Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Z Bracket

[Wes]

There can be another source for "clicking" in the KPA500. See: 
https://groups.io/g/Elecraft-K3/message/38986



On 11/13/2024 7:03 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:

I found the thermal clicking to be annoying and I tried to understand what 
caused it.  I instrumented my KPA500 with thermistors on the heat sink and on 
the Z bracket.  I recorded these temperatures together with the standard finals 
temperature over many hours of KPA500 use.

I could see that the thermal flow between the heat sink and the Z bracket 
changed direction and I speculated that this changing thermal gradient was 
causing differential expansion and contraction.  I planned to put thin mylar 
isolation strips between the Z bracket and heat sink and between the heat sink 
and the side panel.  I thought these would allow the surfaces to slip without 
making any noise.

However, my natural procrastination paid off and my KPA500 stopped clicking 
before I got round to implementing any fixes.

Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] Microphone suggestions for K3

[Wes]

I agree.  I ordered one once, put it on and promptly reboxed it and sent it 
back.

I've moved to Kenwood but admit one place where they dropped the ball was not 
having mic and phone jacks on the rear panel.  I detest those cords hanging off 
the front.


Wes  N7WS

On 11/1/2024 11:11 AM, Walter Underwood wrote:

I tried an SB-45 instead of my Yamaha CM500 headset and hated it. It was a head 
clamp and squished my ears painfully. It sat on top of my ears instead of 
around them like the CM500.

Writeup and photos here.

https://observer.wunderwood.org/2021/01/27/koss-sb-45-vs-yamaha-cm500/

wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)



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Re: [Elecraft] RTTY DX contest going on now -- bands wide open

[Wes]

On 9/29/2024 11:22 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

10 meters is chock full of RTTY stations. Just worked CR33DX on 28.098 with low 
power and a vertical. The exchange is just RST and CQ zone.


And state.


Remember that with a K3, K4, KX2 or KX3 you can operate RTTY with just the 
keyer paddle -- no computer required. When you send CW, the rig converts it to 
RTTY. The built-in decode/display works quite well.

To truncate the usual 4-second dwell time after transmitting, send "..--" (this 
is our IMmediately stop transmitting prosign).

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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Re: [Elecraft] Question about 120 volts vs. 240 volts house supply toKPA 500

[Wes]

I am not a licensed electrician, but I suggest you check with one.  IIRC you 
need a ganged breaker so that if one side trips they both trip.


Wes  N7WS

On 9/20/2024 9:09 AM, Bob McGraw wrote:

  I did not use a ganged 2 pole breaker.


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Re: [Elecraft] Question about 120 volts vs. 240 volts house supply toKPA 500

[Wes]

I run my complete station, including a KPA500, off one 120V 20A service.

The amp recently blew up but it wasn't due to supply voltage.

Wes  N7WS

On 9/19/2024 9:34 AM, Bernie and Cheryl wrote:

Dear Folks:

I have operated my KPA 500 off of a normal wall out let (120 volts) for years 
now and have gotten good service.  However, I've often wondered if there would 
be a definite advantage to getting 240 volt service into the shack, so that I 
could operate the amp off of that supply, as opposed to a normal wall outlet.  
I recognize that there would be less current draw.  My question would be 
whether it would lessen the wear and tear on the amp if I switched to 240 volts?


Thanks and 73 de Bernie, KF0QS


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Re: [Elecraft] IF OUT - Same as just sharing the antenna?

[Wes]

The I-F output samples the signal after the first down conversion but before the 
narrow band filtering. Because of its location, it is behind the T/R switching 
and doesn't need further protection.  For the usual applications, e.g. a 
bandscope (panadapter) the (nearly*) fixed frequency is preferred.  If you want 
to tap the antenna for a second radio to tune another band then obviously you 
don't want the I-F.


*In the Elecraft radios the I-F varies depending on sideband, CW pitch etc.  I 
used SDR-IQs run with SpectraVue software as bandscopes with my K3 and K3S for 
years.  SpectraVue has the smarts built in to accommodate this frequency 
shifting and to remove it from the frequency display.  I believe some of the 
video game SDR programs will do this as well.


SpectraVue will also track your TS-890 when the antenna is shared.  The SDR is 
protected by the T/R switching but you have to put up with the clacking relay 
that shares the antenna.


Wes N7WS


On 3/9/2024 1:37 PM, JHR wrote:
Please help me understand how the IF OUT works on an Elecraft radio.  Is it 
the same thing as sharing the antenna with a T/R switch, or does it tap the RF 
processing chain later down the line. Does the IF OUT merely share the 
antenna, or does it come later in the circuit - are there any practical 
reasons why one is better than the other?  I presume the IF OUT is better, but 
wonder why.


[It matters and will settle a bet who eats steak and who eats hot dog.]

Thanks in advance K8JHR
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Re: [Elecraft] KAT-500 + KPA-500 / SWR Thresholds

[Wes]

If it was easy, then anyone could do it.

On 1/2/2024 8:52 AM, G4GNX wrote:

Why battle against the inevitable, rather than use a band that’s more 
appropriate for the time of day? Unless of course, all bands are dead - then 
we’re all screwed. 😀

73,
Alan - G4GNX
South Coast UK
Elecraft K4D / KPA500 / KAT500 / IC-9700



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Re: [Elecraft] OT: The 4-track mind

[Wes]

I tried to listen to this but I couldn't get very far past the NPR voices.


On 12/9/2023 5:37 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

Occasionally I stumble on something too incredible to not share, immediately, 
with everyone. In this case I'm inclined to not even apologize for using the 
bandwidth. At least not in advance.

Anyone intrigued by human perception of sound, especially musicians and 
ambidextrous CW ops, will find this fascinating, baffling, and perhaps 
enlightening in some way I can't predict:

https://radiolab.org/podcast/4-track-mind-2312

73,
Wayne
N6KR



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Re: [Elecraft] Noise from KAT500?

[Wes]

Note Jim's words about a "good transmission line calculator" and take to heart 
Dan's ,AC6LA, words:



 "Think Twice Before Using a Web-Based Line Loss Calculator"

See his site here: https://ac6la.com/swrloss.html

Wes  N7WS

On 12/4/2023 12:50 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
Clarifying a typo, "antenna tuners" like the KAT500 are networks that 
transform the impedance presented by the transmission line to 50 ohms, 
allowing the output stage to provide power to the line. This has NO effect on 
loss in the line, which is determined solely by the match between the antenna 
and the line, as Bob correctly states.


That said, line loss due to SWR is often wildly overestimated. For 60M, I'm 
using an 80M dipole fed with about 160 ft of a good RG11, which looks like 5:1 
VSWR at the transmitter. Taking line loss into account, VSWR at the antenna is 
around 7:1. A good transmission line calculator shows the excess loss in the 
line due to VSWR to be about 1 dB, which is a small fraction of an S-unit. 
Using FT8, I've confirmed more than 70 countries on that band with 100W, and 
can work EU almost any night from my QTH near San Francisco.


73, Jim K9YC

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Re: [Elecraft] Noise from KAT500?

[Wes]

I know you are a fan of government running everything in our lives, but this 
"small" government is $33+ trillion in debt.


On 12/2/2023 8:25 PM, Jim Brown wrote:


99.9% of stuff that plugs into the wall has a Switch-mode power supply, most 
of which are varying degrees of noisy. They were mandated to save energy about 
20 years ago, but thanks to small government, the FCC has no money to enforce 
their Rules that they be quiet. So they aren't.

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Re: [Elecraft] OT: Wiring A Continent : The U.S. TranscontinentalTelegraph Line

[Wes]

I also recommend this: https://www.nps.gov/pisp/planyourvisit/telegraph-room.htm

I have visited the place. To my knowledge the first op and I are unrelated.

Wes  N7WS


On 11/21/2023 1:43 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

I highly recommend this fascinating first-person account. You might want to 
skim over the parts about political infighting to get to descriptions of the 
route, procurement of poles, Indian encounters, and inclement weather.

(And we thought Field Day setup was challenging.)

http://www.telegraph-history.org/transcontinental-telegraph/index.html

73,
Wayne
N6KR



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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Split Operation

[Wes]

In this case I would say the DX operator is lousy.  A 25 KHz spread on CW is 
ridiculous.  It's even ridiculous on SSB.  Wait for the pileups subside and work 
him when he's begging.


Now if it's Glorioso, that's different.  My #340.

Wes  N7WS

On 11/7/2023 8:07 AM, Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP wrote:
In certain situations you would definitely do better with a second 
receiver.Suppose you have a CW pileup on a rare station, where the pileup is 
25 kHz wide, with many stations (can I say lids?) calling continuously, and 
the DX station is sending 35 wpm. It is very difficult to use REV or TF-SET to 
pick out the right spot and pop back to the DX in time. There is a built-in 
delay in the button, plus your reaction time.
You can do it, but you will get more good shots at the DX with a second 
receiver. And the name of the game in breaking pileups is maximizing the 
number of calls you make on the right frequency.
It takes a little care in setting up the right and left channels, plus some 
practice, but the two-receiver method is definitely superior.
I go even farther and use the two receivers in my K3 for diversity reception, 
and have another transceiver that I use to listen to the pileup and transmit.


73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
CWops no. 5
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/


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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Split Operation

[Wes]

I'm more-or-less with Andy on this one except I use the big brother TS-890 and 
don't need the external panadapter and I've never used CW Skimmer in my life.  I 
will say that the best bandscope/panadapter I've ever used was an SDR-IQ, 
running SpectraVue software on the i-f output of a K3 or K3S.


In the TS-890, the RIT control can control the split TX frequency which is 
displayed on the bandscope screen.  I typically use it, without doing a TF-Set 
swap, to set my calling frequency.  There is much more in working split that 
just hopping on the last callers QRG.  More often than not, this is the wrong 
thing to do on CW.  SSB is usually different because the DX announces their 
listening frequency, but you have to listen.  Sometimes they spread the pile by 
saying up 5 to 15, but they only listen up 5.


I remember many years ago an expedition, (forgot who but their leader was the 
banquet speaker at Visalia the one year I went, and he described this in his 
talk)  They were operating SSB on 14.195 and announcing listening 5 to 10 up.  
But once in a while he would say, "Five to ten up...pause...and 14.190")  Of 
course everyone would immediately start calling up 5 to 10.  I called on 14.190 
and worked him on one call.


Sometimes the DX has a rhythm; they move up or down some Hz after each call.  
You need to figure this out.  But sometimes they simply don't.  I remember 
calling my friend, Ned, AA7A, when he was operating RTTY from either or both 
VP8STI/VP8SGI.  I called for about an hour while trying to figure out his 
pattern.  I finally figured out that he didn't have one.  I picked a QRG and 
stuck with it until he found me.  (I worked both stations)  I talked to him 
later at a club meeting and he confirmed he just spun the dial.


If you want to use a second RX and call on the last caller's frequency, good for 
you, and better for me.


Wes  N7WS

On 11/7/2023 6:14 AM, Andy Durbin wrote:

That was a head spinning discussion!  No Elecraft transceiver here but I've 
been working single RX Split with a TS-590S for as long as I have owned it.

For the TS-590 the key to working split pileups is the TF-SET key which swaps 
TX and RX VFO as long as it is held.  Sounds like Elecraft does the same with 
the REV key.  Listen on the DX frequency, after his CQ or TU press TFSET to 
listen to the pileup. Spin the dial to find who is answering with a report, 
this sets the TX VFO to that frequency, adjust up or down based on prediction 
of DX listening point, release TF-SET and call after next TU.

TF-SET, an SDR based panadapter, and CW Skimmer all help me when trying to work 
the big pileups.  With TF-SET held I can click HDSDR (SDR panadapter) to set 
the TX VFO. I doubt I would do any better with a second receiver.

73,



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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Split Operation

[Wes]

I've been licensed 65 years and I've never owned a transceiver with two 
receivers.  I am one away (drat) from top of the DXCC Honor Roll, am on both the 
Mixed and Phone HR, am a few short on CW and have DXCC on nine bands.


In the last 10 or so years I've found a band scope to be more useful.  With 
modern cheap SDRs it's trivial to do.


Wes  N7WS


On 11/5/2023 7:59 PM, marvwhee...@nwlink.com wrote:

Richard:

It is not necessary to have the 2nd rcvr to work split. I have used my for 3 
yrs without a 2nd rcvr and work split frequently.]

Marv
KG7V


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Re: [Elecraft] List guidelines, please review.

[Wes]

I'm with Dave on this one.  I see guys setting up complicated email filters to 
sort messages into different folders, etc,   I just look at the subject and, 
more often that not, hit the delete key.


Since I have a K3 in a box under the desk that I should be selling I'm 
interested in what the market is too. Leave well enough alone.


Wes  N7WS

On 10/27/2023 3:34 PM, David Gilbert wrote:



Why do you think that for sale posts have little value to the list at large??  
I very much appreciate knowing what is available since Elecraft no longer 
supports such a high percentage of their products, and I appreciate knowing 
what the going prices for those items are.  Why should I have to go to 
multiple places elsewhere with much lower membership to search for that 
information?


There a LOTS of posts made to the Elecraft reflector that don't interest me in 
the least.  A keypress to delete them takes but an instant and I can sort 
though an entire day's posts in a matter of seconds ... literally.


Dave  AB7E



On 10/27/2023 1:32 PM, Geert Jan de Groot wrote:



I believe this used to go out automatically every month, but anyway;
https://elecraft.com/pages/email-discussion-list-guidelines
Please review,,, and NOTE; we now have over 7000 members!
(there were only 3000 when Eric wrote this) > Specifically re recent 
discussion see sections;

3, 4a, 5, 5a, 5a1, 5b, 8.


Just an opinion, not trying to start another mail thread:
I would like the list owner to consider restricting forsale messages.

With the K4 being available and the availability of some K3 options, I now 
see a flurry of messages from people offloading their kit, or looking for 
something.


A discussion about a K3 that has a defect or a modification will benefit 
future readers for years to come (yes, I do use the archives which I think is 
a valuable part of the reflector).


The flurry of messages "K3 for sale ... K3 has been sold" lost their value 
the moment the message is on the list. The person offloading doesn't care 
when he switches to flex or whatever but damage to the archives is forever.


If the reflector degrades to a forsale list then attendance will be 6999 and 
probably (much) lower.


Geert Jan

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Re: [Elecraft] XV 144 trasnverter for sale

[Wes]

Wow, $600.  You can buy a 25W Q5 Signal transverter for $500. 
http://q5signal.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=60&product_id=52


Wes  N7WS

On 10/25/2023 1:05 PM, Michael Kelly wrote:

https://k3bfp.com/?page_id=66&preview=true



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Re: [Elecraft] TS-890 vs K4D performance?

[Wes]

He's an Elecraft fanboy with an Expert 1K-FA amplifier in his shack.

On 10/23/2023 11:12 AM, David Gilbert wrote:


How very boorish of you.  The original post (read it below) specifically asked 
for comparison information, and Wes merely answered.


You are the consummate Elecraft fanboy here and that's fine. but don't try to 
impose your perspective on everyone else.


Dave   AB7E

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Re: [Elecraft] TS-890 vs K4D performance?

[Wes]

Like you I own a K3 and owned and sold a K3S.  I also have a KPA500 and KAT500.  
I too got tired of waiting for a K4 and bought a TS-890.  Elecraft radios taught 
me to always have a spare, so considering similar ergonomics, I also acquired a 
TS-590.  Before all of these I had a Kenwood TS-870 that was flawless for 13 years.


True Elecraft service has been fine, the problem has been I've needed too much 
of it.  My Kenwood stuff has never required service, so I can't comment on it.


The notch filter on the '890 isn't automatic but the beat cancel is and quite 
effective.  I used to say about my '870 that Kenwood wasted valuable panel space 
by putting a noise blanker switch on it and the '890 isn't a whole lot better. 
The K3 can be, if you don't mind 400+ different adjustment possibilities.


Sorry I can't comment on the K4, since obviously I don't own one, and I doubt 
that I ever will, that ship has sailed.


Wes  N7WS

On 10/22/2023 10:58 AM, John Canfield wrote:

Hi all,

Long time fan of Elecraft, I have a K3s and a KPA1500, both are currently in 
service. My primary HF radio is now a TS-890, I bought it about four or so 
years ago after giving up waiting on the K4's to be off the shelf ready to 
purchase.


So on to my questions about the two rigs. For those who have fairly recent 
experience running both the TS-890/K4's I would greatly appreciate anyone's 
thoughts and comments about the two rigs. I really like the 890 after I 
finally figured out how to run it (hi hi). I like the visual representation of 
adjusting the high and low bandpass filters on the waterfall. One feature of 
the 890 I don't like is the notch filter isn't automatic unlike my K3s.


I know there's a lot of complaints about relatively poor DSP noise reduction 
on the 890 and I do agree it's not in the same class as my K3s but nonetheless 
it's still quite effective. Receive sensitivity on my 890 is outstanding, I'll 
have to give it a subjective 5 stars and my K3s 4 stars.


One huge bonus of Elecraft is factory service which I've had to use a couple 
of times with my K3s. I give it 5 stars :-)


Any helpful comments are greatly appreciated and please be brutally honest.

73 de John WB5THT

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Re: [Elecraft] K-Pod button problems

[Wes]

Is the firmware up to date?



On 9/27/2023 5:39 PM, ws6x@gmail.com wrote:

Hello John & the Elecraft Gang,
I have a similar problem with one of my KPOD switches. (I also use the KPOD
for RIT when I'm running in CW and RTTY.) In my case, I have F3 programmed
to toggle in and out of Diversity RX. Tap F3 = DIV; Tap & Hold F3 = clear
DIV. For many years this worked like a charm, but recently when operating
SPLIT, if I tap F3, it clears SPLIT. If I put the radio back into SPLIT, Tap
& Hold F3 again clears SPLIT. The same DIV on/off with the SUB button on the
radio does not mess with SPLIT.
If this function hadn't operated correctly before, I would naturally suspect
a programming issue. Could this somehow be defective switches? Reload
firmware? BTW: the F3 Tap / F3 Tap & Hold by themselves work flawlessly.
Any ideas much appreciated!
Jim - WS6X

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of j...@kk9a.com
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 8:11 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K-Pod button problems

During the weekend's WW RTTY contest I used a K3S and a K-Pod.  The K-Pod
worked great for RIT control.  I tried to use it to occasionally switch my
RX antenna in and out but then I was quickly reminded why I do not use this
function and instead use the RX ANT button on the radio.  I have the F4
button programed so a quick press toggles the RX antenna and a long press
switches the radio to 40m.   What happens on random occasions is tapping the
F4 button will switch the radio to 160m instead of toggling the RX antenna
input.  It is really annoying to be running stations on 40m and then the
radio just jumps to another band. The QSO gets messed up and there is a risk
of losing the run frequency.  Incidentally a long press of F8 is programmed
to switch the radio to 160 and that was definitely not accidently touched.
I am unsure of the firmware version.  Is this a known problem?  Is here a
cure?

John KK9A  (W4AAA in 2023 CW WW RTTY contest)



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Re: [Elecraft] In Praise of the KAT500

[Wes]

I worked them on CW on all bands except for 60-meters and on FT8 (yuck) on all 
bands except for 40 and 60-meters.


On 160 I have an inverted-L, 55' vertical with a loading wire. On the other 
bands I drop the wire and use the KAT500 to tune it for 80, 60 and 30 meters.  
Inverted-V for 40.
For 10 thru 20 I have a modest triband OB7-3 that I tune on 12 an 17 with the 
KAT500.  TS-890 -> KPA500.


I just wish that the KAT500 was actually built to the schematic with an input 
attenuator that would flatten the load to the transceiver while tuning.


Wes  N7WS


On 9/13/2023 2:45 AM, eric norris via Elecraft wrote:

I love chasing DXpeditions.  For E51D, N. Cook, due to a minor injury, I found myself 
"trapped" in my evil lair in far Northern California near Lake Almanor, CN90.
Stranded with only a K3S, KPA500, and KAT500-- I could only put up a 15m 
inverted V on an MFJ mast at 15ft, and a high-power Hamstick on 40m at 8ft.  
Two pathetic radials.  Fortunately for me, these were up before my unplanned 
dive onto cement.
My temporary QTH is down in a bowl, surrounded by high trees.  Mt. Lassen is a 
mere 18 miles away by pyroclastic flow, smack-dab between me and Japan.
The Hamstick is designed for SSB, obviously, and I did not not get an an answer 
from MFJ as to how much power it could take on CW.  As time in the pileup went 
on, the PWR knob crept clockwise.  Never have I been so happy to have a dx op 
running at 40wpm!
To my astonishment, the KAT500 loaded up the little V on 10, 12, 17, and 20m to 
an SWR around 1.5, and the 40m Hamstck on 30m below 2.  UNBELIEVEABLE.  No 
salted snow in sight!
Thanks to the great ears of the E51D CW ops, low local noise, plenty of time on 
my hands, and the SUPERB KAT500, I worked them on 10-40M CW, and had a blast 
doing it.
Thank you, Elecraft!

73, Eric NF6S

ex WD6DBM




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Re: [Elecraft] CM-500 Question

[Wes]

Totally agree with Jack.  I've been using CM500s for over a decade.  I've 
replaced several but they used to be half the current price.  Nevertheless, I 
have a new pair still in the package as a back up.
That said, since moving away from Elecraft they are not as easy to use. (One 
gripe about Kenwood, no rear-panel mic/phone jacks)


I tried the Koss version (dynamic).  They are not the same, I have a larger head 
and to get the earpieces centered over my ears the headband was smashed on top 
of my head.  I sent them back.


Wes  N7WS

On 8/7/2023 9:16 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote:

As contesters who wear headphones as much as 48 hours straight on weekends, we 
find comfort to be one of the most important assets of any headphone.
There are LOTS of headphones that sound great, have outstanding performance 
both in their speakers and microphone. But, they make you feel like your
head is in a vice after just a few hours of wear. If the headphone is 
uncomfortable, then no matter what its other characteristics are, they will be 
thrown in the trash.
The CM-500 happens to be one of the most comfortable headset for long-term wear 
(many of us feel that way). Many others (some mentioned in this discussion)
don’t come close. I also have a pair of the KOSS version of this headset. It is 
back in its box - wearing it is very uncomfortable for me. Like others, I have 
tried many
different headphones put out by many companies. This past weekend, for NAQP CW, 
the CM-500s were on my head for 10 hours. With the CM-500s out of production,
I’m not sure what I will turn to when these wear out. I do know that none of 
the computer gaming headsets I have tried fit the bill. And I had the privilege 
of trying out
many of the headsets from a major gaming device company I worked for as a 
design engineer.

Now, before you put down others, find out what their requirements really are.  
It might not be the same thing as yours.

73,
Jack, W6FB




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Re: [Elecraft] WANTED: K3 or K3S

[Wes]

I have one of each.  Contact me off-list if still interested

Wes.

On 8/1/2023 1:40 PM, RVZ via Elecraft wrote:

Looking to purchase a basic K3 or K3S in good condition without the 2nd receiver.  
Thanks & 73, Dick- K9OM  (r...@aol.com)


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Re: [Elecraft] Is KX3 going obsolete

[Wes]

Good grief.  Get a life.  Not everything in this world is racist, discriminatory 
or homophobic. In fact, I'm old enough to remember when being discriminating was 
a virtue, a sign of good taste; gay was happy and binary was a number system.  
But then I'm an elderly heterosexual white male, so what do I know?


N7WS


On 7/17/2023 11:13 AM, KJ7SOY wrote:

I’m sure you were trying to be funny, but that’s a racist statement and not at 
all humorous. Poking fun at an accent isn’t acceptable.





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Re: [Elecraft] Field Day Operation

[Wes]

I hope you're trying to be funny.

On 7/1/2023 8:18 AM, Eric Fitzgerald wrote:

Yes, it looks like a strong, clean signal to me.


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Re: [Elecraft] Field Day Operation

[Wes]

Retire that radio, operator or both.


On 7/1/2023 7:33 AM, George Thornton wrote:

Our group was a 6A.  The signal was from the 20 meter voice station in our 
group.  This station in the picture was GOTA operating under a separate call 
sign.

The 20 meter voice station showed up large on our waterfall, but we kept 
elsewhere on the band and no problems.

There was another station of ours operating CW on 20 meters, separated by about 
400 ft. in elevation.  We had no problems with them.

Interestingly, at one point the 20 meter station chair contacted me and said he 
was being desensed by us and the 20 meter CW station.  I think they were using 
an Icom rig.

The conclusion, the K4 is just as well protected from adjacent station 
interference as the K3. Elecraft is the rig of choice in a multi-station 
operation.





-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Wes
Sent: Saturday, July 1, 2023 6:45 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Field Day Operation

How about publicly shaming the guy whose signal is occupying the band in this 
photo?  Or is that receiver overload?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/wJrLrryYkPrh7t1C8

Wes  N7WS

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Re: [Elecraft] Field Day Operation

[Wes]

How about publicly shaming the guy whose signal is occupying the band in this 
photo?  Or is that receiver overload?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/wJrLrryYkPrh7t1C8


Wes  N7WS

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Re: [Elecraft] Field Day Operation

[Wes]

Thanks,

I just extracted that period from my log (DXBase) to take another look after all 
of these years.  I operated only 20-meter SSB and took a break from 0718Z to 
1347Z.  There were a lot of two QSO/minutes and some three QSOs/min.  So it's 
more like 88 Qs/hr :-)


This predates my K3, so I was using a TS-870 and HB 3-el Yagi@45 feet.  
Obviously the band was in good shape.


On 6/26/2023 7:43 PM, Al Lorona wrote:

Wow. I can't even imagine working 1532 contacts in 24 hours. If, in fact, you 
stayed awake for 24 hours straight, that would have meant you maintained a 64 Q 
per hour rate for the duration. That's an incredible run for *any* contest. 
Congratulations, sir!


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Re: [Elecraft] Field Day Operation

[Wes]

I don't understand the knock on SSB. (I'm a few away from Honor Roll on CW so I 
do that mode too). I haven't operated FD for years, since I've outlived the guys 
I used to mountain top with and it's to damn hot here in the valley to be in the 
field.  (107F as I write).  But looking back some years I operated either 1E or 
1D and single-handedly worked 1040 Qs in 2001, 1357 in 2004, 1532 in 2005, 1093 
in 2007 and slowed down to 1075 in 2009.  All on SSB and 100W.  With a regular 
logging program and no voice recording.


You simply have to be nice to the inexperience operators and coach them along. I 
never have understood the contestor types who get so wound up, frantic and rude.


My 2 cents.

Wes  N7WS

On 6/26/2023 7:29 AM, Wilson Lamb via Elecraft wrote:

I know it's OT, but want to comment on FD operation here in NC.
I wouldn't even consider going on SSB for FD!But our SSB station on 40/15 made 
over 700 QSO, with several ops of modest experience but sensible people.  K3 
and double bazooka.  They were pleased.
I made almost 400 CW QSOs, K3 and 80m dipole/window line/MFJ tuner.
I had a 98% success when calling and many replies, often multiples, when 
running.
There were MANY strong signals on 40 and 20 at all hours I was on, so I didn't 
do 80.
Almost all CW was good, partly thanks to computer keying, and I encountered 
maybe three poor ops, not rude, just inexperienced/unpracticed.  I like SK and 
used it about 30% of the time.  I prefer SK for FD, because one can taylor 
speed/weight style to conditions and other op's experience.  There's no reason 
to expect everyone to deal with 25 WPM from the computer.  They all did fine 
with 15 WPM from the SK, sometimes with the dahs stretched a little.
The little rudeness seen was obviously competent ops who couldn't muster the 
manners to wait their turn.
A couple times I had to ignore them several times to ever get my weaker 
station's exchange!  I expect they are the same people who call DX stations 
when the DX is trying to reply to someone else.  Owning a big station and 
expensive gear IS NOT empowerment to trounce everyone in your way!
All in all, one could hardly ask for better conditions and operation.  Most, 
NOT ALL, people who go to the trouble to learn CW seem to pick up some manners 
along the way!  Of course, there are many fine SSB ops, including a couple of 
our XYLs, but the low bar to entry does cause problems!
Perhaps we need a new mode designator, CBSSB?


One problem I see is that people have the feeling that a slipshod antenna, or a 
commercial whizbang/wonderthingy, will get them by.  It does, but with many 
fewer QSOs and more frustration than they could have with a little more work!
After 66 years of hamming, I'm becoming fonder of ladder line and window line.  The 
commercial window line has saved my bacon many times and tolerates more poor practice 
than expected.  After some outdoor tuner problems, I gave up "proper" practice 
and ran my window line under our van and up through the port in the floor, past many 
other cables, to my little MFJ tuner.  It worked very well, as reported above.  Yes, I 
may have lost a dB or two, but the flat top at 65 feet got them back!  Besides, there's 
no connector problem and I can make fine splices in one minute, using a pocket knife and 
a pair of pliers!  I expect a better BALUN would get me a dB back, but the tiny one in 
the MFJ seems to be fine at 100W.


We also had successful K3 digi which were successful, as was our HB BBQ/potluck 
dinner for 35 ops!


End of OT report.  Did YOU work W4EZ?


Wilson
W4BOH
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Re: [Elecraft] Signal source for KX3 temperature frequency calibration

[Wes]

Indeed.  I have one of each.  Two of the Minis is probably a viable alternative 
unless you want two locked signals with a prescribed phase difference.  Of 
course then you need a splitter on the GPS antenna and two USB ports.  One 
problem with these is that they're TCXOs, not OCXOs.  They can take some time to 
establish good lock.


Wes  N7WS


On 6/14/2023 5:05 PM, G4GNX wrote:

Agreed, but as I already have the single frequency version, it will be cheaper 
too just buy another one. 🙂

73,
Alan - G4GNX




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Re: [Elecraft] Signal source for KX3 temperature frequency calibration

[Wes]

The Leo Bodnar two-channel GPSDO should give you both frequencies, although 
setting them is really clunky.  The promised revised software never materialized.


Wes  N7WS

On 6/14/2023 11:27 AM, G4GNX wrote:

It’s true that both rigs *can* use a 10MHz reference, but the far better way to 
run the IC-9700 is by using an injection board which pulls the onboard TCXO 
from the GPS reference at 49.152MHz, instead of using the 10MHz input which is 
only checked periodically.

The only disadvantage is that 2 different devices are required, one for 
49.152MHz and one for 10MHz (for the K4).

73,
Alan - G4GNX




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Re: [Elecraft] Signal source for KX3 temperature frequencycalibration

[Wes]

https://v3.airspy.us/product/lb-gpsdo-mini/

On 6/14/2023 6:40 AM, Björn Ekelund wrote:

I'm not sure they ship to the US but I use this

to
calibrate all my radios.

Björn SM7IUN



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Re: [Elecraft] K4D order/delivery/price

[Wes]

I own a K3 and K3S (Both fine radios but now surplus if anyone is interested) 
and I ordered a K4.  When I got tired of waiting I bought a TS-890 and couldn't 
be happier. Always liking a spare on hand I picked up a TS-590SG for a song.


Wes  N7WS

On 4/11/2023 6:41 PM, Ralph Parker wrote:
>About 3 weeks ago, I ordered a K4D, and was surprised not to be asked for any 
money up front...


Two years ago next week, I ordered two KXV3B modules. I paid in full up front.
I have heard nothing directly since, only a few general head-pattings sent to 
this reflector.

I understand that I only have a few weeks to wait.
Frustrating.

Ralph, VE7XF

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Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Looking for WSJT-X Rig Control advice

[Wes]

There is nothing wrong with using the internal sound card for digital modes.

Wes  N7WS

On 2/24/2023 1:58 PM, Rick NK7I wrote:


And ranks right up there with folks using the OS sound card, instead of a 
second card for radio use for obnoxious behavior.


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Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft-KX] Peter Martinez And The CW-To-PSK31 Feature

[Wes]

On 2/7/2023 2:08 AM, Jim Brown wrote:

On 2/6/2023 8:36 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
The key idea that led to the PSK31 and RTTY decoders was this: that a ham 
receiver should be able to demodulate all commonly heard signals and display 
them on the front panel, without resorting to a computer. That was around 
2005, though. Since that time many new data modes have been added that made 
this less practical, but RTTY and PSK31 are still in widespread use


When I tune the bands, I hear RTTY only during contests. RTTY used to be 
common with DXpeditions, but was replaced several years ago by FT8, because of 
its ability to provide QSOs to marginal stations is 10 dB better than CW. I 
gave up on PSK31 after the third brag tape. That was more than 10 years ago. 
There are far higher priorities for Elecraft's development activities.


I love the modes that Joe Taylor and crew have given us -- they're a major 
weapon against the RF noise that has grown exponentially over the last two 
decades. Using FT8, one guy with 100W to a compact vertical provided a new 
country from Crozet, a very rare and remote entity that hadn't been on the air 
for decades. I and many neighbors worked him easily on 30 and 20, a nearly 
10,000 mile path. When I worked him, he had 7-9 dB of headroom for FT8. Oh -- 
and unlike the mess on 30M CW with the Bouvet team, there's no one tuning and 
or callling him on up on his frequency, no helpful clowns sending UP UP ASS 
ASS, over, and over, and over again. Their words, not mine.


Sure, CW has been my favorite mode for 66 years. But not THAT kind of CW. I'll 
proudly log the FT8 QSOs.


73, Jim

I worked Thierry on 20M CW, as well as 20 and 30 FT8.  Already confirmed in 
LOTW.  I'll count the CW.  Phone was confirmed in 1981 :-)


Wes  N7WS
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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft 80M SSB Net Report

[Wes]

I have a couple of contesters within a few miles of me who were obliterating 
many kHz of the 160 band in this week's  CQ CW contest.  One has a Yaesu 1000D 
with 5+ kHz of phase noise, the other has a 1000MP with discrete spurs over at 
least 10 kHz.  Of course they both run big amps.  Another guy 50 miles away 
looked like he was sending MCW.  If the photo of his shack on QRZ is to be 
believed, he's running an Omni6 + amp.


Wes  N7WS

 On 1/30/2023 12:51 PM, Jim Brown wrote:


Not necessarily an overdriven amp. Yaesu made several models of radios that 
did that, no matter what you did to them. I don't know if current models have 
the same problem, but you'll hear (and see on a P3) many of them ragchewing on 
any phone band. The P3 will show the splatter as widening of the waterfall on 
voice peaks.


73, Jim K9YC


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Re: [Elecraft] K4 recommendation - wait for HD or no?

[Wes]

That's a story alright.


On 1/18/2023 7:01 PM, John Simmons wrote:
I recall reading *somewhere* the story of two hams that lived in adjacent lots 
about 300-500 feet apart. They cooperated and tried lots of remedies to 
eliminate interference with each other. They each wound up with a K3. When the 
upgrades for the 'S' became available, both installed the appropriate options 
in their K3 radios. After that they could operate within 10 KHz of each other 
without knowing- at legal limit. YMMMV





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Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Odd transmit power output behavior on TX DATA

[Wes]

And old familiar problem.

Re-do the TX gain calibration.  Some of the trimmers in the BPFs are known to 
change value over time.  Some of the ones in my K3S had to be replaced.


Then make sure you have enough audio drive to achieve the "4-5 bars" 
requirement.

See: https://elecraft.mailman.qth.narkive.com/XZR50WUK/k3-data-mode-power-creep

Wes  N7WS

On 12/30/2022 9:46 AM, Bill Coleman via Elecraft wrote:

All bands.

Power calibration was done about 9 months ago.




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Re: [Elecraft] [K4][K3][K2] FS: David Clark H10-20 Aviation Headset

[Wes]

On 12/17/2022 1:49 PM, jerry wrote:

Not to mention that pilots call them David "Clamp" Clarks.  Aviation
headsets in general are not the epitome of comfort.


I had a set of those clamps  (Vice Grips) once but I found a buyer.


  Small airplanes are like sitting in a steel garbage can
while people pound on it with hammers.


My dad wanted me to learn to fly before I learned to drive and had already 
arranged my lessons.  That was a long time ago and light planes didn't appeal to 
me at all.  As you say lots of noise and painfully slow.  i was more interested 
in ham radio, fast cars and girls.  Dad learned to fly at a small dirt airstrip 
in Benson, AZ in 1946.  (I still have his log book)  His instructor was a guy 
named Neil S. "Skeet" Taylor.


Fast forward 75 years.  I have a close neighbor, Nelson, (1/4 mile away is close 
in my neighborhood) who I knew was a pilot, but I didn't know him well at all.  
Last New Years Eve another neighbor hosted a party and Nelson was there. We 
struck up a conversation, mostly about his flying  (he's a pro).  I mentioned 
that my late father had a private license, but since we were poor he didn't fly 
much and I was never interested.


When I  happened to mention the name Skeet Taylor, a strange look came over 
Nelson's face. I stopped what I was saying and in a low voice Nelson said, 
"Skeet Taylor was my stepdad."  Small world.


Wes  N7WS

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 & K3S Options Last Time Buy Update,, (12/02/2022

[Wes]

Although I've returned to Kenwood gear, I ran a couple of SDR-IQs for years as a 
panadapters on both a K3 and a K3S using SpectraVue and VSPE for port sharing.  
The SDR-IQ will click a couple of times at boot up but never after that.  The 
TS-890 I use now has a beautiful display so I don't need the SDR there but I 
still use one in conjunction with my back-up TS-590SG, where it also performs 
flawlessly.


Wes  N7WS

ps. I wish SpectraVue would run my Perseus.

 On 12/6/2022 5:33 PM, Ed Cole wrote:

Well, I found the cause of the clicking (but not what is clicking).

I use two almost identical computers (DELL Inspiron desk tops). One is for 
general Internet use, e-mail, etc.  the other is dedicated to ham radio sw.  
The K3 is connected to the later one. So I decided to try a different USB port 
(4 ports on back, 2 on front) and the clicking stopped.  I had disconnected a 
USB cable to do this.  When I reconnected it the clicking started back up.


That cable goes to my SDR-IQ receiver.  Apparently the two radios are 
interacting (maybe trying to connect to the same port?). Anyway, simple 
solution is to run SDR-IQ on computer A and K3 on computer B.  Maybe I will 
explore this deeper at a later time.


This was not the start-up port testing that windows does.  This was non-stop 
clicking as long as K3 was connected (wether powered On or OFF).  Obvious it 
was computer generated as it stopped if computer shut-down or USB cable 
disconnected from K3.


curious that the clicking appeared to not interfere with K3 operation or 
running computer sw (like wsjt-x).


we can close this topic.

Ed -KL7UW


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Re: [Elecraft] Running high power

[Wes]

Actually, he does https://www.dj0ip.com/about_ocfd


On 11/24/2022 12:31 PM, Edward Mccann wrote:

Kent:

I find that while your named expert with “more practical research than anyone 
on the planet”will likely claim expertise in just about anything, I have never 
seen anything observational, analytical, or anecdotal written by him on RFI in 
general or specifically associated with the OCFD.

I suggest you stick with K9YC, Owen Duffy and Tom Rauch.

Ed McCann
AG6CX




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Re: [Elecraft] Running high power

[Wes]

I run a KPA500 all of the time; essentially, I run a 500W transceiver.   I have 
never had an issue as you describe.  The only chokes in the shack are the ones 
molded onto the various computer cables that come with them.


Outside, I use a homebrew W2DU type balun (sorry Jim) at the feedpoint of my 
40-80M inverted-vee and a commercial sleeve balun on my little triband beam.  
BTW, both of these antennas are used off-resonance, tuned with a KPA500 in the 
shack for WARC bands. According to conventional wisdom, I do everything wrong. 
Grounding and bonding is a combination of single-point and daisy-chain.  I don't 
have pounds of ferrite on every wire, I use a switch mode power supply for all 
of the low voltage stuff and a Rigrunner distribution box.  And the whole 
station runs on a 120V 20A circuit.


I suspect that you have a rectifying joint some place.

Wes  N7WS

On 11/22/2022 3:36 PM, Al Lorona wrote:

I'm really curious to ask those on this list who run high power:

Do you find that you get into all kinds of devices around the house?

I ran the KPA-500 in an extended manner for really the first time during the 
Phone SS and immediately:

1/ interfered with FM broadcast radio.

2/ caused the internet to drop out every time I keyed up on the lower bands.

Am I the only one? Those of you who run high power all the time... how do you 
deal with these annoyances?

Al  W6LX/4
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Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha Headphones

[Wes]

I have three sets here and have retired others in the past.  They mostly all 
have the issue you speak of. I have a large head (why a Koss won't work for me) 
and have to expand the band to the limit.  Every time I put them on I have to 
adjust.  I've thought to just pin them or glue them in place but I just 
habitually adjust them when I put them on.


Wes  N7WS

11/17/2022 7:54 AM, Jim KO5V wrote:

I recently purchased the Yamaha CM 500 headphones. I think the "headphone part" 
works very well, but they won't stay adjusted - the plastic friction parts are just too 
loose. I'm not nitpicking here, it's a real problem.

They were cheap, so maybe I shouldn't expect more, but I'm wondering if anyone 
else had this same experience. If other people have not had this issue, I will 
return them and try another set, but maybe I should just spend the money and 
try something else.

My hearing is changing, so headphones are probably going to be necessary. As I 
said, I am happy with the Yamaha's performance. Maybe I got a lemon.

Thanks. 73, Jim KO5V


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 #8862 unwanted sidebands

[Wes]

The K3 has a built-in two-tone generator.  I've done 100s of two-tone IMD tests 
on my K3 and K3S using them and an SDR-IQ as a spectrum analyzer.


Wes  N7WS.

On 11/15/2022 11:37 AM, Michael Carter wrote:

Hi Martin,

Do you observe (or hear) sidebands outside
the nominal transmitted bandwidth with
CW transmissions or only SSB transmissions?

Can you perform a 2-tone test with an
audio source other than speech?

The fact that the unwanted sidebands
are not observed when the KPA3 100
watt amplifier is bypassed suggests
a possible change in the bias point of
the PA transistors.  If you have the original
BJT version of the KPA3, not the LDMOS
version of the KPA3A, perhaps you can measure
the base or collector bias current when the
KPA3 is engaged (PWR control set at 12 watts
or above) with no audio modulation applied.
That may be difficult to do without temporarily
lifting a component lead.

Perhaps Keith, WE6R from Elecraft can
suggest a way of confirming proper bias
point setting for the KPA3 without too
much intrusion?

73,
Mike, K8CN
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Re: [Elecraft] Recommendation for Microphone for K3s?

[Wes]

Don't forget the $100+ cable and $26 shipping.

Wes  N7WS

On 11/2/2022 11:26 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

On 2022-11-02 12:34 PM, Lou Laderman via Elecraft wrote:

> Nobody has yet suggested RadioSport boomsets (Arlan Communications,

At $299 each (on sale) they are like the Heil headsets, grossly over
priced for what you get - 5 X the price for the CM500 or SB45. The
RadioSport sets are much heavier/harder on the head and neck.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


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Re: [Elecraft] Recommendation for Microphone for K3s?

[Wes]

My birthday was last week and my lady asked me whether there was any ham gear I 
would like.  Since it would be a little pain using the new CM500 I bought 
earlier, with my Kenwood radios, I looked at the RadioSport.


I'm afraid they are simply too expensive, even if someone else is paying.  Over 
100 bucks for a cable... I don't think so.  I'll adapt the CM500.


Wes  N7WS


On 11/2/2022 9:34 AM, Lou Laderman via Elecraft wrote:

I’ve read a lot of comments about Heil and the Yamaha boomset. Nobody has yet 
suggested RadioSport boomsets (Arlan Communications, 
http://www.arlancommunications.com/products/amateurradio/radiosport/rs60cf.asp).
 I have several pairs. Although definitely on the high end of the market, they 
are superbly built and extremely comfortable, with both dynamic and electret 
condenser mic options. Some complain they’re too heavy, but I find them to be 
great for me.

73, Lou

Lou Laderman W0FK



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Re: [Elecraft] Recommendation for Microphone for K3s?

[Wes]

On 11/2/2022 8:53 AM, Walter Underwood wrote:

I tried the Koss SB45 and hated it. It sat on top of my ears instead of around 
them, unlike the CM500. Very uncomfortable. I returned them and got a new CM500 
headset.

I said the same about the SB40.
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 RELIABILITY

[Wes]

In my modest station (120V 20A)  I run a KPA500, which has been fine, if noisy.

If I was to QRO I think I would opt for tubes.  Less expensive, more reliable, 
better linearity and quieter.


Wes  N7WS

ps.  Thanks for the J68HQ Qs



On 10/31/2022 1:40 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt wrote:

--- Thinking of going back to tube amps because they are much more
forgiving!


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ
VP2EHZ



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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft support and communication

[Wes]

Bye.

On 10/8/2022 4:50 PM, John P wrote:

[snip]

  All I can say is that the recent email (list) traffic is so idiotic, I’m on 
the verge of dropping off the listing.




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Re: [Elecraft] communications on KX2 Mic's (MH3)

[Wes]

I'm subscribed to this list as well as a few others.  I have a couple of dozen 
groups.io that I follow via email notifications.


I use zero filtering of any of these, even though I use Thunderbird, which I'm 
told can filter, sort, delete and deliver a fresh beer when needed.  I do also 
have a Delete key that I use with regularity.  I have never understood this 
hand-wringing over a few extra posts.


Wes  N7WS


On 10/8/2022 12:22 PM, marvwhee...@nwlink.com wrote:

Just how much of this thread does the majority, who is disinterested,  have
to read of the belly aching of a very few? Enough is enough.

  


Marv

KG7V



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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 Mic

[Wes]

I doubt that there is any special except for the fact that some of these guys 
bought and paid for the MH3.


Wes  N7WS

On 10/7/2022 1:24 PM, Mike Harris via Elecraft wrote:
Is there anything so special about the MH3 that another hand mic with an 
adapter cable or re-plugged wouldn't do. There must be a few suitable units 
out in the wild. I use a Kenwood MC-43S with my K2/K3 and a Yamaha headset 
with the K3.


Regards,

Mike VP8NO


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 Amplifiers are now shipping from Stock

[Wes]

Unfortunately, the price is that of a 1500 watt transceiver.

On 10/6/2022 7:05 PM, Pete Smith N4ZR wrote:
An unsolicited testimonial - I've had an early KPA-1500 (#502) for almost 4 
years, with a 2K serial number K-3.  It's like having a 1500-watt transceiver.


73, Pete N4ZR


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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft AX-1 Whip Antenna

[Wes]

No, actually, what he said that you left off says things that counter your 
comments.

On 9/24/2022 1:47 AM, Jim Brown wrote:

On 9/24/2022 12:31 AM, David Gilbert wrote:
I haven't done much portable operation except for Field Day, and when I do I 
have access to tall trees for some pretty good wire antennas ... including 
wire yagis.


Dave,

This sentence says it all.


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Synthesizer, KSYN3A

[Wes]

The Boatanchor AM guys are going to be on the air making Qs; the rest of us will 
be waiting for parts. ;-)


Wes  N7WS

On 7/16/2022 8:07 AM, Geert Jan de Groot wrote:

On 15/07/2022 18:48, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:

I have a K3 with the original synthesizer boards. I am looking for a pair
of the new KSYN3A boards.
I have spoken to Elecraft tech support and I am on their list in case they
decide to make a run of new synthesizer boards.


The KSYN3A design is based on microcontrollers from Microchip.
I've ordered some controllers at Microchip myself (of a type that is much more 
common than the ones used in KSYN3A) and today I received the 5th "your ship 
datum has changed" notice. Note, we're talking delivery in 3Q2023, but the 
next notification will be 4Q2023; my first delivery notice was for June 2023. 
And my order is small.


The market is still absolutely bonkers. At QRL, I know about at least a dozen 
re-design efforts to change designs to make meet the semiconductors that we 
still can get.


Wayne reported similar difficulties in his status report three months ago. And 
it doesn't make sense to keep reporting "it is going to come..." because the 
ship dates keep shifting and part delivery promises, even contractual, keep 
changing.


The industry expects things to quieten down a bit next year, but we'll still 
need to catch up the backlog.


I fully understand Wayne not reporting any ship dates. I would report only if 
I have all parts on my desk, for all parts needed in the design. Even mundane 
things like connectors (DC connectors) now yield delivery time of more than a 
year out.


So it goes,

Geert Jan


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Re: [Elecraft] COM port problems

[Wes]

Interesting discussion.  With respect to what a ham should or should not know 
about technical stuff let me say this. I spent 30 years in various positions at 
Hughes Aircraft Company. 
(https://www.hughesscgheritage.com/hughes-aircraft-history-1932-1986-transcribed-by-faith-macpherson/) 
*


We had experts on everything, however, none one of them knew everything.  There 
was a saying: "Somewhere at Hughes Aircraft there is a guy who can solve your 
problem.  Your job is to find him."


Forums such as this one are where we find the guy we need.  There should be no 
shame for looking for him.


Wes  N7WS

* If you explore this document, you can find the name Dave Evans. Dave was a ham 
and the "Around-the-world-flight" network used 7.000 and 14.000 MHz.  Ham radio 
helped start the company and it started my career at the company.



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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500/PS SPACING

[Wes]

My boyhood neighbor and "Elmer", Lee, W7UVR (see my QRZ page) fell into a trust 
fund income and had all of the toys.  He enlisted a local ham, who was a tool 
and die maker and great builder of equipment, to build the mechanicals of a CW 
rig using a Geloso VFO driving an HK57. I begged him to let me buy and finish 
the rig.  He said, no doubt correctly at the time, that this would be beyond me, 
but his brother, W6GMC, had a DX100 that he built but no longer wanted, and that 
would be the ideal rig for me.  IIRC the kit sold for $189 and he would sell the 
assembled rig for the same amount and I could pay him $5/week. The deal was 
struck and he drove to CA to pick up the DX100.  That and my BC-342-N was the 
station.


When I got interested in two-meters in the 1960s  I did build quite a few amps; 
one of them used an 829B and I "stole" the modulated B+ from the DX100 to run it 
on AM.


Wes  N7WS


On 7/2/2022 3:35 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

On 7/2/2022 1:58 PM, Wes wrote:

Hard to believe.  A man of your age and experience.


My experience was earlier, with an Apache, and later a TV. And there were a 
DX100 and SX101 that an older ham loaned me because he couldn't pass the 13 
wpm code test. Before that, it was a couple of Command sets and a BC348, and 
before that, an S38D. No way could I have bought that DX100 in my high school 
days -- it was two summers of work for the BC348.


I bought my first amp in 2004.

73, Jim K9YC


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500/PS SPACING

[Wes]

Hard to believe.  A man of your age and experience.

On 7/2/2022 12:16 PM, Jim Brown wrote:


I don't know what an HW-16 is.


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Re: [Elecraft] [POSSIBLE SPAM] Common K3 failure modes???

[Wes]

Since buying a TS-890, my K3S is now a spare to it (although I doubt I'll ever 
need it) and my original K3, once a spare to the K3S (which I did need) is 
excess and I'm thinking of selling it.  But I'm wondering whether in today's 
climate, it might not bring more money as pieces than a whole.


Wes N7WS

On 6/22/2022 10:35 AM, David Gilbert wrote:


As I've said before, the advantage of a modular design is nonexistent if the 
modules don't exist.


Some people have suggested buying a complete spare rig for parts. I think 
that's ridiculous.  If I'm going to put out that much money for contingency 
purposes I'll buy a new rig from a company that didn't put me in that situation.


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Re: [Elecraft] P3 as a phase noise measurement tool

[Wes]

Sure, but how do you quantify the "relatively pure" source if you build one?  
Typically you want it to be 10 dB better than what you are measuring (or the 
measuring instrument).


The other option is a commercial source with published specs.  For example I 
have an ebay special Morion MV89 10 MHz OCXO that is specified at -150 dBc/Hz at 
1 kHz offset, which is way better than you could measure with a spectrum 
analyzer technique.


Wes  N7WS



On 6/7/2022 2:12 PM, jerry wrote:

On 2022-06-07 13:56, Wes wrote:
 *plus* the phase

fluctuations in the measurement system's oscillators and/or sampling
clock jitter.  This is the K3/P3.


*** I wonder if the noise of the K3/P3 could be measured using a relatively pure
signal source - then once that's known, you would subtract the K3/P3's noise 
from the

total noise measured from the DUT.

   I had a book somewhere with plans for a really clean single-frequency 
signal source.  It used several
identical crystals;  one as an oscillator and then some more as a filter to 
clean it up.


  - Jerry KF6VB


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Re: [Elecraft] P3 as a phase noise measurement tool

[Wes]

I can't answer the first two and Al has given the answer to the third.

But, you're not going to be measuring phase noise in the strictest sense, but 
what ARRL calls composite-noise.  Interesting they *do* actually measure phase 
noise with an HP11848 Phase noise test set and then they assume that phase noise 
dominates AM noise and call it composite.  Go figure.


Today, everyone calls single-sided noise "phase noise" for the same reason, but 
it needs to be remembered this noise is due to phase fluctuations in the device 
under test (DUT).  But...what you measure are the results of phase fluctuations 
in the DUT *plus* the phase fluctuations in the measurement system's oscillators 
and/or sampling clock jitter.  This is the K3/P3.


Wes  N7WS


References:

https://www.ab4oj.com/test/docs/rs_pn2015.pdf

http://www.ke5fx.com/phase_noise.pdf  (I used to work with Terry Decker, one of 
the authors of this)



On 6/7/2022 8:04 AM, Dave (NK7Z) wrote:

Hi,

I am contemplating practicing some phase noise measurements using a P3. If I 
correctly understand the measurement, (which I may not), I should express the 
result, using db down from peak, so many Hz away from peak, using a 1 Hz width.


First question; is the above correct?

Second question; (amusing Q1 is correct), what is the pixel width of the P3, 
and can I just divide that width by total frequency spread shown on the P3, 
and assume that number I get is correct for width per pixel in Hz?


Third question, (assuming Q2 is correct), once I get a number from question 2, 
can I then just divide that result by X, where X is selected to bring the 
width of measurement to 1 Hz?


Thanks in advance for any help in this...


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 reduces power as it gets warmer?

[Wes]

It isn't "designed for low power."  I don't, nor will I have, a KPA1500, but I 
run my KAT500 at 400-500 W on FT8 without incident.


Wes  N7WS


On 6/4/2022 6:52 AM, Kevin Robertson via Elecraft wrote:

FT8 is a weak signal mode, designed for low power. Given its high duty cycle, 
you are asking for trouble if you operate your power amplifier in FT8 mode 
using your KPA1500 at anywhere near high power. I burned out my final on my K2 
at 15 watts on FT8.

73,
Kevin Robertson KD2WCY




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Re: [Elecraft] CW, Here I come!

[Wes]

Page 5 in the manual  CW Mode

Wes  N7WS

On 5/31/2022 6:24 PM, Bob Cutter via Elecraft wrote:

Look on menu for sidetone volume


Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone


On Tuesday, May 31, 2022, 7:02 PM, Richard  wrote:

For code practice, I tried plugging a straight key into the “KEY” jack on the 
back of my K3s. I hear a tone when I operate the straight key but the volume is 
low and I can’t change the tone.

How about some sequential help on this?

Richard
W4KBX
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Re: [Elecraft] Receiver impedance?

[Wes]

The guy was pedantic.  The delta due to changes in mismatch error were in the 
noise, no pun intended.


As far as I was concerned, it was a waste of a receiver I would have killed for 
in those days.  Your tax dollars at work.


Wes  N7WS

 On 5/25/2022 2:31 PM, Edward Mccann wrote:

Thanks for the aviation history Wes.

I was mostly thinking about your comment:

“ I never had the heart to tell him that the minute the AGC activated, all bets 
were off.”

73
Ed McCann
AG6CX




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Re: [Elecraft] Receiver impedance?

[Wes]

https://theaviationgeekclub.com/how-the-f-14-tomcat-sharpened-his-teeth-the-story-of-the-six-on-six-missile-shot-test/

On 5/25/2022 12:50 PM, Edward Mccann wrote:

Hope the Phoenix Missile hit its target!

Ed McCann
AG6CX




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Re: [Elecraft] Receiver impedance?

[Wes]

About 40 years ago I was a Responsible Engineer for the Phoenix Missile 
Receiver/Transmitter Unit (RTU). This was a monopulse radar and my unit fed ~30 
MHz i-f signals to the following Electronics Unit (EU) which did the signal 
processing.  The EU test position had a Collins 51S-1 receiver in it just to 
measure the output levels of the RTU.  As usual there was always finger pointing 
when specs weren't met.  As a referee a PhD was brought in to analyze the 
interface of the two units.  At one point he focused on the input match of the 
51S-1 and since I was the RF guy, I was asked to measure it.  The numbers are 
fuzzy but suffice it to say, he wasn't happy and asked me to fix it.  I gathered 
up some General Radio airline stuff and built a double-stubbed tuner and got it 
to about 40 dB return loss.


He came back about an hour later with two pages of equations, written in 
mouse-type that almost required a magnifier to read, and happily announced that 
his "quick analysis" showed that the error would be some (unmemorable) fraction 
of a dB.  Everyone was happy.


I never had the heart to tell him that the minute the AGC activated, all bets 
were off.


So the answer to the question is, it depends.

Wes  N7WS


On 5/25/2022 11:18 AM, Walter Underwood wrote:

Thanks. I’ll make a wild generalization that transceivers are generally 
designed for the receiver portion to be 50 Ω.

Anybody have an idea about SWL receivers?

wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)



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Re: [Elecraft] KAT 500 and the Yaesu FTDX10

[Wes]

Come on Ray.  This is an Elecraft forum.  The man has Elecraft equipment.  
What's the beef?


Wes  N7WS

On 5/5/2022 2:16 PM, Ray wrote:

Did Elecraft  make a FTdx Series of Radio Equipment ???
I Must have missed it.  Did I sign in to the Wrong thread………..

Ray WA6VAB  Elecraft K3


From: Joe Subich, W4TV
Sent: Thursday, May 5, 2022 12:39 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT 500 and the Yaesu FTDX10


To which connector did your KAT500/FTdx1200 tuner cable attach?

The Tuner jacks are the same on both FTdx1200 and FTdx10 as are
the "Linear" jacks.


73,

 ... Joe, W4TV


On 2022-05-05 3:17 PM, Greg Chartrand via Elecraft wrote:

I just purchased a ftdx10 and wondered if the band data cable is the same as 
the one I had with my old ftdx1200.
Thanks,W7MY-Greg ChartrandRichland, WA.


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Re: [Elecraft] Sherwood Receiver Tests

[Wes]

Gary,

There are many factors as important as the 2 kHz dynamic range that Rob sorts 
his table on.  Even Rob has said many times, he has to sort on something so 
that's the parameter.


I happen to own the first sample K3S that Rob tested.  I also own a TS-890 (and 
a K3).  Rob tested an '890 but it wasn't mine.  He does use one though.  If you 
compare the two radios based on almost any other parameter, the Kenwood "wins."  
In fact the Kenwood is better in almost any other electrical aspect than any 
other radio on the chart except for the 2 kHz DR, where there are eight "better" 
radios.


Ergonomically there is no comparison, likewise the Kenwood has better audio and 
reliability.  The K3S has much better noise blanking and reduction, less front 
panel clutter with the mic and headphone jacks available on the rear panel.  I 
favor the AFSK RTTY of the K3S over the FSK in the Kenwood, but pragmatically 
speaking they are equal.  If you're dependent upon internal coding and decoding 
of CW/RTTY/PSK then the larger display of the Kenwood is a winner.  Personally, 
I think these things are gimmicks, a waste of the programmer's time and I don't 
use them.


My radios sit side-by-side on the desk.  So which one do I use? The Kenwood.  I 
suppose that a K4 will have features comparable to or even better than the 
Kenwood but I could buy an '890 a year and a half ago and I still can't buy a K4.


Wes  N7WS


On 4/28/2022 6:41 PM, Gary Gregory wrote:

Reading the Sherwood tests today I noticed the K4D tested ranked below the
K and K3s and I started to look at the data published and I am still a
little unsure of why it scores lower having assumed it would be
significantly better in performance over the K3 and K3s.

Perhaps somebody could point out to me if I am not seeing what is
important.

I believe in if I can hear them, I can work them but like most folk I like
a quiet noise floor and a comfy buffer of audio over noise.

My current thinking is hold onto my K3 until the K4 is improved as my
upgraded #679 has served me so well and is the only transceiver I have ever
loved and kept. It's not going anywhere soon hi hi.

Gary
VK1ZZ/K3NHL
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Re: [Elecraft] OT: Grease your DELETE Key

[Wes]

You might contact IOTA Engineering. They don't seem to make exactly what you 
want but they do make emergency lighting inverters packaged with batteries.  
Perhaps they can sell you the guts of one of these.  I know them for their 
battery chargers, which are first rate and electrically quiet.


Disclaimer:  I moonlighted for the founders of this company at another small 
start-up about 50 years ago.  It is a local Tucson company but I have zero 
association with them now.


Wes  N7WS


On 4/24/2022 6:23 PM, ws6x@gmail.com wrote:

OK, I'll make it somewhat Elecraft related... For FD this year I will be
using a KX3 in a 1A Battery effort. To power the KX3 and most of the station
equipment, I will be using a solar-charged battery system that is a
permanent part of my home station.
   
Begin OT:

However, for some of the station accessories I need to provide a small 120
VAC supply. I am looking for a ~500 Watt pure sine wave inverter which is rf
quiet. I have already tried a GOWISE Power inverter because it was billed as
being rf quiet. Unfortunately, it was a terrific hash generator!
So my question: Does anyone in this group have experience with quiet
inverters? Can anyone make an experience-based recommendation?
Tnx es 73,
Jim - WS6X


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Re: [Elecraft] Shipping via UPS - A Lesson Learned the Hard Way

[Wes]

Good Grief.

I look at these groups as like starting a conversation with my neighbor over the 
fence about crab grass. (Where I live we have neither fences or grass, crab or 
otherwise. so I'm speaking metaphorically). If the topic drifts to sports or ham 
radio, I don't take offense.  I can either stay engaged or beg off by telling my 
neighbor I have to go in for another beer.  I might even invite him over to 
share one.


In the case at hand, I fail to understand the hardship of using the delete key.

Wes  N7WS





On 4/11/2022 4:45 PM, Andrew Moore wrote:

Other than trying to remember and ignore by subject line, is there a way to
mute specific threads on the Elecraft mailing list (via qth.net)? Maybe I'm
thinking of the feature on @groups.io mailing lists - but this would be
helpful as Elecraft related topics morph into posts containing no Elecraft
content. While this content has value, it also dilutes value, as it's not
Elecraft specific.

Thanks & 73,
-Andrew NV1B
..


On Mon, Apr 11, 2022 at 7:26 PM Jim Brown  wrote:


On 4/11/2022 3:29 PM, eda...@aya.yale.edu wrote:

The UPS Store does not charge real UPS rates.

Ditto for FedEx stores. BUT -- both are free drop-off locations for
shipments that have been created online. I do all my shipping with
FedEx, because UPS Stores use packing peanuts, and FedEx stores do not.

Packing peanuts are an obscenity -- they blow around the property,
making a huge mess. There are SO many good alternatives, everything from
wadded up newspaper, butcher paper, the machined flexy paper tubes that
Amazon uses (all most environmentally friendly), to bubble-wrap and
air-filled plastic. I save bubble wrap and re-use it. The paper starts
my fireplace.

The only issue I've had with either company is that their drivers often
leave packages in my driveway, rather than to my porch. That's a very
big deal when they're heavy, because I'm old and there are a dozen steps.

73, Jim K9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] K4 and Delivery Delays

[Wes]

I once owned a KWM-1.  I bought it "surplus" from a company that was selling 
aircraft parts cannibalized from Air Force planes being cut up at DMAFB's "Bone 
Yard."  I believe it was out of an RB-47.


RB-47s were overflying the USSR, with aircrews being lost, long before Gary 
Powers was shot down in his US.  I have an inscribed copy of "We See All" by Lt 
Col. Bruce Bailey, who was one of those guys.  He later piloted SR-71s and had 
many stories to tell.


The last I knew of the radio, it was in the Collins collection of Don, W7DD.

Wes  N7WS

On 3/30/2022 8:38 PM, Ed W0YK wrote:

The KWM-380 may have been a "hot radio" in some people's minds, but I can 
personally attest to the opposite.  I have one, along with a number of KWM-2As and 
S-Lines.  The 380 is a horrible performer.  The receiver is incredibly noisy, obstructing 
reception of all but the loudest signals.  The audio is distorted and filtering is poor.  
Collins' last hurrah was a dud.73,Ed W0YK


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Re: [Elecraft] TCXO

[Wes]

I seemed to have misplaced my original invoice, and the Elecraft website seems 
to no longer list the ref osc upgrade, but I recall the "F/W corrected" verbiage 
on the invoice for my K3S.  This was always a puzzle to me, but not enough to 
investigate.  Frankly, I don't know what that means. According to the schematic 
there is a V control pin on the TCXO but without the external reference option, 
it connects to nothing.


Furthermore, even with the ext ref option my understanding is that it doesn't 
actually tune the internal ref, it just measures it and tweaks the ref cal every 
four seconds.


Wes  N7WS



On 3/31/2022 12:30 PM, Bob McGraw wrote:
The TCXO is the reference frequency for about everything that takes place in 
the radio.  It is the master clock.  If it is incorrect, then everything else 
is incorrect, for the most part.


A 5 ppm TCXO, or 5 parts per million, can have an error of +/-250 Hz on 6 
meters.   Where as a 0.5 ppm TCXO can have an error of 25 Hz on 6 meters.   It 
just depends on how accurate and stable you desire your radio to be.


Oh, the frequency read-out on the front is just that, a read out. It is not a 
frequency measurement of the exact frequency. Many will put their radio on 
14.255.000 and swear it is on that frequency.  But with a 5 ppm TCXO it could 
be +/- 71 Hz.  Where as with a 0.5 ppm it would be +/- 7 Hz.  Of course one 
must consider crystal and component ageing and perform very easy calibration 
procedure at regular intervals.  I check and adjust mine once a month and can 
maintain +/- 2 Hz or or better.


I ordered mine with the 1 ppm TCXO with F/W corrected to 0.5 ppm.

73

Bob, K4TAX


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Re: [Elecraft] TCXO

[Wes]

In my K3S, since I have no need for a second RX, I've installed a TMP cable from 
the ref board to a BNC in a spare hole in the rear panel.  This gives me a point 
to measure the ref osc frequency with an external counter, with the unit all 
buttoned up.  For that I use a FA-2 counter by BD7BTL that is referenced to a 
BD7TBL GPSDO.  Using a 1 Hz gate time I can get samples every 1.12 seconds, with 
mHz resolution, over a serial bus.


I did a 10-minute run from power on at room temperature.  Only the RX was 
powered (no transmitting)  Putting the data into Excel and graphing it I see an 
initial increase in frequency of a couple of Hz and then it turns around and 
drifts down, relatively rapidly at first then the rate slows to near zero.  
Total drift was about 23 Hz, but this is at (near) constant temperature and says 
nothing about temperature compensation.


Wes  N7WS


On 3/31/2022 4:35 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:

"What are the uses for the TCXO option in a K3? Why would I want one?"

TCXO means "Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator".   You need one if the 
frequency drift caused by rig temperature change causes a problem at the frequencies, and 
with the modes, you operate.  Leave the rig powered all the time in a temperature 
controlled environment and you may not need one.  If you turn on a stone cold rig and 
expect to operate before the temperature stabilizes then you probably do, especially  
with narrow band digital modes.

Temperature Compensated tells you nothing about the accuracy of the oscillator frequency. 
 It just says how much the frequency will change with temperature.  I don't know what 
TCXO are compatible with the K3 but there are some quite nasty "TCXO" being 
purchased by Kenwood TS-590 owners.  Frequency stability with temperature is only one 
measure of a TCXO.  Spectral purity is at least as important.

Andy, k3wyc



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Re: [Elecraft] K4 and Delivery Delays

[Wes]

I worked for a company that was bought out by Raytheon. I couldn't retire soon 
enough.


Wes N7WS

On 3/30/2022 10:50 AM, Fred Jensen wrote:
Correct, they're both "R" companies and at my age, that's enough to confuse 
them. 😉  I still don't know what precipitated the demise of Ten-Tec but I'm 
pretty sure it wasn't a pandemic.


73,

Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

Wes wrote on 3/30/2022 10:45 AM:

IIRC, Rockwell, not Raytheon.

On 3/30/2022 10:40 AM, Fred Jensen wrote:
Ummm ... Art Collins had a very large military business in addition to a 
small amateur one, and sold his company to Raytheon who, it turned out, had 
little interest in building amateur gear.  The decision to leave the market 
was voluntary, although I have vague memories of one incredibly expensive 
Raytheon-Collins HF transceiver [KWM-380? or something like that] before the 
end.  I don't know why Ten-Tec left, they had a very loyal and well deserved 
following, but running a business is really complex, and they expired well 
before COVID became a word. To each his own.


73,

Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County


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Re: [Elecraft] K4 and Delivery Delays

[Wes]

IIRC, Rockwell, not Raytheon.

On 3/30/2022 10:40 AM, Fred Jensen wrote:
Ummm ... Art Collins had a very large military business in addition to a small 
amateur one, and sold his company to Raytheon who, it turned out, had little 
interest in building amateur gear.  The decision to leave the market was 
voluntary, although I have vague memories of one incredibly expensive 
Raytheon-Collins HF transceiver [KWM-380? or something like that] before the 
end.  I don't know why Ten-Tec left, they had a very loyal and well deserved 
following, but running a business is really complex, and they expired well 
before COVID became a word.  To each his own.


73,

Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County


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Re: [Elecraft] K4 and Delivery Delays

[Wes]

I didn't find his post out of line. His callsign is in his email address.

Wes  N7WS

On 3/30/2022 9:49 AM, Clay Autery wrote:

Doug,

You last response makes you come off like a gigantic "procreation tool".
I would like to think that this is not the case.  Perhaps you would consider 
"considering" your responses more completely from here forward.


And for ALL...  It is, and has always been, customary to include your 
call-sign in your signature to your responses.


Hope your day improves, Doug.

73,

Clay E. Autery, Jr.
KY5G

On 3/30/2022 10:22 AM, Doug Renwick wrote:

So you must be part of the topic mafia - those who are too lazy to use the
delete key for topics they have no interest in or more likely topics which
hurt their feelings.

Doug


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500

[Wes]

Hmm.  I used to joke that I bought a KPA500 just so I could switch bands on my 
K3 without accidentally changing the VOX setting.


N7WS

On 3/23/2022 1:58 PM, Ken K6MR wrote:

  "They are a "bandaid" for the lack of band buttons on the K3."

I've always considered "band buttons" on any radio to be the worst possible use 
of front panel space I can think of.  I always operate with a logging program open, and 
it's far easier to just type in the frequency I want without removing my hands from the 
keyboard.

I think with the amplifier they just had so much front panel space available 
that they just couldn't think of anything else to put there.  In the years I've 
had KPA500s and a KPA1500 I have yet to touch them.  To each his own.

Ken K6MR




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Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500

[Wes]

Although I have a K3 and a K3S, they are relegated to backup service to my 
Kenwood TS-890.


A number of us Kenwood users also have KPA500 and KAT500s.  We are using mostly 
home-built cables for interconnection.  If you don't have the KAT500 then RF 
sensing is probably good enough.  The advantage to the cable when the KAT500 is 
employed is that it can be preset to the band and tuning solution, when the 
transceiver changes frequency, without transmitting.  This is particularly handy 
when just listening.


Wes  N7WS

On 3/22/2022 11:31 AM, j...@kk9a.com wrote:

A long time ago I used a KPA500 with a Yaesu FT1000MP and the RF sensing
worked perfectly. Perhaps if you have a KAT500 and are using different
antenna ports or have very out of tune antennas there may be an advantage to
having cable control but otherwise I would not worry about it.

John KK9A



F5vjc wrote:


transceiver and the KPA500 over just relying on the RF sensing function?

I want to drive my KPA500 from an FTDX 101D, is a cable the better way to
go?

73 F5VJC

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Re: [Elecraft] K4 Vs. Flex 6400

[Wes]

Indeed he does.  My K3S is on that list, I loaned it to him on its way home from 
Elecraft, years ago.  For all of the mention of other brands of radio, Kenwoods 
are conspicuously absent; Rob also uses a TS-890, as do I.  The K3S sits idle 
next to it.


Wes  N7WS


On 3/14/2022 5:18 AM, JR wrote:
Concerning Mr. Sherwood's famous receiver chart ...  he clearly states in 
several ways in several places ANY of the top twenty radios on the list are 
ALL good enough and no one should select a particular radio based on the 
single sorting factor of third order intercept dynamic range.   He begins 
every public lecture on receivers with a clear statement one should select a 
rig based on all all salient factors, including, but not limited to,  
appearance, ergonomics, feature list, functional procedure, and etc.  For some 
time, Gigaparts wrongly advertised the FTdx101d claiming Sherwood said it was 
the best receiver ... and he never said that!  Mr. Sherwood goes out of his 
way to advise against buying any radio on a single factor.    K8JHR


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Re: [Elecraft] Failed K3

[Wes]

TS-890

On 2/24/2022 6:46 AM, rikoski wrote:

Here is my situation. I have an Elecraft K3 setup: K3 transceiver; Pan Adpter; 
KAT 500 tuner; KPA 500 , 500W power amp. All Elecraft, all plug compatible.

In January in the middle of a QSO, the Elecraft transceiver stopped working. I 
got return authorization and returned the transceiver to Elecraft for service. 
They say that because of the number of units returned to them, it will be 
another 2 months before they can get around to mine. So I'm off the air for 3 
months..

So what to do? Give Elecraft $5000 for a new K4; Buy a Yaesu FT Dx 10 with a 
very good receiver but is not easily plugged into the Elecraft K line; Buy an 
Icom 7300 which I have familiarity with and will be easy to attach; Go on eBay 
and buy a used K3 and hope that it works; or buy something else?

When I get my K3 back, I either will keep what ever I buy now as a spare to use 
when the K3 fails again or sell off my entire K line and migrate away from 
Elecraft recognizing that their service is not like to improve and that I have 
alternatives.

Advice please. Thanks. W9ZD
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Re: [Elecraft] Mac RTTY Software for Elecraft radio's

[Wes]

I have the N3FJP suite.  The one thing they don't do well, IMHO, is RTTY, unless 
you like FLDIGI or the like.  I don't, I prefer MMTTY or its derivatives. All of 
this is about Windows; MAC I dunno.


Wes  N7WS

On 2/7/2022 5:10 AM, David Hourdequin wrote:

Check out the N3FJP ACLogger.  It is excellent for general logging plus 
multiple ’special’ logs including the CQ WPX logger which I ‘assume’ would 
include all modes.

Good luck!

David

NS4V
David R. Hourdequin, PE
828-421-6216
d...@dremy.com
www.dremy.com




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Re: [Elecraft] RPN Calc App For Android

[Wes]

I have a working HP25 out in the garage/workshop.  The battery pack expired long 
ago and I pried it apart and put some Ni Cad cells in it.


I have a 15C in the shack.

I had another one, HP41C I think, that failed.  I can't find it so I think I 
finally threw it away.  Didn't like it anyway :-)


Wes  N7WS

On 1/30/2022 7:53 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:


I still have an HP15C on my desk that I picked up when I was working
at the Ohio State University and taking EE/Computer Science from '79-
'84.  It replaced an earlier model (probably an HP-25) in which both
the battery and LED module failed.   The 15C is still ticking right
along with new batteries every 5-10 years .

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV



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Re: [Elecraft] K Line: Signal loss in a QSO

[Wes]

It is not in the manual, but has appeared here many times, without logical 
explanation.


Wes  N7WS

On 1/16/2022 6:52 AM, j...@kk9a.com wrote:

I have not heard this either. Is this in the manual? 5 watts would be a
tough output to avoid if you enjoy QRP.

John KK9A

KE8G wrote:

Hmm, I've never heard that 5 or 50 watts of power shouldn't be run.

73 de KE8G - Jim



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Re: [Elecraft] Internet / cell phones

[Wes]

Yes.

On 1/10/2022 9:41 AM, Jim Clymer wrote:

Anyone else see the irony here?
"Sent from my iPhone"!!! 😄
Jim - WS6X



On Mon, Jan 10, 2022, 10:18 AM Vincent Diak  wrote:


We all should spend less time on our cell phone’s and the internet. Then
we would not be wondering why our hobby is fading away . When there were no
cell phones and internet to communicate we had cw - ham radio and land
line. The internet has taken these away. Good or bad? We now carry the
world in our pocket . Next will be chip programmed to communicate without
cell phones and the internet 666 just like the Bible says.

Sent from my iPhone



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Re: [Elecraft] K3s USB sound card not receiving MMTTY audio

[Wes]

Does the tone in MMTTY match the tone set in the K3?

Wes  N7WS

On 1/8/2022 7:31 PM, Mike Dodd wrote:
I have had the built-in SUB sound card in my K3s working with MMTTY in AFSK A 
mode in the past, but now it does not produce TX tones when MMTTY transmits.


MMTTY is set up to use the USB Audio Codec in RX and TX, and can decode RTTY 
signals. When I click the TX button, the K3s goes into transmit, but produces 
no output (ALC is zero).


If I set MMTTY's Transmission sound card to the PC's built-in speakers, I hear 
the tones when transmitting, so MMTTY is producing them. It just doesn't send 
those tones to the K3s USB sound card.


What am I missing? Again, this has worked many times in the November 2021 WAE 
RTTY contest.


Thanks.

--- Mike N4CF



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Re: [Elecraft] Problem with KAT500 firmware v. 2.05

[Wes]

I have had issues with the new FW not finding solutions as well.  I haven't 
really investigated beyond discovering that the input attenuator is not the same 
topography as the schematic and the resistor value isn't either.  I don't know 
whether this is a component failure or not.  On a band or two I've done a better 
job matching manually with the utility program than the tuner algorithm does.  
Don't ask for particulars, I did this in the heat of battle and didn't document 
anything. I may just roll back the FW, even though I too am using a Kenwood.


Wes  N7WS


 On 1/2/2022 10:46 AM, Bart Campbell wrote:

I upgraded one of my KAT500 tuners to firmware version 2.05.  I had already
upgraded the KAT500 utility to the current version, so no issues there.
After the upgrade, the KAT500 is unable to find a tuning solution on my 80
meter dipole.  My first thought was that there was an issue with the
dipole, but I checked it with an AA-230 antenna analyzer and there was no
change from previous measurements.  I then switched the upgraded KAT500
with another KAT500 that I have which was running firmware version 1.75.
It found a tuning solution on the dipole just fine, as has always been the
case with the first KAT500 prior to the firmware upgrade.  So, I
"downgraded" the updated KAT500 to firmware version 1.75 and it once again
was able to easily find a tuning solution for the 80 meter dipole.  It
seems that something in the tuning algorithm was changed in the latest
firmware that affects the tuner's ability to find a tuning solution on 80
meters (I did not notice this issue on other bands after I updated the
firmware, but I concentrated my troubleshooting on the 80 meter dipole).

Any ideas?  I really want to use the latest firmware to take advantage of
the capability to accept transceiver TX frequency messages in Kenwood
format.

Bart, NS4X
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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 Attenuator

[Wes]

I think the only thing that is for sure is that this is very poorly documented.  
The schematic shows two resistors, the assembly manual shows one, and the 
correct value of the one (by my measurement) is unknown.  Whether or not it is, 
or isn't, used is another unknown.  It seems to me that Elecraft could comment 
on this and clear this up, but that hasn't been forthcoming.  Silence isn't 
always golden.


Wes  N7WS




On 12/15/2021 3:52 PM, Al Lorona wrote:

  Have we, in fact, established that this attenuator is enabled at any point of 
the tune cycle? Because if not, then we're all spun up for nothing.
Is it reasonable to believe that the attenuator was one of those design 
elements that might have been deemed necessary at one time but then the 
designers changed their mind for the finished product?  I think so. The 
mysterious R7 may have been left off of the final circuit board precisely to 
cause such a bad mismatch that it would be obvious to operator, software, or 
both, and so that corrective action could be taken.
Al  W6LX/4



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Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft-K4] WANTED: AUX Cable Keyline interrupter

[Wes N7WS]

Get a male to female “gender changer” and cut the male pin off. 

Wes

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 21, 2021, at 3:12 PM, Bob Wilson, N6TV  wrote:
> 
> The Y-BOX version 2 and above also includes this feature to open the Pin 10
> KEYOUT-LP line in the AUX cable, if needed.  Just remove one
> internal jumper.
> 
> 73,
> Bob, N6TV
> https://bit.ly/Y-BOX
> 
> 
>> On Tue, Dec 21, 2021 at 12:57 PM David Reed  wrote:
>> 
>> Attention users of the KPAK3AUX cable set, either with a K3 or a K4 with
>> either a KPA500 or KPA1500.
>> 
>> I am looking for a replacement for my lost keyline interrupter (
>> https://elecraft.com/products/kpak3aux_kpak3aux-optional-kpa500-to-k3-aux-cable-set)
>> as shown in that illustration.
>> 
>> If you have one that you are willing to part with, please email me
>> directly at w5sv.d...@gmail.com with what you want for it.
>> 
>> Thanks!
>> 
>> --
>> 73 de Dave, W5SV
>> 
>> _._,_._,_
>> --
>> Groups.io Links:
>> 
>> You receive all messages sent to this group.
>> 
>> View/Reply Online (#7985) <https://groups.io/g/Elecraft-K4/message/7985>
>> | Reply To Group
>> 
>> | Reply To Sender
>> 
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>> 
>> 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Frequency Calibration

[Wes]

What are you using it for?

Wes  N7WS

On 12/16/2021 3:18 PM, John Stengrevics wrote:

Hi Pete,

The WWV method worked for me until it didn’t.  On the advice of one of the K3 
gurus, I am now using a Leo Bodnar frequency source.  Works great.

73,

John
WA1EAZ


On Dec 16, 2021, at 4:34 PM, Pete Smith N4ZR  wrote:

I've been wondering for some time if my 10-year-old K3's frequency calibration was off, 
because it seemed like most spots of me were well off when I clicked on them, usually in 
one direction.  Not having a frequency counter, I went to the alternative method outlined 
in page 49 of the manual.  I thought I did it all "by the book", but found that 
when I was done 15-MHz WWV's carrier frequency (determined by zero-beating the carrier) 
was almost 400 Hz low. Since I wasn't looking for FMT-level accuracy, I went back to WWV 
and adjusted the REF CAL setting by ear until 15.000 on my RX dial was as close to 
zero-beat with WWV as I could tell. We'll see how it worked out, but I wonder if I simply 
have some fundamental misunderstanding of what's involved.  Wouldn't be the first time...

--
73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the new Reverse Beacon Network
web server at <http://beta.reversebeacon.net>.
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.



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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 Attenuator

[Wes]

I took the cover off mine and verified that the shunt resistor was missing and 
the series one measured 228 ohm.  Clearly, if this is dynamically switched while 
seeking a match the poor exciter is going to be totally confused.  The 
attenuator should have been implemented with two 30 ohm resistors in the first 
place.  What motivated them to remove one is a mystery.


The fact that mine appears to have changed value says to me, that while clever, 
the use of the bottom panel for a heat sink is problematic.  I suspect this is 
also the case in the K3/K3S LPA where there are a lot of FET failures.


Wes  N7WS


On 12/12/2021 8:48 PM, Bob McGraw wrote:
Just went through different antenna configurations and bands. Using the KAT500 
Utility, selecting the ATTENUATOR and then TUNE on my K3S shows a SWR of 1.5:1 
and when the ATTENUATOR is not selected the SWR shows 1.1:1.   An external 
SWR/PWR meter in the line between the radio and KAT500 shows the same values.


In receive mode, I hear a relay click when selecting the ATTENUATOR and again 
when de-selecting the ATTENUATOR.  Also noted the RX signal drop about ~3 dB 
{maybe less} when the ATTENUATOR is selected.


I did notice initially when selecting the ATTENUATOR it seemed to be 
inconsistent in results for a few times.  I figure this is some issue with 
relay contacts.   Once exercised 3 or 4 times,  no further strange operation 
was observed.


Don't have a clue if the resistors in question are installed or not.

I recall that certain ICOM tuners insert an attenuator on the input when 
running the tune routine.  This is said to provide a constant impedance/load 
to the transmitter while the tuner runs through its range of L and C values.   
This of course is for a radio that folds back power when the SWR is >3:1 or so.


73

Bob, K4TAX

On 12/12/2021 7:24 PM, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:

Message: 4
Date: Fri, 10 Dec 2021 13:30:16 +
From: Andy Durbin
To:"elecraft@mailman.qth.net"  
Subject: [Elecraft] KAT500 Attenuator
Message-ID:
 



Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

KAT500 has an input attenuator that may, under certain conditions, be 
activated during a full search tune.   Page 1 rev C of the KAT500 schematic 
shows the attenuator is a divider consisting of R6 and R7 which are both 39 
ohm.  My KAT500 serial number 2609 does not have R7 fitted and R7 is shown as 
not populated in Figure 17 of KAT500 User's Manual Rev C6.


The removal of R7 changes the potential divider into a simple series resistor 
and my measurements show my KAT500 presents a very poor match to my TS-590 
exciter when the attenuator is active.  In this example the KAT500 was in 
bypass and connected to a nominal 50 ohm dummy load.  The impedance presented 
to my TS-590 by KAT500 was measured with an LP-100A:


Att Out:  R 48.1, X 2.4, Pwr 4.48, SWR 1.06
Att In:  R 22.3, X 162.6, Pwr 0.55,  SWR 9.98

Do other KAT500 owners see similar results? (Attenuator can be switched 
in/out with KAT500 utility)


Can someone please explain why the attenuator was changed.

Thanks and 73,
Andy k3wyc


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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 Attenuator

[Wes]

Guys,

I'm not about to remove all of the cables to look but using my iPhone camera it 
looks like I have S/N 1418, which I kit-built.


My R7 is AWOL and R6 measures about 228 Ohm.

Looks like Elecraft needs to explain.

Wes  N7WS

On 12/10/2021 8:25 AM, Andy Durbin wrote:

Hi Lyn,

Thanks for your report.  Your KAT500 is a later serial than mine so I doubt R7 
is fitted. (Mine was a kit build and I don't know if factory units are in the 
same serial number series)

I don't know the source of my Rev C schematics.  I received some of my 
KAT500/KPA500 from Elecraft support and some by an internet search.  I assume 
there must be a later version that documents the elimination of R7.

73,
Andy, k3wyc




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Re: [Elecraft] Need K3 Board

[Wes]

https://www.tubesforamps.com/products/6l6-5881

On 11/26/2021 3:19 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:
Yes indeed.  I wonder what the availability and useful life of the 6L6 or 807 
types were?


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Re: [Elecraft] Background Noise with Mike Plugged in to Rear Mike Jack

[Wes]

If I wasn't the first, I was the second, person to recommend the CM-500.  I've 
used them on both my original K3 and a new K3S.  IIRC I've gone through three of 
them; buying new ones when the pads wear out.  I have never had RFI issues with 
them (or anything else for that matter).  The only ferrite in my shack is the 
stuff molded on some of the computer cables I use.  I wish my TS-890 had the 
same rear-panel capability as the K3(S) for using these.


Wes  N7WS


On 11/21/2021 6:54 PM, David Herring wrote:

I also had RF problems with the CM-500 plugged into the rear mic jack.  The 
solution I’ve implemented so far was to wrap about 13 turns of the CM-500’s 
cord around a #31 toroid. It both shortened the cord which was way too long for 
my shack and eliminated the RF problem. A two-for-one solution. ;-)

On rare occasions I like to use my D-104 mic in the front panel jack.  It too 
is adversely affected with RF issues.  As soon as I get a moment I’m going to 
try wrapping it’s cord around a #31 toroid and hope it works as well there as 
with the CM-500.

I hope Elecraft is looking at the front panel mic jack as well as the rear when 
looking at solving the RF issue.

73,
Dave - N5DCH





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Re: [Elecraft] K3S line out and sidetones

[Wes]

For completeness I thought I would copy my original message for the doubters.

"I received an email from a German ham telling me that he's observing the same 
thing that I reported a couple of years ago. Specifically an audible "clicking" 
sound in both my K3S and KPA500 that coincides with CW keying.  See this thread: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA500-clicking-td7596512.html


Since there was no "fix" from Elecraft I guess time dulled my sensitivity to it 
until I received the email and then I thought to listen for it again.  It's 
thunderstorm season here in the AZ desert so my antenna cables are all 
disconnected. Because the problem manifests whether or not RF is being generated 
I put the K3S into TX Test mode and put the KPA500 into operate.  As before, the 
clicking is still there in both the K3S and KPA500.


But while doing this I noted that the SWR LEDs on the KAT500 were flashing.  
Since the antennas are disconnected this would be normal if RF was being 
generated, however as stated, I'm in Test mode.  One of my tuner ports has a 
dummy load attached so I switched to it and lo and behold the amp output LED was 
showing ~50W.


I have an original K3 so I tuned it to the K3S frequency, keyed the K3S and 
listened on the K3.  I could hear a non-coherent, clicky "garbage" signal that 
seemed to have a spectrum roughly the width of the TX filter.  Because both 
radios were running on the same power supply to eliminate the possibility of 
crosstalk via that path I fired up an SDR-IQ running on a totally separate 
computer and looked at the spectrum.  Although it's non-synchronous to the 
keying I can see a signal that does have an envelope roughly shaped like a BPF 
although it's far from flat in the passband.


The amplitude of this is affected by the output power setting and is present 
with the KPA500 in Standby.  It also seems to be thermally sensitive; becoming 
less conspicuous the longer things run."


Wayne replied:

Hi Wes,

TX TEST mode activates the entire TX strip because it turns on PTT to test the 
keying of downstream devices. This was requested by our original field testers. 
The only thing that isn’t turned on is the carrier. It could be that in SSB 
modes there’s noise in the voice passband, producing the result you observed.

I can clarify this in an errata item for the owner’s manual.

It may also be possible for me to disable the TX AF path via a DSP command, and 
I’ve added that to the firmware task list.

Thanks for the input--

Wayne

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Re: [Elecraft] K3S line out and sidetones

[Wes]

Might have been.  Wayne did reply with a possible cause and indicated a possible 
firmware fix to be

"put on the list".  I never heard further.

Wes  N7WS


On 11/17/2021 10:40 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

On 11/17/2021 8:55 PM, Wes wrote:
The K3S does transmit in Test mode. I've seen 50W of output from my KPA500, 
while in Test mode.


I mentioned this on the reflector on 7/25/2017, topic "Test Mode Garbage."


Might this have been since fixed in firmware?

73, Jim K9YC


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Re: [Elecraft] K3S line out and sidetones

[Wes]

The K3S does transmit in Test mode. I've seen 50W of output from my KPA500, 
while in Test mode.


I mentioned this on the reflector on 7/25/2017, topic "Test Mode Garbage."

Wes  N7WS



On 11/17/2021 7:56 PM, Frank O'Donnell wrote:
If the K3S is placed in TEST mode for the purpose of CW practice without 
transmitting

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Re: [Elecraft] K3s

[Wes]

Probably Kenwood, since early on Elecraft adopted Kenwood protocol.

Wes  N7WS

On 11/14/2021 5:34 AM, chris grierson via Elecraft wrote:
I am trying to use my K3s with a program but it does not list the K3s in the 
drop down list


is there another rig from the drop down list that would let me use that is the 
same as the K3s


thanks Chris




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Re: [Elecraft] Legal Limit With FT8

[Wes]

Re; Tail-ending,  He who hesitates is lost, or as a Navy sky diver once told me, 
"He who hesitates shall inherit the Earth."


Classic tail-ending is calling BEFORE the last guy is finished.  So while the 
previous guy is sending 73, good bye, hasta la vista, hope to work you again 
soon, you snuggle up to the frequency, drop your call in and work the DX while 
the other guy is still sending.


This is all dependent on paying attention to how the DX handles pileups. Some 
don't like this.  So listening is always important. For example, I worked one 
major DXpedition (forgot which one but their leader was the keynote speaker at 
Visalia the next year and mentioned exactly this).  They were calling CQ on 
14.190 and the op would say, "Listening 200 to 210" and the pile would instantly 
begin screaming as he paused ever so slightly and continued "and 14.195." I 
worked him on 14.195 on one call.


Wes  N7WS
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Re: [Elecraft] Legal Limit With FT8

[Wes]

I figured I'd get somebody riled up.  I will give you that a modicum of skill is 
useful in frequency selection.  However, when DXing, the DX station sets the 
sequence, you don't get to pick it.  So the best you can do is to not transmit 
once in a while so you can see the competing callers (if skip allows it). You 
can easily have propagation where you don't hear any of the other callers, so 
that "skill" is really "chance". With F/H I even lose the right to set my TX 
frequency.  On more than one occasion I've had the fox copy me, move me to his 
frequency only to NOT copy me again.  Then I start over.


Forgive me for not understanding tail ending on a mode where the protocol sets 
the timing.


Contrast to traditional RTTY.  What's common, a machine encodes and decodes the 
message.  Otherwise, on RTTY I determine the message content, when to call, 
where to call and I have control of RX QRM fighting features and can run 
multiple decoders.


Just to keep this somewhat Elecraft related I will say that even though I've 
moved to a Kenwood TS-890 for a number of reasons, my K3 and K3S are the better 
RTTY radios.


Wes  N7WS

 On 11/11/2021 5:03 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:

"I have DXCC on RTTY and refuse to add FT QSOs to my total.  They are different 
things.  RTTY requires some skill."

You seem to imply that FT modes require no skill.  I disagree.  There are 
complete LIDS using the modes and there are others who carefully pick TX 
frequencies to avoid QRM to a QSO in progress and time their transmissions to 
effectively tail-end without causing QRM.

There are LIDS who work DX and then call CQ on the DX frequency.  Noone with 
any understanding of the mode would do that.  FT8 is not blast and log.  It 
does require some thought and it's obvious some on the bands didn't give it any.

FT mode skill is not the same as CQ or RTTY skill but to deny there is a skill 
to effectively using FT modes is, at best, short sighted.

73,
Andy, k3wyc


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Re: [Elecraft] Legal Limit With FT8

[Wes]

Welcome to the land of unintended consequences.  To my personal dismay these 
modes have taken off in the DX chasing biz.  (I have a friend who has been on 
many many big-time DXpeditions and is giddy about using FT8, since the DX end 
can sit back and drink coffee). Show me a DXer who doesn't want to break the 
pile up first and you'll be showing an anomaly. Contesters are the same.


Fox and Hound requires the lower frequencies so tuning the dial higher isn't an 
option.  I also suspect that these guys are using limited BW and don't hear the 
higher tones anyway.


If Joe wants to propose things (a sub-band is unenforceable*) why not a separate 
award for FT DXCC?  I have DXCC on RTTY and refuse to add FT QSOs to my total.  
They are different things.  RTTY requires some skill.


* During the recent HD8R DXpedition they operated on 60-meters; on "channels" 
not available to US hams.  Furthermore they operated split, with their listen 
frequency even further from a legal channel.  With a little forethought they 
could have listened down instead of up and I could have easily worked them.  But 
I did not; however, this didn't stop some lids from working them out-of-band.


Wes  N7WS


On 11/10/2021 9:03 PM, Richard wrote:

I had a discussion about this sort of madness with Joe Taylor, creator of FT8 
and WSJT-X. Here's what he had to say about it:

"Hi Richard,

"Yes, it's annoying when people engage in a QRO arms race to make more QSOs or 
make them more quickly with FT8. Using high power is one thing when conditions 
demand it, as with some 160 m DX paths, for example. It's quite another thing when 
high power is not required to make the QSO, but only to help you get through first.

"However, it has always been thus, and there's not much anyone can do about it. 
As a general rule it's often useful to move up above 2500 Hz or so, audio frequency. 
Or even to set your dial frequency 1 kHz higher than the default for a band.

"We are also thinking about suggesting a "QRP FT8 sub-band" in which power 
should be limited to 10 W (say).

"-- 73, Joe, K1JT"

Richard
W4KBX
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Re: [Elecraft] HD8R

[Wes]

According to their online log their last QSO was 08/11/2021@ 0237.

They operated on 33 slots (band/modes).  Some of these were impossible for many 
of us: Satellite, 6-meters, 60-meter CW & SSB where they didn't listen in US 
channels (didn't stop some lids from working them) and 160 SSB, where they made 
10 QSOs.  I missed them on 20 RTTY, where they operated once, as best as I can 
determine.  Otherwise, I worked them on the other 26 slots. Number 42 on the NA 
leaderboard.


Wes  N7WS

On 11/8/2021 12:05 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:

HD8R went QRT at 23:59 yesterday.

73
Lyn, W0LEN




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Re: [Elecraft] K4 or K4D

[Wes]

IMHO, no.

Wes  N7WS

On 11/5/2021 9:05 AM, Dave Barr wrote:
I operate from a 50 by 115 foot lot using a tribander and two open wire fed 
dipoles.  I use a K3 with the auto antenna tuner, but no panadapter.  Primary 
interest is contesting (usually qrp and S&P) and DX chasing.  I never operate 
2R in contests. There can be fairly high rf noise levels in the neighborhood, 
say S3 to S6, but not always.


My question is this:  Does the K4D have a real advantage over the base K4 for 
me.

Thanks for your opinions.

Dave, K2YG


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