Re: [Elecraft] K3 Powerpole Replacement
Jeff, I am not sure what your circumstances are, but I have found that the APP connectors are more durable than the Molex connectors typically used by the YakIcKenwood gear. Perhaps you do not have any slack in the cables, and any movement of either the cable or the gear will create a force sufficient to separate the connector. A bit of slack in the cable should prevent that condition. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/8/2013 10:42 PM, Jeff Cochrane wrote: On Mon, 09 Dec 2013 13:01:06 +1000, Don Wilhelm wrote: Hi Don, Thanks for the reply but I'm talking about Elecraft factory installed APP's both in the radio and on the cable. I have also made my own cables using genuine and non-genuine APP's and they are exactly the same, they will NOT stay together under actual portable operating conditions. Upon inspection through a magnifying glass all connectors I have here are indeed assembled correctly and this is the SECOND K3 I've with similar issues. (The first radio I had owned from new (#4257)) In the case of my first K3 it would overheat the connectors that were soldered into the PCB! Granted it had an issue with extremely poor soldering of the connectors but the fact remains that on that radio and the one I presently own, the APP's are not up to snuff. They just do not grip each other well enough to cope with the rigours of operating portable in the bush and other adverse environments. Hence my desire to change out the APP's and go for something that is considerably tougher. I've also had a few emails off the list so far that are also detailing similar issues and doubts with APP's and I have no doubt that I will be getting more. I guess that I've found the reason why APP's are not an approved connector for any emergency gear by any emergency authority in any country as they are just too unreliable. As I live in an area that regularly gets cyclones (hurricanes) and flooding each year I want be be able to rely on my gear in case of an emergency as well as my normal day to day operations, therefore I really want to ditch these unreliable connectors and get something decent installed. So my question stands, what are my alternatives? __ 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 Powerpole Replacement
If the PP is not correctly assembled, just immobilizing the connection will not solve the underlying poor connection. As Don said, they should be correctly assembled first. If you still have problems, then immobilizing the connector may be appropriate. ...bill nr4c -Original Message- From: Rick Bates [mailto:happymooseph...@gmail.com] Sent: Sunday, December 08, 2013 10:03 PM To: vk...@arrl.net; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Powerpole Replacement Rather than all that effort, why not use a screw hole style zip tie to anchor it to your grounding point on the back of the radio? That way, if it gets moved, it pulls on the tie, not the connector. 73 es Happy Christmas, Rick wa6nhc -Original Message- From: Jeff Cochrane Hi everyone, Has anyone on the list replaced the Anderson powerpoles on their K3's with something else? __ 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 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 Powerpole Replacement
I grabbed a strain gauge and checked powerpole connectors on two different locations. Both required more than 4 lbs of force to separate them! So you cannot actually pick up a fully loaded K3 without the plug disengaging, but darn close to it. Something is wrong with your APP connectors. I don't know what might provide a more secure connection other than a screw-on Cannon connector. 73 Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jeff Cochrane Sent: Sunday, December 08, 2013 5:46 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Powerpole Replacement Hi everyone, Has anyone on the list replaced the Anderson powerpoles on their K3's with something else? (Something like the 4 pin plugs and sockets that are fitted to most current YaeComWoods I guess) Why do I want to replace them you ask? Well, because my K3 gets around and more often than not sits on a wobbly table whilst I'm out in the scrub or occasionally even sits in my lap whilst I'm operating. The powerpoles has once again raised their ugly heads and keep disconnecting or not making proper contact and I'm fed up with them. I just want a connector that I can plug in and it will stay there, sadly that has not been the case with either genuine Anderson powerpoles or all the different brands of knock-offs. Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA East Innisfail QLD, Australia __ 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 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 Powerpole Replacement
On 12/8/2013 5:45 PM, Jeff Cochrane wrote: Hi everyone, Has anyone on the list replaced the Anderson powerpoles on their K3's with something else? No, so far no reason to. (Something like the 4 pin plugs and sockets that are fitted to most current YaeComWoods I guess) I've had them, they were no more reliable for me than APP's. Why do I want to replace them you ask? Well, because my K3 gets around and more often than not sits on a wobbly table whilst I'm out in the scrub or occasionally even sits in my lap whilst I'm operating. The powerpoles has once again raised their ugly heads and keep disconnecting or not making proper contact and I'm fed up with them. I do SOTA activations with my K2 [APP's between it and the battery], and I've never, ever, had them disconnect before I pulled them out. I've carried the radio around with the battery hanging from the pigtail and the coax-power connector comes out first. In truth, I've never, ever, had an APP disconnect on me when I wasn't expecting it ... and no, Anderson PP do not send me money for this. I did buy the "approved" crimper, and I did learn how to use it. I've never had a failure. Learning how to use the crimper was not a slam-dunk, I realized finally that exact positioning in the crimper and exact orientation of the wire was critical. I just want a connector that I can plug in and it will stay there, sadly that has not been the case with either genuine Anderson powerpoles or all the different brands of knock-offs. Knock-off's ... you get what you pay for. I have used Chinese PL-259's, won't ever again, they are knockoffs, and they are hugely unreliable. And while Amphenol has not paid me to say this either, that's all I'll use. Has nothing to do with "Made in America," and everything to do with what really works ... and doesn't fail when you need it. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org __ 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 Powerpole Replacement
Rather than all that effort, why not use a screw hole style zip tie to anchor it to your grounding point on the back of the radio? That way, if it gets moved, it pulls on the tie, not the connector. 73 es Happy Christmas, Rick wa6nhc -Original Message- From: Jeff Cochrane Hi everyone, Has anyone on the list replaced the Anderson powerpoles on their K3's with something else? __ 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 Powerpole Replacement
Jeff, Take a look at your Power Pole connectors - peer at them from the "business end". If the blade of the silver-metal contact is not firmly latched over the spring finger in the housing (you should not see the spring finger exposed), then the connector is not properly assembled. Give the contact a generous push with a screwdriver or other instrument until the blade clicks over the spring finger retaining tab. A properly assembled APP connector has good holding power, but an improperly assembled one will not have adequate retention, and may actually overheat with high resistive contact points. 73, W3FPR On 12/8/2013 8:45 PM, Jeff Cochrane wrote: Hi everyone, Has anyone on the list replaced the Anderson powerpoles on their K3's with something else? (Something like the 4 pin plugs and sockets that are fitted to most current YaeComWoods I guess) Why do I want to replace them you ask? Well, because my K3 gets around and more often than not sits on a wobbly table whilst I'm out in the scrub or occasionally even sits in my lap whilst I'm operating. The powerpoles has once again raised their ugly heads and keep disconnecting or not making proper contact and I'm fed up with them. I just want a connector that I can plug in and it will stay there, sadly that has not been the case with either genuine Anderson powerpoles or all the different brands of knock-offs. __ 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 Powerpole Replacement
On 12/8/2013 5:45 PM, Jeff Cochrane wrote: > The powerpoles has once again raised their ugly heads and keep > disconnecting or not making proper contact and I'm fed up with them. > I just want a connector that I can plug in and it will stay there, sadly > that has not been the case with either genuine Anderson powerpoles or > all the different brands of knock-offs. I have been using Powerpoles on my Elecraft and all other 12V devices in this extensive radio room and *when made correctly* I have never experienced that. Note the emphasis. Do we need to open this barrel of snakes again? 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402 >From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon __ 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 Powerpole Replacement
Hi everyone, Has anyone on the list replaced the Anderson powerpoles on their K3's with something else? (Something like the 4 pin plugs and sockets that are fitted to most current YaeComWoods I guess) Why do I want to replace them you ask? Well, because my K3 gets around and more often than not sits on a wobbly table whilst I'm out in the scrub or occasionally even sits in my lap whilst I'm operating. The powerpoles has once again raised their ugly heads and keep disconnecting or not making proper contact and I'm fed up with them. I just want a connector that I can plug in and it will stay there, sadly that has not been the case with either genuine Anderson powerpoles or all the different brands of knock-offs. Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA East Innisfail QLD, Australia __ 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 N1MM using RTTY and PSK
I don't know much about Rigblaster Advantage, or Microham, or Signalink [OK, I don't know anything about them], but you might try the "back to basics" approach and get 2 stereo cables and connect LINE IN to LINE OUT and vice-versa, and go AFSK [DATA MD A]. I do this using the MMTTY RTTY engine in N1MM, I key the K3 with VOX [be sure to turn off all the annoying Windoze sounds, and N1MM can be configured to assert PTT for you if you coordinate it with the K3 menu options]. In AFSK with MMTTY, you have several discrete choices of MARK/SPACE tones [PITCH knob], I use 915Hz because I can hear it, and MMTTY must be set to the same. You have the Windoze audio level controls, and those on the K3, and there's a combination for just about everyone. This may not be the ideal situation for everyone, but it is pretty basic, it removes many of the points of failure, and honestly, it worked so well for me, I've never gone beyond it for RTTY [and PSK, although that's not a mode I enjoy]. I've used it for JT65, another mode I only enjoy when I sort of like my mind to wander while making Q's. :-) My experience with trouble-shooting problems is, "eliminate as much 'stuff' as you can and see if the problem remains." Best of luck, I've finally gotten to the point where I can go from my "normal mode" [CW] to RTTY in less than 30 mins. I use the totally back-to-basics AFSK technique. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org On 12/8/2013 4:40 PM, jreedbum wrote: I had fun using N1MM in the CQWWCW contest last week. The N1MM online help got me started with little problem. Trying to get it working with RTTY was a different story. I never did succeed in getting a transmission out.By the way I'm using a Rigblaster Advantage, which shares rig control and soundcard control through the same com port. This didn't seem to make a difference with CW, though.Can anyone who has had success with N1MM in the digital modes share their settings or point me to some documentation? Reed AA1RB __ 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] why KRX3 SUB RX
Hello Will appreciate any feedback about the use of the second RX on the K3 what are the uses for which it is essential to have the second receiver? I think is not necessary to work on SO2V, right? Thanks, Jorge CX6VM/CW5W __ 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 and KX3 in contests
Hi to the group I earlier wished for a report of how the K3 and KX3 compared in a contest. Here is my report. I have run my K3 for 6 years in many contests and usually run in the 5 watt QRP class. I was always impressed by how much better the K3 handled close in QRM and full break in than my old transceivers. The P3 was added two years ago and I have become dependent on it. A couple contests have been run at 100 watts but I was always surprised I did not do much better at 100 watts than I do at 5. I prefer the QRP class because it is easier to place well and I have taken ND section in several contests at 5 watts. This year I bought a KX3 and now I have used it in 3 contests. I ran out of battery on my logging computer during Field Day but the KX3 worked fine at 5 watts for the 8 hours I was able to operate. I ran the KX3 at 5 watts CW along with the N3FJP logging program for the November Sweepstakes and I felt the KX3 handled everything as well as the K3 except I missed the P3. I had an iMic and the program ROCKY but was not able to get them to work together for that contest. This group helped me get ROCKY and the iMic to work after the contest was over. This week end I entered the ARRL 160 meter contest with the KX3 at 5 watts. I had the N3FJP logging program, WinKeyer USB, ROCKY and MixW all running together on my Windows 8.1 lap top. ROCKY did a good job of helping me find QSOs. The KX3 receiver selectivity and break in seemed to work as well as on the K3. The only thing I missed on 160 was the use of my separate receiving antenna. There is an antenna switch in my system that can do that but I may add a relay to make it easier. The KXPA 100 will be a lot of fun for camping and rag chewing when it comes but the KX3 is going to see many more 5 watt QRP contests. The K3 will be used at home without the station being pulled apart when I go camping. 73 and I hope this report helps someone. Ken W0CZ Sent from my iPad __ 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 and N1MM using RTTY and PSK
I had fun using N1MM in the CQWWCW contest last week. The N1MM online help got me started with little problem. Trying to get it working with RTTY was a different story. I never did succeed in getting a transmission out.By the way I'm using a Rigblaster Advantage, which shares rig control and soundcard control through the same com port. This didn't seem to make a difference with CW, though.Can anyone who has had success with N1MM in the digital modes share their settings or point me to some documentation? Reed AA1RB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-and-N1MM-using-RTTY-and-PSK-tp7581531.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] HDSDR Mirrored spectrum
Mirror images generally mean you are not getting both I and Q audio into the program. Most common cause is not having stereo input on sound card on computer but iMic is stereo. I would check cable. 73 - Mike WA8BXN ---Original Message--- From: Chris Johnson Date: 12/8/2013 7:01:29 PM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: [Elecraft] HDSDR Mirrored spectrum I followed the guide on HDSDR's website for the KX3 and it IS working, but it is odd vs all my other SDR radios. The RF seems mirrored on both sides of the center DC spike. Is this normal? I'm using an iMic with the RXIQ setup using the HDSDR KX3 guide exactly. Tuning works great. Input sampling rate of 48K. https://www.dropbox.com/s/jx6tpp29olg2tci/Screenshot%202013-12-08%2016.52.45 png __ __ 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] HDSDR Mirrored spectrum
I followed the guide on HDSDR's website for the KX3 and it IS working, but it is odd vs all my other SDR radios. The RF seems mirrored on both sides of the center DC spike. Is this normal? I'm using an iMic with the RXIQ setup using the HDSDR KX3 guide exactly. Tuning works great. Input sampling rate of 48K. https://www.dropbox.com/s/jx6tpp29olg2tci/Screenshot%202013-12-08%2016.52.45.png __ 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] APF
Hi all, and Sam; > > >Message: 7 >Date: Sat, 07 Dec 2013 19:38:20 -0600 >From: Sam Morgan >To: "elecraft@mailman.qth.net" >Subject: Re: [Elecraft] APF >Message-ID: <52a3cd8c.2090...@gmail.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > >1st of all let me be clear, I was merely quoting from my notes that I >had copied from a post (or web site?) that Dusty K3WC wrote > >that said >yes it was the Shift knob Dusty was speaking of >calling it the Shift Fc (frequency) knob > >when I turn mine it says (in the VFO B window) >APF *0.48 (my pitch is set for 480hz) >so I have to turn the Shift knob until I see it say APF 0.46 >meaning it's at 460hz or 20hz below my default pitch of 480hz >Sam, you are doing fine in explaining, Thanks! I searched around on my hard >drive and found the piece that Dusty wrote--I also had downloaded it and saved >it but I didn't mark where I got it, just his call. The problem WAS, that using the shift in APF wouldn't move anything (only showed FC *0.50 in the VFO B window). I went to Fred's book and found that Dual PB needed to be set to APF in the CONFIG (mine some how got set to "nor"). Putting that right has completely changed things! I had about given up on using APF but now it works as it should and I feel good! Thanks for helping me straighten that out, Sam and Bill, W4ZV. Now I can get back to trying to get a valid contact with T32RC--I have worked them 3 times on CW and they have never logged my call correctly even though I thought they had it. Thanks all--as always, good help here! 73 and good DX, Scott AA0AA; XE1/AA0AA __ 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] Flex 1500 & KXPA100
I am sure this isn't a surprise to anyone, but I wanted to get it on the record. I hooked my little Flex 1500 up to the KXPA100 with just a keyline and it works fantastic. This makes me regret selling my 3000 much less now. I also tested this on my FT-817 and it works too. I am waiting for the documentation or purchasable cable to use the amp with band switching & ALC on the Yaesu. Chris K6OZY __ 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] 80w 2m amp
According to this FAQ it is in the range 3 to 5 watts, to be determined. http://www.elecraft.com/manual/KX3-2M%20FAQ.htm 73 David Anderson GM4JJJ > On 8 Dec 2013, at 17:43, "Jeff Herr" wrote: > > I am waiting for the 2m option to be released from Elecraft for the KX3. > > > > This 80w amp ( http://www.w6pql.com/2_meter_80w_all_mode_amplifier.htm ) > looks like a good fit. > > > > I need to choose appropriate input attenuation. What kind of output power > can I expect? > > > > Jeff Herr, WW6L > > __ > 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 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] KX3 roofing filters
Thanks to all for replies and tips. Turns out that the radio as I received it (factory assembled) had the “xfil3” setting for the roofing filters at “not install” rather than at “nor” I changed the setting to “nor” and now the roofing filters do kick in as I narrow the BW with the PBT control. 72, Jeff KB3DX __ 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] ATU IN KXPA100
I noticed that the ATU in my KXPA100 is not tuning my antenna quite as good as the ATU in the KX3. Example : with ny OCD on 80M (3653) Ant analyzer shows SWR1.7:1 KX3 ATU alone tunes to 1.0:1 KXPA100 ATU tunes to 1.3:1. Not a major problem. Is this to be expected or should I be checking ant/ connections? -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ATU-IN-KXPA100-tp7581524.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] Diversity antenna experiences?
Hi Jim. I also am on a small (125' square) lot, in the city. I have been using BOGs and 14'x29' Flags, with an 80 meter inverted L base-loaded for 160. This year I added a 20' Shared Apex Loop Array. Yes, my antennas are too close to each other. The SALA routinely outperforms the Flags. Sometimes the BOGs are best for a given station, sometimes the SALA. When I was running Stateside this weekend I would listen South and West simultaneously. It seemed to work well. Additionally, you may want to "float" or detune your inverted L during rx, especially if your rx antennas are close. My tx antenna was re-radiating quite a bit of noise; floating it cured the problem. 73, Redd - AI2N Jim Miller wrote: > I put up an inverted L for the 160 contest and as expected my beverages did > a nice job of improving the receive performance over it. The inverted L did > a good job of spraying my 500w watts around and I'm satisfied with it as > well. Best LOTW confirmed DX so far is Ukraine. Not bad for the first few > days. > > I did experience quite a bit of QSB as expected and would like to play with > diversity. My brief attempt at doing diversity with the inverted L in > combination with the beverage wasn't encouraging however. The S/N of the > inverted L in the left ear only provided a distraction trying to discern > the better S/N but fading signal in the right from the beverage. > > At this point my primary interest is 160m diversity implementations. Any > suggestions based on experience with an inverted L and beverage? Any > suggestions for a second antenna other than these two that would > potentially work better when combined with the beverage? > > Note: I'm on a partially wooded 1 acre lot in a HOA so big receive > structures like an 8 circle aren't possible. My beverages are BOGs for that > reason. > > Thanks > > jim ab3cv > __ > 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 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] Elecraft CW Net Announcement
Good Morning, I awoke to a very brisk morning. Last night was the coldest thus far. However, much of the US is far colder. It has not dropped to single digits in a few years. It appears this winter will be a hard one here. But all the wood I cut last month is heating the house quite well. Now to route some of that heat to the radio shack so my fingers can move during net times. Propagation was good on 30 meters this week. I also experienced 160 meters for a few hours. On Friday night it was very good. Lots of operators and far more laid back than any other contest I have tried. I went to the low end of the band and worked a few of them. Very slow QSB meant you had to wait for a minute or two when the station you were after slowly faded and then came back again. Please join us this afternoon and evening. 14050 kHz at 2300z Sunday (3 PM PST Sunday) 7045 kHz at 0200z Monday (6 PM PST Sunday) 73, Kevin. KD5ONS - __ 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] 80w 2m amp
I am waiting for the 2m option to be released from Elecraft for the KX3. This 80w amp ( http://www.w6pql.com/2_meter_80w_all_mode_amplifier.htm ) looks like a good fit. I need to choose appropriate input attenuation. What kind of output power can I expect? Jeff Herr, WW6L __ 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] Diversity antenna experiences?
I recently installed the new Shared Apex Loop Array from Array Solutions. While I installed the 20' model, the 12' model has a much smaller footprint. The 20' model works amazingly well and the specs show the 12' model doesn't give up much. 73, Ken, K6LA / VY2TT __ 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] Diversity antenna experiences?
Sounds like a fairly good experience overall, Jim. I'm on an even smaller (< 0.25 acre) HOA restricted lot and had an inverted L on 160 that I used in conjunction with a K9AY receive antenna. I really liked the K9AY, as it allowed for directional switching and very good S/N ratios with a very small footprint. Much better at RX than the inverted L. I also had it set up for diversity but noted the same thing you did with your BOG Beverage - the K9AY was so much better I just ended up using it without diversity for RX. One issue is that for optimal diversity reception the two antennas need to be spaced a fair distance apart in terms of wavelength. I certainly didn't have that here (K9AY and inverted L only about 60 feet apart). Even with your one acre, you might not have enough separation, depending on your layout. 73 Craig AC0DS __ 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] Diversity antenna experiences?
I put up an inverted L for the 160 contest and as expected my beverages did a nice job of improving the receive performance over it. The inverted L did a good job of spraying my 500w watts around and I'm satisfied with it as well. Best LOTW confirmed DX so far is Ukraine. Not bad for the first few days. I did experience quite a bit of QSB as expected and would like to play with diversity. My brief attempt at doing diversity with the inverted L in combination with the beverage wasn't encouraging however. The S/N of the inverted L in the left ear only provided a distraction trying to discern the better S/N but fading signal in the right from the beverage. At this point my primary interest is 160m diversity implementations. Any suggestions based on experience with an inverted L and beverage? Any suggestions for a second antenna other than these two that would potentially work better when combined with the beverage? Note: I'm on a partially wooded 1 acre lot in a HOA so big receive structures like an 8 circle aren't possible. My beverages are BOGs for that reason. Thanks jim ab3cv __ 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] K144XV Option
Thanks for all the replies regarding the K144XV option. For some reason, I never got them in my email reader - they seem to be filtered. Have I filtered myself? I do not know. I may purchase at a later date, but for now, I'll have to keep what I have. I have to sell the ID-880H and have it fully fund the K144XV. Unfortunately, that is not possible given all the additional equipment I'd have to buy to keep my current capabilities. To have it replace what I have, I'd have to purchase the 13 MHz FM filter which I do not have. However, that is not to say that I will *not* buy that option. Years ago, I was big into amateur satellites. That era of my amateur radio hobby ended with the lack of reliable linear transponder satellites and the restrictions that came about after the events of 9/11/2001. This is neither the time nor the place for political arguments regarding those decisions and I do not debate news or politics anymore. That said, I still have a couple of 2m antennas I used for satellite work. One of them is a dual-polarized (not circular) Cushcraft that might work nicely for terrestrial 2m CW. Terrestrial 2m CW really intrigues me. 73, Joel - W4JBB __ 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] [P3] Errant spike moving the wrong way
Running in FixTrack mode, while tuning, I noticed a spike moving in the opposite direction and about twice as fast as the rest of the crowd. I didn't hear anything when I tuned to its frequency. What is it? Barry W2UP -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/P3-Errant-spike-moving-the-wrong-way-tp7581516.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] APF
I agree with Bill. There's no need to fiddle with the RIT control. I think Dusty's original suggestion implies that he found the APF to be more effective at a slightly lower frequency (20Hz lower) than his nominal CW pitch setting. This may be true but it can be more easily accomplished by tuning the signal a bit lower in frequency with the main VFO. Then just tweak the APF center frequency with the SHIFT knob. Dusty's suggestion may appeal to some because it doesn't shift your transmit frequency 20Hz off of zero beat. In the grand scheme, however, 20Hz off of zero beat is hardly noticeable. The important thing here is to play with the APF and learn how to use it. You don't have to wait for weak signals. You can experiment with medium strength signals. Then once you get the hang of it you'll be good to go when trying to pull out a weak one. But don't expect the APF to pull them all in. The APF has its limitations. 73, Mike K2MK Bill W4ZV wrote > IMHO K3WC's APF suggestion is WAY TOO COMPLICATED. I use APF virtually > all the time and never use RIT, SHIFT, etc. Just HOLD DUAL PB to actuate > APF and use the VFO to zero beat. COARSE (10 Hz) VFO steps is usually > close enough but you can switch to FINE (1 Hz) if necessary for ultra weak > signals. I also strongly endorse N6KR's suggestion below: > > "I suggest setting the passband width to about 250-300 Hz when using APF." > > This is extremely important since bandwidths too narrow will introduce > additional ringing to the APF which already borders on ringing. I > actually use a 200 Hz XFIL but set to actuate at DSP 400 Hz. With WIDTH > set to 400 Hz, the signal first goes through the relatively broad (4.0 > shape factor) 200 Hz XFIL, then a 400 Hz DSP and finally the narrow APF. > This makes the cascaded XFIL/DSP look more like 250 Hz, reduces ringing, > still allows you to hear off-frequency callers (although attenuated) and > helps your ears discriminate weak signals from noise by providing a wider > background sample of noise. > > 73, Bill W4ZV > > Scott Monks wrote >> Sam; >> Your explanation is really good Sam, but it seems that something >> doesn't follow for me. >> >> cut... >> >>>Turn on the RIT control (tap the RIT button). Next, lower the RIT >>>frequency -20 Hz. (You must have CONFIG:PB CTRL in the config menu set >>>to .01 to move in 10 Hz steps). If your pitch is set to 500 Hz, then the >>>tone of the CW should now be 480 Hz. Next, turn on the APF by HOLDING >>>the DUAL PB button. Adjust the APF using the SHIFT Fc Knob (now APF >>>control). Move the APF down -20 Hz to match the CW signal. Once you have >>>the signal in the center of the new 480 Hz tone you should hear that the >>>CW signal pops up about 5 or 6 dB >>>Ok, I did this, first setting my pitch at 500 Hz, which actually even cut out some ringing! I got the station centered, etc., turned RIT down -20, activated APF, but then the problem began. >> >> I am not sure what the "SHIFT Fc Knob" is--if it is just the regular >> "Shift-Lo" knob then this doesn't do anything for me when I turn it. Is >> this the right knob? Do I need something turned on in CONFIG for it to >> work? >> >> >> I have had my K3 a little more than 1yr., and I sort of remember that >> MAYBE I could move the passband once at first, but I my be remembering >> bad! >> >> Thanks for the help. 73 >> >> >> Scott >> >> AA0AA; XE1/AA0AA -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/APF-tp7581300p7581515.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] APF
I too often use APF on both the K3 and KX3. I prefer tuning APF with 1 Hz steps. The KX3 enables 1 HZ steps when APF is enabled. I miss that feature with the K3. A new feature request; when in SPLIT and VFO A at 1 Hz, leave VFO B at 10 Hz. John KN5L On 12/08/2013 04:48 AM, Bill W4ZV wrote: > I use APF virtually all > the time and never use RIT, SHIFT, etc. Just HOLD DUAL PB to actuate APF > and use the VFO to zero beat. COARSE (10 Hz) VFO steps is usually close > enough but you can switch to FINE (1 Hz) if necessary for ultra weak > signals. __ 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] KAT500 in the ARRL 160 Contest
Friday night, at the last minute, I decided to try the ARRL 160 meter contest. I only have a fairly low inverted L antenna (small city lot) so I usually don't work much DX on 160 but when the band is quiet the K3 hears everything quite well. I usually operate low power or QRP in contests, but this time decided to play with the "big boys" and turned on the KPA500. Just so I wouldn't be causing the KAT500 to tune every time I called someone, about 20 minutes before the contest started I did a "tune" every 10 KHz from 1805 KHz up through around 1875 to get most of the info stored in the "bins". All during the contest, when I'd pass one of the frequencies where I'd run the tuner, I'd hear the "click" of the relays changing to the new settings. Throughout the whole contest so far, it's performed flawlessly and doing the pre-tuning really made things run smooth. There are those who have complained that the KAT500 is noisy when tuning, well, I'd rather hear it tuning and hear the click or two when it changes segments. That way I know it's working and it's comforting to know it's doing it's job during a contest where one doesn't really have time to mess with such things. There's only one place, right around 1825 KHz where the complex impedance of my particular inverted L configuration seems to confuse the tuner. It has to tune every 2KHz or so from 1823 up through around 1828 and occasionally I'd run into that when running "search & pounce" mode and I'd call someone in that segment of the band. I'm sure it's my antenna configuration and not the tuner because it runs perfectly everywhere else and on all the other bands. It will even match the 1/4 wave 160 meter inverted L in the CW segment of 80 meters without complaining too much. The only real 80 meter antenna I have is a Butternut HF2V vertical so it's nice that the KAT500 will work with the L on 80 (all the WARC bands too). Thanks Elecraft for producing one of the nicest high-power antenna tuners on the market. It rounds out the "K" line very nicely. Jim Sheldon - W0EB __ 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 with Navigator
I changed computers, now trying to get the Navigator sound card interface to work with the K3. I don't remember settings for PTT DTR and RTS settings, are they checked? Now I have to find the correct comm. port. Thanks, Jack W4GRJ __ 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] APF
IMHO K3WC's APF suggestion is WAY TOO COMPLICATED. I use APF virtually all the time and never use RIT, SHIFT, etc. Just HOLD DUAL PB to actuate APF and use the VFO to zero beat. COARSE (10 Hz) VFO steps is usually close enough but you can switch to FINE (1 Hz) if necessary for ultra weak signals. I also strongly endorse N6KR's suggestion below: "I suggest setting the passband width to about 250-300 Hz when using APF." This is extremely important since bandwidths too narrow will introduce additional ringing to the APF which already borders on ringing. I actually use a 200 Hz XFIL but set to actuate at DSP 400 Hz. With WIDTH set to 400 Hz, the signal first goes through the relatively broad (4.0 shape factor) 200 Hz XFIL, then a 400 Hz DSP and finally the narrow APF. This makes the cascaded XFIL/DSP look more like 250 Hz, reduces ringing, still allows you to hear off-frequency callers (although attenuated) and helps your ears discriminate weak signals from noise by providing a wider background sample of noise. 73, Bill W4ZV Scott Monks wrote > Sam; > Your explanation is really good Sam, but it seems that something > doesn't follow for me. > > cut... > >>Turn on the RIT control (tap the RIT button). Next, lower the RIT >>frequency -20 Hz. (You must have CONFIG:PB CTRL in the config menu set >>to .01 to move in 10 Hz steps). If your pitch is set to 500 Hz, then the >>tone of the CW should now be 480 Hz. Next, turn on the APF by HOLDING >>the DUAL PB button. Adjust the APF using the SHIFT Fc Knob (now APF >>control). Move the APF down -20 Hz to match the CW signal. Once you have >>the signal in the center of the new 480 Hz tone you should hear that the >>CW signal pops up about 5 or 6 dB >>Ok, I did this, first setting my pitch at 500 Hz, which actually even cut out some ringing! I got the station centered, etc., turned RIT down -20, activated APF, but then the problem began. > > I am not sure what the "SHIFT Fc Knob" is--if it is just the regular > "Shift-Lo" knob then this doesn't do anything for me when I turn it. Is > this the right knob? Do I need something turned on in CONFIG for it to > work? > > > I have had my K3 a little more than 1yr., and I sort of remember that > MAYBE I could move the passband once at first, but I my be remembering > bad! > > Thanks for the help. 73 > > > Scott > > AA0AA; XE1/AA0AA > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: > Elecraft@.qth > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/APF-tp7581300p7581511.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