and set the audio level correctly. You can (and should) use TX TEST for that adjustment. For SSB, talk in a normal voice. Set Compression to zero Then adjust the mic gain until you have between 5 and 7 bars indicated on the K3 ALC meter display - the peaks should be at 7 bars. Now add compression as desired. Set your wattmeter to read the peak power (not peak-hold in the AVG setting). Connect a dummy load and speak into the microphone. After a few syllables (to allow the power control mechanism to stabilize), how closely do the wattmeter peaks come to the power you set on the power knob? It should be close. For data modes, the process is similar. Use TX TEST to set the audio level. Set Compression to zero (it should stay there for all data modes) Adjust the audio into the K3 to provide 4 to 5 bars on the ALC meter - actual ALC does not start until after the 5th bar, so that will keep the level below the onset of ALC. Set the K3 power control to the power output you want. Transmit, and after the initial power leveling mechanism has had a bit of time to settle, the power should equal what you dialed in on the power control. Yes, for DATA modes, the K3 is different than other transceivers out there - ignore the usual recommendation to set the power high and use the audio input level to control the power - due to the way the K3 controls power (by sampling the actual output and adjusting drive to compensate), attempting to use the techniques that vary the audio level in order to control power will result in strange happenings. While it will work, I will not guarantee the power level will be right, and you will have to ride the audio input level to keep it constant (don't do it that way). What I have related is nothing different than the information in the K3 manual (except for the maximum number of ALC bars in DATA mode. If you wnat to double check the veracity of what I am saying, look in the archives for Lyle Johnson's reflector post of February 8, 2009. Lyle designed the K3 DSP (and its control of the power out), so he should be considered an authoritative source. 73, Don W3FPR Jack Brabham wrote: Don, What I'm watching to see the creep is the W2 meter's Windows app with the meters set to AVG and the peak hold bar ON. I'm interpreting this as the peak of the fluctuating average power level This is the number that rolls up around 50% during the first 20 seconds of an initial transmission after a power cycle. If I change the meters to peak, the numbers change as you would expect, the initial peak power starts off around 70 watts and drifts up to around 95. BTW normal PSK31 etc operation in DATA A seems to proceed as expected as long as I stay above 1000 hz or so for the audio. Below that there is an increasingly noticeable reduction in PO, but otherwise functions normally. I'm using my PSK31 program as an audio generator for these tests, not having anything better to use. In this role it is not adjusted the same way one would for actual PSK operation. Do not try this at home.. ;) I have tried, in the last hour or so, increasing the audio drive levels and decreasing the mic and line-in gain. This somewhat reduced the power creep issue, at least in terms of the number of transmission cycles before it settles, but the radio still seems to have to relearn this from scratch after a power cycle. Reducing the Mic gain from 18 to 6 and increasing the output from my mic pre-amp to get 4-5 bars of ALC, did not seem to help the low output on SSB problem. Thanks for the tip about the ALC meter, makes more sense now. 73 Jack KZ5A __ 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] Elecraft SSB net announcement
The weekly Elecraft SSB net will meet tomorrow (7/18/10) at 1800z on 14.314 MHz. I will be net control from western Oregon, and I will try to swing the antenna in multiple directions to get as many of you as I can. See you then. 73, Phil NS7P __ 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 BFO problem
Ken, The fuzzy waveform on the 'scope is normal - but how much so is difficult for me to say whether yours is normal or abnormal. Check the value of C169 - it should be 390 pF (marked 391). OK, the BFO is oscillating, so look at Q24 carefully - is it oriented correctly? If so, enter CAL FCTR and tap the BAND+ button while measuring the voltage on the drain (see the schemastic key page if you are not familiar with the pinout). The voltage should go high(almost 8 volts), and then tap BAND- and the voltage should go nearly to zero. Other things to check - look for a solder bridge between pins 1 and 2 of U10;, check the SMT1B for correct orientation; re-check the orientation of D36, and check the soldering of R98, C168, D36, R99 and SMT1B. If all the above is correct, try replacing Q24. If you have a J309 around, try that (if you have the KDSP2 kit, there are J309s in there). 73, Don W3FPR Ken Mohler wrote: Don - You have me on the right track. I have a valid frequency reading at pin 6 of U11 and I can follow it back through L33 and C169 to the gate of Q24. The waveform gets fuzzier and has lower amplitude past L33 (I do have a scope) but is still countable at C169. Past Q24 I don't have anything recognizable. I have reflowed the solder on everything around there. D36 appears to be installed correctly. I don't have an extra J310 to swap out Q24, but will get one if you think that's the next step. BTW, I measured the voltages at U11 and all are what you told me to expect except pin 8 is around 6 volts. Still, the BFO seems to be working, just not getting anything as far as TP2. Thanks for the help and please keep it coming. 73, Ken K0WKM -Original Message- From: Don Wilhelm [mailto:w3...@embarqmail.com] Sent: Friday, July 16, 2010 6:49 PM To: Ken Mohler Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 BFO problem Ken, Did you obtain a good frequency reading when you did the PLL Reference Oscillator test back on page 36? If so, check the probe again by putting the probe into either TP3 or TP1. If you see a valid frequency displayed, your probe is OK. The most common problem builders have are soldering problems. Re-flow the soldering in the BFO and U11 area with a hot soldering iron (750 deg/F). Also check carefully for solder bridges. Unfortunately, one lead of both X3 and X4 are under the pad for L33, so ignore those for the time being (if nothing else works, Lift one end of the resistor securing L33 and re-flow the soldering at those leads). Do you have near 8 volts at U11 pin 8? Is U11 pin 1 and 2 close to 1.4 volts? Do you have about 6 volts at U11 pin 6? Touch the counter probe to U11 pin 6 (careful not to short to an adjacent pin). Do you have a valid frequency reading? If you do, then the BFO is working, and the problem is with Q24 and its associated components. Be certain you have mounted D36 (the SMT1B) part correctly, and the soldering of Q24, RP6, R98, and R99 is good. If still no progress, either assemble the parts provided in your K2 kit for the RF Probe (schematic in Appendix E) or let us know that you have an oscilloscope available. 73, Don W3FPR Ken Mohler wrote: Hi Gang - I'm building my 2nd K2 and am at the point of Alignment and Test, Part II. All of the tests and alignment steps through the VCO alignment have been completed successfully. Everything has been right in the center of the expected parameters. Then I got to the BFO test. I'm getting a reading of .00. Here's what I know so far: D37 and D38 are the correct types and oriented properly. I have measured the resistance across the resistor holding L33 down (or up?) and get a reading of 1.5 ohms, indicating to me that L33 is intact and effectively soldered to the resistor leads. I have checked the positioning of Q24 and it looks correct. The right crystals are installed at X3 and X4 and grounding the cases went smoothly, so I don't think I overheated them. I have reflowed the solder on the parts around the BFO area. A symptom that may or may not mean anything: the S-Meter is showing S5. It was properly adjusted back in Alignment and Testing Part I. What should I do next? __ 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:
[Elecraft] Switching power supplies...yet another comment
Guess I have to add to the mix by saying I bought several years ago an MFJ-4125 25 amp switching power supply (the one without the meters and about 6x6x2, or so) for portable use. I did a bit of research and at the time I bought it, the hash and output was smoother than anything on the market. (That sounds hard to believe, doesn't it? hi) At any rate, absolutely no noise nor hash of any kind and I usually use random wire or end fed zepps for portable. There have been some new introductions since then to the market which may have other advantages, but I will say this is an excellent choice at a fair price. Date: Sat, 17 Jul 2010 06:47:59 -0400 From: John Ragle tpcj1...@crocker.com I have several inexpensive 25-amp switching supplies from Radio Shack and Pyramid. I also have a couple of linear supplies that are built like the battleships of yore, and some gel batteries for portable operation. ~ John Ragle -- W1ZI 73 ...Edwin, KD5ZLB Once you have flown, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, there you long to return.-da Vinci http://bellsouthpwp2.net/e/d/edwinljohnson __ 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] Need KXAT1 troubleshooting help
I just finished building a KXAT1 for my KX-1. When I got to the first step of testing, I got --- in the menu. I have reseated the IC, and resoldered a few joints that looked a little questionable, but no change in the menu. It looks ok to me, are there any other tests that I can do to see where the problem is? Thanks. 73, Mike, KL7MJ __ 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 - Is Inventory Really Necessary?
Thank you to all who responded both on- and off- list. It was very helpful to receive different insights. It was apparent that I am not the only builder who has struggled with the inventory issue, so I guess I had a legitimate query. We can end this thread now. I know what I'm going to do. Thank you also for your good wishes as I begin my build. 2010 marks my 50th year in ham radio and this K2 is my gift to myself. I've built plenty of Heathkits over the years, homebrewed all kinds of stuff, and have been a strictly CW/Boat Anchor ham all this time. I've always enjoyed being able to build, understand, and repair my own gear. I've never had a rig with more than about 65 watts dc input (which would be about 30 watts out). So naturally, I ordered the barefoot K2, the autotuner, and the NB. But I'm sure going to miss my trusty old Weller 240 watt soldering gun with the worklight in the front, 1/8 inch thick solder, and components big enough to find if I happen to drop them Thanks again, everyone! Stan WB2LQF __ 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] Need KXAT1 troubleshooting help
Mike, Well, that is a case where the KX1 microprocessor is not seeing a response from the KXAT1 microprocessor. How are you for digital path troubleshooting? Have a digital 'scope? To troubleshoot in detail is cumbersome. One thing that you can do is check to be certain the data paths between the two microprocessors is intact. Be certain that is continuity between KX1 U1 pin 2 and KXAT1 U1 pin 17. If your 'scope has a 10X probe on it, you can check at U1 pins 15 and 16 to see if you can detect 4 MHz oscillation. If there is none, then either the KAT1 firmware chip is defective or the resonator (Z1) is defective. If you do not have a 10X probe, ignore this test because the 'scope probe can load the circuit and oscillation will cease. Check the soldering at KXAT1 P3, Z1 and U1, and also at KXAT1 J6 and U1. Make certain the U1 chip is inserted correctly and there are no pins bent under the chip (you will have to move the chip up a bit out of its socket to see any bent under pins). 73, Don W3FPR Mike M wrote: I just finished building a KXAT1 for my KX-1. When I got to the first step of testing, I got --- in the menu. I have reseated the IC, and resoldered a few joints that looked a little questionable, but no change in the menu. It looks ok to me, are there any other tests that I can do to see where the problem is? Thanks. 73, Mike, KL7MJ __ 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] FS: W2 Wattmeter
I put this together about a month ago, it looks and works as new. From a non smoking environment. Comes with the 2000w 160-6m coupler. Will ship and insure in the conus for $200.00 Thanks Tim Nz8J __ 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 Repair - ALC Setting
Jim. I might add that your PSK problem of working above 1000 Hz on the waterfall may be a result of setting the K3 power high an using the audio input level to control the power. While that is the best for most of the transceivers in the marketplace, it is NOT the way to operate a K2 or K3. The reason is that the K2 and K3 control power differently than most transceivers. I have been stressing this point, and it seems to fall on deaf ears. Set the audio input to the proper level - for the K2 that is to increase the audio until 1 ALC bar shows, and then back off until nonoe ar showing, and for the K3, adjust until you have 4 to 5 bars on the ALC display. After doing that, set the power output desired and just operate. There will be no 'fiddling' needed to adjust the audio level, and if there are slight variations in the transmit filter gain across the passband, they will be smoothed out by the K2/3 power control mechanism.` Yes, this is different from the classical advice for data modes that is prevalent in cyberspace, but then most rigs do not control power outpt levels like the K2 and K3, so that advice may be valid for the YaKenIcom bunch, it is not good advice for the Elecraft transceivers. Read the Elecraft K3 manual and believe it (except that the max ALC meter in data modes should be 5 instead of 7). Your reward will be easier operation on DATA modes and better power control and IMD (unless you operate with all controls (including power) to the right). 73, Don W3FPR Jim Miller KG0KP wrote: - Original Message - From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com snip The ALC meter on the K3 is not completely an indication of ALC - the first 4 bars act more like a VU meter to tell you the audio level. The 5th bar indicates the start of ALC action. 73, Don W3FPR I may be reading something into part of what you say, straighten me out. Is the ALC setting at 4-5 bars the norm for any mode other than PSK? Should it be 4-5 for SSB and other modes as well??? Thanks es 73, de Jim KG0KP __ 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] Elecraft CW Net Announcement
Good Evening, I have had a very pleasant day and week. The weather has stabilized with temperatures in the high 60s to low 70s. Under the canopy of the forest it is cool enough to work even on the hottest days cutting and hauling wood. Another month or so and I should have around 2000 cubic feet of wood (approximately 15 cords). All the signs are pointing to a harsh and long winter. I want to be cozy and warm so I am putting sweat equity into achieving that goal. Winter is the time when I can spend long hours at the bench. All of the tools and parts are in place for a very productive winter. I now have faster Internet service so I can grab all the spec sheets and compiler parts I need. Propagation was slightly better this week than last but my data points were fewer since I did not get on the air as much. Working long hours outside has kept me away from the radios. Space Weather shows only one small spot on the sun although it could still produce a flare. Reports of sporadic E contacts have dropped off lately so maybe it truly is summer. My extended forecast is for dry weather with mild to chilly temperatures. I wonder how long it would take me to re-acclimate to a Midwestern summer? I do miss warm weather and humidity but the mosquitoes take a little of the fun out of the remembrances ;) Please join us tomorrow afternoon and evening. 1) Hail signs (first letter or two of the suffix of your call) 2) NCS help (as well as QSP/QNP relay help) Sunday 2200z (Sunday 3 PM PDT) 14050 kHz Monday z (Sunday 5 PM PDT) 7045 kHz Stay well, Kevin. KD5ONS - __ 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] K-2 /100 Power Output Drop
Thank You for your post, Alexey. It seems you are right about the problem with my K2 being near the PA stage. I discovered it does not happen below 10 watts. I appreciate your input. Dennis, AF7Y -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K-2-100-Power-Output-Drop-tp5303759p5307843.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] K-2 /100 Power Output Drop
Thank you for your response to my post, Don. I did some more checking with a watt meter that works better at QRP levels and found I don't have the power drop below 10 watts. Following your suggestion I also tested the radio in CW, and Tune modes. The results are as follows: CW Power Set at Actual Power 11069 80 49 50 26 Tune === 10662 87 49 50 26 SSB = 100 100 for a couple of seconds when cold 80 40 47 28 40 18 The failing stage would seem to be the 100 watt amp board. It's surprising the set power and output readings are so different from CW to TUNE modes. Are there any adjustments on the PA board that might account for the power out deficit? Thanks for your input on my problem, and judging by your many posts, you also help many others.. 73 Dennis, AF7Y === quote author=Don Wilhelm-4 Dennis, Such a problem is usually caused be a poor solder connection somewhere. The challenge is to find where. You indicated this problem occurs on SSB. What about CW? Does it do the same thing? How about when you do a TUNE? If the problem occurs during a TUNE, then it will be easy to find the offending stage by the procedure below, but if it happens only on SSB, then we should look at the KSB2 board. Since the problem occurs when the power is set to less than 11 watts, it is likely in the base K2, so remove the KPA100 and test only the base K2 without the KPA100 attached. If it does the same thing, then you should construct the RF Probe from the parts provided with your K2 kit (or tell us that you have an oscilloscope available), so you can trace through the transmit chain backwards and find the stage where the power is steady. Let us know if my guesses are correct (please answer the questions above), and we can lead you to the failing stage, and after that you can find the failing component. 73, Don W3FPR Dennis Utley - AF7Y wrote: First the good news. The receiver seems to be working well, even transmit power is at a full 100 watts (for a few seconds). Then output drops quickly to 50 watts. Thats the bad news. I can set the power knob for output from 110 down to QRP power, and the first few seconds of transmission are at the selected power. After the first few seconds power goes instantly to almost exactly 50% of what was manually selected. 100 watts becomes 50, 60 watts becomes 30, and 40 watts becomes 20 watts prox, (Peak indicated power on a calibrated digital peak reading meter.) (Model P-3000 by RF Applications, digital readout into dummy load on 40 meters. Indicating 1/1. Same behavior if input to 1.1/1 SWR 40 meter beam. After this 50% drop, transmission continues normally, quality reports are good, and all is well, except my power is 50% of what it should be. Maximum power after a few seconds of transmission is only about 55 watts Peak SSB. If I turn the radio off and wait a few moments. It will again output full 100 watts peak SSB output for a few seconds then drop to 50%. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K-2-100-Power-Output-Drop-tp5303759p5307863.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] Need KXAT1 troubleshooting help
Don - Thanks. Right after I sent the email I figured it out. I soldered the IC socket onto the wrong side of the board. Once I got it soldered onto the correct side of the board it worked perfectly! This is the second time I've had a problem with ICs that turned out to be my own fault. 73, Mike, KL7MJ __ 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
