date:20100723

While this is true I still feel that any KEY_IN source be it PTT or VOX
or the paddles it should interrupt the memory keyer. 

~Brett (N7MG)

On Fri, 2010-07-23 at 02:53 -0500, Bob Naumann wrote:
 The paddle is the most logical device to use to stop the CW from the radio's
 memories.
 
 In a contest, you should probably be using the CW sending capability of your
 logging program instead of the radio's memories as it most likely allows
 hitting of the Esc key on your keyboard to stop the CW which I'm sure you'd
 find more convenient.
 
 73,
 
 Bob W5OV
 
 
 
 -Original Message-
 From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
 [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Andy Wood
 Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2010 9:57 PM
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Feature Request - Stopping CW Memory Playback with
 PTT
 
 
 I have recently entered into the world of CW and participated in my first
 contest using both SSB and CW modes. I noticed that you cannot stop the CW
 memory playback by activating the PTT (either from a microphone attached to
 the front panel or a footswitch plugged in the rear). It could only be
 stopped by touching the paddle.
 
 Could this be implemented in a future firmware version? There is also the
 possibility that there may be a very good reason not to.
 
 Andy  VK4KY
 
 
 


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[Elecraft] Balun Questions

I'll preface this by explaining that I'm a digital guy and I've lately
decided I want to get a little better understanding of magnetics and
RF...  Thus why I'm taking on making my own W3NQN band pass filters and
I've also been interested in building a Balun...

So I've looked at a few sites describing how to make a 4:1 balun...  One
such solution is to take 2 100 ohm 1:1 baluns and connect them in
parallel on the input side and in series on the output side...  

I looked at the Elecraft BL1 manual but I didn't see what material the
core was...  However in another article I saw someone post the recommend
getting a FT140-61 and winding 7 to 8 turns on each side to make the two
100 ohm feedlines.

So I ran the numbers and 8 turns on a FT140-61 gives you about 100 ohms
on 160 meters.  Thus two 100 ohm points in parallel gives you 50 ohms in
and 200 ohms out.  4:1... Great.  

However at say 40 meters...  Each feedline is 430 ohms.  Thus you've got
a 215ohm input and a 860 ohm output.  This just seems like it would make
a mess.  Why does it still work?

Finally I'll explain my final goal...  I've looked at several ways to
make a 4:1 which involves using two 1:1's.  Then there are methods to
take 2 4:1's to make a 6:1 (the feedlines are 125ohm windings to pull
this off).  My final goal is to try to make a 6:1 and use it to use
ladder line once I get through the wall with coax.  I always just
figured that a 6:1 would be better as it would have a 50 ohm in and a
true 300 ohm out.

However once you get away from the design frequency the feed impedances
go to pot...  So is there really much difference in the 6:1 and the 4:1?
I've read of many people doing what I'm talking about with a 4:1 and
just figured that a 6:1 should provide a better match...  Am I thinking
right or is the match so terrible anyway that it doesn't so much
matter?  

Is it just that the thing balances the currents on the outputs and I'm
just over thinking the matching ability?

Appreciated gentlemen.

~Brett (N7MG)

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Feature Request - Stopping CW Memory Playback with PTT

2010-07-23 Thread Gary Gregory

Andy,

If tapping the Footswitch (PTT) stops transmitting of the DVR in SSB...I
don't see why it should be any different for CW either.

I think I would have difficulty in learning to use software (keyboard
keys) to stop transmitting.

Although I don't like to use VOX as I tend to mess up too often, if VOX was
being used then maybe it too should be used to stop transmitting.

The DVR in a contest is great and although I use N1MM most of the time I
seldom use the function keys in the software.

Obviously I am not a great contester, but I do enjoy the challenges it
throws up and it certainly has helped me improve my general operating
procedures and practices. I think it is fair to say it has knocked off a few
bad habits I think I had gotten into.

I think that puts me in your camp Andy?

73's
Gary

On Fri, Jul 23, 2010 at 6:34 PM, Brett Howard br...@livecomputers.comwrote:

 While this is true I still feel that any KEY_IN source be it PTT or VOX
 or the paddles it should interrupt the memory keyer.

 ~Brett (N7MG)

 On Fri, 2010-07-23 at 02:53 -0500, Bob Naumann wrote:
  The paddle is the most logical device to use to stop the CW from the
 radio's
  memories.
 
  In a contest, you should probably be using the CW sending capability of
 your
  logging program instead of the radio's memories as it most likely allows
  hitting of the Esc key on your keyboard to stop the CW which I'm sure
 you'd
  find more convenient.
 
  73,
 
  Bob W5OV
 
 
 
  -Original Message-
  From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
  [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Andy Wood
  Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2010 9:57 PM
  To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
  Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Feature Request - Stopping CW Memory Playback with
  PTT
 
 
  I have recently entered into the world of CW and participated in my first
  contest using both SSB and CW modes. I noticed that you cannot stop the
 CW
  memory playback by activating the PTT (either from a microphone attached
 to
  the front panel or a footswitch plugged in the rear). It could only be
  stopped by touching the paddle.
 
  Could this be implemented in a future firmware version? There is also the
  possibility that there may be a very good reason not to.
 
  Andy  VK4KY
 
 
 


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Gary
VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
http://www.qsl.net/vk4fd/
K3 #679
For everything else there's Mastercard!!!
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Re: [Elecraft] Balun Questions

 So I've looked at a few sites describing how to make a 4:1 balun...  One
 such solution is to take 2 100 ohm 1:1 baluns and connect them in
 parallel on the input side and in series on the output side...

The 100 ohms is the differential impedance, or transmission line impedance, 
NOT the choking or common mode impedance.

 I looked at the Elecraft BL1 manual but I didn't see what material the
 core was...  However in another article I saw someone post the recommend
 getting a FT140-61 and winding 7 to 8 turns on each side to make the two
 100 ohm feedlines.

That probably would not be close to enough impedance for lower bands.

 So I ran the numbers and 8 turns on a FT140-61 gives you about 100 ohms
 on 160 meters.  Thus two 100 ohm points in parallel gives you 50 ohms in
 and 200 ohms out.  4:1... Great.

Not great. Bad news. That impedance should be as high as possible and at 
least 1000 ohms or more at the low end. The conductor diameter and spacing 
sets the 100 ohms. NOT the common mode.

 However at say 40 meters...  Each feedline is 430 ohms.  Thus you've got
 a 215ohm input and a 860 ohm output.  This just seems like it would make
 a mess.  Why does it still work?

Almost anything will work. It all depends on how well.

 Finally I'll explain my final goal...  I've looked at several ways to
 make a 4:1 which involves using two 1:1's.  Then there are methods to
 take 2 4:1's to make a 6:1 (the feedlines are 125ohm windings to pull
 this off).  My final goal is to try to make a 6:1 and use it to use
 ladder line once I get through the wall with coax.  I always just
 figured that a 6:1 would be better as it would have a 50 ohm in and a
 true 300 ohm out.

Why would that be better?? Is your 300 ohm line matched? Most people using 
balanced lines do not match the lines, so the input impedance ranges from a 
few dozen ohms to a few thousand ohms depending on frequency and band. Any 
effort to match the balun to the line is misplaced.

Also the higher the balun ratio, the narrower the balun operating range and 
the less likely it is to handle power. Virtually all tuners have a problem 
with LOW impedances. With all that in mind, why would anyone want to step 
down the line impedance arriving at a tuner when it aggravates almost every 
electrical problem in the system including in the balun?

 Is it just that the thing balances the currents on the outputs and I'm
 just over thinking the matching ability?

Yes, but don't feel bad. Some popular books have real zingers in them when 
it comes to common mode impedance and balance, and even suggest balun 
designs that won't work as baluns at all!!!

http://www.w8ji.com/balun_single_core_41_analysis.htm

73 Tom 

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Feature Request - Stopping CW Memory Playback with PTT


 While this is true I still feel that any KEY_IN source be it PTT or VOX
 or the paddles it should interrupt the memory keyer.

Makes total sense to me. Any call for another transmission source, VOX, PTT, 
external key line input, or paddles, should halt automatic transmissions. 

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[Elecraft] OT Carrying radios on commercial flight

2010-07-23 Thread Alan Price


I have not done this in recent years.  I want to carry several radios (KX1 and 
a scanner) on board a commercial domestic(Delta) flight.  What security issues 
will I encounter?  

 

73

Alan

W1HYV
  
_
The New Busy is not the too busy. Combine all your e-mail accounts with Hotmail.
http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?tile=multiaccountocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:042010_4
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Re: [Elecraft] OT Carrying radios on commercial flight

2010-07-23 Thread NQ3RP


Alan -

Like any electronic device, you must be prepared to turn it on and
demonstrate that it works.  This applies to computers, ipods, radios, etc. 
I travel with my 2M/440 and just turn it on and pick up a local repeater,
bong it and get an answer.  They usually say wow.  I'm sure that if you can
turn them on and receive something it will suffice.


John
NQ3RP
-- 
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/OT-Carrying-radios-on-commercial-flight-tp5329108p5329171.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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Re: [Elecraft] OT Carrying radios on commercial flight

2010-07-23 Thread Brian Alsop

NQ3RP wrote:
 Alan -
 
 Like any electronic device, you must be prepared to turn it on and
 demonstrate that it works.  This applies to computers, ipods, radios, etc. 
 I travel with my 2M/440 and just turn it on and pick up a local repeater,
 bong it and get an answer.  They usually say wow.  I'm sure that if you can
 turn them on and receive something it will suffice.
 
 
 John
 NQ3RP

Hmm,  you mean I have to carry another 30 pounds of batteries to power 
up my K3 or other xcvr? I don't see string out a HF antenna as something 
they want you to do at a security checkpoint.

I think we need another. answer.

73 de Brian/K3KO
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Re: [Elecraft] OT Carrying radios on commercial flight

2010-07-23 Thread Mark Stennett

I recently carried my K3 and IC-7000 aboard Southwest. I have carried my
radios aboard Delta in the past. The carrier you fly does not matter, you
deal with TSA at security. I always leave my radios in the bag and they
always pull it for additional checks which range from the wipe and sniff
to full manual inspection. I have never been asked to power them up. They
are always more interested in my Begali Sculpture CW paddle. I also always
travel with laptop computers which they want you to take out of the case
and place in a bin by themselves.

I go home again Monday with the radios. Check us out at http://www.c6ams.com

 
 I have not done this in recent years.  I want to carry several radios
 (KX1 and a scanner) on board a commercial domestic(Delta) flight.  What
 security issues will I encounter?  


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Re: [Elecraft] Off Topic Hearing Aids

Mike,

I have hearing aids - behind the ear type.  The only problem is that 
many headphones produce feedback, so I use speakers.  I do have a couple 
set of headphones that work OK with them - they have large cuffs and 
hold the transducers further from the ears than most.  Go to an audio 
shop and try the headphones before buying.

Forget the Bluetooth and other external devices IMHO, those hearing aids 
have progrms that can be set.

I have one program that has no noise reduction, just the amplification 
that matches my hearing loss, and I use that for listening to ham radio 
or music.  Many audiologists do not consider a program like that for 
most users, so just ask.  If your dad is normally in a low noise local 
environment (home situation), it will sound more natural.  Yes, if I 
kick in the NR on the hearing aids, CW sounds choppy, but SSB voice is OK.

73,
Don W3FPR

Mike Short wrote:
 My dad recently got fitted with new hearing aids, and is a ham. 

 They are here:
 http://www.phonak.com/com/b2c/en/products/accessories/communication/icom/ove
 rview.html

  

 He did not get the iCOM unit yet, but will probably soon. Any hints, ideas,
 etc to help get him back on the air?


   
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 VOX

  Over

On 7/22/2010 1:59 PM, Mike wrote:
The K3 seems to remember VOX on/off on a per band basis.
 Any chance to have it on a per mode basis?

 73, Mike NF4L
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Re: [Elecraft] Balun Questions

2010-07-23 Thread WILLIS COOKE

Brett, I would recommend the Book Understanding, Building and Using Baluns and 
Ununs by the late Jerry Sevick, avaliable from CQ 
http://store.cq-amateur-radio.com/Categories.bok?category=Books%3AAntennassearchpath=1547318start=10total=17 
 With this book, a BS in Physics, 54 years as a ham and 30 years as an EE I 
finally understood enough to make a balun or an unun.  I don't understand them 
well enough to answer your questions correctly.  I read all the stuff I could 
find on the internet and 50 years of ham magazines before I bought the book and 
was still too confused to pick a core and build the unun that I needed.  If you 
just want a 4:1 balun and don't want a study course, I would recommend that you 
buy one.  If you really need one that works 160 to 10 buy an expensive one from 
a good source, the ones that I tested did not have the advertised bandwidth.  I 
did not test the Elecraft balun, but what I have seen of Elecraft engineering 
would give me confidence to try one.
Willis 'Cookie' Cooke 
K5EWJ 





From: Brett Howard br...@livecomputers.com
To: elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Fri, July 23, 2010 3:53:42 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] Balun Questions

I'll preface this by explaining that I'm a digital guy and I've lately
decided I want to get a little better understanding of magnetics and
RF...  Thus why I'm taking on making my own W3NQN band pass filters and
I've also been interested in building a Balun...

So I've looked at a few sites describing how to make a 4:1 balun...  One
such solution is to take 2 100 ohm 1:1 baluns and connect them in
parallel on the input side and in series on the output side...  

I looked at the Elecraft BL1 manual but I didn't see what material the
core was...  However in another article I saw someone post the recommend
getting a FT140-61 and winding 7 to 8 turns on each side to make the two
100 ohm feedlines.

So I ran the numbers and 8 turns on a FT140-61 gives you about 100 ohms
on 160 meters.  Thus two 100 ohm points in parallel gives you 50 ohms in
and 200 ohms out.  4:1... Great.  

However at say 40 meters...  Each feedline is 430 ohms.  Thus you've got
a 215ohm input and a 860 ohm output.  This just seems like it would make
a mess.  Why does it still work?

Finally I'll explain my final goal...  I've looked at several ways to
make a 4:1 which involves using two 1:1's.  Then there are methods to
take 2 4:1's to make a 6:1 (the feedlines are 125ohm windings to pull
this off).  My final goal is to try to make a 6:1 and use it to use
ladder line once I get through the wall with coax.  I always just
figured that a 6:1 would be better as it would have a 50 ohm in and a
true 300 ohm out.

However once you get away from the design frequency the feed impedances
go to pot...  So is there really much difference in the 6:1 and the 4:1?
I've read of many people doing what I'm talking about with a 4:1 and
just figured that a 6:1 should provide a better match...  Am I thinking
right or is the match so terrible anyway that it doesn't so much
matter?  

Is it just that the thing balances the currents on the outputs and I'm
just over thinking the matching ability?

Appreciated gentlemen.

~Brett (N7MG)

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Re: [Elecraft] Deposits on hypothetical future products

  I sincerely hope it NEVER becomes anything the requires an external computer 
to run.

73, Mike NF4L

On 7/22/2010 9:06 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
 DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote:

 Wayne and Eric

 I'd like to send in my deposits NOW so I can then have the right to
 complain about how long delivery is taking.
 Doug,

 There's nothing to put a deposit on, and even if it were, it would be
 so far out that you'd have to take inflation into account :)

 Wayne
 N6KR




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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Feature Request - Stopping CW Memory Playback with PTT

2010-07-23 Thread Bob Naumann

Gary,

 

You should use the ability in N1MM to control the K3 DVR. I think I might
have bought the K3 to get this capability alone.

 

Here are the key definitions to use in N1MM to access the 4 K3 DVR memories:

F1 CQ,{CATA1ASC K31;SWT21;}
F2 Exch,{CATA1ASC K31;SWT31;}
F3 Thanks!,{CATA1ASC K31;SWT35;}
F4 {MYCALL},{CATA1ASC K31;SWT39;}

See more at Iain N6ML's website here:

http://www.dseven.org/ar/n1mm-kdvr3



Then, whether you are sending CW or SSB, it's the same keys on the keyboard
regardless of mode.

 

It will help your contest scores greatly.

 

73,

 

Bob W5OV

 

 

From: Gary Gregory [mailto:garyvk...@gmail.com] 
Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 4:44 AM
To: Brett Howard
Cc: Bob Naumann; elecraft@mailman.qth.net; Andy Wood
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Feature Request - Stopping CW Memory Playback
with PTT

 

Andy,

If tapping the Footswitch (PTT) stops transmitting of the DVR in SSB...I
don't see why it should be any different for CW either.

I think I would have difficulty in learning to use software (keyboard
keys) to stop transmitting.

Although I don't like to use VOX as I tend to mess up too often, if VOX was
being used then maybe it too should be used to stop transmitting.

The DVR in a contest is great and although I use N1MM most of the time I
seldom use the function keys in the software.

Obviously I am not a great contester, but I do enjoy the challenges it
throws up and it certainly has helped me improve my general operating
procedures and practices. I think it is fair to say it has knocked off a few
bad habits I think I had gotten into.

I think that puts me in your camp Andy?

73's
Gary

On Fri, Jul 23, 2010 at 6:34 PM, Brett Howard br...@livecomputers.com
wrote:

While this is true I still feel that any KEY_IN source be it PTT or VOX
or the paddles it should interrupt the memory keyer.

~Brett (N7MG)


On Fri, 2010-07-23 at 02:53 -0500, Bob Naumann wrote:
 The paddle is the most logical device to use to stop the CW from the
radio's
 memories.

 In a contest, you should probably be using the CW sending capability of
your
 logging program instead of the radio's memories as it most likely allows
 hitting of the Esc key on your keyboard to stop the CW which I'm sure
you'd
 find more convenient.

 73,

 Bob W5OV



 -Original Message-
 From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
 [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Andy Wood
 Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2010 9:57 PM
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Feature Request - Stopping CW Memory Playback with
 PTT


 I have recently entered into the world of CW and participated in my first
 contest using both SSB and CW modes. I noticed that you cannot stop the CW
 memory playback by activating the PTT (either from a microphone attached
to
 the front panel or a footswitch plugged in the rear). It could only be
 stopped by touching the paddle.

 Could this be implemented in a future firmware version? There is also the
 possibility that there may be a very good reason not to.

 Andy  VK4KY






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Gary
VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
http://www.qsl.net/vk4fd/
K3 #679
For everything else there's Mastercard!!!

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Re: [Elecraft] OT Carrying radios on commercial flight

2010-07-23 Thread Paul Christensen

 They are always more interested in my Begali Sculpture CW paddle.

Same here.  The TSA workers often gravitate to my Begali Traveler and start 
asking questions about Morse code, why I use it, etc.  I think more than 
anything, they're intrigued by a polished gold electromechanical object and 
the Begali gets their attention.

I travel with one of two Pelican cases.  In the two years I've taken them on 
business trips, I've never had a problem with TSA.
I've got fairly comprehensive remote Internet station that fits in the 
smaller case.

I'm hoping for the day that in-flight Internet Wi-Fi access is reliable 
enough to allow for an in air QSO.  I see that ValueJet and American offer 
the service but I rarely use those airlines.

Paul, W9AC 

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Re: [Elecraft] OT Carrying radios on commercial flight

2010-07-23 Thread Jon K Hellan

Brian Alsop wrote:
 NQ3RP wrote:
 Alan -

 Like any electronic device, you must be prepared to turn it on and
 demonstrate that it works.  This applies to computers, ipods, radios, etc. 
 I travel with my 2M/440 and just turn it on and pick up a local repeater,
 bong it and get an answer.  They usually say wow.  I'm sure that if you can
 turn them on and receive something it will suffice.


 John
 NQ3RP
 
 Hmm,  you mean I have to carry another 30 pounds of batteries to power 
 up my K3 or other xcvr? I don't see string out a HF antenna as something 
 they want you to do at a security checkpoint.

This comes up all the time. I can't remember anybody who reported actually 
having
problems flying with HF radios.

 
 I think we need another. answer.
 
 73 de Brian/K3KO
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Re: [Elecraft] OT Carrying radios on commercial flight

2010-07-23 Thread Neil Shubert

I recently went to Florida with a whole GO kit, inside was 2 radios, 1 power
supply and 1 antenna tuner,  they looked at it, asked me what it was, and
wiped it down with swabs and it was ok,
The aluminum flakes in my pocket from the machining done earlier caused more
of a problem.

-Neil
AC2O

On Fri, Jul 23, 2010 at 8:38 AM, Jon K Hellan hel...@acm.org wrote:

 Brian Alsop wrote:
  NQ3RP wrote:
  Alan -
 
  Like any electronic device, you must be prepared to turn it on and
  demonstrate that it works.  This applies to computers, ipods, radios,
 etc.
  I travel with my 2M/440 and just turn it on and pick up a local
 repeater,
  bong it and get an answer.  They usually say wow.  I'm sure that if you
 can
  turn them on and receive something it will suffice.
 
 
  John
  NQ3RP
 
  Hmm,  you mean I have to carry another 30 pounds of batteries to power
  up my K3 or other xcvr? I don't see string out a HF antenna as something
  they want you to do at a security checkpoint.

 This comes up all the time. I can't remember anybody who reported actually
 having
 problems flying with HF radios.

 
  I think we need another. answer.
 
  73 de Brian/K3KO
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Re: [Elecraft] OT Carrying radios on commercial flight

2010-07-23 Thread Lyle Johnson

  I just put the K3 in a a bin as if it were a laptop computer or other 
large, electronic device.  Rarely get a question and never had a problem 
on domestic or international flights.

Well, not completely true, I did have a problem once getting on an 
Aeroflot flight from JFK to Moscow (enroute to Kazakhstan), but I and 
the other four guys I was with were carrying on three (3) complete 
spacecraft and one container with the separated solar panel assemblies 
for all three satellites.  We had lots of hurdles to deal with!  And TSA 
wasn't the problem -- we'd called in advance to alert them :-)

73,

Lyle KK7P


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[Elecraft] SO-239 Concerns -- Another Perspective

2010-07-23 Thread Joel R. Hallas

I agree with most of what has been said in support of UHF connectors for HF
and low VHF -- with two reservations.

1. Many SO-239s provided as part of radio equipment are not up to the
quality of Amphenol units. In particular, the spring fingers of the socket
for the male pin loosen over time to the point that the connection becomes
less than solid. This is particularly a problem if the connector is used
repeatedly. I usually replace with Amphenol units, if I can get to them.
Another great option is the Oak Hills BNC kit, designed to fit the hole
pattern of the SO-239.

2. The other potential problem with UHF connectors, in my opinion, is the
integrity of the shield connectivity through the connected pair. If the
backshell loosens, there is no longer a solid connection either at the
toothed parallel portion, nor through the backshell. This can be an issue in
mobile or other high vibration environments and has caught me many times.
Note that a type N, C or BNC pair makes it's shield connection through the
inner spring tension sleeve, maintaining contact almost until the pair
separates. The backshell is just used for mechanical, not electrical,
purposes.

FWIW

Regards, Joel
Joel R. Hallas, W1ZR

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Re: [Elecraft] SO-239 Concerns -- Another Perspective

2010-07-23 Thread Brian Alsop

Joel,

How do you respond to this blurb from a DX Engineering guru?

I have been bitten by the non-captive center pin migration problem 
(almost impossible to find) and won't use N connectors again for any 
non-UHF high power application.  This migration if enough creates an 
open circuit.  It is hard for me to tell the difference in captive pin 
and non captive pin N connectors.  Also I prefer the larger center 
conductor surface area of the UHF center pin connectors.  They are 
proven to have very little heat generation beyond UHF.

73 de Brian/K3KO

For example, DX Engineering does not offer the RR-8 series switches with 
N connectors. Using UHF type connectors, this system of remote relays 
offers superior port-to-port isolation and power handling from 1.8 
through 54 Mhz at low loss and low SWR. Only due to superior engineering 
is this series of Remote Switches usable at 144 Mhz with slightly 
elevated SWR and reasonable loss of only 0.25 dB. However, these units 
are not intended and cannot be used on UHF, so N connectors are 
intentionally not available.

There is no question that the constant impedance characteristic of the N 
connector make it a superior choice for low loss VHF and UHF applications.

However, it is a fact that on HF frequencies, very high power at high 
duty cycle modes will heat the small diameter center pin of the N 
connector. Heating can cause the center pin to migrate, ruining the 
impedance characteristics of the connector and, at continuous high 
power, potentially cause a short circuit. If this problem were to happen 
during testing or operations, one might mistake high SWR or high loss as 
a defective of the switch, rather than a problem with the connector. 
This cannot happen with PL-259 and SO-239 connectors that are properly 
installed. At low SWR they can handle several kilowatts of HF RF.

This is not to say that you cannot use N connectors on HF. Rather, the 
question becomes What are the benefits derived versus the cost of 
changing to N connectors for HF, where constant impedance is 
unnecessary?. The answer

This is not a concern if you already have N connectors, though. You may 
use adapters or short coaxial jumper assemblies with differing 
connectors at each end, as offered by DX Engineering, with custom 
lengths available by telephone. These would cause negligible losses on 
HF, and would allow you to experience the superior port-to-port 
isolation of a DX Engineering RR-8 series Remote Antenna Switch immediately.

Let us know if you need any additional information. We look forward to 
hearing from you.

Thank you and 73,

Rod Ehrhart - WN8R
DX Engineering Customer Support

--

Joel R. Hallas wrote:
 I agree with most of what has been said in support of UHF connectors for HF
 and low VHF -- with two reservations.
 
 1. Many SO-239s provided as part of radio equipment are not up to the
 quality of Amphenol units. In particular, the spring fingers of the socket
 for the male pin loosen over time to the point that the connection becomes
 less than solid. This is particularly a problem if the connector is used
 repeatedly. I usually replace with Amphenol units, if I can get to them.
 Another great option is the Oak Hills BNC kit, designed to fit the hole
 pattern of the SO-239.
 
 2. The other potential problem with UHF connectors, in my opinion, is the
 integrity of the shield connectivity through the connected pair. If the
 backshell loosens, there is no longer a solid connection either at the
 toothed parallel portion, nor through the backshell. This can be an issue in
 mobile or other high vibration environments and has caught me many times.
 Note that a type N, C or BNC pair makes it's shield connection through the
 inner spring tension sleeve, maintaining contact almost until the pair
 separates. The backshell is just used for mechanical, not electrical,
 purposes.
 
 FWIW
 
 Regards, Joel
 Joel R. Hallas, W1ZR
 
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Re: [Elecraft] OT Carrying radios on commercial flight

2010-07-23 Thread NQ3RP


I never said that you would have a problem, never said I have had a problem. 
I've never have had one, never been wiped and swiped,  just my handheld is
only asked to be turned on.  What I was saying is exactly what is said on:

http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2004/press_release_0401.shtm

That it will be subjected to more scrutiny which could be as simple as
turning it on.  Or maybe as complicated as show me the insides or the wipe
and swipe.  It IS UP TO the TSA official you deal with.  


-- 
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/OT-Carrying-radios-on-commercial-flight-tp5329108p5329834.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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[Elecraft] (no subject)

2010-07-23 Thread Edward R. Cole

Tom,

You must be talking about really old MOT radios as all the recent 
stuff use N connectors on the repeaters/base stations and mini-UHF on 
mobiles.  The HT1250 our company bought had mini-phone to female BNC 
adapters for connection of external antennas (HT1250 is a VHF 
HT).  You may be able to specify UHF when ordering new base/repeaters 
but not standard these days.

Ed - KL7UW
30-years as radio tech
15-years mw engineer

--

Message: 22
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:21:20 -0400
From: Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] So-called UHF connectors...
To: tpcj1...@crocker.com, elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Message-ID: c410489ab851471eb4f5f1399be0e...@tom0c1d32a93f0
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
 reply-type=original

  insidebut I do think that the issue with standard mud type UHFs is
  with the durability of the dielectric, not with the impedance bump, at
  HF and even low VHF frequencies.

That's an accurate statement John. The largest bump I've even measured with
a SO239 PL259 pair was about  1.05:1 at 147 MHz.

The highest SWR with two in tandem, with optimum spacing between bumps to
enhance SWR error, was around 1.1 :1.

Like Motorola and other have done in the past, I think nothing of a few UHF
connectors on 2 meters. Barrel connectors can be a problem at VHF, because
they can have a long mismatch area, but not properly installed UHF pairs or
good short barrels.

That goodness length matters, because look at the horrible mismatches in
wiring inside our radios and tuners.



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 144-QRT*, 432-100w, 1296-QRT*, 3400-fall 2010
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
*temp 

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Re: [Elecraft] SO-239 Concerns -- Another Perspective

2010-07-23 Thread Paul Christensen

 1. Many SO-239s provided as part of radio equipment are not up to the
 quality of Amphenol units. In particular, the spring fingers of the socket
 for the male pin loosen over time to the point that the connection becomes
 less than solid. This is particularly a problem if the connector is used
 repeatedly. I usually replace with Amphenol units...

I have nothing against the SO-239s used in the K3, although during assembly, 
I decided to use Amphenol connectors as a substitute.  I also like using 
Amphenol-branded SO-239s on custom projects.  The added expense for the name 
is usually a small percentage of the total project cost.

 2. The other potential problem with UHF connectors, in my opinion, is the
 integrity of the shield connectivity through the connected pair. If the
 backshell loosens, there is no longer a solid connection either at the
 toothed parallel portion, nor through the backshell.

And that's my objection to the UHF connector combination.  For example, I 
gained 0.75 dB in the shack on 10m simply by re-tightening a series of 
connectors that seemed hand-tight.  After installing some new equipment, I 
decided to conduct a loss budget analysis from the transceivers to the shack 
antenna output ports and all points in between.  I was seeing too much loss 
through the system.

When I used slip-joint pliers and ensured that the teeth of all '259s mated 
with the '239s, measured shack losses were minimized.  I have a lot of 
switching here and with switching, there are many UHF connectors. 
Electrically, the sole conduction mechanism of the PL-259 is the inner 
surface of the threaded shell and to Joel's point, the threaded shell is 
only press-fitted against the connector body.  A low-loss connection path is 
wholly dependant on the force of the shell to the body and the shell against 
the 239 threads.  It's a miracle the UHF connector works at all.

Paul, W9AC 

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 VOX

2010-07-23 Thread Joe Subich, W4TV


It's already there on a mode group (SSB/AM/FM/DATA vs.
CW/FSK_D/PSK_D) basis.  See the manual ...

73,

... Joe, W4TV


On 7/23/2010 8:20 AM, Mike wrote:
Over

 On 7/22/2010 1:59 PM, Mike wrote:
 The K3 seems to remember VOX on/off on a per band basis.
 Any chance to have it on a per mode basis?

 73, Mike NF4L

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Re: [Elecraft] SO-239 Concerns -- Another Perspective

2010-07-23 Thread Wes Stewart

I'm not Joel, but I'm going to respond.

Although I've previously argued that UHF connectors are fine for HF 
applications and type N isn't necessary, that doesn't mean that type N is 
unsuitable.

If type N is suitable for high power (I've used them at 1.5KW on 2M) on 
VHF-UHF, then why would they not be suitable at HF?

As a matter of fact I do use them on HF on my 1/2 Heliax feedline and will use 
them again when I get around to replacing the lines with 7/8 Heliax.  I have 
also used N-connector Transco relays for antenna selection.  The only downside 
to them is that they are 28V (and expensive unless you find them surplus)

Of course they have to be assembled and mated correctly, but that is true of 
any connector.

Wes  N7WS

Joel,

How do you respond to this blurb from a
 DX Engineering guru?



  
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[Elecraft] SDR with a Twist

2010-07-23 Thread Edward R. Cole

My comments preceded with ##
--

Message: 28
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:04:40 -0700
From: Lyle Johnson k...@wavecable.com
Subject: [Elecraft] SDR with a Twist
To: wayne burdick n...@elecraft.com,  'Elecraft Group'
 elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Message-ID: 4c48c078.3000...@wavecable.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

   I just received my FLEX-1500.
snip

PowerSDR is a screen hog.

The -1500 does not support VOX.  It doesn't even have a speaker amplifier.

##PowerSDR has also been evaluated for sensitivity in weak-signal 
work and found wanting

Etc.

Here is my thought:

Elecraft makes a box about the size of the -1500.  It has a basic 10W
transceiver
===snip

We'd fall a bit short with no external reference input.  We could do a
frequency locked system with the Si570, but not a phase-locked one.
Then again, how many people are really doing moonbounce and need that
additional stability and accuracy?

## About 2500-3000 eme'rs world-wide
and don't forget the microwavers...no idea how many there are?
The K3 is very popular in both groups.   The last radio that was 
snapped up by eme was the FT-847.

The rest is interesting read.  I am hoping the development will go 
into the existing K3

73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 144-QRT*, 432-100w, 1296-QRT*, 3400-fall 2010
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
*temp 

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[Elecraft] K3 Goodies

2010-07-23 Thread Michael Raskin

KBPF-3 General coverage receive module - $110

400 Hz 8-pole filter (2 are available) - $100 each

13 kHz FM filter - $100

All in excellent condition and I am original owner.

PayPal or personal check ok.  Add $5 per order (not per item) for Priority 
shipping.

Mike, W4UM 

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[Elecraft] OT: Pin migration in Type N connectors

2010-07-23 Thread Ken Kopp


I use UG-1185's for almost all of my N males here.
They have a captive center pin.

Otherwise, center pin migration -can- be a problem
here in Montana with it's temperature extremes. (;-)

73! Ken Kopp - K0PP
   elecraftcov...@rfwave.net


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Re: [Elecraft] OT Carrying radios on commercial flight

2010-07-23 Thread Andrew Faber

My experience is exactly the same as Mark's.  I have carried my K3 on 
commercial flights many times.  Sometimes TSA wants it taken out of my 
backpack and they either swab it for explosive residues or they run it 
through separately, but they never ask questions about it, nor have they 
asked me to turn it on (which I couldn't do, since I don't carry on a PS). 
My Begali Simplex often confounds them also, since it appears to the 
scanners to be a completely opaque block.  OTOH, sometimes the identical 
backpack just sails through.
  So, in general, it's been no problem.
 73, andy, ae6y
- Original Message - 
From: Mark Stennett m...@stennett.com
To: Alan Price w1...@arrl.net; Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 4:56 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT Carrying radios on commercial flight


I recently carried my K3 and IC-7000 aboard Southwest. I have carried my
 radios aboard Delta in the past. The carrier you fly does not matter, you
 deal with TSA at security. I always leave my radios in the bag and they
 always pull it for additional checks which range from the wipe and sniff
 to full manual inspection. I have never been asked to power them up. They
 are always more interested in my Begali Sculpture CW paddle. I also always
 travel with laptop computers which they want you to take out of the case
 and place in a bin by themselves.

 I go home again Monday with the radios. Check us out at 
 http://www.c6ams.com


 I have not done this in recent years.  I want to carry several radios
 (KX1 and a scanner) on board a commercial domestic(Delta) flight.  What
 security issues will I encounter?


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Re: [Elecraft] OT: Pin migration in Type N connectors

2010-07-23 Thread Milt, N5IA

I have been using the Times series of crimp-on N male connectors with the 
captive center pin for the past 10+ years.  In particular, IMHO, the Times 
EZ-400-NMH for use on LMR-400 has been a boon to the communications 
industry.

My group has installed thousands of them for use at 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz.  No 
failures unless a tech made an install mistake with one of them.

As Ken has indicated, they are highly recommended because of the potential 
pin migration problem AND for proper pin placement.

Good luck to all.  Have a great weekend.

73 de Milt, N5IA

- Original Message - 
From: Ken Kopp k...@rfwave.net
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 8:42 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Pin migration in Type N connectors



 I use UG-1185's for almost all of my N males here.
 They have a captive center pin.

 Otherwise, center pin migration -can- be a problem
 here in Montana with it's temperature extremes. (;-)

 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP
   elecraftcov...@rfwave.net


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[Elecraft] OT: SO-239 Connector Selection

2010-07-23 Thread Edward R. Cole

Since most of you are talking about HF, I suppose they are fine.

Professionally, I had the most quality control issues with 
PL-259's.  I quickly decided that only Amphenol brand were to be 
bought.  They had much better plating for soldering.  The problem 
usually came from the extra heat required to solder the shield.  Very 
easy to melt the insulation.  All our antenna were specified with 
N-connectors which have gaskets the provide some wx sealing.  Of 
course we double taped connections that would be outside.

Anything that requires good impedance match will do better with N, 
TNC, or 7/16 style connectors.

All my cables even down to 500-KHz use N-connector except where 
connection with a radio or commercial antenna come with UHF.

73, Ed - KL7UW
at 1296 up I often use sma connectors on low-power equipment.

--

Message: 13
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:54:43 -
From: Ken Kopp k...@rfwave.net
Subject: [Elecraft] OT: SO-239 Connector Selection
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Message-ID: acdef2099be54aadb7632b69e498b...@shack
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
 reply-type=response


My experience with SO-239' / PL-259's -was- at
VHF and UHF, and I said so in my posting.

I was made aware of this when the Colorado Springs
radio club ordered a 4-port divider to feed their 2M
repeater's antennas and they specified / insisted on
me building it with SO-239's.  I shipped it and within
a few days they were complaining of high SWR.

Before getting the original one back I built and
shipped a second unit, only to get the same report.
It was only when I built the 3rd unit with N's did it work
correctly.

My friends at the NBS labs ... who originated NBS
yagi design (W0PW / W0EYE) ... along with the
particular power divider design ... explained
what was going on.  The non-50 ohm SO-239's
connected to the 35 ohm transmission line / power
divider were influencing the impedance of divider.

My years at CU's radio astronomy lab and the NBS
cafeteria represent some of the best learning in
my career.  I learned much via napkin tutoring done
by some of the nation's best radio minds.

73! Ken Kopp - K0PP



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 144-QRT*, 432-100w, 1296-QRT*, 3400-fall 2010
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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Re: [Elecraft] LP-Pan and Rocky (was: SDR with a Twist)

2010-07-23 Thread Larry Phipps

  Sure, it can be used with any SDR app.

Larry N8LP

On 7/23/2010 12:00 PM, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:
 Message: 2
 Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2010 07:51:39 +0200
 From: Jon K?re Hellanhel...@acm.org
 Subject: [Elecraft] LP-Pan and Rocky (was:  SDR with a Twist)
 To:elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Message-ID:4c492deb.3010...@acm.org
 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

 On 07/23/2010 01:17 AM, Steve Ellington wrote:
   Gosh I though someone had filed for documents under the Freedom of
   Information Act. But whatever, this sounds like a good scheme. You're 
  right
   about PwrSDR being a resource hog. I had to get a dual core cpu just to 
  run
   LP Pan smoothly.
 Can Rocky be used with LP-PAN?

 Jon LA4RT

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Re: [Elecraft] SO-239 Concerns -- Another Perspective

2010-07-23 Thread Eric Scace K3NA

The turn of the screw method for tightening (used for many nut and 
bolt fasteners) is appropriate with UHF connectors: firm finger tight, 
and then use a tool (pliers) to tighten an additional quarter-turn.

If you can remove the shell without using a tool, it's too loose.

-- Eric K3NA

on 2010 Jul 23 09:23 Joel R. Hallas said the following:
 I agree with most of what has been said in support of UHF connectors for HF
 and low VHF -- with two reservations.

 1. Many SO-239s provided as part of radio equipment are not up to the
 quality of Amphenol units. In particular, the spring fingers of the socket
 for the male pin loosen over time to the point that the connection becomes
 less than solid. This is particularly a problem if the connector is used
 repeatedly. I usually replace with Amphenol units, if I can get to them.
 Another great option is the Oak Hills BNC kit, designed to fit the hole
 pattern of the SO-239.

 2. The other potential problem with UHF connectors, in my opinion, is the
 integrity of the shield connectivity through the connected pair. If the
 backshell loosens, there is no longer a solid connection either at the
 toothed parallel portion, nor through the backshell. This can be an issue in
 mobile or other high vibration environments and has caught me many times.
 Note that a type N, C or BNC pair makes it's shield connection through the
 inner spring tension sleeve, maintaining contact almost until the pair
 separates. The backshell is just used for mechanical, not electrical,
 purposes.

 FWIW

 Regards, Joel
 Joel R. Hallas, W1ZR

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Re: [Elecraft] OT: Pin migration in Type N connectors

2010-07-23 Thread dave


Curious, how does one identify a 'captive' center pin from a 
'non-captive' one?

I typically use the crimp-on type N's from RF Industries and wonder 
which category those fall into. For those who are not familiar with 
these connectors, the pins crimp onto the center conductor and then snap 
into the shell.


73 de dave
ab9ca/4




Milt, N5IA wrote:
 I have been using the Times series of crimp-on N male connectors with the 
 captive center pin for the past 10+ years.  In particular, IMHO, the Times 
 EZ-400-NMH for use on LMR-400 has been a boon to the communications 
 industry.

 My group has installed thousands of them for use at 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz.  No 
 failures unless a tech made an install mistake with one of them.

 As Ken has indicated, they are highly recommended because of the potential 
 pin migration problem AND for proper pin placement.

 Good luck to all.  Have a great weekend.

 73 de Milt, N5IA

 - Original Message - 
 From: Ken Kopp k...@rfwave.net
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 8:42 AM
 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Pin migration in Type N connectors


   
 I use UG-1185's for almost all of my N males here.
 They have a captive center pin.

 Otherwise, center pin migration -can- be a problem
 here in Montana with it's temperature extremes. (;-)

 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP
   elecraftcov...@rfwave.net


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Re: [Elecraft] SO-239 Concerns -- Another Perspective

 1. Many SO-239s provided as part of radio equipment are not up to the
 quality of Amphenol units. In particular, the spring fingers of the socket
 for the male pin loosen over time to the point that the connection becomes
 less than solid.

Nearly all problems I've seen with female contact flaring were caused by 
males that have solder on the outside of the pin, increasing pin diameter. 
I've seen a few really cheap females, too.

I've got many dozens of connectors in my system, and N's are just as much or 
more problem overall. So are BNC's, especially when subjected to high 
humidity.

The only nearly perfect connectors are DIN, type-C, or EIA flange 
connectors.

 Note that a type N, C or BNC pair makes it's shield connection through the
 inner spring tension sleeve, maintaining contact almost until the pair
 separates. The backshell is just used for mechanical, not electrical,
 purposes.

Actually the shell provides a backup for continuity in the N, and while I 
have fewer shell tightness problems I have a whole lot more center pin 
issues or pin arc-outs from lightning or wrong antenna selection.

The thing I like best about type N's is I can chuck them up in my lathe, cut 
the female a little on the end, bore out the center, press the guts from a 
Teflon SO-239/PL259 in the middle, and convert them to UHF type connectors. 
I convert all my surplus heliax connectors to UHF style. :-)

I avoid shell tightness problems by LIGHTLY using pliers, and snugging, 
backing off, and resnugging two or three times. That way I make sure the 
locating bump on the male is in the female notch and everything is flat, and 
there is some distortion on the shell to keep it locked. Anyone who works on 
cars understands that something has to slightly stretch or distort to lock a 
threaded connection. Finger tight or wrist tight will never hold under 
temperature or vibration, but a slight snug with piers will.

I probably have a few hundred connectors in the system. I can't recall the 
last time I had a tightness or water issue with a UHF, although I sure have 
had pin problems in N's. Mostly due to someone picking the wrong antenna at 
full poweror lightning. Most of the N's left in my system are being 
replaced as they fail.

73 Tom

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Re: [Elecraft] OT: Pin migration in Type N connectors

2010-07-23 Thread Milt, N5IA

Dave,

That type you describe is non-captive, as the center pin is not an 
integral part of the connector body.

The crimp on pin, and snap into shell type still leave some margin of 
error.  If the tech gets the center conductor too long, there is a 
possibility of the braid portion not being inserted enough to get proper 
crimping action with the ferrule.

Additionally, the longer center conductor and pin allows a space to be 
created between the foam dielectric and the dielectric between the center 
pin and the connector body.  This MAY cause problems.

YMMV, but if any install step or calculation which has to be performed by a 
tech can be eliminated, the percentages of correct connections goes up.

Mis dos centavos.

Milt, N5IA

- Original Message - 
From: dave hott...@gulftel.com
To: Milt, N5IA n...@zia-connection.com
Cc: Ken Kopp k...@rfwave.net; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 9:12 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Pin migration in Type N connectors



 Curious, how does one identify a 'captive' center pin from a 'non-captive' 
 one?

 I typically use the crimp-on type N's from RF Industries and wonder which 
 category those fall into. For those who are not familiar with these 
 connectors, the pins crimp onto the center conductor and then snap into 
 the shell.


 73 de dave
 ab9ca/4




 Milt, N5IA wrote:
 I have been using the Times series of crimp-on N male connectors with 
 the captive center pin for the past 10+ years.  In particular, IMHO, the 
 Times EZ-400-NMH for use on LMR-400 has been a boon to the communications 
 industry.

 My group has installed thousands of them for use at 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz. 
 No failures unless a tech made an install mistake with one of them.

 As Ken has indicated, they are highly recommended because of the 
 potential pin migration problem AND for proper pin placement.

 Good luck to all.  Have a great weekend.

 73 de Milt, N5IA

 - Original Message - 
 From: Ken Kopp k...@rfwave.net
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 8:42 AM
 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Pin migration in Type N connectors



 I use UG-1185's for almost all of my N males here.
 They have a captive center pin.

 Otherwise, center pin migration -can- be a problem
 here in Montana with it's temperature extremes. (;-)

 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP
   elecraftcov...@rfwave.net


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[Elecraft] K3 recorder

2010-07-23 Thread ussv dharma

I have finally just given up.  I no longer try to use the K3 recorder to show 
the other ham how his signal sounds.just too darned confusing.

Great Grandmaw Susan


If you don't change direction you WILL arrive exactly where you're 
headed!! Susan Meckley, Skipper W7KFI-mm  AFA9SM USSV 
DHARMA 






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Re: [Elecraft] Balun Questions

2010-07-23 Thread Jim Brown

On Fri, 23 Jul 2010 06:34:54 -0400, Tom W8JI wrote:

The 100 ohms is the differential impedance, or transmission 
line impedance

Tom is the balun expert around here, but he isn't telling you 
everything he knows, so I'll float a simple 4:1 balun design 
that should work quite well up to moderate power levels. As 
Tom's analysis shows (on his link), there are conditions of use 
where high power can overheat it. 

So to respond to your question with a direct answer, for a 4:1 
balun, I would build it from two common mode chokes, each choke 
wound on its own 2.4-inch o.d. #31 toroid. Each choke needs 14 
bifilar turns of #14 THHN. As you have noted, the chokes should 
be wired in parallel on the 50 ohm side and in series on the 
200 ohm side. One of the important conditions that makes this 
work (or not work) is that the common mode impedance must be 
quite high to prevent the choke from overheating, and to 
minimize power loss. These chokes provide nearly 5000 ohms 
common mode impedance from 2-30 MHz. The impedance is 
predominantly resistive. 

Bifilar means that you form a transmission line from two equal 
lengths of the #14 THHN, tightly spaced so that their 
insulation touches, and either tape them together or hold them 
together with Ty-wraps, then wind that parallel wire 
transmission line around the toroid. You'll need 2.5 inches of 
each wire per turn, plus 5 inches for connections at the ends, 
then cut off the excess after winding. Sevick said that such a 
line is pretty close to 100 ohms, and my measurements suggest 
that he was right. Two of these in series/parallel gives you a 
pretty good 50:200 balun. 

What are conditions that can overheat it?  Running high power 
(greater than about 500 watts) AND in a condition that places 
high common mode voltage on it. You might also get into trouble 
at somewhat less power with key-down modes like RTTY. High 
common mode voltage will be present if the antenna is severely 
unbalanced (for example, an off-center fed antenna), or if the 
transmission line is close to a half wave (or multiple of half 
waves). At low power, you'll never run into a situation that 
will overheat a balun like this, but you could when running 
high power. 

There's a tutorial on my website that talks extensively about 
common mode chokes. It is NOT about baluns, and I don't pretend 
to be an expert on baluns, but I do know a lot about common 
mode chokes. :)  

http://audiosystemsgroup.com/RFI-Ham.pdf  

73, Jim Brown K9YC






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[Elecraft] OT: Pin migration in Type N connectors

2010-07-23 Thread Ken Kopp

The pin of a UG-1185 has an obvious  flange in 
the approximate center of the pin, and there are
two TFE washers that hold them captive in the
body of the connector.  

There are cups in the TFE washes that appear to 
be for surrounding the flange on the pin.  They're
not.  The cups face -away- from the flange, and 
have nothing to do with positioning of the washers.  

They're actually a form of tuning used to keep the 
connector 50 ohms.

73! Ken Kopp - K0PP
   elecraftcov...@rfwave.net


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 recorder

2010-07-23 Thread David Pratt

Don't worry about it, Susan.  Wayne has on his 'list' to include some 
refinements to the KDVR3 to enable us to actually hear what is being 
transmitted.  Until then, my own KDVR3 is on hold.

73 de David G4DMP

In a recent message, ussv dharma ussvdha...@yahoo.com wrote ...

I have finally just given up.  I no longer try to use the K3 recorder 
to show the other ham how his signal sounds.just too darned 
confusing.

Great Grandmaw Susan
-- 
David G4DMP
Leeds, England, UK
--



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Re: [Elecraft] Balun Questions

This sounds really similar to a lot of plans that I've seen... One
other piece that I've noticed on many of these that no one seems to
ever mention is that the two 1:1's are usually wound in opposite
directions on each half of the core...  I'm assuming this helps to
reduce the coupling between the two 1:1's?  Also I'd be interested to
hear people's thoughts on this improved balun...  Seems to be an
attractive solution.  It only pictures the schematic here and I kinda
picture it as being wound similarly but you wire one of the turns on
one of the feeds from out side to in side.  Essentially the ends
of the wires would fold back over the core to get to its location...

Soon here I should have all sorts of cores and wire and I was planning
on trying a few of these and measuring them with the 259B and seeing
how they come out.  But to go beyond that I'll need some sort of
antenna probably to do further testing cause I don't have enough loads
nor do I have a 200ohm dummy... ;)

I'll be ordering the Sevik book as well...

Thanks gentlemen.

~Brett (N7MG)

On Fri, Jul 23, 2010 at 9:38 AM, Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com wrote:
 On Fri, 23 Jul 2010 06:34:54 -0400, Tom W8JI wrote:

The 100 ohms is the differential impedance, or transmission
line impedance

 Tom is the balun expert around here, but he isn't telling you
 everything he knows, so I'll float a simple 4:1 balun design
 that should work quite well up to moderate power levels. As
 Tom's analysis shows (on his link), there are conditions of use
 where high power can overheat it.

 So to respond to your question with a direct answer, for a 4:1
 balun, I would build it from two common mode chokes, each choke
 wound on its own 2.4-inch o.d. #31 toroid. Each choke needs 14
 bifilar turns of #14 THHN. As you have noted, the chokes should
 be wired in parallel on the 50 ohm side and in series on the
 200 ohm side. One of the important conditions that makes this
 work (or not work) is that the common mode impedance must be
 quite high to prevent the choke from overheating, and to
 minimize power loss. These chokes provide nearly 5000 ohms
 common mode impedance from 2-30 MHz. The impedance is
 predominantly resistive.

 Bifilar means that you form a transmission line from two equal
 lengths of the #14 THHN, tightly spaced so that their
 insulation touches, and either tape them together or hold them
 together with Ty-wraps, then wind that parallel wire
 transmission line around the toroid. You'll need 2.5 inches of
 each wire per turn, plus 5 inches for connections at the ends,
 then cut off the excess after winding. Sevick said that such a
 line is pretty close to 100 ohms, and my measurements suggest
 that he was right. Two of these in series/parallel gives you a
 pretty good 50:200 balun.

 What are conditions that can overheat it?  Running high power
 (greater than about 500 watts) AND in a condition that places
 high common mode voltage on it. You might also get into trouble
 at somewhat less power with key-down modes like RTTY. High
 common mode voltage will be present if the antenna is severely
 unbalanced (for example, an off-center fed antenna), or if the
 transmission line is close to a half wave (or multiple of half
 waves). At low power, you'll never run into a situation that
 will overheat a balun like this, but you could when running
 high power.

 There's a tutorial on my website that talks extensively about
 common mode chokes. It is NOT about baluns, and I don't pretend
 to be an expert on baluns, but I do know a lot about common
 mode chokes. :)

 http://audiosystemsgroup.com/RFI-Ham.pdf

 73, Jim Brown K9YC






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[Elecraft] K3: Receiving 4th Harmonic of AM Station

2010-07-23 Thread Jay

The local AM station on 940 is wiping out my K3 on 1880 and 3760 to the 
tune of 20-30db over.  Have the same problem with just the sub 
receiver.  Plugged in my K2 and FT-900 and don't have the problem.  Any 
ideas other the bench the K3 :-)


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Re: [Elecraft] OT: SO-239 Connector Selection

I ended up getting the commercial version of the connector.  There
was the cheapest one the commercial one that was only a very small
amount more and then the top one which was quite a lot more...  All
three were Amphenol connectors and I'd already gone to buy Amp but it
was just coming down to which one...  It appears that they all have
different dielectrics (they mention different values) but I didn't
really find a whole lot on the differences between these dielectric
types.

~Brett (N7MG)

On Fri, Jul 23, 2010 at 2:02 AM, Edward R. Cole kl...@acsalaska.net wrote:
 Since most of you are talking about HF, I suppose they are fine.

 Professionally, I had the most quality control issues with
 PL-259's.  I quickly decided that only Amphenol brand were to be
 bought.  They had much better plating for soldering.  The problem
 usually came from the extra heat required to solder the shield.  Very
 easy to melt the insulation.  All our antenna were specified with
 N-connectors which have gaskets the provide some wx sealing.  Of
 course we double taped connections that would be outside.

 Anything that requires good impedance match will do better with N,
 TNC, or 7/16 style connectors.

 All my cables even down to 500-KHz use N-connector except where
 connection with a radio or commercial antenna come with UHF.

 73, Ed - KL7UW
 at 1296 up I often use sma connectors on low-power equipment.

 --

 Message: 13
 Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:54:43 -
 From: Ken Kopp k...@rfwave.net
 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: SO-239 Connector Selection
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Message-ID: acdef2099be54aadb7632b69e498b...@shack
 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
         reply-type=response


 My experience with SO-239' / PL-259's -was- at
 VHF and UHF, and I said so in my posting.

 I was made aware of this when the Colorado Springs
 radio club ordered a 4-port divider to feed their 2M
 repeater's antennas and they specified / insisted on
 me building it with SO-239's.  I shipped it and within
 a few days they were complaining of high SWR.

 Before getting the original one back I built and
 shipped a second unit, only to get the same report.
 It was only when I built the 3rd unit with N's did it work
 correctly.

 My friends at the NBS labs ... who originated NBS
 yagi design (W0PW / W0EYE) ... along with the
 particular power divider design ... explained
 what was going on.  The non-50 ohm SO-239's
 connected to the 35 ohm transmission line / power
 divider were influencing the impedance of divider.

 My years at CU's radio astronomy lab and the NBS
 cafeteria represent some of the best learning in
 my career.  I learned much via napkin tutoring done
 by some of the nation's best radio minds.

 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP



 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
 ==
 BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
 EME: 144-QRT*, 432-100w, 1296-QRT*, 3400-fall 2010
 DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
 ==
 *temp

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Re: [Elecraft] Balun Questions


This sounds really similar to a lot of plans that I've seen... One
other piece that I've noticed on many of these that no one seems to
ever mention is that the two 1:1's are usually wound in opposite
directions on each half of the core...  I'm assuming this helps to
reduce the coupling between the two 1:1's?  Also I'd be interested to
hear people's thoughts on this improved balun...  Seems to be an
attractive solution.  It only pictures the schematic here and I kinda
picture it as being wound similarly but you wire one of the turns on
one of the feeds from out side to in side.  Essentially the ends
of the wires would fold back over the core to get to its location

If you are talking about two cores in the balun, and each core wound with 
half turns and then flipped with a transposed winding, everyone who has 
measured the fancy winding concludes it does nothing overall except move 
things around.

If you are talking about winding two 1:1 baluns on a single common core and 
using that to make a 4:1 current balun, I can guarantee you that will not be 
a balun. It will unbalance any balanced load placed on the balun's balanced 
terminals. Each transmission line transformer has to be on its own 
independent core. They cannot share a common flux path.

73 Tom 

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Re: [Elecraft] LP-Pan and Rocky (was: SDR with a Twist)

2010-07-23 Thread Leigh L. Klotz Jr WA5ZNU


Linux users might be interested in Quisk, which runs fine with LP-PAN; I've
also provided an interface to the K3 and fldigi.  It uses about 10% of the
CPU on my desktop, which is a few years old.

http://wa5znu.org/2009/04/quisk-lppan-k3/

There's a Windows port in the works, but not immediately.

Leigh/WA5ZNU

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Re: [Elecraft] Balun Questions

Ok I was referring to a design that was using one core to make a
4:1...  I think the caveat that was being used was that they felt they
could do this and be safe enough with it still being a balun as long
as the load was floating (but I'm not 100% sure thats really the
case)...

So is a multi aperture core good enough for that or would two toroids
be a better idea?

~Brett (N7MG)

On Fri, Jul 23, 2010 at 11:00 AM, Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com wrote:
 
 This sounds really similar to a lot of plans that I've seen... One
 other piece that I've noticed on many of these that no one seems to
 ever mention is that the two 1:1's are usually wound in opposite
 directions on each half of the core...  I'm assuming this helps to
 reduce the coupling between the two 1:1's?  Also I'd be interested to
 hear people's thoughts on this improved balun...  Seems to be an
 attractive solution.  It only pictures the schematic here and I kinda
 picture it as being wound similarly but you wire one of the turns on
 one of the feeds from out side to in side.  Essentially the ends
 of the wires would fold back over the core to get to its location

 If you are talking about two cores in the balun, and each core wound with
 half turns and then flipped with a transposed winding, everyone who has
 measured the fancy winding concludes it does nothing overall except move
 things around.

 If you are talking about winding two 1:1 baluns on a single common core and
 using that to make a 4:1 current balun, I can guarantee you that will not be
 a balun. It will unbalance any balanced load placed on the balun's balanced
 terminals. Each transmission line transformer has to be on its own
 independent core. They cannot share a common flux path.

 73 Tom

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Re: [Elecraft] K3: Receiving 4th Harmonic of AM Station

2010-07-23 Thread Ken Kopp


Harmonics from BC stations are not uncommon.
Those of us who haunt 160M are familiar with them.

In your case, the question is how strong they actually
are, and does the station meet it's FCC specified
specs?  Often, the engineer ... if the station actually
has one in residence ... probably is unaware of any 
harmonic(s) ... and in reality, doesn't care.

Today, many / most stations have an engineer on 
call for when they need one, and he / she's often 
hundreds of miles away.

I have a 1KW on 570 kHz three miles away and it's 
not a problem.  

Tell us more...

73! Ken Kopp - K0PP
   elecraftcov...@rfwave.net


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 recorder

2010-07-23 Thread w5ov


You can hear what you're transmitting with the monitor feature.

Wait - I think I know what the issue is - I'm guessing that you are not
using headphones, so you don't want the monitor on except when playing
back a DVR recording.

My mistake.

I presumed you would be using headphones to get the best results from your
K3's receiver.

73,

Bob W5OV
(always uses headphones)



 Don't worry about it, Susan.  Wayne has on his 'list' to include some
 refinements to the KDVR3 to enable us to actually hear what is being
 transmitted.  Until then, my own KDVR3 is on hold.

 73 de David G4DMP

 In a recent message, ussv dharma ussvdha...@yahoo.com wrote ...

I have finally just given up.  I no longer try to use the K3 recorder
to show the other ham how his signal sounds.just too darned
confusing.

Great Grandmaw Susan
 --
 David G4DMP
 Leeds, England, UK
 --



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Re: [Elecraft] K3: Receiving 4th Harmonic of AM Station

2010-07-23 Thread Jim Brown

On Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:37:46 -0700, Jay wrote:

The local AM station on 940 is wiping out my K3 on 1880 and 3760 to the 
tune of 20-30db over. 

I'd bet that you have preamp on and the attenuator off, so you're probably 
overloading the K3. Turn on the attenuator and turn off the preamp. That 
should fix it. 

73, Jim K9YC


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Re: [Elecraft] SO-239 Concerns -- Another Perspective

2010-07-23 Thread Eugene Balinski

I have also been bitten by the non-captive center pin on
Type N connectors.  In my particular case, I had 100 feet
of RG-213 runing outside from the shack to a roof mounted
antenna.  Type N connectors on both ends.  

Then came the cold weather.  One day, no receive signal,
and funky SWR.  Hmmm.  After a brief investigation, and a
trip to the roof, it was determined that the non-captive
center pin had been pulled out of its N connector and
therefore, the mating N connector, by the apparent
contraction of the coax copper center conductor in the cold
weather.  What a pain.

Therefore, whenever I use Type N connectors for
professional or amateur use, I specify captive center pins.
 Failing that, I use another type of connector.   

All usual disclaimers apply.  Your milege may vary.  Void
where prohibited, taxed, or otherwise snarled at...

73,
K1NR 


On Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:32:11 +
 Brian Alsop als...@nc.rr.com wrote:
 Joel,
 
 How do you respond to this blurb from a DX Engineering
 guru?
 
 I have been bitten by the non-captive center pin
 migration problem 
 (almost impossible to find) and won't use N connectors
 again for any 
 non-UHF high power application.  This migration if enough
 creates an 
 open circuit.  It is hard for me to tell the difference
 in captive pin 
 and non captive pin N connectors.  Also I prefer the
 larger center 
 conductor surface area of the UHF center pin connectors.
  They are 
 proven to have very little heat generation beyond UHF.
 
 73 de Brian/K3KO
 
 For example, DX Engineering does not offer the RR-8
 series switches with 
 N connectors. Using UHF type connectors, this system of
 remote relays 
 offers superior port-to-port isolation and power handling
 from 1.8 
 through 54 Mhz at low loss and low SWR. Only due to
 superior engineering 
 is this series of Remote Switches usable at 144 Mhz with
 slightly 
 elevated SWR and reasonable loss of only 0.25 dB.
 However, these units 
 are not intended and cannot be used on UHF, so N
 connectors are 
 intentionally not available.
 
 There is no question that the constant impedance
 characteristic of the N 
 connector make it a superior choice for low loss VHF and
 UHF applications.
 
 However, it is a fact that on HF frequencies, very high
 power at high 
 duty cycle modes will heat the small diameter center pin
 of the N 
 connector. Heating can cause the center pin to migrate,
 ruining the 
 impedance characteristics of the connector and, at
 continuous high 
 power, potentially cause a short circuit. If this problem
 were to happen 
 during testing or operations, one might mistake high SWR
 or high loss as 
 a defective of the switch, rather than a problem with the
 connector. 
 This cannot happen with PL-259 and SO-239 connectors that
 are properly 
 installed. At low SWR they can handle several kilowatts
 of HF RF.
 
 This is not to say that you cannot use N connectors on
 HF. Rather, the 
 question becomes What are the benefits derived versus
 the cost of 
 changing to N connectors for HF, where constant impedance
 is 
 unnecessary?. The answer
 
 This is not a concern if you already have N connectors,
 though. You may 
 use adapters or short coaxial jumper assemblies with
 differing 
 connectors at each end, as offered by DX Engineering,
 with custom 
 lengths available by telephone. These would cause
 negligible losses on 
 HF, and would allow you to experience the superior
 port-to-port 
 isolation of a DX Engineering RR-8 series Remote Antenna
 Switch immediately.
 
 Let us know if you need any additional information. We
 look forward to 
 hearing from you.
 
 Thank you and 73,
 
 Rod Ehrhart - WN8R
 DX Engineering Customer Support
 

--
 
 Joel R. Hallas wrote:
  I agree with most of what has been said in support of
 UHF connectors for HF
  and low VHF -- with two reservations.
  
  1. Many SO-239s provided as part of radio equipment are
 not up to the
  quality of Amphenol units. In particular, the spring
 fingers of the socket
  for the male pin loosen over time to the point that the
 connection becomes
  less than solid. This is particularly a problem if the
 connector is used
  repeatedly. I usually replace with Amphenol units, if I
 can get to them.
  Another great option is the Oak Hills BNC kit, designed
 to fit the hole
  pattern of the SO-239.
  
  2. The other potential problem with UHF connectors, in
 my opinion, is the
  integrity of the shield connectivity through the
 connected pair. If the
  backshell loosens, there is no longer a solid
 connection either at the
  toothed parallel portion, nor through the backshell.
 This can be an issue in
  mobile or other high vibration environments and has
 caught me many times.
  Note that a type N, C or BNC pair makes it's shield
 connection through the
  inner spring tension sleeve, maintaining contact almost
 until the pair
  separates. The backshell is just used for

Re: [Elecraft] Balun Questions

I've heard a lot of really great things about balun designs
products...  And in looking at their 4:1 for dipoles and yagi's it
looks like they are simply doing 2 1:1 baluns on a single core.  Looks
to me like they are even wrapped in the same direction and paralleled
on one side then series on the other end.

http://www.balundesigns.com/servlet/the-56/current-balun-4-cln-1-designs/Detail

However their more general one:
http://www.balundesigns.com/servlet/the-69/4-cln-1-balun/Detail

I can't really trace out how its wired up...

~Brett (N7MG)

On Fri, Jul 23, 2010 at 11:00 AM, Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com wrote:
 
 This sounds really similar to a lot of plans that I've seen... One
 other piece that I've noticed on many of these that no one seems to
 ever mention is that the two 1:1's are usually wound in opposite
 directions on each half of the core...  I'm assuming this helps to
 reduce the coupling between the two 1:1's?  Also I'd be interested to
 hear people's thoughts on this improved balun...  Seems to be an
 attractive solution.  It only pictures the schematic here and I kinda
 picture it as being wound similarly but you wire one of the turns on
 one of the feeds from out side to in side.  Essentially the ends
 of the wires would fold back over the core to get to its location

 If you are talking about two cores in the balun, and each core wound with
 half turns and then flipped with a transposed winding, everyone who has
 measured the fancy winding concludes it does nothing overall except move
 things around.

 If you are talking about winding two 1:1 baluns on a single common core and
 using that to make a 4:1 current balun, I can guarantee you that will not be
 a balun. It will unbalance any balanced load placed on the balun's balanced
 terminals. Each transmission line transformer has to be on its own
 independent core. They cannot share a common flux path.

 73 Tom

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Re: [Elecraft] Balun Questions

Brett,

Do you have an old link coupled tuner - like the Johnson Matchbox or a 
homebrew one with plug-in coils?
If you do, hook it up backwards with a dummy load on the normal input 
side.
You have just created a tunable artificial antenna - tune the Matchbox 
to produce whatever load impedance you want.

73,
Don W3FPR

Brett Howard wrote:
  But to go beyond that I'll need some sort of
 antenna probably to do further testing cause I don't have enough loads
 nor do I have a 200ohm dummy... ;)
   

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[Elecraft] air travel with SLA batteries (was Re: OT Carrying radios on commercial flight)

2010-07-23 Thread John Shadle

Here is a relevant post I recently submitted to the QRP-L lists which
may be of interest to folks here.

For the record, no one asked me to turn anything on.

-john W4PAH

Hi all,
I recently made a trip to Anchorage, AK for work and decided to carry
on two 17Ah SLA (sealed lead-acid) batteries to support my operations.
Some folks on the list said don't risk it and ship them ahead of
time. Others said, tape the terminals and pack them in your
carry-on.

Since I had done this in the past (with 7Ah batteries) I decided to
risk it again.

I found a web page on the TSA's site which was helpful and printed it
out to carry with me.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/batteries.shtm

This ultimately proved helpful during my departure from RDU (Raleigh
Durham Airport) on Saturday morning. The TSA agent (who had 1 stripe
on his shoulder-boards) told me that unless I had an electric
wheelchair, I wasn't allowed to carry on these batteries. I explained
to him that I had taped the terminals and packed them in bubble-wrap
to protect them from damage. I showed him the web page which I had
printed out which stated that you must Place each battery in its own
protective case, plastic bag, or package, or place tape across the
battery's contacts to isolate terminals. Isolating terminals prevents
short-circuiting.

I had followed all of the rules. He brought over his supervisor who
had three stripes on her shoulder boards (I have no idea how many you
can have, but I saw folks with one, two, and three). She read my
printout and looked in a manual she had. After reading it a few
minutes she let me pass. I thanked the one-striper for his patience
(and tried not to do so in a sarcastic or snarky way), and re-packed
my bag. Success!

On the way back from my trip, I was again pulled aside and another
one-striper unpacked my carry-on and ran everything through again. He
said, Oh, you must be an amateur radio operator. We had a short
conversation. He was impressed with the radios and stuff I had. ;-) No
questions at all, he just wanted to make sure the SLA batteries
weren't concealing something in the x-ray image that could've been
below or above them in the bag.

So, I think in the future the lesson learned is to be prepared by
following the rules for protecting your batteries from the TSA's web
site (tape over terminals to prevent a short, pack the batteries in
bubble wrap or a bubble-wrap envelope), printing out the page from the
TSA's web site, and be patient as you go through all levels of TSA
employees until you reach someone who actually knows the rules.

73
-john W4PAH

P.S. I wasn't able to do much operating at all while in Alaska,
unfortunately. My free day ended up being very rainy and I wasn't able
to find a covered picnic table at the city park where I visited.
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Re: [Elecraft] Balun Questions


Ok I was referring to a design that was using one core to make a
4:1...  I think the caveat that was being used was that they felt they
could do this and be safe enough with it still being a balun as long
as the load was floating (but I'm not 100% sure thats really the
case)...

I can 100% guarantee you that does not balance the load. I know the design 
comes from a source considered reliable, but it is seriously flawed. If you 
want a balanced voltage and/or current into a feedline and a real antenna, 
it cannot happen with that design. It not only does not work in theory, I 
have dozens of actual measurements to support it does not work in the real 
world.

So is a multi aperture core good enough for that or would two toroids
be a better idea?

So long as the multi-aperture core does not have mutual coupling between the 
individual transmission line cores, it would work. Unfortunately that is not 
likely either. :-)

73 Tom 

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Re: [Elecraft] OT Carrying radios on commercial flight

2010-07-23 Thread The Smiths

None,

I've taken mine on both domestic and international flights as carry on and have
not once experienced a problem. That includes my Greeny screwdriver, my
fishing weight, string, wire for the antenna, and a mini paddle all in the same
case.

Some times I would get a look, then I would just say it's a radio.. and it kept
going through the X-Ray machine. In other countries I've never even gotten the
dirty look... A lot of countries, like the parts of Asia I've been to they
don't seem to even care what's in your bags..

From: w1...@arrl.net
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2010 04:09:03 -0700
Subject: [Elecraft] OT Carrying radios on commercial flight

I have not done this in recent years. I want to carry several radios (KX1 and
a scanner) on board a commercial domestic(Delta) flight. What security issues
will I encounter?

Alan

W1HYV

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[Elecraft] Please post my ad

2010-07-23 Thread Casual Observer


Priced lowered (again).  For sale a K2 kit with the following options:  KSB2,  
KDSP2,  
FDIMP,  KPCA-F,  KIO2,  KUSB,  KBT2,  KAT100-2,  EC2,  and ETS2.  
All of these are New and un-built.  The S/N is 006972.  It includes the 
pre-wound Toroids and manuals.  
$ 1,000.00 firm.  Thank You!
 
David 
Home (301) 866-5771,  
Cell (240) 298-3278,   
casualobserver...@msn.com 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3: Receiving 4th Harmonic of AM Station

2010-07-23 Thread Jack Smith

Sounds like an application for a high pass filter. That strong a signal, 
and that it is not being detected by other receivers, certainly sounds 
as if it is being generated in the K3 due to overload.

There are 100 watt transmit power level AM broadcast band high pass 
filters available that can easily be installed.

Jack


On 7/23/2010 1:37 PM, Jay wrote:
 The local AM station on 940 is wiping out my K3 on 1880 and 3760 to the
 tune of 20-30db over.  Have the same problem with just the sub
 receiver.  Plugged in my K2 and FT-900 and don't have the problem.  Any
 ideas other the bench the K3 :-)


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Re: [Elecraft] Balun Questions

Interesting enough his high power one uses two cores and appears to be
made the same as the budget one that is wound on one core...  Seems
like stacking them on top of one another is going to just couple them
and hinder your isolation but maybe I'm wrong there

http://www.balundesigns.com/servlet/the-78/4-cln-1-dual-core-current/Detail

~Brett (N7MG)

On Fri, Jul 23, 2010 at 11:31 AM, Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com wrote:

 Ok I was referring to a design that was using one core to make a
 4:1...  I think the caveat that was being used was that they felt they
 could do this and be safe enough with it still being a balun as long
 as the load was floating (but I'm not 100% sure thats really the
 case)...

 I can 100% guarantee you that does not balance the load. I know the design
 comes from a source considered reliable, but it is seriously flawed. If you
 want a balanced voltage and/or current into a feedline and a real antenna,
 it cannot happen with that design. It not only does not work in theory, I
 have dozens of actual measurements to support it does not work in the real
 world.

 So is a multi aperture core good enough for that or would two toroids
 be a better idea?

 So long as the multi-aperture core does not have mutual coupling between the
 individual transmission line cores, it would work. Unfortunately that is not
 likely either. :-)

 73 Tom

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Re: [Elecraft] SDR with a Twist

2010-07-23 Thread Bill W4ZV



Steve Ellington wrote:
 
 You're right 
 about PwrSDR being a resource hog. I had to get a dual core cpu just to
 run 
 LP Pan smoothly. 
 

LP-Pan is not the hog...PowerSDR is the hog (a.k.a. dog).  I much prefer CW
Skimmer's waterfall and run it directly from LP-PAN without the HRD/PowerSDR
garbage attached.  Using an old 1 GHz P3, I've run the N1MM/Skimmer combo in
several contests over the past 2 years with no CPU overload problems.  

Skimmer's waterfall is the best I've ever used and is legal for Unassisted
categories using Blind Mode.  Here are some comments from one of the world's
top contesters (6 CQ WW World wins in the past 10 years):

http://lists.contesting.com/pipermail/skimmertalk/2008-November/000191.html

Note that his comments about no knobs apply only to SP mode...not running
mode.

73,  Bill

P.S.  José now uses two K3s in his SO2R setup.

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Re: [Elecraft] Off Topic Hearing Aids

2010-07-23 Thread Fred Jensen

I have Phonak hearing aids.  The audiologist at the VA had one of these 
and let me try it out [it didn't look exactly the same as in the web 
page, maybe an earlier model].  I fed the headphone out from my K3 to 
it.  It worked.  Not fantastic however.  My hearing aids were still on 
and I got a lot of room and ambient noise QRM, and I missed having the 
cans on.  The Phonak thing isn't cheap.

I have a small outboard audio amplifier that I use with the K3/K2/KX1, I 
can get enough audio to drive the Heil cans to distortion, and the K3 RX 
equalizer helps some on SSB which is not one of my usual modes anyway.

Maybe he could get a loan from his provider to try it out before getting 
it.  Hearing is a fickle sense ... what works for one is useless for 
another.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2010 Cal QSO Party 2-3 Oct 2010
- www.cqp.org

Mike Short wrote:
 My dad recently got fitted with new hearing aids, and is a ham. 
 
 They are here:
 http://www.phonak.com/com/b2c/en/products/accessories/communication/icom/ove
 rview.html
 
 He did not get the iCOM unit yet, but will probably soon. Any hints, ideas,
 etc to help get him back on the air?
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Re: [Elecraft] Balun Questions

2010-07-23 Thread Wes Stewart

I haven't taken, nor at the moment do I have, the time to analyze this, but 
I'll throw it out.

http://home.earthlink.net/~christrask/Trask4to1Balun.pdf

Wes  N7WS

--- On Fri, 7/23/10, Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com wrote:

 
 Ok I was referring to a design that was using one core to
 make a
 4:1...  I think the caveat that was being used was
 that they felt they
 could do this and be safe enough with it still being a
 balun as long
 as the load was floating (but I'm not 100% sure thats
 really the
 case)...
 
 I can 100% guarantee you that does not balance the load. I
 know the design 
 comes from a source considered reliable, but it is
 seriously flawed. If you 
 want a balanced voltage and/or current into a feedline and
 a real antenna, 
 it cannot happen with that design. It not only does not
 work in theory, I 
 have dozens of actual measurements to support it does not
 work in the real 
 world.
 
 So is a multi aperture core good enough for that or
 would two toroids
 be a better idea?
 
 So long as the multi-aperture core does not have mutual
 coupling between the 
 individual transmission line cores, it would work.
 Unfortunately that is not 
 likely either. :-)
 
 73 Tom 


  
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[Elecraft] KPA-500 with 5w transmitter...

2010-07-23 Thread Rick McClelland, AA5S

I've been watching the details regarding the as-yet-to-be-released Elecraft
KPA-500 amplifier.   I presently own a QRP rig which puts out 5w but,
eventually, I'll upgrade to a 100w PA.  My question is whether the KPA-500
would function adequately with the QRP rig.  Presuming 15db power gain, I
would see about 150w output or 75w output with 12db gain.  Putting aside the
obvious question as to why someone would want to pair a $2k amplifier with a
$600 radio, does anyone see any reason why this wouldn't be advisable?
I've never owned any type of amplifier before so I am in the clueless
category when it comes to issues related to driving an amplifier.
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Re: [Elecraft] Balun Questions

2010-07-23 Thread Phil Hystad

Would this work with any tuner?  That is, can I take a regular unbalanced tuner 
and put a dummy load on the input and then use it to create an artificial 
mismatch for testing?

73, phil, K7PEH

P.S.   Loss issues would not be important for my thinking of doing this.

On Jul 23, 2010, at 11:22 AM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote:

 Brett,

 Do you have an old link coupled tuner - like the Johnson Matchbox or a
 homebrew one with plug-in coils?
 If you do, hook it up backwards with a dummy load on the normal input
 side.
 You have just created a tunable artificial antenna - tune the Matchbox
 to produce whatever load impedance you want.

 73,
 Don W3FPR

 Brett Howard wrote:
  But to go beyond that I'll need some sort of
  antenna probably to do further testing cause I don't have enough loads
  nor do I have a 200ohm dummy... ;)
 
 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 with 5w transmitter...

2010-07-23 Thread Lyle Johnson


 ...I presently own a QRP rig which puts out 5w but,
 eventually, I'll upgrade to a 100w PA.  My question is whether the KPA-500
 would function adequately with the QRP rig.

I've successfully used the KPA500 with less than 5 watts drive in 
prototype testing.  It does what you'd expect given the gain.

73,

Lyle KK7P

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Re: [Elecraft] Balun Questions

Just bought the last copy of this book that Amazon had in stock for
17.95 + 3.99 in shipping.  Looks like it will be a very nice reference
to have on the shelf...

Thanks!

~Brett (N7MG)

On Fri, Jul 23, 2010 at 5:21 AM, WILLIS COOKE wrco...@yahoo.com wrote:
 Brett, I would recommend the Book Understanding, Building and Using Baluns
 and Ununs by the late Jerry Sevick, avaliable from CQ
 http://store.cq-amateur-radio.com/Categories.bok?category=Books%3AAntennassearchpath=1547318start=10total=17
 With this book, a BS in Physics, 54 years as a ham and 30 years as an EE I
 finally understood enough to make a balun or an unun.  I don't understand
 them well enough to answer your questions correctly.  I read all the stuff I
 could find on the internet and 50 years of ham magazines before I bought the
 book and was still too confused to pick a core and build the unun that I
 needed.  If you just want a 4:1 balun and don't want a study course, I would
 recommend that you buy one.  If you really need one that works 160 to 10 buy
 an expensive one from a good source, the ones that I tested did not have the
 advertised bandwidth.  I did not test the Elecraft balun, but what I have
 seen of Elecraft engineering would give me confidence to try one.

 Willis 'Cookie' Cooke
 K5EWJ

 
 From: Brett Howard br...@livecomputers.com
 To: elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Fri, July 23, 2010 3:53:42 AM
 Subject: [Elecraft] Balun Questions

 I'll preface this by explaining that I'm a digital guy and I've lately
 decided I want to get a little better understanding of magnetics and
 RF...  Thus why I'm taking on making my own W3NQN band pass filters and
 I've also been interested in building a Balun...

 So I've looked at a few sites describing how to make a 4:1 balun...  One
 such solution is to take 2 100 ohm 1:1 baluns and connect them in
 parallel on the input side and in series on the output side...

 I looked at the Elecraft BL1 manual but I didn't see what material the
 core was...  However in another article I saw someone post the recommend
 getting a FT140-61 and winding 7 to 8 turns on each side to make the two
 100 ohm feedlines.

 So I ran the numbers and 8 turns on a FT140-61 gives you about 100 ohms
 on 160 meters.  Thus two 100 ohm points in parallel gives you 50 ohms in
 and 200 ohms out.  4:1... Great.

 However at say 40 meters...  Each feedline is 430 ohms.  Thus you've got
 a 215ohm input and a 860 ohm output.  This just seems like it would make
 a mess.  Why does it still work?

 Finally I'll explain my final goal...  I've looked at several ways to
 make a 4:1 which involves using two 1:1's.  Then there are methods to
 take 2 4:1's to make a 6:1 (the feedlines are 125ohm windings to pull
 this off).  My final goal is to try to make a 6:1 and use it to use
 ladder line once I get through the wall with coax.  I always just
 figured that a 6:1 would be better as it would have a 50 ohm in and a
 true 300 ohm out.

 However once you get away from the design frequency the feed impedances
 go to pot...  So is there really much difference in the 6:1 and the 4:1?
 I've read of many people doing what I'm talking about with a 4:1 and
 just figured that a 6:1 should provide a better match...  Am I thinking
 right or is the match so terrible anyway that it doesn't so much
 matter?

 Is it just that the thing balances the currents on the outputs and I'm
 just over thinking the matching ability?

 Appreciated gentlemen.

 ~Brett (N7MG)

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[Elecraft] Question for K3 Designers or LCD experts...

Is the custom segmented display on the K3 a TN fluid?

~Brett (N7MG)
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Re: [Elecraft] Balun Questions

Brett,

The coupling between the toroids is not as much of a problem as the flux 
cancellation when an attempt to use one core - that just does not work 
right.

73,
Don W3FPR

Brett Howard wrote:
 Interesting enough his high power one uses two cores and appears to be
 made the same as the budget one that is wound on one core...  Seems
 like stacking them on top of one another is going to just couple them
 and hinder your isolation but maybe I'm wrong there

 http://www.balundesigns.com/servlet/the-78/4-cln-1-dual-core-current/Detail

 ~Brett (N7MG)
   

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Re: [Elecraft] Balun Questions

2010-07-23 Thread Kok Chen


On Jul 23, 2010, at 12:41 PM, Brett Howard wrote:

 Just bought the last copy of this book that Amazon had in stock for
 17.95 + 3.99 in shipping.  Looks like it will be a very nice reference
 to have on the shelf...
 
 Understanding, Building and Using Baluns
 and Ununs by the late Jerry Sevick, avaliable from CQ
 http://store.cq-amateur-radio.com/Categories.bok?category=Books%3AAntennassearchpath=1547318start=10total=17

Sevick had also written a series of Balun articles in Communications Quarterly. 
 

ARRL bought Communications Quarterly from CQ Communications and merged it into 
QEX, so Comm Quarterly is no more.  But the ARRL has archived all the old 
issues of Communications Quarterly from 1990 until 1999 into a single CD-ROM, 
that you can read on older Windows machines and by using QST Browser on Mac 
OS X.

For ready built W2FMI Baluns and Ununs, take a look here

http://www.cwsbytemark.com/

73
Chen, W7AY

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Re: [Elecraft] P3 ship date

2010-07-23 Thread W4CCS

Sorry if I missed a thread on this, but did Elecraft miss the July 17 
proposed ship date for the P3..??

W4CCS
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 ship date

2010-07-23 Thread Phil Hystad

I hope so because I haven't received my P3 yet.


On Jul 23, 2010, at 01:18 PM, W4CCS w4...@w4ccs.com wrote:

 Sorry if I missed a thread on this, but did Elecraft miss the July 17
 proposed ship date for the P3..??

 W4CCS
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 ship date

2010-07-23 Thread Don Cunningham

Yes, Eric's last update said first shipments in the 7/26-7/30 range.  5
 to 6 weeks to clear the backlog.  We're all anxious for a new update though 
:)
73,
Don, WB5HAK 

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Re: [Elecraft] P3 ship date

2010-07-23 Thread Jim Miller KG0KP

According to the status I saw 10 days ago, there was a 1-2 week delay from 
one of the suppliers and they had hoped for arrival of the parts today and 
first CUSTOMER ship for 26-30th.  That is NEXT week !!!  The testers have 
some now.

Can't wait.

73, Jim

- Original Message - 
From: Phil Hystad phys...@mac.com
To: W4CCS w4...@w4ccs.com
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 3:21 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] P3 ship date


I hope so because I haven't received my P3 yet.
 

 On Jul 23, 2010, at 01:18 PM, W4CCS w4...@w4ccs.com wrote:

 Sorry if I missed a thread on this, but did Elecraft miss the July 17
 proposed ship date for the P3..??

 W4CCS
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 BFO problem

2010-07-23 Thread Ken Mohler

You were right, Don, as usual.  The problem was an unsoldered point on the
control board. I was looking on the wrong board the whole time. All tests
and adjustments on Part II are complete and I'm moving forward.  Thanks for
all the help!

Ken
K0WKM

-Original Message-
From: Don Wilhelm [mailto:w3...@embarqmail.com] 
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010 9:06 AM
To: Ken Mohler
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 BFO problem

Ken,

You are likely chasing a bad solder connection - things that change by 
themselves is usually an indication of a solder problem.
You are getting close if it was the Q24 drain voltage changing.  Check 
RF Board R98, and then go to the Control Board and check the components 
shown on the Control Board schematic area marked ALC (at the top of 
the page).  Double-check the position of the components soldered on the 
back of the board.   When in CAL FCTR, tapping BAND+ should result in a 
high voltage on the VALC line, and tapping BAND-, it should drop to 
zero.  Don't forget to check the connectors between the Control Board 
and the RF Board.

73,
Don W3FPR


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Re: [Elecraft] Balun Questions

Interesting enough his high power one uses two cores and appears to be
made the same as the budget one that is wound on one core...  Seems
like stacking them on top of one another is going to just couple them
and hinder your isolation but maybe I'm wrong there

Hi Bret,

With two toroids spaced with air gap, coupling is much less between the 
transmission lines. The lower the mutual coupling the better behaved the 
balun is into balanced loads or less that perfectly balanced loads. I expect 
two toroids with some air gap between them to be acceptably isolated, 
although it would be best to confirm this.

The budget balun however is a mistake.  It is electrically impossible for 
that balun to feed a real load, like an antenna, with balanced currents. It 
will work just dandy on a single small floating resistor, but that is not a 
balanced load.  A single small floating resitor has no defined balance at 
all, because it has nearly infinite common mode impedance.

I'll have an article out in a week or so, maybe less, that explains this all 
in detail.

73 Tom



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Re: [Elecraft] Off Topic Hearing Aids

2010-07-23 Thread Robert G. Strickland

Mike...

Some more experiential info. I wear in-the-ear hearing aids. As Don 
mentioned, using headphones produces a lot of whistling feedback. I work 
CW almost exclusively, and in this environment I put the hearing aids on 
standby and that works nicely. Good high frequency roll off g. Voice 
modes are another matter that others no doubt can comment on much better 
than I can. I would second Don's other comment to bypass wireless 
arrangements. Go with hard wiring from radio to headphones and avoid 
much heartburn.

...robert

On 7/23/2010 12:06, Don Wilhelm wrote:
 Mike,

 I have hearing aids - behind the ear type.  The only problem is that
 many headphones produce feedback, so I use speakers.  I do have a couple
 set of headphones that work OK with them - they have large cuffs and
 hold the transducers further from the ears than most.  Go to an audio
 shop and try the headphones before buying.

 Forget the Bluetooth and other external devices IMHO, those hearing aids
 have progrms that can be set.

 I have one program that has no noise reduction, just the amplification
 that matches my hearing loss, and I use that for listening to ham radio
 or music.  Many audiologists do not consider a program like that for
 most users, so just ask.  If your dad is normally in a low noise local
 environment (home situation), it will sound more natural.  Yes, if I
 kick in the NR on the hearing aids, CW sounds choppy, but SSB voice is OK.

 73,
 Don W3FPR

 Mike Short wrote:
 My dad recently got fitted with new hearing aids, and is a ham.

 They are here:
 http://www.phonak.com/com/b2c/en/products/accessories/communication/icom/ove
 rview.html



 He did not get the iCOM unit yet, but will probably soon. Any hints, ideas,
 etc to help get him back on the air?



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-- 
Robert G. Strickland, PhD, ABPH - KE2WY
rc...@verizon.net
Syracuse, New York, USA
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Re: [Elecraft] air travel with SLA batteries (was Re: OT Carryingradios on commercial flight)

2010-07-23 Thread Doug Turnbull

John,
This is an interesting piece.   I note that at the start of the TSA
notice that it specifically mentions Lithium Ion batteries.   Does this mean
that a package of Alkaline batteries with which the battery terminals are
covered with plastic or pasteboard as originally purchased would be okay?
I use to like bringing back a brick/box of forty 1.5 V AA batteries from
CostCo.   These are Kirkland Alkaline batteries.   Battery prices are much
better in the USA than in EI land.

  Thank you for the information and any answer to my question would be
welcome.

  73 Doug EI2CN 

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of John Shadle
Sent: 23 July 2010 19:20
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] air travel with SLA batteries (was Re: OT Carryingradios
on commercial flight)

Here is a relevant post I recently submitted to the QRP-L lists which
may be of interest to folks here.

For the record, no one asked me to turn anything on.

-john W4PAH

Hi all,
I recently made a trip to Anchorage, AK for work and decided to carry
on two 17Ah SLA (sealed lead-acid) batteries to support my operations.
Some folks on the list said don't risk it and ship them ahead of
time. Others said, tape the terminals and pack them in your
carry-on.

Since I had done this in the past (with 7Ah batteries) I decided to
risk it again.

I found a web page on the TSA's site which was helpful and printed it
out to carry with me.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/batteries.shtm

This ultimately proved helpful during my departure from RDU (Raleigh
Durham Airport) on Saturday morning. The TSA agent (who had 1 stripe
on his shoulder-boards) told me that unless I had an electric
wheelchair, I wasn't allowed to carry on these batteries. I explained
to him that I had taped the terminals and packed them in bubble-wrap
to protect them from damage. I showed him the web page which I had
printed out which stated that you must Place each battery in its own
protective case, plastic bag, or package, or place tape across the
battery's contacts to isolate terminals. Isolating terminals prevents
short-circuiting.

I had followed all of the rules. He brought over his supervisor who
had three stripes on her shoulder boards (I have no idea how many you
can have, but I saw folks with one, two, and three). She read my
printout and looked in a manual she had. After reading it a few
minutes she let me pass. I thanked the one-striper for his patience
(and tried not to do so in a sarcastic or snarky way), and re-packed
my bag. Success!

On the way back from my trip, I was again pulled aside and another
one-striper unpacked my carry-on and ran everything through again. He
said, Oh, you must be an amateur radio operator. We had a short
conversation. He was impressed with the radios and stuff I had. ;-) No
questions at all, he just wanted to make sure the SLA batteries
weren't concealing something in the x-ray image that could've been
below or above them in the bag.

So, I think in the future the lesson learned is to be prepared by
following the rules for protecting your batteries from the TSA's web
site (tape over terminals to prevent a short, pack the batteries in
bubble wrap or a bubble-wrap envelope), printing out the page from the
TSA's web site, and be patient as you go through all levels of TSA
employees until you reach someone who actually knows the rules.

73
-john W4PAH

P.S. I wasn't able to do much operating at all while in Alaska,
unfortunately. My free day ended up being very rainy and I wasn't able
to find a covered picnic table at the city park where I visited.
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Re: [Elecraft] anything the requires an external computer -- was Deposits on hypothetical future products

  So I'm not allowed to express MY opinion? Sorry, I don't buy that.

Mike

On 7/23/2010 9:42 AM, Gary Hvizdak wrote:

 Mike,

 There are lots of folks who want such a product.  No one is forcing you 
 to buy one.

 73,
 Gary  KI4GGX

 -

 *Mike* 
 mailto:elecraft%40mailman.qth.net?Subject=Re:%20%5BElecraft%5D%20Deposits%20on%20hypothetical%20future%20productsIn-Reply-To=%3C4C498A2D.40400%40nf4l.com%3E
 /Fri Jul 23 08:25:17 EDT 2010/

I sincerely hope it NEVER becomes anything the requires an external 
 computer to run.
   
 73, Mike NF4L


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[Elecraft] Re K3: 4th Harmonic of AM Station

2010-07-23 Thread Jay

Found the problem:  Seems the key out line to the linear was causing 
it. Don't use the linear anyway so I just unplugged that line.  
Thanks for the help.
As a note, the radio room is upstairs so I do not use a ground since 
it causes all kinds of ugly things to happen with tuning.  From up here 
the nearest dirt is about 25 to 30 feet away.

Jay,  W6JDB   Bend, OR
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 VOX

  Thanks Joe.

I looked in the manual (paper and PDF), and didn't find what I wanted. Could 
you cite 
a page?

What I'm after is PTT on SSB (the only voice mode I have) , VOX on CW, AFSK A.

73, Mike

On 7/23/2010 11:05 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
 It's already there on a mode group (SSB/AM/FM/DATA vs.
 CW/FSK_D/PSK_D) basis.  See the manual ...

 73,

  ... Joe, W4TV


 On 7/23/2010 8:20 AM, Mike wrote:
 Over

 On 7/22/2010 1:59 PM, Mike wrote:
  The K3 seems to remember VOX on/off on a per band basis.
 Any chance to have it on a per mode basis?

 73, Mike NF4L
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Re: [Elecraft] OT Carrying radios on commercial flight

2010-07-23 Thread James SARTE


  I've taken several HT's with me on both domestic and international 
flights with no hassle.  Was never even questioned...

73 de James K2QI

On 7/23/10 7:09 AM, Alan Price wrote:
 I have not done this in recent years.  I want to carry several radios (KX1 
 and a scanner) on board a commercial domestic(Delta) flight.  What security 
 issues will I encounter?



 73

 Alan

 W1HYV
   
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 VOX

2010-07-23 Thread Lyle Johnson


 What I'm after is PTT on SSB (the only voice mode I have) , VOX on CW, AFSK A.

CW's VOX is independent, all the other modes lump VOX together, so you 
can't have VOX on DATA and no VOX on SSB without pressing the front 
panel button (or sending a serial port command) to set the VOX state the 
way you want it.

73,

Lyle KK7P
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 VOX

2010-07-23 Thread Joe Subich, W4TV


  What I'm after is PTT on SSB (the only voice mode I have) , VOX on
  CW, AFSK A.

That's not the way it works.  As I said below, the settings are
separate on a per group - audio input (SSB, AM, FM, AFSK A, DATA A)
vs. paddle input (CW, FSK D, PSK D) - basis.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 7/23/2010 5:40 PM, Mike wrote:
 Thanks Joe.

 I looked in the manual (paper and PDF), and didn't find what I
 wanted. Could you cite a page?

 What I'm after is PTT on SSB (the only voice mode I have) , VOX on
 CW, AFSK A.

 73, Mike

 On 7/23/2010 11:05 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
 It's already there on a mode group (SSB/AM/FM/DATA vs.
 CW/FSK_D/PSK_D) basis.  See the manual ...

 73,

 ... Joe, W4TV


 On 7/23/2010 8:20 AM, Mike wrote:
 Over

 On 7/22/2010 1:59 PM, Mike wrote:
 The K3 seems to remember VOX on/off on a per band basis. Any
 chance to have it on a per mode basis?

 73, Mike NF4L
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 VOX

  Thanks, Lyle. Maybe someday it could make it's way onto the wish list.  :-(

73, Mike

On 7/23/2010 5:59 PM, Lyle Johnson wrote:
 What I'm after is PTT on SSB (the only voice mode I have) , VOX on CW, AFSK 
 A.
 CW's VOX is independent, all the other modes lump VOX together, so you
 can't have VOX on DATA and no VOX on SSB without pressing the front
 panel button (or sending a serial port command) to set the VOX state the
 way you want it.

 73,

 Lyle KK7P
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Re: [Elecraft] OT Carrying radios on commercial flight

2010-07-23 Thread k6rb

Having just flown back and forth from California to New York, with my K3,
Buddipole, etc., I can give an up-to-date report on TSA doings. I had the
K3, PS cable, short length of RG-8X with two PL-259s, and my Kent paddle
in the two side pockets of my K3 carrying case, and the K3 with foam
inserts in the mid-section.

The bag went right through the security x-ray with no one asking me
anything about it. The suitcase, which I checked, had the Buddipole, its
tripod, a power supply, and mobile MFJ transmatch (plus clothes, tennis
racquet, and toiletries bag). It, too, went through without disturbance. I
know that because everything was exactly where I had placed it coming and
going.

This is in sharp contrast to my trip last summer where they went through
the suitcase and succeeded in breaking the knobs on an MFJ antenna
analyzer I had packed.

So, maybe they're getting more used to nomad ham ops with stations in
carry-on bags and suitcases.

Rob K6RB

I have not done this in recent years. I want to carry several radios (KX1
and a scanner) on board a commercial domestic(Delta) flight. What
security issues will I encounter?

Alan

W1HYV

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Re: [Elecraft] Off Topic Hearing Aids

2010-07-23 Thread k6rb

As a hearing-impaired operator, I wanted to let you all know about a
fairly recent hearing-aid technology. It is manufactured by a company in
Newark, California, and the device is called a lyric.

It is a small, completely-in-the-canal device. It sits a millimeter away
from your eardrum. So, it is in essence an ear-canal amplifier that boosts
the natural sound coming in the ear canal (rather than amplifying sound
picked up on an outside the ear canal microphone.

The difference is nothing short of dramatic. Sounds are much more natural
sounding. There are no whistles like one gets with a partially in the
canal device.

It is inserted and left in place for about four months at a time. Then, it
is removed and replaced with a new pair. So, no batteries to mess with, no
daily insertion and removal, etc. I'm in a clinical trial on a new model
that is even smaller. This one will ultimately allow one to use ear plugs
and scuba dive. The current model cannot be used where ones head is
immersed in water - so no swimming, no diving.

I can't wait to try them during the next contest (I just joined the
program). I had a partially in the ear device which I hated and never used
with the radios. Now, maybe, I'll even enjoy phone contests instead of
trying to make sense of the garbled sibilants.

Rob K6RB

 Mike,

 I have hearing aids - behind the ear type.  The only problem is that
 many headphones produce feedback, so I use speakers.  I do have a couple
 set of headphones that work OK with them - they have large cuffs and
 hold the transducers further from the ears than most.  Go to an audio
 shop and try the headphones before buying.

 Forget the Bluetooth and other external devices IMHO, those hearing aids
 have progrms that can be set.

 I have one program that has no noise reduction, just the amplification
 that matches my hearing loss, and I use that for listening to ham radio
 or music.  Many audiologists do not consider a program like that for
 most users, so just ask.  If your dad is normally in a low noise local
 environment (home situation), it will sound more natural.  Yes, if I
 kick in the NR on the hearing aids, CW sounds choppy, but SSB voice is OK.

 73,
 Don W3FPR

 Mike Short wrote:
 My dad recently got fitted with new hearing aids, and is a ham.

 They are here:
 http://www.phonak.com/com/b2c/en/products/accessories/communication/icom/ove
 rview.html



 He did not get the iCOM unit yet, but will probably soon. Any hints,
 ideas,
 etc to help get him back on the air?



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[Elecraft] K3: Receiving 4th Harmonic of AM Station

2010-07-23 Thread Rick Stealey


On my K3, without a general coverage option, I tuned down below 160 meters and 
heard some broadcast stations, and compared the signal strength to another 
transceiver I have which has general coverage.  In the range of 1400 KHz the K3 
copied fine, but when I tuned down around 1200 KHz I couldn't copy anything on 
the K3.  Seems reasonable, that the 160 filter rolled off down in that range.  
Why then can a broadcast station clear down at 940 KHz get through to overload 
the front end of the K3?
Come on!  This is the receiver, the best in the world, that can copy weak 
signals right up next to 60 over 9 contest kilowatts.  I can't believe this K3 
receiver generates spurs from broadcast stations clear down at 940 KHz.  Read 
his post - he said an FT-900 and a K2 don't exhibit the problem.
My bet is there is a bad component in the front end somewhere.  A K3 should not 
crumble in these circumstances.
I think it's time to get out the 8640B signal generator and see for myself what 
level it takes to generate 2nd and 4th harmonics like that in a K3.  I'll know 
within the next 15 minutes.  QRX one.

Rick  K2XT
  
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Re: [Elecraft] Re K3: 4th Harmonic of AM Station

 Found the problem:  Seems the key out line to the linear was causing
 it. Don't use the linear anyway so I just unplugged that line.
 Thanks for the help.
 As a note, the radio room is upstairs so I do not use a ground since
 it causes all kinds of ugly things to happen with tuning.  From up here
 the nearest dirt is about 25 to 30 feet away.


Jay,

It would be really useful to learn why the key out line did that. It is very 
unusual. What type of amplifier do you have, and what antenna and band???

Tom 

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Re: [Elecraft] OT Carrying radios on commercial flight

2010-07-23 Thread Leigh L. Klotz, Jr. WA5ZNU

I quite recently flew to Europe from California, and back, with a KX1 and
an HT and Buddipole (in suitcase).  I put a copy of the QRP Quarterly in
my backpack, as it has a big ad for the KX1 in it, but they didn't look.

Operating QRP in rural Europe is interesting: there was no noise, and I
could hear plenty of signals from Europe and the US East Coast, but I was
below everybody else's noise floor.

Leigh/WA5ZNU


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[Elecraft] hearing aids

2010-07-23 Thread ussv dharma

since there is so much ado about hearing aids...I just solved a problem for 
Veterans and hearing aids.,

I did the internet research of chief of staff meetings and minutes and 
presented Honolulu VA Chief of Prosthetics with the info.

IF you have 179 or more days of Honorable Service, retired or not, you are 
entitled to two hearing aids (at VA expense) if your hearing loss impacts on 
your daily living.

Have your primary care Dr. certify this.I now have mine and they were $3500 
each.

Great Grandmas Susan

.
If you don't change direction you WILL arrive exactly where you're 
headed!! Susan Meckley, Skipper W7KFI-mm  AFA9SM USSV 
DHARMA 


--- On Fri, 7/23/10, Casual Observer casualobserver...@msn.com wrote:

 From: Casual Observer casualobserver...@msn.com
 Subject: [Elecraft] Please post my ad
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Date: Friday, July 23, 2010, 8:50 AM
 
 Priced lowered (again).  For sale a K2 kit with the
 following options:  KSB2,  KDSP2,  
 FDIMP,  KPCA-F,  KIO2,  KUSB, 
 KBT2,  KAT100-2,  EC2,  and ETS2.  
 All of these are New and un-built.  The S/N is
 006972.  It includes the pre-wound Toroids and
 manuals.  
 $ 1,000.00 firm.  Thank You!
  
 David 
 Home (301) 866-5771,  
 Cell (240) 298-3278,   
 casualobserver...@msn.com 
        
 
       
   
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 recorder

2010-07-23 Thread ussv dharma

I do use headphones 24/7...it is just that using the recorder and getting it to 
playback while transmitting is overwhelmingI gave up.

Great Grandmaw Susan   (Ex  Msgtgot a problem sonny?_


If you don't change direction you WILL arrive exactly where you're 
headed!! Susan Meckley, Skipper W7KFI-mm  AFA9SM USSV 
DHARMA 


--- On Fri, 7/23/10, w...@w5ov.com w...@w5ov.com wrote:

 From: w...@w5ov.com w...@w5ov.com
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 recorder
 To: David Pratt da...@g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk
 Cc: ussv dharma ussvdha...@yahoo.com, elecraft 
 elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Date: Friday, July 23, 2010, 8:18 AM
 
 You can hear what you're transmitting with the monitor
 feature.
 
 Wait - I think I know what the issue is - I'm guessing that
 you are not
 using headphones, so you don't want the monitor on except
 when playing
 back a DVR recording.
 
 My mistake.
 
 I presumed you would be using headphones to get the best
 results from your
 K3's receiver.
 
 73,
 
 Bob W5OV
 (always uses headphones)
 
 
 
  Don't worry about it, Susan.  Wayne has on his
 'list' to include some
  refinements to the KDVR3 to enable us to actually hear
 what is being
  transmitted.  Until then, my own KDVR3 is on
 hold.
 
  73 de David G4DMP
 
  In a recent message, ussv dharma ussvdha...@yahoo.com
 wrote ...
 
 I have finally just given up.  I no longer try
 to use the K3 recorder
 to show the other ham how his signal
 sounds.just too darned
 confusing.
 
 Great Grandmaw Susan
  --
  David G4DMP
  Leeds, England, UK
  --
 
 
 
 
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[Elecraft] Receiving 4th Harmonic of AM Station

2010-07-23 Thread Rick Stealey

So now we know it wasn't caused by overload. But since I went to the trouble
of hauling my signal generator up to the shack and connecting it to my K3 I
figured you guys might like to know how your K3 will stand up to a big signal
on the broadcast band. Let's not be so quick to assume this fantastic receiver
can be overloaded to the point where it generates 20 over 9 signals on 160 and
80 meters !!!

The 8640B is connected to the K3 through a coupler, and the antenna is
connected to the other port. The generator is tuned to 940 KHz and the K3 is
tuned to 1880 and 3760.
The generator is cranked up till the K3 hears a signal at about S5 on 1880, a
little over my local static level. The generator is putting out -40 dbm. S5
is about a -100 dbm signal.
Most likely the S5 signal is the 2nd harmonic of the signal generator, 60 db
down, not caused by the K3, because guess why? Because putting the attenuator
on doesn't kill the signal like it would if it was internally generated. Your
K3 isn't going to be bothered by killer AM broadcast band signals, at least not
to the point where it generates 20 over 9 spurs, fear not !!

Just for kicks (I've always wanted to do this) I tuned in some EU stations
around 7008.
Then set the generator to -20 dbm. Now let me tell you , -20 dbm is one,
friggin, HUGE signal. And tuned it down the band until its effect was noticible
on the weak signals. Want to guess how close I could get? 7008.3 !! 300
cycles away from weak Europeans, with a 60 db over 9 interfering signal

Rick K2XT

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Re: [Elecraft] hearing aids

2010-07-23 Thread Fred Jensen

ussv dharma wrote:

 IF you have 179 or more days of Honorable Service, retired or not,
 you are entitled to two hearing aids (at VA expense) if your hearing
 loss impacts on your daily living.

The VA has given me aids for years, and they replace them with new 
technology ones periodically.  For the last 7 years I've had about 
$6,500 worth of fantastic DSP microelectronics stuffed in my ears thanks 
to the US Taxpayer.   They are supposed to have a life of 3-4 years 
these are going strong.  I certainly hope I deserve this gift, they 
really have changed my life.  We're going down to see the Pirates of 
Penzance tonight and I WILL be able to hear the orchestra and actors :-)

That said, for anyone with hearing problems and a K3, while my aids 
don't work under my Heil headphones [they feed back ... I can't hear it 
but it distorts the audio I can hear], you will be very surprised at 
what you can do with the K3 RX equalizer alone, it just takes some 
experimentation.  While it has +-16dB range for each band, I was able to 
approximate 32dB range by lowering the lower frequencies and raising the 
higher frequencies, and then turning up the little external audio amp to 
bring the lower frequencies back up.  My wife tells me the higher 
frequencies are distorted and deafeningly loud for her in the 
headphones, but I can't hear that anyway and as a result I can copy SSB 
with comfort in mild noise and QRM, although contests are a real struggle.

I got my amplifier at Radio Shack, it plugs directly into the headphone 
jack on the back of my K3, has three outputs, and runs on a couple AA 
cells forever, it seems.  This scheme does not fully restore my hearing 
of course, below 1KHz or so it's about 90 dB down, and gone above 
1.3-1.4 KHz, but it's brought rag chew SSB back into my hobby.

I don't know if the +-16dB per band limit on the RX EQ is an arbitrary 
value or constrained by something else in the DSP, but an option to have 
more than that, if possible, could get Elecraft some strong ADA points :-)

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2010 Cal QSO Party 2-3 Oct 2010
- www.cqp.org
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Re: [Elecraft] Receiving 4th Harmonic of AM Station

Very nice!! Fun test... You're nuts! But hey so am I. I take it you
have the 250Hz 8-pole filter in your radio in order for that to happen?

~Brett (N7MG)

On Fri, 2010-07-23 at 23:34 +, Rick Stealey wrote:

So now we know it wasn't caused by overload. But since I went to the trouble
of hauling my signal generator up to the shack and connecting it to my K3 I
figured you guys might like to know how your K3 will stand up to a big signal
on the broadcast band. Let's not be so quick to assume this fantastic
receiver can be overloaded to the point where it generates 20 over 9 signals
on 160 and 80 meters !!!

The 8640B is connected to the K3 through a coupler, and the antenna is
connected to the other port. The generator is tuned to 940 KHz and the K3 is
tuned to 1880 and 3760.
The generator is cranked up till the K3 hears a signal at about S5 on 1880, a
little over my local static level. The generator is putting out -40 dbm. S5
is about a -100 dbm signal.
Most likely the S5 signal is the 2nd harmonic of the signal generator, 60 db
down, not caused by the K3, because guess why? Because putting the
attenuator on doesn't kill the signal like it would if it was internally
generated. Your K3 isn't going to be bothered by killer AM broadcast band
signals, at least not to the point where it generates 20 over 9 spurs, fear
not !!

Just for kicks (I've always wanted to do this) I tuned in some EU stations
around 7008.
Then set the generator to -20 dbm. Now let me tell you , -20 dbm is one,
friggin, HUGE signal. And tuned it down the band until its effect was
noticible on the weak signals. Want to guess how close I could get? 7008.3
!! 300 cycles away from weak Europeans, with a 60 db over 9 interfering
signal

Rick K2XT

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[Elecraft] Ijterface between 30L1 and K3

2010-07-23 Thread John

Gentlemen,
While I am certain that this topic had its airing, I cannot find any 
reference in the accumulation of the '...Digest' I have at hand.  At the 
risk of resurrecting an old issue, I ask your indulgence and aid  in 
obtaining information concerning the requirements / indiosyncracies 
relating to conecting a K3 to a Collins 30L1 amplifier.
Thnk you in advance for your consideration in this matter.
John Kountz, KE6 

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Feature Request - Stopping CW Memory Playback with PTT

2010-07-23 Thread Bruce McLaughlin

On my K-3 touching the dit paddle will interrupt transmission of a CW
message from memory.  It reminds me quite a bit of the coastal stations when
they used to send CW.  Stations such as WCC would be sending their ID tapes
and all of a sudden you heard a single dit and the tape would stop.  The
operator would send that dit when he heard a ship calling.  My K-3 works in
much the same fashion.  If I am using QSK while sending a CW message from
memory if IE or anything all I need to do is touch the dit paddle and my
transmission stops.

Bruce-W8FU

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Tom W8JI
Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 6:41 AM
To: Brett Howard; Bob Naumann
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; 'Andy Wood'
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Feature Request - Stopping CW Memory Playback
with PTT


 While this is true I still feel that any KEY_IN source be it PTT or VOX
 or the paddles it should interrupt the memory keyer.

Makes total sense to me. Any call for another transmission source, VOX, PTT,

external key line input, or paddles, should halt automatic transmissions. 

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Re: [Elecraft] Ijterface between 30L1 and K3

John,

This answer applies to ANY amplfier, and is not specific to the Collins 
30L1 - follow these steps for any amplifier to verify that the K3 can be 
safely connected.

With any amplifier, the connections to the K3 are from KEYOUT to 
whatever amplifier input activates the T/R relay - some label it KEY-IN, 
others label it PTT and there are a few other designations - consult 
your amplifier's documentation for details.  I will refer to it as PTT 
in the points following.

Now that you have identified the amp's input to activate the T/R 
switching, check to see if it ias compatible with the K3.  With your 
DMM, measure the open circuit voltage on the PTT input to your 
amplifier.  Is it positive?  Is it less than 200 volts?  If the answer 
is YES to both questions, then go on to the next step, but if either 
answer is NO, you must provide some type of interface (relay) between 
the amp and the K3 (the Heath SB-200 and SB220 have negative voltages 
and cannot be directly connected to the K3).

OK, the next step is to measure the current - set your DMM to measure 
current, and connect one probe to the amp's PTT input and the other to 
ground. With power applied to the amplifier,  if the current indicated 
on your DMM is less than 5 amps, the K3 KEYOUT can handle it.

Connect the K3 KEYOUT to the amp's PTT IN, and connect a coax between 
the K3 RF Out and the amp's RF IN.  That is all there is to it.
With vacuum tube amplifiers, if there is an ALC output, I do not 
recommend using it - just adjust the K3 power output to properly drive 
the amplifier.  If you insist on connecting the ALC, first make certain 
your K3 has the update for negative going ALC voltage, and connect the 
amp's ALC out to the K3 ALC input.  DO NOT use the ALC for power control 
since that will only lead to distortion.  You will still need to control 
the K3 output power to properly drive the amplifier without activating 
the amp's ALC output.

Many solid state amplifiers insist on connecting the ALC output to the 
exciter.  These amplifiers have fault detection circuits that want to 
reduce or shut down the driving transceiver in case of a detected fault 
condition.  The same rule applies - go ahead and connect the ALC output 
to the K3, but do not use it for power control, use the K3 power level 
to control the amplifier's power output.  If the amp determines that a 
fault condition exists, it can use the ALC connection to reduce the 
drive from the K3 to a safe level.

73,
Don W3FPR

John wrote:
 Gentlemen,
 While I am certain that this topic had its airing, I cannot find any 
 reference in the accumulation of the '...Digest' I have at hand.  At the 
 risk of resurrecting an old issue, I ask your indulgence and aid  in 
 obtaining information concerning the requirements / indiosyncracies 
 relating to conecting a K3 to a Collins 30L1 amplifier.
 Thnk you in advance for your consideration in this matter.
 John Kountz, KE6 

   
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[Elecraft] K3 data decode for dummies?

2010-07-23 Thread Andrew Moore

Okay, I've got to ask for help now... I'm a geek and been a computer junkie
since 1980 or so, but for the life of me I can't figure out how to get my K3
to decode data modes.  All these choices: AFSK A at 45 bps, FSK D at 45, PSK
D at 31, DATA A... and I feel like I've tried every permutation of mode,
filter width, VFO tuning, etc.. and still come up with gibberish on the
display.  How do I know if the signal is at 31 or 45 bps; which mode;
etc...  Can someone give me a quick how to get up and running fast and
easy tutorial?  I've successfully decoded data via a sound card on the PC
before, but the K3's getting the better of me here.  Just want to try it out
on receive... only do 40m CW here (100%), but since the capability is there,
I'd like to try it out.

Sorry for the newbie Q's

..
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 data decode for dummies?