Re: [Elecraft] Lightning concerns: Was: K4 Remote: My QTH vs. a friend's, many miles to the north

[George Danner]

As a broadcaster in South Florida with tall towers, 50' masts on mobile
units and satellite uplinks, we encountered lightning strikes many times a
day during the rainy seasons.
Our experience is that all equipment can be damaged by the high voltage
and/or current, no matter how much protection you provide.
Over the 30 years I was a chief engineer of a TV station we tried almost
everything.

At the studio, our microwave shack was located about 500' from the studio
and used a 200' tower. Initially both the studio and MW shack & tower had
multiple ring grounds with all connections cad welded with 20' ground rods
spaced about 20' or less. The guy anchors also had ring grounds. We had a
500 mill ground connection interconnection.
Over the years we added protection to every audio, video and data cable
going between the two. The best solution seemed to be using fiber for ALL
interconnects except power (which had its own surge protectors) and
dissipation arrays. Over the years Dissipation Arrays have been discounted
by many engineers; however we put them on all of our owned towers and large
satellite dishes. We believed they saved their cost.
One of my engineers likened lightning strike protection to Elephant
Repellent. Just because you don't see any elephants doesn't mean the
repellent works!

When thunderstorms were forecasted and/or our lightning detection showed
lightning within 10 miles or less, we went to generator power; until it
passed us by.

Mostly - we rarely (maybe never) had a year without some lightning damage.
Remember that South & Central Florida seem to be the Lightning Capital of
North America.

We did have less damage when we only had tube type equipment than when we
switched to all solid state!!!

Once out my office window I saw our studio tower take 3 direct hits in one
afternoon, with no damage observed. so the massive grounds did their job
that day.

My experience is to do what you can and accept the fact that lightning will
do its thing when it wants too. For a 24/7 operation redundancy is the best
solution.

73 George AI4VZ

On Mon, May 6, 2024 at 8:29 AM Jorge Diez - CX6VM 
wrote:

> Thank you very much Peter
>
> I was not going to reply anymore since I had received the order not to
> continue with this thread, but your email reflects exactly what I wanted to
> say in my first email
>
> thank you!
>
> 73,
> Jorge
> CX6VM/CW5W
>
> El dom, 5 may 2024 a las 23:21, Peter Hall ()
> escribió:
>
> > Hello Jorge,
> >
> > Thanks for an interesting thread, which elicited some good technical
> > replies as well as some undeserved and rather haughty tut-tutting,
> > presumably about valuable mail column-cm: the remedy for the latter is,
> of
> > course, the delete button - a facility with which any reader of this
> mailer
> > is well-practiced at using.
> >
> > I get the point you're making and have considerable sympathy for it: in a
> > highly connected, and possibly remote, environment is it desirable for a
> > manufacturer to do better than baseline digital I/O protection,
> especially
> > as manufacturers themselves tout the remote connectivity as a selling
> > point? I think it is, and I appreciate that you're not asking for magic:
> > e.g, for primary lightning protection.  Any increased port robustness,
> > including galvanic isolation, is worth thinking about and - most
> > importantly - so is bench and field serviceability.  The all-too-common
> > madness of entry-level ports on a dense motherboard is well worth
> avoiding!
> >
> > You mention the KPA1500 and I'm also a rather far-flung user of this PA.
> > I can, and do, re-invent as many wheels as I need to in order to run
> safely
> > a local and remote station but the KPA1500 service situation is
> egregious:
> > no schematic and not even a decent block diagram to show port internal
> > connectivity etc.
> >
> > Anyway, thanks again for the topic and the opportunity to register a vote
> > for more robust I/O design, better serviceability and improved
> > documentation.  I hope your challenges are behind you soon!
> >
> > 73, Peter (VK6HP)
> >
> >
> >
> > -Original Message-
> > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  >
> > On Behalf Of Jorge Diez - CX6VM
> > Sent: Monday, 6 May 2024 1:42 AM
> > To: Mike Fatchett W0MU 
> > Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Lightning concerns: Was: K4 Remote: My QTH vs. a
> > friend's, many miles to the north
> >
> > hello
> >
> > To finish with this topic, I was just wondering if a device that is
> > intended for use in remote stations, always connected and in some cases
> > with no one to disconnect during storms, could not have a better USB
> > connector, for example
> >
> > If he tells me it can't be done, fine, my question has been answered and
> > thank you very much.
> >
> > time to move on to other virtues of Elecraft
> >
> > 73,
> > Jorge
> > CX6VM/CW5W
> >
> >
> >
>
> --
> 73,
> Jorge
> CX6VM/CW5W
> __
> 

[Elecraft] The Elecraft K4 has been sold

[George Danner]

73 George AI4VZ
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[Elecraft] Elecraft K4 for sale

[George Danner]

I'm selling my Elecraft K4 (not a "D"). D upgrade is available from
Elecraft.
It is 2 years old with an ATU.
$4,100 shipped and insured to Continental US in original boxes.

Due to current conditions, refunds are not available.

Details and photos on request.

73 George AI4VZ
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Re: [Elecraft] K4 missing features, was OT: The 4-track mind

[George Danner]

4. Transmit Monitor

73 George AI4VZ

On Sun, Dec 10, 2023 at 11:29 AM Dave  wrote:

> Wayne, if you can return to a single track mind for a moment, any update on
> when the K4 missing features will be finished?
>
> In no particular order:
> 1. General coverage, the button still does nothing.
> 2. Pre-distortion
> 3. Remote operation via Ethernet
>
> In addition, with the K3 there was an update to the firmware which allowed
> VOX to be turned off when the radio was turned off/on. I keep forgetting
> and accidentally catching my paddles on my K4...
>
> Now that higher data rates have been approved for the USA, any chance of
> fixing the issue where the K4 struggles with Pactor (dropping PTT results
> in truncated data transmissions due to TX to RX timing issue), The fix is
> to add a 20 mS PTT hold on delay and consider speeding up the throughput to
> reduce latency too. The same issue with the K3 was fixed in a week of being
> reported.
>
> 73 Dave
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S VFO B doesn't change sub-RX frequency

[George Danner]

Are you "Holding" Sub to turn on sub? If so you might be going into
Diversity and VFO A controls both receivers.

Can't ask how I know that!
73 George AI4VZ

On Sun, Dec 3, 2023 at 4:45 PM Jim Kutsch KY2D  wrote:

> Hi Ed,
>
> Thanks for the reply. Yes, that was one of the first things I tried. No
> joy.
>
>
>
> 73 Jim KY2D
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> From: Ed Parish 
> Sent: Sunday, December 3, 2023 12:08
> To: Jim Kutsch KY2D 
> Cc: Elecraft List 
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3S VFO B doesn't change sub-RX frequency
>
>
>
> Did you try B.SET and then unlock?
>
>
>
> On Sun, Dec 3, 2023, 12:06 Jim Kutsch KY2D  jim.kut...@ky2d.com> > wrote:
>
> When the K3S sub-RX is turned on, VFO B does nothing. It's as if it's
> locked
> but unlock doesn't change the situation. Might there be a config setting
> that was accidentally changed? I think I've gone through everything and
> haven't found a solution. Thank.
>
>
>
> 73 Jim KY2D
>
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Resistor Values

[George Danner]

R81 = 100 on the Elecraft K3s schematic for the RF Board.

73 George AI4VZ

On Wed, Nov 15, 2023 at 8:48 AM Paul Van Dyke 
wrote:

> Errr   not being a smartass ... Have you asked Elecraft?
> Knowing their workload .. it might not be a 2 minute reply
>
> Paul KB9AVO
>
> On Wed, Nov 15, 2023 at 7:21 AM  wrote:
> >
> > Can anyone tell me where I can get the values of Resistor R81 on the K3S
> RF
> > Board please?
> >
> >
> >
> > TIA
> >
> > Chris G0TZZ
> >
> > __
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Re: [Elecraft] K4 and Yamaha CM-500 Mic?

[George Danner]

Pete,
I'm using a CM500 that is a year or so old. It replaced one that finally
fell apart and I was tired of gluing it back together.
When I replaced the headset, I did not need to make any adjustments!

I went from a K3 to a K4 with the Yamaha headset plugged into the rear
connectors.
My Mic gain on the K4 is set at 12. TX rear mic configuration is Bias ON
Preamp OFF.

73 George AI4VZ



On Mon, Jul 31, 2023 at 9:32 AM Pete Smith N4ZR  wrote:

> My CM-500 is about 4 years old, and shedding ear-pads, but it works fine
> with my K3.
>
> 73, Pete N4ZR
>
> On 7/31/2023 6:52 AM, Alan Bloom wrote:
> > I had never used my CM-500 on a K3 so I can't do that comparison. But
> > on the K4 I had to turn on the internal mic preamp and set the mic
> > gain all the way to maximum.  That seemed to give about the correct
> > level - I could talk at normal loudness to get 5 on the ALC.
> >
> > I also use the CM-500 on my laptop to record a radio show.  I had to
> > turn up the gain close to max on the computer as well.  I think
> > late-production CM-500s just tend to have low microphone sensitivity.
> >
> > Alan
> >
> >
> > On 7/31/2023 1:40 AM, Oscar Staudt wrote:
> >> When I got my K4D a month ago, I unplugged my Yamaha CM-500 mic and
> >> headphones from my K3, and plugged them into the back of my K4. I set
> >> the
> >> mic input to rear, and mic bias on.  I expected the mic to perform
> >> like it had in the K3.
> >>
> >>
> >> I attempted to get 3-5 bars of ALC by turning up the mic gain
> >> control.  Even
> >> with the gain up to 80, I’d have to speak *very* loudly to just get a
> >> flicker on the ALC meter.
> >>
> >>
> >> I then went back into the mic configuration and turned on the preamp
> >> (14dB).
> >> After that I could get  some ALC bars with the mic gain around 65 or
> >> more.  But
> >> I still  had to talk much louder than I had to with the same mic on
> >> the K3.
> >> (note:  mic level on the K3 was set around 7).
> >>
> >>
> >> Question:  Is it reasonable to expect that I’d have to have the mic
> >> gain at
> >> such a high level - and still have to talk louder than my normal (K3)
> >> level?
> >>
> >>
> >> BTW, I can hook up the MH-4, switch to front mic, and all works
> >> smooth with
> >> mic gain around 12.
> >> __
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> >
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Re: [Elecraft] F.S. Well Equipped K3 & P3

[George Danner]

Sold

On Fri, Apr 8, 2022 at 12:33 PM George Danner  wrote:

> *K3-K High Performance 160 - 6M Transceiver W/Subreceiver:*
>
> K3/100 100 W Transceiver, KAT3 Internal ATU, KRX3-High Performance
> Subreceiver, KDVR3- Digital Voice Recorder, KXV3A-RX Ant., IF Out and
> Xverter Interface, Main filters – 13kHz, 2.8kHz, 1.8kHz & 400Hz, Sub
> Filters-2.7kHz, 1.8kHz & 400Hz, and KBPF3 General Coverage RX Band-pass
> Module (modified to pass Low Frequencies) in both main & Sub, Power cable &
> USB Cable.
>
> *Upgrades to K3s:*
>
> KIO3B Interface (Upgrade)
>
> KSYN3A Synthesizer (Upgrade - Both Main & Sub)
>
> Manuals & Documentation
>
> *P3 DSP Panadapter W/SVGA & Transmit Monitor:*
>
> P3 DSP Panadapter, P3SVGA Video Adapter, P3TxMon Transmitter Monitor,
> DCHF-2000 2kW HF Coupler, Ethernet Cable, BNC Male to BNC Male Coax, Power
> Cable to RCA Plug (K3 to P3), Ethernet serial to RS232 Male & RS232 Female
> (K3 KIO3B to P3)
>
> Manuals and Documentation
>
>
> Units in good condition from a non-smoking home.
>
> Photos available.
>
> $3000 Shipped CONUS in Elecraft Boxes.
>
> AI4VZ
>
> George Danner
>
> Address & Email at QRZ
>
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[Elecraft] F.S. Well Equipped K3 & P3

[George Danner]

*K3-K High Performance 160 - 6M Transceiver W/Subreceiver:*

K3/100 100 W Transceiver, KAT3 Internal ATU, KRX3-High Performance
Subreceiver, KDVR3- Digital Voice Recorder, KXV3A-RX Ant., IF Out and
Xverter Interface, Main filters – 13kHz, 2.8kHz, 1.8kHz & 400Hz, Sub
Filters-2.7kHz, 1.8kHz & 400Hz, and KBPF3 General Coverage RX Band-pass
Module (modified to pass Low Frequencies) in both main & Sub, Power cable &
USB Cable.

*Upgrades to K3s:*

KIO3B Interface (Upgrade)

KSYN3A Synthesizer (Upgrade - Both Main & Sub)

Manuals & Documentation

*P3 DSP Panadapter W/SVGA & Transmit Monitor:*

P3 DSP Panadapter, P3SVGA Video Adapter, P3TxMon Transmitter Monitor,
DCHF-2000 2kW HF Coupler, Ethernet Cable, BNC Male to BNC Male Coax, Power
Cable to RCA Plug (K3 to P3), Ethernet serial to RS232 Male & RS232 Female
(K3 KIO3B to P3)

Manuals and Documentation


Units in good condition from a non-smoking home.

Photos available.

$3000 Shipped CONUS in Elecraft Boxes.

AI4VZ

George Danner

Address & Email at QRZ
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Re: [Elecraft] K4 Delivery delay

[George Danner]

Sam,
I was at the end of group 2. According to the
https://groups.io/g/CreativeK4ShippingStatus/topics Elecraft has delivered
about 100 units since mine in January.
I waited just over a year for my K4.
Having bought a K3 over 10 years ago, I have always been impressed by the
service from them. Both by how the owners pipe in on the email reflector
and service will spend the time on the phone to troubleshoot when the
problem ended up being me!
Personally - I was happy that Elecraft used their limited resources to
deliver K4s rather than spending time making us feel better about waiting.
Believe me - you will forget the time waiting and be happy with the K4.
Join the io group to see where you stand if that is important to you - join
the CreativeK4ShippingStatus group.

73 George AI4VZ

On Sun, Apr 3, 2022 at 12:34 PM Sam Sargent via Elecraft <
elecraft@mailman.qth.net> wrote:

>
> I readthe Elecraft (EC) Digest regularly and find many articles
> interesting, and someuseful.  The topic“K4 and Delivery Delays” has
> appeared recently but I didn’t see anyone ask thequestions that are in my
> mind.  I placedmy order for a K4D in December 2021 and paid the $1500
> deposit.  I received an email acknowledgment from ECsaying that my order is
> part of the group 3. The EC web site indicates that all orders for K4s in
> group 1 and Group 2have been shipped, and that hams who are in Group 3 have
> received emails.  IMHO EC should provide more information tohams who have
> ordered K4s, especially those of us who have invested theoptional $1500. I
> believe that the ESD for the H4D that I ordered was lastprojected as June
> or July 2022.  In thisday of digital communication, it does not seem like
> too much to ask that ECprovide hams who have ponied up the $1500, receive
> regular (monthly) updatesthat show how many orders are in the que ahead of
> theirs, and an updatedEstimated Delivery date, and final cost.  I look
> forward to a thoughtful answer to myquestions. N1OVA
>
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Sprogs

[George Danner]

BNC cables do have issues all of their own. First a manual connector seems
difficult for some to terminate properly (especially the shield).
Connectors have 2 sizes of center pins (50 & 75 ohm). Using a large
connector and then a smaller conductor will cause an intermittent at the
female center.

As a broadcaster who converted from video on PL259s to BNCs, we became very
aware of these issues. To the point that 75 ohm BNC jumpers in the shop had
green tape or shrink tubing and 50 ohm had red. More than 99% of our
plant's cables were 75 ohm! We only stocked 75 ohm connectors at the studio
and 50 ohm connectors at the transmitter.
There were several attempts to have a single compatible connector. Not sure
that was actually accomplished!

I had a similar issue shortly after I installed my P3. I just used a solder
pick to tighten the K3 & P3 BNCs female center leaves. Fixed my issue with
a 2010 P3 kit. Not sure which of the 4 connectors was the culprit - the
cable is Elecraft, K3 & P3 are Elecraft.

Memory from long ago seems to remember the 75 ohm pin was the smallest
diameter; so using a 50 ohm connector could expand the female and then
using a 75 ohm connection could become intermittent.

73 George AI4VZ

On Mon, Jan 31, 2022 at 3:00 PM Fred Jensen  wrote:

> I had a similar problem when I first got my P3.  The symptom(s) centered
> around the noise drifting upward.  Hand on top would send it back down
> to the baseline.  One of the Elecraft techs [who I know well] sent me a
> new jumper on the condition that I cut the old one into 5 cm pieces so
> it didn't show up at a swap meet.  The new one fixed the issues.
>
> The P3 is really a tuneable receiver that covers most of the HF
> spectrum.  We just leave it tuned to the 8 MHz 1st IF.  If the
> cable/connectors are not really shielded well, it will pick up ambient
> noise.
>
> 73,
>
> Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
> Sparks NV DM09dn
> Washoe County
>
> Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP wrote on 1/31/2022 1:06 AM:
> > Trevor,
> >
> > Try another coax jumper between the K3 and P3. I have heard of this
> > problem being caused by poor connection of the shield braid (or
> > low-quality braid) in the jumper.
> >
> > 73,
> > Victor, 4X6GP
> > Rehovot, Israel
> > CWops #5
> > Formerly K2VCO
> > https://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
> >
> > On 31/01/2022 10:09, MØTDZ wrote:
> >> I am sure I have seen some threads on this before so please accept
> >> apologies If i am going over something twice.
> >>
> >> Having moved to an area with a  much lower noise level I note loads
> >> of sprogs / spurious signals following me around on the P3
> >> panadapter.  Is there a common cause of these (im presuming they are
> >> generated by the K3S) and anything I should/could be doing to get rid
> >> of them?
> >>
> >> Trevor MW0TDZ / M0DX
>
>
>
> --
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Re: [Elecraft] On ground - in ground radials

[George Danner]

Mike,
When I was an AM radio broadcast engineer in the 60s & 70s, we used a
copper screen for the first 20' to 50' around the tower base and silver
soldered all the 1/4 wavelength radials to the common point straps and
several places along the screen. This was in Florida with sandy soil. I
seemed to remember from my 1st Phone exam that 120 radials were required.
73 George AI4VZ

On Mon, Jan 17, 2022 at 11:23 AM Mike Fatchett  wrote:

> A well known 9 lander lid uses chicken wire for his 160 antenna and it
> works very very well.  I am not sure what effect crossing the wires
> has.  Has anyone done any real testing of this or is it just theory or a
> wives tale?  Did he stumble upon the holy grail of radials?
>
> Most of the results of the radial field are from the first 50 percent or
> so.  You do not necessarily have to have 66 ft radials on 80m to work
> and get out.  Put out as many as you can as long as you can and shorter
> radials are fine too.
>
> W0MU
>
> On 1/16/2022 2:15 PM, Dave Fugleberg wrote:
> > This discussion reminded me of a question that I’ve often wondered about
> > but have never asked.
> > I have read that when laying out radials on or under the ground, one
> should
> > be careful to ensure that they radiate out from a central point without
> > ever crossing one another.
> >
> > I have also read about this idea of using galvanized mesh in place of a
> > traditional radial field. In a mesh, the conductors not only cross, but
> are
> > bonded together at every crossing.
> >
> > So, is there actually an issue if a couple radials happen to cross each
> > other?
> >
> > Not that one would do so on purpose, but when adding radials to a system
> > where the existing ones are no longer visible, it could easily happen…
> >
> > Curious minds want to know.
> >
> >
> > On Sun, Jan 16, 2022 at 2:55 PM Jim Brown 
> wrote:
> >
> >> On 1/16/2022 12:19 PM, Mike Markowski wrote:
> >>> A construction site had left over galvanized mesh rolls that I bought
> at
> >>> great discount.  I unrolled them symmetrically about my then soon-to-be
> >>> installed vertical.  Easier than individual for lazy hams like me:-)
> and
> >>> 2nd qso at 100W from Pennsylvania was Cambodia!  That qso made my day
> and
> >>> then some.
> >> Rob Sherwood, KC0B, published on this in the May 1977 edition of "Ham
> >> Radio," and I included his ideas in this talk.
> >>
> >> http://k9yc.com/160MPacificon.pdf
> >>
> >> 73, Jim K9YC
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> >>
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Re: [Elecraft] HOA antenna restrictions

[George Danner]

Any CCR that prohibits all antennas or all except a small dish are in
violation of the 1996 (?) Telecommunications Act. Depending on your state
and local laws - that sentence, paragraph or the entire CCR may be in
violation.

As a Chief Engineer of a TV station, we used that ACT to force HOAs to
accept outdoor TV antennas. I wasn't a Ham in those days so never had the
opportunity to test compliance. No HOA balked once they were sent a copy of
the relative parts of the Act.

73
George AI4VZ

On Tue, Jun 29, 2021 at 12:44 AM John Marvin  wrote:

> Luckily for you, they were not aware of the FCC OTARD rules which
> absolutely override covenants with respect to small satellite antennas,
> rooftop TV antennas, and wireless ISP/cell dishes/antennas. However, the
> OTARD exemption does not cover ham radio antennas (there have been bills
> to try to add an exemption for them, but none have succeeded). No HOA
> has succeeded in challenging these rule, although many have tried.
>
> John, AC0ZG
>
> https://www.fcc.gov/media/over-air-reception-devices-rule
>
>
> On 6/28/2021 8:32 PM, eda...@aya.yale.edu wrote:
> > I confess to having done something similar, though I used a jiu-jitsu
> move
> > rather than rational argument as Phil did.  Within five or so years of
> > moving in I became the President of the HOA (because no-one else wanted
> it)
> > and, like Phil, after six or seven years of it (because still no-one else
> > wanted it) I quit and wouldn't do it again for love or money either.
> > However, during my tenure I pointed out at a meeting of the HOA that our
> > covenants had an absolute no-external-antenna rule, yet about half of the
> > garages in the association had two-foot diameter satellite TV dishes on
> the
> > roof (this was the early 2000s.)   Under the existing covenants, they
> would
> > all have to go.  Either that, or to protect them we could amend the
> > covenants by just deleting the no-antenna rule entirely.  The vote was
> > unanimous.
> >
> > Ted, KN1CBR
> >
> > -Original Message-
> >
> > Date: Mon, 28 Jun 2021 15:25:15 -0700
> > From: Phil Kane 
> > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] HOA Crap
> > Message-ID: 
> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
> >
> > That's where I was when we moved into a brand-new condo in California
> > in1988.  At the time the "Board" was the developer, and I scored a
> > meeting with their VP-engineering.  Spoke to him engineer-to-engineer
> > and got approval for several VHF/UHF antennas on the roof.  When the
> > Board was turned over to the owners I made sure that I was on the new
> > Board and I drafted a Memorandum of Ratification that covered more
> > antennas including a long wire with secured access to the roof.  The
> > other two Board members were too dumb to do anything but approve it.
> > Even after I was off the Board in a power play the antennas stayed there
> > until we moved in 1999.  Note - I have no intention of serving on a
> > Condo or HOA Board again even for a sack of gold.
> >
> >
> > 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
> > Elecraft K2/100   s/n 5402
> >
> >   From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest
> > Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> >
> >
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Re: [Elecraft] K4 Panadaptor Display

[George Danner]

When I left TV broadcasting in the early 2000s, we had 2 & 4 way splits on
some hd monitors using an interface device (can't remember its name).
For an enormous sum, we could have as many displays as we wanted on the
largest displays available. I know because my production manager wanted to
redo the monitor wall for the main (News) studio control room and put it in
the budget every year!

Found a solution for a 4 way split on Amazon:
Amazon.com: gofanco Prophecy 1080p Quad Multi-Viewer 4x1 HDMI Switcher with
Seamless Switch, Split Screen, 5 Display Modes, Audio Extractor to Stereo,
IR Remote/Software/Push Button Selector (PRO-QuadView): Electronics

for
$120.
No clue if it is any good; but solutions are available. This one does give
some limited options.

73
George  AI4VZ

On Tue, Jan 26, 2021 at 10:00 AM Grant Youngman 
wrote:

> I display, whether physical or logical (e.g, a quadrant of a real
> display), only supports a single input — it has no means to “window-ize”
> multiple inputs.
>
> > Thanks for the quick answer Grant (& also Ed W0YK).
> > That is more than a little disappointing as it means that as a contester
> for example, you either have to have two or more displays (ie. One for a
> logging program & one for the K4 display) or buy a much more expensive
> display which enables you to have separate quadrants for separate programs?
> This seems a rather retrograde step compared to most other current
> transceivers or have I misunderstood? I suppose you could use the touch
> screen display as an alternative but why not output the K4 display to your
> PC and then put both outputs onto a single screen?
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 question

[George Danner]

Thaire,
Seems that you are not getting the K3 IF output into the P3.
1st - Make sure the BNC cable is on the 2nd from top not the top connector
on the P3(Don't ask how I know).
2nd - BNC connectors can sometimes be fussy. I had an intermittent on the
output of the K3. I used a pick and "tightened" the female by bending the
center female. This was several years ago after moving into a new house
with a new Ham Shack.

73
George  AI4VZ

On Mon, Nov 23, 2020 at 6:55 PM Nr4c  wrote:

> Make sure all connectors are firmly seated.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
> ...nr4c. bill
>
>
> > On Nov 23, 2020, at 6:05 PM, Thaire Bryant 
> wrote:
> >
> > I just finished rewiring and rearranging my operating position (K3s,
> KPA1500 and P3) along with my station computer.  On reassembling I found
> that all was good except for the P3, I lost the signal display and the
> waterfall.  I have no problem connecting to the three utilities and all
> show up to date firmware. The P3 shows the center frequency (VFO A) and
> displays PEP and SWR.  I have rechecked all connections and all appear to
> be correct.  Any ideas?  I can not find any help in troubleshooting areas
> of manual or Fred Cary book.
> >
> > Thanks & 73
> > Thaire. W2APF
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Re: [Elecraft] KXPA-100 tuner question.

[George Danner]

Bob,
According to my KXPA100 manual (A2-2013) - "... tap *tune* again within 5
seconds.  The ATU will do a second tune using smaller steps in inductance
and capacitance values."
All my Electraft ATUs have a similar feature.  Downside - It does take much
longer to achieve the match.

73
George AI4VZ

On Sat, Nov 21, 2020 at 7:47 AM Dick Dievendorff  wrote:

> Bob: the KXPA100 Utility operate page should have check boxes for manual
> selection of L and C. There is also an edit box with up and down arrows to
> change L and C one step at a time. See if you can wiggle those to a place
> that better suits you.  There is a save button once you’ve reached Nirvana.
>
> It may not be possible to get to 1:1.00 on every freq with fixed sized
> inductors and capacitors.
>
> Not all of the L and C are useful on any particular band.  The largest are
> not used on 6 meters, the smallest don’t make much difference on 160 meters.
>
> You’ll hear this from others, but a minor mismatch isn’t going to make
> much difference at the other end of the QSO.  But I, too, try to minimize
> this...
>
> 73 de Dick, K6KR
>
> > On Nov 20, 2020, at 17:58, Bob N3MNT  wrote:
> >
> > I recently replaced/ upgraded the coax and balun on my Off center
> dipole and
> > no longer have to ability to get a 1:1 match using the tuner.  I know it
> is
> > OCD (no pun intended)  but I have always been able to get 1:1 with the
> > tuner.
> > Details:
> > Operating on low end of 80M  3.563M
> > Measuring the antenna / coax at shack shows 1:1.7 on swr meter ( actual
> > several).
> > KXPA-100 tuner will tune to 1:1.3 at best.
> > Values used by tuner C = 300  L= 0.
> > I assume this is due to the tuning steps ( granularity) and I know I
> should
> > not be concerned but would like to resolve it.  Any suggestions on
> fooling
> > the tuner to move to a better LC selection.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
> > __
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Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Wetting current and CW paddles

[George Danner]

In radio & TV broadcasting we used "Dry" contacts for microphone switching.
Both relays and switches.
The contacts actually wiped a tiny amount as they made or broke.
Usually the contacts were actually gold plated stiff wires that were
mounted at a right angle.
73
George AI4VZ

A DC wetting current has been common in relay circuits that would
> otherwise just be switching low level alternating current signals. I
> recall seeing it applied to RX front end filter switching relays.
>
> Regards,
>
> Mike VP8NO (G3VUI)
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT MACRO PROGRAMMING BOOK BY FRED CADY

[George Danner]

Clay,
When I was traveling, we would send the document (PDF) to the local Kinko
which is now FEDEX.
They would print the document, make a cover and back page and then
spiral bound it.
Generally it was 10 to 25 copies depending on the group we were presenting
it to.
We found this easier than ordering through our print shop and then
carrying 25 copies of a 25 to 50 page document on a plane.
Might try a local equivalent to Kinko (FEDEX).

73
George  AI4VZ


> On 10/09/20 14:26, w4sc wrote:
> > I just was on chat with LuLu.  They will NOT print the pdf offered,
> unless you are the author.  They understood the desire to have a hard copy.
> >
> > Ben W4SC
> >
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Pennies?

[George Danner]

Neil,
When I bought my K3 in 2008 and later on when I added the rest of the
K-Line, I bought kits. Did the same for my KX3 and KXPA.
They were not bought to save dollars but to familiarize myself with the
equipment.
I bought a fairly bare K3-100 - only added the tuner. As time went by I
added all but the TXO and then added some K3s stuff - new synthesizers and
USB interface. Starting with a kit made all of the upgrades a non-event,
even when I had to remove the front panel.

My recollection is that the difference in cost was minimal (a few percent).
My guess was that the cost of not assembling an Elecraft is mostly offset
by the additional packaging and instructions for the kit end user.

I'm probably going to make a K4 my final radio as a 80th birthday present
in a year or two!

73
George AI4VZ


On Sun, Oct 4, 2020 at 4:11 PM Neil  wrote:

> 
> I am just curious about the estimated cost difference between the factory
> version and the kits.
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Reliable PL-259 UHF connector engagement

[George Danner]

Bill,
Looks very similar.
73
George  AI4VZ

On 7/29/20 3:21 PM, William Hammond wrote:
Perhaps looking something like this one (BNC)? 
https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=6510 
<https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=6510>


73, Bill-AK5X

On Jul 29, 2020, at 2:02 PM, George Danner <mailto:gdanne...@gmail.com>> wrote:


Andy,

In the 60s & 70s, we had a screwdriver like tool for removing and 
inserting PL-259 connectors in patch-bays in TV stations


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Re: [Elecraft] Reliable PL-259 UHF connector engagement

[George Danner]

Andy,

In the 60s & 70s, we had a screwdriver like tool for removing and 
inserting PL-259 connectors in patch-bays in TV stations. It was a 
screwdriver handle and shaft with a steel tube slightly smaller than the 
pl-259. The tube had a longitudinal slot that was big enough for the 
cable to slip through. The side of the tube away from the slot was 
welded to the screwdriver shaft. You slipped the tube over the cable and 
then followed the cable to the connector. We had 3 of these with various 
lengths from a few inches to a very long one that was probably 18" or so.


We switched from UHF to BNC connectors for video because the connector 
density with solid state equipment had increase the connector density so 
that most of the rack space was for connector panels not electronics. We 
quickly found the equivalent for BNC as well. I believe we bought them 
from Pasternak but not sure.


I suspect that the tools were far more expensive than should have been 
since we only had two sets. One set at the studio & one set at the 
transmitter.


73

George AI4VZ

On 7/29/20 2:12 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:

When I worked in the aerospace industry it was common practice to use special "pliers" 
for removing "Cannon" multi-pin round connectors.  These were not any old plumber's pipe 
wrench (you know - the ones that plumbers use to destroy chrome finish bathroom fittings) but a 
special tool designed for this purpose.  The jaws were rubber padded and exactly the right shape to 
match the connector locking ring.


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Re: [Elecraft] Proposal for change pages for manuals

[George Danner]

When I got my K3 at the end of 2008, I soon discovered that the firmware was 
updated fairly often & I needed to keep track of the changes.
The hfwnotes.rft has every update from the first to the latest firmware 
updates.
My  career as as broadcast engineer I had developed a habit keeping all 
modifications with instruction books.
My procedure is to copy the latest changes to a paper page and then add that 
page to a notebook labeled FW Notes K3.

I have done the same for the rest of my K-Line and KX3/KXPA.
When I load new firmware (usually the beta versions), I replace the 
hfwnotes.rft  with the latest version to also have a searchable version.


I keep telling myself that I will print the latest K3 IB and make all the 
changes by hand; but somehow retirement has left me too little time.

So maybe when I retire from retirement - I'll get a round "To It".

73
George  AI4VZ


-Original Message- 
From: Jim Brown

Sent: Friday, May 24, 2019 12:17 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Proposal for change pages for manuals

On 5/23/2019 6:48 PM, W2xj wrote:
What you are advocating is a federal government style of documentation. It 
doesn’t come cheap. How much more would you be willing to pay for products 
to support a vastly increased Elecraft documentation team?


Not really -- indeed, Elecraft team member K6KR showed us where to find it!

73, Jim K9YC

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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] RS232 xcvr control when serial ports are occupied

[George Danner]

In broadcasting - we learned very quickly interfacing equipment with RS232, 
that if it worked once it would continue to work.


Back in the beginning of using RS232 interfaces (cira. 70s) one of our the 
engineers made a box with input/output pigtails in both male and female with 
a rotary switch that switched between straight through and "reverse" for all 
the various signals. Later we added 9 pin pigtails. Using that box quickly 
let us know what would work and how to make the interface cable.


73
George AI4VZ


-Original Message- 
From: Walter Underwood
I never really understood RS-232 until I read “Technical Aspects of Data 
Communication” by John McNamara. Very clear. Not sure it is worth getting 
the book just for that, but you might check a library.


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Re: [Elecraft] Issue 12 re Astron Power Supply

[George Danner]

Re-Connect it!

From a broadcaster (AM,FM & TV) was in South Florida (lightning capital of 

North America).

The more massive the common (ground, bonding, whatever term you use) for the 
connection between equipment and the power company ground connection the 
better.
We even used ring grounds around studio & transmitter building with ground 
rods every 10' all cad-welded. This is probably over kill for a ham station; 
but think as massive as you can.

Towers at 500' or above had 2 ring grounds and lots of ground rods.

The common for equipment interconnection is for safety first and the 
reduction of voltage drops on the common lines that can transfer from one 
piece of equipment to another (us old timers use the term ground loop - not 
PC any more).


73 George AI4VZ

-Original Message- 
From: Charlie T


"This greatly increases the chances for damages to station equipment and all 
other electronic equipment in the household in event of a lightning event."


What is, disconnecting the wire or leaving it in place?
Your comment can be taken both ways.

73, Charlie k3ICH


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Re: [Elecraft] [OT] Tektronix 475 Oscilloscope

[George Danner]

Phil,
Almost worth the trip from Georgia - my very favorite roll-around when in 
broadcasting.

The 475 at the transmitter could display the carrier on channel 12.
I get nostalgic when I see test equipment from my younger days.
73
George AI4VZ

-Original Message- 
From: Phil Hystad


I have a Tektronix 475 Oscilloscope that is available to anyone in the 
Seattle area who would be willing to drive to Kirkland to pick it up -- no 
charge.  This is a 200 Megahertz analog scope.


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Re: [Elecraft] Cable for KX2 and KPXA-100

[George Danner]

Tim,
I made an adaptor to use my KX3 KXPA portable when I removed it from my 
truck.
I used a headset with foot pedal PTT (or more descriptively - "stomp to 
talk").
Obviously I did not remove the cabling that was in the truck going to a tool 
box in the bed.
My home made cables are about 5' including a home made adaptor for a cat 6 
jumper.
Two years ago, I used this configuration for field day interfaced to a 
computer as well - did not use a soundcard.
The KX3 works fine in this configuration - not a KX2 - suspect they are 
similar to interface.


73
George AI4VZ

-Original Message- 
From: Don Wilhelm

Sent: Friday, March 9, 2018 5:55 PM
To: Tim N9PUZ ; Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Cable for KX2 and KPXA-100

Tim,

I suspect no one knows the answer because it has not been tested.
If you can find a 2 to 3 foot long TRRS plug to TRRS jack cable
(extension cable), it should be easy enough to give it a try.  If it
works, then it works.
If you have problems, be prepared to remove that extension to see if it
is the problem.
This is not an official Elecraft answer, I am just indicating that there
is an easy way to try the extension.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/9/2018 8:20 AM, Tim N9PUZ wrote:

I have a KX2/KPXA-100 combination. I'd like to be able to physically
separate the two more than the factory supplied cables will allow. Any
problems with adding a 2 or 3 foot extension to the KX2ACBL data/control
cable that runs between the two?

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Re: [Elecraft] FT8 with KX3 and MacBook Pro

[George Danner]

Phil,
Do use Don's advice on setting up soundcards with Elecraft radios for 
digital modes.


I found this pdf from KA9EAK in setting-up my mobile KX3 for Winmor and 
packet. For me it is a work in progress as I'm waiting for a couple of 
connectors to arrive.

He uses the term PC - not specifically for a MacPro - but might be helpful:
http://www.voyageurlutherie.com/docs/KX2%20Digital%20Mode%20Configuration%20Examples.pdf

73
George  AI4VZ


From: Don Wilhelm

Phil,

There is no "cookbook" that I am aware of.
BUT - FT8 is no different than any other digital mode, although the
application software may be a bit different.

Connect the soundcard input to the headphone jack and the soundcard
output to the MIC input.  Connect the KXUSB cable to the computer.
Use DATA A mode (not SSB).

If you are completely new to digital modes, you might try PSK31 first
using FLdigi or Ham Radio Deluxe to get used to it.

One last IMPORTANT point - Elecraft radios are different than other
manufacturers transceivers.  Much of the internet advice (and some
software instructions) will tell you to set the power high and use the
audio level to control the power.  That does NOT work with Elecraft
radios.  You must first set the audio to produce 4 bars with the 5th bar
flashing on the ALC meter.  Leave it set there and control the power
with the power knob.
See the article on my website www.w3fpr.com - scroll down to the bottom
of the left column and click on the link.

73,
Don W3FPR


On 3/3/2018 7:12 AM, Philip Alley wrote:
Is there a complete “cookbook” for running FT8 with the KX3+PX3 and a 
MacBook Pro (w OSX 10.13.3)?  I am running MacLogger DX and have ordered a 
Sabrent USB-C tiny sound card.  The WSJT-X is downloaded but not set up 
yet. My KX3 is already communicating with Maclogger DX via USB.


I am unsure about the additional cabling I need and best strategy for rig 
control.


Any suggestions from anyone who has been down this road will be greatly 
appreciated.




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Re: [Elecraft] K3s - KPA500

[George Danner]

Buck,
Configure  PWR SET = Per Band

73  George AI4VZ

-Original Message- 
From: Nr4c

Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2018 10:48 PM
To: Buck
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3s - KPA500

I think you have to set the power to required setting in Operate mode the 
first time. The radio will reset to full or low when amp Mode is selected 
after that.


Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill



On Jan 16, 2018, at 10:11 PM, Buck  wrote:

Someone please help me out because I can't find the answer.

K3s and KPA500 - I know there is a setting so the K3 will know the amp is 
in OPER state and automatically reduce the drive to 25 or so watts. Then 
when you put the amp in STBY of OFF, the K3 will go to 100 watts.


My Amp and K3 are talking to each other for band changes etc but I can't 
get the power to automatically reduce as described.


What am I missing?  Point me to the page in the manual


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Re: [Elecraft] New KPA1500 feature: ATU TUNE integration with K3 and K3S transceivers

[George Danner]

Maybe this could be put on the list of enhancements for those of us using a 
500 watt K-Line system?
Maybe even similar to the KX3/KXPA, where the transceiver ATU TUNE button 
tunes the KAT500.
One press of ATU TUNE on the K3/K3S or TUNE on the KAT500 would be very 
welcome for me!

73 - Happy Thanksgiving
George AI4VZ

-Original Message- 
From: Wayne Burdick

Sent: Wednesday, November 22, 2017 6:27 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Cc: elecraft...@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Elecraft] New KPA1500 feature: ATU TUNE integration with K3 and 
K3S transceivers


If your KPA1500 is connected to a K3/K3S via the ACC cable, you’ll be able 
to tune the amplifier’s internal ATU without touching any controls on the 
transceiver.


For a manual tune, all that’s required is to tap the ATU TUNE switch on the 
amplifier. (Originally, three switch presses were required, because of the 
need to start and stop TUNE at the transceiver. This will now be handled 
automatically.)


For SWR-based re-tunes, the amplifier can now complete the ATU tuning cycle 
quickly even in SSB mode, with no operator intervention required.


Wayne


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Re: [Elecraft] [KPA1500] Input Power

[George Danner]

Probably an unauthorized modification after the introduction of the KPA1500 
will become available; similar to the one for the KPA500 by Paula Keezer 
NX1P.

Haven't tried it but looks to be well thought out.
73
George
AI4VZ

-Original Message- 
From: Dr. William J. Schmidt

Sent: Thursday, May 11, 2017 9:43 PM
To: Ingo Meyer, DK3RED
Cc: Elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [KPA1500] Input Power

All of those popular devices have gain more than 15 dB... so there is a pad 
in the amp to keep the gain at 15 dB. One would think that a "tweak" will 
evolve to modify the pad (and possibly the firmware) to eliminate this 
bothersome limit.



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 - J68HZ
Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I.
Rent it: www.VillaGrandPiton.com

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com



On May 11, 2017, at 4:49 PM, Ingo Meyer, DK3RED  wrote:

Hello Mike,

Hi,  Did you get answer for AC input power demand?    VA or power 
factor?Â


No, only for the input power (see below), which I want to know.

1500 watts output = 61.8 dBm --> 15 dB gain --> 46.8 dBm = 47.5 ... 48 
watts input



The gain limit of 15 dB is set by the FCC. ...


73/72 de Ingo, DK3RED - Don't forget: the fun is the power!
www.qrp4fun.de - dk3...@qrp4fun.de

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Re: [Elecraft] loss through KXPA100 if running with PA Off on KX3

[George Danner]

Terry,
Could you be using Ant2?
I believe the KXPA100 bypasses to Ant 1.
73
George
AI4VZ


From: Don Wilhelm
Terry,

There should be no loss when the KXPA100 is turned off.
OK, maybe a wee bit, but certainly not significant.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/28/2016 11:30 PM, Terry Brown wrote:
I have the KX3 and KXPA100.  If I turn off the PA from the menu on the 
KX3,

is there an significant power loss, say I am running at 15 watts,  going
through the amp antenna connection instead of connecting the antenna
directly to the KX3?



Thanks,



Terry, N7TB


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 and inverter generators

[George Danner]

We have used both the 1 Kw & 2 kw Honda inverters for field day and had only 
a tiny bit of RFI.
They were both very quiet (RFI & sound wise) compared to the 5 kW 
"construction" generator we used years ago.


IMHO - I'd try the Harbor Freight unit. It is 1/3 the price of a Honda and 
H.F. has a good return policy (at least in Georgia). At worst you would 
spend a few hours evaluating the unit.
I have no idea who actually makes the Predator unit. Several companies make 
units that all look extremely similar to each other except for color & name 
plate.


There are 2 main sources of RFI from an inverter type unit.
First is the spark-gap transmitter used to ignite the fuel/air mixture. We 
believed that was the noise we heard from the Hondas, since it changed as 
the engine speed changed.
Don't get me wrong - the noise was heard but not enough to lose any 
contacts.  No one complained or asked to not use the Hondas in later years.
The second source would be the inverter itself. I'd guess that will depend 
on the type of inverter and care they take in filtering the AC output.


I rate Harbor Freight as a cost effective alternative, similar to MFJ. 
Sometimes you don't

I do have Elecraft radios because I thought it wise to spend what they cost.

73
George

AI4VZ>>I am thinking of buying the Predator Inverter Generator that Harbor 
Freight sells. Does anybody out

there has had any experience with it while using it to power a radio?


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Re: [Elecraft] Wide Spectrum support on Pan Adapter/SDR w/ K3 or KX3

[George Danner]

Bert,
Spectrum Analyzer would be the best bet!
Would also allow transmit monitoring.
We used both Spectrum Analyzers & Spectrum Monitors for satellite up/down 
links to view a single transponder up to the entire satellite.
Spectrum Monitor had 70 MHz & 950 MHz inputs. The 70 MHz input would see a 
transponder and a half. The 950 MHz input would see the entire bird.
Don't remember how wide but sure it was way more than 4 MHz.

73
George
AI4VZ


-Original Message- 
From: Don Wilhelm
Sent: Sunday, February 7, 2016 1:50 PM
To: Bert Rollen ; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Wide Spectrum support on Pan Adapter/SDR w/ K3 or 
KX3

Bert,

I don't know if the K3 IF output is broad enough to support a 4 MHz span
(I suspect it is not).

He would have to find an SDR receiver capable of supporting that 4 MHz
span and connect it to the K3 IF output.

I do know that SDR dongles are capable of 2 MHz span, but I have never
seen one that does a 4 MHz span.

Perhaps your young friend will have to develop something on his own.

73,
Don W3FPR

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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft web site

[George Danner]

Nah!
Have K-Line & KX3 w/PA and the Elecraft site loads fine.
If clearing cache, rebooting computer & router don't help, then it may be a 
DNS issue for some reason . Use 63.249.121.83 to bypass DNS.
73 George AI4VZ


-Original Message- 
From: kg9hfr...@gmail.com
Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2015 1:33 PM
To: Ray Sills
Cc: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft web site

I think it is only open to folks that do not have any Elecraft equipment.
de kg9h

> On Dec 31, 2015, at 12:27 PM, Ray Sills  wrote:
>
> Hmmm…. The site is not responding here in EPA as well.  FiOS service, 
> using a Mac Book.
>
> There’s been a lot of wonky internet things of late.  Maybe it’s overload 
> due to the holiday break…. or the CME.
>
> 73 de Ray
> K2ULR
> KX3 #211
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 sub RX off freq in SSB diversity mode

[George Danner]

Dale & Milt,
That was fixed in firmware version MCR 5.33 DSP 2.86 in August of this year.
Some of us used a work around of averaging the filter offsets for both 
filters. In SSB it was ok not sure of CW.

73
George
AI4VZ

-Original Message- 
From: d...@lightstream.net

Sent: Friday, December 11, 2015 10:05 PM
To: Milt -- N5IA
Cc: elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 sub RX off freq in SSB diversity mode

Hello Milt,

I think this will occur with the original synthesizers, if you are using
dissimilar roofing filters while in diversity mode. For example, if you
have the 2.8 KHz filter installed in RX1, but the 2.7 KHz filter in RX2,
you will probably experience this (as I recall). If you can, try selecting
a bandwidth while in SSB mode where both receivers will be using the same
roofing filters (if they are installed), and see if the frequency shift
suddenly disappears.

I am not absolutely certain of the above, but I seem to remember that was
what I experienced before I upgraded to the the new synthesizers many
months ago.

73,
Dale WA8SRA


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Re: [Elecraft] P3 transmit monitor

[George Danner]

Guys,
For me the Transmit Monitor was exactly what I expected when I ordered it.
It replaced my bench scope which took-up too much space on my desk and 
relegated to a corner and integrated the power meter/VSWR into one display.
Now my P3 is on a shelf in front of me and in my field of view when 
transmitting. The SVGA is below on the desk top.
I do like having the confidence of seeing my modulation envelop. Takes me 
back to the days of broadcast AM In Tampa in the 60s.


I too would have liked to have a spectrum display as well, but knew when 
ordering it was not too be!


Hopefully someday Elecraft will create such a product; but I doubt it will 
be anywhere in the price range of the Transmit Monitor.


I'll give change for my $0.02.

73
George
AI4VZ 


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Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Test Mode TX and TX Monitor?

[George Danner]

Phil - just remount them upside down. It will run out of it's own accord!

73 George AI4VZ

-Original Message- 
From: Phil Hystad

Steve — Sounds like that is indeed what is happening.  I may look into 
drilling some holes in the capacitors so the charge will leak out. :-)

73, phil, K7PEH

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Re: [Elecraft] If it plugs in, then it should work

[George Danner]

Once you start down the path to Idiot-Proofing equipment, you will soon 
learn that the average idiot is much more clever than you ever imagined!

73 George AI4VZ


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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Sub Receiver

[George Danner]

Diversity

73 George AI4VZ
-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  - 
 -  -  -  -  -  -

Most people will use the sub RX to listen
to the pile-up when working DX, others will use it in contests to search
for contacts, and others will use it like Ken is doing, to hear openings
on a different band than the operating band. The sub RX definitely makes
the K3 more versatile.

73,
Scott N9AA


On 7/30/15 12:10 PM, David Ahrendts wrote:

How would you use the K3S Sub Receiver?


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Screws

[George Danner]

Bill,
Be careful with Loctite on small screws; you may never get them loose 
without heating them.

A better solution is to use clear nail polish on the head.
Don't ask how I know!
73  George AI4VZ

-Original Message- 
From: Bill Frantz

... If the radio is going to be used in a high vibration
environment, like a car, sealing the screws with Loctite might
be a good idea.

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Re: [Elecraft] Power Pole connectors

[George Danner]

Sign on the shop wall:

Don't Need Any Problems
(I have Enough of My Own)
Solutions Are Always Welcome

73 George AI4VZ

-Original Message- 
From: Dale Putnam
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 7:49 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Power Pole connectors

Someone opened the door.. and here comes the flood...
some for.. some staunchly against.
I would like to suggest something that would make the tirade a giant leap
more tolerable., Please:
  IF you like the PP.. then make a point of saying why specifically.
IF you DO NOT like the PP.. make a better connector, then describe it, so we 
can
all benefit. Tell us specifically what is wrong.. and what needs to be done 
to correct that
specific problem.

My interest? Making something better... improving stuff... and ultimately, 
not wearing out my delete key.


Have a great day,


--...   ...--
Dale - WC7S in Wy





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Re: [Elecraft] Is anyone using a Hardware Data Switch instead of LPBridge?

[George Danner]

Harry,
Years ago we used 8 devices controlled from one PC com port on one RS-232 
data link.
All of the devices bridged the receive line and were wire or'd for transmit.
The devices were polled by the PC and only allowed to transmit when polled.
This worked well with no conflicts for many years.
So it is possible to use one RS232 port for multiple devices -but- the 
devices must be made to play nice in all circumstances and have special 
hardware interfaces.
My best memory is we spent about 20 man hours developing the hardware 
solution and another 100 hours writing  debugging software. BTW this was in 
DOS days!

73 George AI4VZ
--
-Original Message- 
From: Harry Yingst via Elecraft
While LP Bridge does serve the purpose I was wondering if anyone was usinga 
pure hardware solution to share the K3's serial port across applications.
If so how are you doing it? 

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Re: [Elecraft] Unhook *ALL* connections before Lightning storm

[George Danner]

As the  CE of a TV station in South Florida we had to contend with lightning 
during about 4 to 6 months a year (spring  fall thunderstorm seasons) in 
the highest lightning strike area of North America.
We did not ever shut down but did go to generator power during lightning 
within 25 miles; as seen on the radar display with lightning strikes 
superimposed.

We had a 1,049' main tower, 2-500' microwave receive towers and a 185' tower 
at the studio not to mention 2 bureaus with antennas on the 3rd floors.
The towers had massive ring ground systems. The rings varied from 20' 
diameter to 30' diameter. each ring had 10'  20' alternating 100% copper 
rods cad welded to a 4-0 bare copper wire. The ring was attached to the 
tower leg's 20' ground rod with 2 or 3 radials per leg. The tower ground rod 
was set in the foundation to be next to the leg and connected to the leg 
with the least angle. (remember a right angle from the leg is a 1/4 turn 
inductor!). The guyed towers also had a ring ground system around the 
anchor.

All RF, video, audio  data signals going to the tower at the site were 
protected with commercial protectors except the studio tower which was 
replaced with fiber to carry those signals.

We probably took between 6 and 10 direct hits on a good year and many many 
more on a bad year.

The new studio  one of the bureaus had a ground system constructed to 
reduce lightning damage. The building had a perimeter ground system with a 
single point power  phone and the exit panel for RF, video, audio, data and 
dc control. The ground systems was 4-0 copper with ground rods about 10' 
apart.

We did find that our damage was reduced but not eliminated. We never went 
off the air; but we did have periods where we were using redundant (back-up) 
equipment for a while until the main equipment could be repaired.

Our largest reduction in damage occurred once we deployed dissipation 
arrays! These reduce the space charge in the immediate area in hopes the 
lightning choses another location (competitor's tower). My experience with 
towers, satellite antennas  ENG microwave antennas on 50' masts on trucks 
is that the dissipation array is #1 then a ground system followed with surge 
protectors. I would not chose one but all three.

We had a saying at work about lightning protection after repairing extensive 
damage after a bad hit - Lightning protection is akin to elephant 
repellant - just because you don't see an elephant does not indicate the 
repellent actually works. I spent over 30 years in South Florida and would 
never come close to guaranteeing that we had finally done everything to 
eliminate the risk!

Not sure at what point you should stop spending money on lightning 
protection for a hobby should go. For me at my new QTH it will probably be a 
few surge protectors, grounding each mast  tiny tower and a simple ground 
improvement to the house.
73
George
AI4VZ


-Original Message- 
From: Rich - K1HTV

Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Unhook *ALL* connections before Lightning storm

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Re: [Elecraft] Could this operate on a motorcycle?

[George Danner]

Gold Wing  Harley groups tend use built-in CB radios. CB radios in Gold 
Wings  Harleys predate FRS; so retrofitting to FRS/GMRS can cause 
compatibility issues with older bikes.
The only time that a group of 10 or so bikes loses communications is when 
one of the riders turns down the squelch so far that he can't even hear 
another bike 20' away.
Most of the helmet mounted radios are FRS /or GMRS. As far as I know in 
talking to those riders - they rarely get out of range with each other.
73
George
AI4VZ

-Original Message- 
From: K8JHR
Sent: Sunday, May 04, 2014 5:51 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Could this operate on a motorcycle?


Now I don't mean to sound critical, but is it somehow different for guys
on bikes than for guys in cars?  We use 5 watt FRS/GMRS radios for our
MINI Cooper driving club, and we can easily have thirty or forty cars on
a tour, and have participated in groups as large as 400.  If cars get
out of range, then we are either too spread out to be a group, or
perhaps the group is too large if the front and rear cars cannot
connect, or we cannot relay info.

I suppose that is where knowing the route in advance plays a helpful
part.  We don't kibitz at every turn;  we pretty much know where we are
going in advance ... well... all except for Wrong Way Joan who gets
lost no matter what we do.

Is it so different for bikes you need such a wide signal range?  We do
multi state, multi day tours, so it it is not like we don't go anywhere,
so I am wondering why you need more range than what a 5 watt rig might
provide.

Again...not being critical, genuinely curious about this.  Might learn
something to take back to our club!

--  K8JHR 



On 5/4/2014 4:16 PM, rgconner wrote:
 5w is not enough if we get out of line of site.


 5w on 70cm works great 95% of the time, until we get canyons or lose
line of
 site.


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 in WPX SSB with 2.7 roofer

[George Danner]

One of the things that Bell Labs found in adding loading coils to phone 
lines (to reduce the high frequencies) was that in an audio system if you 
reduce the high frequencies then you needed to also reduce the low 
frequencies to keep the intelligibility constant. Since a phone system 
needed intelligibility above fidelity; Bell Labs just decreased the coupling 
capacitors to reduce the low end while using the line loading coils to 
reduce the high frequencies.

I tend to use lo-cut to improve listen ability when I cut the high end.
I use a 1.8 kHz filter for a morning SSB net that has other nets 3 kHz away 
usually on both sides. Some of the transmitters on the adjacent frequencies 
can't fit in 5 kHz much less being 3 kHz away. The 1.8 kHz filter is the 
best solution - the filter skirts along with the DSP skirts help the most I 
can expect.

I would recommend adjusting Hi-Cut for the interference and Lo-Cut for the 
best compromise on fidelity  intelligibility; if that switches in a tighter 
filter, then that might be needed.

My 2 cents!
73
George  AI4VZ

-Original Message- 
From: Al
For years I have heard folks state that 1.8 kHz is mandatory for SSB 
contesting... but I have never understood how one could put up with this 
narrow bandwidth for long. I need more information hitting my ears and am 
perfectly happy with letting the famous 'ear-brain' filter extract the 
maximum from that information. 

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 to KAT500

[George Danner]

Ian,
Just make sure the cable conforms to the Elecraft manual pin outs. Some 
(many) VGA cables will connect the coax shields together at one end or even 
both ends and some tie those to the ground pin and/or shell.
I made my first cable since I had 15 conductor ribbon cable  the connectors 
w/shells.
For the second cable, I found a VGA cable in my junk box that had continuity 
on all the pins with none of them connected together or to either shell.  I 
then removed the pins on one connector (broke them off) to confirm to the 
manual but I don't remember which ones.
My K-Line works fine; especially since I upgraded to VFO follow!
73  George  AI4VZ

-Original Message- 
From: Ian Kahn - Ham
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2014 11:04 AM
To: 'tom armour' ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 to KAT500

Tom,

Make sure you check the pin-outs and make sure they are the same on both
cables.  Elecraft does some different things with their cables than you
might find if you bought the same cable from other sources.

Hope this helps.

-- Ian
Ian Kahn, KM4IK
Roswell, GA  EM74ua
km4ik@gmail.com
K3 #281, P3 #688, KPA500 #1468
HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of tom armour
Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2014 11:54 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 to KAT500

So I ordered my K3 after this discussion and decided not to get the AUX
cable.
Now subsequently there is new firmware that makes me want the AUX cable (I
would have got it from Elecraft if I had know of the new firmware).
If I order it from Elecraft it now costs ~$46 including shipping and waiting
a week to get it.
I can get this cable locally: http://www.qvs.com/specs/CC320M1-xx_S.jpg
Will that work for the AUX cable?
K3 #7999KAT500 #1099
Thanks
73 - Tom - wa4ta

 Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 16:04:41 -0800
 From: j...@audiosystemsgroup.com
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 to KAT500

 On 1/24/2014 3:52 PM, tom armour wrote:
  If I buy a K3/100 without auto tuner and a KAT500 is there any
additional cable I need (other than coax) to connect the two together?

 Some folks feel the need for an AUX cable to tell the KAT500 what band
 it is on. I don't, because the KAT500 has a very fast frequency
 counter that can figure that out with a short burst of RF.

  or does KAT500 come with all cable beeded to connect it to the K3?

 Yes.
I see a cable for KAT500 to KPA500 but not to the K3.

 Yes. To prevent damage to its relays, the KAT500 must be able to
 interrupt the keying line to any power amp that is used.  It has an
 RCA input, and an RCA output. So ONLY if you're running an amp, you
 need an RCA-RCA between rig and KAT500, and another between KAT500 and
 power amp PTT.

  Is there anything I'll be missing with the KAT500 vs the internal tuner
other than portability?

 QRP autotune  -- the KAT500 is optimized for high power, and doesn't
 autotune very well below about 10W.

 73, Jim K9YC


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Re: [Elecraft] Antenna question

[George Danner]

Good advice:
I use wire antennas for 40m  80m with a HexBeam for the higher bands  a 
5BTV vertical. My sub-receiver is connected to a 50' vertical wire. The 
vertical wire is about 20' (horizontally) from the wire antennas and about 
30' from the 5BTV and HexBeam
When I installed the KPA500 I did the same test starting at 10 watts on 80m 
through 10m. I found that there was enough isolation on all antennas to 
leave the sub-receiver connected. I use the sub-receiver for diversity and 
would miss that feature.
George

--
From: WILLIS COOKE wrco...@yahoo.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 10:21 PM
To: George Thornton gthorn...@thorntonmostullaw.com; 'elecraft @ 
mailman . qth . net' elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Antenna question

Since the K3 will do the QRP thing down to 100 mw, think about installing 
the vertical above the beam on the mast and gradually try more and more 
power out of the K3 until you start getting some overloading.  At least you 
can find your answer without frying anything and some folks find QRP lots of 
fun.  Maybe you will too!

Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman
K5EWJ  Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart



 From: George Thornton gthorn...@thorntonmostullaw.com
To: 'elecraft @ mailman . qth . net' elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 5:36 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Antenna question


This might be a stupid question, but here goes.

I have a small lot.  I currently am using a 3 element Yagi that barely fits 
on the property.  I was thinking about getting a vertical as a second HF 
antenna.  If I put it up it is going to have to be pretty close to the Yagi.

I have a dual receive K3.  If I have both receivers going, one on each 
channel, and I broadcast on one of these antennas, am I in any danger of 
overloading and frying the other receiver?


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Re: [Elecraft] Antenna question

[George Danner]

Good advice:
I use wire antennas for 40m  80m with a HexBeam for the higher bands  a 
5BTV vertical. My sub-receiver is connected to a 50' vertical wire. The 
vertical wire is about 20' (horizontally) from the wire antennas and about 
30' from the 5BTV and HexBeam
When I installed the KPA500 I did the same test starting at 10 watts on 80m 
through 10m. I found that there was enough isolation on all antennas to 
leave the sub-receiver connected. I use the sub-receiver for diversity and 
would miss that feature.
George

--
From: WILLIS COOKE wrco...@yahoo.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 10:21 PM
To: George Thornton gthorn...@thorntonmostullaw.com; 'elecraft @ 
mailman . qth . net' elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Antenna question

Since the K3 will do the QRP thing down to 100 mw, think about installing 
the vertical above the beam on the mast and gradually try more and more 
power out of the K3 until you start getting some overloading.  At least you 
can find your answer without frying anything and some folks find QRP lots of 
fun.  Maybe you will too!

Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman
K5EWJ  Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart



 From: George Thornton gthorn...@thorntonmostullaw.com
To: 'elecraft @ mailman . qth . net' elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 5:36 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Antenna question


This might be a stupid question, but here goes.

I have a small lot.  I currently am using a 3 element Yagi that barely fits 
on the property.  I was thinking about getting a vertical as a second HF 
antenna.  If I put it up it is going to have to be pretty close to the Yagi.

I have a dual receive K3.  If I have both receivers going, one on each 
channel, and I broadcast on one of these antennas, am I in any danger of 
overloading and frying the other receiver?


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Re: [Elecraft] KXPA100 Kit problem, need help !!!

[George Danner]

Jean-Francois,
Do you have the ATU in the KXPA100. Did you install the latest firmware in 
the KX3 1.87 I believe.
I would check the TMP connectors to make sure they are fully seated  in the 
correct sockets.
If the above don't help, I would contact the great guys at service on 
Monday.

I just completed my KPA100 kit and have used it on the air a few times in 
the shack before installing it in my truck.
My KX3 is now much better with the addition of the KXPA100.
I really like the fully integration between the KX3  KXPA100; especially 
the ATU integration.
Wish my K-Line was integrated as deeply.
73
George
AI4VZ


From: VA2SS
I monitored myself in my good old K2. If I use only the KX3, everything
works as it should. But immediately when and I turn on the PA in the KX3
menu and I try to transmit, I cannot hear anything in my K2, no matter the
power I choose MORE THAN 10W ,  the KX3 cannot be heard in my K2. Below 11W
I can hear my selft in my K2,

BUT by just hitting the PPT I still have a steady power output of the power
I asked for whithout speaking in the mic really strange. 

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Re: [Elecraft] K3: XMIT produces Display 0 W suddenly

[George Danner]

When My K3 (kit) was about a year old it developed a similar issue.
In my paranoia to not damage the TMP connectors, I had not used enough force 
to press home the TMP located just under the right forward corner (Toward 
the front panel) of the sub-receiver on the main board.
I actually traced the signal to that point!
Now I'm a little less paranoid and make sure the TMP connectors are firmly 
pressed home.
73
George
AI4VZ

-Original Message- 
From: Bob KD7YZ
Sent: Friday, January 17, 2014 1:44 PM
To: K3 List
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: XMIT produces Display 0 W suddenly

I have learned from Elecraft that this may be indicative of two blown
FET's in the 10w amp stage inside the K3.

gremlins abound. And all while I was away doing chores outside. Since I
had the dogs with me it must have been the inside cats!


-- 

Bob KD7YZ
http://www.qrz.com/db/KD7YZ
www.denstarfarm.us/LGD

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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Loss of signal

[George Danner]

Bill,
Another issue with BNC connectors to take into account is that 50 ohm  75 
ohm BNC male connectors have a very slightly different diameter on the male 
center pin. The larger one (don't remember which one) can expand the female 
center socket. If you switch to the smaller version male after using the 
larger one, you may get an intermittent connection. You can tighten the 
female with a dental pick.
We mixed connectors when TV stations switched from UHF to BNC for video. We 
found this issue years later! All BNC males are not the same. I make sure to 
use 50 ohm BNC connectors in the ham station for this reason.
73
George
AI4VZ

--
From: Bill W bw39...@yahoo.com
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2013 9:56 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] P3 Loss of signal

Hi Don,
Thanks for the reply. Yes that crossed my mind but the cable I use now was
suppose to be from the new batch. I called and got replacement from
Elecraft Parts after earlier problem. I think this cable has been in use for
better than a year or more and nothing has changed. I will switch cables as
soon as I can find or make a new one. I was just curious if anyone else had
a similar problem crop up.
Thanks again,
Bill - W0BBI



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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Loss of signal

[George Danner]

Bill,
Another issue with BNC connectors to take into account is that 50 ohm  75 
ohm BNC male connectors have a very slightly different diameter on the male 
center pin. The larger one (don't remember which one) can expand the female 
center socket. If you switch to the smaller version male after using the 
larger one, you may get an intermittent connection. You can tighten the 
female with a dental pick.
We mixed connectors when TV stations switched from UHF to BNC for video. We 
found this issue years later! All BNC males are not the same. I make sure to 
use 50 ohm BNC connectors in the ham station for this reason.
73
George
AI4VZ

--
From: Bill W bw39...@yahoo.com
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2013 9:56 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] P3 Loss of signal

Hi Don,
Thanks for the reply. Yes that crossed my mind but the cable I use now was
suppose to be from the new batch. I called and got replacement from
Elecraft Parts after earlier problem. I think this cable has been in use for
better than a year or more and nothing has changed. I will switch cables as
soon as I can find or make a new one. I was just curious if anyone else had
a similar problem crop up.
Thanks again,
Bill - W0BBI



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[Elecraft] Test

[George Danner]

Test
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[Elecraft] Fw: Importance of good coaxial jumpers

[George Danner]

Guys - Jumpers from reputable vendors -such as Pasternack- will probably be
better that you can make unless you have made thousands of connections! I
have never had a Pasternack cable set fail - period! All cable assemblies
from them were/are crimped.
In TV broadcasting of old - video connectors were all PL-259 (at least until
the mid 70's). We used solder connectors until crimp connectors came out.
The failure rate from soldered connectors was inversely proportional the
skill of the technician.  Almost all failures were from poor soldering; and
this is by broadcast maintenance engineers who soldered parts into equipment
for a living!
When we switched to crimp connectors, the short  long term failure rates
diminished significantly - guessing - but probably 100 to a 1,000 times
lower.
We used UHF connectors outdoors as well, with about the same results.
When TV switched to BNC connectors for video, we only used crimp type
connectors.
In a 1970s plant there would be about 500 to 1,000 cables in service. That
is a large enough universe to get a feel for what worked  what did not.
A plant in the late 90s will have thousands of video cables in service. We
just did not have failures on crimped video cables.
A crimped cable tends to be easier to make-up properly than a soldered one
by the average technician.
Analog video in a TV plant is tested from DC to about 10 MHz. Poor response
and poor VSWR from bad connections will affect the video significantly. Poor
ground connections will create all sorts of ground loops  all the problems
associated with that phenomenon.

73 - George - AI4VZ

-Original Message- 
From: mcduf...@ag0n.net
On Mon, 11 Nov 2013 10:32:27 -0800, Jim Brown wrote:
 Real hams don't buy pre-made coax cables, they make their own. Pre-made
 cables are often made with cheap coax with junk connectors.  And that
 includes big name vendors who have big ads in QST and CQ.

I'm sure you'll get some flak for that, but for the most part, I agree. 

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Re: [Elecraft] Tuner issues

[George Danner]

Wonderful idea Arnie; especially if you want the 2nd tune.
73 George AI4VZ
--
From: Arie Kleingeld PA3A p...@xs4all.nl

It would be a nice feature that when I press the tune button on the 
KAT500, it would key the K3 at the same time and put theKPA500 in 
standby (if you have one). 
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Re: [Elecraft] Wider bandwidth while listening to AM SW on the KX3?

[George Danner]

Guys,
AM Broadcasting isn't your grandmother's AM radio of old.
Many years ago, along came NRSC and it's 10kHz brick-wall filter  modified 
preemphsis. NRSC recommendations do not include a requirement for the audio 
be flat to the limits of the filter but encourage the broadcaster to use the 
bandpass that is necessary for the program material - Best Engineering 
Practices. Possibly limiting the audio to 5 kHz or even lower for voice only 
programming (talk radio).
The FCC has adopted the NRSC specifications for the audio chain; but 
retained the occupied RF bandpass requirements.

I'm fully confident that Elecraft could create a mode that complies with the 
NRSC's recommend AM receiver practices to include limiting the bandpass, 
premphsis  the 10 kHz notch filter curves.
Those of us that do not use an Elecraft transceiver for AM Broadcast can 
probably find other firmware features that we would like to have higher on 
the software enhancement list.

73
George
AI4VZ

-Original Message- 
From: Matt VK2RQ wrote:
This is quite true Don, however it should also be noted that the design 
parameters of interest to this discussion largely lie in software, which 
provides considerable flexibility in meeting the goals of both ham band and 
general coverage reception. This is of course one of the big advantages of 
adopting a Software Defined Radio architecture.

73, Matt VK2RQ

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Current Drain When Off

[George Danner]

Jim,
I turn off all the power to the Ham equipment when it is not going to be 
used in the next several hours.
I have a single switch for power feeding the equipment.
I lived in South Florida so protecting electronic equipment is built-in!
73
George
AI4VZ



-Original Message- 
From: Jim Brown

On 10/16/2013 10:50 AM, Jim N7US wrote:
 I turn my Astron P/S off after turning off my K3 for the night.  Should I 
 be
 leaving the P/S on?


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 - operation with the KPA500 and KAT500

[George Danner]

Bill,
Mine acts the same - until it transmits RF once!
That first transmit can (will) fault both the KPA500  KAT500.
I hadn't noticed that before because my 80m antenna is the only one with a 
significance difference in VSWR between the bottom  top of the band  I'm 
not on 80m very often but do operate at the bottom or top if I'm on 3.060 
MHz  3.975 MHz.
Thanks
73
George
AI4VZ

-Original Message- 
From: Bill W2BLC
Sent: Tuesday, September 24, 2013 10:11 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - operation with the KPA500 and KAT500

The reason I asked the original question is my experience with the
KPA500 and KAT500:

KPA500 in the OPER mode.
KAT500 in AUTO (solid on).
K3 set to 25 Watts when running with the amp.
Everything has been well checked over for errors in installation and setup.

When I QSY between 3970 from 3755 and start talking on LSB - the KPA500
and the KAT500 both go wild. The tuner does not appear to remember that
both frequencies have been memorized or is very slow (several seconds)
to make the determination. The tuner will click (relay noise) and the
amp will show RED FAULT (REFL HI) and go to STBY.

Using the above frequencies, when I press the XMIT/TUNE button I get an
immediate RED FAULT (REFL HI) however, the unit does not go into STDY.
If the XMIT is kept on, the RED FAULT will switch off after about 3 or 4
seconds and normal amp output power is noted. I can then talk and all is
fine.

If this is how the combo is supposed to act, so be it - however, it
isn't what I expected. When I purchased the KAT500 and KPA 500, I was
under the impression it would follow me around the bands seamlessly,
with only the VFO touched for QSY

The amp and tuner were factory built - so no chance of errors there.
What am I missing? Or, is this how it is designed and is actually
working properly?

Thanks,

Bill W2BLC
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Re: [Elecraft] Amp/tuner

[George Danner]

Ed,
We all who are waiting for the KXPA100  KXAT100 might be a bit 
disappointed; but I trust that we got the best SWAG (Scientific Wild A** 
Guess) that was available at the time.
We push Elecraft for a date then complain if it is wrong! The further out 
the estimate the wronger it is going to be!
Having purchased a significant amount of VaporWare that never got delivered 
(non-Ham equipment), Elecraft is a breath of fresh air. They do eventually 
deliver, then they fix any problems found no mater how insignificant and no 
mater how few users it actually affects. Then they enhance the product with 
features not in the original design.
Not one of us has ever had to pay for the firmware updates and many of the 
hardware fixes have been supplied free or at a very low cost. I can remember 
paying thousands of dollars/year for software update subscriptions and 90% 
of those updates were to fix original bugs or bugs developed fixing original 
bugs!

Be thankful for Elecraft!

73
George
AI4VZ


-Original Message- 
From: edward kacura

Well I for one am disappointed about the Oct delivery dates, I was looking 
forward to getting my amp this next week. Good things come to those who wait 
my mother always told me...but please hurry Wayne and Eric !!

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Re: [Elecraft] KpA 100 amp and tuner

[George Danner]

from:   
http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_shipping_status.htm 

In engineering development and test. 
Estimated shipping date Q2. 

73
George
AI4VZ

-Original Message- 
From: George Howe Jr 

Does anyone know if the amp with tuner is ready for sale and in stock?

Jeff Drew, N4JDU
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Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Audio circuit distortion

[George Danner]

One of the Monster Wire/Oxygen Free wire guys!
I've had a few of those as well - Incidentally they will never participate 
in an A/B test!
George
AI4VZ

--
From: Wayne Burdick n...@elecraft.com
Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2013 5:22 PM
To: Wes (N7WS) w...@triconet.org
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Audio circuit distortion

Wes (N7WS) wrote:

 Are you one of those guys who can hear the difference in speaker wire?

Don't I wish.


 I had a guy working for me who was a musician and audiophile who claimed 
 he could tell the difference.  I referred him to Bob Pease.

If you find another one, refer him to us. We'll give him the work bench that 
includes a crystal ball and divining rod.

Wayne
N6KR





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Re: [Elecraft] OT: AM mode

[George Danner]

Another benefit and maybe the reason is that all aircraft working the same 
controller will hear all other aircraft - true party line!
This is not possible with FM!
Many times the heterodyne is so low in frequency as to not be heard.
When I fly I would like to know what the other guy is doing  saying; 
especially at a busy airport.
If we were going to change something - maybe SSB or vestigial SB would make 
sense if the bands get too crowded or the FCC wants to use the Aviation VHF 
 UHF comm. frequencies for more Broadband.
BTW the big guys already have digital communications in the cockpit at 
selected airports; with more coming on line.

73
George
AI4VZ
(Instrument Rated Private Pilot)

-Original Message- 
From: Terry Schieler
Sent: Wednesday, July 17, 2013 12:45 PM
To: 'Ken G Kopp' ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net ; k...@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: AM mode

Correct, Ken.  Then there is the capture affect of FM.  Stronger FM 
signals could wipe out a transmission from another aircraft causing 
concerns.  With AM, there is a greater possibility to pick out a weak signal 
in the presence of a stronger signal and avoid incidents.  A real plus if 
you are flying the aircraft with the weaker signal.  ;o)

Terry W0FM


-Original Message-
From: Ken G Kopp [mailto:kengk...@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2013 2:31 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; k...@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Elecraft] OT: AM mode

VHF/UHF aircraft radio has always been AM, and is likely / certain continue 
to be.  Why?  It's used world wide and discussions about changing it to FM 
have continued for years.  The conclusion seems to be that there is simply 
too much usage worldwide and little reason to make the change.  The cost to 
change to another mode would be horrendous!  Of course manufacturers 
would -love- to see the change.

There is usage of SSB on HF primarily ... but it's still AM. (;-)

73!

Ken - K0PP


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Re: [Elecraft] Problem Firmware and K3

[George Danner]

I  have done almost every update to my Elecraft equipment; usually within a 
couple of days after the beta release. I have never had a pronlem with the 
update nor ever rolled back!
I use a generic Prolific USB serial interface through my P3 (except early in 
the P3's life).
I have never had an issue updating SN#2412!
73 Happy New Year
George
AI4VZ

Mike K2MK k...@comcast.net wrote:

Hi Bill,

I think there's over 7000 K3s out there. There's really only a handful of
folks writing in about firmware load problems but then there are dozens of
replies and meanderings from that one posting. This makes the situation look
worse than it is.

Good sense is required as with everything else. The need for a EEINIT is
probably never required if the recovery steps followed in the K3 Utility
Help File are followed. Cancellation of downloads mid-process always causes
difficulties. Using laptops on battery only has been stated as problematic.
Not having a configuration backup has been stressed. So with this
information available there should be no reason to shy away from future
downloads.

73,
Mike K2MK


Bill Clarke wrote
 Reading about the problems involving upgrading the firmware, resets, 
 calibrations, etc. - makes me think that I won't be upgrading here. My 
 K3 is running just fine - so why would I want to mess with it?
 
 Bill W2BLC





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