Re: [Elecraft] OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winterholiday?
If Africa is on your list you might consider The Gambia, which is predominantly English spoken, quiet, no street crime, great tour guides, fresh well-cooked food everywhere, low cost, walk-in / walk-walk out licence (prefix + call). European quality water supply, electricity, phones, internet. Easy flights from Schiphol, Amsterdam, not much of a high street and no Walmart or Big Mac, but lots of wood carving and cotton wear. About 30C this time of year. Hotels have excellent service. If you like bird watching, don't miss the dawn chorus. Look up dxpeditions to The Gambia. David G3UNA ps if you go to Kenya, get yourself a lodge up country, especially near the salt lakes which are 1500m asl __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winterholiday?
When did they move Costa Rica out of Central America? -- The XYL looked into Belize, but I'd worry about drugs/crime anywhere in Central America. Costa Rica, perhaps? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft K2
Brian, The web pages have gone away, but the instructions are quite easy. First, you need the KIO2 installed in the base K2. Build the KAT100-2, just follow instructions - build the cable for the KAT100 as instructed in the manual. Test and align it with the K2/10 at 10 watts - the RF output from the K2 will be from ANT1 if you have the KAT2 installed. Then build the KPA100. Do the alignment, test and calibration with it connected as normal to the base K2. Then install the KPA100 in the EC2 enclosure. It plugs right into the KAT100-2 You will have to remove pin 4 from the ribbon cable connector. Connect a BNC to BNC cable between the base K2 ANT1 connector, a short UHF to UHF cable between the KPA100 ANT jack to the KAT100 RF IN jack. The control cable connector with the two cables plugs into the KIO2 and the other male connector plugs into either the KAT100 or the KPA100 DB-9 connector. The K2 senses the presence of both the KPA100 and the KAT2 and automatically forces the KAT2 to bypass and ANT1. Operation is automatic and seamless. To use the K2/10 for portable operation, remove the BNC cable from ANT1 and remove the control cable - the K2 will then revert to the 10 watt transceiver with the KAT2 active. Normally in the external KAT100-2/KPA100 combination, the power for the KAT100 comes through the KPA100 APP power cable. If you want to set it up so the K2 will revert to low power automatically if the AC powered large power supply goes down in an AC power failure, you must power *both* the base K2 and the KAT100 from a battery backed supply. The switch to low power will then be automatic if the large power source goes down. Even though the KPA100 duplicates the AUX IO port of the KIO2, the computer connection part of that connector will not be functional when mounted in the EC2 enclosure. Computer communications must be from the KIO2. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/4/2015 12:42 AM, Brian Denley wrote: I am building a KAT100 and KPA100 in an separate EC2 housing. There used to be some websites with details on this arrangement but I can no longer find them. As I understand things, the KPA100 / KAT100 will operate from the KIOS cable but do I need to disable my KAT2? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] kat500/kpa500 with kenwood transceiver
I have a KPA500 on my TS480 and the only hookup I have is PTT. I let the KPA500 manage the band changes via RF sensing and I have never had an issue. It just works as they say. Mike va3mw On Thu, Jan 1, 2015 at 4:26 PM, Cady, Fred fc...@ece.montana.edu wrote: The KPA500 can be set up to either monitor the Kenwood's interaction with a logging program by listening on the serial port or by polling the Kenwood when you do not have a PC connected to the Kenwood. The KAT500 cannot do this and so can just change frequencies when it measures the transmission frequency. Cheers, happy new year, Fred KE7X Author of: The Elecraft K3: Design, Configuration and Operation 2nd ed The Elecraft KX3 - Going for the summit The Elecraft KPA500 and KAT500 - the K-Line Dream Station Printed, coil bound copies of these are all available at www.elecraft.com KPA500 and KAT500 Quick Set Up Guide http://www.ke7x.com/home/k-line-introduction-and-set-up-guide KAT500 and KXPA500 Tuner Operation http://www.ke7x.com/home/kat500-and-kxpa100-tuners -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of steve foster Sent: Thursday, January 01, 2015 2:05 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] kat500/kpa500 with kenwood transceiver Hello, Is there a way using the data provided to have both the kpa500 and the kat500 change bands using the kenwood data stream. it was mentioned that there was an Arduino solution, any other thoughts? thanks in advance -- If you forward or copy this message, please delete any reference to my email address. Thanks __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to fc...@ece.montana.edu __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to va...@portcredit.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft K2
So Don, that seems to imply that if you want to do CAT control of the K2 with an external EC2 enclosure, you need to make up a special cable that plugs in to the basic K2 K2IO connector and breaks out the computer control lines to one DB9 serial port connector, and runs the rest of the lines to the EC2 enclosure. Am I understanding this correctly? Also, if a KPA100 was installed in the EC2 enclosure, it is possible to switch the lid of the EC2 over to the K2/10 in order to get a K2/100? Of course, this would mean leaving the KAT100 behind in the EC2 enclosure. Maybe the KAT100 could be put in a EC1 enclosure, so the home config is K2/10 + KPA100 in EC2 + KAT100 in EC1, and the portable QRO config is K2/100 + optional KAT100 in EC1. 73, Matt VK2RQ On 4 Jan 2015, at 7:59 am, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Brian, The web pages have gone away, but the instructions are quite easy. First, you need the KIO2 installed in the base K2. Build the KAT100-2, just follow instructions - build the cable for the KAT100 as instructed in the manual. Test and align it with the K2/10 at 10 watts - the RF output from the K2 will be from ANT1 if you have the KAT2 installed. Then build the KPA100. Do the alignment, test and calibration with it connected as normal to the base K2. Then install the KPA100 in the EC2 enclosure. It plugs right into the KAT100-2 You will have to remove pin 4 from the ribbon cable connector. Connect a BNC to BNC cable between the base K2 ANT1 connector, a short UHF to UHF cable between the KPA100 ANT jack to the KAT100 RF IN jack. The control cable connector with the two cables plugs into the KIO2 and the other male connector plugs into either the KAT100 or the KPA100 DB-9 connector. The K2 senses the presence of both the KPA100 and the KAT2 and automatically forces the KAT2 to bypass and ANT1. Operation is automatic and seamless. To use the K2/10 for portable operation, remove the BNC cable from ANT1 and remove the control cable - the K2 will then revert to the 10 watt transceiver with the KAT2 active. Normally in the external KAT100-2/KPA100 combination, the power for the KAT100 comes through the KPA100 APP power cable. If you want to set it up so the K2 will revert to low power automatically if the AC powered large power supply goes down in an AC power failure, you must power *both* the base K2 and the KAT100 from a battery backed supply. The switch to low power will then be automatic if the large power source goes down. Even though the KPA100 duplicates the AUX IO port of the KIO2, the computer connection part of that connector will not be functional when mounted in the EC2 enclosure. Computer communications must be from the KIO2. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/4/2015 12:42 AM, Brian Denley wrote: I am building a KAT100 and KPA100 in an separate EC2 housing. There used to be some websites with details on this arrangement but I can no longer find them. As I understand things, the KPA100 / KAT100 will operate from the KIOS cable but do I need to disable my KAT2? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to matt.vk...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] For Sale: TWO Raspberry Pi Spectrum Displays (minus SD MEMORY CARD
Now that I have my PX3 on my KX3, I have some hardware that I'd like to get rid of. I have TWO Raspberry Pi model B units, each configured identically with: Raspberry Pi Model B Adafruit TFT display shield (all switches added to board) PiBow PiTFT case Syba Sound Card Both of the SD Memory cards were repurposed, so I do NOT have the software used to make them spectrum displays. However, as mentioned earlier: http://www.tigerstyle.co.uk/blog/M0JMO-Tiny_Python_Panadapter-Raspberry_Pi_ Setup_Guide-v1_2.pdf http://www.tigerstyle.co.uk/blog/M0JMO-Tiny_Python_Panadapter-Raspberry_Pi_S etup_Guide-v1_2.pdf and http://www.aa6e.net/wiki/Tiny_Python_Panadapter#Important:_For_all_Pi_Users _--_Fixing_the_.22Freeze.22_problem http://www.aa6e.net/wiki/Tiny_Python_Panadapter#Important:_For_all_Pi_Users_ --_Fixing_the_.22Freeze.22_problem can assist you with this. I'm asking $75 EACH shipped CONUS, or $140 for the pair shipped CONUS. Drop me a note off the reflector if interested. k...@arrl.net 73 Jim K8JK _ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft K2
Matt, The control cable should be constructed exactly like the one shown in the KAT100 manual. The construction of the cable breaks out the pins used for the computer communications (2, 3, and 5) in the 'tail' which connects to the computer. The other pins connect to the 'KAT100 tail' and contain the K2 control signals necessary to communicate with the KPA100 and KAT100. The EC1 enclosure will not work - that enclosure is sized the same as the K1. If you want to build the KAT100 into a smaller case, order the KAT100-1 kit. If you already have the KAT100-2, you can order the case components for the KAT100-1. Elecraft does sell a kit to convert a KAT100-1 to a KAT100-2, but not the other way around. So, if your desire is for a portable K2/100 plus KAT100, the smallest form factor is with the KPA100 mounted on the base K2 and a KAT100-1. I think one would not build the KPA100 and KAT100-2 in an EC2 enclosure unless the desire is to retain the K2/10 for portable operation. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/4/2015 8:26 AM, Matt VK2RQ wrote: So Don, that seems to imply that if you want to do CAT control of the K2 with an external EC2 enclosure, you need to make up a special cable that plugs in to the basic K2 K2IO connector and breaks out the computer control lines to one DB9 serial port connector, and runs the rest of the lines to the EC2 enclosure. Am I understanding this correctly? Also, if a KPA100 was installed in the EC2 enclosure, it is possible to switch the lid of the EC2 over to the K2/10 in order to get a K2/100? Of course, this would mean leaving the KAT100 behind in the EC2 enclosure. Maybe the KAT100 could be put in a EC1 enclosure, so the home config is K2/10 + KPA100 in EC2 + KAT100 in EC1, and the portable QRO config is K2/100 + optional KAT100 in EC1. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday?
Contact me off-line. I can tell you everything you want to know about operating in the Caribbean... Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ Owner - Operator Big Signal Ranch – K9ZC Staunton, Illinois Owner – Operator Villa Grand Piton Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I. Rent it at: http://www.vrbo.com/487375 email: b...@wjschmidt.com -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of James Bennett Sent: Saturday, January 03, 2015 11:04 PM To: Elecraft Reflector Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday? Hi Jim - Another suggestion: Sint Maarten. The island is Dutch on the south half; French on the north. My XYL and I stayed on the Dutch side in 2001. Actually, we were there during the 9/11 attacks, but that’s another story. St. Maarten has reciprocal licensing, so that’s one problem solved right up front. Lots of good places to eat at, in a wide variety of cuisines. English is spoken on both halves of the island. You’d have to check with the airlines, but when we went, there were daily direct, non-stop flights from Philadelphia. Probably lots of others. Water is clear and warm. Food is super! The road infrastructure could use some upgraded in places! Rental cars are available - no problem there. I operated as PJ7/W6JHB using my K2/10 and a G5RV hanging under the balcony of our time share unit that we traded into. Lots of fun! There was a link on the Elecraft web site to an article I had written about the experience, but not sure if it is still around or not. 73, Jim / W6JHB Folsom, CA On Saturday, Jan 3, 2015, at Saturday, 8:42 PM, Ian - Ham km4ik@gmail.com wrote: Jim, Check out any of the following: - Bahamas - Puerto Rico - US Virgin Islands - St. Lucia - Cayman Islands - Trinidad and Tobago - Jamaica - Aruba These are just a few Caribbean destinations hams I know operated from on vacation. Hope this helps. 73 de, --Ian Ian Kahn, KM4IK Roswell, GA EM74ua km4ik@gmail.com 10-10 #74624, North Georgia Chapter #2038 K3# 281, P3 #688, KPA500 #1468 -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim Lowman Sent: Saturday, January 3, 2015 9:20 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday? After spending the second holiday season in San Diego, and last year it was Tucson, the XYL announced that next year she'd like to go someplace warm. Yes, temperatures in the 50s in December feel cold to us. The area where we live is between LA and Palm Springs, but our climate more closely approximates that of Palm Springs. I know that many fellow amateurs head for the Caribbean nations for this purpose. That would work, as would somewhere in the South Pacific. Anyone have any suggestions, based on past experiences? Criteria are: -- somewhere that English is the primary language, or is spoken widely -- possibly a country with reciprocal-operating privileges for a US licensee -- easy to get there via commercial airlines -- no hassles with customs, coming or going, with amateur gear -- ease of getting a license/callsign for that country, if not reciprocal -- good accommodations (villa for rent for a week or so); turnkey ham station on premises is a plus so that we don't have to take much equipment; hotel with room for a simple antenna -- nearby restaurants, although cooking facilities would be helpful We've ruled out the following: -- Hawaii - probably the easiest option, but is nuts with tourists during the holidays. -- Mexico - difficult to get a license without knowing whom to bribe - been there before and don't like it -- The XYL looked into Belize, but I'd worry about drugs/crime anywhere in Central America. Costa Rica, perhaps? Any and all suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance and 73 de Jim - AD6CW __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to km4ik@gmail.com --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. http://www.avast.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to w6...@me.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home:
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday?
Texas is a favorite destination for snow birds, and has all the attributes you listed, weather, licensing, language, open border even for Californians (so far!), favorable currency exchange, mostly friendly natives, 120 VAC, and compared to CA, pretty cheap. I filled up yesterday at a Costco for $1.849, and today saw a sign on the way to Austin for $1.679. Quite a few true blue DXers around, too. 73 W6OGC Jim Allen On Sat, Jan 3, 2015 at 8:19 PM, Jim Lowman jmlow...@sbcglobal.net wrote: After spending the second holiday season in San Diego, and last year it was Tucson, the XYL announced that next year she'd like to go someplace warm. Yes, temperatures in the 50s in December feel cold to us. The area where we live is between LA and Palm Springs, but our climate more closely approximates that of Palm Springs. I know that many fellow amateurs head for the Caribbean nations for this purpose. That would work, as would somewhere in the South Pacific. Anyone have any suggestions, based on past experiences? Criteria are: -- somewhere that English is the primary language, or is spoken widely -- possibly a country with reciprocal-operating privileges for a US licensee -- easy to get there via commercial airlines -- no hassles with customs, coming or going, with amateur gear -- ease of getting a license/callsign for that country, if not reciprocal -- good accommodations (villa for rent for a week or so); turnkey ham station on premises is a plus so that we don't have to take much equipment; hotel with room for a simple antenna -- nearby restaurants, although cooking facilities would be helpful We've ruled out the following: -- Hawaii - probably the easiest option, but is nuts with tourists during the holidays. -- Mexico - difficult to get a license without knowing whom to bribe - been there before and don't like it -- The XYL looked into Belize, but I'd worry about drugs/crime anywhere in Central America. Costa Rica, perhaps? Any and all suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance and 73 de Jim - AD6CW __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to jalleninv...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday?
One of the coldest winters I remember was December 1970 when I was at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. I remember walking from one building to another with a staff sergeant who had been there longer than I (I was there for only 40 days) and I said Its as cold as the North Pole here!. The staff sergeant replied There is nothing between us and the north pole to stop the cold weather from coming down here -- just flat terrain the whole way. Of course, I grew up in California so cold weather to me is anything below 40 degrees. 73, phil, K7PEH On Jan 4, 2015, at 9:19 AM, Jim Allen jalleninv...@gmail.com wrote: Texas is a favorite destination for snow birds, and has all the attributes you listed, weather, licensing, language, open border even for Californians (so far!), favorable currency exchange, mostly friendly natives, 120 VAC, and compared to CA, pretty cheap. I filled up yesterday at a Costco for $1.849, and today saw a sign on the way to Austin for $1.679. Quite a few true blue DXers around, too. 73 W6OGC Jim Allen On Sat, Jan 3, 2015 at 8:19 PM, Jim Lowman jmlow...@sbcglobal.net wrote: After spending the second holiday season in San Diego, and last year it was Tucson, the XYL announced that next year she'd like to go someplace warm. Yes, temperatures in the 50s in December feel cold to us. The area where we live is between LA and Palm Springs, but our climate more closely approximates that of Palm Springs. I know that many fellow amateurs head for the Caribbean nations for this purpose. That would work, as would somewhere in the South Pacific. Anyone have any suggestions, based on past experiences? Criteria are: -- somewhere that English is the primary language, or is spoken widely -- possibly a country with reciprocal-operating privileges for a US licensee -- easy to get there via commercial airlines -- no hassles with customs, coming or going, with amateur gear -- ease of getting a license/callsign for that country, if not reciprocal -- good accommodations (villa for rent for a week or so); turnkey ham station on premises is a plus so that we don't have to take much equipment; hotel with room for a simple antenna -- nearby restaurants, although cooking facilities would be helpful We've ruled out the following: -- Hawaii - probably the easiest option, but is nuts with tourists during the holidays. -- Mexico - difficult to get a license without knowing whom to bribe - been there before and don't like it -- The XYL looked into Belize, but I'd worry about drugs/crime anywhere in Central America. Costa Rica, perhaps? Any and all suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance and 73 de Jim - AD6CW __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to jalleninv...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to phys...@mac.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] P3 for Alan: VFO A Cursor color in FixTrack Mode - for Alan
I have a similar, but different, problem. I see more colors than Fred, but I am red/green colorblind and my problem is telling the difference between the VFO A and VFO B cursors. So Fred's solution would work for me too. On 4 Jan 2015 03:12, Fred Jensen wrote: ALAN: Thank you for the monochrome WF option. I don't want to get too greedy, and I may be the only Elecraft customer with this problem, but during a contest [like RTTY RU on now], my wife tells me the VFO A cursor is green. The spectrum in which it is embedded is yellow. They look similar to me, not exactly, but the cursor doesn't stand out. I generally go for signals in the WF using the cursor, which works just fine unless the band is totally full of signals. Then, I can't find the cursor in the spectrum display. If there's any chance for an option for a bright white VFO A cursor on the To-Do list, I'd appreciate it. If not, I'll adapt. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015 - www.cqp.org -- 73, Vic, 4X6GP/K2VCO Rehovot, Israel http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Warm climate for a vacation/be-the-DX winter holiday?
On Sat, 3 Jan 2015, Jim Lowman wrote: Anyone have any suggestions, based on past experiences? Well, I'm at present in Kenya (with my KX3) but it probably falls at almost every one of your hurdles. No harm in throwing a few answers in, though, just so you can cross the place off your list. ;) -- somewhere that English is the primary language, or is spoken widely Not too bad there... -- possibly a country with reciprocal-operating privileges for a US licensee Visitors licences take a bit of organising, and cost a little... -- easy to get there via commercial airlines from some places, but not that easy from the US. -- no hassles with customs, coming or going, with amateur gear I once had trouble with my radio gear when leaving the country, but I think that was more security than customs. -- ease of getting a license/callsign for that country, if not reciprocal See above. It Takes Time... -- good accommodations (villa for rent for a week or so); turnkey ham station on premises is a plus so that we don't have to take much equipment; hotel with room for a simple antenna Plenty of places to stay, but you'd need to bring all the necessary radio kit. -- nearby restaurants, although cooking facilities would be helpful Plenty of choices in the right places. Other places, not so much. ;) Any and all suggestions are appreciated. Not expecting this location to be of interest, but thrown in anyway. Security can be interesting in the wrong places, but not too bad in the right ones. The weather here in Nairobi at present is pleasantly summery, warm and dry, though it did rain hard at Xmas. Down on the coast it'd be hotter and more humid. Hope you find somewhere interesting to visit. -- 73, Rick 5Z4/M0LEP (for a few days more) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] OT: Warm climate for a vacation/DX holiday
What about the US Virgin Islands? That's where I'd make a beeline to if I could. There are ferries that run to St. John from Charlotte Amalie and brief, puddle-jumper flights to St. Croix and the British Virgins as well. Last time I was there was long before I was a ham but I really liked the place. American soil/sand, too. Hawaii (Big Island) is another great place to go if you know where to go. East Hawaii is much less touristy than the Kona side. Plenty of guest houses up in the Volcano rain forest where we used to live and also down around the quaint old town of Hilo. Have fun wherever you decide. 73, Jeff NH7RO http://turquoise-king.ebid.net http://www.louisferreira.org/Jeff_Cathrow.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Warm climate for a vacation/DX holiday
The last time I flew from MN to Hawaii we arrived late at night on New Years. We woke up on Maui, looked out the condo and saw that Haleakala was covered in snow/ice. THAT WAS A SURPRISE! It was cool that whole week but still a lot warmer than MN, Nick N1kmp Jeff Cathrow wrote...Hawaii (Big Island) is another great place to go if you know where to go. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] P3 for Alan: VFO A Cursor color in FixTrack Mode - for Alan
Technically, I can *see* all the colors ... I just can't name them. I suspected something was amiss when all the crayons in the box had different names and many looked the same to me. :-) I have a couple of friends with P3's who are normies and they use the monochrome WF too so it may not be just for us outliers. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015 - www.cqp.org On 1/4/2015 1:39 AM, Vic Rosenthal 4X6GP/K2VCO wrote: I have a similar, but different, problem. I see more colors than Fred, but I am red/green colorblind and my problem is telling the difference between the VFO A and VFO B cursors. So Fred's solution would work for me too. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] getting started with QRP
Hello all and happy 2015! I am not new to amateur radio but I am new to the world of QRP. I recently received a KX3 and would like to try it out. I live in Colorado and I have access to both a Buddipole and an Alexloop antenna. I have a few questions as a QRP newbie: 1) what are the most popular QRP bands for monitoring and what are the main calling frequencies (day and night)? 2) is there a book or website that will give a QRP newbie some background info on the do and don'ts of QRP? 3) I am looking for an antenna that can be left attached to the KX3 that will provide decent HF reception so that I can monitor frequencies during the times when my other antennas are put away. Any suggestions? 4) I am considering buying a PAR end fed antenna. Any comments on the PAR vs my other options (Alexloop, Buddipole)? Thanks, Mark __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
On 1/4/2015 10:34 AM, Mark Tellez wrote: I am not new to amateur radio but I am new to the world of QRP. I recently received a KX3 and would like to try it out. I live in Colorado and I have access to both a Buddipole and an Alexloop antenna. I sold my Buddipole and got an AlexLoop, and I'm not sorry at all. The loop sets up in 5 min, less if I concentrate on it. I have mine on a light irrigation sprinkler tripod, I can sit under it and reach up to tune it. One warning: The Alex is a resonant transformer, and *must* be tuned to resonance. If you get it close and let the ATU match it, you'll discover you have a somewhat pricey dummy load. I have a few questions as a QRP newbie: 1) what are the most popular QRP bands for monitoring and what are the main calling frequencies (day and night)? 14050 and vicinity is popular. You can find a whole lot of folks around the SOTA watering holes between 14060 - 14065. Same for 15, 21060 - 21065. 10115 is also popular. You can see spots for summit activations at sotawatch.org 2) is there a book or website that will give a QRP newbie some background info on the do and don'ts of QRP? Probably, but I don't know of any. *Don't* call CQ DE W1XXX/QRP. :-) It seems to be a hot button for some folks. 4) I am considering buying a PAR end fed antenna. Any comments on the PAR vs my other options (Alexloop, Buddipole)? EFHW's are popular with the Summits On The Air crowd. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015 - www.cqp.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Warm climate for a vacation/DX holiday
I have been to St. Croix years ago on business at the petroleum terminal on the South side of the island. Had some time to kill and enjoyed it immensely. Scuba/snorkeling tours were fun and beautiful. Prices reasonable. Good place for a expedition setup with a QRP rig and a Buddipole for some radio fun. (I didn't have a Buddipole or a small compact QRP rig at the time. That was about 25 years ago.) Also was in Jamaica, Antigua, the Bahamas, and Cayman islands, and Bonaire on ship radio repair jobs. I'm recently informed that one should stick to Western end of Jamaica, and avoid the eastern end of the island. Never had any problem on any of these places or been threatened when I followed recommendations of previous visitors. IF I EVER go to these places again, I'll be sure to get permits to setup with something like an FT-897, FT-817, or IC-703 using the Buddipole antenna system! Good luck and have fun! 73, Sandy W5TVW Now 78 and somewhat disabled like a creaky car! The urge is still there though to return! On 1/4/2015 12:12 PM, Jeff Cathrow wrote: What about the US Virgin Islands? That's where I'd make a beeline to if I could. There are ferries that run to St. John from Charlotte Amalie and brief, puddle-jumper flights to St. Croix and the British Virgins as well. Last time I was there was long before I was a ham but I really liked the place. American soil/sand, too. Hawaii (Big Island) is another great place to go if you know where to go. East Hawaii is much less touristy than the Kona side. Plenty of guest houses up in the Volcano rain forest where we used to live and also down around the quaint old town of Hilo. Have fun wherever you decide. 73, Jeff NH7RO http://turquoise-king.ebid.net http://www.louisferreira.org/Jeff_Cathrow.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to ebj...@charter.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
Hi Mark, I am a casual QRP-er (and casual HAM in general) so maybe my opinionated answers will with help the coming wash of advice. You want to start here - so read in between and below: Jack - KD4IZ Sent from my iPad On Jan 4, 2015, at 13:34, Mark Tellez aar...@gmail.com wrote: Hello all and happy 2015! have access to both a Buddipole and an Alexloop antenna. Two good choices for portable field ops, but not for ideal at home unless you are in a condo/apartment/restriction/no space situation. I love the AlexLoop BTW! BUT: Put up a real antenna if you are able. More below: I have a few questions as a QRP newbie: 1) what are the most popular QRP bands for monitoring and what are the main calling frequencies (day and night)? What Mode? CW, Voice, Digital? 2) is there a book or website that will give a QRP newbie some background info on the do and don'ts of QRP? I will let someone else this. 3) I am looking for an antenna that can be left attached to the KX3 that will provide decent HF reception so that I can monitor frequencies during the times when my other antennas are put away. Any suggestions? You want lack of directionality if you are trying to see if the bands is open - they are not gain antennas but they don't bias what you hear... If you have the space for a ground or roof mounted vertical, I have had a number over the the years. Trapless are better than trapped. I have had my best results with the GAP Titan. Next, the Butternut HFV which required radials. If you have supports and space - try a simple inverted vee dipole... it is a cheaper alternative by far. 4) I am considering buying a PAR end fed antenna. Any comments on the PAR vs my other options (Alexloop, Buddipole)? Left for others to answer. Never tried it. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
Hi Mark, One resource you might like is this QRP website: www.4sqrp.com It is a QRP club that has many activities and a yearly convention. Also includes a monthly newsletter and various kits (which support the annual event). Super bunch of hams. 72, Phil Anderson, W0XI Mark Tellez mailto:aar...@gmail.com Sunday, January 04, 2015 12:34 PM Hello all and happy 2015! I am not new to amateur radio but I am new to the world of QRP. I recently received a KX3 and would like to try it out. I live in Colorado and I have access to both a Buddipole and an Alexloop antenna. I have a few questions as a QRP newbie: 1) what are the most popular QRP bands for monitoring and what are the main calling frequencies (day and night)? 2) is there a book or website that will give a QRP newbie some background info on the do and don'ts of QRP? 3) I am looking for an antenna that can be left attached to the KX3 that will provide decent HF reception so that I can monitor frequencies during the times when my other antennas are put away. Any suggestions? 4) I am considering buying a PAR end fed antenna. Any comments on the PAR vs my other options (Alexloop, Buddipole)? Thanks, Mark __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to aldenmcduf...@sunflower.com --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. http://www.avast.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
On Sun, 4 Jan 2015 11:34:41 -0700, you wrote: Hello all and happy 2015! I am not new to amateur radio but I am new to the world of QRP. I recently received a KX3 and would like to try it out. I live in Colorado and I have access to both a Buddipole and an Alexloop antenna. I'd recommend a wire antenna. See below. I have a few questions as a QRP newbie: 1) what are the most popular QRP bands for monitoring and what are the main calling frequencies (day and night)? 30m and 20m seem to be fairly active. I operate CW when QRP, and 14060 / 10106 are good watering holes freqs. I use a wire antenna when portable, and it always works well. The antenna has a 23 foot radiating element and a 16 foot counterpoise, so it's off-center fed. I've used it on 40, 30, 20 and 17m with pretty good success (it can be a little hard to tune on 40m). Using a convenient rock attached to the radiator end, just throw it over a tree with some amount of rope leader then pull the counterpoise out and tie it to whatever's available - usually a tree limb or ground object. This antenna is fed with ladder line and terminates into a BL2 balun set to 1:1. 73, matt W6NIA Matt Zilmer, W6NIA -- Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. -A. Lincoln __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K3 Audio Reports
I tried running the Audio test described below with my K3 DVR and for some reason my own audio is not being recorded. The DVR works fine recording and playing audio off the air. But when I attempt to record my own audio as described below, when I play it back to you can hear audio go to zero for time of my recording and then back to whatever was previously recorded. Any ideas what I may be doing wrong? 73 Paul kc2nyuIf you have the DVR option, you have a good tool to evaluate your audio signal. Record some audio and then play it back. That way you avoid the bone conduction problem of listening to yourself live in the monitor and eliminate the subjective element of on-the-air reports which are dependent on the other ops receiver and his personal opinion of how you should sound. 73, Don W3FPR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Warm climate for a vacation/DX holiday
St. Croix is a nice island for a vacation: Easy in and out to the US Same currency Customs are easy Good restaurants from high end to fast food Decent diving, snorkeling, horseback riding, sailing or just goofing off Rent someplace like KP2M and you are already setup with a nice place to stay with a great view, antennas, K3 and amps. Just bring your headset No licensing issues By the way the refinery is now closed. N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Sandy Blaize Sent: Sunday, January 04, 2015 1:55 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Warm climate for a vacation/DX holiday I have been to St. Croix years ago on business at the petroleum terminal on the South side of the island. Had some time to kill and enjoyed it immensely. Scuba/snorkeling tours were fun and beautiful. Prices reasonable. Good place for a expedition setup with a QRP rig and a Buddipole for some radio fun. (I didn't have a Buddipole or a small compact QRP rig at the time. That was about 25 years ago.) Also was in Jamaica, Antigua, the Bahamas, and Cayman islands, and Bonaire on ship radio repair jobs. I'm recently informed that one should stick to Western end of Jamaica, and avoid the eastern end of the island. Never had any problem on any of these places or been threatened when I followed recommendations of previous visitors. IF I EVER go to these places again, I'll be sure to get permits to setup with something like an FT-897, FT-817, or IC-703 using the Buddipole antenna system! Good luck and have fun! 73, Sandy W5TVW Now 78 and somewhat disabled like a creaky car! The urge is still there though to return! On 1/4/2015 12:12 PM, Jeff Cathrow wrote: What about the US Virgin Islands? That's where I'd make a beeline to if I could. There are ferries that run to St. John from Charlotte Amalie and brief, puddle-jumper flights to St. Croix and the British Virgins as well. Last time I was there was long before I was a ham but I really liked the place. American soil/sand, too. Hawaii (Big Island) is another great place to go if you know where to go. East Hawaii is much less touristy than the Kona side. Plenty of guest houses up in the Volcano rain forest where we used to live and also down around the quaint old town of Hilo. Have fun wherever you decide. 73, Jeff NH7RO http://turquoise-king.ebid.net http://www.louisferreira.org/Jeff_Cathrow.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to ebj...@charter.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to tony@verizon.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
Mark, There are two ways to look at QRP, portable/SOTA operation and fixed/base station operation. The one thing they both have in common is that they need to radiate a signal to talk to others. This may seem obvious, but there is a conflict between the two. The portable guys need to face a practical issue of weight and ease of installation. The fixed guys have few restrictions on a practical level. Let's face it the Alex Loop may be a fine antenna, but it well never compete with a full sized antenna installed to maximize its performance. To show this, a friend of mine, NA1DX owns a KX3 that he operates QRP from his base. His antenna farm is not modest. He works all over at 5 Watts. Most of the time he just responds to CQs with out employing any other procedure than what is normally used in good operating practice. The QRPer who plans to operate out of a tent should put a lot of thought into his antenna. It is here that he can make the most difference. Additionally, using CW or PSK31 makes those 5 Watts most effective. Lastly, it really pays to listen and not chase stations that are just above the noise that may be running 100 Watts or more; go for the stronger signals. 73, Barry K3NDM - Original Message - From: Mark Tellez aar...@gmail.com To: elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, January 4, 2015 1:34:41 PM Subject: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP Hello all and happy 2015! I am not new to amateur radio but I am new to the world of QRP. I recently received a KX3 and would like to try it out. I live in Colorado and I have access to both a Buddipole and an Alexloop antenna. I have a few questions as a QRP newbie: 1) what are the most popular QRP bands for monitoring and what are the main calling frequencies (day and night)? 2) is there a book or website that will give a QRP newbie some background info on the do and don'ts of QRP? 3) I am looking for an antenna that can be left attached to the KX3 that will provide decent HF reception so that I can monitor frequencies during the times when my other antennas are put away. Any suggestions? 4) I am considering buying a PAR end fed antenna. Any comments on the PAR vs my other options (Alexloop, Buddipole)? Thanks, Mark __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to k3...@comcast.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
Fred's certainly correct with his advice about not signing /QRP. Many see it as some form of I'm special, take pitty on me or whining. 73 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] W2 Directional Couplers
Dan, With the 2000 watt coupler, you can still select either the 20 watt, 200 watt, or 2000 watt scales. I doubt there would be any difference in resolution by using the 2000 watt coupler with the W2 set for the 200 watt scale. The manual specifies accuracy of +/- 0.5 dB typical for both sensors. Mike KI0HA On 1/3/2015 09:31, kg5eju wrote: 100 Watt station with 2 antenna. Need a second coupler of the W2. First one is 200 watt, and thinking of adding a 2000 watt coupler for the second (future proofing for possible linear). But, wondering if there is some accuracy/performance trade-off using a 2000 watt coupler on a 100 watt station? Thank you for your thoughts. 73 - Dan __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft K2
Brian, Here is a website with some pictures of a KAT100 and KPA100 in an EC2 enclosure. This is what helped me figure out how to do it. http://wilcoxengineering.com/kpa100-in-ec2/ I have my ATU setting set on Auto. I believe that if the K2 detects the KAT100 it will use it instead of the KAT2. Mike KI0HA On 1/3/2015 23:42, Brian Denley wrote: I am building a KAT100 and KPA100 in an separate EC2 housing. There used to be some websites with details on this arrangement but I can no longer find them. As I understand things, the KPA100 / KAT100 will operate from the KIOS cable but do I need to disable my KAT2? Thanks for any advice. Brian KB1VBF __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Warm climate for a vacation/DX holiday
Since warm is in the eye of the beholder, I'd suggest either Keguelen or South Sandwich Island, which by pure coincidence happen to be the last two I need for Top of the Honor Roll. You're welcome. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
Signing /qrp is not a great idea. Just make your call and see where it takes you. There are plenty of receivers in the Reverse Beacon Net that will cluster spot for you when you simply call CQ (in nearly any digital mode, including CW). Having said that, some DX clusters mismanage the /qrp if your CQ gets beacon posted. That can raise the frustration level of folks watching the cluster because it may give a false country allocation. Um, some folks handle that frustration better than others... ;) Only a few DX stations actively working contacts will take the time for QRP. Life is too short for QRP. ;o) but opinions may vary. Rick, WA6NHC iPad = small keypad = typos = sorry ;-) On Jan 4, 2015, at 11:51 AM, Ken G Kopp kengk...@gmail.com wrote: Fred's certainly correct with his advice about not signing /QRP. Many see it as some form of I'm special, take pitty on me or whining. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
I've never seen the need to sign /QRP or give it away in any fashion. If the other guy hears you adequately, he will respond; otherwise, what difference does it make? It is the flip side of the Old Timer's oft repeated advice: When you hear 'em, call 'em! 73 de W6OGC Jim Allen On Sun, Jan 4, 2015 at 2:35 PM, Rick Bates, WA6NHC happymooseph...@gmail.com wrote: Signing /qrp is not a great idea. Just make your call and see where it takes you. There are plenty of receivers in the Reverse Beacon Net that will cluster spot for you when you simply call CQ (in nearly any digital mode, including CW). Having said that, some DX clusters mismanage the /qrp if your CQ gets beacon posted. That can raise the frustration level of folks watching the cluster because it may give a false country allocation. Um, some folks handle that frustration better than others... ;) Only a few DX stations actively working contacts will take the time for QRP. Life is too short for QRP. ;o) but opinions may vary. Rick, WA6NHC iPad = small keypad = typos = sorry ;-) On Jan 4, 2015, at 11:51 AM, Ken G Kopp kengk...@gmail.com wrote: Fred's certainly correct with his advice about not signing /QRP. Many see it as some form of I'm special, take pitty on me or whining. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to jalleninv...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Getting started in QRP.
I'd recommend ARCI.ORG. Been a member for many years. This group sponsors many contests and some have hefty bonuses for homebrew or kit assembled radios. I use my K-1 to operate in these contests to collect the bonuses. They put out a quarterly magazine with activity reports and construction articles. Suggested operating frequencies are listed on the website. I don't operate HF phone but the CW suggested frequencies are: 1.810, 3.560, 7.030, 7.040, 10.106, 14.060, 18.096, 21.060, 24.906, 28.060. Many other contests have a QRP entry section which may be of interest. Several operating certificates have QRP endorsements. If you can, use an antenna more efficient than a Buddipole. 72 (the QRP version of 73HI!) Tim K3HX Celebrating 50 years in amateur radio. The #1 Worst Carb Ever? Click to Learn #1 Carb that Kills Your Blood Sugar #40;Don#39;t Eat This!#41; http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3131/54a9c14d1c642414d4469st01duc __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Elecraft K2
For somebody considering KAT100+KPA100 in a separated enclosure, KXPA100 + internal ATU or Hardrock 50 + internal ATU could be alternatives. They are separated stand alone linear amplifiers as well. These alternatives can also be used with other radios and sold easily in the second hand market if they become surplus in the future. The application of KAT100+KPA100 is only restricted to K2. 73 Johnny VR2XMC 寄件人︰ Michael Eberle mtebe...@mchsi.com 收件人︰ elecraft@mailman.qth.net 傳送日期︰ 2015年01月5日 (週一) 4:13 AM 主題︰ Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft K2 Brian, Here is a website with some pictures of a KAT100 and KPA100 in an EC2 enclosure. This is what helped me figure out how to do it. http://wilcoxengineering.com/kpa100-in-ec2/ I have my ATU setting set on Auto. I believe that if the K2 detects the KAT100 it will use it instead of the KAT2. Mike KI0HA On 1/3/2015 23:42, Brian Denley wrote: I am building a KAT100 and KPA100 in an separate EC2 housing. There used to be some websites with details on this arrangement but I can no longer find them. As I understand things, the KPA100 / KAT100 will operate from the KIOS cable but do I need to disable my KAT2? Thanks for any advice. Brian KB1VBF __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft K2
Thanks Johnny and Mike. Brian KB1VBF Sent from my iPad On Jan 4, 2015, at 5:40 PM, Johnny Siu vr2...@yahoo.com.hk wrote: For somebody considering KAT100+KPA100 in a separated enclosure, KXPA100 + internal ATU or Hardrock 50 + internal ATU could be alternatives. They are separated stand alone linear amplifiers as well. These alternatives can also be used with other radios and sold easily in the second hand market if they become surplus in the future. The application of KAT100+KPA100 is only restricted to K2. 73 Johnny VR2XMC 寄件人︰ Michael Eberle mtebe...@mchsi.com 收件人︰ elecraft@mailman.qth.net 傳送日期︰ 2015年01月5日 (週一) 4:13 AM 主題︰ Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft K2 Brian, Here is a website with some pictures of a KAT100 and KPA100 in an EC2 enclosure. This is what helped me figure out how to do it. http://wilcoxengineering.com/kpa100-in-ec2/ I have my ATU setting set on Auto. I believe that if the K2 detects the KAT100 it will use it instead of the KAT2. Mike KI0HA On 1/3/2015 23:42, Brian Denley wrote: I am building a KAT100 and KPA100 in an separate EC2 housing. There used to be some websites with details on this arrangement but I can no longer find them. As I understand things, the KPA100 / KAT100 will operate from the KIOS cable but do I need to disable my KAT2? Thanks for any advice. Brian KB1VBF __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to b.den...@comcast.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft K2
Don: Thanks for all that information. My K2 has the KIO2 and I am building the KAT100 in the EC2 next week. On you last paragraph: will I still be able to use the 'Twins' setup under computer control through the KIO2? Brian KB1VBF Sent from my iPad On Jan 4, 2015, at 7:59 AM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Brian, The web pages have gone away, but the instructions are quite easy. First, you need the KIO2 installed in the base K2. Build the KAT100-2, just follow instructions - build the cable for the KAT100 as instructed in the manual. Test and align it with the K2/10 at 10 watts - the RF output from the K2 will be from ANT1 if you have the KAT2 installed. Then build the KPA100. Do the alignment, test and calibration with it connected as normal to the base K2. Then install the KPA100 in the EC2 enclosure. It plugs right into the KAT100-2 You will have to remove pin 4 from the ribbon cable connector. Connect a BNC to BNC cable between the base K2 ANT1 connector, a short UHF to UHF cable between the KPA100 ANT jack to the KAT100 RF IN jack. The control cable connector with the two cables plugs into the KIO2 and the other male connector plugs into either the KAT100 or the KPA100 DB-9 connector. The K2 senses the presence of both the KPA100 and the KAT2 and automatically forces the KAT2 to bypass and ANT1. Operation is automatic and seamless. To use the K2/10 for portable operation, remove the BNC cable from ANT1 and remove the control cable - the K2 will then revert to the 10 watt transceiver with the KAT2 active. Normally in the external KAT100-2/KPA100 combination, the power for the KAT100 comes through the KPA100 APP power cable. If you want to set it up so the K2 will revert to low power automatically if the AC powered large power supply goes down in an AC power failure, you must power *both* the base K2 and the KAT100 from a battery backed supply. The switch to low power will then be automatic if the large power source goes down. Even though the KPA100 duplicates the AUX IO port of the KIO2, the computer connection part of that connector will not be functional when mounted in the EC2 enclosure. Computer communications must be from the KIO2. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/4/2015 12:42 AM, Brian Denley wrote: I am building a KAT100 and KPA100 in an separate EC2 housing. There used to be some websites with details on this arrangement but I can no longer find them. As I understand things, the KPA100 / KAT100 will operate from the KIOS cable but do I need to disable my KAT2? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K3 macro/cw message key behavior
I've set up the K3 macro keys to set my output power to different levels based on if I'm using my amp or not. I use 6 different macros on keys 1, 2 and 3 using both the tap and hold memory. Recently I recorded a cw message on key 1 which overwrote the macro. The manual says I can erase the cw message by hitting the 'rec' key, then recording the morse sequence '--..' and hitting 'rec' again. I've tried that but looking that cw memory from the K3 utility program it still shows a '|' in that memory and it won't let me rewrite my macro into that key memory. I write the macros into the keys using the K3 utility program. Any suggestions on how to get my macro back into that key 1 memory? Thanks for any help! Gary / KT0A __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft K2
Brian, Yes, certainly - you expand the computer cable that you are now using with the pigtail to the KAT100 - as shown in the KAT100 manual. The K2 operates as normal. The control cable connector with the two cables in it must connect to the KIO2. My point was only that: The TTL to RS-232 converter chip in the KPA100 cannot be used for computer control with the KPA100 mounted in the EC2 enclosure. That part is only functional when the KPA100 is mounted on the base K2 (with the external mounting, there are no TXD and RXD signals sent to the KPA100). So you get your computer communications from the KIO2, and not from the KPA100. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/4/2015 6:08 PM, Brian Denley wrote: Don: Thanks for all that information. My K2 has the KIO2 and I am building the KAT100 in the EC2 next week. On you last paragraph: will I still be able to use the 'Twins' setup under computer control through the KIO2? Brian KB1VBF Sent from my iPad On Jan 4, 2015, at 7:59 AM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Brian, The web pages have gone away, but the instructions are quite easy. First, you need the KIO2 installed in the base K2. Build the KAT100-2, just follow instructions - build the cable for the KAT100 as instructed in the manual. Test and align it with the K2/10 at 10 watts - the RF output from the K2 will be from ANT1 if you have the KAT2 installed. Then build the KPA100. Do the alignment, test and calibration with it connected as normal to the base K2. Then install the KPA100 in the EC2 enclosure. It plugs right into the KAT100-2 You will have to remove pin 4 from the ribbon cable connector. Connect a BNC to BNC cable between the base K2 ANT1 connector, a short UHF to UHF cable between the KPA100 ANT jack to the KAT100 RF IN jack. The control cable connector with the two cables plugs into the KIO2 and the other male connector plugs into either the KAT100 or the KPA100 DB-9 connector. The K2 senses the presence of both the KPA100 and the KAT2 and automatically forces the KAT2 to bypass and ANT1. Operation is automatic and seamless. To use the K2/10 for portable operation, remove the BNC cable from ANT1 and remove the control cable - the K2 will then revert to the 10 watt transceiver with the KAT2 active. Normally in the external KAT100-2/KPA100 combination, the power for the KAT100 comes through the KPA100 APP power cable. If you want to set it up so the K2 will revert to low power automatically if the AC powered large power supply goes down in an AC power failure, you must power *both* the base K2 and the KAT100 from a battery backed supply. The switch to low power will then be automatic if the large power source goes down. Even though the KPA100 duplicates the AUX IO port of the KIO2, the computer connection part of that connector will not be functional when mounted in the EC2 enclosure. Computer communications must be from the KIO2. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/4/2015 12:42 AM, Brian Denley wrote: I am building a KAT100 and KPA100 in an separate EC2 housing. There used to be some websites with details on this arrangement but I can no longer find them. As I understand things, the KPA100 / KAT100 will operate from the KIOS cable but do I need to disable my KAT2? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
If you're interested in CW operation, check out the North American QRP CW Club at http://naqcc.info. Membership is free and they have monthly sprints and challenges. The sprints aren't lightning fast because you can double your score if you use a straight key, so it's a fun way to get on the air and make contacts with other QRPers. Also check out John Shannon's website at http://k3wwp.com. John has a wealth of information about antennas, operating techniques, frequencies, propagation, etc. I'm just reading a copy of this book that someone loaned me: http://www.arrl.org/shop/ARRL-s-Low-Power-Communication-4th-Edition/ If you prefer a book, It's a good read with lots of information. 72, Jock, N1JI On Sun, Jan 4, 2015 at 1:34 PM, Mark Tellez aar...@gmail.com wrote: Hello all and happy 2015! I am not new to amateur radio but I am new to the world of QRP. I recently received a KX3 and would like to try it out. I live in Colorado and I have access to both a Buddipole and an Alexloop antenna. I have a few questions as a QRP newbie: 1) what are the most popular QRP bands for monitoring and what are the main calling frequencies (day and night)? 2) is there a book or website that will give a QRP newbie some background info on the do and don'ts of QRP? 3) I am looking for an antenna that can be left attached to the KX3 that will provide decent HF reception so that I can monitor frequencies during the times when my other antennas are put away. Any suggestions? 4) I am considering buying a PAR end fed antenna. Any comments on the PAR vs my other options (Alexloop, Buddipole)? Thanks, Mark __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to jock.irv...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
No need to do so, but I have used /QRP to try to snag another QRP operator around on of the the QRP watering holes. Two way QRP QSO's have been some of my nicest ham radio experiences. We generally spend quite a bit of time discussing our equipment, that we probably built, and in some cases, designed. 73, Rick Dettinger K7MW On Jan 4, 2015, at 12:47 PM, Jim Allen wrote: I've never seen the need to sign /QRP or give it away in any fashion. If the other guy hears you adequately, he will respond; otherwise, what difference does it make? It is the flip side of the Old Timer's oft repeated advice: When you hear 'em, call 'em! 73 de W6OGC Jim Allen __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] FS: XG3 Signal source
I have a virtually unused XG3 signal source that I bought new and it has sat on the bench unused. I'll ship it in the US for $165. It comes with the E850369 serial interface cable and original manual Paypal or money order Thanks Tim Nz8J __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] WTB KXPA100
Looking to buy a used KXPA100.Paypal purchase onlyTomy 928-710-9231 73! Tomy KF7GC AZ STM NM AZ Section Net ORS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] XG3 has been sold.
Thanks to all who responded. Tim NZ8J __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Getting Started with QRP and the Elecraft KX3
Hi Mark, Yes, QRP is a challenge. For the first 2 years with my KX3, I ran it ONLY QRP with LiFePo external batteries or external power supply. I learned to be persistent. From my QTH east of Los Angeles in the San Bernardino mountains on New Year’s Eve 2013, I reached the Amundsen-Scott station at the South Pole, KC4AAA. They gave me a great signal report, just about when I was going to give up. This has been one of my highlights. I also reached K9W, the Wake Island expedition in November of 2013 running QRP, another highlight for me. Persistence … and just act like a big dog! I do have the Elecraft KXPA100 amplifier and it too goes portable with me. For those more challenging pile-ups, it doesn’t break through immediately, but with persistence, I can make the contact. See below for my comments. From: Mark Tellez aar...@gmail.com Subject: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP 1) what are the most popular QRP bands for monitoring and what are the main calling frequencies (day and night)? As a QRP guy myself with a KX3, see http://qrprespect.jimdo.com/ Honestly, in my 3 years as a new ham, I don’t think many folks follow these conventions. 2) is there a book or website that will give a QRP newbie some background info on the do and don’ts of QRP? Not that I know of. 3) I am looking for an antenna that can be left attached to the KX3 that will provide decent HF reception so that I can monitor frequencies during the times when my other antennas are put away. Any suggestions? A simple OCF 40-6m 66’ inverted V window dipole is my baseline fixed station antenna. It is hung in the trees, about 30’ above the ground, but I am also at 6,200’ elevation, pretty much at the crest looking down into the Los Angeles basin. 4) I am considering buying a PAR end fed antenna. Any comments on the PAR vs my other options (Alexloop, Buddipole)? I have a version of the SuperAntenna SP-1 buddipole stick (http://newsuperantenna.com/), an Alexloop and a PAR end fed 10/20/40. All 3 work BUT the best for me is the EARCHI end fed 6-40m, (http://www.earchi.org/proj_homebrew.html) for $52 pre-built. The FREE plans are on their website if you want to build your own. You can have the length be whatever you heart desires. I used the PAR end fed for about 6 months, it works well and is quiet. The EARCHI in a vertical or slanted or inverted V is much better and ALL BAND capable IMHO. It is just 30’ in length but it is totally usable with every band utilizing the onboard KX3 ATU. Quick and easy to setup. When I run portable from Hawaii or California, the order of preference when portable QRP or low power: 1. EARCHI end fed 2. Alexloop 3. PAR end fed 10/20/40 (inverted L) 4. SuperAntenna SP-1 I too, never sign with /QRP. Remember, persistence is the key! Good luck Mark, Dave, K6WDE __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] No serial connection between K3 and computer
If you tried with two computers and various cables, then the problem is likely in the K3. What 'zapped' the directional coupler? If it was nearby lightning, then it is not unlikely that it could have damaged the serial chip in the KIO3. I don't know what kind of testing Elecraft did, but perhaps they didn't use a computer connection to do it. Also, static damage to a chip might not appear immediately. I suggest calling or emailing Elecraft support. On 5 Jan 2015 05:02, Rene Correa, K5JX wrote: Greetings. I am no longer able to control my K3 (SN 7845)with my Dell Optiplex 740, running Windows 7 or with my Dell Latitude D610, running Windows XP. The arrangement used to work (running 4800 baud), but not now. I am using the real serial port on each computer. I've tried two different straight through serial cables that have worked with the K3 and both Dells previously. Both cables show continuity on all nine wires. Today I used both cables to connect my AIM 4170C analyzer to the Optiplex and everything appeared to work properly. So, I think I've ruled out the serial cables. I have run the Optiplex's device manager ragged, checking and rechecking the COM1 port many times. I've tried updating the driver several times and have always gotten a message that the most current driver is installed. I've also always gotten a the device is working properly message. I have tried all sorts of baud rate combinations (less than, equal to and greater than 4800 baud) with the K3 and the Optiplex, always starting my experiments with the same baud rate for COM1 and the K3 and then either leaving the COM1 baud rate constant while varying the K3 baud rate or leaving the K3 baud rate constant while varying the COM1 baud rate. In every instance, all the K3 Utility gives me are scrolling messages that say, Attempting to contact K3 on port COM1 at 38400 bit/s, Attempting to contact K3 on port COM1 at 19200 bit/s, Attempting to contact K3 on port COM1 at 9600 bit/s, Attempting to contact K3 on port COM1 at 4800 bit/s, etc. I've pulled the top cover off the K3 and measured the voltage on pin 8 of U1 on the KIO3 board. I measured a little over -7 VDC, so that looks okay, as per KE7X's book. I sent the K3 to Elecraft a few months ago to fix a zapped toroid in the directional coupler. The computer control worked before the zap. Elecraft satisfactorily repaired the K3 and fully tested before it was returned to me. As far as I can tell, none of my settings were changed while the rig was at Elecraft. I've operated the K3 mobile, with no computer control and it has worked like a champ. However, a few days ago, when I connected it back up to Optiplex (and later the Latitude), I became aware of the serial port problem. I am at my (half) wit's end and have to believe I am overlooking something obvious. Can anyone please suggest what, if anything, to try next? Many thanks and 73. Rene K5JX -- 73, Vic, 4X6GP/K2VCO Rehovot, Israel http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft K2
Don: That's what I thought from the KAT100 manual. Thanks! Brian KB1VBF Sent from my iPad On Jan 4, 2015, at 6:41 PM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Brian, Yes, certainly - you expand the computer cable that you are now using with the pigtail to the KAT100 - as shown in the KAT100 manual. The K2 operates as normal. The control cable connector with the two cables in it must connect to the KIO2. My point was only that: The TTL to RS-232 converter chip in the KPA100 cannot be used for computer control with the KPA100 mounted in the EC2 enclosure. That part is only functional when the KPA100 is mounted on the base K2 (with the external mounting, there are no TXD and RXD signals sent to the KPA100). So you get your computer communications from the KIO2, and not from the KPA100. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/4/2015 6:08 PM, Brian Denley wrote: Don: Thanks for all that information. My K2 has the KIO2 and I am building the KAT100 in the EC2 next week. On you last paragraph: will I still be able to use the 'Twins' setup under computer control through the KIO2? Brian KB1VBF Sent from my iPad On Jan 4, 2015, at 7:59 AM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Brian, The web pages have gone away, but the instructions are quite easy. First, you need the KIO2 installed in the base K2. Build the KAT100-2, just follow instructions - build the cable for the KAT100 as instructed in the manual. Test and align it with the K2/10 at 10 watts - the RF output from the K2 will be from ANT1 if you have the KAT2 installed. Then build the KPA100. Do the alignment, test and calibration with it connected as normal to the base K2. Then install the KPA100 in the EC2 enclosure. It plugs right into the KAT100-2 You will have to remove pin 4 from the ribbon cable connector. Connect a BNC to BNC cable between the base K2 ANT1 connector, a short UHF to UHF cable between the KPA100 ANT jack to the KAT100 RF IN jack. The control cable connector with the two cables plugs into the KIO2 and the other male connector plugs into either the KAT100 or the KPA100 DB-9 connector. The K2 senses the presence of both the KPA100 and the KAT2 and automatically forces the KAT2 to bypass and ANT1. Operation is automatic and seamless. To use the K2/10 for portable operation, remove the BNC cable from ANT1 and remove the control cable - the K2 will then revert to the 10 watt transceiver with the KAT2 active. Normally in the external KAT100-2/KPA100 combination, the power for the KAT100 comes through the KPA100 APP power cable. If you want to set it up so the K2 will revert to low power automatically if the AC powered large power supply goes down in an AC power failure, you must power *both* the base K2 and the KAT100 from a battery backed supply. The switch to low power will then be automatic if the large power source goes down. Even though the KPA100 duplicates the AUX IO port of the KIO2, the computer connection part of that connector will not be functional when mounted in the EC2 enclosure. Computer communications must be from the KIO2. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/4/2015 12:42 AM, Brian Denley wrote: I am building a KAT100 and KPA100 in an separate EC2 housing. There used to be some websites with details on this arrangement but I can no longer find them. As I understand things, the KPA100 / KAT100 will operate from the KIOS cable but do I need to disable my KAT2? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to b.den...@comcast.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] No serial connection between K3 and computer
Greetings. I am no longer able to control my K3 (SN 7845)with my Dell Optiplex 740, running Windows 7 or with my Dell Latitude D610, running Windows XP. The arrangement used to work (running 4800 baud), but not now. I am using the real serial port on each computer. I've tried two different straight through serial cables that have worked with the K3 and both Dells previously. Both cables show continuity on all nine wires. Today I used both cables to connect my AIM 4170C analyzer to the Optiplex and everything appeared to work properly. So, I think I've ruled out the serial cables. I have run the Optiplex's device manager ragged, checking and rechecking the COM1 port many times. I've tried updating the driver several times and have always gotten a message that the most current driver is installed. I've also always gotten a the device is working properly message. I have tried all sorts of baud rate combinations (less than, equal to and greater than 4800 baud) with the K3 and the Optiplex, always starting my experiments with the same baud rate for COM1 and the K3 and then either leaving the COM1 baud rate constant while varying the K3 baud rate or leaving the K3 baud rate constant while varying the COM1 baud rate. In every instance, all the K3 Utility gives me are scrolling messages that say, Attempting to contact K3 on port COM1 at 38400 bit/s, Attempting to contact K3 on port COM1 at 19200 bit/s, Attempting to contact K3 on port COM1 at 9600 bit/s, Attempting to contact K3 on port COM1 at 4800 bit/s, etc. I've pulled the top cover off the K3 and measured the voltage on pin 8 of U1 on the KIO3 board. I measured a little over -7 VDC, so that looks okay, as per KE7X's book. I sent the K3 to Elecraft a few months ago to fix a zapped toroid in the directional coupler. The computer control worked before the zap. Elecraft satisfactorily repaired the K3 and fully tested before it was returned to me. As far as I can tell, none of my settings were changed while the rig was at Elecraft. I've operated the K3 mobile, with no computer control and it has worked like a champ. However, a few days ago, when I connected it back up to Optiplex (and later the Latitude), I became aware of the serial port problem. I am at my (half) wit's end and have to believe I am overlooking something obvious. Can anyone please suggest what, if anything, to try next? Many thanks and 73. Rene K5JX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] No serial connection between K3 and computer
It's possible you popped the serial chip on the computer. I have a PC here that shows the port but it does not communicate. From: Rene Correa, K5JX k...@earthlink.net To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, January 4, 2015 10:02 PM Subject: [Elecraft] No serial connection between K3 and computer Greetings. I am no longer able to control my K3 (SN 7845)with my Dell Optiplex 740, running Windows 7 or with my Dell Latitude D610, running Windows XP. The arrangement used to work (running 4800 baud), but not now. I am using the real serial port on each computer. I've tried two different straight through serial cables that have worked with the K3 and both Dells previously. Both cables show continuity on all nine wires. Today I used both cables to connect my AIM 4170C analyzer to the Optiplex and everything appeared to work properly. So, I think I've ruled out the serial cables. I have run the Optiplex's device manager ragged, checking and rechecking the COM1 port many times. I've tried updating the driver several times and have always gotten a message that the most current driver is installed. I've also always gotten a the device is working properly message. I have tried all sorts of baud rate combinations (less than, equal to and greater than 4800 baud) with the K3 and the Optiplex, always starting my experiments with the same baud rate for COM1 and the K3 and then either leaving the COM1 baud rate constant while varying the K3 baud rate or leaving the K3 baud rate constant while varying the COM1 baud rate. In every instance, all the K3 Utility gives me are scrolling messages that say, Attempting to contact K3 on port COM1 at 38400 bit/s, Attempting to contact K3 on port COM1 at 19200 bit/s, Attempting to contact K3 on port COM1 at 9600 bit/s, Attempting to contact K3 on port COM1 at 4800 bit/s, etc. I've pulled the top cover off the K3 and measured the voltage on pin 8 of U1 on the KIO3 board. I measured a little over -7 VDC, so that looks okay, as per KE7X's book. I sent the K3 to Elecraft a few months ago to fix a zapped toroid in the directional coupler. The computer control worked before the zap. Elecraft satisfactorily repaired the K3 and fully tested before it was returned to me. As far as I can tell, none of my settings were changed while the rig was at Elecraft. I've operated the K3 mobile, with no computer control and it has worked like a champ. However, a few days ago, when I connected it back up to Optiplex (and later the Latitude), I became aware of the serial port problem. I am at my (half) wit's end and have to believe I am overlooking something obvious. Can anyone please suggest what, if anything, to try next? Many thanks and 73. Rene K5JX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to hlyin...@yahoo.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Getting Started with QRP and the Elecraft KX3
On 1/4/15 at 8:18 PM, dave.esq...@gmail.com (Esquer Dave) wrote: Yes, QRP is a challenge. For the first 2 years with my KX3, I ran it ONLY QRP with LiFePo external batteries or external power supply. I learned to be persistent. I started having fun with my radio when I started using PSK31 QRP. I started with an ICOM 705M2G and graduated to a PSK20 single band rig. Things got really fun when I got a K3. Most recently I operated QRP in the ARRL 10M contest using a simple home brew vertical antenna on my roof. I was quite surprised to discover that the geographic entity most common in my log was Japan followed by Texas and Minnesota. I second the thought that you will have more success with narrow band modes like CW and PSK31 than you will with modes like SSB and RTTY. Regardless of mode, running QRP and getting a response on your first call can make your entire day. It more than makes up for those other days when you don't seem to be able to contact anyone. 73 Bill AE6JV --- Bill Frantz| QRP: So you can talk about | Periwinkle (408)356-8506 | the ones that got away. | 16345 Englewood Ave www.pwpconsult.com | | Los Gatos, CA 95032 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] FS KX3 Station
Consolidating to single radio (K3) so I'm selling my KX3 Station... KX3 Transceiver - S/N 1842, includes: KXAT3 Tuner, KXBC3 Batt chgr and RT Clock, KXSERa USB adapter, MH3 hand mic, KXFL3 filter, KXPD3 paddle, KX3-PCKT cable set, PAE-Kx31 heatsink, Nifty KX3 Desk Stand. Has KX3BNCMODKT (LO filter) installed. Also includes Side KX end plates and cover (not currently installed). All for $1100 PX3 Panadapter with Nifty PX3 Desk Stand $370 KXPA100 100W Amplifier, includes: KXAT100 Tuner, KXPACBL Interface cable $750 Prefer to sell entire package, so $2100 takes everything... Will ship to lower 48 US All Elecraft connection cables included. All equipment is assembled, fully functional, aligned. Pristene condition, non-smoking shack. Please reply off list to my callsign at arrl.net. Happy New Year! Rick N1RM Reston, VA -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/FS-KX3-Station-tp7596787.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] getting started with QRP
On Sun, 4 Jan 2015, Ken G Kopp wrote: Fred's certainly correct with his advice about not signing /QRP. Many see it as some form of I'm special, take pitty on me or whining. The best reason for not using /QRP even if it is legal (and it cetrainly isn't legal everywhere) is that it makes your call four characters shorter! The longer your call, the more trouble it is to get across, especially when your signal's on the low side. I took my KX3 away from base over Xmas, and was required (by licence conditions) to operate as 5Z4/M0LEP/P then. Save / for adding essential information. If you feel you *must* mention that you're QRP, do so without encumbering your callsign; it makes accurate logging much easier for your contacts. 73, Rick 5Z4/M0LEP (for a few more days) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
