I use different speakers for left and right so my ear can use the different sounds to tell a which receiver sound is from. Ray W8lyj Sent from my iPhone
> On Nov 22, 2015, at 6:48 AM, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote: > > Send Elecraft mailing list submissions to > elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net > > You can reach the person managing the list at > elecraft-ow...@mailman.qth.net > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Elecraft digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Power meter inaccurate (Bob McGraw - K4TAX) > 2. OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (Ken G Kopp) > 3. Stereo Speaker for K3 (w5...@comcast.net) > 4. Re: Stereo Speaker for K3 (Robin Moseley) > 5. KAT500 Antenna and Alpha 87A (Amateur Radio Operator N5GE) > 6. Re: Stereo Speaker for K3 (Jim Miller) > 7. Re: Stereo Speaker for K3 (Don Wilhelm) > 8. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (Robert Harmon) > 9. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (Don Wilhelm) > 10. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (Merv Schweigert) > 11. K2 MAB board progress (Doug Shields) > 12. Re: Stereo Speaker for K3 (Bob McGraw - K4TAX) > 13. Re: Stereo Speaker for K3 (Bob McGraw - K4TAX) > 14. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (Bob McGraw - K4TAX) > 15. Re: Stereo Speaker for K3 (Steve Ellington) > 16. Re: KAT500 Antenna and Alpha 87A (KD7PY) > 17. Re: Stereo Speaker for K3 (Bill) > 18. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (hsherriff) > 19. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (Ron D'Eau Claire) > 20. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (Bob McGraw - K4TAX) > 21. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (Don Wilhelm) > 22. Re: [P3] Can I? (Alan) > 23. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (lmarion) > 24. Re: K3 NB problem (Wes (N7WS)) > 25. Re: K2 MAB board progress (Brian Denley) > 26. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (Richard Fjeld) > 27. Re: Stereo Speaker for K3 (w5...@comcast.net) > 28. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (briancom) > 29. K3 sudden loss of output power (Pete Smith N4ZR) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 16:32:33 -0600 > From: Bob McGraw - K4TAX <rmcg...@blomand.net> > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: [Elecraft] Power meter inaccurate > Message-ID: <5650f101.4020...@blomand.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed > > You might be surprised at how many times I've assisted folks with low > transmitter power only to find their power meter was not accurate. It > happens to the best of us, regardless of how new or how expensive the > instrument might be. > > A lesson I learned as a pilot and that is always have a "what if" in > your pocket. What if on landing approach I lower the landing gear and > one does not extend and lock? What if I pull back the throttles to > cruise setting after take-off and #2 quits. What if on a cold winter > day I take off, have the airplane off of the runway and look at the > panel only to discover the airspeed is zero! Well there's answers for > each of those, most of which I hope I never have to apply..........again! > > 73 > Bob, K4TAX > >> On 11/21/2015 11:09 AM, Dave Olean wrote: >> Then I discovered that my Bird 43 meter circuit was bad. It made for a >> good laugh at my expense. > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 16:23:48 -0700 > From: Ken G Kopp <kengk...@gmail.com> > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" > Message-ID: > <cad4cdtpzz43sitnai_vemk-t3m+pvbvafvg4qdb4ypa_kp2...@mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > > An earlier posting brings this to mind .... > > There is a seemingly little-known failure that frequently occurs to Bird > meter movements ... or more correctly ... to the connector at the sensor > casting end of the length of coax used to connect the (30 ua) meter to the > sensor. > > Often a sharp "whack" on the housing will cause the meter to resume > working, often for long periods of time. The connector's internal > connection is made by inserting the (solid) center conductor of the coax > between turns of the coils of a tiny spring that's part of the center pin > assembly of the casting end's cable connector. > > There's such a tiny amount of current flowing through the coax center > conductor and the spring "connection" that it seems to corrode easily, and > most assume the meter movement has failed. The resulting tiny disturbance > to the wire/spring junction is why the "slap" on the housing often brings > the meter back to life. Many of the expensive proprietary meters have been > needlessly replaced because of this. > > 73 - K0PP > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 17:24:00 -0600 > From: <w5...@comcast.net> > To: <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> > Subject: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3 > Message-ID: <84D4D90CEE6446BCB001253AB9693734@MININTMC1HLDC> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" > > I?m interested in getting a nice stereo speaker for my K3 so I can listen > to both of my rx?s at the same time without having to wear cans. What can be > recommended? > > Thanks > > Ronnie W5SUM > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 23:37:30 +0000 > From: Robin Moseley <g1...@hotmail.com> > To: <w5...@comcast.net>, <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3 > Message-ID: <dub112-ds157dd259e16b4575989eafe9...@phx.gbl> > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="UTF-8"; > reply-type=original > > Phonema speakers, I have them,, they sound great! > > > -----Original Message----- > From: w5...@comcast.net > Sent: Saturday, November 21, 2015 11:24 PM > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3 > > I?m interested in getting a nice stereo speaker for my K3 so I can > listen to both of my rx?s at the same time without having to wear cans. What > can be recommended? > > Thanks > > Ronnie W5SUM > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 g1...@hotmail.com > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 5 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 17:53:06 -0600 > From: Amateur Radio Operator N5GE <n...@n5ge.com> > To: Elecraft Reflector <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> > Subject: [Elecraft] KAT500 Antenna and Alpha 87A > Message-ID: <mnv15bpfjmjnmn5883g7pkl3au8r01s...@4ax.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii > > I'm about to send my KPA500 To the shop at Elecraft and I wonder if > anyone has had any success using an ALPHA 87A runing low power into > KAT500? > > If so how many watts did you run into the KTA500? > > Thanks. > > ARS N5GE > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 6 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 17:47:21 -0600 > From: "Jim Miller" <jimmil...@stl-online.net> > To: <w5...@comcast.net>, <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3 > Message-ID: <002d01d124b6$f7215660$e5640320$@STL-OnLine.Net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" > > DO you listen to FM radio on your K3? If not, get communication speakers and > not music speakers. 73, Jim KG0KP > > -----Original Message----- > From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of > w5...@comcast.net > Sent: Saturday, November 21, 2015 5:24 PM > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3 > > I?m interested in getting a nice stereo speaker for my K3 so I can listen > to both of my rx?s at the same time without having to wear cans. What can be > recommended? > > Thanks > > Ronnie W5SUM > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 jimmil...@stl-online.net > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 7 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:02:15 -0500 > From: Don Wilhelm <w3...@embarqmail.com> > To: w5...@comcast.net, elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3 > Message-ID: <56510607.4030...@embarqmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed > > Ronnie, > > Find yourself a pair of 'bookshelf' speakers normally used for "HiFi > stereo" installations. > Those small speakers were popular some time ago. I picked up a pair of > Radio Shack Optimus speakers in a second hand store for $5 and they work > great with my K3 - those speakers are 5 inch cubes. They are not > powered - just speakers, so no worry about RF getting into the amplifier. > Alternately, build your own small speaker enclosure and mount a good > high fidelity speaker inside (look at the audiophile sites). > Get a full range speaker - the speaker should not restrict the audio > frequency response, the K3 has the RX EQ which will allow you to tailor > the audio response that you want to hear. > > With my KX3, I needed amplified speakers, and after many trials with PC > speakers which howled during transmit, I 'bit the bullet' and ordered a > pair of West Mountain Radio COMspkrs - shielded and nary a sound of RF > feedback from them even with the KXPA100. They are a bit larger than I > would like, but they do work fine. They will work great with the K3. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > >> On 11/21/2015 6:24 PM, w5...@comcast.net wrote: >> I?m interested in getting a nice stereo speaker for my K3 so I can >> listen to both of my rx?s at the same time without having to wear cans. What >> can be recommended? > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 8 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 16:27:37 -0800 > From: Robert Harmon <k...@pacbell.net> > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" > Message-ID: <56510bf9.2050...@pacbell.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed > > Ken, > > My bird has been acting as you described. I will check it out. > I guess the remedy is to clean the spring coils ? > Thanks for the info ? > > 73, > Bob > K6UJ > > > > >> On 11/21/15 3:23 PM, Ken G Kopp wrote: >> An earlier posting brings this to mind .... >> >> There is a seemingly little-known failure that frequently occurs to Bird >> meter movements ... or more correctly ... to the connector at the sensor >> casting end of the length of coax used to connect the (30 ua) meter to the >> sensor. >> >> Often a sharp "whack" on the housing will cause the meter to resume >> working, often for long periods of time. The connector's internal >> connection is made by inserting the (solid) center conductor of the coax >> between turns of the coils of a tiny spring that's part of the center pin >> assembly of the casting end's cable connector. >> >> There's such a tiny amount of current flowing through the coax center >> conductor and the spring "connection" that it seems to corrode easily, and >> most assume the meter movement has failed. The resulting tiny disturbance >> to the wire/spring junction is why the "slap" on the housing often brings >> the meter back to life. Many of the expensive proprietary meters have been >> needlessly replaced because of this. >> >> 73 - K0PP >> ______________________________________________________________ >> 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 k...@pacbell.net > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 9 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:28:48 -0500 > From: Don Wilhelm <w3...@embarqmail.com> > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" > Message-ID: <56510c40.1080...@embarqmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed > > That brings to mind an adage advocated by my lab instructors in college > and has proven to be very worthwhile over the years - it is no less > applicable today. > "Technician (or Engineer), know your test equipment and especially know > its limitations". > That means always be prepared to verify your measurement equipment > readings by some other means rather than trusting the indication of any > one instrument. > > In other words, if your test gear is telling you something that looks > "funny", verify the test equipment as a first order of business - use an > alternate measurement method to do a 'sanity check' and remember that > test equipment can fail just as well as the equipment under test. > Trust no piece of test equipment that cannot be verified for correct > operation. > > As an example, I have a wattmeter that is supposedly good for HF as well > as VHF/UHF. The VHF part starts above 30 MHz. When I had problems > getting XV50 transverters to develop 20 watts as indicated on that > meter, I used an alternate power meter and discovered that wattmeter > took 36 watts to indicate 20 watts on its meter on 50 MHz. On 144, 220, > and 432 MHz it was accurate. So that condition is now plainly marked > with a sticker on that meter. Verify before believing the meter in use. > > I know that such verification is not always within easy reach for the > average ham, but usually there are locals with test gear that can be > borrowed to give you a validation of whatever test equipment you are > using (test 3 and let the most common vote be the deciding factor). You > do not have to pay the cost of a calibration lab to do that kind of > verification of your test gear, but do be suspicious if you have not > validated your test equipment in some manner. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > >> On 11/21/2015 6:23 PM, Ken G Kopp wrote: >> An earlier posting brings this to mind .... >> >> There is a seemingly little-known failure that frequently occurs to Bird >> meter movements ... or more correctly ... to the connector at the sensor >> casting end of the length of coax used to connect the (30 ua) meter to the >> sensor. >> >> Often a sharp "whack" on the housing will cause the meter to resume >> working, often for long periods of time. The connector's internal >> connection is made by inserting the (solid) center conductor of the coax >> between turns of the coils of a tiny spring that's part of the center pin >> assembly of the casting end's cable connector. >> >> There's such a tiny amount of current flowing through the coax center >> conductor and the spring "connection" that it seems to corrode easily, and >> most assume the meter movement has failed. The resulting tiny disturbance >> to the wire/spring junction is why the "slap" on the housing often brings >> the meter back to life. Many of the expensive proprietary meters have been >> needlessly replaced because of this. > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 10 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 14:42:09 -1000 > From: Merv Schweigert <k...@flex.com> > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" > Message-ID: <56510f61.1070...@flex.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > > Buy the new adapter that turns the bird connector into a BNC > then just use a BNC cable, wont have any future problems > with the crappy spring. > > 73 Merv K9FD/KH6 > >> Ken, >> >> My bird has been acting as you described. I will check it out. >> I guess the remedy is to clean the spring coils ? >> Thanks for the info ? >> >> 73, >> Bob >> K6UJ > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 11 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:50:47 -0500 > From: "Doug Shields" <w4...@comcast.net> > To: <Elecraft@mailman.qth.net> > Subject: [Elecraft] K2 MAB board progress > Message-ID: <01e001d124bf$d41c4130$7c54c390$@comcast.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > Hello everyone, > > I wanted to give everyone an update on the K2 Miscellaneous Accessory > Board project. I received seven boards and some parts from Byron. The > boards are separated and drilled. I have been talking to the Internal Mic > Adapter folks about getting some of the IMA boards. Today I sent a check > for 20 IMA boards. I need to order enough parts to finish out the seven MAB > board sets on hand. > > Before I order parts, I would like to see if there is enough interest to > order another 9 MAB boards. So now is the time to let me know if you really > want a MAB board. They will be furnished assembled, with the Mic adapter > board installed. Pricing depends on how many sets of parts I order. The > larger volume of parts, the lower I can get the price for everyone. Your > cost will be just above my parts cost and shipping. > > You can find more information about the MAB project at the link below. > If you are interested please let me know as soon as possible. I will be > ordering parts next week. > > > > Doug Shields W4DAS > > > > --- > This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. > https://www.avast.com/antivirus > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 12 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:12:45 -0600 > From: Bob McGraw - K4TAX <rmcg...@blomand.net> > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3 > Message-ID: <5651168d.1060...@blomand.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed > > Small bookshelf type non amplified speakers. I don't suggest "computer > types" as they are typically amplified. I found some Radio > Shack/Realistic speakers being discontinued as catalog #40-1313. They > work quite nice. > > 73 > Bob, K4TAX > >> On 11/21/2015 5:24 PM, w5...@comcast.net wrote: >> I?m interested in getting a nice stereo speaker for my K3 so I can listen to >> both of my rx?s at the same time without having to wear cans. What can be >> recommended? > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 13 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:18:53 -0600 > From: Bob McGraw - K4TAX <rmcg...@blomand.net> > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3 > Message-ID: <565117fd.9030...@blomand.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed > > I have a pair of Optimus that I no longer use. Contact me off > reflector for more details. > > 73 > Bob, K4TAX > >> On 11/21/2015 6:02 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> I picked up a pair of Radio Shack Optimus speakers in a second hand >> store for $5 and they work great with my K3 - those speakers are 5 >> inch cubes. They are not powered - just speakers, so no worry about >> RF getting into the amplifier. > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 14 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:20:46 -0600 > From: Bob McGraw - K4TAX <rmcg...@blomand.net> > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" > Message-ID: <5651186e.20...@blomand.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed > > And it may be related to a specific element as well. There is a carbon > pot inside the element that has been known to change and/or get dirty > just like any other pot that sits in one position for a long period of time. > > 73 > Bob, K4TAX > >> On 11/21/2015 6:27 PM, Robert Harmon wrote: >> Ken, >> >> My bird has been acting as you described. I will check it out. >> I guess the remedy is to clean the spring coils ? >> Thanks for the info ? > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 15 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 20:32:20 -0500 > From: Steve Ellington <steven...@gmail.com> > To: w5...@comcast.net > Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3 > Message-ID: > <CAHBT4RvObU42XqzeMwQJ8MWH_SMfXq_NH-aOOJ=NLwP2D=_...@mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > > ?I'm surprised nobody mentioned the SP3. > I like mine. It's hard to find any mention of it on the Elecraft web site > however. > > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2EmW46zgDw > Steve N4LQ? > >> On Sat, Nov 21, 2015 at 6:24 PM, <w5...@comcast.net> wrote: >> >> I?m interested in getting a nice stereo speaker for my K3 so I can >> listen to both of my rx?s at the same time without having to wear cans. >> What can be recommended? >> >> Thanks >> >> Ronnie W5SUM >> ______________________________________________________________ >> 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 steven...@gmail.com > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 16 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:17:12 -0700 (MST) > From: KD7PY <emoss98...@msn.com> > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 Antenna and Alpha 87A > Message-ID: <1448158632050-7610631.p...@n2.nabble.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii > > Per page 2 of the manual : > > 3 - 30 Mhz 600W into 5 > 500 ohm ( 10:1 swr ) > 1000W into 16 > 150 ohm ( 3.1 swr ) > > 1.8 - 2 Mhz 600W into 500 ohm (5:1 low imp swr) ( 10:1 Hi Imp. > swr ) > > > > -- > View this message in context: > http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-Antenna-and-Alpha-87A-tp7610620p7610631.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 17 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 21:25:33 -0500 > From: Bill <w2...@nycap.rr.com> > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3 > Message-ID: <5651279d.7050...@nycap.rr.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed > > I use the Behringer MS40 amplified speakers. RF has never bothered them > (1 kW) and they have two channels of input - so you can use left/right > K3 (each RX) and the other for left/right from your computer. > > If you want something a little less expensive, the Creative Inspire T10 > amplified computer speakers do fine also and are not bothered by RF. > > Of course, this is my experience, nay-sayers and others my not > experience the same. > > Bill W2BLC K-Line > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 18 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 22:09:03 -0500 > From: hsherriff <hsherr...@reagan.com> > To: w3...@embarqmail.com, elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" > Message-ID: <ikrtbulaw7k0oprp5aiaqnth.1448161608...@email.android.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 > > > > I'm the supervisor of a metrology lab and that is one of the first things I > ensure a new technician understands. And many times it isn't the test > equipment that is at fault, nor the unit under test, but the methodology of > using that test equipment. ?Not using the equipment "guard" correctly, > ?induced voltages, improper test leads for the job.... and many many more. > Harlan?NC3C? > > > Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone > > -------- Original message -------- > From: Don Wilhelm <w3...@embarqmail.com> > Date: 11/21/2015 7:28 PM (GMT-05:00) > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" > > That brings to mind an adage advocated by my lab instructors in college > and has proven to be very worthwhile over the years - it is no less > applicable today. > "Technician (or Engineer), know your test equipment and especially know > its limitations". > That means always be prepared to verify your measurement equipment > readings by some other means rather than trusting the indication of any > one instrument. > > In other words, if your test gear is telling you something that looks > "funny", verify the test equipment as a first order of business - use an > alternate measurement method to do a 'sanity check' and remember that > test equipment can fail just as well as the equipment under test. > Trust no piece of test equipment that cannot be verified for correct > operation. > > As an example, I have a wattmeter that is supposedly good for HF as well > as VHF/UHF.? The VHF part starts above 30 MHz.? When I had problems > getting XV50 transverters to develop 20 watts as indicated on that > meter, I used an alternate power meter and discovered that wattmeter > took 36 watts to indicate 20 watts on its meter on 50 MHz.? On 144, 220, > and 432 MHz it was accurate.? So that condition is now plainly marked > with a sticker on that meter.? Verify before believing the meter in use. > > I know that such verification is not always within easy reach for the > average ham, but usually there are locals with test gear that can be > borrowed to give you a validation of whatever test equipment you are > using (test 3 and let the most common vote be the deciding factor).? You > do not have to pay the cost of a calibration lab to do that kind of > verification of your test gear, but do be suspicious if you have not > validated your test equipment in some manner. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > >> On 11/21/2015 6:23 PM, Ken G Kopp wrote: >> An earlier posting brings this to mind .... >> >> There is a seemingly little-known failure that frequently occurs to Bird >> meter movements ... or more correctly ... to the connector at the sensor >> casting end of the length of coax used to connect the (30 ua) meter to the >> sensor. >> >> Often a sharp "whack" on the housing will cause the meter to resume >> working, often for long periods of time.? The connector's internal >> connection is made by inserting the (solid) center conductor of the coax >> between turns of the coils of a tiny spring that's part of the center pin >> assembly of the casting end's cable connector. >> >> There's such a tiny amount of current flowing through the coax center >> conductor and the spring "connection" that it seems to corrode easily, and >> most assume the meter movement has failed.? The resulting tiny disturbance >> to the wire/spring junction is why the "slap" on the housing often brings >> the meter back to life.? Many of the expensive proprietary meters have been >> needlessly replaced because of this. > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 hsherr...@reagan.com > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 19 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:44:14 -0800 > From: "Ron D'Eau Claire" <r...@cobi.biz> > To: <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" > Message-ID: <001501d124d8$0ec51d30$2c4f5790$@biz> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > If you want to rely on a piece of test equipment it MUST be serviced and > calibrated regularly. The Bird wattmeter I carried as a marine radio service > tech was calibrated annually without fail, or immediately after I dropped a > slug! Banging on a slug it the quickest way to change the calibration. > That's why they are kept in the spaces provide on the meter housing when not > in use. > > All of the Birds I've seen in Ham's hands have calibration stickers many > years old. > > 73, Ron AC7AC > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 20 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 21:49:37 -0600 > From: Bob McGraw - K4TAX <rmcg...@blomand.net> > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" > Message-ID: <56513b51.9060...@blomand.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed > > For that reason I shy away from buying Bird elements at a hamfest. As > my mother would frequently tell me; "don't touch that, you don't know > where its been". > > 73 > Bob, K4TAX > >> On 11/21/2015 9:44 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: >> Banging on a slug it the quickest way to change the calibration. > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 21 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 22:58:23 -0500 > From: Don Wilhelm <w3...@embarqmail.com> > To: hsherriff <hsherr...@reagan.com>, elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" > Message-ID: <56513d5f.3090...@embarqmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed > > Harlan, > > That is correct - improper test leads are often a 'culprit'. > For instance trying to measure an HF signal with a 'scope. The > 'scope may b rated for 200 MHz, but if you try to us a "hunk of coax" > for a probe, the frequency rating may diminish to 2 MHz (OK, that is > just an example). You need to consider the whole measurement system. A > scope's frequency rating must also be coupled with the frequency rating > of the probe. The use of 10X probes is necessary to keep capacitance > loading of the circuit under test to a minimum. And those probes have a > frequency rating too. Take the entire setup of the test equipment into > consideration when doing measurements. > Make certain that every part of the test equipment being used is > suitable for the frequency involved. A simple coax probe may be OK for > AF frequencies, but it is not adequate when the frequency is increased. > > A 'scope can show proper RF voltage amplitude, but the frequency rating > of the probe and the 'scope should be taken into consideration. For > instance, a 35 MHz scope will only show a signal that is 3 dB down at 35 > MHz. I would suggest that valid RF voltage measurements be made at > 1/10 of the 'scope's frequency rating (and that goes for the probe too). > > Again I state, trust no measurement equipment until its accuracy has > been verified. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > >> On 11/21/2015 10:09 PM, hsherriff wrote: >> I'm the supervisor of a metrology lab and that is one of the first >> things I ensure a new technician understands. And many times it isn't >> the test equipment that is at fault, nor the unit under test, but the >> methodology of using that test equipment. Not using the equipment >> "guard" correctly, induced voltages, improper test leads for the >> job.... and many many more. > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 22 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 20:12:30 -0800 > From: Alan <n...@sonic.net> > To: Mike Reublin NF4L <n...@comcast.net> > Cc: Elecraft List <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [P3] Can I? > Message-ID: <565140ae.7060...@sonic.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed > >> On 11/20/2015 04:35 AM, Mike Reublin NF4L wrote: >> I'm not doing a a good job of explaining I think. >> >> The rig is at 3.524. I double-tap the Split button to equalize the >> VFOs, then hold Split. The P3 is set to a span of 10, i.e. -5 appears >> to the left, +5 appears to the right. I set the P3 to tracking mode >> and move the green cursor to the left edge of the screen. > > I assume you mean you use the CENTER control to move the center > frequency up 5 kHz so that the VFO A (green) cursor is at the left edge > of the screen. At this point the left edge of the screen is at 3.524 > MHz and the right edge is at 3.534 assuming the span is still 10 kHz. > >> What I'm looking for is that when I tune either the B VFO or the B >> marker up band, it reaches the far right edge of the screen when I >> get to 3.529, instead of reaching 3.529 when it gets just to the >> right of the screen center. > > To do that the span has to be 5 kHz. (3.529 MHz - 3.524 MHz = 5 kHz) > >> In this set-up moving the B marker moves the A & B cursor and the >> marker and changes the center freq. displayed on the screen. That >> isn't desirable. > > I don't understand that. Moving VFO B or either of the markers (A or B) > should not cause the center frequency to change. That only happens if > VFO A is moved. (Tracking mode) > >> I don't want to change the span, just the amount of real estate it >> covers. > > But the span IS the amount of real estate that the screen covers. It is > the difference between the frequency at the right edge and the frequency > at the left edge. > > Sorry, I'm probably still missing something. :=) > > Alan N1AL > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 23 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 21:34:58 -0700 > From: "lmarion" <lmar...@mt.net> > To: "Ron D'Eau Claire" <r...@cobi.biz>, <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" > Message-ID: <51BD47B71B744B3EBE8BCF98E5A7630E@LeroyPC> > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="UTF-8"; > reply-type=original > > The Bird wattmeter is a coarse and loose measurement device. > It is the most overrated power meter, especially in the amateur community. > The calibration is only possibly five percent at a single frequency, > usually the center frequency of the slug. Away from that frequency it > rapidly > goes way off , I have seen as much as 30% in the range of the slug. > It?s a very rugged meter, used to confirm a rough level of RF. It is better > at confirming a SWR, as the frequency error is the same in forward as in > reverse. > I have seen many new slugs that could not be calibrated to >10% over a > 10Mhz range. > Accurate power meters have frequency calibration factors for each power > head sensor., > in modern ones it is sometimes in a PROM in the sensor head. > I have told this story many, many times in the ham community. > Bird marketing may be the reason for the ridiculous reverence for them in > the ham community. You can drop one from the tower and it will probably > work as poorly as it ever did, one of their only strengths . > > Leroy AB7CE , retired NIST calibrations standards technician. > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Ron D'Eau Claire > Sent: Saturday, November 21, 2015 8:44 PM > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" > > If you want to rely on a piece of test equipment it MUST be serviced and > calibrated regularly. The Bird wattmeter I carried as a marine radio service > tech was calibrated annually without fail, or immediately after I dropped a > slug! Banging on a slug it the quickest way to change the calibration. > That's why they are kept in the spaces provide on the meter housing when not > in use. > > All of the Birds I've seen in Ham's hands have calibration stickers many > years old. > > 73, Ron AC7AC > > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 lmar...@mt.net > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 24 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 21:47:17 -0700 > From: "Wes (N7WS)" <w...@triconet.org> > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 NB problem > Message-ID: <565148d5.9090...@triconet.org> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed > > I experienced the same phenomenon as did Larry. Some of this was the "fault" > (i.e. normal operation) of the noise blanker; some of it was due to the > absolutely abysmal quality of too many of the signals. Regrettably, there > were > probably some K3s contributing to the mess if some recent QSOs I've had with > other owners are any indication. Although I often get unsolicited kudos for > my > audio, I recently had a 17-meter ragchew with a W6 transplant in GA whose K3 > sounded simply awful and looked it on the spectrum scope. > > Regarding the K3 NB, frankly, I wonder why, with a radio with so many > "smarts" > built in, we have to adjust I-F NB parameters at all. Setting the threshold > automatically, under most conditions, should be automatic and extending the > blanking pulse width to match the noise impulse duration should be trivial. > See: http://k6mhe.com/n7ws/Noise_Blanker.pdf for some ancient work. > > (I actually wrote this paper as a final exam for a technical writing course I > took. We were told to write something suitable for publication, including > letters of submission and a release from the company I worked for. I said to > myself, "Self, you've done all of the work, why not just for the heck of it > submit it to a ham radio publication? Since the company only gave "published > papers awards" for peer-reviewed publications, I figured I really didn't > require > their approval so I sent it to Ham Radio Magazine and they paid me instead. > A > couple of years later a guy said to me, "I see your circuit was published in > Bill Orr's Radio Handbook." First I knew about it. One would think that a > guy > who stole your work would at least give you a free book; but no.) > > >> On 11/20/2015 8:00 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: >> Hi Larry, >> >> For the IF NB I usually use a level of 3, or 4 max, with a narrow typically >> for the width. This generally works quite well for me with minimal intermod. >> More aggressive thresholds and wider widths significantly increase the >> likelihood of nearby strong signal intermod with IF based NBs. >> >> As another poster mentioned, the DSP NB can be cascaded after the IF NB, or >> just on its own. So trying different combinations of these may also help in >> your situation. >> >> Eric >> /elecraft.com/ >> >>> On 11/20/2015 3:00 PM, Larry - K1UO wrote: >>> I discovered the source of a ?noise? I was complaining about on 80M cw this >>> AM. I finally noticed that it would always come on at exactly the time >>> VK9WA >>> said ?UP?!! and varied in intensity and duration until he answered >>> someone..at which time the noise was gone and S meter returned to S1!! >>> Seems >>> like the NB settings on the K3 are causing IMD and phase noise from the >>> pileup up the Band a bit to sound like rain static and jump to a level of >>> S5-6 on the K3 meter! Never ran into that before with a K3... Then again, >>> except for this new electric fence pulse, I never needed to use the NB for >>> anything at this previously dead quiet location. Any ideas on what >>> settings I should use or try for this electric fence noise? Possibly the >>> settings that I am using are too aggressive and would cause this? >>> Regards >>> Larry K1UO > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 25 > Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 23:49:07 -0500 > From: Brian Denley <b.den...@comcast.net> > To: Doug Shields <w4...@comcast.net> > Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 MAB board progress > Message-ID: <d3b53367-03cc-46ac-9842-3736cae99...@comcast.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii > > Again I definitely want a set. I will pay up front if you need the money > first. > > Brian Denley > KB1VBF > Sent from my iPad > >> On Nov 21, 2015, at 7:50 PM, Doug Shields <w4...@comcast.net> wrote: >> >> Hello everyone, >> >> I wanted to give everyone an update on the K2 Miscellaneous Accessory >> Board project. I received seven boards and some parts from Byron. The >> boards are separated and drilled. I have been talking to the Internal Mic >> Adapter folks about getting some of the IMA boards. Today I sent a check >> for 20 IMA boards. I need to order enough parts to finish out the seven MAB >> board sets on hand. >> >> Before I order parts, I would like to see if there is enough interest to >> order another 9 MAB boards. So now is the time to let me know if you really >> want a MAB board. They will be furnished assembled, with the Mic adapter >> board installed. Pricing depends on how many sets of parts I order. The >> larger volume of parts, the lower I can get the price for everyone. Your >> cost will be just above my parts cost and shipping. >> >> You can find more information about the MAB project at the link below. >> If you are interested please let me know as soon as possible. I will be >> ordering parts next week. >> >> >> >> Doug Shields W4DAS >> >> >> >> --- >> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. >> https://www.avast.com/antivirus >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> Message delivered to b.den...@comcast.net > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 26 > Date: Sun, 22 Nov 2015 01:31:06 -0600 > From: Richard Fjeld <rpfj...@outlook.com> > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" > Message-ID: <blu436-smtp24273724ae2d0dc9ca1976fbf...@phx.gbl> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252"; format=flowed > > I have found it necessary to apply some contact cleaner to a clean cloth > and wipe around the slug socket > and slug to restore conduction. > > Dick, n0ce > >> On 11/21/2015 9:44 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: >> If you want to rely on a piece of test equipment it MUST be serviced and >> calibrated regularly. The Bird wattmeter I carried as a marine radio service >> tech was calibrated annually without fail, or immediately after I dropped a >> slug! Banging on a slug it the quickest way to change the calibration. >> That's why they are kept in the spaces provide on the meter housing when not >> in use. >> >> All of the Birds I've seen in Ham's hands have calibration stickers many >> years old. >> >> 73, Ron AC7AC > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 27 > Date: Sun, 22 Nov 2015 05:12:03 -0600 > From: <w5...@comcast.net> > To: <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>, "Bill" <w2...@nycap.rr.com> > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3 > Message-ID: <994FC9D08AA54ABFAF753323DDC87F1A@MININTMC1HLDC> > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; > reply-type=response > > > Thanks for the positive responses y'all, I'll pick up some speakers soon. > > as for the unpositive responses off the list, dang.. I'm new to this list > and didn't realize there were so many hateful people. I didn't know this had > been hashed over before on this list. > > I shall not bother y'all further. > > Ronnie W5SUM > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 w5...@comcast.net > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 28 > Date: Sun, 22 Nov 2015 06:34:05 -0500 > From: briancom <als...@comcast.net> > To: "w3...@embarqmail.com" <w3...@embarqmail.com> > Cc: hsherriff <hsherr...@reagan.com>, "elecraft@mailman.qth.net" > <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" > Message-ID: <ca530e23-65f0-4e76-ae32-5f99532c2...@comcast.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii > > Good point Don. Would like to point out that some commercial scopes these > days come with probes that are inadequate for the bandwidth of the scope they > are connected to. > The scopes might be rated foe 100 MHz but with the supplied probes the system > is lucky to make 50 MHz. Tektronix was an exception. Their bandwidth specs > were met with factory probes. Unfortunately the only way to know is to test > the entire systems response with a calibrated generator. One bargain > sampling scope I bought was not such a bargain after buying several sets of > probes to find ones meeting bandwidth specs. Even then the best match probe > had to have its ground lead shortened a bit to flatten the response. > > Developing a trust in ones test equipment takes effort and time. > 73 de Brian K3KO > Sent from my iPad > >> On Nov 21, 2015, at 10:58 PM, Don Wilhelm <w3...@embarqmail.com> wrote: >> >> Harlan, >> >> That is correct - improper test leads are often a 'culprit'. >> For instance trying to measure an HF signal with a 'scope. The 'scope may b >> rated for 200 MHz, but if you try to us a "hunk of coax" for a probe, the >> frequency rating may diminish to 2 MHz (OK, that is just an example). You >> need to consider the whole measurement system. A scope's frequency rating >> must also be coupled with the frequency rating of the probe. The use of 10X >> probes is necessary to keep capacitance loading of the circuit under test to >> a minimum. And those probes have a frequency rating too. Take the entire >> setup of the test equipment into consideration when doing measurements. >> Make certain that every part of the test equipment being used is suitable >> for the frequency involved. A simple coax probe may be OK for AF >> frequencies, but it is not adequate when the frequency is increased. >> >> A 'scope can show proper RF voltage amplitude, but the frequency rating of >> the probe and the 'scope should be taken into consideration. For instance, >> a 35 MHz scope will only show a signal that is 3 dB down at 35 MHz. I >> would suggest that valid RF voltage measurements be made at 1/10 of the >> 'scope's frequency rating (and that goes for the probe too). >> >> Again I state, trust no measurement equipment until its accuracy has been >> verified. >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR >> >> >>> On 11/21/2015 10:09 PM, hsherriff wrote: >>> I'm the supervisor of a metrology lab and that is one of the first things I >>> ensure a new technician understands. And many times it isn't the test >>> equipment that is at fault, nor the unit under test, but the methodology of >>> using that test equipment. Not using the equipment "guard" correctly, >>> induced voltages, improper test leads for the job.... and many many more. >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> Message delivered to als...@comcast.net > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 29 > Date: Sun, 22 Nov 2015 06:48:16 -0500 > From: Pete Smith N4ZR <n...@contesting.com> > To: Elecraft List <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> > Subject: [Elecraft] K3 sudden loss of output power > Message-ID: <5651ab80.4000...@contesting.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed > > I was routinely calling VK9WA on 40 when my amp suddenly started showing > only 300 watts out. A little exploration, with the amp out of the > circuit, showed that my K3's output has fallen off to only about 30 > watts on 40and 45 on 20. It shows 85 watts on 15 but full power on > 10M. Indicated SWR is 1-1.5:1 on all bands. > > Any diagnostic ideas much appreciated! > > -- > > 73, Pete N4ZR > Download the new N1MM Logger+ at > <http://N1MM.hamdocs.com>. Check > out the Reverse Beacon Network at > <http://reversebeacon.net>, now > spotting RTTY activity worldwide. > For spots, please use your favorite > "retail" DX cluster. > > > > ------------------------------ > > Subject: Digest Footer > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > You must be a subscriber to post. > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > ------------------------------ > > End of Elecraft Digest, Vol 139, Issue 30 > ***************************************** ______________________________________________________________ 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
