What I'm more interested as a big CW operator, rag chewer, DXer, es Contester,
is It's ability to handle full seamless silent QSK using quality vacuum relays.
Have Elecraft got that bit right!!
Ken..G0ORH K2, K3, P3.
Sent from my iPhone
On 8 Sep 2010, at 21:14, tom_k1tl k...@cox.net
Hi Ken
We all have our requirements! Mine would be good IMD performance.
Its certainly a very competitive market place. The new Ameritron ALS1300
is selling for $2500 dollars. The KPA500 certainly would have to deliver very
good performance against such a competitive price with double the
I appreciate everyone's enthusiasm to convince me and was warmed by an off-list
message from Wayne but as I explained to Wayne, my Flex is accurate to less
than 0.03 Hz @ 50 MHz and the suggested specification for the KREF3 is about
1Hz @ 20 MHz. That is an order of magnitude away from what I
I don't use alcohol , I use specific PCB safe cleaners.
Digi Key , Mouser etc etc sell cleaners 'safe' for various types of
boards .
Some I've used in the past are made by Chemtronics
Always make sure what ever your using isn't going to react with the parts
or
K3 #4123 now has it's companion P3 #432 next to it
hmm #'s 4123_432 weird huh?
Praise the LORD and pass the Elecraft.
disclaimer:
above comment not meant in any way derogatorily towards GOD
only meant to thank HIM
for the expertise of the folks @ Elecraft
and their extraordinary products and
Hi gents,
Done with the inventory check of the RF board, all there EXCEPT ... I
cannot seem to find the SMT1, IF-AGC amp, that is SMT mounted on a
daughter board. I do however have the two pcs 4-pin headers that go
along with it, and the other small SMT component (the pin diode). So
far, so
Plus a power supply and in VK land we pay very dearly for 100amp switcher.
I would not see a lot of difference in an ALS-600 + Power supply and the
KPA-500 with it's onboard power supply sitting alongside my K3...Grin
The ALS-600 price (about $1250) includes the power supply. BUT - no
Hi,
Not entirely there yet, but I am trying to think ahead of the build plan
with K2/100 #6936 with KSB2 option (etc...):
What microphones to choose and use for SSB ? -What are your experiences
- good and bad - with misc. makes and models of microphones with K2 ?
Go for dynamic or electret
Ken -- They don't have QSK right yet in the K3 so it would probably be a
stretch to expect QSK to be as you (and I) would expect in any of their
other equipment. At least in the K3, they are still 'working on it'!
161,
Tom - W4BQF
-Original Message-
From:
Thanks for all the interest.
73,
Rob
NV5E
From: roblitesp...@hotmail.com
To: elecraft...@yahoogroups.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2010 22:22:40 -0500
Subject: [Elecraft] FS: LP Pan + Emu 0202
P3 on the way, so time to sell the LP
At 0734 EDT on Thursday September 9th Brian Lodahl OZ2BRN wrote ...
I am trying to think ahead of the build plan with K2/100 #6936 with KSB2
option (etc...):
Hi Brian,
I suggest you consider getting the Rework Eliminator(TM) K2 Internal Mic
Adaptor (IMA), which is known to support the Heil
Brian,
The K2 has adequate microphone gain for high output dynamic elements and
electret elements.
Unfortunately, the Heil HC4 and HC5 elements are about 10 dB lower
output than many other amateur mics. There may or may not be enough
gain in the RF stages to compensate for the lowered mic
I use the K3 for MW reception sometimes. I don't have any specialized
receivers to compare it to but it works great on these frequencies.
Why not just compare it to whatever other receivers you have available
there?
I use a homemade 3-ft loop antenna on the main ant jack, ATU bypassed.
The loop
Ive' been using P3 #55 (factory assembled) for a few weeks with no problem.
This morning I turned on the K3 and P3, had a few QSOs and went upstairs for
some coffee. Came back about an hour later and I noticed a very broad signal
up the band. The signal was not only broad (maybe 10kHz wide), but
OK, after reading a good number of post on aligning the K2 transmitter, and
adding my own observations, I think I finally have my head around the
process.
I don't know that this has been summarized in a single post, and the intent
of this post is to verify what I think I now know, plus provide
Hi Dick,
Did you check that Config: Spkrs is set to 2? This happened to me, and I
didn't remember changing it to 1 from the 2 it had been set to. Like you, I
checked all the connections first before I checked Config _hi!
73 John, W2GW
- Original Message -
From: Richard S. Lindzen
Don,
Your analysis is right on.
The only thing I can add is that *if* during the tuning process, the
output power rises significantly (let's say to greater than 5 watts),
there is a possibility that you will not be able to discern the peak
because the RF Gain of the transmit stages may hit
It looks like Elecraft may be abandoning their traditional most bang
for the buck market position in favor of selling over priced matching
accessories to stupid yuppies.
Unlike the K3, a $2000 500W amp is not going to be in the best value
position in anyone's analysis, although I'm sure
It is full QSK, but silent, using PIN diodes rather than vacuum relays.
73,
Lyle KK7P
What I'm more interested as a big CW operator, rag chewer, DXer, es
Contester, is It's ability to handle full seamless silent QSK using quality
vacuum relays.
Hello Jack,
Elecraft's practice is to offer you different options to choose such as
additional ATU, PSU, remote control, band data decoder etc etc. As a result,
the initial price tag could be very attractive.
The merit of this arrangement is that you have the absolute freedom to choose
you
Yup, that was the problem. I feel a bit stupid, but its hard to keep
track of all the configurable possibilities.
73, Dick WO1I
At 09:29 AM 9/9/2010, John E. Reiser wrote:
Hi Dick,
Did you check that Config: Spkrs is set to 2? This happened to me,
and I didn't remember changing it to 1 from
Ewww, Jack You are soo mean... Stupid Yuppies... Come on Jack, why so angry
at a great USA company that ACTUALLY builds some great products?
Phil
Santa Fe
It looks like Elecraft may be abandoning their traditional most bang
for the buck market position in favor of selling over priced
Phil,
Jack You are soo mean... Stupid Yuppies...
While Stupid Yuppies may be a bit harsh, Jack has an excellent
point on the price/performance point of the KPA-500 based on the
current whisper price. Yes, the KPA-500 we've been seeing at
the hamfests has some interesting features but it is
Yeah, but . . . . . . . .
We've accepted this for years, reference ETO and Alpha Amplifiers.
And yes, I am a yuppie.
Dan -- N3ND
-Original Message-
From: Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Thu, Sep 9, 2010 11:28 am
Subject: Re: [Elecraft]
I'm not so sure. It's the same size as the K3, which is absolutely tiny.
Including the
built-in power supply, it's relatively light. So for operation in the field,
that is a big
plus. For those who operate 6 meters, that's imperative. For those who want QSK
-- again,
imperative.
Not to
On Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:28:29 -0400, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
Yes, the KPA-500 we've been seeing at
the hamfests has some interesting features but it is hard to
justify a nearly 100% premium over the ALS-600 for a smaller
form factor, six meters, QSK, and the Elecraft nameplate.
FWIW, the 6M-only
I don't think the gain and Tx EQ are separate. But if you send me the values
you want for bias, gain, and Tx Eq, I can recommend a couple of command macros
that you can invoke from front panel switches that will accomplish the complete
front to back switch.
Dick, K6KR
Sent from my iPhone
On
~
N2CQ QRP CONTEST CALENDAR
September 10 - October 10, 2010
~
FISTS: Get Your Feet Wet Weekend ... QRP Category
Sep 10, z to Sep 13, z
Rules:
Hi, Brian.
Always go through ALL the components at the beginning. There should
be no unopened, un-inventoried envelopes when you start construction.
Personally, I've never seen loose components outside envelopes from
Elecraft. You could have an entire envelope that got moved somehow.
That would
You make some very good points. Since you sent this to me directly, no one in
Aptos will see it but me. Perhaps you should post it on the reflector?
I'm sure Elecraft doesn't intend to compete with MFJ, but I don't think they
are in the Alpha league either. The K3 is a good product at a
Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft wrote:
All KUSB usb to serial adapters currently sold by Elecraft use the FTDI
chipset. this is noted directly on the KUSB order line on our order page.
Yes, but what's a bit confusing is that the link to the USB drivers on the
K3 software page still tries
FOR SALE: NEW-TRIED FOR 2 DAYSAL-K6YRAk6...@socal.rr.com
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I agree with Jack's comments below 100%. Sounds like the amp is way
over priced to me.
Joe N9VX
no K3 at this time, but thinking about another one.
-
It looks like
Probably because some will need to get updated Prolific drivers. It
would be good if the webpage had links to BOTH, and explained how to
determine which USB cable you had, so you knew which link to use. It
would also be good to list the date that Elecraft started shipping the
new version.
73,
Kinda playing with the numbers there aren't you. Comparing the new rumored
Elecraft price to used equipment?
And IMHO - Used junk in the case of the MFJ? Have you seen any spec
comparisons yet.
Doesn't look like there is enough data yet to through Elecraft under the
bus?
- Original
All of our products are priced based on the cost of goods and on
recovering our cost of development over time. The KPA500 will be
fairly priced using these same criteria.
The KPA500 includes a built-in linear power supply, with a toroidal
transformer, to ensure no added transmit noise.
I hope you've factored in some profit.
--- On Thu, 9/9/10, Wayne Burdick n...@elecraft.com wrote:
All of our products are priced based
on the cost of goods and on
recovering our cost of development over time. The KPA500
will be
fairly priced using these same criteria.
After changing bands and while adjusting the antenna tuner for a low SWR
the K1 transmit power level may drop to a watt or so.
But the power does not come back after the adjustment is complete.
Then if the K1 is turned off, then back on, the output comes back up
to the original value.
Is
Phil,
No anger with Elecraft, they are my favorite ham company, and I'm quite
proud of my K3 even if it did take months of research and hair pulling
to figure out how to get a decent output from it on SSB.
I am concerned, based on the KPA500 rumors, that Elecraft may be
deliberately pricing
I am certainly looking forward to getting the KPA500. For me the size,
weight and 6 meters makes this the amp to have in my DXpedition arsenal.
Is there any update on the timing for availability?
73 de na6m
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I may be further taking us off topic here but yuppie stands for something =
young urban professional... Most hams aren't young, you cant have antennas
in an urban environment, and when's the last time you say someone wear a
suit to a hamfest? I feel like I am channeling Indigo Montoya here :-P.
No worries, guys. this is not yet setting me back, at least :-)
I will complete 100% the inventory check before I proceed to contact
Elecraft customer service, that is certain. It is just that I have, as
probably many of us, mistakenly been missing stuff until now, only to
realize that this
All of this is very interesting rationale about making a commercial
decision on introducing a product and a price point. Given some of
the stuff advanced in these threads, it is easy to see how 85% of
startup businesses fail. People who underprice go out of business.
People who run on low
I made the comment after building the Motorola EB104 amp demonstration
board. The proper toroidal transformer for it cost over $200 and I had to
wind the secondary.
The MFJ replacement transformer that some builders of this board use cost
about $75 and isn't in the same league with a properly
And Elecraft doesn't hold meters in place with hot glue ... (;-(
73! Ken - K0PP
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Guy, K2AV wrote:
Probably because some will need to get updated Prolific drivers. It
would be good if the webpage had links to BOTH, and explained how to
determine which USB cable you had, so you knew which link to use. It
would also be good to list the date that Elecraft started
There is information in K3 Utility Help under Troubleshooting for USB
adapters that describes how to use the Windows Device Manager to determine
the device driver versions. The Windows Device Manager display of the device
driver version will also show you the chipset vendor, if you wonder who
Hi all,
I have been following the discussion of the KPA500 with interest. While we
will have to wait for full specs when the product is actually shipped, a
question I have had for some time is whether the SGC 500 Power Cube would be
a more comparable amp? SGC makes high quality products, in my
The only thing that is going to detour me from getting the KPA500, other than
excessive price, is going to be the fact that it has no built in ATU. I could
live with an external, but I would like it to be as nice as the one that is
currently in the K3. That thing tunes in no time, and
Jack -
Wow - comparing Elecraft to MFJ - it's not really fair, is it?
I mean, other than they both make Amateur Radio products, there's
really no comparison.
On Thu, Sep 9, 2010 at 2:44 PM, Jack Brabham k...@att.net wrote:
Phil,
[snip]
Where do you suppose MFJ's are made? Or for that
I use the MFJ-297 Desk Microphone with the Icom Cable since mine is wired for
Icom
Works great plenty of punch. Just remember to make sure you have your SSB Op1
Filter aligned. If not it will not matter
what mic you use you will not sound good. The Mic has plenty of range and
punch!! It is an
Jack,
Elecraft pricing has been consistent with what the parts cost AFAIK,
plus something to recover engineering and development costs, plus a bit
for profit - and it takes quality parts to build quality equipment.
Those are the main reasons we cannot know the exact price for the KPA500
Jim,
Yes, that is normal. The way around it is to tap the WPM+ button during
a TUNE to bring the power up to where you want it again - the menu OUT
parameter is being reduced to the limit of the power during the high SWR
period.
If you stay in TUNE under that condition long enough (about 30
Regarding the KPA500 internal power supply - is it actively regulated, or
just rectified and filtered DC?
Andy VK4KY
--
View this message in context:
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA-500-Features-and-Pricing-tp5515492p5516016.html
Sent from the [QRO] mailing list archive at
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On the other end of the price spectrum, way above the speculated-upon
price of the KPA500, are the Tokyo Hy-Power amps (the 1500 model has
~2.5 dB more power but otherwise similar) for around $3500 and the SPE
Expert 1K-FA listing at around $3900 (auto tuner built-in).
Seems to me that the
Andy,
The KPA500 power supply provides regulated outputs of -12, +12, and +5 volts
for control and switching and unregulated 60V for the power devices.
Bob, N6CM
On Thu, Sep 9, 2010 at 1:28 PM, Andy Wood vk...@woodtech.net.au wrote:
Regarding the KPA500 internal power supply - is it actively
Hi Bob,
Thanks for the quick reply.
How do you think this unit would perform if powered from a smallish petrol
generator, when the input voltage/frequency would vary quite a bit as the
generator load varied with cw or ssb operation? The unregulated 60v supply
for the PA devices is obviously my
Hi,
I am still moderately interested in this amplifer. The decision to go with a
linear and perhaps even unregulated power supply built into this amplifier
is a major disappointment to me. I can understand the decision from an
engineering standpoint - nobody wants to to design a high power
On Sep 9, 2010, at 3:50 PM, Robert Friess wrote:
unregulated 60V for the power devices.
That makes perfect sense. As with all vacuum tube amplifiers I'm aware of,
regulated power is not necessary, and would significantly increase the cost,
size, and weight of the power supply.
Scott
Andy,
It depends on the definition of quite a bit. The power supply is designed
for a minimum line frequency of 50Hz. Higher line frequency will cause no
harm. Low voltage input of 15% below nominal or so will start to reduce
power output. High voltage input above nominal of about 15% will
Actually, it means Young Upwardly-Mobile Professional. At least it
did years ago when I first heard the term.
Doug -- K0DXV
On 9/9/2010 12:54 PM, Matt Palmer wrote:
I may be further taking us off topic here but yuppie stands for something =
young urban professional... Most hams aren't
Updated to 4.10 firmware plus 1.3.9.3 Utility both #311 and #1435.
When I run RF Calibration using the XG-2 and selecting Compute REF Gain
using a signal source on both rigs I get the following error:
Upper display - E 040 16A
Lower display - ERR DSE
Have to power down to get rid of the
...The decision to go with a
linear and perhaps even unregulated power supply built into this amplifier
is a major disappointment to me
An unregulated linear power supply is very efficient and very simple. The
only advantage of a switcher is weight.
Phil - AD5X
The only advantage of a switcher is weight.
I wouldn't say the *only* advantage. What about universal, wide input
voltage/frequency range? I have some Meanwell 1500w DC supplies here that
are 47-63Hz, 90-264VAC input. The switcher would also be regulated. A
regulated supply to the PA will result
I will not be able to conduct the Elecraft SSB net this Sunday. The fellows
who have occasionally filled in for me can't do it either.
So, we need someone to step forward and take the net this week. The net
meets at 1800Z on Sundays on or about 14.314 MHz. It is a fun group and
very informal.
Far too many posts, most of which add little beyond opinion.
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Thanks, Don, for your help. Lyle, KK7P, answered off list and we figured it
out together. Your observations about U2 and U1 labeling were spot on! :-)
What was confusing me even more, I think, was that Elecraft actually gave me
an extra part (two of the aforementioned U2s). I've now constructed
I think opinion is exactly what Wayne and Eric are interested in.
I'm quite sure that they both take serious interest in how the members
of this group perceive the feature set of the amp. Personally, I find
it an interesting topic. I've already learned some interesting
differences between
It HAS going beyond boring!
Tom - W4BQF
-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL
Sent: Thursday, September 09, 2010 8:45 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 thread...waiting for the
Current kits are apparently being shipped with Errata dated Rev. G-10,
October 20, 2009 enclosed when in fact the current errata is Rev. G-11
dated March 10. My #6980 was shipped July, 2010, well after the March
revision.
I incorrectly assumed G-10 was OK and it resulted in some inventory
Boring = delete key. Fast. Effective. Non-confrontational.
Biodegradable. Approved by Underwriter Laboratories.
On Thu, Sep 9, 2010 at 9:33 PM, Tommy Alderman alderm...@windstream.net wrote:
It HAS going beyond boring!
Tom - W4BQF
-Original Message-
From:
It would be nice if Elecraft had a LF/VLF converter to go along with
their transverter line. I have a Jackson Harbor converter kit but
still haven't gotten around to putting it together. Palomar also used
to make a VLF converter. Not sure if either of these are still
available.
I purchased and
It's a form of market research ... interesting and
educational for some, too. (:-)
73! Ken - K0PP
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Post:
I guess because I'm a DXer more than contester [ a lot more] I don't see the
need for a coax melting amp. I see 5-600 W as just about right. There are amps
on the market that brag they give you an easy KW. What they're really saying is
this baby will go 2+ with a bit of a push. That's DC
Marketting 101
Never ever announce a product before your ready to sell and ship it.
Look at these horrible ham company examples.
Alpha on the 9500, years late to market and many angry hams who put down
lots of money for a downpayment. They will never live that down.
Hilberling radio, God, I am
I just checked the Elecraft Website and the latest Errata available
there is G10 of October 2009.
It should be G11 of March 2010.
Gary Surrency of Elecraft sent me the G11 pdf earlier today; I assume
he'll follow through and see to it that the website is updated as
appropriate.
The main
It's never as simple as that. I think announcing a product when its
on its final approach is fine. I think getting tons of feedback on what
you're about to invest heavily in is good business. Maybe the truth of
the earlier amps was that there just wasn't enough positive response to
them.
Doug Person wrote:
Maybe this time they used all the input from the previous [amp]
attempt
to refine the price point and feature set
And when the KPA-500 is released, it will be based on tons of
feedback.
Couldn't have said it better myself :)
73,
Wayne
N6KR
Free market feedback...bring back the 1500 watt amp! 73 de Greg-N4CC
-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Doug Person
Sent: Thursday, September 09, 2010 8:58 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re:
Pat,
I'm a Old Southern Boy born and raised in Texas, who spent an entire
career in electronics and tele-communications working around the south.
As an old southern boy myself, I was expecting that other old southern
boys would grin and appreciate that there was an implied (but not
So I got me a ten watt k3... I like it... It is very good. It works. And I'm
thinking of a KPA500.
But to run the KPA500 I gotta get the 100 watt add-on first. Hu Is that
a deal breaker? Might be. If I don't get the hundred water then I can't get
fully output.!.?-¥xxx
So the true cost
Phil,
Many thanks for the good chuckle mate...unreal
You remember where you put that penny jar now don't you?..or has age clouded
the view?
Seeya
Gary
K3 #679, KPA-500 (Photo) #
On Fri, Sep 10, 2010 at 2:10 PM, Phil Townsend phi...@mac.com wrote:
So I got me a ten watt k3... I like
I have a factory built LP-PAN Sound Blaster X-FI sound card for sale.
$195 shipped
73, Ken, K6LA / VY2TT
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Help:
The only kind of amp I want to buy is a solid-state amp. I already own
a PW-1 that goes with my Icom 756 Pro III and I am choosing to keep that
and keep it with the Pro III and get another amp for the K3. I will entertain
the KPA500 for any price under $2000 and consider the merits and features
He says, as he adds his opinion.
--- On Thu, 9/9/10, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL doug...@gmail.com wrote:
Far too many posts, most of which add
little beyond opinion.
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Home:
::-)
Gary
On Fri, Sep 10, 2010 at 3:14 PM, Wes Stewart n...@yahoo.com wrote:
He says, as he adds his opinion.
--- On Thu, 9/9/10, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL doug...@gmail.com wrote:
Far too many posts, most of which add
little beyond opinion.
Right, 500W is hardly worthwhile. Make it at least 2KW PEP. Got to make up for
the tuner and coax losses and to live on RTTY.
--- On Thu, 9/9/10, Greg n...@cableone.net wrote:
Free market feedback...bring back the
1500 watt amp! 73 de Greg-N4CC
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