Re: [Elecraft] KX2 lowers frequency with PTT
Well, I just checked and switching MIC BTN to PTT has resolved the issue. Thanks! Looking more carefully, the frequency down-jumping glitch occurs on my KX3 about every 10-20 actuations of the PTT switch - the timing seems random, but is often enough to be irritating. And it stops with the change in the MIC BTN menu item to PTT. 73, John VK7JB -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX2 lowers frequency with PTT
Hi Wayne - XIT on KX3 definitely off here. John VK7JB -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX2 lowers frequency with PTT
Hi Adrian, My KX3 has demonstrated this “feature” from the very beginning. As you describe, it always jumps down exactly 0.01 and only ever as I hit PTT on the hand mic. I’m happy to know I’m not alone! 73, John VK7JB -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - background hiss (noisy K3) - update
Hello Bozidar, I have K3 #5102 and also well preserved high frequency hearing. I've had the same hiss on my K3 audio since it arrived from the factory. I've used a wide range of headphones, expensive and cheap, and it's present with them all. I discovered that the fix is to introduce some resistance into the audio line and I use a very small, outboard, stereo headphone volume control to do this. I bought several for a few dollars on eBay. I just dial in a very small amount of resistance(I've never actually measured how much) and the hiss is completely gone, with only a very small effect on the K3 audio volume which can be easily compensated for by a tiny increase in the AF gain control if you need to. I have the same hiss on my KX3 audio, which I manage in the same way. FWIW, I have no hiss at all using the same headphones on my little KX1. Hope that helps, 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-background-hiss-noisy-K3-update-tp7608490p7608510.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem
So if this is a known issue that's been present for a year in the life of a new product, one claim of which is tight integration into a chain of products, what's the expected time frame to resolution? I just bought a KPA500 precisely because of this integration but I see now I'll face this problem, because I run a manual tuner. Hopefully they're on to it for the next release. John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-RF-feedback-tp7561833p7563153.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KPA3 power connector mod ...
Hello Group, Just noticed KPA3 power connector modification document on the website and reference to the KPA3CONMDKT modification kit. Is it suggested that this mod be done preventively, or only in the event that the oxidation issue strikes? Is there a date, after which the new gold connectors were incorporated into the KPA3? I'm not keen to pull my K3 apart to see if mine is at risk or not. Cheers, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA3-power-connector-mod-tp7562977.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 and AL-811 amplifier interfacing...
Hi Todd, Tnx for your note. I've removed the ARB704 interface and all is well. I've fingers crossed that the pulse canceling diode remains healthy. When I posted my question, I'd had trouble finding the specs on the K3 keying circuit in the manual - they're there, but couldn't find them!. I felt happy when I found it's so robust. Thanks for your interest. 73 John VK7JB On 08/09/2012, at 1:48, Todd - k1tm [via Elecraft] ml-node+s365791n7562241...@n2.nabble.com wrote: The AL-811 manual states that Relay: keys amplifier when grounded. Sources +12 VDC open circuit and supplies 100mA when grounded. A built-in pulse canceling diode protects the exciter. The K3 is pretty robust KEY OUT (RCA/Phono) is the amplifier T-R relay keying output, capable of keying up to +200VDC @ 5A. The relay coils back emf is contained by the diode across it. So, no issues switching the AL-811. 5A's and 200Vdc withstand voltage, beats 100ma and an applied 12Vdc source all day long. 73 If you reply to this email, your message will be added to the discussion below: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-and-AL-811-amplifier-interfacing-tp7561650p7562241.html To unsubscribe from K3 and AL-811 amplifier interfacing..., click here. NAML -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-and-AL-811-amplifier-interfacing-tp7561650p7562260.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KX1 battery holder screws too short!
I found the same in the KX1 kit I've just finished - they were way too short to do the job any which way I tried. I finished by replacing them with longer steel fittings and hex nuts. It made me wonder whether the screws in my kit were the wrong spec, or whether the profile of the plastic battery holders had changed. Either way, I found a fix that works. Took me a while before I would believe that the supplied screws just weren't going to do it! A lot of fiddling and futile attempts at grinding down the nubs on the holders. 73 John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX1-battery-holder-screws-too-short-tp7557213p7557235.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KX1 battery holder screws too short!
Chuck, Yes - grinding down the nubs was a bad move. I didn't measure my screws, but they were too short to even get one turn into the threaded hole. Like you, I suspect they are just too short for the job. To remove the paint from the case, I found the easiest way was to use a Dremel tool with a fine wire brush. I've used that method before on other projects requiring similar surgery. Makes For pretty quick work compared with sanding. Another effective way is to use those long, industrial strength emery boards that beauticians use for filing down women's acrylic fingernails. They are long, flat and flexible and rip through paint and lacquer coatings in a flash. They're also great for removing enamel coating from toroid wire if you don't want to crank up the soldering iron to burn it off. I use them a lot and a friend who is in the industry keeps me in supply. 73 John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX1-battery-holder-screws-too-short-tp7557213p7557239.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KX1: new build transmit problem on 20m ...
Hello Stan, A very interesting observation. I don't have a scope, but I'll re-work the dummy load and receiver setup and see if that changes the raspy hum/buzz on 20m. If it doesn't resolve, then I'll avail myself of Don's repair service, as I won't have the expertise to troubleshoot this kind of problem myself. Thanks for your interest. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX1-new-build-transmit-problem-on-20m-tp7557147p7557186.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2: audio thumps and pops on key closure - is K1 app note relevant?
Thanks Don. This is a relatively new K2/100 # 6998 and the KPA100UPKT mod has been incorporated, as far as I understand. I'll try the resistor cap mod to the drains of the mute FETs on the K2 control board and see what happens. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-audio-thumps-and-pops-on-key-closure-is-K1-app-note-relevant-tp7467081p7469710.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K2: audio thumps and pops on key closure - is K1 app note relevant?
Hello Group, I've been using my K2/100 on CW a bit lately and have noticed that there are low frequency thumps/pops on the receive audio at the rx to tx transition - ie onset of keying (key closure). They are most noticable if the noise floor is high or if there are other signals in the receiver passband. If I wind the RF gain right back or operate on a really quiet band and the artefacts disappear. They don't relate to the DSP (they occur even when DSP is bypassed), to the state of the 8R Hold parameter or to the presence or absence of transmitted RF (the artefacts are present also in TEST mode). I see there is mention of this issue in the K1 in an application note found here: http://www.elecraft.com/Apps/K1_qsk_app_note.htm It describes what I hear in my K2. Does anyone know if there is a similar mod for the K2, or whether this K1 mod might be relevant to the K2 if adapted? Thanks for any ideas. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-audio-thumps-and-pops-on-key-closure-is-K1-app-note-relevant-tp7467081p7467081.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: PTT IN problem - cause found...Thanks from VK7JB
A note of thanks to everyone who offered me helpful advice and tips, on and off-list. Elecraft are sending me some replacement RFC1's and I feel a bit more confident about replacing it after all of your sage advice. This is a great group and I value your collective knowlege and generosity in sharing it. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-PTT-IN-problem-cont-d-tp7457978p7462415.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: PTT IN problem - cause found...Joe picked it...
Thanks Joe - you picked it in one! No voltage on PTT IN. RFC1 on the RF board has failed open (9 M Ohm on my meter) and bypassing it restores the PTT IN 5V line voltage and function, as you'd expect. It's a surface mount component on the bottom of the RF board, for those who might need to know in the future. Next challenge is to replace it - I'm not very experience with SMC building, but I'll give it a go. Or, would there be any problem replacing it with a standard RFC of the same value if I can configure it to fit? 73, John VK7B -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-PTT-IN-problem-cont-d-tp7457978p7459233.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: PTT IN problem - cont'd...
Thanks Joe Guy. I've had a look at the schematic and that makes sense. I'll have a look for the 5V on the PTT IN connector and if it's missing, I'll trace it back. I'll take the K3 apart tonight and make a start. If it turns out to be an open RFC, that'll be a simple fix. Thinking back, I had an RFC go open on my K1 at one stage way back, for no apparent reason. Took me a while to find it because at the time, I really didn't think RFC's were that fragile and that thew me off. Anyway, I learnt a lesson. Perhaps the same one here... we'll see. Thanks for the advice. John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-PTT-IN-problem-cont-d-tp7457978p7458240.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3: rear panel PTT IN no longer working - pse help..
Hello Group, I've been running K3 #5102 in SSB phone for about 1 year using a CM500 headset connected to the rear panel connectors. For PTT Tx keying, I've been using a handswitch connected to PTT IN on the rear panel. It's worked fine. I've been away and not used my K3 for a few weeks. Turned it on tonight and found that closing the handswitch connected to PTT IN no longer puts the rig into transmit state. Disconnected the hand switch and replaced it with another RCA plug - shorted it and still no transmit state. The rig keys normally in SSB mode using the front panel XMIT button. I can't find a menu parameter that would alter the function of the rear PTT IN jack. Any ideas what might have happened? Nothing else in my hardware set up hs changed. Thanks for any help or ideas... 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-rear-panel-PTT-IN-no-longer-working-pse-help-tp7455796p7455796.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Terminology
Pete, I'm sorry to have offended your sensibilities. I was simply after some helpful, non-critical advice. John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-rear-panel-PTT-IN-no-longer-working-pse-help-tp7455796p7455958.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3: PTT IN problem - cont'd...
Hello Again, Well, the PTT IN problem persists. I can confirm that the K3 is not in TEST mode and that the VOX/PTT parameter is definitely set to PTT. I've taken the top of the rig and checked that all the rear panel hardware is still connected and in place. PTT on the front panel mic connector and the XMIT front panel button work normally. It's still only the rear panel PTT IN that's the problem. Anywhere else I should look before I call support @ Elecraft? Thanks to all who replied via pm with helpful suggestions, john VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-PTT-IN-problem-cont-d-tp7457978p7457978.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Problems with knobs
My K3 is serial #5102 purchased in January 2011. My VFO B knob has just cracked: it's spontaneously developed ugly linear fissures across the face of the knob. The cracks begin nowhere near the screw hole. There are two cracks. The rig has spent its life in an internal room with no UV exposure. I emailed Elecraft and the response was perfect, as usual: a replacement knob was in the mail less than a day after I'd made email contact with the parts department. This is the first/only report of a cracked VFO knob. Such things happen - that's the nature of matter and entropy. What's important to me is the great response from Elecraft. That's why I buy from them. Thanks Richard Co. John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Problems-with-knobs-K3-tp7115008p7123274.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K2/100: Do I have a ground loop??
Hi Group, Any advice appreciated about this strange issue affecting my K2/100? -: I recently started using my K2/100 with an external speaker. It is an unamplified, 4ohm speaker in an enclosure. I've noticed that on SSB, voice peaks cause some breakthrough of distorted audio on the external speaker. It's unobtrusive, but I notice it. It also occurs when I Tx into a dummy load and is at the same level as when I Tx into my antenna - ie it doesn't change. Now here's the strange thing: it's only present in the audio from the rear external speaker jack. If I plug headphones into the front panel headphone jack, there is no breakthrough heard on that audio signal. If I plug a set of headphones or a different speaker into the rear panel external speaker jack, I do hear the distorted audio signal on Tx in that audio path. My shack is clean with respect to common mode currents - I've checked every cable with my clip on meter. I suspect this is some kind of ground loop. Could it be occuring internal to the K2/100, somehow producing distortion in the external speaker audio pathway, but not the front panel headphone audio path?? That bit, I don't understand. Any ideas? Thanks as always! John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-100-Do-I-have-a-ground-loop-tp7059531p7059531.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Clamp-on RF current meters - a question for Ian and others..
Hello Ian, Jim group, Thanks to everyone for your advice and thoughts on this matter. It's led to a very interesting weekend on a common mode clean up. I'd always thought I'd had a clean shack from a stray RF/common mode current perspective. I'd had a few minor issues with RF getting into a hi-fi speaker, but no other RF problems I'd ever noticed. But after the recent discussions, I got out my MFJ 854 clamp on meter and spent the weekend sniffing out CMC in my setup. The results were revealing. One rig had about 15-20mA of common mode current on the coax at the connection with the rig, but hunting around, I found about 40mA on the AC cable feeding the power supply connected to that rig. There was no CMC on the coax leading from the ATU attached to that rig to the DX engineering 1:1 balun what I use to transition to open wire line to feed my horizontal loop. 10 turns of the power supply's AC cable through a 240-43 toroid removed all detectable CMC from that set up. The second rig set up ( switchable to the same loop antenna but operating from a different power supply) was more of a puzzle. Here, all the coax cables and inter-connections had no detectable CMC but I found about 30mA of current on the AC cabling supplying my Ameritron AL 811 amplifier. This has an itegrated linear power supply, which I plug into a power distribution board. This power board also has the powersupply running my 2nd rig plugged in to it. With the amp turned off, but plugged in to the board, there was 35mA of CMC on its AC line and about 15mA on the rest of the AC cabling supplying that rig. If I unplugged the Amp from the distribution board, the CMC fell to undetectable. The fix was another large toroid wound around the AC cord of the amp and I put one on the distribution board too. It seemed that the choke on the amplifier AC cord was what did the trick. None of my audio or DC power supply cables had any CMC detectable. But clearly, CMC was present on the AC power cabling supplying the power supplies. As predicted, simplw clip on ferrites were useless. To reduce the measured CMC to undetectable, I needed 8-10 turns of the cabling through a large diameter 43 mix toroid. I'm still not sure why the amplifier cable was so important in carrying CMC into my set up, but it was. This has been a very interesting exercise. Thanks to all for your comments on and off the list. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Clamp-on-RF-current-meters-a-question-for-Ian-and-others-tp6961533p6970029.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Clamp-on RF current meters - a question for Ian and others..
Hello Ian, Jim group, Thanks to everyone for your advice and thoughts on this matter. It's led to a very interesting weekend on a common mode clean up. I'd always thought I'd had a clean shack from a stray RF/common mode current perspective. I'd had a few minor issues with RF getting into a hi-fi speaker, but no other RF problems I'd ever noticed. But after the recent discussions, I got out my MFJ 854 clamp on meter and spent the weekend sniffing out CMC in my setup. The results were revealing. One rig had about 15-20mA of common mode current on the coax at the connection with the rig, but hunting around, I found about 40mA on the AC cable feeding the power supply connected to that rig. There was no CMC on the coax leading from the ATU attached to that rig to the DX engineering 1:1 balun what I use to transition to open wire line to feed my horizontal loop. 10 turns of the power supply's AC cable through a 240-43 toroid removed all detectable CMC from that set up. The second rig set up ( switchable to the same loop antenna but operating from a different power supply) was more of a puzzle. Here, all the coax cables and inter-connections had no detectable CMC but I found about 30mA of current on the AC cabling supplying my Ameritron AL 811 amplifier. This has an itegrated linear power supply, which I plug into a power distribution board. This power board also has the powersupply running my 2nd rig plugged in to it. With the amp turned off, but plugged in to the board, there was 35mA of CMC on its AC line and about 15mA on the rest of the AC cabling supplying that rig. If I unplugged the Amp from the distribution board, the CMC fell to undetectable. The fix was another large toroid wound around the AC cord of the amp and I put one on the distribution board too. It seemed that the choke on the amplifier AC cord was what did the trick. None of my audio or DC power supply cables had any CMC detectable. But clearly, CMC was present on the AC power cabling supplying the power supplies. As predicted, simplw clip on ferrites were useless. To reduce the measured CMC to undetectable, I needed 8-10 turns of the cabling through a large diameter 43 mix toroid. I'm still not sure why the amplifier cable was so important in carrying CMC into my set up, but it was. This has been a very interesting exercise. Thanks to all for your comments on and off the list. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Clamp-on-RF-current-meters-a-question-for-Ian-and-others-tp6961533p6970036.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Clamp-on RF current meters - a question for Ian and others..
Hi All, I've been reading the discussions about RF and common mode current and using a clamp-on RF current meter to sniff out common mode current in the shack. I've checked the calibration of my MFJ 854 and am surprised that it's calibrated quite well: I measure 1A of current measured running 50W into a 50ohm dummy load. So, here's my question: how much common mode current is considered acceptable? This meter measures down to a few milliamps. Is it an impossible/futile goal to try to eliminate any stray CMC completely? When should you call it quits and accept what you find? Just curious, because the only CMC I can measure in my shack is about 10mA measured at the coax connector on the back of one of my rigs while tuning up with 10W output. Interesting discussion, because I'd never thought of quantifying CMC before. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Clamp-on-RF-current-meters-a-question-for-Ian-and-others-tp6961533p6961533.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] 12m SWR issues
Hi Mike, Do you have the KAT3 installed? If so, the fix may be simple: take the ATU out of bypass mode and tune the ATU into the dummy load once on each band. You might then find that with the ATU bypassed, the SWR shown on the K3 meter reads 1.0 as you'd expect. I noticed the same on 10 12m some time ago on my new K3. I learnt that the ATU is not physically removed from the circuit in bypass mode, but small values of L C are inserted to electrically / functionally bypass it. Stray reactances can cause these small SWR anomolies on the higher bands, seen when transmitting into a dummy load with the ATU bypassed. It seemed to me that the ATU can compensate for these reactances if it's tuned once into a 50ohm dummy load on the band of interest - that seems to allow the K3 set the bypass state correctly, compensating for the small strays. At least, it worked for me and a couple of others who'd noticed the same thing and who found this worked for them. I received a few pm's about this after I posted about this to the group some while ago - I guess it will still be in the archive. Hope that helps, 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/12m-SWR-issues-tp6858977p6864402.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [K3] Memory text labels...
Hi Group, I'm just now programming the memories of my K3. I'm using the K3 Frequency Memory Editor application to simplify this. I've added text labels to the memory allocations and I can see that these are supposed to be shown in VFOB position on the LCD when the memory is recalled. Well, they are and I can see them, but for literally a microsecond - far too short a period to be able to read them. Is there any way of prolonging the text label duration on the LCD so they can be read, or am I doing something wrong? I can store and recall memories without a problem - it's just reading the text label that has me baffled. Thanks! John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Memory-text-labels-tp6854714p6854714.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Memory text labels...
Hi Don, Well, I've just been allocating frequencies to the Per-band quick memories which I've set up using M1/M2/M3/M4 keys. I tap MV, then M1-M4 to recall the frequency allocated to that key on a per-band basis. The text flashes for an unreadable instant in the VFO B area and then is gone. When I allocate text to the general purpose memory slots (00-99) and use the VFO A to select them, the text labels do show as you describe - I just did that and checked. But if I use the M1-M4 keys, or the quick memories 00-09 using the two switch tap short cut, then the text labels don't show. I seems that when you use these switch tap memory allocations, the labels might not show, but that seemed strange to me since you are able to allocate text labels for those positions in the K3 Frequency Memory Editor application. Curious, but perhaps that's just the way it is? 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Memory-text-labels-tp6854714p6854896.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] - Data mode TX problem from VK7JB - solved!
Hi All, Thanks for your suggestions and for the interesting discussion. To close the loop, here's some information about the solution, which I discovered by accident: More careful sleuthing showed that the issue was in the computer audio chain (as I suspected) and not with the K3. The artefact was present on the soundcard audio output. I tried another, older, laptop running XP, and with the same USB Soundcard dongle connected and all other parameters unchanged, and this time the problem was absent. I then went back to the original laptop (running Win 7) and ran the latency checker application. All green bars, which didn't help me much. I'm not sure why, but I then decided to disable the computer's internal sound card through device manager. I had muted the mic input of the internal sound card earlier, but hadn't disabled it. Anyway, after that, the problem is fixed. So, using the USB soundcard dongle with the internal soundcard disabled, the pops and clicks are gone. I should explain that I need to use the dongle because this computer's own soundcard has no line or mic in jack - it has an inbuilt mic, but no way of routing an external audio source to the internal soundcard. Thanks again to everyone for your suggestions, on and off the list. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Data-mode-TX-problem-from-VK7JB-tp6787469p6791888.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [K3] - Data mode TX problem from VK7JB
Hi All, I've just started using my K3 for data modes and have discovered a problem: prominent, irregular and short duration clicking/popping heard the monitored TX audio of the K3, also audible in the transmitted signal when I listen to my signal on another receiver. There is no clicking artefact on received signals, only on my transmitted signal. Here's my set up: I'm using direct connection from K3 to my laptop. No interface, but I have a soundcard in a USB dongle, which I need to connect the audio in and out to my computer. I have Data mode A enabled and ALC set to 4 bars solid with the 5th flickering. Power output is set to 40W. Monitored IMD is good (-29 to-30) using KK7UQ device for off-air monitoring - the signal is otherwise clean. I have checked and can confirm that the clicking/popping is independent of: Line in Gain/soundcard audio drive settings; data mode used (PSK31/RTTY/Olivia - all are affected); digimode software application used (same with Fldigi, Airlink Express, digipan and HRD) and finally, I have USB soundcard dongles of 2 different manufacturers and the problem is present using both. Any ideas or advice gratefully received. I'd like to get rid of this TX clicking! 73 and thanks in advance, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Data-mode-TX-problem-from-VK7JB-tp6787469p6787469.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K1/KX1 connection with small amplifiers...ideas?
Hi All, I have a K1 and also a cute, but rugged, little Tokyo HP-45b amp, which puts out about 45W and I take it camping. I've been thinking of pairing the two. The THP amp doesn't have RF sensing for switching. Can anyone point me in the direction of a simple way to key the amp with a K1 / KX1? Are there amp keying buffer circuits you can make up and use with the K1/KX1? Perhaps someone out there has done this successfully already. I can't find much in the archives, so perhaps others have worked out that it's not worth the fuss?! :) Thanks! John VK7JB K1 #2822, K2/100 #6998, #K3 5102 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K1-KX1-connection-with-small-amplifiers-ideas-tp6624578p6624578.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] HFp portable vertical antenna
I enjoyed your video very much Stan. Thanks for posting it. It's great to see the little K1 in action and working DX with 5W. I use a Buddistick antenna with quite some success. Like you, I prefer the simplicity of a simple wire over a tree for portable work, but I enjoy working from desert country, where there aren't many trees, so for little expeditions into nowhere, these verticals have an especially useful position in my antenna wardrobe. I hadn't heard of the HFp, but I'll give it a look now. Incidentally, although these short verticals with a couple of radials model as being quite inefficient, I've found they do work well in practice. From VK7, I've worked a station in the UK on SSB phone - I was running only 5W into my Buddistick we had a chat for over 30 minutes on 20m. I've also worked a paedestrian mobile station in the UK - I was running 40W into the Buddistick with a single radial. The amazing thing was that the paedestrian mobile station was running 500mW, all on SSB phone! That taught me to treat gloomy predications about compromised or inefficient antennas with a grain of salt. It all depends on propagation. Great video. Thanks Stan, 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/HFp-portable-vertical-antenna-tp6556376p6556579.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3: SWR meter readings on 10m...
Hello All, I've just noticed that the SWR meter on my K3 is reading higher than expected on 10m. I have 2 different 50 ohm dummy loads. Both have 1.1:1 as measured by my external LP-100A meter and my MFJ 259b AA. If I connect either dummy load directly into the ANT1 connector of the K3 (no connector lead at all or a very short lead between the DL and the K3 ANT1) and read SWR on 10m, it is measured by the K3 as 1.5:1. On 15m, SWR reads 1.4:1 but on 20m and lower bands, the SWR displayed by the K3 accords with the LP-100A external meter (1.1:1). Is this frequency-related phenomenon common to all K3's, or just mine? Is any adjustment possible or am I sweating over nothing. Perhaps this SWR difference is within spec @ 28MHz?? 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-SWR-meter-readings-on-10m-tp6519425p6519425.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: SWR meter readings on 10m..mystery solved...
I've solved my mystery. I read in the archives that the KAT3 ATU is not completely out of circuit in bypass mode. If I understand correctly, small values of L and C are used to remove it functionally, but there is stray reactance that might contribute to the higher indicated SWR on some bands. So then I wondered if the KAT3 might need to be tuned at least once into a 50 ohm load for the bypass state to be correctly determined. Made sense in my imagination, and thinking on it, I realised I'd never tuned the ATU into a 50 ohm load before. So I did that - tuned the KAT3 to the dummy load on the bands where it previously indicated higher than expected in ATU bypass mode. I let it do its stuff and find a match for the dummy load, then bypassed the ATU. Now, in ATU Bypass mode, the K3 reads 1.0:1 SWR into the same dummy load that it previously showed as 1.5:1. Issue gone. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-SWR-meter-readings-on-10m-tp6519425p6520233.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Net in VK
Great idea. I'd like to take part. Anyone who can hear John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Net-in-VK-tp6498527p6499345.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2/100 - Hi Curr and loss of power control - help! de VK7JB
Hi David, What a great idea. I wish I'd thought of that before I did my repair. I've put your idea in my notebook and if/when this happens again, I'll install your solution. I do worry about the longevity of the PCB holes and traces should this repair become an ongoing maintenance issue (hopefully not!). Were you able to work out what zapped your diodes? Can you buy single milled IC sockets, or did you cut up a strip to get them? Thanks again for a great idea. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-100-Hi-Curr-and-loss-of-power-control-help-de-VK7JB-tp6485865p6491996.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K2/100 - Hi Curr and loss of power control - help! de VK7JB
Hi Group, Using my K2/100 #6998 on 20m SSB phone today, running it into an experimental small loop antenna. SWR was 1.5:1. Then: Hi Curr warning on LCD - shows continuously in TX. Maximum power out (100W) independent of power control setting LED Bargraph stopped displaying RF output (ie no bars lit) despite 100W output measured on external power meter. Disconnected antenna and attached dummy load - same symptoms. Could I have somehow fried D16 D17 in the KPA100? I checked these diodes in-circuit with my multimeter diode test function and there is no voltage drop across either. Does this mean they've both failed open? Is there anything else I should check/look for/measure before I dismantle the KPA100 and replace D16 and 17? Any advice appreciated as always, 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-100-Hi-Curr-and-loss-of-power-control-help-de-VK7JB-tp6485865p6485865.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2/100 - Hi Curr and loss of power control - help! de VK7JB
Hi Gary, It's my K2, not my K3, that's in trouble. Mercifully, my K3 is playing very happily! 73, John -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-100-Hi-Curr-and-loss-of-power-control-help-de-VK7JB-tp6485865p6485889.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2/100 - Hi Curr and loss of power control - help! de VK7JB
Thanks Don Mark, That's what I suspected, but I wondered about U5 6 too, whether they may may have been stung further down the schematic. I'll replace the diodes tomorrow when it's light. I have a small supply of 1N5711's here in my junk box. Then it'll be clear if there's more than just the diodes that've turned to toast. Mark, looking at the dismantling involved to get to the fiddly location of D16 and 17, I think it'll be just as easy to replace the diodes and be done with it. Lifting one end to check would be a good idea though, if they were in a less awkward location. This is an interesting failure. I wonder if the high voltage you'd expect on the capacitor of this small loop antenna might have caused this diode-frying?? I did disconnect the coax from the back of the loop tuner (de-energised of course) at one stage to connect my antenna analyser to retune it to another band. The problem manifest after reconnecting the coax to the K2. The SWR was low throughout, but I guess that's not related to high charge on the variable cap, which would be several kV.I won't be using the K2 on this loop antenna again, just in case. Pity, because it's great to get a 57 reports working into Austria and Russia and 59 into Florida, running 50W into a diminutive 1m diameter loop sitting on my picnic table :) I'll report on the patient after the surgery... 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-100-Hi-Curr-and-loss-of-power-control-help-de-VK7JB-tp6485865p6486856.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2/100 - Hi Curr and loss of power control - help! de VK7JB
Hi All, I replaced D16 and D17 on the KPA100 board and all is back to normal. I'm still stumped how I managed to cook them. Just in case I ever have to do this repair again, I mounted the diodes on the underside of the board. There's plenty of clearance. When mounted on top of the board, they're tucked away in a tricky to access spot and I found removing the old diodes the most difficult part of the repair. Next time it'll be easier to get at them and to pull them out from underneath. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-100-Hi-Curr-and-loss-of-power-control-help-de-VK7JB-tp6485865p6489828.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 8 pin mic wiring to avoid pin 1 problems...how best to...??
Hello Group, I'm rewiring an 8 pin mic connector FROM an Icom configuration TO a K3 pinout. Wiring the Mic + and PTT lines is straight forward. But how best to wire the PTT GND, Mic - and Cable shield connections is bothering me. I'd like to wire the Mic - and cable shield to avoid the risk of pin 1 problems and RFI etc, but if I interpret the schematic and mic pinout info for the K3 correctly, front panel mic pins 7 8 are wired in common with the chassis. So, am I correct in understanding that on the K3, there's no way of seprating Mic-, PTT GND and cable shield/chassis - ie they're all bonded in common? If this is correct, should I simply wire PTT GND to pin 7 and Mic- and cable shield to pin 8. (But they are all connected together in the rig). In other words, is this wiring pinout the most appropriate? Pin 1 Mic + Pin 2 PTT Pin 7 PTT GND Pin 8 Mic - and cable shield. (pin 7 and 8 being bonded internally anyway) Thanks for any clarification. It's possible I'm over-thinking this! :) 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-8-pin-mic-wiring-to-avoid-pin-1-problems-how-best-to-tp6431057p6431057.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3: Calibrate RF gain with K3 utility - error messages - help.
Hi all, I'm hoping someone has come across this problem and can help out. I recently got an XG3, so thought I would run the Calibrate RF gain utility in K3 Utility. I'm running the latest K3 firmware and the most recent update of the K3 utility: 1.4.4.25 K3 and computer are communicating fine and Calibrate Tx gain routine in K3 Utility runs fine. Tried to run the Calibrate RF gain routine and I get the following error in the K3 utility window No reponse to DSP command and the calibration progresses no further. On the K3 LCD there is this error message: E 040FA6. ERR DSE I've checked and all the setup parameters for the Calibrate RF gain routine are set correctly according the the on-screen prompts. What am I doing wrong? Thanks for any advice, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Calibrate-RF-gain-with-K3-utility-error-messages-help-tp6418790p6418790.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 s-meter calibration parameters and flickering S1...
Hello again, Update to my last post: I turned everything off, went and had a cup of coffee, came back and tried the RF gain calibration routine again with K3 Utility - worked just fine this time. So, not sure why those errors. I had turned everything off and re-booted the K3, restarted the utility etc in previous attempts, with no effect. Must've been the cup of coffee :) So now on to another question: After the RF calibration, I re-did the S-meter calibration using the XG3, with the K3 in ABS mode, PRE OFF. SMTR OF = 21, SMTR SC = 14. With these parameters, the scale is very linear and pretty much spot on: S9 @ -73dBm, S2-3 @ -107dBm, S9+40 @ -33dBm BUT, when I disconnect the XG3, so nothing is connected to ANT1, the S1 bar flickers on and off. I can't stop this flickering S1 without readjusting the parameters and throwing out the rest of the calibration. The S1 does turn off if I narrow the bandwidth to less than 1.5khz. I've been doing the calibration in CW mode but with bw set at 2.8khz. Is this flickering S1 with no antenna connected normal/expected? Intuitively, I feel that no input should give no bars, but perhaps that simplistic. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-s-meter-calibration-parameters-and-flickering-S1-tp6418969p6418969.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 s-meter calibration parameters and flickering S1...
Thanks Lyle and David. Sounds all's configured OK then. I'll get back to playing with my K3. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-s-meter-calibration-parameters-and-flickering-S1-tp6418969p6420986.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3. RX too sensitive for me - S-meter/RFgain/absolute mode...
If one has chosen absolute s-meter performance which is already un-analog, it would be nice to see the input level regardless of the RF gain setting, and perhaps just slow plink only the top segment that would be covered with the analog convention. Exactly my view, Guy. Absolute on the K3 is only partly Absolute. My point is that other designers have implemented true absolute S-meter function and it works well. On my TT Eagle 599, I can ride the RF gain, play with ATT and PRE to my heart's content and still see the input level on the s-meter, uninfluenced by my fiddling. I'm looking forward to being able to do the same in absolute mode on my K3 one day. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-RX-too-sensitive-for-me-tp6374861p6380059.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3. RX too sensitive for me - S-meter/RFgain/absolute mode...
Well, from one perspective this is, of course true. But this arguement leads to the question, why is an s-meter implemented at all on the K3 then? If it doesn't really mean anything, why have it? I'm more interested in exploring other questions. Having decided it is of value to implement an s-meter on a rig, what are the different ways in which it can enunciate that which is being measured. How can that be manipulated to best suit the operator? Interesting discussion. John VK7JB What you see on the meter doesn't really mean anything, and the resolution on the scale isn't very high anyway. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-RX-too-sensitive-for-me-tp6374861p6380456.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K1 - Can someone quantify faint wiper noise from VFO pot?
Hello Stan, This is an interesting observation. For reasons I'll not elaborate on here :), I ended up with two front panels for my K1, serial #2822. Both panels were bought from Elecraft within a few weeks of one another. Both have the same brand VFO pot with same ID markings, so I believe they are identical parts with the same nominal specs. However, each has a very different feel. One is very smooth indeed - I can't feel the wire effect or hear any noise as I move the wiper. It's smooth and creamy. The second is like yours - it has a definite wire feel to it and I can easily hear it when I move the wiper. The wire effect pot is the one that ended up being wired into my K1. I intend to swap it over for the smooth and creamy one, which is currently sitting in the cupboard attached to the unused FP board. So, I figure there are significant differences between individual instances of this pot. Perhaps I have two at opposite ends of the spectrum. I know which I prefer. 73, John VK7JB K1 #2822, K2/100 #6998, K3/100 # 7102 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K1-Can-someone-quantify-faint-wiper-noise-from-VFO-pot-tp6368965p6372211.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3. RX too sensitive for me - S-meter/RFgain/absolute mode...
Helpful comments, Jim. I ride the RF gain control on the K3 to very good effect. The only problem, as you point out, is that the S-meter won't read signal strength at the antenna with the RF gain wound back. I have my K3 s-meter set in absolute mode, so using ATT or PRE does not influence the s-meter reading, but using RF gain does. On my TenTec Eagle, the S-meter reads independently of ATT, PRE AND RF gain control. I find this very helpful, given that rely on the RF gain control adjustment to give me comfortable listening. I can then look at the s-meter and give a meaningful report without having to wind up the RF gain. Is there a way of implementing this on the K3? Is there any reason why this hasn't been implemented in absolute mode? Would be great if it could be. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-RX-too-sensitive-for-me-tp6374861p6375785.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K1 - Can someone quantify faint wiper noise from VFO pot?
FWIW, both my K1 pots are Bourns, 3540S-1-104L. They have a blue body, which may be thin alloy or plastic, I'm not sure. One is smooth and creamy, the other wire feel, though they're both identical in markings and appearance. So, they're not all identical in tactile experience. :) 73 John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K1-Can-someone-quantify-faint-wiper-noise-from-VFO-pot-tp6368965p6376397.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KSB2 build time?
Hi Tom, I'm a slow and methodical constructor and the KSB2 took me 8 hours to build, over 4 nights. What took a bit of time for me was the BFO alignment to optimise TX audio, configuring the filters etc. I found Spectrogram very helpful. I did a lot of monitoring and recording to get the TX audio the way I like it. Because this was my first experience doing this sort of alignment, it took me maybe 4 hours all up until I was happy. It would take very little time the second time round or for someone experienced. There are some good tips in the archives about set up of the K2 after installing the KSB2. I must say that I have several rigs and too many microphones and headsets and I do use outboard audio equalisation on some of them. I also have a K3 with its on-board 8 band EQ. BUT - the rig that attracts the most unsolicited positive comments about TX audio is the little K2/100. People comment great audio - what are you running?! And it's my K2 with the MH2 hand mic. I rarely hear that using my other set-ups and so I wonder why I bother with all the other audio paraphernalia. Enjoy building. John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KSB2-build-time-tp6335019p6336158.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 #5102 is up and running in Tasmania...
Hi All, K3/100 #5102 is now sitting on my desk and playing well. The kit went together like a dream and the firmware updating with the K3 Utility and the various calibration steps were a breeze. A lot of enthusiastic advice from list members helped me chose my options and I couldn't be happier with the way my K3 is configured. Thank you especially to whoever it was (I can't recall) who advised me to figure the KXV3 into the initial build, rather than wait and add it later. I now see why. Another fun Elecraft build. I'm looking to try for the Elecraft CC for fun, so if you hear me around, please give me a shout. I'm off to play..and to read the manual... 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-5102-is-up-and-running-in-Tasmania-tp6031071p6031071.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 People
Hi Joe, I'd like to second your sentiments and thank all the folks that contribute to bringing the Elecraft experience to my door. I've built a K1, K2, many mini-modules and am about to put together a K3. I've had a ball. None of it would have been possible without the care and attention given to the packing and assembling, shipping and support by all the folks at Elecraft whom we never get to know beyond their names on the slips of paper in all those little packets or at the bottom of invoices and shipping lists. Thanks to you all from me, down here. John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-People-tp5922917p5923982.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: options to buy: a summary of what I learnt from you all...
Hello All, A couple of people have asked me to post a summary to share what I learnt from my question about options for a new K3. I received 25 replies, many were off-list emails, offering well considered ideas and advice. I was surprised at how generously people offered their time and their thoughts on this question, often sharing considerable detail about their own experience of loading their K3. People tailored their responses to my situation - I'm a casual operator of CW/SSB/data modes, working in a location where I rarely, if ever, have to contend with crowded bands and heavy QRM. So bearing that in mind, here's what I learned: # Unanimously, folks suggested I NOT bother with the high stability reference oscillator. #The auto ATU option was thought a good investment - for various reasons. # There was strong support for the Digital Voice Recorder option and for putting in the KXV3A option during the initial build, to avoid significant dis-assembly of the K3 when/if I want to add on the P3 panadapter in the future. Several folks mentioned how useful they'd found their DVR, especially as a voice saver calling CQ. # About filters options: There was a concensus of opinion that the 2.8 8 pole / 2.7 5 pole swap wouldn't be of benefit in my situation and that I should just go with the 2.7 / 5 pole stock filter. Several people suggested I should invest in the 6khz filter to allow AM TX and broadcast band RX and ESSB. A couple of people volunteered they had installed the 15khz FM filter, but rarely used it and thought I could do without that option. Many people commented on the effectiveness of the DSP filtering in the K3 and suggested that for the casual CW I do, that would be enough. Several others suggested I go with a 400 or 500hz filter, but that I could wait and add them later if I found I needed them. I got the feeling that the narrower 2.1/1.8 khz filters for SSB weren't seen to be a big priority in my situation: only a couple of folks mentioned them in passing and only one K3 owner said he found them very useful for everyday SSB. All this seemed like very sensible advice to me. So what am I going to do? Well, I've decided to NOT take the TCXO high stability ref oscillator. I WILL install the DVR and General coverage BPF options. I've decided NOT to put in the KXV3A until I'm ready to get the panadapter. I don't mind dismantling the K3 when that day arrives and I'd like to invest that money in other features initially. Having the KXV3A in the K3 from the beginning won't give me any more immediate enjoyment of the K3, nor any extra bits to play with, so I've decided it will wait. As for the filters: I've decided that I probably WILL do the 2.8 for 2.7 swap and install 8 pole filters from the beginning. One K3 owner pointed out that if I do that, I won't have to swap out, or worry about matching, the 5 pole filters in the future if/when I come to install the subreceiver. That seemed sensible to me, so I'll put in the 8 pole Inrad filters from the beginning and be done with it. The only additional filter I'll order initially is the 6khz, 8 pole, to allow better SW broadcast reception and to allow me to experiement with wider-bandwidth SSB Tx. I'll see, over time, whether or not I need a 400hz filter for CW. So that's it. Thanks again everyone. I just have to sell a rig here to generate some extra funds, then I'll plant my paw on the Add to Cart button and the deal will be done. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-advice-about-options-to-buy-tp5891397p5899075.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3: advice about options to buy?
Hello group, My mouse is hovering over the Add to Cart button for a K3/100 modular kit. I'd really value some candid advice about options before I commit. My situation: I'm a casual operator, data modes, SSB and CW. I rarely need to contend with crowded bands and don't currently work contests. I built a K2/100 which I love. I intend to get the General Coverage BPF module and the KAT3. My question: Given my situation, would I benefit from the extra investment in the KTCX03-1 high stability reference oscillator and/or the 2.8-2.7 filter swap option? About filters: which would you recommend I buy, given my casual-mode operation? I anticipate working more CW and less phone as I become more proficient in CW. Thanks in advance for any advice. I have had a look through the archives: there's a lot of info but I'm still uncertain. John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-advice-about-options-to-buy-tp5891397p5891397.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: advice about options to buy?
A short post to thank everyone for all the great help with thinking through my K3 options. I received a lot of very clear advice, both on and off the reflector, and I feel much better placed now to make a decision. Thank you, everyone, for your interest and for generously sharing your knowledge. I look forward to a having K3 contact with some of you - perhaps very soon. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-advice-about-options-to-buy-tp5891397p5894810.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Plasma TV Noise any ideas on how to filter it out.
Well, 80% of my operating time is spent in what seems like electromagnetic hell. The irony is that I live in a rural area at the end of the earth. I have only 3 neighbours within a 4km radius. One of them has a plasma screen TV. Another has something else, perhaps an arcing thermostat or fluoro light, which adds to the cacophony which dances across the whole of my operating spectrum, from 80 to 10m. The din varies in intensity and duration. Sometimes it's not there and then, for a brief time, I enjoy the silence. I was about to abandon the hobby, but some reading led me to the noise cancellers. I had learnt very early on that noise blankers and DSP were feeble weapons against the particular noise mix at my QTH. So I first bought the MJF 1026 because I could get it locally and it was inexpensive. I experiemented with many different noise antennas. It was OK, but very inconsistent in its effect. On a good day, it reduced the racket, but the nulls were elusive and the time I spent using it merely amplified my frustrations. I took it apart one day and was shocked. I boxed it up, put it in a cupboard and ordered an ANC-4.My hopes weren't high, but the future of my ham radio career depended on finding a solution. So the ANC-4 arrived from across the Pacific- sturdily designed, heavy, and well crafted inside and out. I pluged it in, attached the noise antenna, turned it on and for the first time, killed the noise. On all bands, quickly and without frustration. S7 din, obliterating everything, consistently and predictably reduced to hush. This one piece of equipment has saved the hobby for me. At my location and with my particular noise blend, it has worked a treat and much, much more effectively than the first noise canceller I tried. Others have reported exactly the converse experience - neither unit having any effect, or the MFJ unit giving superior results. For all the science involved, noise busting with this equipment is inexact and unpredictable. Of course, I'd rather not have to use this black box at all. It reduces received signal strength noticably, but then the alternative is buzzz covering everything. And yes, I'm sure it's degrading my IMD and threatening the purity of any number of other parameters of my transmitted signal. But again, the option is nothing at all. This afternoon, I just put the 94th country in my log: all were caught on SSB phone, with 100 Watts and a wire antenna sitting here under my blanket of noise. I enjoy this hobby far too much to let it go. Borrow an ANC-4 and see what it'll do for you. If it doesn't work, then try the MFJ 1026. Just don't give up. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Plasma-TV-Noise-any-ideas-on-how-to-filter-it-out-tp5775346p5779093.html Sent from the [HAM] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [K2] W3FPR Fixed audio out - installation options or ideas?
Hi all, Just curious to know if it's possible to install the W3FPR Fixed Audio out board external to the K2? I've made up Don's circuit on a small piece of perf board, but for various reasons related to the way I've built it, the board's not going to fit comfortably between the front panel and control boards on the K2. Is it possible to somehow take the audio to an RCA/other jack on the back of the K2 and then mount the circuit board externally in a small box, to which I'd then connect my Signalink unit audio input? Anyone done this? Any other ideas for implementing the fixed audio out? Thanks again, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-W3FPR-Fixed-audio-out-installation-options-or-ideas-tp5759677p5759677.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] ALC and power control on 40m SSB in K2/100
Hello Group, Just to complete the loop and to say thanks to Don, Steve and others who contributed to this discussion. I've applied the mod to the KSB2 board - 1k0 resistor in series with the base of Q1 and changing the value of R9. The ALC's can now control the output power of my K2 on 80/40/30m on SSB. I'm very happy. Thanks to everyone for your advice. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-ALC-and-power-control-on-40m-SSB-in-K2-100-tp5719064p5731296.html Sent from the [K2] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [K2] ALC and power control on 40m SSB in K2/100
Hello again folks, Sorry about the barrage of posts from me. Just playing with my K2/100 #6998. I've noticed that when operating in SSB on 40m, requesting any power 15-20 W and up will always give me 100W+ output, measured into a dummy load. Voice peaks are higher and result in Hi Curr warnings occasionally. I can reduce the power above this threshold only by changing SSBC to 1:1 (normally run at 2:1 with my MH-2 mic) and winding the power out back to just on 11 W. CW and TUNE modes - all OK: power requested and power output track very well on all bands, including 40m. Bands above 40m on SSB are not affected - I mostly work 20m SSB and haven't noticed the power tracking issue there. ALC seems to control the power out well there. I suspect the Tx chain gain on 40m is too high for the ALC to manage when in SSB. Is there any way of making the ALC more aggressive on 40m SSB, without affecting the other bands too much? I remember seeing a previous post about this somewhere but haven't been able to find the details again. Any suggestions? 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-ALC-and-power-control-on-40m-SSB-in-K2-100-tp5719064p5719064.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [k2] K2/100 power out on 10m R98 -fixed...
Thanks Don, I did restore R98 to its original 270 ohms (from 1k0) and power output on 10m SSB is back to a full 100W+ The ALC dithering is noticeable, but I'm not going to fiddle any more. Might see if i can just live with it and if not, I'll experiment some more to find a lower value of R98 that damps the loop without reducing my SSB power output too much. I'm not driving an amp with my K2, so it's really not of much practical importance to me - it just jars with my obsessive personality :) What surprised me is that I could still get 90+ W out in TUNE and CW on 10m with the 1k0 resistor at R98 - only power on SSB was reduced significantly (to 30W PEP). In the Elecraft document that describes the R98 mod, they advise checking for the 10m power reduction in TUNE mode, which I did and then I checked it again by keying the rig in CW. Didn't think also to also check power out in SSB before accepting the 1k0 resistor value. I should have thought to do that, but didn't expect it would be reduced so disproportionately. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/k2-K2-100-power-out-on-10m-R98-fixed-tp5713446p5713446.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [K2] Aligning my K2/100 - things I learnt...
Thanks to everyone for your tips. I had a lot of helpful advice, on and off the reflector, and all is sorted out and understood now. FWIW, I re-calibrated the 4MHz reference oscillator using the N6KR method and my frequency display is now only 10hz off WWV. I'm very happy with that. This is about the 3rd or 4th pass using this method. On the final pass, I noticed 2 things about my K2 and taking them into account helped reduce the error: firstly, the spot tone of my K2, set for 600hz, is actually 610hz, not 600hz. Secondly, when entering CAL FCTR mode after zero beating WWV on sideband, the beat tone drops 10hz. I found reference to this in another posting, but somehow missed it the first few times around. It's easy to account for once you notice it. There is some drift (+/-40hz or so) as the K2/100 heats up after long overs @100W, but that is easily compensated for while I'm operating, now that I know how (thanks Tom!). The sideband filters are now well tuned and the audio reports are good - no longer muffled. Adjusting OP1 was easy in the end. I found that very small changes in frequency, just 25-50hz, make a big difference to the sound of the transmitted audio. I had to listen carefully and experiment to get the audio profile I wanted. Adjusting the OP1 SSB filter for optimum transmit audio made the received audio a little sharp for my taste, so I did as has been suggested elsewhere and set FL2 to OP1 and adjusted the audio passband of that filter to accentuate the lows and reduce some of the highs. I keep FL2 in on receive and now I have great audio on both RX and TX. Thanks again for everyones' input. I would never have completed this project without the support and collective know-how of this group. The K2/100 is sitting on my dest here, but I still can't really believe I've done it. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-Question-about-tuning-K2-for-SSB-tp5703977p5710911.html Sent from the [K2] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [K2] K2/100 power out on 10m SSB...
Just noticed that power out on 10m (28490) CW and in TUNE mode is 85W, but maximum PEP on SSB is 30W. All other bands, I get 100W out in CW/TUNE SSB. I'm checking this by running K2/100 into a 50 ohm dummy load. Wattmeters are a WavenodeWN-2 and Autek WM1. Same PO PEP recorded with both. I've done the mod replacing K2 R98 with a 1k0 resistor to reduce the ALC dithering on 40m. This did reduce the power out on 10m in CW and TUNE from 100W to 85W, but I was happy with that compromise for the more stable ALC action. Any explanation why is the output SSB is so much reduced compared with CW and TUNE modes? 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-K2-100-power-out-on-10m-SSB-tp5711308p5711308.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K2: K2/100 birdie @ 3589
Hi All, I've just finished K2/100 #6998. After blowing the PA transistors of the base K2 by accidentally dropping the frequency probe into the works, I've completed the KPA100, installed it and all is working very well. Made several SSB contacts tonight and I couldn't be happier. I have a great sense of achievement :) I'm curious about a prominent birdie, zero beat at 3589khz. It's present, and more prominent, with the antenna disconnected and has its origin internally. There are some postings about this birdie from around 2008, but I don't see any resolution. I can live with it, even though it's inconveniently located right where I like to work on SSB phone. Did anyone work out where this comes from and whether or not there is a simple fix? Also, I've calibrated the K2 reference oscillator several times according to the N6KR method. The result is that my frequency display is 20hz off frequency after the rig has warmed up: eg it reads .98 for 1.00 WWV signal. Am I correct in understanding this is about as good I can expect given the DAC parameters of the K2? I can't seem to improve on it further by repeating it. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-K2-100-birdie-3589-tp5696814p5696814.html Sent from the [K2] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K2: display quirk..
Hello All, My base K2 is completed and KSB2, KNB2 and KDSP2 modules are installed and working well. I'm relieved. Thanks to Don for his reassurance along the way. I've noticed a quirk with the display of my K2 and can't find it mentioned in the archives. While tuning with the VFO, the display will jump for an instant between either the power display or the keyer speed display. It is a very transient switch between the two displays. It occurs infrequently and I can't predict it. Changing the position of the keyer speed and power pots, in case they are close to some critical voltage position, hasn't changed the glitch. This makes no difference to the function of the K2, so I'm just ignoring it, but I'm wondering if its particular to my K2, or if others have noticed this. Seems to me like it might be a processor issue. Now on with the KPA100... Thanks and 73 John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-display-quirk-tp5657972p5657972.html Sent from the [K2] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K2: Advice about Rework Eliminators etc...
Hello Group, Having gained some confidence completing a K1 a few months ago, I've just ordered from Elecraft a K2 with these options: KPA100, KSB2 and KDSP2. I can't see that I'll ever want to install the KNB2 or the 160 or 60m options. Does the Rework Eliminator approach to the build simply complicate matters if I'm installing these options from the beginning and won't ever need the others? Are there any other advantages to using the Options bypass headers etc? Is it worth the potential extra-confusion of following essentially 2 manuals during the build? I find the unpcbs website a bit overwhelming and confusing, whereas I find the Elecraft Construction manuals very clear. It would be nice to be able to remove the options for isolating problems with them, but is that reason enough for all the extra fuss using the Rework Eliminators? I do like the idea of the Internal Mike Adapter from that company and will probably order that. Any ideas or advice would be very welcome, john VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-Advice-about-Rework-Eliminators-etc-tp5422442p5422442.html Sent from the [K2] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
