[Elecraft] elecraft...@groups.io

[Howard Hoyt via Elecraft]

Hi all,

Is everyone here on the Elecraft@mailman.qth.net aware of the 
elecraft...@groups.io <https://elecraft-kx.groups.io/g/main>? Our group 
packs a vast wealth of knowledge and experience with the Elecraft KX, KH 
and AX series gear, and that is just Wayne!  The rest of the over 6200 
members have years of practical experience and accumulated wisdom using 
these exciting rigs and share it willingly.  If you own one of these 
Elecraft rigs or are just interested in the fine art of QRP operation, 
you should be there as well!


Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC

Howard Hoyt
elecraft...@groups.io Moderator
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Re: [Elecraft] Announcing the Elecraft KH1: A hand-held, 5-band transceiver for SOTA...and beyond

[Howard Hoyt via Elecraft]

Hi all,

Just a note to announce that the elecraft...@groups.io officially covers 
ALL Elecraft portable rigs and is the Elecraft AX/KX/KH rig meeting 
place.  Come join Wayne, and 6200 other Elecraft portable rig 
enthusiasts to catch the latest and most in-depth information on the new 
amazing KH1 as well as all AX and KX equipment.


Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC

elecraft...@groups.io Administrator

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Re: [Elecraft] KXPD3 connection converter

[Howard Hoyt via Elecraft]

Hi Paul,

Pro Audio Engineering purchased the idea from W6IPA and are now selling 
the KX Keyport as an improved version here 
.  We did announce it on the 
elecraft...@groups.io list, perhaps you would like to join the 6200 of 
us KX owners there as well?


Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC
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[Elecraft] New AX1/AX2 Mount

[Howard Hoyt via Elecraft]

Hi all,
In response to our own use of the Elecraft AX1 and AX2, as well as the 
needs of several of you who we have worked with, we are announcing the 
availability of the PAE AM1 Portable Antenna Mount.  It is small and 
light, and designed to hold BNC-connected antennas like the Elecraft AX1 
and AX2 and grab either horizontal or vertical surfaces like picnic 
tables, branches and other potential supports.  We are also offering a 
tripod adapter and working on other adapters to allow the use of 3/8" 
whip mounts, or with PL-259-based antennas.

See more details: https://proaudioeng.com/am1-portable-antenna-mount/

Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC
proaudioeng.com
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Re: [Elecraft] Portable antennae for the KX3

[Howard Hoyt via Elecraft]

Hi all,

For those of you using the Elecraft AX1 or AX2, Pro Audio Engineering 
now offers a mounting solution: theAM1 
. A lightweight 
mount option for your portable setups.  We have been discussing it over 
at the elecraft...@groups.io , but I 
know there are Elecraft KX owners here who are not currently in that group.


Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC
Pro Audio Engineering
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Re: [Elecraft] AX-1 -- with and without counterpoise

[Howard Hoyt via Elecraft]

Hi all,

Over at the Elecraft-KX io group, being QRP all the time we had this 
discussion a while back and I wanted to repost a post I made with a 
useful link, I think it is germane to this discussion:


--

https://elecraft-kx.groups.io/g/main/topic/90090191#72021

posted by Howard Hoyt - Mar 28, 2022 #72021

Hi all,
I thought I'd start this thread since some posts regarding antennas in 
general were pretty much OT.  Subjective reports we see in groups all 
the time although great for expressing enthusiasm for ham radio 
operation in general, carry little information others can use to 
evaluate antenna performance.


Like many other hams I studied Maxwell's equations in EE school (too 
many years ago), and they define the characteristics of electromagnetic 
waves pretty thoroughly.  I am sure modern antenna engineers utilize 
them to perfect antenna designs and many hams may be talented enough to 
use this approach.  However this many years after Uni. I only have the 
time and brain power to use more cookbook approaches, and like many 
people I learn faster with visual aids.


With this in mind, and specifically regarding the oddly controversial 
aspect of two-pole radiation (radiator and so-called counterpoise) I 
wanted to share this YouTube video by Frank Rutter / K3AW:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEigIMS6bo4
He does a masterful job of presenting many aspects of antenna 
performance using a 3 GHz model, which has a wavelength short enough to 
allow the antenna and ground plane (counterpoise) to fit on a table for 
demonstration.  I highly recommend setting aside an hour, grabbing a 
beverage and watching the entire 1:08:27 video, it may be the best 
expenditure of your time this week.  My single critique of the 
demonstration is I wish he had a big meter to show the signal changes as 
he changes the setup.


Relative to recent discussions regarding counterpoises here, Frank shows 
how a lossy counterpoise (his model for earth) diminishes antenna 
performance at the 10:00 mark.  At the 30:00-minute mark he explains the 
proliferation of stacked beams.  At 1:03:00 he explains that an inverted 
"L" can result in RF at the operating position, due to common-mode 
currents.  This Inverted "L" configuration resembles how many portable 
end-fed antennas end up being deployed due to necessity.  Also he 
demonstrates how at commonly deployed heights they show a propensity for 
high-angle radiation, good for close in to medium range communications, 
not so much for DX.


Part of the value in Frank's demonstration is the relative, but direct 
comparisons of the different antenna configurations in identical 
locations.  We do not have this luxury when operating from a hilltop or 
at the beach, so we have to apply best practices to maximize results, 
and in this way ideas from his demonstrations can be valuable to us.


As an additional note: I have learned a lot about designing antennas by 
modeling them using EZNEC.  After years selling and supporting the 
software, Roy Lewallen / W7EL has given the package to us for free and 
available here:

https://www.eznec.com
I highly recommend getting this software and learning to use it.  If you 
are truly interested in maximizing your antenna knowledge and 
performance, it will be time well spent.
 
Anyone interested in the KX rigs or AX antennas should join our group, 
over 6000 strong and growing.


Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC
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Re: [Elecraft] Any progress on K3 modules?

[Howard Hoyt via Elecraft]

Hi Pete,

These supply-line delays are world-wide.  We had put an order into the 
factory for another run of our Kx33 Low-RFI power supplies...in March.  
We just received approval samples yesterday, and by paranoid sheer luck 
we had ordered far enough in advance so we should not run out before the 
order arrives.


Predicting stock ordering has become a guessing game.  For the last 30 
years all I had to do was run the sales numbers to get a per month 
average, forecast that forward and plan an order to overlap by a 
comfortable margin.  Now it is more of a case of trying to get into a 
manufacturing queue as early as possible even if it means having excess 
stock for a while...which recently it has not.


I have empathy for Elecraft, I live in the same space these days...

Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC
proaudioeng.com

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[Elecraft] elecraft...@groups.io

[Howard Hoyt via Elecraft]

Hi Doug,

While this general Elecraft group is a great resource, you and other 
Elecraft KX-series owners should join the over 6000 dedicated Elecraft 
KX-series owners in our elecraft...@groups.io. Wayne Burdick and several 
other Elecraft personnel are also members, and we look forward to seeing 
you there!


Cheers & 73,
Howard Hoyt / WA4PSC
elecraft...@groups.io moderator

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[Elecraft] Fair-Rite 4" Toroids

[Howard Hoyt via Elecraft]

Hi all,

We have been answering queries about the large 4" OD Fair-Rite 
2631814002 toroids  
which have been out of stock for a while but we now have good stock.  
Thanks for your patience!


Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC
proaudioeng.com
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[Elecraft] Hamvention Specials

[Howard Hoyt via Elecraft]

Hi folks!
Although we (Pro Audio Engineering) will not be at Dayton/Xenia this 
year we are offering a 15% discount on our Kx32 Ultimate Heatsink for 
the KX3, the Kx22 Heatsink Kit for the KX2, and our Kx33 Low-RFI Power 
Supply.  These specials will run through Sunday May 22nd.


For those of you who make it to the Hamvention say Hi! to the Elecraft 
crew for me, I'll miss being at this great event!


Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC
Pro Audio Engineering
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[Elecraft] Elecraft-KX group

[Howard Hoyt via Elecraft]

Hi all,

I have been noticing a large number of KX-series posts on this general 
Elecraft list and wanted to make sure people know there is a dedicated 
group for the Elecraft KX-series rigs and QRP operation with over 6300 
members including Elecraft engineers.  It is possible questions would be 
answered more quickly there.


Check us out at: https://groups.io/g/Elecraft-KX

Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC

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Re: [Elecraft] Powering KX3 from Bioenno charger with battery in between

[Howard Hoyt]

The charger needs to see the quiescent current draw of the battery as it 
is following it's constant current and constant voltage charge curve.


Having designed Li chargers I can tell you that if deviation from 
expected current in the CV part of the charge curve will cause the 
charger logic to error out and abort charging with many charge ICs.  It 
is best to disconnect the battery from any loads when charging.


Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC

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Re: [Elecraft] Power supply for KX3

[Howard Hoyt]

>>Jim, K9YC posted:
>>"I have one of these PSUs, but haven't tried to choke it."

And this was an engineering decision with the Kx33: incorporate a large 
choke inside the PS case and make it much larger and more expensive for 
the small percentage of people who might need it or keep it small and 
within the commonly available case offered by the factory to keep the 
price down.


I include a Fair-Rite 0431167281 Snap-It with each Kx33 for those who 
may be doing what Jim says.  I have found 3-4 turns of the DC cable 
through that core will silence it in TX mode.  I also include a manual 
with a shout-out to Jim's fantastic research on Common-Mode chokes, 
which is really important when portable and using sub-optimally balanced 
antenna systems.  For those who are not familiar with Jim's work, here 
is a link: http://audiosystemsgroup.com/RFI-Ham.pdf 



Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC
proaudioeng.com

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Re: [Elecraft] KXBC3 charger question

[Howard Hoyt]

Great thread,

All who are interested in the KX series Elecraft gear should subscribe 
to the elecraft...@groups.io group where KX series gear is discussed 
exclusively.  When Wayne isn't debugging K4 firmware he also often posts 
there!


Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC

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[Elecraft] Atwood Rice

[Howard Hoyt]

If Atwood Rice is in this group, please email Pro Audio Engineering at: 
i...@proaudioeng.com


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[Elecraft] Richard Sandvold

[Howard Hoyt]

If Richard Sandvold is on this list, can he please email me 
at:i...@proaudioeng.com 

Thank you and sorry for the interruption.


Howie / WA4PSC
proaudioeng.com

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[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Announcement

[Howard Hoyt]

Kevin,

Thanks for the reminder, that is one of my favorite Entwistle songs!!

Howie / WA4PSC

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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 temperature

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Gary,

We have been manufacturing the Pro Audio Engineering Kx22 Heatsink kit 
since 2016:


https://proaudioeng.com/pae-kx22-heatsink-elecraft-kx2/ 



The Kx22 provides 200% or more key-down time in transmit and there is 
more data on the website.  The good news is the do not impact the size 
of the rig at all.  By this I mean we engineered them to only have fins 
which protrude only as far as the BNC connector on the right panel where 
the PA FETs are attached.  Any case the KX2 fit in before it will still 
fit once the Kx22 is attached.


We have several distributors around the world which sell them including 
GEMS in the USA, Lutz Electronics in Switzerland and others.


Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC
proaudioeng.com

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[Elecraft] Michael Rosenberg - N9YP

[Howard Hoyt]

Will Michael Rosenberg please contact Pro Audio Engineering: 
(919)260-3675.  Apparently our emails to you are not getting through, 
maybe in your SPAM folder?


Sorry for the interruption!

Howie / WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com

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[Elecraft] KX2/KX3 Heatsinks

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi all,
A member of the Elecraft-KX list suggested I should cross-post this 
here, so:


Spring has arrived with summer heat coming soon, and having your rig 
reduce power during a QSO is not fun.  We want to help every KX2 and KX3 
owner keep their rigs cool, so we are having a Spring Heatsink Sale.  In 
addition the Kx32 in conjunction with the GEMS cover makes the rig near 
indestructable!  From now until the end of April the model Kx32 Ultimate 
Heatsink for the Elecraft™ KX3 and the Kx22 Heatsink for the Elecraft™ 
KX2 will be on sale at 10% off.  Just enter HSS21 in the Coupon Code box 
at checkout.  See more detailed information at: 
https://proaudioeng.com/elecraft-heatsinks/


Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com
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[Elecraft] Fair-Rite mix 31 toroids

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi all,

Over the last few months a number of you had ordered and/or requested 
availability of the Fair-Rite 2631814002 mix 31 toroid, 4" OD, 3" ID 1" 
L.  It had been out of stock at Fair-Rite since July, but we just 
received our allotment.
https://proaudioeng.com/fair-rite-4″-toroid-core/ 



We also received a large shipment of the Fair-Rite 2631803802, mix 31 
toroid, 2.4" OD, 1.4" ID, 0.5" L.
https://proaudioeng.com/fair-rite-2-4″-toroid-core/ 



Sorry for the commercial interruption, but wanted to ensure anyone who 
messaged me was informed...


Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com

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Re: [Elecraft] PX3 signal artifact - still seeking a solution

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Grant,

The shield only shields electrostatic fields and does not shield the 
magnetic field from the inner conductors.  If the garbage is on the USB 
signal lines and common mode (likely), the ferrite will still be 
effective.  If the RFI is transverse (or differential) mode, then the 
external fields from those signal conductors will largely cancel and 
ferrite will have little or no effect.


BTW, Pro Audio Engineering is a first-line Fair-Rite dealer and we have 
good stock on many mix 31 parts at good prices in small quantities.


Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com


If the cable is shielded, and the garbage is on the PC's USB signal lines, 
an external ferrite won?t do any good.  I don?t know if the cable is 
shielded or not, but if it is, then the garbage may not be on the shield 
? and perhaps the USB isolator might be worth a try.  Maybe.  
I don?t know anything about that device ? 


Grant NQ5T


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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 list server - how to connect

[Howard Hoyt]

Art, all,

We have a separate group which deals exclusively with the Elecraft 
portable equipment and related issues to running QRP and portable.  You 
can join the 5700 of us who discuss Elecraft KX issues by going to : 
https://groups.io/g/Elecraft-KX


We hope to see you there!

Howie / WA4PSC
elecraft...@groups.io Moderator


I miss KX2 contents in this list. I remember now that a separate list server is being used. 
How would I join that list? 


Art VE9BP


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[Elecraft] K3 SSB Quality in Transmit

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi guys!

Like many of you I worked the 13 Colonies event this last week. I have a 
K3, s/n in the 5600 range with the new SYNs and I'm running a KPA500 
into a Carolina Windom when it isn't arcing.  I have TX EQ set up like this:


  50 Hz = -16 dB
100 Hz = -16 dB
200 Hz =   -3 dB
400 Hz =    0 dB
800 Hz =    0 dB
1.6 KHz = +3 dB
2.4 KHz = +3 dB
3.0 KHz =  0 dB

Mic drive at 9, and compression is set at 20 and I use a Yamaha 
Shedmaster CM-500 headset.  My wife thought I had some weird disease due 
to all the black specs shedding from the headphone pads...


I wanted to pass along to you Elecraft engineers my experience during 
this event.  I am a CW-only op for the most part and really never hear 
signal quality reports other than the obligatory 5xx. Switching 
reluctantly to SSB and swinging down that odd foam thing which usually 
resides over my head I received numerous comments like: "Best signal of 
the day here, very clean audio!" and "Wow! It sounds like you are in the 
room here, excellent audio"  and "Your signal is audible above the 
pileup because it is so clear!" and a few others which really surprised 
me.  Who knew you could actually send your voice through a ham radio!


I take no credit for any of this other than turning the rig on. I heard 
many crappy sounding SSB signals during this event, some even difficult 
to understand despite good signal strength and I appreciate Elecraft 
making the K3 operate so well, I believe it was a real advantage.  I can 
only hope the K4 will build on this quality!


Thanks again, guys!
Howie / WA4PSC

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[Elecraft] Hamvention sale

[Howard Hoyt]

For whatever reason the first post attempt failed, so repost warning:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Hi all,
– To commemorate the cancelled Dayton/Xenia Hamvention as well as the 
FDIM show we are having a 10% off sale on the Kx33 Low-RFI Power Supply 
 and 
all KX2/KX3 Heatsinks . The 
sale starts today and goes for a week until the end of the day 
5/22/2020.  I sure am going to miss seeing you folks in person, FDIM is 
a blast!


Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com

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[Elecraft] K4??? - OT

[Howard Hoyt]

Made famous thanks to Mike Meyers & Dana Carvey:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6okyW7SHng

Stay healthy all!
Howie / WA4PSC


>>https://www.flowbee.com/  

I can't believe that is still around!
'73 de JIM N2ZZ


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[Elecraft] OT: I am looking for Lithium style battery pack, for KX3/KXPA100 and BiPAP machine.

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Al,

We performed a series of tests to different battery types and 
chemistries and have published the results here:


https://proaudioeng.com/portable-battery-performance/

The summary table is sortable for any parameter you are particularly 
interested in.  The Bioenno weighs in as a particularly good value, both 
in WH/$ and AH/$.


Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC

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Re: [Elecraft] Where did the KX3 Go

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi John,

There are over 5600 of us Elecraft KX-series users over at 
elecraft...@groups.io including you.  Your membership in the old Yahoo 
group has been transferred automatically.


See you there!
Howie / WA4PSC

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[Elecraft] Black Friday

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi all,

We are offering a 10% Black Friday discount to all orders starting today 
and ending Sunday night at 12AM.  This applies to all products including 
ferrites shipped to all destinations domestic and foreign.  Merely enter 
BF19 in the discount code box at checkout.


Thank you for your patronage in the past and 73!

Howie / WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com

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Re: [Elecraft] QRP FD KX2 Batteries & FT8 Report

[Howard Hoyt]

Peter,

You can get significantly more key-down time or run more FT8 power if you 
install our Kx22 heatsink:
(https://proaudioeng.com/pae-kx22-heatsink-elecraft-kx2/).  With the heatsink 
installed the rig still fits all of the cases Elecraft sells for the KX2.  
Running 5 watts FT8 is usually productive, but this past weekend here in NC our 
propagation was terrible for FD, seemingly worse that that for the west coast...

Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC


Peter West wrote:
I was forced to run QRP (which isn't an issue as I am primarily a 
QRP contester anyway) as anything over 5 watts caused the rig to

overheat to the point of automatically reducing power to 5 watts.


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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 modification

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi all,

We have had several inquiries as to whether our Pro Audio Engineering 
Kx22 Heatsink for the KX2 is compatible with the Harmonic Reduction Mod 
kit, Elecraft p/n KX2MDKTHS.  The good news is since discussing the 
issue with Elecraft two years ago we have been supplying the Kx22 
Heatsink with the Harmonic Reduction Mod already installed.  With the 
proper application of the thermal transfer compound we include this 
approach results in thermal performance better than either stock 
configuration.


Howie / WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com


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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Auto-spot, tuning aids, and the arcane history of CW pitch-matching

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Mel,

I experienced the same reading Wayne's highly informative post!!

I started off in 1970 with a homebrew 6L6/807 xtal xmtr with maybe 12 
xtals and a Hallicrafters S-38 which gave me hundreds of mesmerizing 
hours in my parents basement.  That rig gave me my first huge shock as 
well, so it is indeed memorable.  What idiot thought it was a good idea 
to put the 500 V B+ connection on an unguarded terminal strip on the 
back panel?  Wait, that was me...


Still, I thought I was in heaven until my high school club bought a 
Drake R-4B/T-4XB which blew me away and I ended up owning a pair in the 
early 1980s and still love the Drake twins to this day. However they 
have been gathering dust since I got my K3, which is the best rig 
overall I have used to date, and love my KX3 in the car and on travel.


Although it works well, I don't use Auto Spot is because it scrambles my 
feeble brain as to where I am tuned; I am just not used to a rig 
changing frequency without me intentionally doing it.  Perhaps this is a 
mental artifact of heavy contesting, where I am loathe to leave a good 
RUN frequency, indeed I often lock VFO A so I don't accidentally bump 
the VFO A knob.


Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC


On 1/22/2019 1:51 PM, Mel Snyder ct_digital_pho...@yahoo.com [KX3] wrote:


Wow, this is *great,* Wayne! Thanks. I am away from home, but will be 
interested to test the auto-spot when I get home.



A wonderful trip down memory lane. While you were swapping crystals 
with your HW-16, I was a few years ahead of you as KN3AFW, swapping 
them first into my home-brew 6AG7-6L6 rig, and then, a borrowed Eico 720.


I still own a lovely Johnson Ranger II, and an SB-301 Heathkit 
receiver with the original 500Hz filter, the combination of which 
require your explained tuning the VFO to the note of the received 
signal. But both are on my list to sell, along with my HW-9 and 
FT-707, inasmuch with my KX3 for good band conditions and my 
inherited/restored TS-940S when they’re poor, they are all surplus 
space-consumers.


Every time I turn on my KX3, I am in awe of how far ham radio has 
progressed in the past 61 years since I was licensed. Like taking a 
cell call on my Apple Watch, it’s beyond anything I dreamed of as a 
kid back then. So glad I stopped by the Elecraft exhibit at the 2014 
Hartford ARRL convention, and was taken by the enthusiasm of KX3 users 
that gathered there - and decided to join the cult.


Mel, W3PYF



On Jan 22, 2019, at 12:09 AM, Wayne Burdick n...@elecraft.com 
 [KX3] > wrote:


Elecraft's auto-spot and CWT features -- available on the 
K3/K3S/KX2/KX3 -- are very useful tools for CW operators, especially 
those not experienced in pitch-matching. Here's a bit of history on 
where these features came from and how they work.


CW Spotting History

When a station finishes a CQ in CW mode, the operator faces the 
challenge of copying someone who's calling back. Callers may be weak 
or obscured by QRM; the op can usually deal with both problems by 
narrowing the filter passband. However, callers may also be off 
frequency. A calling station may be using a wide filter passband 
themselves, not attempting to carefully match their VFO frequency to 
that of the CQing station. The result may be no QSO, even when 
propagation is excellent.


In the Days of Yore, a frequency offset between stations didn't 
always matter. Sometimes both stations used crystal-controlled 
transmitters, so operators had to patient tune around after calling CQ.


As a 14-year-old novice I embraced this operating style for a year or 
so, armed with a dozen or so crusty FT-243 crystals for my Heath 
HW-16. I nearly wore out the socket swapping them in and out. After 
calling CQ, it was not unusual to find a caller 30 or more kHz away! 
(Away from "where" was a poorly answered question, as my 
Hallicrafters receiver dial wasn't exactly digital.)


Fortunately I soon acquired an outboard VFO, a life-changing addition 
to my station. Jealous friends doubled up on their paper routes to 
pay for their own. Girls suddenly paid more attention to me.


These days virtually everyone has a VFO, along with the expectation 
that they won't have to tune theirs very far, if at all, to tune you 
in. Not only that, they're stable and well calibrated, not like the 
beasts we had to skillfully tame. Progress!


Manual Spotting (SPOT switch)

Once I had a VFO I quickly learned to do *manual* pitch matching. 
Older rigs did't provide a way to do that explicitly, so you'd 
improvise. Basically, you had to coerce a very weak signal out of 
your own transmitter, say by turning on only the driver, then tune 
the transmit VFO until you could hear your signal on your own 
receiver -- superimposed on the calling station, at the same pitch. 
This is what we call spotting.


Of course spotting is a lot more convenient these days, as many rigs 
include a SPOT switch. This function is 

Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 174, Issue 7

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Peter,

Although we have not tested that specific brand of alkaline cell, in 
general alkaline cells when compared to NiMH or LI cells show much 
higher internal resistance.  This is of course why they are not as 
suitable for high-current use, and though the Duracell cells also 
measure 1.55 V open-circuit, when drawing any significant current (>250 
mA) they quickly sag to less than 1.3 V.  We have tested a Duracell 
alkaline, the results are here: https://proaudioeng.com/duracell-alkaline/


The rechargable alkaline technology has been around for quite a while, 
Eveready used to sell them, but due to charging difficulties such as 
cells leaking during charge, they were discontinued.  I suggest using 
them in an external holder until you are sure they will behave...


Cheers & 73,
Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com


On 10/10/2018 6:47 AM, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:

Hi all,

did anybody tested these PURE ENERGY RAM cells AA size 1,5V / 3000mAh in
KX3?
I found in spec. that they are Alkaline-Manganese technology cells which are
not dedicated
for permanent high current (over 1A) consumption equipment...

It is promising 12V instead of 9.6V in 8pcs pack. the only external charger
should be used as
same as LiPol...

Thank for info.


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[Elecraft] Portable Battery tests

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi all,

I had a request to add some charts to the battery test results we 
published, here is the link to the page:


https://proaudioeng.com/portable-battery-performance/

Thanks for the suggestions!

Cheers & 73,

Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com

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Re: [Elecraft] Field Day Report

[Howard Hoyt]

Buck, k4ia wrote:
Only the transmitter has to be on battery power.  
You can run a computer, air-conditioner and 
television on a generator or even mains power.


This would be correct if the computer was not attached to the rig.  Many people 
use CAT control which makes logging so much easier, in in that configuration 
one has to run both the rig and APC from battery if claiming battery power 
status.
Howie - WA4PSC

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Re: [Elecraft] Field Day Report

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi all,

Our OCRA (Orange County Radio Amateurs) club ran 9A once again as W4EZ 
this year, trying for a repeat or improvement on our 3rd place national 
effort of last year.  Here was our layout (well, almost):


https://groups.io/g/OCRA-DFMA/photo/39174/1?p=Name,,,20,1,0,0

Installing that many antennas in the requisite 1000 ft circle with 
minimal mutual interference is a real feat, let me tell you! We even had 
a sagging 80M OCF dipole tangle with a beam at one point...


This year we finally achieved our long-term goal of all Elecraft 
transmitters.  Our testing over the last few years agrees with the 
collated test results by K9YC here:


http://audiosystemsgroup.com/TXNoise.pdf

Although a few years old, his results agree with our tests that the K3 
has the lowest in-band phase noise of any we have tested. This has been 
a real problem in past years, with almost all Yaecomwood transmitters we 
tried txing intolerable levels of phase noise like this Kenwood (20M, 
200 KHz spacing) running SSB from last year as recorded in the CW shack:


https://proaudioeng.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Kenwood-tx-phase-noise.mp4 



This year we had 7 Elecraft K3s and two KX3s.  The only phase noise 
issues we had were from the one KX3 running FT8 digi, and mostly ~S3-5 
when a beam was pointed towards the digi antenna from ~300 feet away 
with a 30 KHz spacing.  Other than that we were really pleased to have 
finally been almost free from the band-shattering noise experienced in 
previous years.  Kudos to Elecraft for such great Tx performance!


Overall the band condx were OK although not great from central NC, 
although a surprising appearance of 6 and 10 meter propagation helped!  
It is always a challenge contesting QRP and it is difficult to break 
pile-ups, so running as opposed to S is often the best bet.  Of course 
running is not a panacea when QRP, I must have been stomped on a dozen 
times by others who (to give them the benefit of the doubt) didn't hear 
me CQing on channel.


We once again attempted to wireless network N1MM over all 9 stations, 
but it became erratic so logging was done in several networked pods 
instead.  We won't know the total score until the logs are collated.


I would say the biggest challenge we faced is one I heard from other 
groups: it is getting to the point where a lot of heavy lifting (we had 
6 towers) is difficult with a bunch of old fogies.  If large FD efforts 
like W4EZ are to continue youth outreach is not an option.  
Nevertheless, at least this year no one was hurt, except for many a 
branch from lines shot over trees, and many a burger and other 
refreshments were enjoyed as well!


Cheers & 73,

Howie - WA4PSC

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[Elecraft] Laptop Power Supplies

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi all,

With FD upon us, I have been receiving requests for a low-RFI supply 
like the 14 V Kx33, but in a 19 V version for laptops.  For those of you 
who have such laptops, what is the current demand, and what is the most 
common plug which such a supply would need to have?


Cheers, 73 & good luck all on FD!  I'll once again be part of the 9A 5 W 
CW crew at W4EZ.


Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com

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Re: [Elecraft] L Bladeless Fan Technology

[Howard Hoyt]

The Dyson ad is misleading: it merely has no EXPOSED blades. What it is 
is a venturi pressurized by a bladed fan in the base. In this way it is 
trading high-pressure low-velocity for low-pressure high-velocity which 
is appropriate for a fan in free-air to cool human bodies.  Fans 
designed to push air through heatsink fins are designed for moderate to 
high back-pressure depending on fin density and height.


When we modeled our convective heatsinks for the KX2 & KX3, we also did 
designs with fans (and brought some to Dayton).  After iterating a 
heatsink design in ThermalCAD for hours to get the last percent more 
convective cooling, it is sobering and amazing how much heat you can 
remove by forcing air to remove the stagnant boundary layer of air from 
the heatsink.  It makes you realize natural convection is a very weak 
motor for air movement.


A tube amp can potentially be quieter than a solid state unit due to the 
fact that the total heat removal in BTUs is directly proportional to the 
temperature differential between the air and the object being cooled 
(Newton's Law of Cooling).


Analyzing the thermal path in each situation; the anode fins of a common 
3CX or 4CX series tube are directly cooled by the air and can run at 
250°C, whereas the transistor has some additional series thermal 
resistances to overcome before meeting the cooling air which can reduce 
the effective heatsink temperature at FET max junction temperature and 
heat flux to 125°C.  Assuming 25°C air, there can be a 225°C 
differential between air and tube anode, and a 100°C differential 
between the FET heatsink and air.  This means for any given volume of 
air passing through the two devices, there can be 2.25 times as many 
BTUs removed from a tube.  The other issue is the fact that the ceramic 
tube fins are designed for high pressure low-volume cooling, and most 
non-ducted FET heatsinks are designed for lower pressure, higher volume 
air flow. High-velocity fans typically create more noise than do higher 
pressure fans due to the relatively slower air movement and lower 
turbulence past the fins.  This being said I have used some really noisy 
tube amps.


I opt for an Elecraft KPA amp for many reasons; the fantastic K-Line 
integration, included ATU (in the 1500) and protection circuitry they 
design in.  I use a KPA500 which also can get loud, but I appreciate 
what it takes to remove 500 W of heat to keep a 500 W amp cool (assuming 
~50% efficiency).  Based on the reliability of the KPA500, I also do not 
think there is a tube amp on the market which protects it's devices as 
well as Elecraft does their FETs.  In order to address the noise issue, 
perhaps a remote control like the Acom 2000A offers is a good option for 
the KPA1500 at this point?


I was not paid to make this endorsement, just a happy customer.

Cheers & 73,

Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com


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[Elecraft] Pro Audio Engineering Hamvention Special

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi all,

Pro Audio Engineering is having a Hamvention Special for hams who cannot 
make the trip: free shipping for orders to USA addresses over $50 for 
the rest of May. (except for orders with large ferrites, we will contact 
you if your order requires shipping funds)  It is a good time to get 
accessories for your KX2 or KX3!


If you can come to Xenia,  we will be having special Hamvention pricing, 
and we hope you say hi to us in booth 1610, right across from those 
dashing gentlemen Eric and Wayne of Elecraft.


Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com
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[Elecraft] Thank you

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi all,

We are back from a long-awaited vacation and we are now shipping all 
orders.  Thank you to all who ordered over the last week for your 
patience, we expect all orders will be shipped by Thursday.


We are gearing up for the Xenia Hamvention, and will have special 
pricing at booth 1610, right across the aisle from Elecraft.  We will 
also be running KX accessory specials in the month of May for those who 
cannot attend the Hamvention, so check our website.


Cheers & 73,

Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com
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[Elecraft] Pro Audio Engineering Website

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi All!

I have moved the Pro Audio Engineering website to a new server, so there 
will be a service interruption between now and Tuesday morning.  If you 
wish to peruse our wares, please try again tomorrow.


Thank you!

Howard Hoyt
www.proaudioeng.com

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[Elecraft] FS: Elecraft K-Line

[Howard Hoyt]

Reducing overhead and underfoot, selling redundant complete Elecraft 
K-Line setup.
Lightly used and owned by a broadcast engineer, kept covered, 
non-smoking home. All units work excellently as new.  New this full 
shack setup cost $7800, if purchased as a set will sell for $5200. If 
purchased as a set all cabling will be included as well.


K3/100 HF 160-6M HF Transceiver - $2290
- Installed Options: KPA3A, KAT3A, KXV3, K3SSKT
- CW Filters: 200, 500 Hz, SSB Filter: 2.7KHz
- Accessories: K312MDKT, K3AUDPROTMDKT, PR6-10

Heil Package - $200 - HM-12 Microphone
- PL-2T Boom mount with desk C-clamp
- Proset IC Headset

P3 Panadapter - $890
- SVGA Option installed
- TX MON option, 1 sensor

KPA500 160-6M 500 W HF Amplifier - $1690

KAT500 160-6M 500 W HF ATU - $490

Powerwerx SS-DV30 13.8 V 30 A Power Supply - $90

US hams only, buyer pays shipping. Will deliver within 100 miles of 
Chapel Hill, NC or can bring to Xenia in May.

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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Power Cable

[Howard Hoyt]

Dave,

The vast majority of the voltage drop you see is not in the DC Power cable, it 
is in the anti-parallel polarity protection diode in the KX3 itself and all KX3 
users see this drop regardless of what gauge cable you power the KX3 with.  A 1 
M length of 18 gauge cable will drop less than 0.1 V at the maximum current of 
2.5 A the KX3 can draw at 15 W.

Your internal voltage reading of 11.4 V is too low for the KX3 to allow 
operation over 5 W, and the problem is your power supply voltage is too low.  I 
suggest you use a power supply which delivers at least 13.8 V with a receive 
load of 0.2 A.  That will fix your transmit power issue, and it is the reason 
we designed the Kx33 Low-RFI power supply to output 14.2 V at a KX3 receive 
load of 0.2 A.  There are other advantages as well to this higher supply 
voltage such as higher power output with lower IMD in digital and SSB modes.

Cheers & 73,
Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com



I am using the standard power cable that is supplied with the KX3.  Using a
digital multi meter and the built in voltage monitoring capability of the
KX3, it looks like the supply voltage is dropped by 0.5 volts in the power
cord when transmitting with 5 watts


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[Elecraft] Yahoo Elecraft KX User Group

[Howard Hoyt]

Jim,

We are not having any problems with the Yahoo KX3 group, are you sure 
you are attempting to log in with the correct email address/Yahoo 
account?  I have several Yahoo accounts and I have to log out and back 
in with the correct one to access a different Yahoo group.


Send me an email if you continue to have issues.

Cheers && 73,

Howie - WA4PSC
Yahoo Elecraft KX Group moderator



Is there something wrong with the KX3 group from
Yahoo? I haven't recieved a digest in days and when I try to get into
the group I get an error message Thanks,Jim W7JHR

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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 in FT8 mode - heat? (Barry N1EU)

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Barry,

While using the KX2 in just about any digital mode above 5 W or so, we 
found the PA temp will reach thermal limit fairly quickly, which is why 
Elecraft rates the KX2 at 5 W in digital modes, and why we came up with 
an improved cooling solution.  (commercial content) Many owners who wish 
to run more than 5 W in digital modes have purchased the Pro Audio 
Engineering Kx22 Heatsink, which allows for an average (band and ambient 
temp dependent) 200-250% increase in transmit time before thermal 
limiting kicks in.


Cheers & 73,

Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com
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[Elecraft] (OT) - Unplanned Discovery

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Stan,

One thing we have learned in supplying thousands of Kx33s to hams is the 
importance of minimizing or eliminating common-mode currents in the 
antenna system.  The transverse mode RFI output of the Kx33 is extremely 
low and has never been the cause of noise to our customers, but if the 
antenna system has significant common-mode potential, it will always 
seek a current path through whatever is attached to the rig...through 
the power supply, your body, as well as grounds.  The outside of the 
coax shield, the rig, the power supply and AC mains are all in a series 
path for common-mode currents.


The most direct cure is to place a high common-mode impedance in the 
antenna feedline.  The DC power lead on the Kx33 is smaller in diameter 
than most RF coax lines, so it may be easier to form a choke on that 
cable.  You mentioned "YES, I HAD CHOKES ON ALL SUPPLIES, CABLES, 
WIRE."  The exact core material used and number of turns is important in 
constructing common-mode chokes.  Jim Brown, K9YC has excellent 
tutorials on this subject: http://audiosystemsgroup.com/RFI-Ham.pdf


Another measure which will shunt common mode currents away from other 
paths is a low impedance ground on the rig.


Something else I want to mention, as it is an issue which has cropped up 
recently: There are several sellers on both eBay and Amazon stating "Pro 
Audio Engineering  Kx33 power supply" in their ads, but no supplies 
other than those sold directly from us are the actual Kx33.  We know 
this because we worked with one such customer to resolve noise issues 
and it turned out the unit he had was not a Kx33.  eBay and Amazon both 
state they can not do anything, since the other vendors are claiming 
they use our part number and name only to state an equivalency, which 
they most assuredly are not.  Our Kx33 has less than 70 pF of input to 
output coupling vs. 1000 pF or more for most other supplies, making it 
far easier to choke common-mode currents.  This was the most difficult 
spec of the supply to arrive at, but considering we knew it could be 
used with temporary antenna systems with common-mode potential it was 
important to achieve.


As we unconditionally guarantee everything we sell, please contact us at 
i...@proaudioeng.com and I am sure we can help you eliminate this noise 
or refund your purchase price.


Cheers & 73,

Howard Hoyt - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com

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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] "HF Pack Lite": Remote control of KX2 via UP/DN buttons on the MH3 mic

[Howard Hoyt]

Wayne,

That is just plain cool, kudos!

Howie - WA4PSC


On 9/11/2017 2:27 PM, Wayne Burdick n...@elecraft.com [KX3] wrote:


Use of an HF radio while walking, or at least while standing (perhaps 
taking in a view of the great outdoors), is generally referred to as 
“pedestrian mobile.” Some operators even add /PM to identify as such.


Two common forms of pedestrian mobile operation include:

1. HF Pack: This usually implies a radio carried in such a way that 
the front panel can be used and the display viewed at all times. Often 
a substantial antenna is used, as well as a large battery. This style 
of operation may require a specialized backpack and other hardware, 
and is reminiscent of military field communications.


2. HT-Style: This is as simple as it gets. Attach a whip antenna to 
your hand-held radio (e.g., KX2 or KX3), connect a trailing ground 
wire, and off you go.


I’m interested in a third form that’s somewhere in between the two:

3. HF Pack Lite

This is similar to HF Pack, in that the radio is worn in some fashion, 
but it’s optimized for light weight and simplicity. For example, it 
might involve:


- placing the radio inside a small day pack, sling, or waist pack
- using the radio’s own internal battery
- a very lightweight antenna, such as a telescoping or flexible whip
- simplified user interface, with just essential controls

Combining all of the above, you get a minimalist station that allows 
for a lot more freedom of movement and won’t wear you out because it’s 
so lightweight. HF Pack Lite is also ideal for those (like me) who 
wish to remain under the radar during urban hiking.


I recently made progress on my own HF Pack Lite station that others 
may benefit from.


First, I found a great way to carry the KX2 or KX3: I’m now using a 
Patagonia Atom 8L Sling, purchased at REI. This bag is very small, has 
an internal compartment for the radio, and has a zipper that allows 
the antenna to emerge at the top. Being a sling, it has roughly the 
aesthetics of a “quiver,” with a single strap you place over your neck 
and shoulder, like a camera bag. The only modification I made was to 
add a grommet at the bottom through which I pass the mic cable, earbud 
cable, and ground wire. I’m considering making a little harness for 
these to speed up connect/disconnect.


Next, I’m working on a firmware release that will allow extended radio 
control via the MH3’s UP/DN buttons. Initially this will be added to 
the KX2, then to the KX3 after field testing.


Here’s how it works:

Each time you press the mic’s UP and DN buttons together, you advance 
through a set of mic-based operating functions. At present, these include:


VFO control (default; this is what the UP/DN buttons already do)
Key (hand key or keyer paddle using UP/DN buttons)
Filter bandwidth (a few per-mode discrete selections)
AF gain
ATU tune
Band
Mode

Morse code audio feedback is used to report the selected function. If 
you go through the selections rapidly, the Morse characters are 
truncated, so with a little practice you can quickly navigate to the 
function you want. Functions are arranged from most often to least 
often used.


Other subtleties:

* Anytime PTT is pressed, the menu resets to VFO control (a safe default).

* Whenever the mic menu is used, all regular front-panel controls are 
locked out, preventing their accidental adjustment. (Thanks to Matt, 
W6NIA, for this suggestion.) All controls are unlocked if you power 
down and back up.


* A long hold of the UP/DN buttons puts the KX2 into a “standby” mode, 
at about half of its normal current drain. Another press of the UP/DN 
buttons restores normal operation.


I started testing this yesterday. The small sling pack is a joy to use 
compared to bulkier backpacks. It stays in place surprisingly well, 
and with just a KX2 (1 lb with internal battery), it’s easy to forget 
you’re wearing it. The mic controls are very intuitive in both CW and 
SSB modes.


One thing I have yet to find is a 4 to 5 foot ultra-flexible whip to 
replace the MFJ-1820. Ideally it would cover multiple bands. The MFJ 
whip is light enough, but it doesn’t coexist well with trees and 
doorways, and it’s still a bit too obvious for my taste. (See “under 
the radar,” above.)


In short, HF Pack Lite is a great way to indulge in a bit of radio 
while burning some calories, birdwatching, sightseeing, or engaging in 
post-apocalyptic Neighborhood Watch.


Comments or suggestions welcome.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

__._,_.___

Posted by: Wayne Burdick 

Reply via web post 
 
	• 	Reply to sender 

Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Heatsink discussion

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Jan,

Elecraft designed the KX twins to run with maximum efficiency, so up to 
10 watts, it is the more efficient PA in the KX3 which supplies the 
output power with the KXPA100 in bypass, and when more than 10 watts is 
dialed in the KXPA100 is enabled, and the KX3 throttles back to make the 
KXPA100 output whatever is desired.


Cheers & 73,

Howie - WA4PSC

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[Elecraft] KX3 Heatsink discussion

[Howard Hoyt]

Sorry of this appears twice, I got a bounce on the first submission:

The Pro Audio Engineering Kx32 Heatsink has more surface area than any 
other commercially available KX3 heatsink.  Regarding mass, more is not 
necessarily better.  If you take two heatsinks with the same surface 
area, on the initial key-down the one with more mass gives a longer 
initial warmup time.  Unfortunately it also retains heat longer, meaning 
on the subsequent transmit cycles, it still retains heat from the 
previous cycle.  We strove to minimize the mass of our heatsinks, the 
limitation ended up being rigidity and resistance of the fins to damage.


The limitation on convective heatsink efficiency is not the thermal 
conductivity of aluminum, it is surface area.  Our tests show very 
little thermal Δ (delta if your browser is ASCII only!) across the area 
of any given heatsink of almost any convective design.  This is because 
the limitation is dissipation due to convection.  If you model the 
thermal path as a series string of resistances, the aluminum is very low 
resistance and the surface to air resistance is very high.


For more information visit our website!

Cheers & 73,

Howie
Pro Audio Engineering

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[Elecraft] Interesting meter

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi all,

I figured maybe one of you was, um, experienced enough to recognize this 
meter and let me know what piece of equipment it came from.  I found it 
in a cache of old broadcast equipment, so it is possible it was part of 
an old carrier current transmitter or some other such thing.  This is 
the link to the picture:


https://proaudioeng.com/swr-meter/

Cheers & 73,

Howie - WA4PSC

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[Elecraft] Cooling on a KX2

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Mike!,

You are of course correct, and there is no reason not to do so when 
operating fixed near AC power.  Usually the situation where people do 
not use fans is when they are operating portable and don't want to waste 
the power or have extra stuff to pack/set up.  This is the reason our 
heatsinks are optimized for convective cooling, but they can show 
extreme cooling gains when using forced cooling.


The reason we do not rate them with forced cooling is because the air 
temperature and speed are uncontrolled variables unlikely to be 
duplicated by users, whereas rating them for full convective cooling is 
much more conservative.


Cheers & 73,

Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com
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[Elecraft] KX2 heatsink

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Linas,

There are many variables which come into play when quantifying the 
performance of a thermal solution.  First off, the PA efficiency is 
different on different bands, accounting for the differing amount of 
heat rejected.  As we state in the testing data, we do tests based on 
fully convective cooling with the rig in a thermal chimney to eliminate 
drafts.  In normal use with even slight breezes and starting at 24°C the 
performance of the Kx22 is better than that listed, as we have 
experienced using the rig portable ourselves. The starting ambient 
temperature is a major factor in the performance of any heatsink.  
Thermal flux is proportional to the temperature difference between the 
source and sink, and if the sink is the same temperature as the source, 
no heat will flow. Conversely with a large difference thermal flux is 
enhanced.


Here is the raw data we developed during testing with an early s/n KX2, 
3 trials averaged, initial key-down time from 24°C to 60°C thermal 
power-reduction, 1st column stock, 2nd w/prototype Kx22 (in seconds):


10M: 105 / 225
15M: 110 / 240
20M: 145 / 360
40M: 120 / 290
80M: 150 / 370

The newer Elecraft revision with the silicone electrical isolators and 
other PA differences will not show quite as good thermal performance as 
the original design where the PA FETs were mounted directly to the 
heatsink or right end panel.  We have not yet tested the new KX2 
revision to quantify the difference.  We have however had very positive 
reports from owners of newer rigs regarding the performance of the Kx22, 
both emailed to us and reported on the Facebook KX2 page if you wish to 
read them...


Please keep in touch with us as you test your Kx22,

Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 Heatsink

[Howard Hoyt]

Leroy,

Many of us experienced exactly what you described: banning without 
notice and no replies from the moderator.  I despise that method of 
running a list and no member has been treated that way since I became 
moderator of the Yahoo KX3 KX User Group in late May 2015 and I believe 
all here who are also on the KX3 list will agree.  So I say again, your 
recollection of the timing of that event is in error.


I also checked the email logs for the account: kx3-ow...@yahoogroups.com 
and see no email from your email account in 2017.  Please forward a copy 
so I can respond properly.


Howie - WA4PSC



On 5/16/2017 4:19 AM, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:

You should know it was a year ago that I was banned from the KX3 list for
mentioning a heat sink.  I  just two months ago emailed the list moderator, no 
response.


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[Elecraft] KX2 Heatsink

[Howard Hoyt]

Leroy, everyone else reading the misinformation posted by Tex KA5Y:

Please do not make a decision on faulty information.  I was the one who 
came along AFTER the original list owner who banned many people 
including me, and I fixed the idiotic policies which kept people from 
talking about manufacturers the owner didn't like.  I was one of those 
people who was banned!  Please check your information before agreeing 
with someone who speaks without getting his facts straight.  Since I 
have been moderating the Yahoo KX User Group I have not banned ANYONE 
for reasons other than posting porn or Viagra ads, and those are usually 
hijacked email accounts.  If you need independent verification of this 
set of facts, please contact these vendors who were banned like me, but 
who can now post whatever they want thanks to me taking the group over 
and changing the policy, they know the real story of what happened in 
that group, not Tex:


QRPworks - Steve Silverman - kb3...@qrpworks.com
GEMS Products - Scott Bastian - kd6...@sbcglobal.net
Rose's Cases - Ken Kopp - kengk...@gmail.com

This is one of the problems with the internet: people can just say 
whatever they want without checking facts, and some people just believe 
what they read uncritically.


Howie - WA4PSC
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Re: [Elecraft] Xenia/Dayton

[Howard Hoyt]

Thanks to a sharp eyed partner, I have to modify a previous statement 
regarding free shipping, here is the revised statement


1) We will be offering free shipping from May 15th until May 31 for all 
USA orders over $20 except ferrite-only orders.  It's not as exciting as 
picking your stuff up at the Hamvention, and meeting Wayne, Eric and the 
Elecraft crew as well as me and my daughter Sarah KM4WHL, but its the 
next best thing!  Due to inflexible PayPal shipping procedures, we will 
omit any shipping charges on the initial order, and then for the 
ferrite-only orders separately invoice for shipping cost before 
shipping.  In most cases ferrite shipping will be $7.00 or for the 
larger items $14.00.


We apologize for any problems this may cause, but I think you will agree 
it is not a good idea to spend $3.00 to ship an item we only make $2.00 
on (unless you make up for it in volume ;-))...and ferrites are so dang 
heavy and brittle you just can't ship them cheaply!  Sorry to take up 
more bandwidth due to my oversight...


Cheers & 73,
Howie - WA4PSC


On 5/14/2017 2:58 PM, Howard Hoyt wrote:
*For those of you who cannot attend the Dayton/Xenia Hamvention we 
have a few announcements:


1)  We will be offering free shipping from May 15th until May 31 for 
all USA orders except ferrite-only orders.  It's not as exciting as 
picking your stuff up at the Hamvention and meeting the dynamic Wayne, 
Eric and the rest of the Elecraft crew as well as me and my daughter 
Sarah KM4WHL, but its the next best thing!


2)  We are showing 2 new products and taking pre-orders (no payment): 
the Kx32fan accessory and Kx21 3-cell DC Charger.  If you cannot make 
the show, please send an email to: i...@proaudioeng.com and let us 
know you want to be on the list, and we'll save your place in the 
initial orders.  Those of you who have already emailed us about these 
products are already in the queue.


To those who will be at Xenia, travel safely, and we are looking 
forward to meeting you!


Cheers & 73,

Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com*


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[Elecraft] KX2 Heatsink

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Kev,

The issue is related to the fact that Elecraft, as do virtually all 
amateur radio manufacturers rate power output with 50% duty cycle SSB/CW 
modes only.  As is stated in the KX3 specifications and here copied from 
the KX2 manual:


/"80-17 meters, 10 W PEP max (+/- 1 dB); 12 and 10 meters, 8 W PEP max 
(+/- 1 dB).//
//Recommended transmit duty cycle: 50%, all modes. (If power amplifier 
temperature or//

//current drain is too high, power will automatically be reduced.)//
//NOTE: When using over 5 W in SSB, DATA-A and AFSK-A modes, the//
//recommended supply voltage is 12 V or higher to minimize transmit 
intermodulation//
//products. Higher power with lower voltages should be used only when 
necessary."/


I believe many or most of the requests we have had to make an 
aftermarket heatsink have come from hams using these rigs in digital 
modes such as JT and desire full-power operation, which Elecraft does 
not explicitly endorse, but which is possible with additional cooling.  
Elecraft designs and specifies operation of their rigs very 
conservatively compared to many other manufacturers, and the KX2 and KX3 
specifications are spot on.
Also as is stated in the specification, the KX2 internal battery, at 
10-11V depending on state of charge is considered adequate for 5W or 
less, and we have supplied many Kx33 14V supplies to KX2 owners who want 
to use the rig at 10W power when AC power is available.


I conclude many of these KX2 rigs are being used in digital modes from 
fixed location AC power, not from batteries.  I can't blame the hams who 
do this, the KX2 is a fantastically full-featured rig for fixed 
operation, I have used it at home to check into local 10M SSB nets 
driving a KPA500 and no one was the wiser compared to my K3.


Cheers,
Howie - WA4PSC


On 5/14/2017 4:01 PM, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:


It seems odd to me that an issue like this would go unmentioned
and unaddressed by Elecraft.

73,
Kev K4VD


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[Elecraft] Xenia/Dayton

[Howard Hoyt]

*For those of you who cannot attend the Dayton/Xenia Hamvention we have 
a few announcements:


1)  We will be offering free shipping from May 15th until May 31 for all 
USA orders except ferrite-only orders.  It's not as exciting as picking 
your stuff up at the Hamvention and meeting the dynamic Wayne, Eric and 
the rest of the Elecraft crew as well as me and my daughter Sarah 
KM4WHL, but its the next best thing!


2)  We are showing 2 new products and taking pre-orders (no payment): 
the Kx32fan accessory and Kx21 3-cell DC Charger.  If you cannot make 
the show, please send an email to: i...@proaudioeng.com and let us know 
you want to be on the list, and we'll save your place in the initial 
orders.  Those of you who have already emailed us about these products 
are already in the queue.


To those who will be at Xenia, travel safely, and we are looking forward 
to meeting you!


Cheers & 73,

Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com*
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Re: [Elecraft] New Product Announcement

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Chris,

The CS60 LowePro case I have seems well made, but having owned a Rose's 
bag for my KX3 for years, I can wholeheartedly recommend them!  One 
thing about the LowePro case, it is obvious studying the internal layout 
it was not designed for holding ham gear.  For instance, the lid of it 
begs to have stuff stored in the little pockets...but then they bang 
against the face of the KX2.  When you order a case from Rose, you get 
to customize it any way you want, and she has made so many cases her 
recommendations are spot on as well.  And, her workmanship is superb...I 
have dragged that poor KX3 and case over hill and dale for years now and 
it has not yet popped a stitch or torn anywhere..amazing quality.


Just my $0.02 worth...

Cheers & 73,

Howie - WA4PSC



On 5/13/2017 2:34 AM, Chris Tate - N6WM wrote:

Howie,

thanks as always for your prompt response, and yes much of what you say makes 
sense.

For me, the KX2's small size is its true market value.  It's a rig that can be 
taken everywhere and anywhere, and is easily explained in most odd customs 
situations particularly in carry on scenarios.  Its portability is key.

I imagine with the right case there is not an issue I of course purchased 
the smallest of cases and have managed to cram the radio, along with reasonable 
antennas for 20m up into the case along with the rig.

Its really the antennas and not the radio that are the problem at this point.  
Perhaps I will research better cases, and perhaps so discussions with Rose are 
in order as well (thanks for your email as well Rose).  Just trying to keep 
everything as compact as possible.

Truly a wonderful group of supporters out here!!

Chris
N6WM

-Original Message-
From: Howard Hoyt [mailto:hh...@mebtel.net]
Sent: Friday, May 12, 2017 2:57 PM
To: Chris Tate - N6WM <ct...@ewnetinc.com>; Elecraft Reflector 
<elecraft@mailman.qth.net>; k...@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Product Announcement

Hi Chris,

I bought the LowePro CS60 bag from Elecraft, and with the Kx22 and GEMS handle and 
cover on it, the KX2 fits fine in the bag.  It is true that the handles and cover 
stick up 1/2" farther than the knobs, but as you point out, with the cover the 
knobs and display are protected, and the
CS60 bag still zips shut without any fuss. It is just my personal preference, 
but given the LowePro bag is soft-sided and offers little impact protection, I 
strongly prefer to have the GEMS cover in place when traveling with the $800 
KX2, it is inexpensive protection for sure!

All this being said, if we get enough requests for a heatsink without the 
handles I am sure we can do it.

Cheers & 73,

Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com


On 5/12/2017 5:24 PM, Chris Tate - N6WM wrote:

Howie are you guys gonna make one without the protective handles?  Just 
wonderin.. its gonna be hard to stuff it into the stock bag,  heatsink may fit 
but definitely not the handles.  I am sure they are great for added knob 
protection just unfortunately at the expense of the travel footprint.  not a 
gripe.. just a friendly observation.





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Re: [Elecraft] New Product Announcement

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Chris,

I bought the LowePro CS60 bag from Elecraft, and with the Kx22 and GEMS 
handle and cover on it, the KX2 fits fine in the bag.  It is true that 
the handles and cover stick up 1/2" farther than the knobs, but as you 
point out, with the cover the knobs and display are protected, and the 
CS60 bag still zips shut without any fuss. It is just my personal 
preference, but given the LowePro bag is soft-sided and offers little 
impact protection, I strongly prefer to have the GEMS cover in place 
when traveling with the $800 KX2, it is inexpensive protection for sure!


All this being said, if we get enough requests for a heatsink without 
the handles I am sure we can do it.


Cheers & 73,

Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com


On 5/12/2017 5:24 PM, Chris Tate - N6WM wrote:

Howie are you guys gonna make one without the protective handles?  Just 
wonderin.. its gonna be hard to stuff it into the stock bag,  heatsink may fit 
but definitely not the handles.  I am sure they are great for added knob 
protection just unfortunately at the expense of the travel footprint.  not a 
gripe.. just a friendly observation.



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Re: [Elecraft] New Product Announcement

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi all,

As the Xenia Hamvention approaches and by our customer's demands we are 
introducing a new heatsink for the Elecraft KX2.  We have been told by 
people running the rig in digital modes at 10W the unit will thermal 
down after a few transmit cycles, so this is our solution:

https://proaudioeng.com/pae-kx22-heatsink-elecraft-kx2/
Please visit the site for more information.

If you are in Xenia at the Hamvention next week, come visit us in Booth 
1610, right across from Elecraft!


Cheers & 73,
Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com
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Re: [Elecraft] A little theory

[Howard Hoyt]

On 4/16/2017 8:15 PM, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:


My greatest treasure however was meeting Doug De Maw
I will agree with that statement, Doug was a hero of mine when I was in 
High School learning electronics and ham radio, I always looked forward 
to his articles which taught me so much.  And when our high school radio 
club had the pleasure of a field trip to Newington Doug DeMaw was 
actually there that day, and it was an honor to meet the man who could 
describe esoteric circuitry clearly enough so this dumb teenager could 
understand it.  I felt like some of the joy went out of ham radio when 
he passed in 1997.


Interestingly enough as a college DJ at WMUA-FM, at UMASS Amherst, MA  
in the late 1970's, and by total happenstance at a concert I met his son 
Dave (Douglas David) N8HLE, who was a writer and an awesome DJ at 
WWUH-FM, at the University of Hartford, CT.  I introduced myself to him 
as a fellow DJ, and the second thing I said was that I was a ham and his 
Dad was a hero of mine, and he said "Mine too!" Dave was one of the 
nicest guys you could imagine, and went out of his way to call me years 
later when I was doing DJ shifts on WXYC - UNC Chapel Hill, NC and 
compliment the show and talk music...I stayed in touch with him on and 
off until his own untimely death in 2011.


Doug DeMaw was one of the greats in ham radio, and judging by his son, a 
great father as well, W1FB indeed. :'(


Howie - WA4PSC



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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 heatsink question

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Rich,

The advantages of a real aftermarket heatsink (not the poorly designed 
imports) is rapid thermal recovery after each transmit cycle and less 
heat re-radiated into the rig.  The import with the rounded fin root as 
well as others have a less optimum volume to surface area ratio and stay 
much hotter between transmit cycles. Also a good heatsink will allow 
higher power operation in temperatures we sometimes find ourselves when 
operating on picnic tables and the like in the summer!


(commercial content) We find most of our customers who are occasional 
digital users are satisfied with the smaller of our two heatsinks, model 
Kx31, but the JT mode enthusiasts, especially contesters are going for 
the slightly larger Kx32 model.  Much more info on our website.  Just 
our experience...YMMV


Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com
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Re: [Elecraft] Traveling Power Supply for KX2?

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Irma!

Pro Audio Engineering products distributor in Europe is Carlo Bianconi 
in Italy:

http://www.carlobianconi.com/
If they are out of stock we do ship internationally from the US.

Cheers & 73,
Howard Hoyt - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] The "Kinda Random Antenna"

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Wayne,

I liked your description of the KRA.  I recently employed the principle 
for a KRAzy MacGuyver'ed NPOTA activation, documented here:


https://proaudioeng.com/bf07-moores-creek-npota-activation-12-30-2016/

The basic principle of 'use whatever you can, just get on the air!' 
always applies!  And it helps to have a rig like the KX3 with such an 
excellent ATU!


Cheers & 73,

Howie - WA4PSC


On 1/29/2017 12:40 PM, Wayne Burdick n...@elecraft.com [KX3] wrote:


I'd call an ad-hoc antenna that works on multiple bands with an ATU a 
"Kinda-Random Antenna" (KRA). (Apologies to linguistic purists.)





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Re: [Elecraft] Black Friday

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi all,
After reviewing Elecraft's momentous decision to participate in the 
Black Friday sales we figured that many hams would need a Kx33 Low-RFI 
power supply for all those KX2 and KX3s that will be bought so...we are 
going to offer Free Shipping to US hams starting today, Nov 25th and 
extending through the end of the month for all Pro Audio Engineering 
products.


We would love to extend this to all North American hams, but it is 
impractical given the ratio of product to shipping cost. Alternatively 
we will split the shipping cost to North American hams outside the US in 
this same time period.  After your purchase we will refund you 50% of 
the shipping cost.


Happy Thanksgiving all you US hams and a belated Canadian Thanksgiving 
and Mexican Revolution Day!


Cheers & 73,
Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com
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[Elecraft] Shelby Hamfest

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi all,

To answer the queries, Pro Audio Engineering will not have a booth at 
Shelby this year due to a scheduling conflict.  To compensate those who 
were looking to pick up their purchase there, we will be offering free 
shipping for all orders made in the month of September to USA 
addresses.  This offer applies to orders for KX3 heatsinks as well as 
our Kx33 power supply and adapters, but not to ferrite-only orders.


Thanks for your patience,

Howard Hoyt - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com

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[Elecraft] OT: RF noise in solar photovoltaic system

[Howard Hoyt]

Alan,

I've worked with a large local PV installer to solve RFI problems, and I 
can vouch for the fact that it can be difficult to de-noise PV 
interters. the MPPT circuit is not analog and can turn the DC input 
lines into hash antennas, and as you stated, the inverter itself can put 
RFI on the 120/240 interconnect.


When I was in the market for PV equipment, I took a small battery 
operated emergency radio and visited several sites as well as showrooms 
of local vendors where they had demo systems.  The quietest PV install I 
found used the SMA 3000US inverter.  I just looked on-line, and the 
closest I could find to this model is now called the 3000TL 
(transformerless) so I cannot vouch for it's RFI characteristics.


I installed it using a combination of EMT and BX wiring to shield the 
input and output wiring, with twisted conductors in the conduit, adb BX 
having inherently twisted conductors.  I see zero increase in my noise 
level due to the PV system from my 160M OCF which goes right over the 
house, so I can definitely recommend that model SMA. They are not the 
cheapest inverters, but as a student of switching supply design, I know 
the least RFI-generating topologies are not the cheapest, and good 
transverse and common-mode filtering is not cheap to implement at the 
power levels a PV system can operate.


Contact me if you need any other info.

Howie - WA4PSC
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Re: [Elecraft] Power Supplies

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Kevin,


As for common mode currents in the antenna... would that
only be an issue during transmit?


Except for very special cases, antenna systems display reciprocity, and 
show very similar or identical current distributions at the frequency of 
interest in transmit and receive, although the magnitudes are obviously 
very different.  In a well-balanced antenna system the currents in the 
feedline are equal and of opposite phase, and in the case of a coax 
feedine the resulting fields are contained within the coax, i.e. there 
will be no current flowing on the outside of the coax shield.  Antenna 
system imbalances at the feedpoint will cause the imbalance current to 
flow on the outside of the coax shield and radiate in transmit and 
affect the antenna pattern.  In receive the exact same imbalance will 
exist and affect the pattern identically.


In both transmit and receive, these common-mode currents will be 
conducted to the chassis of the rig and anything attached to it. They 
also capacitively couple through the power supply, you, and anything 
else touching or near the rig.  When these currents couple through the 
power supply to the AC line they effectively make the AC power system 
part of the antenna and couple any noise present in the AC mains to the 
receiver.  As the antenna currents pass through the supply they can also 
be modulated by the input-output impedance of the supply which varies at 
the rate of rectification, so the supply can add its own noise to these 
currents.  Interestingly enough many people report stronger reception of 
the desired signals along with the increased noise, certainly proving 
the common-mode currents become part of the antenna system.  Breaking 
this current path with a common-mode choke will greatly reduce or 
effectively eliminate this current and noise.  For HF chokes we agree 
with Jim Brown's recommendations and we supply mix 31 cores for the 
purpose.  Proper grounding at the rig can also reduce the AC mains coupling.


After selling thousands of these Kx33 supplies we have learned a lot 
about the nature of most "power supply" RFI.  We have found very few 
instances where any supply was causing RFI by transverse conduction (RF 
riding on the DC output) or radiation (proximity of the supply to the 
receive antenna).  In the almost all cases, antenna system imbalances 
and the resulting common-mode currents were inducing RFI in the manner 
described above.  I'd be glad to send you a ferrite core to try, contact 
me off-line.


I hope this helps,

Howard Hoyt  - WA4PSC
www,proaudioeng.com
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Re: [Elecraft] Power Supplies

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Kevin,

It is very possible that what you are experiencing is noise induced by 
common-mode currents from your antenna system.  These currents take any 
path connected to the chassis of the rig including ANY AC mains 
connected power supply, regardless of whether it is a switcher or 
linear.  The 10~100 nF average input-to-output capacitance of AC 
operated power supplies provides a low-impedance path from the DC output 
to the AC mains at ham frequencies.  We have done a LOT of testing of 
this characteristic here at PAE in order to separate conducted RFI from 
RFI caused by common-mode current.   After identifying this as a problem 
which is usually worse in portable antennas we took extreme pains to 
reduce this I/O capacitance with the Kx33 and we were able to achieve 
less than 100pF, making the Kx33 much less conducive to allowing 
common-mode noise.


Elimination of common-mode currents has many benefits including cleaning 
up the pickup and radiation pattern of the antenna, elimination of 
receive noise, and reducing or eliminating RFI-induced events like alarm 
system triggering (ask me about that one).  When using a superhet 
receiver, baseband AC mains hum is not detected as it can be with a 
direct-conversion (DC) receiver.  This problem plagued early DC 
receivers like the Heathkit HW-7 which often buzzed like a bee when 
operated from a linear 12V supply.Fortunately this current can be 
greatly reduced by the use of common-mode choking on the antenna 
feedline, DC power lead or both. As has been stated here innumerable 
times, common-mode choking should be done on all antennas at the 
feedpoint and optionally but beneficially at the shack end as well.  An 
excellent reference on this subject has been written by our own Jim 
Brown K9YC and can be viewed at:


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

Cheers & 73,
Howard Hoyt - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com
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[Elecraft] Suppporting Products

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Doug,

Since we specialize in KX series accessories, we have a good set of links to 
such products at:

https://proaudioeng.com/links/

May I also suggest that you join the Yahoo Elecraft KX User Group?  We now have 
over 5100 members representing over 50% of KX3 owners:

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/KX3/info


Cheers & 73,
Howie - WA4PSC



I looked today for links to supporting products such as
Fred Cady's books, Nifty Guides, KX3 stands, add on heat
sinks and such but am unable to find this material.


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Re: [Elecraft] THE EFFORT OF FIELD DAY

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Kent,

Funny you should mention this idea of minimizing effort, our crew had 
discussed this exact issue this year...of course we blamed it on the 
90+° and humidity, but it is true, we should all be aware of our 
limitations as we agebring on the youngsters!


Cheers & 73,

Howie - WA4PSC


On 6/27/2016 4:20 PM, KENT TRIMBLE wrote:
I can only shake my head in awe of Howie's 8-transmitter FD, as well 
as other double-digit multi-transmitter operations .  My hat's off to 
that kind of effort, believe me.


We used to do that, too.

But several years ago the Mid-MO Amateur Radio Club (NØSS) of 
Jefferson City, Missouri, decided on wire-only Field Days.  We did so 
for several reasons . . . (1) those doing the work are aging;  (2) 
those doing the work have no business being in the sun very long;  (3) 
those doing the work are usually those doing the operating;  (4) 
Missouri weather always throws 90-degrees and 100% humidity at us;  
and (5) none of us enjoy the labor of putting metal things together 
only to take them apart again.


Aside from Qs and scores, the goal for me (at 71)  is getting the darn 
things up as fast as possible on Friday evening, seeing them stay up 
for the duration, and getting the heck out of there when it's over.  
To that end, erection of three OCF dipoles on 30-foot masts aligned 
end-to-end with 50-feet of separation took 45 minutes.  Tear-down and 
site clean-up took exactly 33-minutes.


/THOSE/ are the reasons our 25-man crew happily stays at 2A!

Equipment-wise, we use nothing but K3s (one each for CW, SSB, GOTA, 
VHF).  The CW and SSB rigs were often on the same bands at the same 
time with no interference, no phase noise, and no activation of 
carrier-operated relays.  Both HF stations stayed busy all weekend.


Again, my salute to the big clubs, the big antenna farms, and the big 
scores.


But I suspect our level of fun was the same, with a whale of a lot 
/less/ effort.


73,

Kent Trimble, K9ZTV
Jefferson City, Missouri









On 6/27/2016 1:35 PM, Howard Hoyt wrote:
This Field Day I operated once again with W4EZ the Orange County 
Radio Amateurs in Hillsborough, NC in an 8A effort.  It was a lot of 
work setting up 6 towers and many wire antennas in mid-90° heat and 
high humidity but the end result was a lot of fun and Qs.


Despite our best efforts at eliminating cross-interference between 
stations beforehand by antenna placement, we suffered quite a bit of 
in-band phase noise interference.  All three CW stations and one SSB 
station were using K3s, and no K3 station ever interfered with anyone 
else or with each other.  Much credit is due to Elecraft for the 
transmit purity and receive performance of this superb rig. However, 
we experienced some pretty severe in-band phase noise interference 
ranging from S3-4 on 40 and 20M from various YaeComWood rigs, to an 
ear-shattering received S8-9 from a TS-570 running SSB on 15M when 
the noise floor was S0.  Granted, with relatively close antenna 
spacing Field Day is a torture test for transmit purity, but 
sometimes it was difficult to tolerate...or operate.


Many of us now agree we would optimally be an all K3 Field Day next 
year but that is most likely out of the question.  I am a big fan of 
the KX3, although for Field Day purposes it would be great if its 
phase noise was 10-20 dB less; more in line with that of the K3. That 
being said, a KX3 running digi caused less interference than just 
about all the non-Elecraft rigs.


One problem solving this scenario is the political issue of trying to 
tell someone they cannot bring their rig to the party.   We did 
discuss holding a testing session next year to evaluate phase noise 
beforehand and accept or deny use of the rig based on performance, 
and maybe this will be viewed as being more impartial.  After 
witnessing the problem first-hand, at least one op said he was 
intending to get an Elecraft rig. Elecraft owners are in the minority 
overall, so instead of Field Day being an inclusive club event, 
telling people it will be K3 only would achieve the opposite.


Other than the phase noise issue, FD was once again a lot of fun and 
camaraderie!


Cheers & 73,
Howie - WA4PSC
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Field Day report

[Howard Hoyt]

This Field Day I operated once again with W4EZ the Orange County Radio 
Amateurs in Hillsborough, NC in an 8A effort.  It was a lot of work 
setting up 6 towers and many wire antennas in mid-90° heat and high 
humidity but the end result was a lot of fun and Qs.


Despite our best efforts at eliminating cross-interference between 
stations beforehand by antenna placement, we suffered quite a bit of 
in-band phase noise interference.  All three CW stations and one SSB 
station were using K3s, and no K3 station ever interfered with anyone 
else or with each other.  Much credit is due to Elecraft for the 
transmit purity and receive performance of this superb rig. However, we 
experienced some pretty severe in-band phase noise interference ranging 
from S3-4 on 40 and 20M from various YaeComWood rigs, to an 
ear-shattering received S8-9 from a TS-570 running SSB on 15M when the 
noise floor was S0.  Granted, with relatively close antenna spacing 
Field Day is a torture test for transmit purity, but sometimes it was 
difficult to tolerate...or operate.


Many of us now agree we would optimally be an all K3 Field Day next year 
but that is most likely out of the question.  I am a big fan of the KX3, 
although for Field Day purposes it would be great if its phase noise was 
10-20 dB less; more in line with that of the K3. That being said, a KX3 
running digi caused less interference than just about all the 
non-Elecraft rigs.


One problem solving this scenario is the political issue of trying to 
tell someone they cannot bring their rig to the party.   We did discuss 
holding a testing session next year to evaluate phase noise beforehand 
and accept or deny use of the rig based on performance, and maybe this 
will be viewed as being more impartial.  After witnessing the problem 
first-hand, at least one op said he was intending to get an Elecraft 
rig.  Elecraft owners are in the minority overall, so instead of Field 
Day being an inclusive club event, telling people it will be K3 only 
would achieve the opposite.


Other than the phase noise issue, FD was once again a lot of fun and 
camaraderie!


Cheers & 73,
Howie - WA4PSC
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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 146, Issue 32

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi all,

GEMS Products is a great company to do business with, but I spoke with 
them at Dayton, and over the last months they have had a big problem 
with plastic vendors which has delayed production of the plastic 
covers.  If any of you have ever had to find a vendor who does quality 
work on a complex part in small quantities for a good price, you can 
appreciate what GEMS has had to go through to get a replacement vendor.  
Finding a vendor for big quantities, high prices or low quality is no 
problem...


Ask me how I know...

Howie - WA4PSC


On 6/22/2016 1:53 PM, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:

Re: [Elecraft] Question on if folks have any experience with
GemProducts KX3 Vendor


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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 146, Issue 28

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi all,

It is true that for fixed operation, weight and size would not be a 
factor.  For portable operation both are critical, and a true 3A 14V 42W 
linear supply is neither light nor small.  Even the 2A 12V (24W) linear 
supplies we have evaluated are over 32 ounces, are low duty-cycle, and 
very poorly regulated to boot, not to mention incapable of driving a KX3 
to full power.  Most amateur radio equipment such as the KX2, KX3, K3S 
etc are optimized to operate with 13.8V nominal to achieve low IMD at 
full power in the PA stage.  Under full load most 12V wall-wart supplies 
will deliver ~10-11V with a lot of ripple.  As many are commenting, 
switching supplies can contribute quite a bit of RFI, and many have VERY 
poor voltage regulation on load dump, as when you drop out of transmit 
to receive.  At least one report here on this list has blamed 
destruction of their rig on this type of supply flaw.


(commercial content) This situation was the driver for developing the 
Pro Audio Engineering Kx33 supply.  It is small, weighs ~12 ounces with 
AC cord, can deliver 14V at 4A continuous (56W) and is extremely 
low-RFI.  It is very popular for portable operation with the KX2 & KX3 
for these reasons.  Please check the website for more info if you are 
interested.


Cheers & 73,

Howard Hoyt - WA4PSC


On 6/20/2016 1:33 PM, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:

I
have had my kx3 for three plus years and have been on many lists and most
everyone wants a smps instead of a small 3 amp linear supply. Radio Shack
and many others made these supply's and they are plentiful at Hamfests for
10-20 USD. It seems like a lot of folks operate from home and want a smps .
Why, if the weight would not be a factor, do folks want to take a chance on
a potentially noisy ps ?


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[Elecraft] Field Day

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Elecraft Braintrust,

I will be part of an 8A effort here in Orange County, NC, and last year 
I used a PbA battery with a 25W Coleman solar panel and its supplied 
charger which was noisy, so I ended up getting a second PbA battery and 
just charging one offline during the day.  It worked fine, and I was 
able to run my KX3 and Asus Transformer PC for the entire Field Day no 
problem.


This year I am using a Bioenno 20AH LiFePO_4 battery and want to use 
their MPPT charger model SC-1220JU.  Has anyone on this list used one of 
the Bioenno MPPT chargers, and are they RF quiet?


I appreciate any shared experience,

Howie - WA4PSC
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[Elecraft] KX3 User Group is now the KX User Group

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi all,

In response to requests from both Elecraft and new KX2 owners we have 
morphed the Yahoo KX3 User Group into the Elecraft KX User Group.  This 
is in keeping with Elecraft's division between their portable KX product 
line and their desktop K line.


We welcome the owners of any KX1, KX2, KX3, KXPA100, PX3, or accessory 
for any of these rigs to join with other like-minded Elecraft owners.  
We are over 5000 members strong and growing fast!


Chances are if you have a question about one of these rigs, there are 
many others who have answered that question in our group.  The Yahoo KX 
User Group is supported by both Elecraft personnel and others allied 
with Elecraft, so updates and beta firmwares are announced there.


To join, go to: https://groups.yahoo.com/KX3 Click on the "+ Join Group" 
button.


Cheers & 73,

Howard Hoyt - WA4PSC
Yahoo KX User Group Moderator
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Re: [Elecraft] Power SUpply

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Greg,

We have hundreds of happy KX3s (and PX3s, etc...) being powered by our 
tiny Kx33 supply:


https://proaudioeng.com/products/pae-kx33-low-rfi-ac-power-supply/

Let me know if you have any questions.

Howie - WA4PSC



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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 beta firmware rev. 2.38: 15 Watts max output on 80-20 m, and PSK63 mode

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Don,

Running the new software revision on our development units here (s/n 
1403 & 7420), we see 15W output on 80-20M, with the KX3 pulling 2.2-2.5A 
depending on SWR.  The voltage readings below are the average observed 
on two different KX3s on 40M powered by a Pro Audio Engineering Kx33:


Voltage at the DC jack measured on an HP34401A:
Rcv: 14.45 VDC
Xmit: 14.15 VDC

Voltage from the KX3 display PS value:
Rcv: 14.1 VDC
Xmit: 13.5 VDC

The lower readings on the KX3's display are due to the polarity 
protection diode and other I*R voltage drops /internal/ to the KX3.  
Elecraft's spec for the 15W power level specifies a supply which can 
deliver /at the DC power jack/ at least 13.8V at the 2.3-2.5A level 
needed for 15W output.  The PAE-Kx33 design will deliver at the DC power 
plug 3A at >14.0V, and 4A at >13.9V.


If your Kx33 supply  is not delivering better than 13.8V at the plug 
running 15W then please contact us!


Cheers & 73,

Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com
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[Elecraft] Regulated PS load step overshoot

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi all,

On Jan 21, Ted, KN1CBR posted regarding a suspected supply transient 
problem damaging his K2.  This post encouraged me to check the response 
of different power supplies to a load step from high to low load.  This 
is a situation where the internal regulator in the supply can 
potentially overshoot due to one or a combination of several factors: 
poor regulator design, DC lead inductance, DC lead resistance and others.


The results of these load step tests are now posted on our site:
https://proaudioeng.com/products/pae-kx33-low-rfi-ac-power-supply/
Select the 'Test Results' tab.

In general most name-brand supplies have minimal overshoot and decent 
regulation, but some very inexpensive switching regulators have terrible 
performance.  I would never suggest running expensive electronics on a 
cheap unquantified switching power supply...or linear supply for that 
matter.  A common failure mode for linear regulators when overloaded or 
overheated is shorting of the pass device.  Without a crowbar circuit 
installed this will of course put full unregulated voltage at the output 
terminals.  Conversely, failure of a power device in a switching 
regulator will cause the output to drop to zero.


Cheers & 73,

Howie - WA4PSC
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Re: [Elecraft] ProAudio Engineering KX33 Power Supply

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Ed,

Response to step load changes is a mostly unpublished parameter of power 
supplies in general.  Both linear and switching supplies have time 
constants in the voltage control circuitry, and both can be poorly 
designed.


Designing a linear regulator can be potentially more simple, as most of 
the components affecting the steady-state and dynamic characteristics of 
the supply are designed into the control IC and a few external 
components.  This takes most of the performance characteristics out of 
the hands of the manufacturer of the supply. Indeed most linear 
regulated supplies like the Astron are mere executions of application 
note designs offered by the manufacturers of the regulator ICs.


The performance of switchers can depend more heavily on design 
execution, as the characteristics of the inductive and filter components 
can affect the regulation.  Our testing has shown the Kx33 running 14.2V 
to have less than 10mV of overshoot when returning to receive mode from 
a 2.7A KX3 transmit load.  At least one inexpensive switching supply 
spiked to over 19V in this same test.  This is caused by the response 
time of the switcher's duty cycle servo to output node voltage changes 
and is not to be confused with its output impedance causing voltage drop 
with load.  We are working on an addendum to the test reports published 
on our website which will show load step response of competing supplies 
along with currently available ripple and static voltage regulation specs.


Cheers & 73,

Howie - WA4PSC



On 1/22/2016 9:51 PM, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:


I have come to suspect that the MFJ supply created
transients which somehow escaped being regulated out.


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[Elecraft] Postal Price Increase

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi all,

Starting January 17, 2016, the USPS increased postal rates as much as 16%:

http://blog.stamps.com/2015/10/22/usps-announces-postage-rate-increase-starts-january-17-2016/ 



Pro Audio Engineering will hold our Priority shipping rates at the old 
price until the end of January.


Thank you!

Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 power supply

[Howard Hoyt]

Jeff,

Pro Audio Engineering also has good stock of these cores and better 
pricing than Mouser.


Howie - WA4PSC


I bought the cores from Verical.com --

they had the best deal on them --
but they appear to be out of stock.



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[Elecraft] KX3 power supply

[Howard Hoyt]

John,

I do have a horse in this race (the Kx33), but I will tell you that in 
testing many supplies I have seen that many of them have poor 
regulation.  Some show as much as 25% peak over-voltage which you would 
need a scope to see when a load is removed, which is the situation when 
the KX3 returns to receive after a full-power transmit cycle.  Running 
15.4V average could potentially mean 19.25V peak with such a supply.


This reason plus many others is why we designed the Kx33.  We like our KX3s!

Cheers & 73,

Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com


>>I would hate to hurt my KX3 with over voltage??
>>anyone know if there would be any short or long
>>term problems with running 15.4 volts to the KX3?
>>It is just slightly above the maximum recommended
>> supply voltage
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[Elecraft] Happy Holidays

[Howard Hoyt]

Just a quick note to thank Eric for running this list for yet another 
year, and to both Eric and Wayne for the fine manner in which they run 
Elecraft, both in terms of product design and customer service.  As a 
member of the Elecraft eco-system on several levels I am thankful for 
the excellent products and great customers who realize what true 
performance is!  I would like to return a small portion of the favor and 
extend free shipping to all list members at Pro Audio Engineering until 
December 31.


Happy Holidays all!

Cheers & 73,

Howie - WA4PSC
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[Elecraft] Soldering crimped connectors is not a good, thing.

[Howard Hoyt]

On 11/5/2015 8:24 PM, Michael Blake wrote:

I want to throw in the presence of possibly counterfeit connectors as well.

This is important; in evaluating suppliers for our adapters at Pro Audio 
Engineering we were sent a sample of non-Anderson PP connectors which 
just did not mate correctly with the real thing. The leaf spring under 
the contact was of insufficient preload to keep the pair mated under 
light tension, which also throws the reliability of the contact 
resistance into question.


We didn't find a problem with crimp retention, but that is so very 
specific to the actual ID of the ferrule and the gauge of the wire being 
crimped. It is possible that someone using a wire at the small end of 
the range for that specific contact could have a problem. It can be 
compelling to save 50% or more on a connector, but we ended up using 
Anderson PPs, and have had zero quality issues as a result.


Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com
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[Elecraft] Fair-Rite mix 31 cores

[Howard Hoyt]

Ian, GM3SEK wrote:

The most versatile problem-solvers are K9YC's favorite large #31 snap-on
beads. They are large enough to accept multiple turns (which greatly
boosts the CM impedance compared with beads) and can be snapped on to an
existing cable without removing any connectors, so it only takes a few
seconds to create a highly effective CM choke wherever in the station it
might be needed.


The Fair-Rite mix 31 Snap-Its are proven to reduce CM currents in 
multiple applications.  Jim Brown's paper has been the reference for 
hams dealing with this issue:


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



In my case I had an issue that whenever I transmitted on 160M my home 
alarm would sound, which made me unpopular with my wife when working top 
band contests at 2AM.  Running the bundle of cables returning to the 
alarm panel through the large Snap-It 3-turns stopped this cold.


(commercial content here) Pro Audio Engineering is now carrying the four 
most commonly used sizes including ones mentioned in his paper at good 
pricing.


Cheers & 73,

Howie - WA4PSC
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[Elecraft] Different Reflectors for different models

[Howard Hoyt]

And of course there is a group dedicated to the Elecraft KX-Line (KX3, 
KXPA100  PX3) at:


https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/KX3/info 
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/KX3/info


We welcome all who are interested in this great rig, as well as in the 
KXPA100 and PX3!  Given the KX-Line's nature and purpose separate from 
the K-Line, it makes sense to have it's own group. Much of the 
discussion focuses on the portable aspect of KX3 use such as batteries, 
antennas, etc.. You do have to sign up for Yahoo Groups to be a member, 
but that is very quick and painless.


The K-Line like most Elecraft equipment is fantastically integrated and 
as such benefits from this once Elecraft discussion group.


Howie - WA4PSC
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] OT: Hams and payment - Rose's experiences

[Howard Hoyt]

To prospective Rose's Cases purchasers:

I have purchased several of Rose's products and let me tell you: they 
are tough as nails!  My KX3 bag has traveled thousands of miles and 
hikes and is no worse for the wear.  She communicates quickly if there 
are any questions, and her products are custom, beautiful, and extremely 
well crafted.  Her cases are a very good value in this day of disposable 
cheap imports.


I am a very happy Rose's Cases customer.

Howie - WA4PSC



On 8/17/2015 3:03 PM, Ken G Kopp kengk...@gmail.com [KX3] wrote:


I pretty much agree with Don on the honesty of Hams.

I always prefer PayPal as a method of payment, either
direction and my rating is 100% for almost 300 transactions.

That being said ... most of you know that Rose (N7HKW)
of Elecraft Cases and Covers is my Lady.  She's sewn
several thousand cases and dust covers since 2008.
Only five customers have taken advantage of her, and
all are regulars here on the Elecraft reflector.

Two are in the UK and refused delivery of completed
cases, which were returned (cost free) via the British
Postal system. Took months!  Apparently neither was
aware of the import duty and refused their orders.

One was a case for a lawyer in Atlanta who claims to
have paid, but can't / won't show any evidence of doing
so.

One is a well-known California DX'er and the other is
an almost daily poster here on the reflector.  He ordered
a KX3 case and refuses to pay for it.  She uses both as
displays on her convention display table. (;-)

Because of the above, she requests payment when she's
ready to sew an order, and the order isn't shipped until
payment has been received.  The customer always gets
a preview photo of the order, BTW.

73!

Ken - K0PP




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[Elecraft] K3

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi all,

Yesterday's NAQP CW was not the first contest I have run, but during 
that contest it occurred to me I have come to take the K3's performance 
in contesting for granted.  Sure Elecraft got my money, but I have spent 
a lot more on things that either fell apart quickly or worked like crap.


The receiver is superb, and I ran a bunch of Qs while squeezed into 
tight little 300Hz windows between other stations with ease.  I worked 
the 10 hours with zero issues including it's integration to N1MM, and on 
several occasions I was amazed by how closely I could work to nearby 
superstation N1LN without any splatter or clicking. I mention this 
because I know that station runs several K3s as well, and there was ZERO 
splatter or clicking.  Now if all manufacturers could make their 
transmit spectra as clean, imagine how much more fun contesting would be...


So let me say thank you to all the people at Elecraft for making the K3 
such a joy to use, so reliable and such a good value.  I'm not a fanboy, 
just a satisfied owner.


Howie - WA4PSC
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[Elecraft] KX3 and Digital Modes

[Howard Hoyt]

KM4VX wrote:

I now find the KX3 routinely overheats in digital modes.


Ron, there is a test report on our website showing the difference between stock 
Elecraft and our Kx31 heatsink at:
https://proaudioeng.com/products/pae-kx31-heatsink-kit/

Click on the 'Testing' tab to read the procedure and results.  We calculated 
there is twice as much heat generated by the PX3's PA running at 10-12W than 
the maximum amount which can be convectively removed from ANY heatsink that 
fits on the top of rig.  This being stated, we have many JT65 contesters who 
use our heatsink successfully.

Howie - WA4PSC

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Re: [Elecraft] K3S stainless screws

[Howard Hoyt]

Properly done, hot-process black oxide finish on plain steel with a wax 
sealer can be quite corrosion resistance, there is even a MIL spec for 
that (well, there is for everything including waffles, I suspect!).  I 
would think that accounts for the reports of the plain steel screws not 
corroding.


Interestingly enough a reason a black oxide or especially black zinc 
finish is applied to stainless steel is not related to appearance nor 
corrosion resistance, but to forestall galling.  The combination of the 
intervening layer (0.0002 of black-zinc conversion coating, 0.05 
for hot-process black-oxide) and the wax or other sealer aids in 
lowering interface friction.  And although the wax acts a an EP 
lubricant while tightening, it's stiction characteristic can aid in 
fastener retention.


Howie - WA4PSC
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[Elecraft] k3 switching supply

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi all,

The issue with PS-induced noise is not simple, it depends on several 
factors: transverse noise from the supply (RF current riding on the DC 
output) as well as common-mode due to PS input-to-output impedance.  
More info at:


https://proaudioeng.com/products/pae-kx33-ac-power-supply/

Thanks to Jim Brown, K9YC for the sanity check while researching the 
issue, and helping identify yet another reason to ensure common-mode 
choking of antenna systems!


Howie - WA4PSC
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[Elecraft] Rose is back!

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi Rose!

Fantastic to see you here again, I know many of us fans of yours are elated!!

If you look at the picture here:
http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3.htm

As somebody already stated it looks like a capital S but in a smaller size.

Cheers  73,

Howie - WA4PSC



Rose Kopp posted:

Have noted some confusion on the reflector

Should I use an upper or lower case S when embroidering items
for the new K3s / K3S ?


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[Elecraft] mobile mobile pse...

[Howard Hoyt]

Elecraft already makes the very best mobile rig: the KX3!!!

(when paired with our new Kx35 Mobile Mount...details will be released 
on the Pro Audio Engineering website after Dayton).


I have used the KX3 for a year mobile now, and paired with the KXPA100 I 
am really pleased with the performance.  I understand that those people 
who use just tuned whips get even lower antenna system losses than I do 
with my base loaded Tarheel II.  Still there is no better way to pass a 
long trip than chatting with EU and SA DX driving along the Rt. 81 in 
the mountains of Virginia and Pennsylvania!!!


I encourage all KX3 owners who run mobile to chime in on their experiences.

The Elecraft mobile setup is a lot of fun, and worth investing in!

Cheers  see y'all in Dayton,

Howie - WA4PSC
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[Elecraft] KX3 Heatsink issue

[Howard Hoyt]

Hi all,

I have had quite a few inquiries regarding installing our aftermarket 
Kx31 heatsink in place of the newest Elecraft L shaped heatsink.  In 
deference to Eric and Wayne who graciously offer occasional posts in 
this list to vendors, I'll not discuss it here. Please see our FAQ on 
this issue at: https://proaudioeng.com/products/pae-kx31-heatsink-kit/


Cheers  73,

Howie - WA4PSC
www.proaudioeng.com
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Re: [Elecraft] Best earbuds?

[Howard Hoyt]

Good suggestions, all.

Like Jim Brown, I come from the audio industry, and the best In Ear 
Monitors (IEMs) I have are the Etymotic ER4s.  I have owned a pair for 
twenty years, and still love them.  They come with the 3-flange ear 
tips, but are best used with deep canal ear molds.  These are 
individually molded at an audiologists, and the resulting fit can offer 
up to 35dB or more broadband attenuation to ambient noise. This allows 
the use of moderate drive power and by suppressing ambient acoustic 
noise really opens up the noise floor for analysis.


For those who desire a more modest model, the next best alternative IEM 
I have found is the Audio Technica ATH-ANC23, which has Active Noise 
Cancellation (ANC) which works well.  Although the amount of noise 
cancellation they offer is less than some Bose models, I find the audio 
quality to be superior to the Bose.  I have used these in many multi-op 
contests where an SSB op was yelling AGAIN, AGAIN??? for what seemed 
like hours next to me while I tried to copy weak CW, and the ANC really 
helped!


For the record, the very best audio quality I have heard from an IEM 
comes from the Sennheiser IE800s.  They rival the best over-ear models 
and approach the quality of the Stax electrostatics at lower volumes.  
Not the most comfortable IEMs, and the sound is greatly affected by 
proper fitting to the ear canal, but once you get it right, man do they 
sound great!


Just my $0.015 worth

Howie - WA4PSC
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[Elecraft] PowerPoles

[Howard Hoyt]

IMHO, there are only two kinds of Powerpoles,
those that have already fallen out and those
that are going to fall out soon.


I have had the PowerPoles on my K3 become partially unmated and causing 
intermittent operation while messing around with the cables behind the rig.  
Retention force is only one problem with the Red/Black PowerPole pairs; their 
aspect ratio (~2:1) along with the flex in the housings gives a significant 
unmating force when rocked side to side.  I encourage all to use the 
ultrasonic-welded housing pairs.  This holds their alignment with out the 
roll-pin, and allows for the use of one of the locking devices sold to help the 
unmating issue:

http://www.powerwerx.com/powerpole-accessories/powerpole-retention-clips.html

Tying the clip back to one of the PowerPoles with  heavy-gauge thread or dental 
floss as one reviewer suggests is also a great idea to keep from losing the 
device.

Of course, using a retainer with a rig with flush-mounted PowerPoles is not 
possible, this is something manufacturers should consider when designing the 
panel/PCB layout.  If Elecraft had extended the PowerPoles on the K3 out from the 
case another 1/16 then a retainer could be used (hint hint)!

Cheers!

Howie - WA4PSC

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[Elecraft] Side KX

[Howard Hoyt]

Don Wilhelm said:
It all depends on how you depress the buttons -
which fingers you use and what angle your fingers
use to 'attack' the buttons.


I agree, I have SideKX on my rig and I use it for testing, so I turn the rig on 
and off many times each week.  Once you get used to approaching the buttons 
from the center of the rig I find it is a non-issue.  I have never really heard 
of anyone complaining about this in the past.

Just my $0.02 worth.

Howie - WA4PSC

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[Elecraft] Elecraft KPA1500

[Howard Hoyt]

A 1.5 KW, RTTY capable 160 - 6 Meter Amp,
WITH an Antenna Tuner AND priced
around $5K would sell like hotcakes.


I'm like a lot of other hams who are fortunate/hard working enough to be able 
to afford the Elecraft K-line, and know two who have already augmented their 
full K-lines with Acom2000s.  They both stated if Elecraft had an amp that did 
legal limit they would have bought Elecraft instead.  I suspect there are 
several thousand K-line owners who are the same, including me, I have recently 
been looking at the Acom myself for the same reason but don't happen to have 
$7k in my wallet at the moment.  I love the inherent integration Elecraft 
designs into it's K-line and would buy a KPA1500 in a minute in the $5k range.

One request: I own a KPA500 and it's fan/jet engine exhaust is far too loud for 
quiet shack use when contesting.  The decision to use a high head-pressure 
tunnel sink design was made early in the design process to keep the case size 
down, and it performs very well with the exception of the inescapable noise.  I 
know others have installed quieter fans, but an analysis of air-flow will show 
them incapable of the same degree of cooling.  I have been designing cooling 
solutions for industrial systems for years and if you study fan manufacturer's 
CFM/pressure curves, you find there is a pretty invariant relationship between 
a fan's ability to maintain CFM into back pressure and it's noise with today's 
fan designs, regardless of brand or blade shape.

If and when Elecraft designs a KPA1500, I suggest multiple slower-spinning, 
quiet 120mm fans be considered to keep noise to a minimum, as opposed to 
multiple small higher-RPM fans which can make more noise.  Alternatively a 
heavily baffled air flow path such as the Acom uses (but which takes space) can 
offer adequate noise reduction.  This is an initial design criterion which 
dictates heatsink design and case layout...but Elecraft's engineers know all 
that stuff.

Just my $0.02,

Howie - WA4PSC

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Re: [Elecraft] PX3 question

[Howard Hoyt]

Now THERE'S a novel ham activity:  COTA : Confessionals On The Air!!!

Keep on designing the good stuff, Wayne!

Howie - WA4PSC




On 12/10/2014 11:46 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

The entire premise behind the KX-Line is that you can quickly disconnect the 
KX3 from the PX3 and KXPA100, then take the rig to field sites where minimum 
size/weight/cables/current drain are important criteria. Examples: living room 
easy chair, breakfast nook, yagi feed-point, mobile, HF pack, bicycle, 
motorcycle, tree fort, laundromat, Starbucks, 747, dentist, tanning salon, 
confessionalyou get the idea.

Wayne
N6KR


On Dec 10, 2014, at 5:24 AM, Charlie T, K3ICH pin...@erols.com wrote:


Waddaya bet some entrepreneur makes a rear box so both can be a single solid 
unit?

Howzatt for cool?

Of course, there's always duct tape.

Chas


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