Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Very Low SSB on 20 Meters
Check everything in CW transmit first, including the VFO frequencies at the band edges. Then check your SSB filter alignment (and CW too) with Spectrogram to make certain the filter passbands are aligned correctly. The FL1 filter for both USB and LSB must be set to OP1. Set things properly in receive and then check transmit. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/26/2019 12:39 PM, James Doty wrote: Oh, okay. I honestly don't know what to look for though. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Very Low SSB on 20 Meters
James, As I indicated, with the K2, the LSB used on 17 meters and below is the same sideband as used for USB on 15 meters and above. Since the 6 meter transceiver uses a 28 MHz IF (assuming it is an Elecraft XV50), then the USB transmission will be the same as the LSB transmission on the lower bands. In other words, you need to look for a problem different than a LSB/USB problem. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/26/2019 12:20 PM, James Doty wrote: It's a K2 with a 6 meter transverter. I'll try your suggestion after work. Thanks. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Very Low SSB on 20 Meters
James, Is this a K2 or a K3? In the K2, the sidebands are reversed on 15 meters and above, and there is no 6 meters in the K2. What I am saying is that if LSB works on the lower bands, then USB should work on 15 meters and above - if this is a K2. If it is a K3, then ignore my responses. If A K2, then try 17 meters USB. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/26/2019 11:19 AM, James Doty wrote: It appears that USB is bad across the bands. I tried USB on 6, 10, 15, and 20 meters. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] P3 Not Zeroed
Kev, Do you have FlDigi set to produce audio tones in SSB mode for CW or is it keying the K3 directly? That will make a significant difference, and the P3 signal placement will reflect that. We did not consider that you were using a software application to produce CW previously to this post. Know what your software application is doing and you may have the answer to your question. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/25/2019 2:41 PM, Kevin, N4TT wrote: Hi Don: I'm still checking things out but I think I have it all working together. I calibrated the radio using WWV at 5, 10 and 15 MHz. I only had to line up one and the other two fell right in. Then I went to the P3 and lined that up with ref cal. Again, everything lined up at 5, 10 and 15. Then I want back to fldigi which is where I originally noticed the difference. I have the radio and fldigi set for a CW sidetone of 600 Hz. When I would tune in the radio for the 600 Hz tone on a random CW signal, the peak of the P3 trace was right over the signal and Fldigi showed the signal up at 600 Hz. Everything matched. This is what I was looking for, the three functions matching. I think I'm in good shape. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Very Low SSB on 20 Meters
James, There is no band dependency on the KSB2 option board, if it works on one band, it will work on other bands. Although it could be a LSB is OK, but USB is not - try it on 17 meter SSB. Try it on 17 meter SSB. Try a Direct Frequency Entry to anywhere in the 20 meter band to be certain one of your FD "friends" did not tune the VFO from one band to another without using the band buttons. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/25/2019 12:29 PM, James Doty wrote: Hi all: I didn't build my K2, I bought it second hand in excellent condition a few years ago and really love it. My K2 came with all the trimmings, Jessie (KB7PSG) and I added a 6 meter transverter plus the 60 meter transverter and until recently everything worked fine. During Field Day this year I was working 20 watts SSB and noticed I had almost no output power, I switched to an old Alinco we have as a backup radio. After Field Day we set my radio back up on my desk and it was working great. I figured bad connection, at least at first. I was working 40 meters no problem, but when I switched to 20 meters, again almost no output power. I played with all the bands I have antennas for and found that from 6 to 80 meters, 80 being marginal for my antennas, everything was good except 20 meters. The problem doesn't affect CW at all on any band so I figured it has to be a problem on the SSB board, but I don't know where to look. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] P3 Not Zeroed
Kev, I believe that Alan's response, while correct is a bit confusing. In CW mode, a signal at 7.035,000 kHz should be shown at 7.035,000 MHz. OTOH, an SSB signal with a suppressed carrier frequency of 7.135,000 MHz will show the suppressed carrier frequency as the center, but the intelligence of the sidebands will appear above or below the center frequency (depends on USB or LSB). Data modes will be similar to SSB. I am not certain why Alan prefers using a BCB signal, but WWV is an AM signal with defined frequency and tone frequencies. IMHO, it is better than a broadcast signal for calibration and assessment purposes if used in SSB mode. In CW mode, where the carrier frequency is important, Alan's choice may be good. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/23/2019 2:31 PM, Kevin, N4TT wrote: Maybe that's the basic question... If I tune the radio to 7.035 to set a CW signal for a pitch of 600 Hz (as set using the PITCH function) what should I expect to see on the P3? 1) The P3 shows 7.035 and the CW signal is offset from the center by 600 Hz? 2) The P3 shows 7.035 and compensates for the pitch placing the CW signal directly under the cursor? 3) The P3 shows 7.035600 placing the CW signal directly under the cursor? I expect #2. I'll be trying out more this evening. Kev On Tue, Jul 23, 2019 at 12:47 PM Alan Bloom wrote: Good advice. Also be aware that the center frequency differs depending on mode. For example, it is the supressed carrier frequency on SSB but is offset by typically 600 Hz on CW. I like to use AM mode for frequeny calibration. After doing a frequency calibration on the K3, tune to a signal on the AM broadcast band and adjust the P3 frequency calibration. (MENU:RefCal. Cal procedurre is on page 39 of the manual) As I recall, AM broadcast stations are required to be within 20 Hz of nominal frequency but are typically much closer than that. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sudden K3 failure
Mark, While you may be correct about the TMP connectors, open the K3 and rotate the TMP connectors a bit to wipe away any oxidation. If it continues to fail after that, email supp...@elecraft.com for further ideas on how to proceed. Tell them what you have attempted so far. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/25/2019 10:30 AM, Mpridesti via Elecraft wrote: Interesting Powered up radio again and worked fine again. Within minutes failed again so I am suspecting the tmp connectors as suggested by K1XX (and others) and the SYM area. Regards, Mark, K1RX On Jul 25, 2019, at 9:40 AM, Mpridesti via Elecraft wrote: Appreciate all the suggestions Will address later today and will advise Regards, Mark, K1RX On Jul 25, 2019, at 8:24 AM, Mpridesti via Elecraft wrote: Yesterday while just listening to a SSB QSO, the receiver just went quiet and when I tried to transmit, got nothing. Power setting was at 75 watts and varied properly but meter and external output monitor was showing nothing. Thought the filters stopped passing RF. Rechecked the filter settings on the Utility program and all seemed normal (no change). What could cause the radio to behave like this? During receive? Regards, Mark, K1RX __ 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 mpride...@yahoo.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to mpride...@yahoo.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Dummy Load recommendation
David, If your use of the dummy load is only to provide a load to the transmitter for things like a quick "does it work" check, then precision is not necessary. Anything that presents an SWR of 1.5 or less would be adequate. OTOH, if you want to do things like the TX Gain Calibration of the K3 or KX2/3, or do measurements with a 'scope (or other measuring device) across the dummy load, then better precision is required if one expects the results to be meaningful and accurate. In other words, if your expectation of measurement accuracy is a range of +/-50%, then using a load with a 1.5 SWR is acceptable. If your expectation requires an error of less than 10%, then more precision is required. That goes for not only dummy loads, but any other measurement instrument. Parallel non-reactive resistors in a can of mineral oil can be used effectively up to 200 watts in a quart can, while up to the legal limit can be obtained in a gallon can of oil (Heathkit Cantenna style). Those can be easily homebrewed and the amount of precision depends on the resistors used and the care with construction. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/23/2019 6:43 AM, CUTTER DAVID via Elecraft wrote: I often wonder just how useful a precision dummy load really is in the amateur service. I picked up home brew dummy load at the club the other day. It measured 57ohms dc and comprises 4 wire-wound resistors attached in a cluster across the end of the coax. After lots of disparaging remarks I put it on the VNA and it didn't look at all bad out to 30MHz: nothing over 1.5:1 and no spikes or dips to indicate resonances. I'll have to do it again and make a print-out for posterity. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA 1500 dummy load recommendations
I also have a MFJ-264. I figured if I need a dummy load, go with one that will handle the most watts I will ever need. I don’t have much room, the MFJ-264 id s 1.5KW dry dummy load for 1-650MHz. A little smaller than a carton of cigs. Haven’t used it yet. Don, KE0PVQ Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows 10 From: Ignacy<mailto:n...@arrl.net> Sent: Monday, July 22, 2019 7:43 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net<mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA 1500 dummy load recommendations I have MFJ-264 and MFJ-250. Both work. Aside from experiments , both are gathering dust as there is little purpose of using dummy loads for solid-state amps. Ignacy, NO9E -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donandde...@hotmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - options to automatically send digital mode CQ's with pauses to listen
Mike, No software is needed. Record your CQ in a message memory - don't forget to end it with the "IM" chacracter if using paddles to enter the text. If you use KX3 Utility to enter the text, end with a "|" character to stop the 4 second 'diddle'. Then set MENU:MSG RPT for the repeat interval you want to use. See the CW/DATA Message Record/Play section of the KX3 manual. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/22/2019 12:39 PM, Mike Parkes wrote: I am searching for what software exists that will allow the KX3, while in data modes (rtty for example), to send a group of CQ's... and then pause to listen... and then automatically sends CQ again, and continues this until the OP halts the process. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3S AGC action in CW
Petr, It does change to slow AGC, but any custom settings remain in place. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/22/2019 11:39 AM, Petr, OK1RP/M0SIS wrote: Roger, you would like to say that when I will enable CW decoder the AGC system ignore all custom's settings and going to use default Slow AGC template config? Somehow I don't want to believe it... __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Feature Request: Shifting VFO
Kev, Since you use the K-Pod, why don't you set CONFIG:VFO OFS to ON, and then set CONFIG:VFO CRS for whatever Coarse setting you want (that is a per mode setting). Then on the K-Pod, when you want a fast QSY, just flip the bottom switch to the RIT position and move the knob with the coarse steps - it can work as long as you do not have RIT or XIT turned on. Switch the rocker back to VFO A (or B) to finish the fine tuning. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/21/2019 11:47 AM, Kevin, N4TT wrote: A scenario from yesterday's contest. I have the P3 set up to view about 3 or more KHz of spectrum. I use a K-pod to run my way up from low to high. I like the FINE setting to get that signal right where I want it but would like a course transition up to that signal. I could push a button to turn off FINE or turn on COARSE, run to the signal, push a button again to go back to FINE and finish the tuning. I could set up the macro buttons on the KPOD to do this so I didn't have to reach for the radio but still have to turn the functions on/off. Or, I could propose a method of changing VFO resolution based on turn rate. I like proposing things. One out of 100 gets a "hey, not a bad idea" comment. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Feature Request: Shifting VFO
Kev and all, No vote on that dynamic VFO tuning for me. It would only be suitable for me if I could turn it off. I have used a couple transceivers that had that type of tuning and it drove me nuts. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/20/2019 1:38 PM, Kevin, N4TT wrote: Consider one of the settings for your computer mouse is shifting resolution. This allows you to move the mouse real fast to get from one end of three monitors to the other. And then, when you slow down, the mouse goes into micro-resolution mode and you can be very precise in your movements. This may be a Logitech feature. I was thinking the same concept could be used for the VFO. I'm familiar with the Fine/Course and RATE buttons but I was thinking (danger Will Robinson) that it would be nice to quickly shift to the next RTTY signal and then automatically switch to the FINE selection based on how fast you turn the VFO. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KIO3B usb com port not communicating
Raj, Don't overlook the possibility that the RJ-45 jack could be damaged. If you have ever accidently plugged the USB cable into that jack - it almost fits, but will damage the RJ-45 jack. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/19/2019 2:32 PM, Rajiv Dewan wrote: Hello all, especially Don, The last tip helped make progress. I unplugged the P3 connected via the RJ45 jack and suddenly my USB/CAT came back to life. And, this disruption is repeatable. Plug the P3 back and again it stops working. Unplug, works again. Now, I will look to see what is up with the P3. I checked the firmware on the P3. It is running the latest. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KIO3B usb com port not communicating
Raj, Try looking in Device Manager again. Which COM port goes away when you unplug the USB cable from the computer? COM1 is normally reserved for the motherboard serial port - which will be RS-232 and not USB. It will be there whether it is connected to the back panel or not. Then plug the USB cable back in - which COM port is assigned? Put that COM port number into K3 Utility and try to connect. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/18/2019 10:03 AM, Rajiv Dewan wrote: Hello, I have KIO3B (USB interface) in my K3. It was working well. Single USB for audio, and CAT. Suddenly, now the CAT part is not working. Here are some aspects: * RS232 in K3/Config shows USB * Serial port 1 shows up in device manager on the windows computer when the USB is plugged in. The sound codecs are working. * Nothing communicates with the K3 CAT any more (K3 utility, and logging programs do not see the K3 on the com1.) * I tried it on a new laptop with a fresh USB cable. Exactly the same issue. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Remote K3s clock setting
Thanks Dick.I'll check that out.DonSent via my Mobile Original message From: d...@elecraft.com Date: 7/17/19 10:37 AM (GMT-08:00) To: 'Don Sayler' , elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Remote K3s clock setting The K3 Utility adjusts date & time with SWTnn; followed by a series of UP;or DN; commands. Current date/time is read with DS; after switching to theappropriate menu.73 de Dick, K6KR-Original Message-From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net OnBehalf Of Don SaylerSent: Wednesday, July 17, 2019 08:50To: elecr...@mailman.qth.netSubject: [Elecraft] Remote K3s clock settingI've looked through the Programmer's Reference guide for info on setting theK3S clock remotely.I have found information for the clocks in the KX2 & KX3.There doesn't appear to be a command for setting the clock in the K3S. Did Imiss something? There must be a way, since the Elecraft Utility doesit.ThanksDon W7OXRSent via my Mobile __Elecraft mailing listHome: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htmPost: mailto:elecr...@mailman.qth.netThis list hosted by: http://www.qsl.netPlease help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Messagedelivered to d...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Remote K3s clock setting
I've looked through the Programmer's Reference guide for info on setting the K3S clock remotely.I have found information for the clocks in the KX2 & KX3. There doesn't appear to be a command for setting the clock in the K3S. Did I miss something? There must be a way, since the Elecraft Utility does it.ThanksDon W7OXRSent via my Mobile __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K144XV with microwave transverters
Rus, The key is that you cannot directly set the K3 IF to 144MHz, but you must set the CONFIG: XV1 ADR parameter correctly. See the "Using External Transverters with the K144XV" section in the K144XV manual page 21. You will have to switch the input to your external 144MHz IF transverters from the output of your band decoder. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/17/2019 8:55 AM, Rus Healy wrote: Good morning. I have a K3 with the internal K144XV 2-meter transverter. I want to use it not just for 2 meters, but also as an IF for 903, 1296, 2304, 3456, 5760, and 10 GHz. I have built a band decoder and set the XVn displays for each band accordingly. I see that I can't set the IF for the XVn to anything but 28 or 50 MHz, so that implies that 144 MHz is not supported along with the higher bands and band decoder configuration. I verified with Elecraft support that this isn't supported--they steered me here (after a 10-day delay and three separate emails to get any answer at all, but I digress). How are others handling this requirement? The automation is important to me, as I am using it not just to steer the 144-MHz IF, but also to set the correct LO frequency and steer the output of the Down East Microwave DIGILO to each transverter based on the band information from the radio. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FT8 TX levels = no power
Peter, See the article on my webpage www.w3fpr.com. Scroll down to the last entry on the left column and click to bring up the document. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/16/2019 6:46 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote: I should have mentioned, this is on a K3s. What radio settings are involved? Is it mic gain or something in the menu? I did find the new Windows TX level for the K3s (purely by accident; I don’t think I could do it again on a bet), and I set it up to 100%. I also set the TX level in WSJT-X to 100%. I don’t know if there are any more level controls involved, and to be honest, I never like to run anything wide-open. But with that said (and set), on FT8 transmit now I have four solid ALC bars, but I can’t push the 5th one to start flashing, as it had before. What was even more aggravating was my RX levels went haywire and it took me almost an hour to find them. There’s GOT to be an easier way to control all these settings! __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Help on wiring up a XV144 to a KX3 (or KX2)
Paul, What I said refers to the KX3 only. For the KX2, there is only a single TRRS jack instead of the KX3 ACC2 jack which is TRS. So the wiring for the KX2 is different than what I specified. 73, Don W3FPR - Paul, Your wiring from the KX3 ACC2 jack to the XV144 DE-9 connector is not correct. The ACC2 shield should wire to XV Control pin 1 - this is ground for the XV144. The ACC2 ring should wire to XV Control pin 9 - This is the KEYIN to the XV144. The ACC2 tip should wire to XV Control pin 6 - This is the AUXBUS signal to the XV144. The KX3 ACC2 IO menu parameter must be set to TRN CTRL. I have some questions about the level of this signal - the KX3 outputs a 3 volt logic level and the XV144 is expecting a 5 volt logic level. You can try it direct (I have never tried it). If things do not work properly, you will have to insert a bi-directional level conversion in the path. Actually the XV144 will work fine without the AUXBUS connection, but you do need the KEYIN signal. Configure the XV144 for a non-Elecraft transceiver and with the KEYIN connection, all will work fine. Set all the DIP switches to OFF - those switches only respond to the Power On the XV from the transverter. That signal is only available from the K2 and K2, it is not available from the KX3. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/8/2019 9:08 PM, Paul Gacek via Elecraft wrote: I would like to connect these two and am following the guidance in Fred Cady’s KX Line manual page 239 and details in the XV Owners Manual. Wiring/connectivity is; - KX3/KX2 RF out (28 MHz via BNC) connected to XV144 Tx In/IF1 port (single port for RX/TX). - KX3 ACC2 connected to XV144 CONTROL DB9 port KX3 transverter 6 is configured XV144 configured to be transverter 6 via instructions on page 5 of XV Owners Manual (i.e as if the XV is connected to a K3 using the wiring outlined above. Can someone confirm that this is the wiring I should; - KX3 ACC2 TIP wired to pin 3 of XV CONTROL - KX3 ACC2 SHIELD wired to pin 5 of XV CONTROL __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Help on wiring up a XV144 to a KX3 (or KX2)
Paul, Your wiring from the KX3 ACC2 jack to the XV144 DE-9 connector is not correct. The ACC2 shield should wire to XV Control pin 1 - this is ground for the XV144. The ACC2 ring should wire to XV Control pin 9 - This is the KEYIN to the XV144. The ACC2 tip should wire to XV Control pin 6 - This is the AUXBUS signal to the XV144. The KX3 ACC2 IO menu parameter must be set to TRN CTRL. I have some questions about the level of this signal - the KX3 outputs a 3 volt logic level and the XV144 is expecting a 5 volt logic level. You can try it direct (I have never tried it). If things do not work properly, you will have to insert a bi-directional level conversion in the path. Actually the XV144 will work fine without the AUXBUS connection, but you do need the KEYIN signal. Configure the XV144 for a non-Elecraft transceiver and with the KEYIN connection, all will work fine. Set all the DIP switches to OFF - those switches only respond to the Power On the XV from the transverter. That signal is only available from the K2 and K2, it is not available from the KX3. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/8/2019 9:08 PM, Paul Gacek via Elecraft wrote: I would like to connect these two and am following the guidance in Fred Cady’s KX Line manual page 239 and details in the XV Owners Manual. Wiring/connectivity is; - KX3/KX2 RF out (28 MHz via BNC) connected to XV144 Tx In/IF1 port (single port for RX/TX). - KX3 ACC2 connected to XV144 CONTROL DB9 port KX3 transverter 6 is configured XV144 configured to be transverter 6 via instructions on page 5 of XV Owners Manual (i.e as if the XV is connected to a K3 using the wiring outlined above. Can someone confirm that this is the wiring I should; - KX3 ACC2 TIP wired to pin 3 of XV CONTROL - KX3 ACC2 SHIELD wired to pin 5 of XV CONTROL __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] oh my. K1 woes
Lloyd, Pull the key plug out, then see if it stops. If so, check the key and the plug. The plug must be stereo and have the key connected only to the tip and the shell (no connection to the ring). 73, Don W3FPR On 7/8/2019 11:27 AM, LL wrote: I just set my new-to-me K1 up in the field. I can switch bands, but keying the rig with my straight key results in a steady key-down that only stops when I power cycle the rig. The menu is not available. Any ideas? Everything worked perfectly at home, of course. supply voltage is 13.2 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 PLL reference oscillator problems (DAC side!)
Ryan, Those sub-par J310s should work in all other circuits in the K2. The only other possible exception is Q18, but if you can successfully run CAL PLL, then all should be OK at Q18 as well. The problem J310s at Elecraft was resolved early this year and the incidences of this problem should be diminishing soon. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/7/2019 2:27 PM, Ryan wrote: My K2 was having this same issue with the PLL test. I replaced the Q19 J310 with one on hand and it fixed it. Should I replace all the J310 in my kit, and option kits, or are the sub-par J310 only a problem in the PLL circuit? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 REC has stopped functioning.
Steve, DVR or CW and digital modes? If CW or digital, use K3 Utility to edit the messages with the keyboard. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/6/2019 1:14 PM, KI4EZL wrote: Hi, K2 REC button will not let me change messages. MSG button works fine. Radio seems fine. Just cannot get in and change any of the messages. I wanted to update one button to work the 13 Colonies event. Any good ideas on what to look at? Thank you, Steve - KI4EZL -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 retrofit backlight mod
Lloyd, The kit for built K1s included the LCD p/n E600015, for unbuilt K1s it was not included. In order to install the backlight the LCD must be removed and will most likely be destroyed in the process. The easiest way to remove it is to cut the pins close to the LCD body and then remove them one at a time. Before doing anything, check with the Elecraft sales office to be certain both the p/n E600015 and the backlight kit for an unbuilt K1 are available. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/6/2019 4:34 PM, LL wrote: The backlight mod on the Elecraft site says that it's for unbuilt kits. Can it be added to a built kit? If not, is there a mod for that, somewhere...? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 Intermittent Frequency Instability
Chris, First check the 10 turn VFO pot and its connections on the front panel board. If the pot itself is the older one with a blue plastic shaft (remove the knob to check), replace it with the newer metal shaft pot. If that is not the problem, turn to sheet 1 of the RF Board schematic. Reflow the soldering for all the components in the VFO area. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/5/2019 7:01 PM, Christopher Bowne wrote: My 40 and 20 meter K1 has developed intermittent frequency instability and sometimes complete loss of ability to tune (frequency display jumps and stays on 68.0 nominal on 40 and 63.0 nominal on 20). Lightly “mechanically agitating” the circuit board just behind the front panel will bring it back into stable operation, but any sort of movement (I run it QRP mobile in a Tacoma 4x4) will throw it out of whack again. Three modes - normal stable, squiggly unstable, and locked at nominal 68 or 63 above 7.0 or 14.0 as noted above. Seems like a bad solder joint or solder whisker somewhere. Any suggestions on where to look? K1 S/N 0291. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Headphone set up problem
Note carefully that Wunder specified a "SPLITTER" and that is different than an 'adapter'. The more common mono to stereo adapter will NOT cure the condition. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/5/2019 3:28 PM, Walter Underwood wrote: The mic plug is shorting the “mic button” (PTT) contact. Set MIC BTN to OFF in the menus or use an off the shelf stereo to mono splitter. I described the latter in this blog post. The splitter also gives you cleaner mic bias and a PTT jack. https://observer.wunderwood.org/2015/08/16/yamaha-cm500-headset-with-ptt-on-elecraft-kx3/ wunder K6WRU __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT a bit: K3 Ant Tuner
Rich, Yes and no. With 2 antenna tuners in-line, there will be a bit more loss due to inductor winding resistance, but other than that, it should do harm. Several bandpass filters indicate that they should be between the rig and the tuner (so the bandpass filters are not run at a high SWR). If the power rating of the bandpass filter is marginal with respect to the rig power, then I would observe that caution. Refer to the bandpass filter specs. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/5/2019 10:57 AM, Rich wrote: To minimize emails direct replies would be nice. I searched the web and could not find an answer. I know there are a ton of smart folks on this list so I thought I would ask. On Field Day at typical setup is : K3 (or any radio) - bandpass filter - External Antenna Tuner - Antenna So the antenna was tuned via the external tuner, but saw a guy then using the K3 ant tuner to touch up the SWR between the radio and the bandpass filter. Is that an acceptable practice? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] CW problem
John, The recommended troubleshooting steps in cases like this is to remove everything from the K3 except the power cable and the coax to a dummy load. With that done, does the problem still appear - if so contact supp...@elecraft.com. If it does not appear, then plug things back in one at a time to see which external device is causing the problem. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/4/2019 9:34 PM, John and Rita Freitag via Elecraft wrote: I am trying to run down a CW transmit problem on my K3s. Anytime I change the mode from LSB or USB on any band to CW it starts to send a “dit” without stopping and I have to halt it by restoring the configuration. This does fix it until I try to switch to CW again; and then, the same story. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] bizarre 30m ---> 20m K1
Lloyd, Take a look at the crystals on the 2 band board. The crystal for 40m will be 15MHz, the one for 30m will be either 18.0 or 18.1 depending on whether you have the 150kHz or 80kHz VFO tuning range. The crystal for 20m is 22MHz. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/3/2019 6:47 PM, LL wrote: My new 30-40m K1 arrived, and it seems to work well...EXCEPT: When switching from 40 to 30, tapping BAND shows first 10, then 150, than 50.0, for 10150.0. But the RBN showed that it's transmitting on 14050! How can this be. This transmitter is on 20. 10131 = 14031. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Fw: Re: K2: "Pop" when switching certain bands
Jim, You might want to check the PLL Reference Oscillator Range on that K2 - sometimes called the "R30 voltage". Don W3FPR On 7/3/2019 5:24 PM, Jim KO5V wrote: Don, Setting each VFO to a frequency within the 15M band cured the "VFO B-A" pop. I checked the other bands, and found 20M "popping" when changing VFOs. One was set to 14.223, the other to 14.342. I found a pop as I tuned through ~14.348, so setting that VFO to a frequency lower that that, cured it. Does the rig effectively tune through the frequencies between the VFOs as it is switched, so if there are pops, it might see them? I still hear pops that are louder than I like as I tune from 15M to 12M, and 17M. When going from each of those bands into 15, it is more of a click - like between 20M and 10M. I guess I can live with that. Thanks again for your patience. and for sharing your experience. 73, Jim KO5V -Original Message- From: Don Wilhelm Sent: Jul 3, 2019 4:49 PM To: Jim KO5V , Elecraft List Subject: Re: Fw: Re: K2: "Pop" when switching certain bands Jim, There is no relay action when changing from VFO A to B or the other way around - the MCU just sends different data to the PLL and PLL Reference Oscillator. However, 20 MHz may be on the lower limit of the available VFO tuning range for 15 meters. Try tuning the VFO for both A and B back into the 15 meter band limits. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Fw: Re: K2: "Pop" when switching certain bands
Jim, There is no relay action when changing from VFO A to B or the other way around - the MCU just sends different data to the PLL and PLL Reference Oscillator. However, 20 MHz may be on the lower limit of the available VFO tuning range for 15 meters. Try tuning the VFO for both A and B back into the 15 meter band limits. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/3/2019 3:57 PM, Jim KO5V wrote: Hi again, I did as Don suggested, and checked the values of all of the capacitors around U1, and all of the band-switching relays. I also re-flowed all of their solder joints. With the bottom panels, top panel and the left-side panel off, the click in the audio was a lot better, and switching VFOs on 15M was quiet. However, after I put it all back together, it's all returned. I looked the the S-meter, and with the RF gain set fully cw, I see the following brief readings that accompany the clicks and pops in the speaker: 15M, VFO A to VFO B: S1; *15M, VFO B to VFO A: S9; 15M-17M: S1; 17M-15M: click, no reading; *15M-12M: S5; 12M-15M: click, no reading; 20M-30M: click, no reading; 30M-20M: click, no reading. The other bands/VFOs switch quietly. Otherwise, the radio seems to work just fine, and has been performing well. I recently set 15M VFO B to 20MHz WWV, and that's when I noticed this. I wonder if I should just forget about it, except the S5 and S9 pops just don't give me a good feeling. How does the radio switch between VFO A and VFO B? I assume it's done in the firmware, but is some relay (or a band-specific relay) involved? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] When Transmitting on FT8 - KPA500 has issues - KD8ZYD
Andy, That appears to be a TS-590/HDSDR problem and not a KPA500 problem. You can likely get more support from th TS-590 and HDSDR forums than from us on the Elecraft reflector. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/2/2019 10:19 PM, Andy Durbin wrote: "In my case HDSDR sound output had spontaneously changed to TS-590 TX CODEC creating a feedback loop through the PC. Break the loop and all is normal. – Question, how do you break the loop?" __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Open Source Code
Lyle, Does that include the KDSP2 Firmware IC code? Or is it only the code in your DSP-x module? 73, Don W3FPR On 7/1/2019 7:21 PM, Lyle Johnson wrote: FWIW the DSP source code for the KDSP2 was and has always has been open source. Until the Elecraft web site update in the last several months, and while the KDSP2 was an active product at Elecraft, the code was on the website for free download. I recall perhaps four inquiries about it over the 14 or so years it was posted, and most of those were in the first two years. I somehow managed to keep up with all those inquiries... The code is backed up on the web at several locations, you can easily find with a duckduckgo search. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] When Transmitting on FT8 - KPA500 has issues - KD8ZYD
Fred, Is the KAT500 trying to do a TUNE? It sounds like it may be. If left in AUTO mode, the KAT500 can occasionally detect a false SWR result. When that happens, the KAT500 will break the keying line to the KPA500 while it tunes. With the KAT500 in AUTO - train the tuner for all band segments and antennas you use, then set the KAT500 to MAN for operation. Do that and see if the problem stops. If that is not the problem, connect the KPA500 (not the KAT500) to a 500 watt or greater dummy load and see if you can duplicate the problem. If it fails on the dummy load, contact supp...@elecraft.com. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/1/2019 9:05 PM, Fred wrote: Hi, I have a K3, P3, KPA500, KAT500 and a SignaLink for sound. Sometimes when I transmit on FT8 running full power on the KPA500, the KPA500 will click on/off. The power doesn't turn on/off, it seems like a relay inside. The power meter will go to about 500 watts, then down to 0, then to abut 500 watts...and down to 0 maybe once a second. I have a short video I can send if someone would like to see it. When I bypass the KPA500 and use 50 watts or so just on the K3, no issues. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Open Source Code
Bill, That is quite generous of you, and all those who provide public domain code. Each of those software packages you mention run on a computer, and are a complete package within itself. That is different than a situation where firmware and software are tightly integrated. This being the Elecraft reflector, (and I being a former of the Elecraft support team) can say that support of the Elecraft gear would be a real mess if the firmware were made either public domain or open source where customers could alter the code. Because the hardware function and firmware function are tightly integrated, it is difficult to determine whether there is a hardware or firmware failure. If the code were to be open source or public domain, the first response of the support team would have to be "download and install the official firmware and try again. Support for non-Elecraft written code would be a very costly venture for Elecraft. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/1/2019 5:13 PM, Bill Frantz wrote: I must strongly disagree with Bob. Before I retired, most of my career was spent writing code. This code became the property of my employer, and when they went bankrupt, I could not access it, support it, or use it. I never want to be in that situation again. I will write open source code, but prefer to write public domain code. My reward comes when people use my code for their own purposes. I will also point out that much of the code that supports the Internet is open source. For example: the Firefox browser, the clang and gcc compilers, the apache web server, the openssl encrypted transport layer suite, and the code that does basic Internet routing. The Linux OS is open source. In amateur radio, wsjt-x, cocoaModem, and N1MM are open source. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2: "Pop" when switching certain bands
Jim, On the setting of 8R HOLD, are you exiting the menu after making the change? (tap MENU twice). You may want to look at the RF board schematic sheet 3. All the capacitors around U1 (The IO Controller) can be checked for proper values (most are .001uF marked 102). Also check that they are all in the proper holes (and not through an adjacent via hole). How are you switching directly from 10m to 20m? With the BAND+/BAND- buttons, you must cycle though 15 meters going between 20m and 10m, so I am a bit confused by your statement. If you are using a software application to switch, remove it and test from the K2 buttons. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/1/2019 1:04 PM, Jim KO5V wrote: Hi Don, OK, the rig is S/N 7225. No KDSP2 is installed. I'm using an external CLRdsp box and speaker. The rig has been working very well; I've received many good signal reports. The DSP , AUX I/O, antenna and mic are all disconnected. I can hear this on the K2's internal speaker as well. I accessed the menu, and set it to 8R Hold. Then, each time I access that menu, it shows 8R nor, so I'm not sure if the setting isn't "sticking", or that it just resets each time it is accessed (or maybe I don't know what I'm doing). Q23 measures 0V, 0V, 7.9V (8V nominal), which is what the manual says. These pops are not clicking relays. They are in the audio, and might have always been there. I started using VFO B on 15M to check 20MHz WWV, so I just noticed the issue. The loudest pop happens when switching from 15M VFO B to A (but not A to B). None of the other bands do this. It's also rather pronounced when switching into and out of the bands on each side of 15M. Maybe it's just one of those "it just does that" situations, but it seems a bit strange to me that it is only on one band. I do hear a faint one when switching between 10M and 20M, but it's not at all obnoxious. Thanks again. 73, Jim KO5V __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 data mode fail
Skip, Make certain the K3 is getting audio into the Line In jack. Pull the speaker or Line Out cable from your soundcard and plug headphones or amplified computer speakers into that soundcard jack. Then do a TX from your software application. Do you hear any audio tones? If not, check the computer/soundcard. If audio there, plug in the cable to the K3 Line In making sure the plugs are fully seated on each end. You could have a bad cable. Since you have good audio to the computer on RX, swap the two audio cables between the soundcard and the K3. If you have an OK waterfall display, the cable between K3 Line Out and soundcard line in (mic) is working. If you still have problems, contact supp...@elecraft.com for further analysis. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/30/2019 11:43 PM, Skip Cameron wrote: While using my K3 in data A mode with wsjt-x software on 6M, TX stopped, and other data modes also have no TX output. RX remains OK, and CW and SSB TX & RX still work OK. Need suggestions on diagnosis or reset process. Direct replies off list are OK. Thanks, Skip W5GAI __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2: "Pop" when switching certain bands
Jim, Do you have 8R Hold turned on? If not, set it on. Remove that external DSP speaker and see if you still have objectional pops. Do you have the KDSP2 installed? On older K2s with the older KPA100 installed, you can experience some harmless "pops", especially if you have the DSP NR turned on. The number of relays which are switched during a band change varies depending on which bands you are coming from and going to - so relay clicking is normal. You might want to check RF Board Q23 to be sure it is working. The voltages during receive and transmit should be as shown in the DC voltage tables. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/30/2019 4:55 PM, Jim KO5V wrote: Good Afternoon, Today I noticed a "pop" on the audio of my K2 when I changed in and out 15M, so I checked the switching on all bands: When changing from 15M to 12M or 17M it is fairly loud. Changing from 12M or 17M to 15M causes a fainter "pop". A much more attenuated "pop" happens when changing from 14M to 10M, and also from 10M back to 14m. Also, on 15M, when changing from VFO B to VFO A I hear a loud "pop", but it does not happen going from A to B. The fainter "pops" might have always been there, but the ones on 15M are loud enough to cause the clip light on my DSP to turn red. I wonder if it has something to do with diodes across relays, or the relays themselves. Any more ideas? Thanks in advance. 73, Jim KO5V __ 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 donw...@embarqmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 4-band board wanted
Lloyd, Elecraft does still have some band kits for the 2 band board. Order the kit for the band you wish to switch to. There are no new 2 band boards available from Elecraft. Yes, if you can find another 2 band board, you can change the band boards easily. The K1 will remember the OPF offsets for up to 6 bands. You only need to change the board and set the "b1" and "b2" menu parameters to match the bands of the boards in use. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/1/2019 9:25 AM, LL wrote: I'm acquiring a K1 with ATU, 30 and 40. Really would love to have 20 and 80. If nothing else, I might be interested in seeing if it's possible to rework the existing board for 20, instead of 30. Is it possible to have four bands on two boards - that is, not on a four-band board? might it be possible to swap them out to switch bands, if needed, and only two-band boards are available? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft KX4
May I suggest that any Mobile (meaning mounted in a vehicle) transceiver NOT have a touchscreen or panadapter. It can create additional distracted driver problems, and we have enough of that already with automotive touchscreens, navigation systems, and the like. I for one do not operate mobile - my eyes and attention need to be on the road and not some device in the vehicle. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/1/2019 7:09 AM, Sergey Zimin wrote: I meant the 5-watt version of the k4 with a panadapter in a single package the size of which is like kx3... пн, 1 июл. 2019 г., 13:16 Nr4c : Not mentioned so far. BTW: What is a “mobile” version? They’ve so fa not done this for any other radio. Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill On Jul 1, 2019, at 12:30 AM, Sergey Zimin wrote: It is interesting to know: will Elecraft issue a mobile version - KX4? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Help me! Kpa100 broked during lightning
Juha, Whenever I had a lightning hit KPA100 to repair, I always replaced all the active devices (including all diodes) in the KPA100. Even if the devices are not currently failing, there is a good chance that they have been stressed and will fail later. If you are using a USB to serial adapter, that was likely damaged too. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/1/2019 6:30 AM, Juha - oh6os wrote: Hello, Yes, all cables was connected during the first lightning bolt nearby. Now K2/10W is ok! All work fine, luckily. But with KPA100: 1) Metering (K2 LED paragraph) do not show anything. 2) I get 10W and 100W output, but can't adjustable power. 3) KPA100 don't talk with computer, yes computers COM port is broken too. But I tested with another working COM and the same situation; don't work. 4) Pressing TUNE K2 show "0.1 9.9-1" (10W) and 1 1.0-1 (100W). I replaced D16 and D17 on KPA100. Nothing changed. juha oh6os __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 wattage
That gentleman is mistaken unless something happened while I was not watching, the KX3 does up to 15 watts. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/29/2019 4:04 PM, JP Douglas wrote: Hi all! While having a QSO yesterday from my mobile to a QRP station on 20 meters, the gentleman I was chatting with mentioned that the KX3 now does up to 20 watts of power. Never heard this before and wondering if it's true, currently my KX3 does up to 15 watts. I use my KX3 mostly for digital modes; winlink and fldigi but do try voice w/it once in a while. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation
Greg, The Elecraft power control is done in the RF stages and not the audio. After a band change or a change in the POWER knob, the power control loop is reset. The response time is quick enough that you do not notice it in normal operation, although it does take a dot or two in CW or a couple of syllables in voice to obtain enough RF output to be properly measured by the wattmeter and fed back to the MCU. In the case of digital modes, if the audio is not sufficient, the measured power will be lower than what is requested by the power knob and the radio will begin to ramp up power - but if one or more of the RF stages has reached its limit, there will not be enough power, and the RF output level will come up quite slowly or not at all - so the radio continually "hunts" for the power the power requested, but never makes it. So keep the audio up to that specified for data (4 bars solid, 5th flashing) or voice modes (5 to 7 bars) and all will be well. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/29/2019 1:35 PM, Greg Troxel wrote: I have always been a bit unclear on what the Elecraft ALC/power was really doing. You mention low power then then hunting, and the notion of a set power level, measuring, and adjusting gain. That makes me think that there is an initial gain that is computed/calibrated somehow, that if right will not result in an adjustment right away. Presumably that's a known relationship between an audio input of an appropriate power and the desired RF level. Is that a fair characterization, or if not, could you explain how it's wrong? I am guessing also that there is some kind of silence detection or max gain, as keying the mic without speaking doesn't lead to ramping up to full-power transmitted noise. I could see the power loop having a narrow range, enough to account for how much variance there should be, but not 40 dB worth. I have seen repeatedly about "4 bars solid and 5th flashing" as the right place, and the "no ALC" point. Is there really an ALC circuit, that reduces gain in the audio stage when a higher input level is measured? Does this have a sufficiently long decay time constant so that an FT8 or PSK signal would get adjusted acceptably and still have a low-distortion signal? Or is there still a transfer slope where the output ends up too high? Overall, this seems like having two coupled control loops instead of one, and I'm guessing that the point is to have different time constants in each one, or to get the levels right at two points in the circuit instead of one, by having audio gain and RF gain separately controlled. Is that accurate? Separately, I wonder about issues with different levels of different audio frequencies resulting in a transmitted signal which while not necessarily distorted is off plan and therefore less well decoded (assuming there isn't adaptive equalization in the decoder after pilot tones, and I don't have the impression there is). Does this end up being an issue in practice? I would hope that with the relatively close spacing within an FT8 signal that this is likely to be not a problem. tnx es 73 de n1dam __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 headphone output impedance and recommended speaker
Dennis, Impedance matching in audio circuits has not been important since the days of vacuum tubes with audio output transformers. Were you operating the KX3 on batteries when you found that oscillation? If so, the internal resistance of the batteries would be the cause of the oscillation. For the computer connection, just use standard stereo audio cables - no need to match impedance - just set the audio level correctly. For amplified speakers, I recommend West Mountain Radio COMspkr mainly because they are shielded and do not howl with the transmit RF. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/29/2019 1:01 PM, Dennis via Elecraft wrote: I searched the KX3 manual and could not find a specification for the headset/speaker output jack. Last weekend at Field Day I plugged in a low impedance speaker and got some oscillations above a certain output level. I want to optimize the impedance match to my computer for FT8 and also know what speaker impedance would be the best match for my KX3. Also, what would be the preferred after-market amplified speaker for the KX3? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation
Richard, When you put the KX3 into DATA A mode, the mic gain is reduced to something resembling Line level. Depending on your soundcard output, you may still need an attenuator. Strive for each audio control in the computer and application to be at 30 to 50%, and then if you have too much audio with the KX3 MIC Gain set near its mid-point, then you will have to add an attenuator. One note on the KX3 - if you drive the audio with too large a signal, the mic amplifier will shut down and the MIC GAIN will not work anywhere in its range. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/28/2019 3:01 PM, Richard Corfield wrote: That's interesting thanks. It means that by aiming for no ALC indication I've been under modulating. I assume the input stage in the KX3 can take higher levels? On Fri, 28 Jun 2019, 16:35 Bob McGraw K4TAX, wrote: Well written generic paper for operation of FT-8 and other digital signals of like mode. It does not totally nor correctly apply to Elecraft radios as power management is handled by a totally different means. And those means and methods suggested in this paper are not applicable to Elecraft radios for power control. From experience in set-up and operating different radios and different interfaces, I do believe that the WSJT-X operating panel which shows the right slider labeled PWR is very misleading and should be changed to some other description i.e. TX AUD. While many radios use the control of audio level to adjust power output, this is somewhat misleading as there are control areas available such as SPKR level in Windows, and Line Gain for the radios or perhaps an external sound card device. Again, the use of the acronym MIC is always a frighting term, in as much as many systems produce a transmit audio level that will overdrive the microphone pre-amplifier input. Once this occurs, reducing MIC gain will not relieve the distorted audio as it occurs pre level control in the circuit. Frankly, one should not connect the sound card to a microphone input without proper and correct means of attenuating the signal before it is connected to the microphone input. In addition, this will always preserve the transmit Signal-to-Noise ratio. As to "compression" I take that to mean Speech Processing, which should ALWAYS be off or set to a zero value. Likewise for EQ, again always set to OFF or FLAT for transmit and receive purposes as well. As a mater of practice, there are three or perhaps four distinct places that audio levels can be controlled in the transmit path. First is SPKR level which is the audio level out of the computer. Second is the WSJT-X PWR slider, and third is the Line Gain within the radio. A fourth, if used, would be an external interface such as a Signalink or Soundblaster. If any of these points end up near minimum value or near maximum value, I strongly suggest further investigation as to why and remedial steps taken to more "normalize" the control values at all points in the system. Some radios do have "meter" indicators which relate to ALC levels while others simply prove a visual means usually the illumination of a LED. In all cases, the indicators should be observed, and the radio operated accordingly with NO indicated ALC action occurring.Again, regarding Elecraft radios, the first 4 bars on the "ALC Scale" are audio level and NOT ALC action. The onset of actual ALC occurs at the 5th bar and higher. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 6/28/2019 9:18 AM, Andy Durbin wrote: Does anyone know of any rig that uses "compression" rather than linear gain control to implement ALC? ref - https://www.dropbox.com/s/f4uaop5tqwzaweu/FT8Noise6.docx?dl=1 73, Andy, k3wyc __ 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 rmcg...@blomand.net __ 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 richard.corfi...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http
Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation
Brian, ALC should never be used for power control doing so usually causes RF compression and distortion. Many of the digital application instructions tell you to set for NO ALC as a *maximum* audio level, set the power control for the maximum desired and then reduce the audio level to reduce the power - I think that is why the slider in WSJTX is labeled POWER when it is really an audio level control. The above method works fine for many transceivers, but NOT for Elecraft which measures the actual power output, compares it with the set power and adjusts the RF drive accordingly. This is a fully closed loop system. As far as I know, Elecraft is the only amateur transceiver using that type of system. With Elecraft transceivers (except for the K2), adjust the audio drive level to produce 4 bars solid on the ALC meter with the 5th bar flashing (this is the NO ALC point. Then leave it that way and adjust the desired power with the power knob. Doing otherwise will result in low power at the start and power hunting as the transmission goes on. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/28/2019 2:38 PM, Brian Denley wrote: I have always thought that ALC is not appropriate for power control. It’s a protection system. Over use of ALC acts like compression. No? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sending KX3 to Elecraft for repair from Canada
Brian, Use the postal system. There are no "brokerage fees" charged by the postal system. UPS and FedEX do charge "brokerage fees" Customs is a different matter - usually properly marked customs forms will go through with no problem. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/28/2019 11:48 AM, Brian “VE3BWP” Pietrzyk wrote: I’m hoping to hear from any Canadian HAMs who have successfully sent their radio (KX3 in my case) to Elecraft USA for repair and got it back with the least amount of brokerage hassles. Which carrier did you use? How did it go? I ask because I once had to send a Yaesu in for a warranty repair from near Toronto to California. Yaesu asked I use Fedex and it was a nightmare. Hoping to avoid that again. Thanks, Brian ve3bwp. __ 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 donw...@embarqmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Firmware Updates
Bernie - and all, I would suggest that you download and install the latest K3 Utility, then connect with your K3S and "Copy Files from Elecraft". After that, look in the K3 Utility Help file for the Firmware Release Notes. You will find information on the firmware updates between what you are now using and the latest. If any are of interest to you, then update your K3S to the latest. Simply click "Send All Firmware to the K3" and wait for it to complete (do not interrupt the process). It will take only 3 to 5 minutes. I would encourage you to update the firmware as it is available. It is much different than Windows Updates, and much less disruptive. You have to initiate the update rather than having Microsoft, etc. deciding it "is good for you" and automatically installing. In most all cases, the firmware updates are painless and take nothing away from your prior operation, but only add new features that may enhance your operating experience. Should the very worst happen and your computer has a glitch during the update process, recovery is easy. Just follow the instructions in the K3 Utility Help File for "Force a Firmware Download", and all will be well after that. That problem rarely happens - computer power glitch, user interruption and other similar situations. If it should occur for you, recovery is easy - just follow the directions. I have only encountered it once in the 10 years I have had my K3 when I did "fumble fingers" to interrupt the total download. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/25/2019 7:51 PM, Bernie and Cheryl wrote: I got my K3s (#10323) back in October, 2015, and got my KPA 500 (#2664) a few months later (I have the full K line including the KAT 500). When I built them, I promptly updated the firmware, and haven't done it since. I checked and my K3s has Firmware Version 5.35 and the KPA 500 has Version 1.38. Am I missing anything by not having updated? I haven't done it because I am maddened by the constant crazy updates forced on us by Microsoft, Firefox, etc. (when I turn on my computer, I want to USE it - when I turn it off, I want it to shut off, rather than update for another 10-15 minutes), and just hate updates in principal. However, I noticed that the interface between the K3s and my Ham Radio Deluxe software is getting a little glitchy (sometimes, the software insists the radio isn't there, even though I've checked the cable), and I wonder if that is a function of needing to update things (and yes, I should probably update the Ham Radio Deluxe software). This glitchyness is the only problem I experience, and otherwise, my setup works great. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] P3 Panadapter and non Elecraft transceivers
Jim, Refer to your Icom CT-9100 manual. First thing to be determined is -- does it have an IF output? If so, the 2nd thing to determine is -- What is the IF output frequency? The P3 can be tuned to use an IF output between 455kHz and 21MHz. If there is no IF output, then you would have to add one. The Icom forums would be your best resource for the base way to add one. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/25/2019 5:59 PM, Jim Dodds wrote: Has anyone added a P3 Panadapter to an ICOM CI-9100 transceiver? If so, are there any reasonably detailed instruction available to mod up the IC-9100 to accommodate the P3? I am new to amateur radio and not an engineer but have a modest level of skill with a soldering station. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low Power Output on 160 and 6 meters
Everett, What is your power supply voltage during transmit at 100 watts as measured with the Alternate VFO B display? With a solid 13.8 volt power supply voltage, you should see no lower than 12.7 volts (there is a diode drop inside the K3). If lower, check the connections in the power cable for tightness. The K3 power cable should run direct from the power supply. Rigrunner and other DC power distribution boxes can be reason for excessive voltage drop. You can increase the power supply voltage up to above 14 volts to help - do not exceed 15 volts. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/24/2019 6:51 PM, EVERETT SHARP via Elecraft wrote: I have three K3S and over the week-end I connected each of them to my Bird watt meter, with a Dummy load. Each of K3S were updated to the current Firmware and each had the 5 and 50 watt calibrations run. What I found was all 3 showed from 80 to 90 watts output on 160 meters and on 6 meters I saw 75 to 90 watts. All other bands showed typically 105 to 110 watts. However, one of the K3S showed exactly 100 watts on all bands except for the lower power on 160 and 6 meters. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Possible issue with K3 Line In port?
If the red TX LED comes on, that is not the problem. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/24/2019 11:02 AM, David Box wrote: Have you tried with VOX ON? K5MWR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Possible issue with K3 Line In port?
Paula, Although you said 'it worked before', take a look at the ALC meter. With digital modes, you should have enough audio to drive it to 4 bars with the 5th bar flashing. See the article on my website www.w3fpr.com. Can you transmit in SSB mode? If so, the K3 audio is fine and you can focus on the Line In or the soundcard output for the problem source. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/24/2019 9:29 AM, Paula Uscian wrote: I suspect I may have an issue with the Line In port of my K3, as my ability to TX in any digital mode has gone away. Setup: 1. Using a Tascam US-122 MKII outboard sound card. 2. MIC SEL is set to Line In on the K3. 3. Digital software, e.g., WinWarbler and WSJT, have the Tascam selected for TX and RX. 4. Mode selection for FT8 is set to Data, for RTTY is set to AFSK 45 bps. 5. Levels are the same as when this system worked – K3 Mic level is set around 43-44. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Possible issue with K3 Line In port?
Paula, Have you verified that you have audio out of the soundcard? Plug headphones or amplifier computer speakers into the soundcard line out jack and do a "transmit" from the software. Do you hear audio tones? If not, you have a soundcard problem. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/24/2019 9:29 AM, Paula Uscian wrote: I suspect I may have an issue with the Line In port of my K3, as my ability to TX in any digital mode has gone away. Setup: 1. Using a Tascam US-122 MKII outboard sound card. 2. MIC SEL is set to Line In on the K3. 3. Digital software, e.g., WinWarbler and WSJT, have the Tascam selected for TX and RX. 4. Mode selection for FT8 is set to Data, for RTTY is set to AFSK 45 bps. 5. Levels are the same as when this system worked – K3 Mic level is set around 43-44. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Measuring SSB RMS Power
Ken, The DL1 is a 50 ohm load. I did specify that the formula was applicable for a 50 ohm load. For other loads, the formula is Vpeak squared divided by 8R. It saves the trouble of converting to RMS and then using the more familiar Vrms squared divided by R. If you wish to derive the formula yourself, you can do that, but represent the RMS voltage as V time sqrt 2 rather then the approximation of 1.414 (or 0.707) which is normally shown. The sqrt will cancel out when it is squared. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/20/2019 10:50 AM, Ken Roberson via Elecraft wrote: Don , That may be peak to peak voltage squared decided by 400 for a 50 ohm load. Thanks 73 Ken K5DNL On Thursday, June 20, 2019, 9:30:46 AM CDT, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: Here is a paper on the topic. This covers the correct procedure. http://www.eng.auburn.edu/~troppel/courses/TIMS-manuals-r5/TIMS%20Experiment%20Manuals/Student_Text/Vol-A1/a1-12.pdf 73 Bob, K4TAX Sent from my iPhone On Jun 20, 2019, at 8:38 AM, John Oppenheimer wrote: Using DL1 with Oscilloscope to measure KX3 SSB RMS power: https://www.kn5l.net/ssbpower/ Question, is this technique correct? John KN5L __ 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 rmcg...@blomand.net __ 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 kwrober...@yahoo.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Measuring SSB RMS Power
John, That connection is OK if you realize that your scope is reading the DC voltage developed by rectifying the RF from 1/2 of the load. You still have to use the power formula that is in the DL1 manual. I prefer to allow the 'scope to read the full peak RF voltage. Connect the 'scope probe to the side of one resistor which is connected to the BNC jack (one of the leads closest to the BNC), and the 'scope ground probe to one or the resistor leads furthermost away from from the BNC jack. Then use the formula to convert peak voltage to power (for a 50 ohm load) which is V squared then divided by 400. Easy to do quickly with a handy calculator. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/20/2019 9:38 AM, John Oppenheimer wrote: Using DL1 with Oscilloscope to measure KX3 SSB RMS power: https://www.kn5l.net/ssbpower/ Question, is this technique correct? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] New (second-hand) K2 owner, what now?
Daniel, There is no composite change log for the firmware. Most of the changes after MCU 2.03 were done to support new changes like support for the K60XV option. The change from 2.04P to 2.04r locked the sidetone source at U8-4 at the request of the support folks who got tired of answering support calls saying "I have lost me K2 sidetone". Great that you got the microphone situation sorted out. Yes, K2FCTR_K2 is the internal frequency counter probe parts. It is good to hear that you knew about the need for the special K2 to computer serial port cable. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/18/2019 10:56 PM, Daniel Solano Gómez wrote: Hello, Don, Looks like I’m running 2.04p/1.09, so I should be fine. Do you know if there is a change log/version history maintained anywhere? I dont’ think I got those, but I think I found it on the Elecraft site (K2FCTR_K2). __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 Original problem of High Current and Low Power
Jim, Your PA transistors had some collector to base leakage which increased the voltage on the base. The usual case is that the base voltage goes much higher and destroys Q11 and Q13, but it seems you are OK. I have seen that condition many times over the years (I have over 1000 repairs under my belt). So when you indicated high base voltage on the PA transistors I knew where it was coming from. The Q13 voltages you measured are within reason. So yes, install the new Q7 and Q8 transistors and you should be good. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/18/2019 7:32 PM, Jimithy66 wrote: Other problems discovered along the way with this partially assembled kit. Hi Don, Thank you so much for sticking with me on this. K2 #2438 Ver. A with no updates. I had measured 1.48V at bases of Q7 and Q8. (installed.) And as you suggested I removed the PA transistors and now measure 0.63 at base terminals with PAs out. I don't know how you figured that it was PA Q7 and Q8 that were bad Don but you were spot on ! It looks like the PA bias circuit is working but would like your opinion. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] New (second-hand) K2 owner, what now?
Daniel, All upgrades are included in all K2s after serial number 4300. The firmware should work fine. If you want to check the firmware level, hold any button while powering on and the MCU and KIOC levels will be briefly displayed - the latest is 2.04r/1.09. Since the KSB2 is installed, you need to know how the microphone configuration header is wired. If the prior owner sent a microphone with the K2, then just use that one - or if he told you which microphone was used with it, get a similar microphone and use it. If you have no microphone information, you will have to disassemble the K2 to get to the back of the Front Panel to see how it is wired. Guidance for how to disassemble the K2 is given at https://www.qsl.net/wy3a/Replace_K2_Headphone_Jack.htm. You do not need to replace the headphone jack, but the disassembly of the K2 is the same as in that article. The microphone configuration header wiring for various microphones is shown in the KSB2 manual - download it from Elecraft if you do not have a paper copy. As for other things, you may want to touch up the IF filter alignment, but if it works, I would leave that for later after you become familiar with the K2. You will need to use the internal counter probe to do the IF filter alignment. Elecraft does have a kit of parts for the probe if you did not receive one with the K2 (it may be inside the K2). Yes, the KDSP2 has been discontinued. You will need to construct the special cable shown in the KIO2 manual to have PC to K2 communications. Do NOT plug a standard serial port into the K2 AUX IO connector - it contains internal K2 signal lines as well as 3 RS-232 signals. Using a standard serial cable can cause damage to the K2 and possibly the serial port. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/17/2019 6:25 PM, Daniel Solano Gómez wrote: Hello, all, My name is Daniel, AG5UT, and I recently purchased a second-hand K2 (#5240) as my first HF rig. I believe it’s in good working condition—I haved been able to successfully confirm it transmits, but have yet to have a QSO. It has the following options installed: * KSB2 (1.08b) * KAT2 (1.07) * KIO2 (1.09) * K160M I have purchased the KBT2, since I like the idea of taking this car camping and being able to operate without having to be plugged in. So, I have a few questions: 1. It seems like since it’s a later serial number, so I shouldn’t need to worry about doing any upgrades of the main system. Is this right? 2. I think I also have the latest firmware versions, is this correct? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] No Power Out on Digital Modes
Ed, Is this a K3 that has been upgraded with the KIO3B option? Or is it a K3S? If so did you plug anything into the LINE IN jack on the back - either intentionally or by mistake? That will open the path for the internal soundcard output. Switch to SSB and try transmitting voice - if that works, the K3 is capable of transmitting in DATA A mode, and you have a problem with the audio. While that does not fix it, it will tell you where to look. If this is a K3 with a soundcard not internal to the K3, plug your headphones (or an amplified computer speaker) into the soundcard speaker jack to see if you can hear audio when the software application transmits. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/17/2019 2:39 PM, k...@juno.com wrote: I've been using my K3 almost exclusively on WSJT-X FT8 since the mode came into being. Things worked fine until a couple days ago when I no longer see any power out or ALC indication regardless of band setting. All connections remain as before, untouched. I switched to MMTTY and AFSK-A to try RTTY and again no power transmitted. I have no trouble receiving for either application. I've checked the speaker port of my computer with a pair of headphones and I can hear audio when I key WSJT-X so apparently the rig is getting audio in. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Next Question: DATA A with K3s and Fldigi
Conrad, Do check and adjust the Windows soundcard controls to mid-range. When set to extremes, it can cause clipping and distortion. With the K3S, the internal soundcard will identify as USB AUDIO CODEC. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/17/2019 11:21 AM, Conrad PA5Y wrote: Don of course it is not a power control, that is obvious to me. I am very fortunate to have a lot of RF and Audio test equipment available both at home and at work so I will measure what works best and try to understand why. I will be happy to share my findings. I will of course read your article. I am loathe to use the Windows audio mixer, I would rather use an external passive attenuator. Maybe the Windows mixer has improved, I need to check that with an audio analyser. It used to be awful so I built an external passive attenuator some years ago. I will be interested to see what happens to the K3S TX composite noise when the power control is used. There is a certain very popular radio where the AM noise comes up by 20 dB when the power is reduced from 100W to 30W. I would be really pleased if the K3S power control works properly! I bought the K3S purely for its TX PN performance. 73 Conrad PA5Y *From:* Don Wilhelm *Sent:* 17 June 2019 16:03:02 *To:* Conrad PA5Y; elecraft@mailman.qth.net *Subject:* Re: [Elecraft] Next Question: DATA A with K3s and Fldigi Conrad and all, The POWER control in WSJT-X is a misnomer. It is actually an audio level control. Do NOT use it to control the power with an Elecraft transceiver - set the audio correctly and use the power knob to control the power. While other amateur transceivers can be made to control the power by varying the audio level, that can be disastrous for Elecraft transceiver Power Control. Read the relevant article on my website www.w3fpr.com <http://www.w3fpr.com> for a full explanation. Set the WSJT-X POWER control for 30% to 50% and do the same for the soundcard control in Windows Mixer, then set the LINE IN gain in the K3/S to somewhere near mid-range. By manipulation of those 3 audio level controls, you should be able to achieve the 'magic' indication of 4 bars solid on the ALC meter with the 5th bar flashing - that is the "NO ALC" point for the K3/S, KX3, and KX2 transeivers. The lower 4 bars of the "ALC" meter are there as an aid for setting the audio levels. Set the desired power output with the POWER knob - do NOT vary the audio level. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/17/2019 9:38 AM, Conrad PA5Y wrote: > > Historically there were all kinds of low level artefacts produced by Windows audio algorithms, including the volume control. This was caused by insufficient precision leading to truncation artefacts. I have not tested it for a while and so it may no longer be the case. The result when I did test it was spectral smearing and some AM on what should be a constant envelope signal. I trust the power control in WSJT-X far more than that from the Windows mixer. These effects only really matter during weak signal conditions when your TX signal is on or near the noise floor. at the receiving station However they do make your signal wider. > > Also be careful how you vary power, reducing audio carelessly will invariably decrease the signal to noise on your TX signal which will also affect a stations ability to receive you. > > My K3S arrives this week and I will make some tests to see exactly what happens with TX composite noise when power is reduced with the power control and by reducing audio drive from the PC. Unless someone else has measured this already? > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Low sensitivity with variable-bandwidth filter
Bill, Congratulations, it sounds like you have achieved success. Once set the K2 alignment usually remains stable for a long time. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Don W3FPR On 6/17/2019 10:36 AM, Bill Coleman wrote: Well, I think I finally got it sorted. I replaced D1 and D2 on my KAT100. One of the diodes was good, the other was likely bad since I couldn’t get the SWR bridge to null, but I destroyed it while extracting it from the board. New diodes are in machined socket pins, which will make them easy to replace (or test) later, if need be. SWR bridge calibration went swimmingly. As for the filter problem, I did a CAL FIL and checked OP1 on LSB and USB, All four filters on CW and RTTY. Other than a few minor tweaks, the only thing I ran into was FL1 on CW (which is a 1.0 filter) was about 200 Hz low. FL3 (0.16) was about 30 Hz high. After the CAL FIL, the radio sounds normal again. I don’t believe I’ll do a full alignment. Thanks for your assistance. On Jun 12, 2019, at 10:09 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Bill, Yes, do the CAL FIL calibration first. If that does not cure anything, then proceed with the rest of the alignment, but I doubt if that will help much - the K2 alignment is usually quite stable over time. The bandpass filter and other alignments are not going to change the relationship between the SSB filter and the CW filter - only CAL FIL will do that. If you still have a problem after the full CAL FIL, you will usually find a problem in the CW filter bank - like a bad crystal (but that does not happen often). Reflowing the soldering on the IF crystals on the RF Board may help. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/12/2019 8:23 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: Yeah, this is looking more like a calibration problem. I’m listening to W1AW code practice on 14.0475. As I cycle through the filters the S-units are roughly the same through OP1, 0.4 and 0.16. But on the 1.0 bandwidth, it is often 1-2 S-units lower. If I tune about 200 Hz lower, I get the same number of bars. I’ll update you when I have a chance to do the calibration. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Next Question: DATA A with K3s and Fldigi
Conrad and all, The POWER control in WSJT-X is a misnomer. It is actually an audio level control. Do NOT use it to control the power with an Elecraft transceiver - set the audio correctly and use the power knob to control the power. While other amateur transceivers can be made to control the power by varying the audio level, that can be disastrous for Elecraft transceiver Power Control. Read the relevant article on my website www.w3fpr.com for a full explanation. Set the WSJT-X POWER control for 30% to 50% and do the same for the soundcard control in Windows Mixer, then set the LINE IN gain in the K3/S to somewhere near mid-range. By manipulation of those 3 audio level controls, you should be able to achieve the 'magic' indication of 4 bars solid on the ALC meter with the 5th bar flashing - that is the "NO ALC" point for the K3/S, KX3, and KX2 transeivers. The lower 4 bars of the "ALC" meter are there as an aid for setting the audio levels. Set the desired power output with the POWER knob - do NOT vary the audio level. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/17/2019 9:38 AM, Conrad PA5Y wrote: Historically there were all kinds of low level artefacts produced by Windows audio algorithms, including the volume control. This was caused by insufficient precision leading to truncation artefacts. I have not tested it for a while and so it may no longer be the case. The result when I did test it was spectral smearing and some AM on what should be a constant envelope signal. I trust the power control in WSJT-X far more than that from the Windows mixer. These effects only really matter during weak signal conditions when your TX signal is on or near the noise floor. at the receiving station However they do make your signal wider. Also be careful how you vary power, reducing audio carelessly will invariably decrease the signal to noise on your TX signal which will also affect a stations ability to receive you. My K3S arrives this week and I will make some tests to see exactly what happens with TX composite noise when power is reduced with the power control and by reducing audio drive from the PC. Unless someone else has measured this already? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Terminal resistance
George, Solid wire will eventually break if it is flexed - and it will break right where the terminals are attached. Stranded wire that is soldered will also break - right where the end of the solder that wicked up the wire stops. The best is stranded wire with crimped connections made with a proper crimping tool. Done properly, that should result in an air-tight connection that should not oxidize. In order to do that, you must use a crimping tool that is sized for the wire and terminal that you are using. Crimping with just any tool will "not get it". If you do not have the proper crimping tool, soldering is OK, but support the wire for about 2 inches away from the soldered terminal so there is no chance that it can flex. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/16/2019 7:22 PM, Kidder, George wrote: Interesting data, Don. I wonder if there is any information about resistance variations between soldered and crimped terminals. One might think that, with stranded wire, even a good crimp connection might not solidly involve all of the strands, and might additionally deteriorate with time since oxygen could get between the strands. A good solder job should wet the wire through and (additionally) exclude oxygen. This wouldn't be easy to measure, for sure, but these engineers are cleaver people! __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3s Sensitive adjustment for FT8
Bob's statement (below) provides a good reason for using a dedicated USB soundcard for digital modes - and make sure Windows does not set it as the default soundcard. You do not need an expensive soundcard for digital modes, many of them can be found in the $25 price range and are more than adequate for the task. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/16/2019 6:04 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: Also if you use your computer for other "sound" activities, any change made from that activity may or will change other things. Just understand how things works and expect to quickly be able to make adjustments with good understanding as to why they need changing. None is a set-and-forget system. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Help with IF Noise, DSP Noise, NR settings
It may be better said that a Noise Blanker responds best to impulses with a fast rise time like ignition noise from a gasoline engine. It does not have to be repetitive (but often is). 73, Don W3FPR On 6/14/2019 2:05 PM, Wes wrote: I have one little nit to pick with this. In a properly designed blanker, there is no requirement that the noise be repetitive; blanking should occur on a single pulse or on random pulses. Blanking becomes ineffective when 1) an undesired signal appears in the detection bandwidth that exceeds the threshold and triggers the blanker more or less continuously or 2) the duration of the noise pulse is so long that intelligibility suffers. Atmospherics fall into this latter category. See: http://k6mhe.com/n7ws/Noise_Blanker.pdf for more of my opinion on this. (The missing text in the last paragraph was not my fault.) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FIELD DAY PREP
Or any other multiband antennas in a multi-transmitter situation. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/14/2019 1:36 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: Neither should G5RV antennas. Bob, K4TAX Sent from my iPhone On Jun 14, 2019, at 10:44 AM, donov...@starpower.net wrote: oops... I meant to say: Inverted V dipole and verticals are NOT allowed at W3AO 73 Frank W3LPL - Original Message - From: donov...@starpower.net To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, June 14, 2019 3:40:43 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIELD DAY PREP We use a dozen K3 transceivers at W3AO, we've never had a K3 failure despite running as many as four K3s on the same band (CW SSB Digital and GOTA). The four K3s on each band do not interfere with each other either. Our secrets to success: - same band antennas are horizontally polarized and oriented exactly end-to-end. Inverted V dipole and verticals are allowed. 100 feet of tip-to-tip spacing appears to be adequate, although we use much more. - We install W3NQN bandpass filters on every K3 to avoid overload from signals from nearby antennas for other bands. Its not widely known that K3 transceivers have built in bandpass filters. As far as I'm aware their performance characteristics have never been published, hence our preference to also also use external bandpass filters. 73 Frank W3LPL - Original Message - From: "Bob McGraw K4TAX" To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, June 14, 2019 3:24:01 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FIELD DAY PREP With stations running 100 watts or less and reasonable antenna separation, I've found no reason for a Receiver Input Protector. Although, it might be a good idea to circumvent a "screw up" by an operator. I've seen some mighty strange things done by knowledgeable hams at Field Day. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 6/14/2019 10:07 AM, KENT TRIMBLE wrote: Have any of you used Ameritron's "Receiver Input Protector" model TRP-150? I find no reviews on eHam. 73, Kent K9ZTV __ 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 donov...@starpower.net __ 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 donov...@starpower.net __ 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 rmcg...@blomand.net __ 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 donw...@embarqmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [KX2] WSJT-X & Win10 Volume Mixer
Bret (AKA Charles), Back down the computer level controls until you obtain the conditions in your first sentence. Than don't change the audio level controls further. You may have to "touch up the levels depending on the band. I know the internet advice is to use the audio level to control the power level, but that is wrong for Elecraft radios. Elecraft radios control power differently from all other amateur transceivers (some commercial transceivers use a similar method) - so ignore that internet advice. Set the audio for 4 bars on the "ALC" meter (that is the NO ALC point). Set the power desired with the POWER knob. See the related article on my website www.w3fpr.com. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/14/2019 11:24 AM, Charles wrote: Hi Don - I *did* say that unclearly. What I meant was that I tried operating 5W with the Win10 volume mixer slider at 50% and 100%. At 50% I can control 4-5 bars with MIC GAIN but at 100% ALC cannot be rolled back to 4-5 bars - it stays way high. I’ll try as you suggest. Best regards, Bret aka Charles Jessee N4SRN -- Original Message -- From: Don Wilhelm To: Charles Jessee, elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: June 14, 2019 at 11:20 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [KX2] WSJT-X & Win10 Volume Mixer Bret, I am confused by the first and second sentences of your post. In the first sentence, you say you can achieve 4 bars with the 5th one flashing. Then in the 2nd sentence, you say that you cannot achieve that same condition. Are you aware that if you overdrive the KX2/KX3 audio with too much input, the KX2/KX3 will shut down the audio amplifier. It may be that you are driving it with too high an audio level. Back down on the computer generated audio and see if things are restored to normal. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/14/2019 9:23 AM, MaverickNH wrote: I'll add that, with Win10 volume mixer sliders set at 50%, WSJT-X slider set to 50%, MIC GAIN is at 3-4 to get 4 bars with 5th flashing. Running Win10 volume mixer slider to 100% does not allow 4-5 bars on the KX2 TX even with MIC GAIN on 1 and WSJT-X slider near zero. BRET/N4SRN -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [KX2] WSJT-X & Win10 Volume Mixer
Bret, I am confused by the first and second sentences of your post. In the first sentence, you say you can achieve 4 bars with the 5th one flashing. Then in the 2nd sentence, you say that you cannot achieve that same condition. Are you aware that if you overdrive the KX2/KX3 audio with too much input, the KX2/KX3 will shut down the audio amplifier. It may be that you are driving it with too high an audio level. Back down on the computer generated audio and see if things are restored to normal. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/14/2019 9:23 AM, MaverickNH wrote: I'll add that, with Win10 volume mixer sliders set at 50%, WSJT-X slider set to 50%, MIC GAIN is at 3-4 to get 4 bars with 5th flashing. Running Win10 volume mixer slider to 100% does not allow 4-5 bars on the KX2 TX even with MIC GAIN on 1 and WSJT-X slider near zero. BRET/N4SRN -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 Early Ver. A Power out problem #2438
Jim, Can I assume this is a newly purchased kit? Or are you building an older one that has been sitting on someone's shelf for a long time with Rev A boards. A serial number would be helpful - above SN 2999 will use Rev B boards. Given that you have 1.4 volts on the base of the PA transistors, you likely have one PA transistor zapped and the other may be weak. Get the K2PAKIT from Elecraft (it contains matched PA transistors). It also has replacements for Q11 and Q13 if needed and a replacement for R50 if yours is not already 1/2 watt. It also contains new PA standoff mounting hardware. First remove the PA transistors. If you do not have good removal tools, clip the leads near the transistor body and remove the leads one at a time. Clean up with solder wick and if solder remains in the holes, heat the solder pad and push it out with a wooden toothpick. Now do a TUNE and measure the voltage at one of the base solder pad. It should be 0.60 to 0.64 volts (0.8 volts is too high) If it is not within that range, replace Q11 and Q13 and reflow the soldering on the components in the bias circuit. Do NOT install Q7 and Q8 until the base bias circuit is working correctly. After those checks (and only after), install Q7 and Q8. Do not transmit without the heat sink installed if you value your new PA transistors. If this is an older Rev A kit, how many turns did you wind on L25 and L26? The older Rev A uses 14 turns which is different than the newer kits. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/13/2019 3:33 PM, Jimithy66 wrote: I finished building a basic kit with no options and the power output will not rise above 2 watts and current (2A) is too high for that power. Hi Cur flashes briefly before power output settles at 2 watts. Voltage checks found the PA base bias circuit putting out 1.4 VDC but 0.8 V is expected. Two PNA transistors Q11 and Q13 make up the bias circuit and wonder if anyone else remembers seeing this problem, and what may have caused it ? Thanks, Jim / W1FMR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Left hand rotary encoder failure on KX3
Richard, I suggest you contact supp...@elecraft.com for that information and possible resolution. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/13/2019 3:07 AM, Richard Corfield wrote: Serial number is 8383, if that helps place the manufacturing date and therefore whether it's part of a batch with a known issue? - Richard __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Low sensitivity with variable-bandwidth filter
Bill, Yes, do the CAL FIL calibration first. If that does not cure anything, then proceed with the rest of the alignment, but I doubt if that will help much - the K2 alignment is usually quite stable over time. The bandpass filter and other alignments are not going to change the relationship between the SSB filter and the CW filter - only CAL FIL will do that. If you still have a problem after the full CAL FIL, you will usually find a problem in the CW filter bank - like a bad crystal (but that does not happen often). Reflowing the soldering on the IF crystals on the RF Board may help. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/12/2019 8:23 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: Yeah, this is looking more like a calibration problem. I’m listening to W1AW code practice on 14.0475. As I cycle through the filters the S-units are roughly the same through OP1, 0.4 and 0.16. But on the 1.0 bandwidth, it is often 1-2 S-units lower. If I tune about 200 Hz lower, I get the same number of bars. I’ll update you when I have a chance to do the calibration. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Silent power supply for a K3s
After consulting copper wire tables and typical connection resistances, I can present the following analysis for a 20 amp load: Often hams power their 100 watt transceivers through DC distribution devices such as a RigRunner which will contribute to the voltage drop. Also in-line fuses will contribute to voltage drop. Connection resistance contributes .05 volt loss under a 20 amp load for each contact point, you have 6 contact points in the path for a fused RigRunner plus two in the APP connector at the transceiver, plus the connection to the power supply for a total of 10 contact points. You have to consider the negative path as well as the positive. So that is a total of 0.5 volts of the total voltage drop. By contrast, a 5 foot length under a 20 amp load of #12 wire has 0.1588 ohms (in both conductors) for a voltage drop of 0.3176 volts, and #10 wire a drop of 0.1998 volts. So conclusion is that while increasing the wire size can reduce the voltage drop, the main contributor is in the power distribution system. A path direct from the power supply terminals can be expected to have a 0.5 volt drop with 5 feet of #12 wire to the inside of the K3. and #10 wire can have a 0.4 volt drop - the difference is only slightly significant. Conclusion - in a 5 foot power cable run, the difference between #10 and #12 wire is only 0.1 volts (0.05 volts in each of the positive and negative leads) - the major contributor is the number of contact points. So for those who choose to measure the voltage drop from the power supply terminals to the APP connector on the outside of the K3, you should measure about 0.2 volts in each conductor with #12 wire and 0.15 volts with #10 wire. If it is much more than that, check your power supply connection tightness and your crimp connections. Run the transceiver direct from a power supply using ring terminals instead of routing through a power distribution accessory. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/12/2019 6:29 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: Regarding "heavy gauge wire", I suggest one measure the voltage drop using a DVM connected direct between the power supply Pos terminal and the radio Pos terminal. Likewise do the same for the Neg DC line. Put the radio in CW mode and close the key for rated output. If one finds more than 0.25 volts drop in either the Pos or Neg line, I'd say that attention to the power cable and connectors would be in order. Also measure between radio ground and power supply ground. Again a voltage value greater than 0.25 volts indicates attention to the power distribution system and station equipment grounding is needed. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8
Rick and all, You did not mention the "NO ALC" point for Elecraft gear. The ALC scale on the K3/K3S/KX3/KX2 gives you the ability to adjust the audio level (the lower bars are NOT an indication of ALC). ALC begins at the 5th bar. Those Elecraft radios must be have the audio level adjusted so there are 4 bars solid with the 5th bar flashing. The Elecraft radios must not use the audio level to control power - other radios may use that method, but not Elecraft. If you want full information about that (and the related Elecraft power control), refer to the article on my website www.w3fpr.com. Scroll to the last link in the left column and click to open the link. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/11/2019 8:42 PM, Rick WA6NHC wrote: On 6/11/2019 4:19 PM, Jim Brown wrote: Fox and Hound certainly "requires" it. No, it does NOT. The frequency shifting can all be done with audio if WSJT-X is set up for no CAT control! At the risk of transmitting harmonics as well as the principle audio... Plus not all sound card responses are 'flat' so the levels, if outside the tested range (say 1500 Hz +/- 500 Hz) vary much, it may be too loud (overdriving) or soft. A simple test, into a dummy load, set your audio tone for a lower tone, watch the output, repeat with a mid-range tone and a higher pitched tone. If you don't have to readjust the audio drive to the radio (while keeping NO ALC), you're fine. If you do have change levels, use the frequency shifting of WSJT-X to stay within the same range. Sometimes cheap audio, is REALLY cheap audio. Rick nhc __ 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 donw...@embarqmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Low sensitivity with variable-bandwidth filter
Bill for receive, you only need the jumpers at J9 and J10 - it is quick and easy to do with bent wires if you do not find the rework eliminators is short order. Those jumper wires will not complete the transmit path - only receive. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/11/2019 5:03 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: I own a set of Rework Eliminator modules, so that should be easy. I just have to find them…. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Low sensitivity with variable-bandwidth filter
Bill, First try removing the KSB2 - put bent wire jumpers between pins 1 and 3 of J9 and J10. Then see if you get a good response in CW. Oh BTW, make sure the CW filters are centered at your sidetone pitch first - use an audio spectrum analyzer and if you have one, a broadband noise generator (if not, use band noise, but make sure there are on signals on the band segement used). If the CW filters work OK with the KSB2 removed, the troubleshooting should start with the switching diodes on the KSB2 option. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/11/2019 2:53 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: OK, I have a K2/100 w/ KAT100 that may have recently suffered from a static discharge event. I had to replace D16 & D17 in the KPA100, and I’m likely to do the same to the SWR bridge diodes in the KAT100 (since I can’t get the bridge to null properly). The other thing I noticed is that the receiver sensitivity is substantially lower when using the CW filter. Using OP1, it seems to receive normally. I have three filters for CW 1.0, 0.4 and 0.16. When switching to 1.0 from OP1, signal levels drop by about 2-3 bars on the S-meter. Anything in particular I should troubleshoot? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8
Wes, You are asking about the limitations of the computer software applications, particularly those providing virtual ports. So I don't think a different radio will change things. You might try Com0Com - have not used it, but I know it is different than LP-Bridge. I think your problem is with LP-Bridge, which buffers K2 information to take the load off the K3 serial communication. Yes, WSJT-X wants to have total control of the radio. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/11/2019 2:47 PM, Wes wrote: Maybe the collective wisdom of this group has an answer not to be found elsewhere. Currently, I use DXBase for logging and an SDR-IQ running SpectraVue software for a panadapter. These are "connected" to the K3S using LPBridge for port sharing. This works well, and provides a clean spectrum display with point-and-click and mouse wheel tuning, if desired. I can also connect N1MM and AXTTY (a DXBase specific version of MMTTY) via port sharing if necessary. I don't use skimmer, spots or any of that other stuff. Enter FT8, which for philosophical reasons I'm not fond of, but pragmatism is forcing it on me. As best as I can determine, WSJT-X (FT8) requires total hogging of the K3S com port. So to switch over I have to close the other programs and start WSJT-X. This takes a little time while DXBase updates its database. Going the other way takes even more time while LPBridge creates the virtual ports before the other programs start. Although I haven't tried it I believe there is a bridge from WSJT-X to DXBase, which then gets frequency from WSJT-X. So, the question is, is there a solution to this other than buying a different radio? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] MH3 Mic
I don't think any of the MH3 microphones were made by Heil, although I
may be mistaken.
I would not be surprised if Elecraft had several vendors for the
microphones - a much better solution than having a single source supplier.
In any case, contact supp...@elecraft.com for assistance. If the
microphone is out of warranty, then order a new one.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 6/11/2019 2:45 PM, Barry LaZar wrote:
Don,
Interesting. My KX3 is s/n 324, an oldie. Do you know who is
making the new mics? I, too, may need that info for future reference.
73,
Barry
K3NDM
On Tue, Jun 11, 2019, 2:40 PM Don Wilhelm <mailto:donw...@embarqmail.com>> wrote:
Barry,
I do not believe that is true anymore (except for the ProSet-K2).
The original MH2 microphone was Heil, but that was changed a very
long
time ago.
Since you just bought the MH3, your best recourse is to contact
Elecraft
about a replacement.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 6/11/2019 2:15 PM, Barry LaZar wrote:
> I would contact Heil. The mics that Elecraft use/sells are
theirs. Heil
> should be able to get your answers.
>
> 73,
> Barry
> K3NDM
>
> On Tue, Jun 11, 2019, 9:19 AM Kent Powell mailto:kpk5...@gmail.com>> wrote:
>
>> I'm now on my second MH3 mic for KX3 and discovered it too has
several
>> cracks in the case. I returned my first one to Elecraft and
received this
>> one at a reduced price. This time I asked about the proper
adhesive to
>> hold it together. The answer:
>> "As the hand microphones are third party devices which we buy
ourselves, I
>> will pass the word internally, . . . . . .Further, since we do
not repair
>> them, we do not have a recommendation on glues etc. to use."
>> I'm concerned this is the answer for all third party components!
__
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Re: [Elecraft] MH3 Mic
Barry, I do not believe that is true anymore (except for the ProSet-K2). The original MH2 microphone was Heil, but that was changed a very long time ago. Since you just bought the MH3, your best recourse is to contact Elecraft about a replacement. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/11/2019 2:15 PM, Barry LaZar wrote: I would contact Heil. The mics that Elecraft use/sells are theirs. Heil should be able to get your answers. 73, Barry K3NDM On Tue, Jun 11, 2019, 9:19 AM Kent Powell wrote: I'm now on my second MH3 mic for KX3 and discovered it too has several cracks in the case. I returned my first one to Elecraft and received this one at a reduced price. This time I asked about the proper adhesive to hold it together. The answer: "As the hand microphones are third party devices which we buy ourselves, I will pass the word internally, . . . . . .Further, since we do not repair them, we do not have a recommendation on glues etc. to use." I'm concerned this is the answer for all third party components! __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] STRAIGHT KEY WIRING-KX3
Jim and all, That is not quite correct. KEY1 is for the 3.5mm jack on the side panel while KEY2 is for the paddle connection on the front (the KXPD3). Check the information in the menu listing description in the manual. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/10/2019 10:32 PM, Jim Rhodes wrote: Actually you can have either the tip or ring as the active contact. You just need to set either the CW KEY1 or CW KEY2 menu items to HAND for the one you wish to use. CW KEY1 for tip, CW KEY2 for ring. If you use a mono plug of course your only choice would be CW KEY1. Jim Rhodes K0XU On Mon, Jun 10, 2019, 19:43 rich hurd WC3T wrote: https://ftp.elecraft.com/KX3/Mod%20Notes%20Alerts/Using%20a%20Straight%20Key%20with%20the%20KX3.pdf On Mon, Jun 10, 2019 at 19:54 Gerry Miller wrote: HI, I AM SEEKING INFORMATION RE CORRECT WIRING OF A STRAIGHT KEY FOR THE KX3. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL COMBINATIONS OF THE STEREO PLUG TO NO AVAIL. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED. 73 GERRY MILLER, aa...@arrl.net Drink This Before Bed, Watch Your Body Fat Melt Like Crazy Diet Insider http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5cfeedf99e5e66df915fest03vuc __ 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 r...@wc3t.us -- 72, Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737 Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information Officer for Scouting Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75.288988 (40°45.68' N 75°17.33' W) Grid: *FN20is* __ 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 jimk...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 Receive Audio
Wes, The most common cause is that the SSB IF filters are not aligned correctly. Use Spectrogram for a visual indication of the filter passband. See http://www.mmccs.com/mmarc/n0ss/k2_filters_using_gram_v5r17.pdf. You will not be disappointed. If you need Spectrogram, go to my website www.w3fpr.com and scroll down on the home page to near the bottom. You will find links to both version 5.17 and version 16. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/10/2019 7:52 PM, wes Bolin wrote: I have a very nice K2 that I bought as previously owned. It works fine on SSB on 20 Meters. The audio from the radio's speaker is low frequency for voice. Sounds good on CW to me, but the SSB tone/pitch is like there is a LP filter cutting off the high frequencies. When I have this situation with other receivers/transceivers I find I can shift the BFO or Carrier Oscillator on the filter slope and get audio that I like. I also changed capacitor values in the audio stages too. With the K2 I've tried other speakers and not found the sound that I like. I am also a little intimidated about any changes around the filter in the K2, since I don't have the spectrum displays that are recommended for exact adjustment. Does anyone have an idea how to get the higher audio frequencies out of the speaker? It will sure help me dig weak ones out of the noise. Wes K5APL __ 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 donw...@embarqmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Erratic tuning on K2
Steve, It is rare to find a faulty encoder. Those encoders are the optical type and almost never fail. I have seen only one failure in the time I was repairing K2s and I have dealt with over 1000 repairs. I would first reflow the soldering on the encoder wires and Front panel U3 as well as P1, RF Board J7 and Control Board P2. Also reflow Control Board U6 pins 8 and 16. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/10/2019 9:09 AM, Steve Kavanagh via Elecraft wrote: One of my K2's has developed a problem where it is (somewhat intermittently) unresponsive to turning the tuning knob. Turning the knob may or may not, at different times, cause the radio to change frequency. Pushing on the case/panels and tapping the tuning knob sometimes seem to help, so I am suspicious of the board-mating connectors and solder joints for the encoder. This happens regardless of tuning step size or VFO A/B choice and does not affect the RIT. A few questions before I tear into it: __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] looking for method to get K2 to send serial output via KIO2 without prompt
Steve, If the problem is that you just don't want to change out the MAX1406, there are 2 unused TX/RX sections in the implementation in the KIO2. You just need to cut the traces to the in and out pins used and wire to another pair of pins. OTOH, just replacing the MAX1406 may be just as easy. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/9/2019 12:11 PM, inventor61 . wrote: My K2 #771 has a KIO2 that has no serial data output. This appears to be due to a problem ... in the other direction. I can see my inbound ASCII commands (e.g., FA;) at pin 6 of U1 on the KIO2 board. However, the MAX1406 shows only rail at the corresponding TTL side. I presume the MAX1406 has popped ... __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3S - Win4K3Suite - SDRPlay
Rich, There is no need to bypass the P3, just connect the SDRPlay to the P3 IF output. The P3 IF output is a replication of the K3S IF output. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/9/2019 7:04 AM, Richard Thorne wrote: I'd like to try Win4K3Suite with an SDRplay receiver. I've been looking for a block diagram showing how the SDRPlay is connected to the K3S or P3. I understand it's a just a matter of connecting the output of the P3 I.F. to the SDRPlay. Can the P3 be bypassed and use the I.F. output directly from the K3S? __ 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
[Elecraft] K3 for sale
I am trying to help a friend, K6BBQ, Rem, sell his K3. Just in time for Field Day, a DXpedition or your next contest. Elecraft K3 Serial # 581. Purchased in early 2008 as a kit. Was serviced and updated by Elecraft in November 2013. Has remained in box since then meant to be sold and instead was stored away. Nov 2013 Elecraft wrote, "K3 SN 581 Meets or exceeds all factory specifications." They replaced front panel pins with gold. DSP Upgrade - F plus much more. K3/100 100W HF/6M Transceiver KFL3A-2.7-F 2.7 kHz SSB Filter KAT3A-F 100W Automatic Antenna Tuner KBPF3 K3 Gen. Coverage RX Module KFL3A-400Hz 8 pole CW filter KFL3A-250Hz 8 pole CW filter Box, manuals, power cord and USB cable included. The radio is currently up in San Rafael. Asking $1650 and includes shipping. Will take PayPal. Contact Rem at : 415-250-9203 marin...@gmail.com Pictures plus the paperwork from Elecraft available. Thanks, -- Don Minkoff NK6A __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] band decode/antenna switch controller
Evert, No, it decodes by band and not by frequency segments. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/6/2019 11:32 AM, Evert Bakker wrote: A Q abt the KRC2: Is it possible two switch to two different antennes within one band but based on frequency span ? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] band decode/antenna switch controller
David, You are apparently looking for the Elecraft KRC2. It is on the website - enter KRC2 in the website search box to find it. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/6/2019 10:52 AM, David F. Reed wrote: In planning my next station, I have not found one item I would like to add... I wish to automatically select the correct antenna per band when using a K3 or K4 with associated amplifier. The objective is to select the appropriate 1 of 8 possibilities remotely, I am currently doing this satisfactorily with a microHam StationMaster, but it has a lot more capabilities that I am not using, and for my next station, a simpler band decode, select remote antenna capability would be what I am looking for. I thought Elecraft used to offer such a best, but I can't seem to find it. Suggestion? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K4 Beta Testers
Reports from Beta Testers are no likely to be meaningful to the general community of potential K4 users - because the K4 will be changed as a result of Beta Test. That is akin to someone who buys a new K2 and searches for mods and changes that may date back to 1999. Those mods are no longer applicable because the K2 has been updated to incorporate all those prior changes. I have answered several questions about those old changes to the K2, and in all cases, the answer is the same - it is incorporated in your new K2. So when the K4 is released, it will contain all the changes agreed to during Field (Beta) testing, and the comments during Field Test will no longer be relevant. It is that same way for the Beta Test period of any product. 73, Don W3FPR On Thu, 6 Jun 2019 at 04:54, Leroy Buller wrote: Are there any K4 Beta Testers out there yet? If so, can we get reports or is that verboten? Lee K0WA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 connectivity problem
Mike, Yes, the first step is to download and install new drivers for your USB to serial adapter. The FTDI adapters work best, if you are using a Prolific adapter, I recommend replacing it. Set the K3 baud rate to 38400 in the RS232 menu. Do you also have a P3? If so, set its baud rate to 38400 as well. Be certain you are using the correct COM port in K3 Utility. The COM port is assigned to the USB to serial adapter, and NOT to the K3. Use Device Manager in your computer to determine the assigned COM port. Open PORTS and unplug the adapter from the computer. One of the COM ports should go away - then plug it back in and see which COM port is assigned. Put that COM port into K3 Utility and TEST COMMUNICATIONS. Windows sometimes changes the COM port assigned to USB to serial adapters - thanks Microsoft! 73, Don W3FPR On 6/5/2019 5:37 PM, Mike March wrote: My laptop is not seeing the K3 using the K3 Utility. Do I need a driver? Change the baud rate? Thanks in advance. Mike K4QU __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] 60 meters
The other easy solution is to use only 5 channel hopping memories and create a Macro to move the VFO A up or down 1.5kHz depending on whether you stored SSB or CW frequencies in VFO A. The frequency shift is constant for all channels, so one Macro will do for all channels. Assign the Macro to a PF button. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/4/2019 7:52 PM, Fred Jensen wrote: That doesn't work Wes, the problem is simpler than that. However, Don has confirmed the behavior, and now it's time for me to be a "Real Ham" and do something here in NE Sparks NV [instead of on the list] to fix "my" problem. Don's [and one other's] solution with 10 memories is a first-run candidate. Since I haven't been on SSB in years, ignoring what happens to VFO B may be an answer too. [:-) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] 60 meters
Fred and all, I have observed what you found. On Channel Hopping, VFO A follows the hop to the next channel, but VFO B does not. While a "fix" may be coming sometime, it is not likely to be coming soon. So I propose a workaround. The simple solution is to set 10 channel hopping memories instead of only 5. 5 for SSB/DATA and 5 more for CW. I doubt that you are using all 100 memory slots in the K3. Arrange them any way you want - each CW memory next to the SSB memory, or go through all 5 SSB memories and then the next 5 are CW. Put some identifier in the label so you can see which is which without referring to the frequency. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/4/2019 3:02 PM, Fred Jensen wrote: This began as a simple question, I can't understand why it is so hard to explain: K3 frequency memories hold frequency, mode, and DSP BW for both VFO A and VFO B. I used the K3 Frequency Editor to load the CW parameters into VFO A and USB parameters into VFO B in 5 consecutive memory channels. Those 5 are "ganged together" with an "*" in the name, IIRC. When I rotate the Big Knob, I expected the VFO's to rotate through the channels [end-around]. VFO A does, but VFO B does not follow, it remains on whatever channel I originally selected. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 USB to 9 Pin Cable (info)
Harry and all, Yes, that clarifies things. Pins 7 and 8 of the DE9 connector at the K2 end of the cable must NOT connect to the K2 AUX IO connector. But the wires coming from the cable (NOT from the D-sub connector), can be connected together. Applications that expect CTS/RTS handshaking will need that connection - most applications will work without it. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/4/2019 3:26 PM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft wrote: To Clarify this information - The color codes are from the wires on the FTDI USB Cable (USB-RS232-WE-1800-BT-0.0) - The only wires that will be connected are the Yellow Wire that will be connected to Pin 2 of the Male 9 pin connector Orange Wite that will be connected to Pin 3 of the Male 9 pin connector Black Wire that will be connected to Pin 5 of the Male 9 pin connector - The Green Wire on the USB cable is the RTS Line The Brown Wire on the USB cable is the CTS line The Green and Brown Wires should be connected to each other and nothing else.- The Red wire is unused - This should clear up any confusion I'm passing this info along for those who may have a K2 and find this useful. FTDI makes a USB to RS-232 Cable Part Number: USB-RS232-WE-1800-BT-0.0 The cable has a USB plug on one end and is terminated in wires on the other end. -- Here is the Pin-out to make a USB to K2 Cable Color - Signal - Notes Yellow - RXD - Pin 2 on 9 Pin Connector - RS-232 Data In From K2 Orange - TXD - Pin 3 on 9 Pin Connector - RS-232 Data Out To K2 Black - Gnd - Pin 5 on 9 Pin Connector - Ground Green - RTS - Tied to CTS Line Brown - CTS - Tied to RTC Line Red - Power - Unused - 0.0v -- __ 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 hlyin...@yahoo.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 USB to 9 Pin Cable (info)
Harry, Before plugging that into the K2 AUX IO connector, the Green, Brown, and Red conductors must be cut or damage to the K2 and/or the adapter can be damaged. Note that the connector on the K2 is labeled AUX IO, and that is for a reason - it is NOT RS-232. At the very least, if that adapter ties RTS and CTS together, that will put +12 volts on the VRFDET internal K2 signal line and the K2 will not transmit with that condition present, and it may damage the MCU pin 2 input. If that pin is damaged, the K2 will transmit but will have no power control and the power will go to the maximum which will cause additional damage if that condition exists for more than a very short time. Build the PC to K2 cable shown in the KIO2 and KPA100 manuals and plug it into that adapter or most any other FTDI USB to Serial adpater. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/4/2019 2:10 PM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft wrote: I'm passing this info along for those who may have a K2 and find this useful. FTDI makes a USB to RS-232 Cable Part Number: USB-RS232-WE-1800-BT-0.0 The cable has a USB plug on one end and is terminated in wires on the other end. -- Here is the Pin-out to make a USB to K2 Cable Color - Signal - Notes Yellow - RXD - Pin 2 on 9 Pin Connector - RS-232 Data In From K2 Orange - TXD - Pin 3 on 9 Pin Connector - RS-232 Data Out To K2 Black - Gnd - Pin 5 on 9 Pin Connector - Ground Green - RTS - Tied to CTS Line Brown - CTS - Tied to RTC Line Red - Power - Unused - 0.0v -- __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Handedness
Dave, It does remember the settings on a per jack basis - at least mine does. You just change the MIC SEL menu from front to rear when switching. The gain and bias settings should remain the same. Some hams don't like to explicitly enter the menu, but prefer to assign it to a PF key. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/3/2019 4:38 PM, Dave New, N8SBE wrote: Shouldn't need to tie up a PF for this feature. The K3 should be able to remember the setting on a per jack basis. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2 VFO/ALC issues
Mike, What is the serial number of your K2? That is helpful information - the Field Test K2s (SN 100 or less) are a bit different than the Rev A K2. There should be only one diode from Q18 gate to ground. The anode connects to the gate and the cathode to ground. While the VFO/ALC mod is a benefit, it will not produce any change in the S-meter. As for the S-meter problem, determine if it is an LED display problem or a problem with the actual S-meter circuit. Rotate the RF Gain control from full clockwise slowly to the CCW position. If the LED display is working, you will see the S-meter indication increase. If it does not, you have a display problem - reflow the soldering on the LED bargraph and Front Panel RP2, then check again. 73, Don W3FPR On 5/31/2019 9:42 PM, Mike Short wrote: I recently bought a used K2/10 and the S-Meter does not work. I am looking at the K2 VFO/ALC mod and have a question about the 1N4148s that are added to Q18. This one has a 1N4148 installed on the bottom of the board anode to cathode across D13, and no diode from Q18-S to ground. Was the additional diode part of another mod? Seems to me that it would defeat the purpose of D13. Mike AI4NS __ 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] KX3 Receive Audio & Control Knob Problems
Robie, Either you have a KX3 problem or you are not tapping the knobs correctly. Do you have the KX3 manual? If not, download it from the Elecraft website and read through it. If you need more comprehensive and detailed information along with exercises, you can order the Fred Cady (SK) manual from Elecraft. For firmware updates, you will need the KXUSB cable which you can order from Elecraft. As an alternative if you have an RS-232 port on your computer or you have a USB to RS-232 adapter, you can build the KXSER cable - the schematic is in the Elecraft XG3 manual near the end. You will also need to download the KX3 Utility from the Elecraft website and install it on your computer. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/1/2019 4:43 PM, Robie Elms wrote: All, I have acquired a used KX3 (serial number between 4000 and 5000, uC firmware 0.150, dsp firmware 01.21) and I am checking it out. The problem I have encountered is no RX audio: 1. The AF/RF-SQL knob does not change either RF or AF gain. When I TAP the knob I momentarily see 1 in the OFS/B window then returns to VFO B. Rotating the knob does nothing. A second tap shows RF --58 momentarily and then returns to VFO B, 2. WIth the MODE set to USB and tuning to 14074 (lots of loud FT8 stations on this freq) I see S meter action. 3. When I send CW I hear a side tone from the headphone and the speaker when the headphone is unplugged. 4. When I HOLD the AF/RF-SQL knob and go to MON the OFS/B window show 5 and rotating the AF/RF-SQL knob does not change the number. 5. The PBT I/II knob appears to function properly. 6. With MODE set to USB rotating the Keyer/Mic knob does not produce any indication of a change in MIC gain in the OFS/B window. When in the CW mode rotating the know does not change keyer speed (remains at 18 WPM), 7. When I HOLD the KEYER/MIC knob to adjust power 5.0W is displayed in the OFS/B window. However rotating the knob does not change the power level. 8. The KX3 transmits CW properly at 5 W output. 9. I do not yet have a USB/Serial interface to possibly reload firmware. I'm looking for suggestions for next troubleshooting steps. Robie - AJ4F __ 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] K2 ...Does High DC Current cause RF power to fold back ?
Jim, Yes, the K2 limits the power in a HI CUR condition. First your DC voltage is low. Check the power cable and make certain all connections are tight - I recommend #16 wire for the power cable, but #18 should be OK. If you are using something smaller, change it to the heavier wire. If your power supply is adjustable, increase the voltage to at least 13.8 -- 14.5 volts is even better. A 4 to 6 amp regulated power supply will be adequate for the base K2. Does this Hi-Cur condition occur on all bands? Or only 40 meters? If only 40 meters, did you wind the 40 meter Low Pass Filter inductors as indicated in the original manual? Or did you wind them from a more recent manual? Check the number of turns - yours should have 16 turns on both L25 and L26 unless you altered the capacitors in the 40 meter LPF to correspond to the newer configuration with 5 capacitors. Normally a Hi Cur along with low power problem says there is a problem with either T4 or the LPF. T4 should be wound with the 2:3:1:1 ratio. While it can be wound with a 2:2:1:1 ratio for better efficiency at 5 watts and below, that is for CW only, and the efficiency will be less above 5 watts - and should never be used with the KSB2 option or the KPA100 option installed (or any external amplifier). When counting toriod turns, count the number of times the wire passes through the center of the core. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/1/2019 2:48 PM, Jimithy66 wrote: Am in final testing of a K2 Ver.A kit and transmit output will not go above 2 watts on an external power meter and 50 ohm load when keyed or pressing Tune. "Hi Cur" flashes briefly and power is limited to 2 watts DisplayE = 11.9 and I = 2.0 Keyed (Un-keyed I=0.22) . Any idea where to start looking ? __ 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 connector
#10 or #8 wire will need the 45 amp contact blades. However, if the purpose is to minimize voltage drop, there is no need to use the larger connector - construct the power pole with #12 wire about 3 inches long. Then splice onto that with #10 or #8 wire for the rest of the run to your power supply. On 5/31/2019 1:22 PM, j...@kk9a.com wrote: This is good advice. I have installed Powerpole plugs without the crimper however the crimper is a nice tool to have. You can purchase custom cables already made from Powerwerx of you don't wish to make them. The 30 amp plug is adequate however the 45 amp plug will allow using a larger conductor. To minimize voltage drop you should use a very large cable, I use 8 awg when my power supply is set up on the floor. __ 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] Handedness
Even being left handed, I have no problem using my right hand on the knobs. That leaves my left hand free to do other things requiring a greater degree of hand/finger coordination. I like it the way it is. 73, Don W3FPR On 5/31/2019 11:42 AM, George Thornton wrote: If Elecraft reflects things to get left hand orientation, does that mean all the letters on the front panel will be reversed? Will lefties also need a mirror to read the labels? Just a joke from a right hander. __ 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 connector
Lee, Unless you can be assured that they are genuine Anderson PowerPoles, I would hesitate to buy them. Buy real ones and save yourself buyers remorse from inadequate contact area and the resulting voltage drop with higher current. If they do not have a "A" embossed on the tip of the housing, they are not genuine. 73, Don W3FPR On 5/31/2019 11:11 AM, Lee Trout wrote: I am looking to replace the powerpole connector on my K3. Am I correct that these 30 amp ones on fleabay are the ones I need? Thanks for any help! Lee __ 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
