[Elecraft] QST - My new book about CW and Morse Code

2023-03-21 Thread Chris R. NW6V
Greetings. I'd a daily reader and occasional poster to the group - K#, KX3, KAT500, and KPA500. Forgive the commercial interruption, but I wanted to share that my book, The CW Way of Life, is now available on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3ltqzBo I announced it a couple of weeks back on the LICW and

[Elecraft] W2 control wire length?

2023-03-20 Thread K 5 R H D Randy Diddel
Hi, I have a W2 with an HF coupler and I am entertaining the idea of putting it out in a waterproof container just before the feed-point of my antenna (non-resonant vertical). The run is about 75’. Does anyone know if there is a limit on the cable length? If so, what is it? Thanks and 73.

[Elecraft] Strange SWR and W2 wattmeter issue

2022-12-31 Thread K 5 R H D Randy Diddel
Good evening OM’s Here is a link to a YouTube video that shows you what is happening. This is an issue need I am trying to fix. A pure CW carrier and a transmission using FT8 on 2M SSB show GREAT SWR with my TS2000, TE Systems 200W brick, and M2 2 meter 7 element Yagi. Using two different SWR

Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha Headphones

2022-11-24 Thread R
I tried the Logitech G335 headset for SSB Sweepstakes this year with my K3s. They are affordable at $39.99 and seemed to work as well or better than my (now broken) Yamaha Headset. The receive audio seemed at least as good & a friend said the microphone sounded fine. The earmuffs are fabric

Re: [Elecraft] Recommendation for Microphone for K3s?

2022-11-03 Thread R
My Yamaha CM500 fell off the desk & broke. I just purchased a pair of Logitech G335 headphones/mic ($40) to replace the Yamahas. The Logitech plugged right in to the K3s & seems to be working fine. I have done one over the air test with a friend & he thought I sounded good. I plan on using

[Elecraft] Elecraft repair

2022-07-19 Thread Rip R
There was a thread regarding the lengthy process of getting an Elecraft radio repaired and I was concerned about this issue. Has this situation improved? From my perspective, one of the reasons a person would purchase an Elecraft transceiver would be both reliability and service. Thanks for any

Re: [Elecraft] Field Day and FT-8

2022-06-26 Thread Logan R Zintsmaster
“But the knob goes to 11!” Logan KE7AZ Entropy is winning. > On Jun 26, 2022, at 3:26 PM, Eric Fitzgerald wrote: > > I noticed things got a bit worse as Field Day 2022 wore on. I wonder if, as > the batteries continued to discharge, the distortion products increased. > > Eric KG6MZS >

Re: [Elecraft] The Most Interesting Ham in the World [New KX2 Ad]

2022-06-08 Thread Logan R Zintsmaster
When he calls CQ, the DX piles up on him. Logan KE7AZ Entropy is winning. > On Jun 8, 2022, at 8:22 AM, jerry wrote: > > On 2022-06-07 18:45, Nate Bargmann wrote: >> He builds his own radios with Direct Digital Synthesis out of discrete >> components. > > *** Components? The Most

[Elecraft] K3 auto transmit - W7RIP

2022-04-18 Thread Rip R
Thanks for the help W0VTT, AB7E, & K6MKF. I tried each advice as I received it and thought I had it fixed until today. I had been switching out antenna feeds when the rig transmitted as before. I think the changes in the PC (Win 10 device mgr) that Mike W0VTT suggested may be the ultimate

[Elecraft] K3 auto transmit - W7RIP

2022-04-13 Thread Rip R
My K3 works like a charm and I have never had an issue with it. But recently after I turn the rig on or shortly after I turn it on, it will automatically transmit a series of 5 or 6 cw dashes evenly spaced (good fist) and at about 15 wpm. This will not occur again until the next time the rig is

Re: [Elecraft] K4 Remote Software?

2021-12-24 Thread Chris R. NW6V
Wayne said: "Did I mention we're also working on a DX tractor beam?" No secret there - the attraction from Elecraft is very strong... 73 - Merry Xmas - and HNY Chris NW6V DDddd-dddDD __ Elecraft mailing list Home:

Re: [Elecraft] OT: High school drafting class, ~1975

2021-04-25 Thread Chris R. NW6V
> > Wayne Burdick n6kr at elecraft.com > > wrote:"Here's to those moments, and to that timeless pursuit: turning > abstractions into reality." Indeed. There is nothing so sublime as the moment of clarity when the last pieces of a jigsaw puzzle align, and the vision in your mind's eye

Re: [Elecraft] OT: High school drafting class, ~1975

2021-04-24 Thread Edward R Cole
Wayne, Thanks for sharing the memories. I had been drawing things since a child, won a contest with a local radio show for my crayon drawings at age five. By the time I was in college I was already good at that. I got 1/2 point off one of my drawings in drafting class, otherwise got 100%

Re: [Elecraft] Copying CW and Pitch

2021-03-14 Thread Chris R. NW6V
On Sat, Mar 13, 2021 at 5:45 PM Jim Brown wrote: > On 3/13/2021 10:48 AM, Sverre Holm (LA3ZA) wrote: > > A CW sidetone pitch of 400 Hz is consistent with what little research > there > > is on this. A paper from 1992 says that "/All subjects improved their > > recognition as the frequency was

Re: [Elecraft] FS: MFJ-269B

2021-03-09 Thread Edward R Cole
SOLD! only took a few hours to receive an offer. Was shipped on Monday. Thanks. 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Dubus-NA Business mail: dubus...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home:

[Elecraft] FS: MFJ-269B

2021-03-07 Thread Edward R Cole
Thought maybe someone on the list might be interested. Used for several years but fully functional. 450 KHz to 170 MHz and 420 to 470 MHz. $200 and free shipping within the USA. Write me off list for details. Modification of MFJ-269B to 500-KHz

Re: [Elecraft] Can I rent a K4?

2021-02-03 Thread Edward R Cole
So one of you multi-millionaires might buy a dozen K4 and set up a rental business. Hmm? Rent at month minimum period for 10% of value and have clause to recover any damage. They rent cars that way. Of course they require the renter to have full-coverage insurance. So there is another

Re: [Elecraft] Case for K4

2021-01-25 Thread r...@rcallen.com
Hello , The important information for you. See the attachment to the email. Password - 1346314 Thanks  Richard __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:

Re: [Elecraft] Automatic lightning protection for radios

2021-01-24 Thread Edward R Cole
This is a little bit "tongue-in-cheek" reply: Only sure way to avoid lightning is to live where there is no lightning. I happen to live in such a location. We hear thunder every other year and see.see/hear lightning about once out of four years. Odds of an earthquake or volcano eruption is

Re: [Elecraft] Head Phones

2021-01-14 Thread Edward R Cole
I have a very old Sony MDR-V600 which is not noise cancelling but great sound and muffs very comfortable over my over-ear hearing aids. I bought the Antlion boom mic which uses a small earth magnet cemented to the head phones to mount the boom mic. I don't use the mic very much in the shack,

Re: [Elecraft] Head Phones

2021-01-13 Thread Logan R Zintsmaster
I wear a pair of the Sony 7506 headphones on a regular basis for several hours at a time. Very comfortable and sound good. Logan, KE7AZ Entropy is winning. > On Jan 13, 2021, at 2:38 PM, Clark Macaulay wrote: > > Paul, > > I've used Sony MDR-7506 and heartily recommend it. Like you, I

Re: [Elecraft] External sound card advice needed to attach to K3

2021-01-01 Thread Edward R Cole
Lets see, you know enough how to set up audio for running FT8 (wsjt-x) but not enough to disable alert tones?? Actually my solution is easier: I have a separate computer for running my ham radio programs so never need to hear that computer "burp". Internet and e-mail done on a separate

Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 lost serial comms - try factory defaults?

2020-12-06 Thread Frank R. Oppedijk
ccasionally 'stick' > when exposed to RF and that a long power removal is the only cure. If it's a > frequent event, you have an RFI issue to deal with (better grounding and > bonding is the first place to start for that). > > GL, > Rick NK7I > > > > On 12/4/2020 8:22

[Elecraft] KAT500 lost serial comms - try factory defaults?

2020-12-04 Thread Frank R. Oppedijk
Hi all, I’ve used my KAT500 with pleasure for many years, but recently a problem has arisen: I’ve lost the serial communication feature. I’ve already swapped the KXUSB cable with another one (home-brew) so I’m pretty sure it’s not the KXUSB that’s gone kaput. And the PC is doing USB comms fine

Re: [Elecraft] Used antenna - Arecio antenna collapses

2020-12-02 Thread Edward R Cole
Really a shame to see its demise. It might not be re-built in Puerto Rico due to exposure to Hurricanes and encroaching civilization threatens the radio quiet area for useful radio astronomy. Wonder if a new site might be chosen (someday)? I copied the 432 MHz SSB signal from Arecibo using

[Elecraft] KX3: Computer I/F

2020-11-04 Thread Edward R Cole
Have posted new webpage showing my KX3 computer interface (diagram but no photos, yet): http://www.kl7uw.com/KX3_Computer_Interface.htm 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Dubus-NA Business mail: dubus...@gmail.com __ Elecraft

[Elecraft] OT: KL7UW QRV for 6m eme/ms

2020-11-03 Thread Edward R Cole
Although my 2m-eme system is down (until next summer), my 6m station is QRV with two 7-element LFA yagis and 1000w for eme/meteor scatter/50.313 (FT8). I am aware that KL7 is highly sought after for 6m WAS & DXCC. Look for my activity on ON4KST chat/50-MHz IARU Region 2 and pskreporter.com. I

Re: [Elecraft] KIO3B Main Board Repair

2020-11-03 Thread Edward R Cole
Received e-mail from Elecraft that my KIO3 board is being shipped. Cost of new digital board $187.50 + $17.50 shipping. So my K3 will be restored for operating JT65 on eme end of the month. Only my 2m-eme array and tower crashed two days ago in high winds.

Re: [Elecraft] KIO3B Main Board Repair

2020-11-01 Thread Edward R Cole
In my case the RS232 I/F in my K3 (SN-4340) quit communicating with WSJT-X. Tested with K3 Utility with same result. Tried a different USB/RS232 cable, still not communicating. Troubleshot 9-pin receptacle and discovered the ground pin was not grounded. Pulled out the KIO3A and found the

Re: [Elecraft] Are Elecraft accepting return to Manufacturer for repairs yet

2020-10-28 Thread Edward R Cole
I returned my KIO3A module for repair of the digital I/F board. It arrived Sept. 30 and I just received word that the board will have to be replaced. They are awaiting a run of new boards. My original est. was 15-20 days (its now 28) and am hoping I can have it back in time to participate

Re: [Elecraft] Amplitude variation on K3S with JT65B

2020-10-22 Thread Edward R Cole
Conrad and all: Another reason I am glad that I chose the 2.8 KHz and 400 Hz filters when I purchased my K3 in 2010. I do not use the 2nd IF when I run 2m-eme (JT65B under MAP65). In fact I have FL3 open (no filter) and select it in diversity mode to reduce zero frequency "suck out" on the

Re: [Elecraft] K4 vs. K4D Question

2020-10-06 Thread Chris R. NW6V
Terry, I could use your self-description by adding "used to" in the context of contests (I'm up to 297 confirmed and contest opportunities for the rest are slim to none). Then I'd add: "lives on tiny urban/city lot surrounded by both horrible QRM and hills." My antennas were as you describe: a

Re: [Elecraft] K4 vs. K4D Question

2020-10-04 Thread Logan R Zintsmaster
Given that the K4 can be upgraded to a K4D in the field, why don’t you start out with the K4, how it goes, and decide to upgrade later. Logan, KE7AZ Entropy is winning. > On Oct 4, 2020, at 2:25 PM, n...@comcast.net wrote: > > I am rather late in the first prepay group and requested a K4.

Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft 20M SSB Net for Sunday, September 27, 2020

2020-09-29 Thread Edward R Cole
I listened on 14.303.5 but heard briefly a SSB signal two minutes before the net time and nothing after. Been a long time since I checked in. Years ago Phil NS7P was net control and I could hear him often. Even WWV was missing on 15-MHz so guess 20m was not reaching up here. I run 100w

Re: [Elecraft] K4 IF signal 'OUT' for external application useage

2020-09-25 Thread Edward R Cole
OK, so the only thing I do with ethernet is connect to the Internet via a router. So would the K4 ethernet connect via the router using a local network to communicate with my computer? I have that option to network my printer between multiple computers. One related question will the

Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft] "Introduction to the Elecraft K4" manual now available

2020-09-24 Thread Edward R Cole
Impressive. I can see a lot of work went into this (I was a former tech writer for Hughes Aircraft 1968-71). If I could afford it, I would be on board to order the K4D when the VHF/UHF modules are available. My K3/10 (SN-4340) does well for me, though. 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3: KIO3 digital board failed (I think)

2020-09-18 Thread Edward R Cole
Working with Rob at Elecraft Service, I removed and checked the KIO3 Digital I/F board and found L1 blown. L2, L3, R12, and R13 are all good. L1 is on the ground lead from the sub-D9 connector, pin 5 to ground in the K3. Definitely blown as there is a carbon smudge next to L1. I installed

[Elecraft] K3: KIO3 dgital board failed (I think)

2020-09-14 Thread Edward R Cole
My K3 SN 4340 bought in 2010 apparently has a failure in the RS232 I/F. My computer says the FDTI cable is working and using com port-6 but there is no connection using the K3 Utility or WSJT-X which was running fine in July. The radio no longer keys up on computer boot-up as before. I

Re: [Elecraft] [OT] A Very Quiet Day

2020-09-11 Thread Edward R Cole
Here in Alaska, we have frequent power outages. More often in winter due to wind storms knocking down wires. A few years ago we bought a 6500w Honda inverter generator to provide emergency power. Its large enough to supply the entire house load. One of the interesting things was noting the

Re: [Elecraft] Inverted L for 160 meters

2020-08-28 Thread Edward R Cole
Originally, I was looking to hang a half-square on 80m as accidently ended up with two 50-foot towers spaced 130-foot apart. But then around 2011, I got interested and joined the ARRL 600m Experimental Group and was looking at 600m antennas. With just under 2-acres (200x300 foot). there was

Re: [Elecraft] K4 shipping info

2020-08-28 Thread Edward R Cole
I'm not waiting as I did not order one, but... Won't it be simpler for Elecraft to post this on a link from their website. Those who want to know could access and management would be an addition for the Elecraft webmaster to handle. I have an extensive personal website and also manage a VHF

Re: [Elecraft] Inverted L for 160 meters

2020-08-25 Thread Edward R Cole
Kevinr, I have an inverted-L on 630m (that is 475 KHz) and is simply a vertical section with one horizontal section. A quarter wave vertical for 1.8 MHz would be 137-foot high so 80 foot is going to be short. The horizontal wires add capacitance to the top end of the vertical effectively

Re: [Elecraft] KIO3B waiting list

2020-08-06 Thread Edward R Cole
two trips with it. Can't leave AK this year due to corona-virus so will be second summer it has been parked. Beginning to doubt wisdom of that purchase. (roughly $70K). 73, Ed - KL7UW At 12:50 PM 8/5/2020, Edward R Cole wrote: Lots about this option, but what exactly does the upgrade provide over th

Re: [Elecraft] KIO3B waiting list

2020-08-05 Thread Edward R Cole
Lots about this option, but what exactly does the upgrade provide over the standard board? My K3, SN4340 dates from 2010 so assume it has a KIO3 board (not sure if A or B version). Trying to determine if I want/need the upgrade. I did add EXREF, TCXO3, upgraded both Synth boards and Gen

[Elecraft] K3: interference on 50.313

2020-07-29 Thread Edward R Cole
Had a strange signal on 50.313 a couple days ago. To memory it was centered on 1500 Hz and about 1000-Hz wide. I went about looking for sources and disconnecting cables. With all antenna connections disconnected it was still there (oh bad). But I also wondered if a setting might have

Re: [Elecraft] Tired of fretting about the K4.....see what a KX2 looks like at 12, 800 ft

2020-07-22 Thread Edward R Cole
Thanks for the write-up and especially the photos. Takes me back to my Sierra hiking days mid-1970's! 1977 I logged nearly 500 miles in the mountains (every weekend). I think there were less crowds back then. Solo hiking was quiet-serene. I also backpacked with the JPL Hiking Club back

[Elecraft] (no subject)

2020-07-22 Thread Edward R Cole
73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Dubus-NA Business mail: dubus...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:

Re: [Elecraft] Matching resonant antennas

2020-07-17 Thread Edward R Cole
Interesting discussion: But most of us probably tune our antennas for best SWR at the desired frequency. I have a dual-band 80-40m inverted-V with apex at 40-foot and 80m wire tail at 20-foot. The separate 40m wire is spaced 6-inches from the 80m wire with wooden dowels. I found by

[Elecraft] OT: CQ VHF Contest this weekend

2020-07-16 Thread Edward R Cole
Although not about Elecraft products: I though there may be some 6m ops on the list looking to work Alaska (KL7). I will be on with 3-element yagi pointed to West Coast of US running 80w on 50.313 (900-Hz) FT8. I will be using "Contest Mode" which exchanges four-digit grid squares instead of

Re: [Elecraft] KX3 power out

2020-07-12 Thread Edward R Cole
I also have the KX3 with 2m module and ATU. My understanding is Auto is used to tune the antenna but you then switch to MAN to operate after the ATU tunes to your antenna (my KXPA100/KXTA100 works the same way). My original 2m module (kit) did not reach full output so I returned the module

Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 max heat sink temp?

2020-07-10 Thread Edward R Cole
Not a burning need, but I could see buying a KPA500 some day. I have the K3/10 and KX3 which are both 12w output and drive my KXPA100, nicely. It has the KXAT100 tuner. If I decided to have high power on HF that might also mean an upgrade in HF yagi (20-10m). I have an aged Hygain TH3mk4

Re: [Elecraft] Difference in dummy loads

2020-07-02 Thread Edward R Cole
I bought an air-cooled Bird 8201 rated 500w to 3-GHz from e-bay for $300. It can handle 1500w for short transmissions. 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Dubus-NA Business mail: dubus...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list

Re: [Elecraft] K3s noise figure spec

2020-06-30 Thread Edward R Cole
Dave, I don't know the NF, but my K3 with PR6 (which the K3s supposedly has internal) has a MDS of -145 dBm at 500-Hz bandwidth. That is fine for 50-MHz on eme (most demanding mode). I have a ARR P50VDG preamp at the base of my 6m-eme tower which provides 0.5 dBNF with 24 dB gain. I run

[Elecraft] KPA1500 Power Supply Fan Noise

2020-06-27 Thread STEPHEN R ZUMBRUN
Hello, all and Happy Field Day. Say I just wanted to comment about Elecraft service and the help they provided me to make a mod to my KPA1500. My KPA1500 power supply fan was rather noisy. I had seen discussion on the reflector about this so I contacted Doug at Elecraft service. He ask if I

[Elecraft] FD on 6m from Alaska

2020-06-26 Thread Edward R Cole
I plan to operate class-D on 6m FT8 during FD. I will be running my K3+KXPA100 (80w) with a 3-element yagi pointed SE (favoring the West Coast). This will be casual and intermittent calling/monitoring. I will call odd sequence (as I will be west of all except HI). Per special rules my log

Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 Remote software and KPA500 remote software

2020-06-24 Thread Chris R. NW6V
"Once you turn it OFF with the front panel switch, it needs to be turned on the same way. After that, yes the utility is fully functional." I suspect the serial connection is getting confused and not properly reconnecting in the power up/down situation. I see that between the K3 and the Win4K3

Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline

2020-06-04 Thread Edward R Cole
My two cents worth: Professionally, I used a layer of Scotch-70 self-fusing tape covered by two layers of Scoth-33+ black electric tape. This was on coax cable connectors on small vessels that were in salt-water exposure. Removing 5-years afterward, connectors were still bright,dry, and

[Elecraft] (no subject)

2020-05-16 Thread Edward R Cole
Just read the KX3 (with upgraded firmware) does 15w output, so 31.6* x 15w = 474w from a KPA500; *15-dB. I have the KX3 but not the KPA500. 73, Ed - KL7UW From: "hawley, charles j jr" To: Tommy Judson Cc: Edward via Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Availability I think I would get the

Re: [Elecraft] KX3/KX2 remote for FD

2020-05-14 Thread Edward R Cole
I agree with what Bob says: So a couple comments: Whether we realize it (or not) the pandemic "is" an emergency, so this year's FD has different restrictions which may not be supported by the "contest rules". 15-years as communications chief for an emergency response organization, the

Re: [Elecraft] Establishing A New Station

2020-05-13 Thread Edward R Cole
Look at my website for example of KX3 plus KXPA100 installed in an RV (4wd truck, in my case, which tows a 5th wheel): http://www.kl7uw.com/Mobile.htm 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Dubus-NA Business mail: dubus...@gmail.com

Re: [Elecraft] Rig forCW

2020-05-12 Thread Edward R Cole
OK. So lets look at what 15-dB does with 10w; answer 316w. So if you bought a KPA500 might feel that's wasting its full potential. If you had a K3/10 or K3s/10 they put out 15w with the firmware upgrade. That would result in 474w. 474/600 is 1-dB. But then what is the cost differential

Re: [Elecraft] CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

2020-05-07 Thread Edward R Cole
A couple years ago I bought the CM500 based on al the nice comments by others on this list. They failed me terribly; set up howling like a banshee minute I put them on (over my hearing aids) and not even connected to the radio. My hearing so poor that the amount of gain in my hearing aids

Re: [Elecraft] "2" or "3" Paddle

2020-05-06 Thread Chris R. NW6V
Hiya Tommy. I own both the KXPD2 and KXPD3 and strongly prefer the KXPD2. The KXPD3 was bought at the same time as my KX3 and served well for several years. However I never "liked" it - found it clunky to send on and the sharp edge of the paddles bit into my fingers, so I was on the lookout...

Re: [Elecraft] KX3 digital 0ps?

2020-05-05 Thread Edward R Cole
he KX3 so need the simpler interface set up (only requires DTR for transmit keying). Have not actually used it yet. I bought it for our RV trip in 2018, AK to MI (11K miles R/T). 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Dubus-NA Business mail: dubus...@gma

Re: [Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?

2020-05-04 Thread Edward R Cole
That seems excessive (shows good engineering). FM seems to be the hardest mode on amps. If you are long-winded probably exceed 3-minutes which is common Time-out-timer limit on commercial FM gear (and several ham rigs, too). I have a fan switch on my 150w 2m amp and too often forget to

Re: [Elecraft] OT: The Great KPA Fan Mystery

2020-05-01 Thread Edward R Cole
My comment NOT about Elecraft cooling design, but: I am finding a lot of amplifier designs place fans to exhaust heated air with cool air being drawn into the heat sink by the partial vacuum created by the fans. My 6m converted Harris ch.2 TV linear is set up this way (amp has openings in

Re: [Elecraft] OT: The Colpitts mystery

2020-04-29 Thread Edward R Cole
I guess a lot of us took the Commercial Radiotelephone License. I got my Novice and Technician License by my mentor. That was the General Class written exam back then. Tried several times to pass my General CW test at the Detroit FCC office (we lived 70-miles away so not qualified for a

Re: [Elecraft] RX Ant K3 Preamp vs External Preamp

2020-04-27 Thread Edward R Cole
Indeed! Most eme'rs encounter this issue some point in their operation. I started out on 144-MHz with only 100w on CW. Then began use of digital in 2003. But it was not until I started running above 800w in 2011 that I began to see preamp failure. I like my preamps to not see RF over 0

Re: [Elecraft] RX Ant K3 Preamp vs External Preamp

2020-04-27 Thread Edward R Cole
Assuming this question is for the K3, K3S, and K4, then the only bands that preamp NF and preamp location matter is on 10m & 6m. I run eme on 50, 144, and 1296 MHz; at 144 and above a so-called masthead preamp (close to antenna) makes a difference in receiver sensitivity (ability to hear the

Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

2020-04-25 Thread Edward R Cole
Just an observation regarding Don's comment: Last week I decided to do my radio shack reorganization (complete relocation of things) and one result is the main 12v line from my station Astron 50M PS, which is welding wire (no.6 awg?), to my main distribution strip was shortened from about 16

Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft K3s, etc. bonding

2020-04-24 Thread Edward R Cole
Interesting statement. How did you determine this? I brought home from work my professional service monitor and checked my K3 (SN-4340) s-meter. Except from S0-S1 all other steps were exactly 6-dB. S9 = -73 dBm as advertised. I didn't bother much measuring above S9 so cannot comment on

Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft-K3] Latest on the new home for my K3...

2020-04-22 Thread Edward R Cole
I'm halfway thru a complete shack reorg. Cabling not so fancy but I am using peg-board with tiewraps thru the holes to dress cables. I have 17 external antenna cables and at least that many rotator and control cables going outside. Main advantage of the reorg is shortening cable length to

Re: [Elecraft] Power supply for KS

2020-04-20 Thread Edward R Cole
Maybe find an old one that still working?? My Astron 50A analog PS has been run 24/7 for 16 years (or so) and was in commercial use before (years?). Previous to it I bought an Astron V35M (new in 1980) which lasted many years until blowing (open) one of the rectifier diodes. It sits on my

Re: [Elecraft] KX3/KXPA100 as a mobile?

2020-04-09 Thread Edward R Cole
I would say the pair were designed for mobile operation. Be sure to use the RJ45 control cable to remotely control the KXPA100. I installed mine in my Ford F2504x4 truck for use when traveling with our 30-foot 5th wheel trailer. Details:

Re: [Elecraft] 75ohm Impedance question K3S and Antenna side.

2020-04-01 Thread Edward R Cole
I agree with those who say just try it with TV cable connected, direct. Tuner will keep the transmitter happy. If you can cut the run to integrals of half wave that might be marginally better on Tx. Back before WWII hams never worried about SWR and just maxed RF current. Open-wire

Re: [Elecraft] The Big Three...

2020-03-30 Thread Edward R Cole
Probably not add much of value to this discussion. When I first got my K3 in 2010 using the internal speaker the SSB audio seemed harsh. So didn't take me long to hook up my old 10-inch 1950's era National speaker (made a lot of difference). For demanding operation (usually meaning working

Re: [Elecraft] Off-Topic: Your advice/suggestion about antenna

2020-03-15 Thread Edward R Cole
OK, well one can study theory for several years before deciding what antenna to use ... or just put up something and try it. My guess a quarter-wave vertical with some radials will work. How well? You will only find out by trying it. My favorite HF antenna has been the simple half-wave

Re: [Elecraft] Off-Topic: Your advice/suggestion about antenna

2020-03-14 Thread Edward R Cole
As far as a vertical mounted on solid rock, ever heard of radials? Almost all analysis shows angle lowering by copious addition of radials to a vertical. I suggest You find the QEX articles written By Rudy-N6LF which studied radials thoroughly. Even with very short radials my 630m

Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection

2020-03-07 Thread Edward R Cole
630m is a 7-KHz wide band. Probably not requiring an auto-tuner. Most on 630m will be running a very short antenna in terms of wavelength which usually incorporates a large loading coil in series. My 630m antenna is an Inverted-L 43 by 122 feet and I have a base coil to ground which tunes

Re: [Elecraft] Excel Test

2020-02-26 Thread Chris R. NW6V
Walter, Bravo!. :-) I'm going to steal this line... :-) 73 Chris NW6V On Tue, 25 Feb 2020 08:09:02 -0800 AM wrote: > > "Turning a PDF back into structured text is like turning hamburger back > into a cow." > > > __ Elecraft mailing

Re: [Elecraft] SSB Net on 20 and 40 meters

2020-02-24 Thread Edward R Cole
First off all the e-mail in the digest I received at 8:27am on Monday, Feb. 24 were posted on Saturday, Feb.22. Is it normal for the digest to wait 48-hours before posting. My email is set for auto-checking every 30-minutes. Kevin's CW Net announcement was only 24-hours late by the time I

Re: [Elecraft] My prediction for Dayton 2021

2020-02-17 Thread Logan R Zintsmaster
And for QRO, you can use a potato. Logan KE7AZ Entropy is winning. > On Feb 17, 2020, at 3:49 PM, eric norris via Elecraft > wrote: > > With the KX1 commanding high prices, and the K1 gone as well, I predict an > ultra tiny KX1B--80-15m, cw only, powered by a galvanic cell and >

Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

2020-02-11 Thread Edward R Cole
I checked the operating specs on two of my QRO amps. Not a KPA500. 2m-1500w PA using a MRF1K50 in class AB: 945w 1398w dc 67% eff 453w disp 1511w 1888w dc 80% eff 377w disp 2m-1200w PA using a MRFE6VP61K25H in class AB: 566w 1200w dc 47% eff 634w disp 1133w 1542w dc 73% eff 409w disp

Re: [Elecraft] KX3 with KPA100/KAT100

2020-01-25 Thread Edward R Cole
At first I read KXPA100, not KPA100. Of course the KXPA100 was designed to be a companion to the KX3. I have one and drive it with either my KX3 or K3/10 (10w version of the K3). I suppose one could build an interface from KX3 to KPA100. Basic need would be PTT, RF drive, and Band

Re: [Elecraft] Ameritron 240V inrush limiter: any benefit on a KPA500?

2020-01-20 Thread Edward R Cole
I used on-rush current limiting series resistors on the 240vac input to my 4200 volt transformer and one on the 5v filament of my 8877 amplifier. The filament drew normal 11A, so on-rush was huge. Simple resistor-capacitor time constant timer controlled relay to short out large 50w and 100w

Re: [Elecraft] OT: Battery and charger recommendations for 50 watt solar panel

2020-01-04 Thread Logan R Zintsmaster
I think a West Mountain Epic Powergate will meet your needs. Logan, KE7AZ Entropy is winning. > On Jan 4, 2020, at 3:25 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > > I finally installed a single 50 W, 12 V solar panel on the roof for light > backup purposes -- phone/pad/laptop/flashlight charging,

Re: [Elecraft] Copying CW at high speeds

2019-12-29 Thread Edward R Cole
I'm not a high speed CW operator. Most of my operation was on 40m in my Novice year and a little on CW eme. I found my self hearing complete words or character groups at about 10wpm. Examples: CQ, QRZ, SK, Name, RST, 73, QTH, and certain well known callsigns. Others that I can't recall at

Re: [Elecraft] Upgrading the Shack

2019-12-25 Thread Edward R Cole
This topic probably worn out. I ran a small ham radio business and used USPS to domestic and international destinations with good results (most of the time). There was one shipment to the UK that was sent to Canada, and another to Germany was fowarded by funkpost to Saudia Arabia

Re: [Elecraft] Reaching Across the Chronological Divide

2019-12-24 Thread Edward R Cole
Sub-Topic: survival in emergencies. I had a good "taste"of that a few years ago when the road from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula (pop 60K) (where I live) was blocked by avalanches for three weeks. All store products come by truck down that 180-mile road (there is only one road). Power

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Power cable voltage drop

2019-12-22 Thread Edward R Cole
In my current station layout the rack-mounted Astron-50M is separated from the radio shelf, so I need a 15-foot run of cable. The Astron runs 14.2 vdc. I have 13.69 v at the main power strip (handles 10ga wiring). The primary dc power cable is No. 6 welding cable (more flexible than std No.

Re: [Elecraft] Operating from a retirement home

2019-12-17 Thread Edward R Cole
First off, I question the legality of renting a ham station for profit (which this example seems to be). But it seems to be done for renting stations in exotic (rare DX) locations with no heart attack by hamdom. Treated as vacation rentals. But owning your own remote located station using

Re: [Elecraft] THE FUTURE OF OUR HOBBY

2019-12-17 Thread Edward R Cole
Quoting myself: "an inexpensive entry level transceiver might find market with newcomers on tight budgets (eg the K1, etc.); something other than a VHF HT", the $150 ten-watt HF transceiver based on SDR is what I was thinking of: Today's "Heathkit Lunchbox"! From: John Harper To: Elecraft

Re: [Elecraft] Installing a Sub Receiver

2019-12-17 Thread Edward R Cole
I have two of the old synth boards for the K3. Available for FREE plus $7.90 for small USPS Priority Mail box 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Dubus-NA Business mail: dubus...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home:

Re: [Elecraft] THE FUTURE OF OUR HOBBY

2019-12-15 Thread Edward R Cole
Mentors for ham radio: Well, I had only one who was a young music teacher in a nearby town who taught a ham class in the evening. I got my father to drive to them and the teacher lent me one of the paper tape CW practise machines to study CW. He then gave me my Novice and Tech license

Re: [Elecraft] THE FUTURE OF OUR HOBBY

2019-12-14 Thread Edward R Cole
Bob, Already see this in recent hams joining our local ham club. Most are 40-60, in their later working years or recently retired, kids have left home and time & money available for pursuit of hobbies. My finances did no turn around until age 50 to enable serious ham radio purchases. I

Re: [Elecraft] Reaching across the chronological divide

2019-12-14 Thread Edward R Cole
Fascinating to read the stories how many of you got started in ham radio. I'm six years younger than Jim W9VNE / VA3VNE. As a youngster, space travel caught my interest (back when it was science fiction) and I developed an interest in science. At age 12, I happened to discover a Zenith

Re: [Elecraft] DZOTA: Dead Zones On The Air

2019-12-10 Thread Edward R Cole
Actually fruit cake makes a great dummy load ... eat it and you turn into a dummy! - Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2019 15:26:34 -0800 From: Fred Jensen To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] DZOTA: Dead Zones On The Air Message-ID:

Re: [Elecraft] DZOTA: Dead Zones On The Air

2019-12-10 Thread Edward R Cole
Of course Alaska doesn't count as most companies don't consider Alaska as part of the USA (eg free shipping except AK/HI). Back in 2012, I worked for Wallmart and we had many angry cell phone customers who bought phones in the lower-48 and were assured they worked in AK. They were given

Re: [Elecraft] TCXO drift and calibration

2019-12-06 Thread Edward R Cole
To add a little to what Wes said: The K3 TCXO rest freq is 49,380 KHz. It is a temperature corrected oscillator so will still drift with radio warm up but less than a non-compensated oscillator.So best to calibrate after at least 30-minutes warmup. If you have the 100w model K3, there

Re: [Elecraft] K3S accessories availability, moving forward

2019-12-06 Thread Edward R Cole
Don explained it well; Elecraft support appears to continue for the K3, K3S. Obtaining new options apparently has a shorter life-span. If I were shelling out new dollars at this point I would get the K4 vs K3S so seems a logical shift in emphasis. I am happy with my circa-2010 K3, KX3,

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