Re: [Elecraft] re UP Down features on mic
Not sure off the top of the head but I'm sure that if you pull up a schematic for a kenwood mic you'd get the answer. I do know that that is not yet implemented in the firmware. I remember Wayne mentioning that a while back and haven't seen it added in any of the recent release notes. Quoting Fern Rivard [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Can anyone please enlighten me on whether the UP and Down feature on the microphone connect work against ground or +8 volts dc. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 AF PA
2.5 Watts into 4 ohms if you're willing to put up with 10% THD. Figure 2 watts into 4 ohms. On Fri, 2008-03-14 at 20:41 -0700, Bob W9RFS wrote: Does anyone know how many watts the audio amp is that feeds the speaker output connector? Thanks! ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] : Laptop UPS
Actually the purchaser does have the ability to decide on the importance of the EMI signature. Many of the laptop products only have to stand up to the A standard. Where as some companies have tougher requirements and require things to stand up to a higher standard. I work for a company that designs bar code scanners. My company is the ONLY organization of them all in the production of large fixed installation scanners that requires our products to pass the B standards rather than class A. (Essentially the class B standards require that you are about 10dB below the class A standards). Not to mention the fact that we require that we pass with at least 3dB of margin so technically we require our products to be 13dB better than we really have to be. Not to mention the rest of the testing that we do on our products. In the large supermarket fixed installation scanners we actually slam a 30 pound bag of lead shot directly onto the scanner from 2 feet. We call this the Turkey Drop test. We also hit the products with 25,000 volts ESD discharges and require that this causes zero failures while the industry standard is 15KV. Anyway the point of the whole thing is that we are the manufacturer and designers of the scanner. We purchase power supplies from Chinese manufacturers and we as the purchaser mandate the requirements of the supply. If we did not there would be no way that we could stand up to our own standards. Honestly I've personally not run much in the way of testing on the laptop power supplies but I do know that we run switchers to power our products. Mainly because we need to be able to support the use of our product worldwide but also because California is now outlawing the use of unregulated transformer based linear supplies in new products. Maybe next time I'm at the lab if I have some free time I'll run some tests on my dell power supply. Honestly I have used my laptop as a host before and have found that with only some very minor mods my Latitude D610 can be made to pass class B. I only had to add a few pf's of capacitance here and there and it works great. But that doesn't mean that I don't still slap ferrites on all of the cables to and from our product that I'm allowed! :) We'll see if I end up with some free time... Although at $350 an our for lab time you tend to get very good use of the time! ;) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA3 for QRP
From my understanding of it the radio has the KPA3 switched out of the loop until you cross the 12W mark. Then it starts actually putting it into the signal path. Until you crank the power up beyond 12Watts the KPA3 is nothing more than an added current drain. But if you turn things up to 12 or 13 watts you're probably still quite fine with those levels for RFIing yourself and the rest of the house / neighborhood and your KPA3 will have TONS of headroom for you in that configuration. Yet as far as the low power amp its still probably still rated at the same 100% duty cycle at full power for 10 minutes. I say probably because the only technical spec listed is that it will handle 100 watts for 10 minutes easily on the web site and in the manual. I'd imagine that similar margins are used on both PA's being that both are designed to have a 20% overhead which is more than you get from Yaecomwood out of the gate! One big advantage is that getting the KPA3 now is a smart investment as it is probably only going to go up in price and you have a great advantage with the current exchange rate as it is. Not to mention that if you were ever to want to sell your K3 the fact that a KPA3 is already installed makes it much more attractive to many more people. My motto has always been its better to have than to want. ;) On Mon, 2008-03-17 at 02:55 -0700, G4ILO wrote: I run QRP out of practical necessity. I'm forced to use attic antennas and I don't wish to induce more RF into the domestic electrical equipment (or me, for that matter) than I absolutely have to. Nevertheless, I'm thinking about getting a KPA3, because it probably will never be cheaper than it is now, and the occasion might arise in future when I might be able to use it. I'm just wondering if there are any advantages to using the PA when running QRP. As I understand it, the PA is switched out of circuit until you dial the power above 10W, just as in the K2. There is no option for class A operation at a lower power level to produce a cleaner signal. If I run 10W of FM, the QRP PA will do all the work, and warm up very quickly, instead of letting the KPA3 do most of the work and barely getting warm. If I run 5W of PSK31, the IMD generated by the low power PA running at half its rated power will be higher than the KPA3 loafing along at the same power level. Unless I'm missing something, there would be no benefit to me at the moment from having the KPA3 unless I want to wind the power control above 10W. Am I right? - Julian, G4ILO K3 s/n: 222 K2 s/n: 392 G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] : Laptop UPS
It makes no RFI at all that bothers you in your situation. The only product that produces no RFI at all is the pet rock. Its all just a matter of degree. On Mon, 2008-03-17 at 02:37 -0700, G4ILO wrote: It is a very high quality product and creates no RFI at all. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] [K2] : Laptop UPS
Yea the ones that qualify have to say Efficiency Level IV on it (or something like that). Essentially some European group did a study and stated that if you took the passive load of all the unregulated bricks that are in Europe it would total up to one power plant or something like that... I wasn't paying too close of attention as I usually just splat down the same supply that I used prior unless I can find something cheaper. In which case I usually follow the app note and the demo board and all is well... As for the brick its just one more requirement that I have to make sure we get taken care of and that we get the brick labeled properly for all the regulatory garbage... :) But yes California heard about this and was like wow if we get rid of all those passive loads from bricks that are plugged into products that are turned off we'll save all sorts of money. That and the power system in CA already seems a bit fragile at times Works for me... Oregon makes quite a bit of money selling power to you guys!! :) -Original Message- From: Vic K2VCO [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, March 17, 2008 7:41 AM To: Brett Howard Cc: Elecraft Users Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K2] : Laptop UPS Brett Howard wrote: California is now outlawing the use of unregulated transformer based linear supplies in new products. Oh, great. Although as you point out it is possible to make a quiet switcher, it's also cheaper to make one that will wipe out everything for a 100-yard radius. Let me tell you about this high-intensity lamp that I have...actually, it does have some value; it can be used as a noise generator to align the filters in my K2. Now *every* piece of electrical junk will have one! -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] [K2] : Laptop UPS
The only product that produces no RFI at all is the pet rock. Even rock has a radiation signature.. BTW - If you are worried about radiation, don't do a walking tour of Edinburgh, Scotland... Granite is 'radio' active Noted! ;) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K3 power cable
Don't worry about doing both... It leaves you that much more sure that you won't lose connection and trust me... The electrons will forgive your soul for doing both! :) -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mike B Sent: Monday, March 17, 2008 10:34 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 power cable You either crimp or Solder - not both While it may be easy to prove that doing both is redundant, I see no reason why one *can't* do both, provided you crimp before soldering. I find it rather odd to make such a firm distinction. If I'm planning ahead and remember to bring the crimpers home from work, I'll typically just crimp. Otherwise, I just solder. Sometimes, though, I'll get picky and do both, such as on lines that will be carrying a fair bit of power. 73, Mike KW1ND ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] KPA3 for QRP
People talk about the extra current drain. How much is it? If you go by what W0CZ measured you get this: The current tests before I put in the KPA3. Receive 0.94 to 1.1 A TX (NO POWER) 1.56 A TX 5W 2.56 A TX 10W 3.07 A TX 12W 3.23 A The same test after the KPA3 was installed, Set up and working fine. Receive 0.94 to 1.1 A TX (NO POWER 2.16 A TX 5W 3.10 A TX 10W 3.62 A TX 12W 3.78 A ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 AF PA
Upon further review of what I sent you earlier I have to disagree with myself. I'm certain that any sort of reduced bandwidth should have nothing to do with the test as I'm assuming they took the measurement at 1Khz. I know that the spec was take this way but have no way of knowing how the ARRL performs this test. I'm near certain that they don't inject a signal at the input of the audio amplifier which is what National did. Perhaps the ARRL injects a transmitted signal with a 1khz tone in it and they then measure that. Added distortion could and would be added by the transmitter and as well the receive circuitry. Even if they simply injected a signal into the antenna jack. I guess the purest test that I can think of off the top of my head would be to use the microphone feedback feature (the one that is used to listen to your transmit audio) and then to fee the 1khz signal into the microphone or line level input and then monitor the power out on the speaker jack. Its possible that this was done but I doubt it as it would not be repeatable on all radios that they test. That is the wonderful thing about test data when there isn't a specification of how the test is run readily available. (or at least I don't know of where to find this specification). Furthermore there is a possibility that the stage before the audio amplifier is clipping before reaching the rails of the audio amplifier. In other words its possible that the previous stage reaches 10% THD and the amplifier is only putting out the 2.5ish watts when that occurs. Truth is that without having the test in hand and being able to take the measurements myself I won't be able to really know where the difference comes from. But honestly 2.5 watts should be enough to make you want to leave the room with most efficient speakers (ESPECIALLY AT 10% THD!!!) :) If this power level is a problem for you its certainly enough drive to run a small outboard amp or to run a powered set of speakers. Just make sure that the amplifier you choose can handle being in an RF environment. Also you may want to ensure that the amp doesn't become a producer or RF either. Anyway that's my two cents on the topic and I'm sticking to it (for now) ;) ~Brett (KC7OTG) On Tue, 2008-03-18 at 23:11 -0700, Bob W9RFS wrote: I did a little more reseach and found the power amp for the speaker output in the k3 schematics. The device is a LM4950TS. Here's a link: http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LM4950.html#Datasheet Looks like 3.1 watts into four ohms with less than 1% THD. Is this correct or am I missinterpreting the specs? Thanks, Brett Howard wrote: 2.5 Watts into 4 ohms if you're willing to put up with 10% THD. Figure 2 watts into 4 ohms. On Fri, 2008-03-14 at 20:41 -0700, Bob W9RFS wrote: Does anyone know how many watts the audio amp is that feeds the speaker output connector? Thanks! ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] New Contest Transceiver
Yea but probably 70% of hams are either dead and not logged yet or inactive. Then you've got 20% that does casual operation and contesting and then you've got the 10% in the middle that complain about the contests. Yet still the majority of the people on the air I fully well believe participate a bit in the contests. Heck I've spent HOURS calling CQ at the calling frequencies at 7 watts and had no call backs. At times its just nice when there is a contest and I can call someone and get a quick test of things... On Wed, 2008-03-19 at 13:16 -0600, Gary D Krause wrote: I saw a recent ARRL poll that indicated that only about 20% of the ham population contest, if I remember correctly. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] max input voltage on Ant 1 or 2
I had a gen that would give me 1mV and I found that it produced a signal that was so wide there was no way to accurately zero up on it. But if I turned the output of my generator off I found that there was enough cross talk across the output relay to generate a lot of signal into the radio. So its quite possible that you can pull this off. Or if all else fails just put a terminator on your generator and run a cable out of it (just a single wire). then you can run a wire into the rig and you can then couple these wires more or less to vary the amount of signal that you want/need. On Wed, 2008-03-19 at 23:10 +, David Ferrington, M0XDF wrote: I can't find this in the spec although I expect its there what is the max input voltage on Ant 1 2? I have a ref osc that gives 5MHz at ~ 5mV, I'd like to use this to do a ref cal by direct connection to ant 1 or 2 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bose QC Mic Modification
I used to work in the audio industry. Was working for a higher end amplifier manufacturer. We always thought that BOSE actually stood for Bring Other Sound Equipment. It was also often said No highs no lows it must be Bose. Honestly though some of their professional line of amps were quite well made and designed but that was because they farmed those out to us 100% we designed and manufactured them for them. A great set of headphones for anyone who wants external noise isolation and wants good quality audio is the Etymotic ER-4P. I have a pair of these and have gone to an audiologist to have custom ear molds taken and had earpieces made by Westone. Westone makes hearing aids and makes for a wonderful addition to the Etymotic headphones. I can wear these headphones all day at work and not have even the slightest bit of fatigue. The ER4P's are probably the most transparent audio reproduction system I've ever heard. I've not spent large periods of time using these headphones during a contest but I can assure you all that they are completely flat and un-coloring when listening to music. I can't see how they'd be anything less than stellar when listening to the airwaves. Furthermore I can assure you that you'll never find any sort of active noise canceling that will do as good of a job at external noise reduction than the stock ear pieces that come with the ER-4P's. I have used them for a while during a field day and there is NO hearing the generators in the distance! This is crucial in gaining maximum dynamic range when it comes to the AF range. Also if you go to the Etymotic website and see the price don't be too put off by that as they can be found MUCH cheaper on the web! On Sat, 2008-03-22 at 10:36 +, David Ferrington, M0XDF wrote: Yuk - not pretty - but I guess it works. NOTE - that was the QC1 - thge QC2 has slightly different fittings But, what a thing to do to a £370 pair of headphones! I use mine while practicing my Morse and plan on using them when I actually start CW QSOs. The K2 Proset headset works very well and does cut out a lot of ambient noise. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX1 - U9 - 77L06 - outputing 8.03 Volts...
I'd be careful there... I've not built a KX1 yet (but plan to) anyway I just figured I'd take a look at the schematics to see if there was any way to help you out and keep you going on your build. Anyway the NE602 that is on the board specs 8.0V as its MAX Vin. Seems to me like you have a problem with your 6V regulator. If you had a bench supply you could remove the regulator and then hook a bench supply in there once setting it to 6V and could continue on the build. But unless you have that I'd recommend simply removing U9 and getting ready to put in a new one. Sorry. I'm sure Elecraft will take care of you in short order but you may also be able to find a part as common as that locally pretty quick. Perhaps even on the weekend. Its worth a try at least. Good luck sir. ~Brett (KC7OTG) Hope to hear you on the air soon! On Sat, 2008-03-22 at 12:11 +, Nicolas Pike wrote: Hi, KX1 Build I have got up to the test of U3 voltage (Page 28), and pin 6 is at 8.03 volts.. It should be 6! I have triple checked everything so far which all appears to be in order. As I am away from home at the moment I am building the KX1 on a small table and hence lack any more test equipment than a multimeter. Is 77L06 (U9) likley to be fried? Is there anything else I should be checking? Any suggestions appreciated as my planned /P building attempt has now ground to a halt, and it would be great to be able to build some more! Please reply to [EMAIL PROTECTED] as I only get the daily digest. Thanks Regards Nicolas www.m1hog.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: using vox as PTT for digital modes
I'd rather not see this on the todo list. I feel the PTT on the DB9 is more than ample and will prevent many others from sending many windows sounds over the air. Most software will key a rig over CAT commands and this is the way this should be done. On Sat, 2008-03-22 at 20:52 -0700, Wim Dewilder wrote: Hi I tried using VOX as the PTT for digital soundcard modes but that doesn't seem to work. That would be a neat feature addition as I do have a second soundcard in the PC dedicated for HAM digital modes, so no windows sound will trip the VOX. I was using a signalink SL1+ before that basically activated PTT when detecting audio out of the PC. So Wayne please add it to the todo list ;-) 73 de K6TE Wim ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bose QC Mic Modification
250 is pretty cheap. I paid more than that when you add up what I paid for the ER4P's and the molds separately. Yet still in pretty much all of the monitors I've listened to the Etymotics are about as antiseptic as I've found. I'm a big fan of a very clean very flat response and the ety's are quite amazing at producing that. Many feel that if there isn't a 3 to 6 (or sometimes more) hump in the bottom end they aren't bassy enough but to each his own. Anyway one other comment is that if you go the route of custom ear molds you won't get as much isolation as you would with the stock ety ear pieces. I've seen this in the numbers but I've also experienced it. I'm not so sure that the foam molds produce the isolation that they claim but I do attest to the fact that the 3 flange silicon tips do a better job than custom molds. Etymotic claims 35dB of isolation with the silicon tips and 42dB of isolation from outside noise with the foam tips. Wish anyone luck pulling that off with active noise cancellation! On Sat, 2008-03-22 at 21:14 -0700, AE4CW wrote: I second Brett's comments re the use of custom fitted in-ear monitors (IEMs) for great isolation and sonic clarity. Properly fitted, they are very comfortable, provide about 25 dB of external isolation and you hear exactly what your receiver is producing. I do live sound monitor engineering on a weekly basis and have used a variety of low, mid and high-end IEMs ($60-$500+) over the years. The best price/performance I've found so far is the Live Wires IEMs. They are not cheap ($249) but for the money (IMHO) there is nothing better. You can check them out here: http://www.livewiresforyou.com/index.php Live Wires Site ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Linux Spectrogram
Anyone know of a good spectrogram application for Linux. Preferably free but that usually goes without saying in Linux. I'm interested in finding something that will show filter shapes and give actual amplitude values. I know I can get part of the way there by using waterfalls but that is not quite what I'm looking for Thanks... ~Brett (KC7OTG) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] OT: Bose QC Mic Modification
I'm no where near as pleased with the ER6's as I am the 4's. The 6's are a lot bigger and a bit cumbersome and no one that I know of will make a full ear mold of them. As far as the mic I use a Heil GM4 and a Heil Boom. On Sun, 2008-03-23 at 12:07 -0400, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: 250 is pretty cheap. I paid more than that when you add up what I paid for the ER4P's and the molds separately. Yet still in pretty much all of the monitors I've listened to the Etymotics are about as antiseptic as I've found. The performance ratings of the ER6P is only slightly lower than the ER4P, isolation is similar and they can be found for $80 at many places on the web. If you want maximum sound isolation, choose the ER6i (it has the three flange tips vs. 2 flange tips with the ER4P and ER6P). The only problem with the ER4/ER6 is there is no place for the (headset) mic G. 73, ... Joe, W4TV ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bose QC Mic Modification
A decent pair of relatively inexpensive full size cans would be the Sennheiser HD201. You'd probably be pretty happy with these. Especially for communications use and you'll be able to get them for under your $50 budget afer shipping. On Sun, 2008-03-23 at 18:47 -0600, DW Holtman wrote: Hello, The high range of my hearing is greatly attenuated from too many years working on Flight decks and around jet engines. So I have no need for a pair of high performance $250.00 headphones. But, I'm looking for a new set. Does anyone have any recommendations for a full size pair in the $50.00 range? Best, DW Holtmen WB7SSN ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 SMD Size
What is the general average size of the passives on the K3 boards? Are we talking 0402, 0603 or 0805 for the most part? Are there any BGA components? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K3 board - lack of modification version control
It says right there on the site that all Rev B boards have the update. Read the rev of your board and that is your version control. What more do you really want? -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Dave G4AON Sent: Friday, March 28, 2008 2:15 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K3 board - lack of modification version control Mike Would you care to elaborate? In the past when I worked for one of the large European manufacturers they had very strict version control, when a change was implemented the updated version number was written in black marker on the board, with the board number followed by /01, etc. In the case of military kit, or kit that may be used by the military, there had to be a mod state plate on the outside of the equipment too. I received a replacement PA and driver board from Elecraft and there was no way to distinguish the updated driver board from the earlier one! The PA was easy as it had two resistors in parallel in place of the single ones at (I guess) R4 R5... But no markings that were obvious to me. 73 Dave, G4AON -- They did. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3's arriving
Boy the lack of K3's arriving has been sudden. The last arrival notice I've seen and added to the spreadsheet is serial no 615 on 3/20. Anyone get one more recently than that? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K3 power supply question
Whats the recommended tool for this. I'm going to buy a tool once and I'm willing to pay the funds for a good one but would like to know a good reputable source to find the tool that will give a good price. I'd like the tool to be specifically (first use) for building my K3 so that's the main goal. Then I'm sure that some day I'll convert everything to APP but right now I'm too busy do to pretty much anything but work sleep and homework. Brett (KC7OTG) On Mon, 2008-03-31 at 11:14 -0700, Dick Dievendorff wrote: The K3 kit comes with a power cable and a pair of Anderson PowerPole connectors. You may crimp them (an appropriate tool is recommended) or they may be soldered if you wish. 73 de Dick, K6KR ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 comments?
I love my K1. Was a kick in the pants to build. I found that using emery cloth to strip the insulation off the torroids was a help as it allowed me to get things very clean with out doing the heat strip method which didn't work too well for me. I've made quite a few contacts using a fanned dipole in a couple trees around the house. I usually get into at least the 20 meter Elecraft CW net weekly and if Tom (N0SS) is still hanging around during the 40 meter net I usually get in to that one as well. I love the memory keyer in it and just set the thing up to call CQ and its usually not too long before I'm in QSO with someone. With my K1 and dipole I've worked Japan on 3 watts and was getting a good report from Oregon. The receiver is a pleasure to listen to! I also recommend the backlight mod. I ended up taking mine back apart and adding it after the fact and wish I'd just bought it from the get go. I also really like the antenna tuner that elecraft makes for it. I find the noise blanker useful (as I live in a very high noise area) it does cut the noise back a few S units but its the least effective noise blanker that I have in any of my radios. ~Brett On Tue, 2008-04-01 at 11:34 -0400, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I recently received my first Elecraft kit a K1. I don't see any postings relating to this rig. Every posting seems to be about the new K3 and sometimes the K2. Someone must be still interested in the K1 out there. Are there any comments on this radio . for instance; how was it to build, is it fun to use, does it have a decent receiver, etc, etc. Please tell me something about your experience with your K1. Thanks ... Bud, NY1Z ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Measuring performance of roofing filters
Its not always that the data matches up with the experience. I can show you plenty of speakers with perfectly flat frequency response curves that sound like complete crap. Read about some of the information that Sherwood has talked about in the collection of data and actual use of a product. At times many measurements just don't stack up to actual use. I think your best bet is to decide what modes are important to you and where you're going to be contesting and the like and then figure out what it is that is going to be important to you. Personally I have a bad QRM problem in my area and don't have time to make a loop antenna so I just switch in narrow filters to try and help mitigate it. The NB in my K1 doesn't do all that great on the noise but it helps. When this noise is present I find myself often operating about about 250Hz. So I got that filter. During field day I like to operate SSB as well so I got the 1.8Khz filter. If you're going to be doing SSB contesting and you want a slight advantage the 1.8Khz filter should be on the list. Then of course I'm going to be getting the 2.8Khz filter. My two remaining slots remain to be chosen but I'll make that decision after spending a few months with the radio. If you want data such as you mention the best way to get it is to do it yourself. Then once you're done sell the filters you no longer want before publishing it! ;) j/k On Wed, 2008-04-02 at 08:27 +0200, Arie Kleingeld PA3A wrote: All, Reading all info about the roofing filters... Many opinions but I still miss a few things here to decide on which roofing filters I'm going to buy. I'm a guy who likes to see the figures. (In the Lord we trust, others have to bring data...) Here's an idea. The following measurements for IMD would be nice. - Determine the dynamic range at 10 kHz with the 2.7 roofing filter switched in. - Decrease signal levels by 3 dB or 6 dB or so (that's up to the person that is measuring). The IMD-signal will then be well gone. - Then decrease the spacing of the signal frequencies until the IMD signals comes up again and write down the new spacing. - Put in more narrow roofing filter and decrease the spacing of the signals. - Determine at what new spacing the Intermod comes up. - Etc, do this for all roffing filters. So we get the following table as an exampe: Filter spacing (kHz) dynamic range 2700 10 103 dB 2700 3.2 97 dB (measuring the 103-6 = 97dB dynamic range spacing) 2100 2.4 97 dB 1800 2.0 97 dB Etc... Etc... So lets measure the spacing of the signals for a 97dB dynamic range instead of the other way around. If you really want to do this right, take several roofing filters of the same width and take several K3's. Cut the salestalk, bring me dat. It will sur help me out. Thanks in advance. Arie PA3A ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] More shipping information
Based on the recent latest K3 shipping verification this is what things look like... First link is a graphic of what I've been posting. The second graph is the length of time waited with respect to the date that the unit arrived. http://www.livecomputers.com/web_pics/Serials.png http://www.livecomputers.com/web_pics/wait_times.png ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] ktcx03-1 and phase noise
Yes I asked this question and [EMAIL PROTECTED] himself told me that this is not going to result in an improvement of phase noise. On Sun, 2008-04-06 at 11:01 +0100, David Woolley (E.L) wrote: Ken wrote: Am I right in thinking that the 1 ppm TCXO will have less phase jitter - hense lower phase noise? You cannot make deductions about phase noise from the presence of temperature compensation. I believe this question came up before and that the TXCO has no phase noise advantage. [ Very long line re-wrapped ] ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: PC boards - lead free?
Well lets put it this way if you are in Europe and you buy an electronic product its made with lead free solder unless its been on the shelf for a good long while. The EU recently mandated that all electronic devices be free of the substances they consider hazardous and lead just so happens to be one of them. Yes there are problems with tin whiskering and yes the solder is more brittle and not very good when subject to flexing but this change happened quite a while ago and many companies have been getting up to speed on how to do this properly. The worst devices when using this lead free solder are the BGA's lets just be happy that there aren't any of those in the K3. Where I work we have to underfill our BGA devices. Essentially we solder them down then we seep superglue in underneath the part to help hold it onto the board. In our drop tests we were breaking balls and ending up with intermittent contact. As most gentlemen know having your balls broken is not a good experience! ;) Anyway tin whiskers are a problem but I have a feeling that most of the K3 is somewhat larger components which helps. But in most studies this has not really been figured to be that much of a real issue in industry. Perhaps in really tiny stuff (half mil and below) but I have a feeling that most of the K3 is going to be larger than that. Maybe some of the DSP's get down into that pitch size And as far as flexing... Don't bend the boards when you build the unit and don't drop it and you shouldn't have to worry about that too much. The chassis is designed around protecting the boards and isn't going to be placing undue stress on them. Granted leaded solder is better but its a thing of the past. Many companies are quite proficient at using it and I'm certain that the house that Elecraft has stuffing their parts has painstakingly gone over their solder profiles to maximize reliability. I know we have and that everyone in the industry was going through it with us. Granted there was a steep learning curve but now-a-days most companies have this pretty well nailed down. No worries man! On Sun, 2008-04-06 at 08:36 +0100, David Pratt wrote: Do the K3 PC boards use lead free solder? I have just read the rather disturbing article in last Thursday's Guardian newspaper that highlights a potential problem with whiskers developing on the solder as well as the solder being more brittle and likely to fail if the boards are flexed. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/apr/03/research.engineering There are evidently conferences currently being held to discuss the problem to which Sun Microsystems and IBM are involved. This is worrying reading and makes me wonder how long it will be before my K3 will fail. 73 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Fwd: OT: tin whiskers videos
Thats also in much different conditions than what you'll find in most electronics. But OK since NASA said so all electronic products from now until eternity are destined to short themselves out and fail nasty horrible deaths. Oh no what shall we ever do! On Sun, 2008-04-06 at 07:06 -0400, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: I posted this back in Oct, 2007, but since the topic has come up again, well, here it is again. Of note is that in NASA video #10, it indicates that tin whiskers were found that were up to 1.8cm long (7/10th inch)...a long way from a few mils recently cited. de Doug KR2Q -- Forwarded message -- From: DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sat, Oct 20, 2007 at 8:58 AM Subject: OT: tin whiskers videos To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Although the NASA site was already cited by W8UR, I thought just in case anyone didn't navigate around the NASA page, that I would post the NASA video link. http://nepp.nasa.gov/whisker/video/index.html Video #10 is amazing (and narrated). There is even one video (#3) showing tin whiskers on a 1960 Grundig radio. Amazing. de Doug KR2Q ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Synchronous Detection
Yea its called the software release page. If you want there are many services that can send you an email when a certain website has changed. Then all you have to do is read the software release notes and you'll know what is new. You can do the same for the hardware releases. On Sun, Apr 6, 2008 at 11:56 PM, Shane White [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Is there any way to be automatically notified of the K3's developments, such as the addition of synchronous detection? Thanks, Shane. -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3%3A-Synchronous-Detection-tp16534680p16534680.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K3, 15 Pin Acc Cables - Commercially Made
I'm quite pleased with the use of the connector. It's a standard relatively easy to find thing and gets the job done. There are some that won't be happy no matter what you do. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Charles Harpole Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 11:37 AM To: Timothy Raymer; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3, 15 Pin Acc Cables - Commercially Made Another reason NOT to use the computer-use socket on a ham radio. Tiny wires, tiny pins, weak strain relief do I need say any more. Come on, designers: remember your customers have normal sized hands and weak eyesight!!! 73 Charles Harpole [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:23:43 -0500 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3, 15 Pin Acc Cables - Commercially Made Don, One caveat to this: VGA cables are normally wired as a series of coaxial cables. So while you may have pin continuity, that continuity may be on a shield of RG-174/U coax buried in the jacket of a larger cable. I have found high density 15 pin connectors and soldered to them before. It is not fun. But in that application, it was the only way to get the correct connections, the correct wire type, and so on, connected to the device. Tim Raymer 73 de KA0OUV K2 #1383 Don Nesbitt [EMAIL PROTECTED] 04/10/2008 11:36 I've found two (2) ready made cables that may be of interest to K3 owners when using the ACC Socket. The ACC socket is referred to on page 18 of my manual as AUX I/O with the caution that this is NOT a VGA video connector! Well, it sure looks like a VGA connector but alas, no video output from the K3 - shucks! For those who just don't want to fabricate a cable, most commercially available VGA cables do not include the #9 pin and for some that do, the pin is not connected to anything. Poo! Fully connected commercial cables found! The first is a VGA Splitter Cable (Y cable) with one male and 2 female ends. It is offered by Cables Unlimited (www.cablesunlimited.com) and is their part number PCM-2250. Search this part number on their site. It is listed on their site for $14.99. All 15 pins are present and connected. This Y cable is carried by my local Microcenter (www.microcenter.com) and is their part number 028126. I bought it for $9.95. You can see it at: http://www.microcenter.com/search/search_results.phtml?keyword=028126submit .x=17submit.y=12 The second cable is a Fully-Wired Straight Thru, HD15MM cable with all 15 pins present and connected. The one I bought is a 3 foot Male to Male (although it is also available in other configurations) - no snickering! It is made by QVS (www.qvs.com) and is their part number CC388B-03. You can search this part number on their site. I don't believe that QVS sells directly to consumers but you can probably find their products at most computer stores. Again, I found it at my local Microcenter. It is their part number 810150. I bought it for $14.99. You can see it at: http://www.microcenter.com/search/search_results.phtml?keyword=810150submit .x=15submit.y=9 I've checked each of these cables and they do indeed have all 15 pins connected - at least the one's I bought do (caveat filed just in case they change their manufacturing process)! I don't have any financial interest in any of the above and, as usual, YMMV. '73 es gud dxing -- Don N4HH K3 #83 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] ALC Setting was (Audio problem in WPX SSB)
I agree that corresponding with the end of the ALC bracket makes sense. I remember looking at the pictures of the radio after it was mentioned that the 6th bar was overdrive and I was thinking it odd that the overdrive point didn't correspond to the end of the ALC brackets. My Kenwood has a line that tells one where the ALC kicks in. It just seems like that type of operation makes intuitive sense where as the 5 bars thing is something that one would have to read the manual/reflector to know. On Sun, 2008-04-13 at 21:56 -0400, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: Andy, Here is what happens: For phone contesting, I my software CQPWIN, which plays wav files for DVK usage (as do other programs). I run the output in such a way that when the dvk is playing, the mic is shut off, but the audio from the computer goes into the mic connector of the radio. As soon as it stops playing, it disconnects the computer and reconnects the microphone. I run it from the computer into a W2IHY iBox for isolation, and the output to the radio. The Mic is a Heil pro-set. With the K3, the messages play fine, but after one finishes, if I use the mic, the radio starts out at lower power and takes 2-4 seconds to build back up to high power. This is the same whether using the front or rear input and whether using high or low gain. After working in this quite a bit over the weekend the problem is related to the K3 microphone AGC. It appears that levels from the microphone and DVK must be extremely well balanced - much more closely balanced than with any other radio or the stronger input will cause the microphone AGC to reduce the mic gain and the weaker input will be much weaker. The 2-4 second delay seems to be related to an extremely long ACG time constant (probably intended to prevent the ACG from acting like a clipper). The problem is made worse - at least in my case - because the ALC indicator provides only 5 very small, difficult to see, bars for adjustment and the steps are rather course (6 dB per division). This means that the maximum spread between the two inputs can be almost 12 dB (!) even when the display only shows a slight flicker between the two adjacent bars (e.g., the mic is barely triggering the 5th bar and the DVK is hitting the sixth bar hard). After some thought there are several ways (a combination of all is best) to help the situation: 1) reduce the time constant (AGC hang) to about .5 second and dump any gain reduction when the PTT is released. 2) Use more of the ALC display to get better resolution. There are 12 bars in that part of the display but only six are used (with the sixth indicating overdrive). At least expand the good range to seven (or eight) bars to coincide with the right edge of the ALC bracket. 3) Make the ALC display response logarithmic (like a VU meter). Instead of 5 x 6 dB or 30 dB total ... the same total range could be displayed with the first bar = -20 dB, the second = -10 dB, the third = -7 dB, the fourth = -5 dB, the fifth = -3 dB, the sixth -1 dB, the seventh = 0 dB, the eighth +1 dB, the ninth +3 dB and the 10th +6 dB. Setting/matching levels would be MUCH easier. It's no accident that professional recording and broadcasting have used similar scales for decades. 4) Give the ALC meter a dual mode display - showing both short duration peak and average (the current ALC) would help. Alternatively, any peak hold dot above the ALC region could show gain reduction by the mic AGC (and warn about overdriving the input). 5) Provide a set-up mode that disables mic AGC - this will allow balancing sources (either FP/RP/Line or multiple inputs on an external mixer) without chasing the effects of the mic AGC. I understand there has been some work on the mic AGC in the firmware currently in test and that may help. However, this area needs to be more user friendly. As it is, I can see significant issues when using the K3 in a multi-operator setting where the relative levels need to be reset completely for every operator change! 73, ... Joe, W4TV -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Andy Faber Sent: Monday, April 07, 2008 12:08 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; wayne burdick Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Audio problem in WPX SSB Wayne, A peculiar audio situation arose using my K3 in Aruba in WPX SSB. It works the same way at home, and isn't a problem I've ever had with any of many other radios that I've used in the same contest configuration. Here is what happens: For phone contesting, I my software CQPWIN, which plays wav files for DVK usage (as do other programs). I run the output in such a way that when the dvk is
[Elecraft] New Elecraft Shipping Status Graphs
I've updated the graphics on my server: http://www.livecomputers.com/web_pics/Serials.png http://www.livecomputers.com/web_pics/wait_times.png Enjoy gentlemen. PS: Thanks all for publishing your K3's arrivals! ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [K3] [Elecraft] Checking crystal filters,
Doesn't the radio have a 2-tone generator built into it? -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of AD6XY - Mike Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 8:12 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [K3] [Elecraft] Checking crystal filters, Traditionally this is a particularly hard measurement to make unless the filter performance is very poor. Without professional test gear you will need to obtain or build two very high quality signal sources, (say identical 7MHz crystal oscillators) at least one of which needs to be tunable. These have to be buffered and then very carefully combined. I think there was a design in the ARRL solid state design book back in the 1980s. Then you can look for the 3rd order IMD products at audio with something like Spectraview - hoping that your sound card IMD performance is better than the radio, which it probably is not if the radio is working. You need test sources with very low phase noise, more than 100dB down at the spacing you are testing at. A typical signal generator is probably not good enough for this measurement. Well designed crystal oscillators should be OK. Maybe it is easier just to use the radio. When listening, if you can not detect any intermods, then you don't have a problem with them. Mike -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Checking-crystal-filters%2C-tp18010302p1803.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Linux Update Util
Noticing that the linux update app doesn't seem to be able to communicate with the FTP server. Has no issue downloding the config out of the radio and seeing what versions its running but can't seem to get the updates... Anyone else having this issue or is it only temporary? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 Erase Memories
Is there a way to erase a memory back to the default NULL state? If not is there a way to erase them all w/o having to re-cal the rig? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Linux Update Util
On Sat, 2008-06-21 at 22:59 -0700, oh2gqc wrote: Brett, I just downloaded the latest sw from Elecraft using the Linux update app. No problems whatsoever. So I guess there was a temporary problem with your connection or Elecraft's FTP-server... 73's de Kari oh2gqc Brett Howard wrote: Noticing that the linux update app doesn't seem to be able to communicate with the FTP server. Has no issue downloding the config out of the radio and seeing what versions its running but can't seem to get the updates... Anyone else having this issue or is it only temporary? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Linux Update Util
If anyone is having issues with error 127 when trying to check for new elecraft firmware it may be because you don't have curl installed. Enabling Verbose Logging under the view menu will tell you this when you try to check for firmware again you will see the following errors: 00:26:58 bash: curl: command not found 00:26:58 Unable to connect to Elecraft server. Error: 127 This is much more informative than just the second line which is all you see if you have verbose turned off. If you are running any Debian branch (including the Ubuntu folks and all of its brances) you can solve this problem by opening a terminal and running: sudo apt-get install curl After running that command curl will be downloaded and installed automatically and everything automagically starts to work. You can also search for curl in the synaptic package manager under System Administration if you would like to install curl via the gui. Hope this helps someone else in the future... Gotta admit its nice that there is a Linux app On Sat, 2008-06-21 at 22:59 -0700, oh2gqc wrote: Brett, I just downloaded the latest sw from Elecraft using the Linux update app. No problems whatsoever. So I guess there was a temporary problem with your connection or Elecraft's FTP-server... 73's de Kari oh2gqc Brett Howard wrote: Noticing that the linux update app doesn't seem to be able to communicate with the FTP server. Has no issue downloding the config out of the radio and seeing what versions its running but can't seem to get the updates... Anyone else having this issue or is it only temporary? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 noise blanker sure does the job.
They are only required to be so in California so far. On Mon, 2008-06-23 at 15:11 +, Brian Alsop wrote: Ken Kopp wrote: Hi Ken, I used to be the line noise tech for my power company employer ... Touch lamps are a seldom-thought-of source of line noise. Wall-warts, too. Walwarts of the future will most likely be a real pain. I understand some legislation has required all of them to be switching in the near future. 73 de Brian/K3KO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 noise blanker sure does the job.
I've got a HUGE problem in my area too. It only comes on at night (not all nights though) and its periodic. Like a lil over a minute on and then 40 something seconds off and it goes on and off like that all night. It generally comes on shortly after the street lamps do. A talk with the power company results in a guy calling back saying he was in the area and couldn't hear anything. Well no doubt you weren't there when the noise is. And he says that if its the street lamps they have no jurisdiction I have to speak with the city. Unfortunately I have no real way to tell what light it is. On Mon, 2008-06-23 at 13:51 +, Ken Kopp wrote: Hi Ken, I used to be the line noise tech for my power company employer ... Touch lamps are a seldom-thought-of source of line noise. Wall-warts, too. 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] No field day this year for W0CZ
Many tune in here to get a picture of how production is moving along and the emails of people getting their confirmation emails and emails of received units were very appreciated by myself... -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of n4lq Sent: Monday, June 23, 2008 12:30 PM To: Mike Harris; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] No field day this year for W0CZ This is almost as bad as those stupid Katigram things. Steve Ellington [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: Mike Harris [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, June 23, 2008 2:40 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] No field day this year for W0CZ G'day, And why do the 1000+ worldwide subscribers to this reflector need to be belaboured by this love-in stuff which has nothing whatsoever to do with Elecraft products or their use? Regards, Mike VP8NO - Original Message - From: Bruce Bowman, NM5B [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, June 23, 2008 2:15 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] No field day this year for W0CZ | re: Salvation Army... similar experience. I'll add my note of thanks! | | Bruce, NM5B ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 8.0.100 / Virus Database: 270.4.1/1514 - Release Date: 6/23/2008 7:17 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] No field day this year for W0CZ
I simply replied to all. I'd just like to see things remain civil and while some things are not wanted by a few there are many who do like them. I was making no accusations to anyone by copying them on the email. I was just trying to inform some about the fact that the K3 production reports are appreciated by many. I get a lot of comments off list about the graphs that I provide reflecting K3 production and wait times. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mike Harris Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 10:54 AM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] No field day this year for W0CZ Hi Brett, A pity you quoted me as well on this one. Actually I don't have a problem with the Katigram stuff, at least it relates to K3's and doesn't start an interminable OT thread. I was keen to see progress towards my own K3 despatch. I can make all the trouble I need myself without help from others! Regards, Mike VP8NO - Original Message - From: Brett Howard [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'n4lq' [EMAIL PROTECTED]; 'Mike Harris' [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, June 23, 2008 7:55 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] No field day this year for W0CZ | Many tune in here to get a picture of how production is moving along and the | emails of people getting their confirmation emails and emails of received | units were very appreciated by myself... | | -Original Message- | From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] | [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of n4lq | Sent: Monday, June 23, 2008 12:30 PM | To: Mike Harris; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net | Subject: Re: [Elecraft] No field day this year for W0CZ | | This is almost as bad as those stupid Katigram things. | Steve Ellington ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: K3 for Field Day
Please note that using AFX features in that configuration is known to cause some strange distortion products from the summing of two signals which are phase delayed from each other. This comment was made by Lyle. It probably won't be an issue for you I just wanted to make sure you were informed. On Wed, 2008-06-25 at 08:16 -0500, Tom Whiteside wrote: My new K3 is going participate in our W5C effort in central Texas.One thing we always do is gang an extra speaker with headphones so that a gaggle of us an participate.In getting ready, I discovered that the K3 has a wonderful built in facilty that makes this a piece of cake.Set menu item: SPKR+PH to YES and you will hear both the speaker and phones at the same time.Setting SPKRS to 2 let me hear the audio in both ears in the headphones.Pretty slick! Everyone else probably figured that out already but FYI if you haven't Tom Whiteside N5TW ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Mic Connection
Does anyone know of an adapter that some one sells to adapt an 8-pin mic plug to the 1/8 / 3.5mm jack on the back? Would be slick to get a completely clean and empty front panel. I'd even be happy if the PTT wasn't connected. The VOX works so well its not needed. I'd not want to use the button on the mic anyway. I'll just wire up a foot pedal. Perhaps if I end up having to make a connector I'll just buy some extra connectors and see if anyone else is interested in buying the extras off me Any thoughts? On Wed, 2008-06-18 at 15:34 -0700, nn5g wrote: I am in the process of trying to mate a Heil PR-40 to my new K3. I do have a mic cable wired for Kenwood use. A couple of questions….. 1.Is there any advantage to using the mic connection on the back, versus the front. 2.If the back connection is made I assume I use the “mic mono” and “ PTT In” connections. How are these connectors configured from the kenwood cable? Tnx 73 de Paul NN5G ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Re: K3 Key-down on power-up [Solution?]
Sounds like a smart addition to me. Protects people from transmitting into something horrible on accident. Always puts a smile on your face when software protects you from doing something stupid on accident. On Fri, 2008-06-27 at 19:51 -0700, wayne burdick wrote: Dave, I wanted to run a possible solution past you. I could prevent the rig from being keyed (by any method) during the first couple of seconds that it's powered up. Instead, it could detect this case, and display a repeating message (something like: KEYLINE IS ACTIVE) until you either remove the source of the keying or turn power off. Thoughts on this? 73, Wayne N6KR Dave Hachadorian, K6LL wrote: I've got my K3 set up for cw on Field Day with a laptop usb port driving a usb to serial converter. Rig control and cw keying are done over the serial cable, using the K3's built-in ability to send cw from pin 4(?) of the rs-232 cable. Everything works fine, but I got quite a scare when I turned on the K3 and it came up keyed-down 120 watts into no antenna. It seems that if the laptop is not running the logging program, rs-232 pin 4 can very well be in a key-down state. --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] No power out all of the sudden... :(
Ok so we're out at field day and all of the sudden I heard a somewhat strong signal and then all the receive has gone to low S Meter numbers yet the radio is not deaf at all. Whats worse is that I am getting no RF out. Pressing tune the radio draws about 2.3A and displays -- for the SWR. When tuning I get -- for the SWR as well. In tune mode the power out at the bottom shows 0W. When hitting tune it says 5.0W at the bottom and shows 5W on the bar graph but it ends up doing a full search to try and find a match and never finds anything cause there is no SWR shown. I've done a full parameter reset and have reloaded my parameters from before field day. No such luck. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated! ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] No power out all of the sudden... :(
Just opened the radio and sniffed around and looked at components on ATU board. All appears fine. Many field day goers have been quite impressed with the innards of the K3 and its capabilities. Have probably sold 2 or 3 K3's today, even with the failures. On Sat, 2008-06-28 at 20:49 -0700, Brett Howard wrote: Hadn't tried PA bypass yet but just did and it seems to be not working. When I hit tune with the rig set to 100mW I get a bit of power out but a radio next to me only sees me as 20 over cranking the power up to 12 watts in PA Byp and ATU Byp only puts his radio at 40 over and that should be able to get higher than that at this range. The K3 still claims 0W out. On Sat, 2008-06-28 at 23:24 -0400, Gary Hvizdak wrote: Hi Brett, Have you tried bypassing the KPA3 by setting the KPA3 menu entry to PA BYP? After that the next thing to try might be to bypass the KAT3. 73, Gary KI4GGX -Original Message- From: Brett Howard [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday 28 June 2008 2317 To: Gary Hvizdak Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [Elecraft] No power out all of the sudden... :( 100W PA Transverter interface ATU 2.7K filter 1.8K filter 250Hz filter Although I should mention that I just did a full reset of all settings and reloaded the 2.02 firmware and right now I've done only the filter setup and have all filters turned on in all modes and have all modes (that I'm worried about) transmitting through FL2 (the 2.7K). I've not enabled any of the modules that I have in the radio and am still seeing this issue. On Sat, 2008-06-28 at 23:11 -0400, Gary Hvizdak wrote: Brett, First question is . what options do you have installed in your K3? 73, Gary KI4GGX __ Brett Howard brett at livecomputers.com Sat Jun 28 22:36:50 EDT 2008 __ Ok so we're out at field day and all of the sudden I heard a somewhat strong signal and then all the receive has gone to low S Meter numbers yet the radio is not deaf at all. What's worse is that I am getting no RF out. Pressing tune the radio draws about 2.3A and displays -- for the SWR. When tuning I get -- for the SWR as well. In tune mode the power out at the bottom shows 0W. When hitting tune it says 5.0W at the bottom and shows 5W on the bar graph but it ends up doing a full search to try and find a match and never finds anything cause there is no SWR shown. I've done a full parameter reset and have reloaded my parameters from before field day. No such luck. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated! ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Re: K3 Key-down on power-up [Solution?]
I thought of another feature to help fix the stupid user issue. How about a lock that doesn't allow a band change. Such as a special way to use the lock button that doesn't lock one out from QSYing but doesn't allow them to move off of say 40 meters. We had a death to a band pass filter cause some one turned their equipment over to a new ham on another one of the stations and a feature that locks from going to another band could have prevented that. Also would be useful for when you don't have the tuner nor an external and your antenna is only good on one band. On Fri, 2008-06-27 at 19:51 -0700, wayne burdick wrote: Dave, I wanted to run a possible solution past you. I could prevent the rig from being keyed (by any method) during the first couple of seconds that it's powered up. Instead, it could detect this case, and display a repeating message (something like: KEYLINE IS ACTIVE) until you either remove the source of the keying or turn power off. Thoughts on this? 73, Wayne N6KR Dave Hachadorian, K6LL wrote: I've got my K3 set up for cw on Field Day with a laptop usb port driving a usb to serial converter. Rig control and cw keying are done over the serial cable, using the K3's built-in ability to send cw from pin 4(?) of the rs-232 cable. Everything works fine, but I got quite a scare when I turned on the K3 and it came up keyed-down 120 watts into no antenna. It seems that if the laptop is not running the logging program, rs-232 pin 4 can very well be in a key-down state. --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Temp Readings
Go into the config menu and set TECH MD to on then repeat the steps you mentioned below. On Sat, 2008-06-28 at 22:37 -0700, Lee Buller wrote: I've been trying to determine what the FP and the PA temps are during FD and the book says that you should be able to tap DISP and then use VFO B to see PA xxC in the alternate display. This does not happen. Was this changed in a update? I bet I am doing something wrong. Lee K0WA In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply. If you don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it. If you can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense. Is Common Sense divine? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] They Laughed At My K1
They laughed at my K1 too and said that life was too short for QRP. Then as they were putting up the antenna I proceeded to make a contact from the Oregon coast to southern California at 7 watts with the antenna still laying on the ground. Then I got to have a LOT of fun making about 250+ contacts on the K3 before it died and would no longer produce RF output. We had a K2 and put that into its place afterward and kept the action alive but it just wasn't the same with my baby dead. I've only had it a week. Most of the guys were amazed at how well I knew the radio for someone that had only owned it a week. My pat answer to that was when you have to wait 5 months to get a rig after the order process you get a chance to review the manual a few times in there! :) I think I sold 3 K3's this field day. The guys were also quite surprised at how happy I remained even after it broke. They were saying boy I'd be worried that things were going to be taken care of ok and what not if my YaeComWood went down like that. One thing about owning an Elecraft is that you KNOW the manufacturer is going to stand behind you! Elecraft was well represented at our FD. We had everything there but a KX1. Even had a few guys with Elecraft test gear. Had a noise gen, a S-Meter calibrator, and a WM1 there. :) The heavy operators tent looked like a Elecraft booth at a hamfest. :) On Sun, 2008-06-29 at 14:07 -0700, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: Geat Jon! That power issue has gone on since I made my first QSO back in '52. There are so many ops convinced that there's a huge difference between 5 or 10 watts and 100 watts or so they can't believe that it's almost impossible to spot the difference on the air under many circumstances. Back then I knew ops who laughed at my rig running 50 watts out saying they obviously had a much bigger signal running about 70 watts output. Ha! There are even some today who think there's a useful difference between 80 and 120 watts. Sure, in a contest there's a lot more QRM. But, as you noted, that's better handled by a superior receiver than superior power, especially when it takes a huge increase in power to be noticeable at the other end. Besides, in a contest, one doesn't have complex QSO's - just a simple little exchange of a few numbers snuck between the QRN and QRM and it's time to go on to the next station. And the multipliers you gain by not giving into the high power fantasy are a real bonus. Perhaps we shouldn't make the minimal advantage of high power widely known or the QRP/Battery/Solar multipliers might go away ;-) Naw, educating others with solid examples is more important. Keep setting the great example - and having great fun! Ron AC7AC -Original Message- All the big radios laughed at my K1 when I set it up at the club Field Day site. But they stopped laughing when it churned out QSO after QSO on 40 and 20 meters -- mainly because it has a better receiver for CW than ICOM 746 and 756 base stations. And they especially stopped laughing when one of the generators died, knocking one of the big rigs off the air. The K1 stepped in and ran for 12+ hours on batteries (overnight) and a solar cell (daylight). Plus, just think of those multiplier points for QRP and for solar power. KB1QBZ K1 #2552 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Err Txg
You need to select the slot number that your 2.7Khz filter is in. I'm getting the same ERR TXG failure on all bands with my rig and have low receiver sensitivity and it just happened all of the sudden during field day. Not sure what happened but I'll be certain to post the findings once I get it figured out what it takes to repair it. On Sat, 2008-06-28 at 02:02 -0700, OE5CSP-Chris wrote: I could fix the problem with the misssing power jumper block- I installed the KPAIO 3 instead-thanks for your help by the way. Now I´m stuck again at the Transmiter Gain calibration.Err TXg occured on the display on every band and there is no power output.The rx seems to be deaf, I can only hear very loud signals.I checked everything again-the frequency offset is okay, but when I came to the transmit crystal filter selection I could not select a transmit filter value(e.g 2700kHz), but only the filter numbers(1-5)! Any ideas? 73,Chris-OE5CSP ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Re: K3 Key-down on power-up [Solution?]
These are the types of things that get new people interested in ham radio! Sometimes you can't hang over their shoulder the ENTIRE time especially when you get someone who is really enjoying things and wants to operate for a while. On Sun, 2008-06-29 at 07:42 -0500, Jim Cox wrote: The radio cant do everything for you. Why anyone would let a stupid user operate their 2K radio at a field day site is beyond me. Jim K4JAF - Original Message - From: Brett Howard [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: wayne burdick [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, June 29, 2008 12:24 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Re: K3 Key-down on power-up [Solution?] I thought of another feature to help fix the stupid user issue. How about a lock that doesn't allow a band change. Such as a special way to use the lock button that doesn't lock one out from QSYing but doesn't allow them to move off of say 40 meters. We had a death to a band pass filter cause some one turned their equipment over to a new ham on another one of the stations and a feature that locks from going to another band could have prevented that. Also would be useful for when you don't have the tuner nor an external and your antenna is only good on one band. On Fri, 2008-06-27 at 19:51 -0700, wayne burdick wrote: Dave, I wanted to run a possible solution past you. I could prevent the rig from being keyed (by any method) during the first couple of seconds that it's powered up. Instead, it could detect this case, and display a repeating message (something like: KEYLINE IS ACTIVE) until you either remove the source of the keying or turn power off. Thoughts on this? 73, Wayne N6KR Dave Hachadorian, K6LL wrote: I've got my K3 set up for cw on Field Day with a laptop usb port driving a usb to serial converter. Rig control and cw keying are done over the serial cable, using the K3's built-in ability to send cw from pin 4(?) of the rs-232 cable. Everything works fine, but I got quite a scare when I turned on the K3 and it came up keyed-down 120 watts into no antenna. It seems that if the laptop is not running the logging program, rs-232 pin 4 can very well be in a key-down state. --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3-Very low sensitivity and tx gain calibration failure
I had this problem too but usually what it is is simply the fact that you didn't power cycle the radio after setting the ATU to bypass for the first time in the config menu. On Sat, 2008-06-28 at 11:46 -0700, OE5CSP-Chris wrote: Got some very good hints but the sensitivity on all bands is still far too low and I still can´t calibrate the tx gain.(low power) Maybe there is a problem with the ATU, because when I hit the Ant button the K3 says NO ATU (ATU set to AUTO)and I can´t change the antenna terminal... 73 Chris-OE5CSP ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] UTILITY Improvements
I'd also like to see the CW memories and things like that that all get changed for events like that be things that are able to be backed up in the configuration. Also is there any way to REALLY clear the radio. Holding down shift/low and powering up does a reset of the parameters but things like CW memories are still there. I've been trying to completely reset it back to time zero to see if that can fix my ERR TXG problems that came up during FD. ~Brett On Sun, 2008-06-29 at 19:40 -0500, K2ZLS wrote: Hi All...I Guess we are all worn out from FD , but as others said, the K3 worked wonders. With all that operating behind us, I found that it would be nice to have an easier way to change the data in the 00-99 Memory locations. I was wondering if the Utility Program can expanded so we can READ, EDIT, ERASE, SAVE and REPLACE key DATA elements such as the text that is entered by hand into each of the 00-99 memories in a similar manner that the Filter Configuration can be managed. I know it can save Configuation Files but they cant be edited. It is a great tool now and it is just begging (?) to be expanded. What do you think? 73's TonyK2ZLS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Re: K3 Key-down on power-up [Solution?]
When I was a kid and had my tech license I only operated on 2m packet and fm repeater operation. I really liked that I could go in on 2m or 440 and then come out on HF packet and get a little further. But the only time I got to operate on the real bands was during field day. As a kid I loved it cause they'd set me up and let me run all night long. I'd never sleep a wink cause I wanted to get in as much HF operation as possible. I thank all the gentlemen who let me use their rigs during field day. So far this field day is the first day I've ever broken a rig. All I can say is thankfully I was the one operating it when it died! On Sun, 2008-06-29 at 19:37 -0400, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In a message dated 6/29/08 8:43:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Why anyone would let a stupid user operate their 2K radio at a field day site is beyond me. OTOH: One of the things FD is supposed to be is a training/education exercise. While it's certainly not a 100%-accurate simulation of a real emergency drill, there's always something to be learned. (I've done ever single FD since I was licensed in 1967, and learned something on every one.) Part of that education is learning about stuff we don't ordinarily do. The first Elecraft I ever saw in real life was N3IUT's K2, whose sn is under 200. All the ads, numbers and testimonials in the world did not have the impact of using that rig under FD conditions. Sure it's a risk to let someone else use a rig - of any price. I've always thought that one should not bring something on FD that one cannot tolerate losing, or having damaged. But I'm still grateful to those many amateurs over the years who let me and others use FD rigs we could not have owned ourselves at the time, and so learn what distinguishes a great rig from a good one. In 1970 I was a 16-year-old, licensed just three years. Yet the let me run the 40 meter CW setup overnight on FD that year. The rig was a Drake R-4B/T-4XB, worth something like $1200 at the time. More like $5000-6000 in today's money. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut000507) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Key down, Operator trouble, etc.
I was thinking it would be nice for the owner of the radio. Cause if the op isn't the owner and the op makes a mistake the owner is out. But ok I'm an idiot. On Sun, 2008-06-29 at 12:44 +, Brian Alsop wrote: In my opinion you don't want to burden the radio with this. The preferred way is to use any contesting program for logging and set it up to be a single band operation. Trying to make the radio so smart that it compensates for operator error is inappropriate. The op makes a mistake, tough. Perhaps he will learn from it and move on. 73 de Brian/K3KO Kenneth Waites wrote: I am afraid this will lead us to need a reminder function to alert the operator to possibly lock bands. This will only sound when the date coincides with a contest. Then we will need another facility to select only the contests we need to be reminded of so we can possibly lock the band change. Then we will need a reminder for where we left the manual since we will have forgotten how to do it. I thought of another feature to help fix the stupid user issue. How about a lock that doesn't allow a band change. Such as a special way to use the lock button that doesn't lock one out from QSYing but doesn't allow them to move off of say 40 meters. We had a death to a band pass filter cause some one turned their equipment over to a new ham on another one of the stations and a feature that locks from going to another band could have prevented that. Also would be useful for when you don't have the tuner nor an external and your antenna is only good on one band. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Key down, Operator trouble, etc.
Agreed this is a very interesting proposition. On Sun, 2008-06-29 at 10:00 -0400, Don Wilhelm wrote: There was discussion of a future firmware change that would allow different confgurations to be loaded - such as only 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 for a specific contest. Once implemented, and when taken to extreme, the K3 could be configured for only one band. In my opinion, a configuration like that is much more acceptable than a button (like the VFO LOCK) to lock the K3 on one band. 73, Don W3FPR Alexandr Kobranov wrote: Yes, one thing is not to make radis so smart and second one is how much cost all around which can be destroyed by some stupid mistake. Such option - locking band - is not critical one but can help also in transverter mode, when only selected transverter band will be permitted. In case when transverter is driven by standard ANT port with let say 0,2W max out, switching to some standrd HF band with standard output power (12W max resp. 100W max) and short attempt to TX can destroy TX line in transverter I suppose. (Not tested - yet - :)) There is no way how to rely on PC control if BAND up/down button is still active and human being is operating station... Especially inmultioperator enviroment with different operators and skills. 73! Lexa, ok1dst Brian Alsop napsal(a): In my opinion you don't want to burden the radio with this. The preferred way is to use any contesting program for logging and set it up to be a single band operation. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 #195 FW:Beta 2.10 Output Pwr Out Of Control
Have you tried re-doing the tune at 5 watts and 50 watts to try and recalibrate the tx gain settings? On Sun, 2008-06-29 at 20:30 -0700, Don Ehrlich wrote: Starting with my first qso after loading Beta 2.10 last week my K3 shut down (turned off) unexpectedly in the middle of an SSB qso while I was transmitting at about 60 watts PEP out. Later I was able, after several failed attempts, to turn it on again and now, a few days later, it is happening again. Now, though, it looks like a hard failure. Any attempt to transmit at over about 30 watts out results in shutdown. This occurs on both 160 and 80 meters. I have not tried other bands. The symptoms are that indicated peak output power is is about three times the specified amount. At around 40 watts commanded actual power is up to over 120 watts and that is about the level where shutdown occurs. As I write this the K3 is in CW mode on 80 meters connected to a 50 ohm dummy load. The output power is set to 30 watts and when I press the TUNE button actual output power indicated by an external meter (average, not peak mode) shows a power of 30 watts varying 1 or 2 watts plus and minus. When switched to peak mode the external wattmeter indicates 70 watts. The input current is varying from 6 to 13 amps as indicated on the K3 digital display, and the SWR indication on the display is flashing 1.0 - 1 on and off at an uneven rate and the RF output indication on the K3 display is 70 watts but also flashing and jittering. This started with FW beta 2.10 and I hope that is the problem but I'm worried that it might be something more serious. I have made no changes to settings recently. HELP! Don K7FJ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] How to 100% Factory Reset a K3
Ok so I've done the hold shift/low while turning on and I've been able to reset all the radio parameters but I find that the CW memories and also the frequency memories are retained. Is there a way to erase ALL the settings and get things back into the shape the radio was when I first finished putting it together? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 Service Manual
I see a lot of references to the service manual (such as when you have an ERR TXG) is this manual just not done yet? I see no mention of it in the manual download area. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 speaker resonance problem
Some have also added black tape to the top panel in the locations where it comes into contact with certain areas of the chassis. On Mon, 2008-06-30 at 20:23 -0700, Allan Taylor wrote: After a rather hectic month, I finally got my K3 on the air this afternoon. (Worked by coincidence another K3: WA7VHO)). But unfortunately my unit (from the kit) has a speaker resonance with the cabinet at about 700 Hz or so. (Not good for a CW op!) As others may have had this problem, could they share the likeliest screws to fuss with or case components to reposition slightly? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] fuse size
Depends on if you are talking K3/10 or K3/100 either way you'd probably do just fine with a 25A. If you want a little more room you'd be just fine with a 30A in there too. Being that is what your connectors are rated to. On Mon, 2008-06-30 at 20:56 -0700, Blachura wrote: What is a recommended fuse size for the K3? I have It hooked up with a rigrunner. Don...w2xb ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Software suggestion: a more prominent TEST indicator
HAHA... At FD one of the operators said... Man I really love the way the receiver sounds but NOBODY will come back to me. On his next transmission I noticed that there was no RF showing up on the bar graph. Then I noticed the flashing TX... I mentioned to him that he was in test mode. Poof one button press and miraculously he was getting call backs! :) On Mon, 2008-06-30 at 22:43 -0700, Carl Clawson wrote: It's just too easy to miss the little blinking TX annunciator if you've left your K3 in test mode. How about once in a while doing something more dramatic like scrolling TX TEST across the VFO A display, or flashing the display, or making the SWR and power meter displays flicker in some obnoxious way, or ... The challenge is to think of something that doesn't impair any useful aspect of test mode. 73 thanks for listening, Carl WS7L ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT Best wishes to N0SS
Tom HAS to do well! He's the only one who's often there to relay and slow down for me so I can get into ECN! :) We're all thinking about you Tom and wish you the very best. On Tue, 2008-07-01 at 08:32 +0100, David Ferrington, M0XDF wrote: And a K3 field tester who has helped me a lot and given lots of advice. Wishing Tom well and keeping him in my thoughts. 73 de M0XDF, K3 #174 -- One can pay back the loan of gold, but one dies forever in debt to those who are kind. -Malayan Proverb On 1 Jul 2008, at 00:03, Bruce McLaughlin wrote: I'm sure we all wish him the very best. He is a tremendous contributor to this reflector. Bruce-W8FU -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of David Lankshear Sent: Monday, June 30, 2008 7:01 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] OT Best wishes to N0SS Tom Hammond, N0SS, a fine amateur and gentleman in the truest sense is due to undergo major abdominal surgery on July 1st. Best wishes, Tom, our thoughts are with you and Jeri. Hope you're soon fighting fit and we can share many more Elecraft moments with you. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] [K3] UTILITY Improvements
Agreed XML could be a good way to set things up. As well it would be helpful for Elecraft in the future as if you're having trouble they can ask you to send in your config and they can quickly open it and find problems if they're in there. I was kinda hoping that when I read the config out of my radio before FD that when I loaded stuff back in that all my CW memories would be back to the way they were and all the memories. Thankfully it sounds like the ability to erase memories is coming soon. I'm sure there still won't be a way to erase a CW memory but man it would be great to be able to suck out the whole radio and then mess with things for FD or whatever and then poof blow it all back in after the fact. On Tue, 2008-07-01 at 17:05 -0700, Lee Buller wrote: Why not use XML so interchange could be universal? That way people can send each other their set ups. That could be interesting. And, you could change set ups depending on what you want to do Lee- K0WA In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply. If you don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it. If you can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense. Is Common Sense divine? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Software suggestion: a more prominent TEST indicator
Morse code legends are cool. I always kinda dug that the kenwood would beep the first char of the mode that you just set things to. Now that I'm starting to learn code a little better I start to like them more and more. I'd put them at VERY low priority but do have to admit they're more of a coolness factor than much of anything else. Some of the warnings could benefit from audible nuggets. Such as the High RFI, High SWR, High Current, Batt Low. You know the ones that are warning you to stop your foolishness before you break things. ~Brett (KC7OTG) On Tue, 2008-07-01 at 07:35 -0400, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm actually a little more worried the TEST mode will be off when it actually isn't. I like to bang out a few practice lines of code every now and then just to keep the fist limbered up. It is kind of embarrassing to open up on the air with a few stanzas from Kubla Khan or something, thinking the transmitter is disabled... Rather than a bigger visual indication for TEST, I would rather have an audible warning. Say, a distinctive chirp every 5 seconds or so. Perhaps other functions could also benefit from audible annunciatiors/warning chirps. These would be user selectable, of course. Aren't there plans to do this? I thought I read somewhere that audio chirps and Morse Code legends would be addded for various button pushes/functions? 73, Drew AF2Z ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] [K3] UTILITY Improvements
If you've seen HTML its somewhat similar. XML is like HTML but with more stringent rules. Its VERY human readable and quite simple to work with. As far as the argument that it results in large files people are living in the past. Broadband is becoming more and more common place and USB sticks are going to be able to hold them no problem. If people really want to live in the stone age I'm certain that they'll still fit on a 3.5 floppy. On Tue, 2008-07-01 at 21:10 -0700, Ralph Tyrrell wrote: What is XML? I looked it up it is Extensible Markup Language (XML) I still do not know what to do with it. Oh well, another language to learn. It does keep the mind working. 73, Ty, W1TF ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] k3 split/ delta F ?
You can display the RIT offset using the disp menu feature while tech md is on. Then you can see the delta F in place of the VFO B. The only downside is that you have to use the small knob to set y our delta f. On Thu, 2008-07-03 at 12:41 +0100, Stewart Baker wrote: As far as I can see it is not possible at present. It is fairly high on my should be quick to implement wish list :-) 73 Stewart G3RXQ On Thu, 3 Jul 2008 04:22:59 -0700 (PDT), K3KO wrote: Anybody figure out if it is possible to display a delta F value instead of the actual VFO B frequency when in split? I've found that delta F is quite useful. The actual frequency, in practice, is irrelevant in most split cases. Made a couple split contacts now on CW. I like the fact that bset stays on so one can tune without having to hold it down continuously -- like some Kenwoods and ICOM's require. 73 de Brian/K3KO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 headset question
Does anyone know of an adapter that will take a Kenwood 8-pin mic jack and set things up so it will fit into the 3.5mm mic jack on the back? Or is this one of those things that I'd have to make... On Thu, 2008-07-03 at 19:39 -0500, Tom Childers, N5GE wrote: On Thu, 3 Jul 2008 17:23:20 -0700 (PDT), KB1PXD [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Greetings, My K3 will be shipped out any day now! (woo-hoo) I've decided to pickup a Heil headset, but I'm not sure if I should go with the Elecraft proset-k2, or just run out to HRO and grab a proset-4, etc. Questions: 1.) If I decide to pick one up at at HRO, can I just pickup the adapter that's pinned out for Kenwood radios? (8-pin) You won't need an adapter. The K3 has a mono mic jack at the rear of the unit for the mono 1/8 plug mic plug like the one on the end of the pro series mic cable and a stereo jack at the rear for the headphones. I have a Proset Plus! and that's how I have it connected, although I do have a Kenwood adapter for it also. 2.) Does the Elecraft proset-k2 come already wired for the K3 with no soldering required? Yes. I believe the one from Elecraft has the same plugs as described above, but have not seen one. I'll bet some one will correct me if I'm wrong. ** I'm trying to avoid any soldering if possible. Any pros/cons of either of these choices? Thanks! Bill kb1pxd 73, Tom, N5GE - SWOT 3537 - Grid EM12jq Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety deserve neither Liberty nor Safety An excerpt from a letter written in 1755 from the Assembly to the Governor of Pennsylvania. Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like. http://www.n5ge.com http://www.eQSL.cc/Member.cfm?N5GE ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 Burn In
Has anyone done a burn in on their radios to test? They rate to 100W 100% duty cycle for 10 minutes. I'm sure there is quite a bit of headroom in that too. Has anyone tested to that? Do any of the Elecraft guys object to that type of testing? I had a strange failure at FD this year and worry that unless I do a burn in like that once it gets back that my normal amount of operation will take quite a while to emulate what the rig saw during field day. I'm assuming that the PA won't let you go till things are too hot and it will protect if things get a little too hot under the collar. Is there any sort of permanent damage that can occur by doing this type of testing? I just want to be sure that I end up with a radio that I can spend some time with and get ALL the options into over time. Other than my K1 this will be the first HF rig I've personally owned. I'd really like it to last me a long time. During the week I owned it I REALLY loved the thing! Now going back to the K1 I really miss the K3! :) Don't get me wrong I LOVE my K1 but its no K3! :) If there are any tests I should do other than trying to measure MDS with my XG2 and trying to do some key down tests to try and prove out that I have no issues please let me know. ~Brett (KC7OTG) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: KRX3 question
So am I to assume that the 8-pole filters are not going to need to worry about this as they are all at 0 anyway? What is the advantage of getting two matched pairs of 5-pole filters when you can get two 8-poles for only 10 bucks a filter more? I'm assuming that its 100 + 100 + 30 for matched 5-pole filters or 125 + 125 for the 8-pole filters. I can see there being a great advantage if you already have a 5-pole and want to match it in your sub RX. But if you're just getting 2 at the same time it seems like the 8-pole makes for a good option too.. At least I hope so cause diversity receive was the main reason I figured I'd go for the 8-poles... :) ~Brett(KC7OTG) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K3 Burn In
I agree that sounds like a pretty good test. The K3 is a PHENOMENAL radio and I'm very familiar with things breaking in their infancy. I'm just hoping that the kinks are very well buried when it comes back. Appreciate the tips on what you did On Fri, 2008-07-04 at 09:25 -0400, John King wrote: Disclaimer - the following test method is not approved or sanctioned by Elecraft. Conduct any testing at your own risk. I work in Quality Assurance in my day job (30 years and counting.) Long before FD I performed a 24 hour endurance test on my K3 to approximate worst-case FD conditions. I recorded a CQ FD message similar to the actual message we would be using at FD into one of the K3's message memories, then set the message repeat time to minimum. The K3's output power was set to 120 Watts and the rig was connected to a 50 ohm dummy load with a Bird thruline wattmeter in line. The DC input voltage was set to 13.5 volts. The test was performed at ambient room temp, about 24 degrees C. The K3 sent the continuous message loop for a 24 hour period without incident. The actual environmental conditions at our FD were a bit more severe than the test conditions above. The K3 was operated in a 4-man dome tent exposed to full sun with an outside air temp approaching 90 degrees. We didn't measure the actual temperature inside the tent, but my informal assessment was hot as hell. Of course, the transmit duty cycle in actual FD use was less demanding than the test duty cycle. I had high confidence that the K3 would be up to the task, and it was. I'm sorry to hear about your failure at FD. I have heard no other reports of FD failures, and to my knowledge the VP6DX crew had no failures during their operation earlier this year. It may be of small comfort to you, but I regard your failure as an anomaly - stuff happens. Overall, the K3 is establishing a reputation as a very reliable field rig. 73, john WA1ABI Has anyone done a burn in on their radios to test? They rate to 100W 100% duty cycle for 10 minutes. I'm sure there is quite a bit of headroom in that too. Has anyone tested to that? Do any of the Elecraft guys object to that type of testing? I had a strange failure at FD this year and worry that unless I do a burn in like that once it gets back that my normal amount of operation will take quite a while to emulate what the rig saw during field day. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] For the Beancounters
Yes I'm still working on keeping stats... ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Burn In
Totally agree. I was somewhat appreciative that FD helped me find the problem as soon as possible and was wondering if solid type TX would be a good way to do an accelerated test. From what I'm hearing now and I agree a FD simulation w/ full QSK running is probably more real world. You are correct in that all I really want to do is find any underlying problems quickly so that I can be assured that I'm out of the 0.1%. From reading the list I know that the K3 is a brute and they just flat out don't die! I just wanna make sure that after getting one that did that I've chased out all the demons... :) ~Brett On Fri, 2008-07-04 at 10:08 -0400, Don Wilhelm wrote: Folks, John was quite correct to term his test an 'Endurance Test'. I have worked as an Assurrance Engineer for the latter part of my career and would like to offer the following: The purpose of any 'burn-in' tests for complete electronic assemblies I have encountered is *not* to stress the DUT to its limits, but simply to catch any early life failures that may be lurking. Burn-in testing of individual devices is different than any burn-in of a complete assembly. Simply running the assembly continuously under normal conditions for a period of time is normally sufficient. Early life failures can and do occur, but they are not common. If one would want to do a 'burn-in' for the K3, I would advocate that alternate receive and transmit cycles be done over a period of a several days (half max power level should be sufficient) or so (you get to pick the time frame that *you* define as 'early life'). Other than catching early life failures, a burn-in period for electronic packages such as the K3 serve no purpose at all. The continuous operation just makes a lurking early failure happen sooner than it would normally. If you are expecting anything more from such a test, it just ain't gonna happen. Of course, one can always just operate it as normal for the first 30 to 90 days and regard any failure that occurs as an early life failure - that works just as well as continuous operation. We did hear of one K3 that failed during Field Day, but there are over 1000 K3s out there, and an early life failure rate of less than 0.1% is very good, even though it is quite disconcerting to find oneself in that small percentage region. 73, Don W3FPR John King wrote: Disclaimer - the following test method is not approved or sanctioned by Elecraft. Conduct any testing at your own risk. I work in Quality Assurance in my day job (30 years and counting.) Long before FD I performed a 24 hour endurance test on my K3 to approximate worst-case FD conditions. I recorded a CQ FD message similar to the actual message we would be using at FD into one of the K3's message memories, then set the message repeat time to minimum. The K3's output power was set to 120 Watts and the rig was connected to a 50 ohm dummy load with a Bird thruline wattmeter in line. The DC input voltage was set to 13.5 volts. The test was performed at ambient room temp, about 24 degrees C. The K3 sent the continuous message loop for a 24 hour period without incident. The actual environmental conditions at our FD were a bit more severe than the test conditions above. The K3 was operated in a 4-man dome tent exposed to full sun with an outside air temp approaching 90 degrees. We didn't measure the actual temperature inside the tent, but my informal assessment was hot as hell. Of course, the transmit duty cycle in actual FD use was less demanding than the test duty cycle. I had high confidence that the K3 would be up to the task, and it was. I'm sorry to hear about your failure at FD. I have heard no other reports of FD failures, and to my knowledge the VP6DX crew had no failures during their operation earlier this year. It may be of small comfort to you, but I regard your failure as an anomaly - stuff happens. Overall, the K3 is establishing a reputation as a very reliable field rig. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Band button
Sorry for the added bandwidth but for worry of the rig getting broken I vote to no have a fix implemented. In my mind I consider the 20 meter band below the 10 meter band. So yes when I press DOWN on a band switch I expect to go to lower frequencies. I'm sure there are many who think I'm dumb for it but I do believe that the 20 meter band is BELOW the 10 meter band. On Sat, 2008-07-05 at 12:54 +, Brian Alsop wrote: Don , I agree we think in bands. That's why the band button arrows ought to do the right thing. Here is the situation now: I want to go from 20 to 10 meters. I have to press the DOWN button to go from 10 --20. Doesn't makes sense by any thought process. Last I knew they still teach counting UP as 0, 1, 2, 3 10 20. The DOWN arrow changes FREQUENCY down.That's why frequency is the right label. Sure it is a nit. However, more than half the time I end up going the wrong direction because I think in bands and conventional count directions.. 73 de Brian/K3KO Don Wilhelm wrote: Your lexicon must be quite different than mine. In my 54 years of association with ham radio, we have had Amateur Bands. Why would one want to label the device that changes between these bands as a frequency switch? The VFO changes frequency, the band switch changes bands. You are free to re-label yours -- just don't do the same to mine. 73, Don W3FPR K3KO wrote: This isn't just the K3. Other radios have the same problem. It seems to be a mistake that persisted through the years. The button marked band with up and down arrows really is frequency. You push the up arrow and the band goes down. Press down arrow and band goes up. It would be nice to have this fixed in the K3. No hope for other radios. Right now I have a white sticky label with freq on it pasted over the band marking. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 OWNER’S MANUAL ERRATA
You need to do the rotation while still holding the knob in. On Sun, 2008-07-06 at 07:31 +0100, Dave G4AON wrote: and ALT2. To save a filter setup, hold NORM until you see - SAV - (3 seconds), then rotate the knob left or right to save it as ALT1 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Broken Threads
Now we've got 3 separate threads asking people not to have separate threads... How ironic... :) On Sun, 2008-07-06 at 07:30 -0400, George Victor wrote: Hi Folks, Please don't take this the wrong way, this is just my opinion. I feel that if a thread is started, all of the related replies should be kept within that particular thread. That makes the thread easier to read and the whole mail system more clean and organized. Just looking back a couple of days: We have - 2 threads on k2 Diversity (with 4 messages in each) 3 threads on K3 and HRD (6 in one 1 in the other and 1 called Ham Radio Deluxe With K3) 2 threads on Bail Height 2 on New Zealand WOW 3 on AF Gain Delay And now we have 4 separate threads going on Band Button. Wouldn't be better, easier to follow and messages would not be lost if the broken threads were combined? Just my 2¢, George ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: KRX3 question
I find that the narrower filters take out a lot of the noise before it hits the DSP and it can even make just rag chew conditions nicer in my very electrically noisy area. Actually I'm quite excited that once I get my K3 back that I can set the 250Hz filter to be able to use it up at 350. I even am adding the 1Khz filter as the step in the noise when switching from my 250Hz to my 1.8Khz was pretty large. Honestly I'm not so sure that the 1.8 is really all that much of a help over the 2.7 but the 250 is a big help over the 2.7 and the 1.8. Plus I just like having the radio do all the intelligent rock switching. Makes it a very nice combination and mixing of the old way of doing things and the new way of doing things. On Sun, 2008-07-06 at 13:56 +0100, David Cutter wrote: I think I must be missing something. As I understand it, the additional crystal filters are only really necessary when operating with very strong adjacent signals in the passband. So, if you don't have a need for rejection of such strong signals, let's say 40 over S9 (somebody correct this figure please) then you don't need these extra filters, the DSP will cope with these large signals. The filters are only there to prevent overload of the DSP. Therefore, to perform the very best diversity reception in 40 over S9 conditions, turn off those extra filters in configuration menu. Having turned off the filters, I can engage the attenuator to avoid DSP overload if needed. Yes, I know it also reduces the signal I'm trying to hear, but that sacrifice may be what is needed. For diversity reception using low gain loop, pennant, flag, Beverage, loaded whip antennas, the signal input is very much lower than from the tx antenna, so, crystal filters are probably not be needed at all. Or do I have it all completely wrong? David G3UNA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K3: KRX3 question
Being tha t it was mentioned that best responses seem to be with a roofing filter wider than 300Hz and then he mentioned the 250Hz filter wouldn't you deduce that he meant the 370Hz filter which Elecraft calls 250Hz? I mean maybe I'm jumping to conclusions here but that was pretty clear to me. On Mon, 2008-07-07 at 15:27 -0700, Bill W4ZV wrote: Joe Subich, W4TV-3 wrote: Bill, David you may be suggesting that in theory but I would pay *close attention* to what W0YK says. Ed wins many RTTY contests including several current world records from P49X, and results sometimes speak louder to me than theory (and I'm an engineer if that means anything). Ed and I had an extensive off-line discussion concerning the K3 filter options and RTTY. We both made multiple measurements of the composite bandwidth (roofing filter, DSP and dual passband filter) with several settings. The consensus is that the 200 Hz DSP settings work as long as the roofing filter is more than 250 Hz wide. That's interesting since there isn't a 250 Hz roofing filter. There's a 370 Hz and a 224 Hz, but no 250 Hz. What did you use for the 250 measurement above or is that a calculated result? At any rate, I'll defer to Ed since he's forgotten more about RTTY than I'll ever know, as his contest results demonstrate. ;-) 73, Bill ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K3: KRX3 question
Direct quote from the message: Much of the narrowing is due to the very humped (Gaussian) nature of the narrow crystal filters but the best responses for RTTY seem to be with a roofing filter wider than 300 Hz (the 250 Hz/8-pole) and/or keeping the DSP filter wider than 250 Hz with or without the dual passband filter. Note: Ed uses the 250 Hz filter with his 200 Hz DSP setting. He says that the roofing filter needs to be wider than 300 and he thus used the 250Hz filter with a 200Hz DSP filter setting. Its simply put that the roofing filter needs to be wider than 300 and he therefore uses the 8-pole 250 Hz filter which it seems clear you know is 370Hz and therefore fits the build of what is required. Then behind that he has a 200Hz filter at the DSP IF. On Mon, 2008-07-07 at 16:35 -0700, Bill W4ZV wrote: Brett Howard wrote: Being tha t it was mentioned that best responses seem to be with a roofing filter wider than 300Hz and then he mentioned the 250Hz filter wouldn't you deduce that he meant the 370Hz filter which Elecraft calls 250Hz? I mean maybe I'm jumping to conclusions here but that was pretty clear to me. That's a good assumption but not what he said. In other areas of his message, Joe was careful to say 250 (meaning Elecraft's nomenclature) or 370, but the what he actually wrote is: The consensus is that the 200 Hz DSP settings work as long as the roofing filter is more than 250 Hz wide. I suspect much of this is academic anyway. If you have an extremely strong signal 250 Hz from your center frequency, NO filtering is going to solve issues like the other guy's TX noise, although a narrower XFIL may sometimes help with desense. At least on CW that's the advantage I see with the 200, but also remember that we also have a 50 Hz DSP in our ears which helps on CW (but not on RTTY). 73, Bill ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Low sensitivity and low power calibration failure
This is in a completely different area but trust me on this one... See if you can find R66 on t he bottom of the RF board toward the right side of the unit when you're looking at the unit from the front. Its just above Q8 and Q9. Measure the resistance of R66 and post that here. On Tue, 2008-07-08 at 03:02 -0700, OE5CSP-Chris wrote: I still have problems with my K3.The sensitivity is very low and I can´t do the low power tx calibration. I loaded the latest firmware and checked all the settings again and again. Gary Surrency, from the elecraft support, suggested to do a few measurements.These are the results.A friend helped me, because I don´t have an rf-probe myself.The results are at the end of this page! Garry is on a trip and he´ll be back on Thursday, so he can´t help me now.I´ve got enough time to do some repair work and any help would be appreciated. 111mV RMS at the center pin of coax jumper from the KREF2 board, that goes into RF board connector J65. 37mV RMS on the right pin on both sides of the crystal filter pins. 346mV RMS at the BPIF jumper to the left of the KNB3 board. 189mV RMS at jumper W4 near the KIO3. This may be a jumper wire that is plugged into J64A on later sn. K3s. 176mV RMS at P71A pin 3 on the LPA.This is near the left rear of the LPA, right across from the KIO3 board. Pin 1 is to the rear. 15.5V RMS at P71C pin 1 on the LPA. This connector is at the rear of the LPA board. Pin 1 is on the left. Examine the parts and connections under the RF Board in the bandpass filter area, to see if there are any poorly soldered or damaged parts. My results: Board connector J 65 shows 35-40mV. All other measurements were 0. My friend thinks it´s maybe a problem with the 2nd mixer.We also looked for damaged parts but we could not find any. Can you help? vy73 Chris-OE5CSP -- 73 Richard AD7FZ Elecraft Support support ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: Re: [Elecraft] Hearing the effect of narrower roofing filter
I agree with this assessment and when I get my rig back plan on upping my 250 filter to kick in at 350. But I had 4dB of gain on the 250 and it still seemed like things got a lot quieter when switching to the 250. I'd have to measure and see if I had the actual same level there (and I can do that now that I have the XG2) :) But I did have 4dB thrown in for good measure! :) I found myself using the 250 all the time for rag chewing... But I use 250 on my K1 for its lowest filter position too.. I tend to generally like things pretty quiet. I use 850 for scanning the band (as that is as wide as the K1 can go). I use 500 to 550 for calling CQ if they're further away than that then I guess I don't get to hear them... And then I crank it down to 200 to 250 when I'm talking with a guy. It not only ensures that I'm pretty close to zero beat with him but also makes things quieter and gets rid of a lot of the electrical hash I have in my area. The K1's noise blanker doesn't hold a candle to the noise in my area but the K3 was doing a pretty fantastic job! On Tue, 2008-07-08 at 08:02 -0700, Dick Dievendorff wrote: A couple of related points, which may not be new news to anyone: You can set the K3's filter bandwidth configuration to cause the roofing filter to switch at points other than the bandwidth printed on the filter. Maybe you would like your (nominally) 500 Hz filter to switch in at 450 or 550 Hz. My 8-pole 250 Hz filter is a bit broader than 250 Hz, and I've set it to switch at 300 Hz. You can also turn off a filter (set its bandwidth to zero temporarily) to evaluate whether a change you're hearing is due to the roofing filter or the change in bandwidth provided by the DSP. And you should attempt to adjust the filter gain compensation so that there is no change in the volume of the note you're tuned to. Rene, who guides the assembly of K3s built by Elecraft, told me that he uses a voltmeter on the speaker terminals when adjusting the gain compensation and can get usually get within a half decibel. I notice a definite qualitative change as the narrower filters switch in. It sounds quieter, and it seems like the volume is being turned down. I think I'm responding to the reduced low and high frequency components that are supposed to be cut off. The DSP-related changes seem more gradual. Dick, K6KR -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Darwin, Keith Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2008 7:43 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: Re: [Elecraft] Hearing the effect of narrower roofing filter Not sure, David, if your Q was to me or to Hank. I can only answer for me. When I adjust the filter width knob, I'm most definitely hearing the combined effect of the DSP bandwidth reduction and the change in roofing filters. But, since I can change DSP without changing the roofing filter (by stepping from 1500 Hz down to 550 Hz) I can get a good feel for how the DSP filter sounds. Then, stepping to 500 Hz, I can see the combined effect of one more DSP step plus the insertion of the 500 Hz roofing filter. The observed big change from 550 Hz to 500 Hz is *mostly* due to the roofing filter. - Keith N1AS - - K3 711 - Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fine observations when you change the filter setting knob, but what makes you think you are hearing the effect of the roofing filter and not the dsp filter? David G3UNA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.4.6/1540 - Release Date: 7/8/2008 6:33 AM No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.4.6/1540 - Release Date: 7/8/2008 6:33 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Low sensitivity and low power calibration failure
Ok then so you don't have that problem... Do you have an oscilloscope handy? Or can you take a measurement with your RF probe on pin 6 of the reference board? Take a measurement on both pin 6 and pin 8 of the connector where the reference board meets up with the RF board if you can... -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of OE5CSP-Chris Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2008 9:51 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Low sensitivity and low power calibration failure ?This is in a completely different area but trust me on this one... See if you can find R66 on t he bottom of the RF board toward the right side of the unit when you're looking at the unit from the front. Its just above Q8 and Q9. Measure the resistance of R66 and post that here. Hi Brett, R66 is about 15.3 ohm 73, Chris -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Low-sensitivity-and-low-power-calibration-failure-tp18 335793p18343812.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Need help operating K3 with Yaesu Quadra amplifier
No actually you have to set the tun pwr config setting to NOR (I believe) in order to get that to happen... On Mon, 2009-09-14 at 11:10 -0700, Ken Roberson wrote: Jim, This will key the K3 and it will put out whatever power you have it set for, I set mine for 55 watts. 73 Ken K5DNL __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Fw: SWR Readings
You sure you have the ANT setting on the correct antenna? On Wed, 2009-09-16 at 07:49 +0100, John Francis wrote: When I tap ATU I get a SWR reading on all bands except when I am on 80mtrs. where all I get is - - , I was getting a SWR reading on 80mtrs but this has now disappeared. Wonder if any K3/100 user has any idea how I can get the SWR readings back. The SWR on 80 mtrs is in fact OK, just that there is no reading on the rigs screen display. John G3LWI No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.100/2374 - Release Date: 09/15/09 20:00:00 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 firmware preview: Much-improved receive AF bass response
I'm still field testing 3.20 I think it is as that one accidentally had the better LF response... I had to go back when it got taken away... Looking forward to getting the more NR options AND LF response! Thanks Elecraft! ~Brett On Thu, 2009-09-17 at 23:50 -0700, PA3CW wrote: Hello Wayne, I am realy interested to fielt test the next release with the audio improvements. Please add met to the list of testers please . Many thanks, Dick PA3CW wayne burdick wrote: The next K3 beta firmware release will include dramatically better bass response in receive mode (50-200 Hz). The result is fuller, richer audio, which many of you have asked for. Lyle (KK7P) and I are completing the full beta test suite, and hope to do the release early next week. But we could also use a couple of volunteers--who really like low bass--to try the field-test release. 73, Wayne N6KR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Make Monitor level track AF level?
This was asked for in the past and it turns out that more people wanted it the way it is at the moment but it was not really a landslide it was fairly balanced. Personally I agree and would like the option to have it track the AF knob. But this hasn't really risen to the top of the list (if it even made the list) considering that it was the less popular option last time. ~Brett On Fri, 2009-09-18 at 13:35 -0500, Randy Farmer wrote: I'm finally coming to terms with K3 3260, born July '09. It's at last fully integrated into the station, and the diversity receive capability just blows what's left of my mind. This thing is like a race car: it rolls off the trailer pretty damn fast, but once you start fine-tuning it it just gets better and better. To further belabor the race car analogy, my trusty old FT-1000D is like a NASCAR stocker, big and heavy but a bulletproof performer. The K3 is like an Indycar or a Formula I car, maybe somewhat more delicate and fussy, but able to perform at a considerably higher level once it's set up and the driver learns to get the most from it. Now that I (mostly) know how to operate the K3, I suppose I'm qualified to start picking nits about how certain things work. The thing that bothers me the most is the Monitor function, especially for CW. For any serious DX or contest work I always use headphones, but I sometimes like to just grab the paddle and work somebody using the station speaker. I normally keep the Monitor level set at about 20-25, since that's what I find most comfortable when I'm using headphones. When I'm using the speaker, I can hardly hear the sidetone or the spot tone. If I go ahead and crank up the Monitor level to where I can hear it in the speakers, the next time I use headphones I'll forget to readjust the level and the sidetone will practically rip my head off. Unfortunately, the Monitor level is independent from the AF level so just turning down the volume, which I always do when using phones, doesn't keep me from getting blasted. What I would like to see would be a firmware change that allows the Monitor level to be adjusted to a percentage of the main receive level, or perhaps set to a specific offset value in dB, such that the relative levels between the main audio and the monitor signal always track as the AF control is varied. I take the audio from the K3 rear panel SPKRS jack to route into my station audio switching for either the headphones or the speaker, so I would rather see it done this way than by making a Monitor level change when the hardware detects that the phones have been plugged in. I've looked through the reflector archives and can't seem to find any posts that address my concern. That doesn't mean there aren't any; I just didn't see them. Does this suggestion sound like a useful firmware tweak to anyone else here? 73... Randy, W8FN __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] WTB: K3 13Khz Filter and/or BCB-BPF
I've been considering just ordering one on the site... Not really a need as I've already got the 8 filters in there that I like but I wouldn't mind being able to get the radio totally open just to allow for maximum flexibility. If anyone has a Broadcast Band BPF or a 13Khz filter that is surplus to their needs I'd may be interested. ~Brett __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K1 NB Modification
I remember somewhere on the net reading about some mods to make the K1-NB a little bit more aggressive. I've been unable to find this as of late and would like to in the event that a few free moments presents its self in the next month or so... Anyone recall where that may be? ~BTH (KC7OTG) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 firmware 2 years on and still much to do
I think most who feel they have to have buttons for all bands and what not haven't really spent much time learning the newer interface as recalling the memories as band switch is quite fast. Then if you use the M1-M4 as mode switch it puts you in the right frequency area and puts you in the right mode. Its very quick. As far as those who want the P3 the rig and a power supply all in one box they'd be the same ones complaining when something broke and they had to ship all that rig back to California. I personally don't mind a few extra cables and some modularity. ~BTH On Sat, 2009-09-19 at 10:35 -0400, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: The band switching, VFO management, mode switching and many aspects of its front panel design needs a rework. Most of the contest operators that I know seem to own a FT2000, they will all acknowledge that its no K3, however they all feel the same as I do about the K3 and its ergonomics. Having used the FT-1000D, Mark V, and FT-2000 series of radios for nearly 20 years before moving the K3, the front panel design and ergonomics issues are completely bogus. There are other transceivers with user interfaces very similar to the K3 - including some from Yaesu - and, while different than the FT-990/1000/2000/9000 the K3 User interface is no less usable. Anyone who makes the size/user interface argument is simply making an excuse for not learning a new user interface based prejudice. Any contester or DXer who uses one of the popular contest or day to day logging packages with point and shoot features is insulated from the transceiver's user interface to such an extent that the differences among user interfaces is largely irrelevant anyway. 73, ... Joe, W4TV -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of juergen piezo Sent: Saturday, September 19, 2009 6:42 AM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 firmware 2 years on and still much to do K3 firmware 2 years on and still much to do? I still dont own a K3. I just cant bring myself to buy the K3 because of its front panel layout and its operation. Although I would very much like its receiver performance. I have used one at a contest station and all that I can say is that I would not buy one until a new front panel layout is designed. The band switching, VFO management, mode switching and many aspects of its front panel design needs a rework. Most of the contest operators that I know seem to own a FT2000, they will all acknowledge that its no K3, however they all feel the same as I do about the K3 and its ergonomics. Most of us are just not portable operators, so dont need small size 12 volt radios. There are many good radios that would be a good front panel design model for the K3a. The FT950, FT920, Icom 737series, TS850 etc all have a very workable ergonomic front panel layouts that are easy to use. The FT950 is so well layed out and very attractive and it would be a good one to copy for a new K3 front panel. If the K3 is so modular, why would it be so hard not to offer a bigger box with a new front panel? There are many off the shelf 19 inch rack boxes that could be used with a new front panel styling. I would suggest that a new K3 panel with built in P3, power supply and 200 watt PA stage would be a big hit. Everyone seems to be so over the moon with the K3's small size, I must be a freak with alien genes to not like the radios front panel layout and operational ergonomics. The firmware feature list or lack of progress I can live with. However a awkward panel layout and poor ergomics thats carved in rock I cant really live with. When I used the K3 all that I ever used was the band switch, volume and RIT control thats all, just like a Mil-spec radio. It was very hard to do otherwise, so I probably missed a lot of the K3's potential. I too live in hope that a new K4 is coming! I could even live with a K3 junior with one receiver and a new front panel design. John --- On Sat, 9/19/09, Dave G4AON elecr...@astromag.co.uk wrote: From: Dave G4AON elecr...@astromag.co.uk Subject: [Elecraft] K3 firmware 2 years on and still much to do To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Saturday, September 19, 2009, 1:58 AM Unfortunately the K3 firmware seems to have wandered off track a bit, two years ago when the K3 started rolling out the following were on the to do list and formed part of the specification: 0.5 ppm TCXO calibration Synchronous AM These might not be the most important issues in the world, but were included in the original specification and are in the Oct 24th 2007 B1 manual. Currently the K3 fails to meet specification! Can we have some indication
Re: [Elecraft] K1 NB Modification
hrm... I could have swore that there was a set of mods that would allow one to modify the blanking time and what not a bit... I'm finding it ineffective in power line noise and would like to try and make it more so. However if I end up with the time to do it I'll probably not have enough time nor repeatable enough condx to test a whole lot. ~BTH On Sat, 2009-09-19 at 12:00 -0400, Mike Morrow wrote: I remember somewhere on the net reading about some mods to make the K1-NB a little bit more aggressive. I've never come across anything like that in the almost nine years that I've had my K1. I've found the KNB1 to be effective on spark-type noise, but not at all effective on local power line noise. The NB on my old TS-50S is, in contrast, very effective on that same power line noise. The KNB1 has only the OFF, HI, LO noise threshold settings. Obviously, the blanking is *least* effective in the HI setting since the noise magnitude has to exceed a higher value to trigger the noise gate, compared to when the LO threshold is selected. The only construction option provided is changing D2 from the normal 1N4148 to an LED to raise the threshold in HI to require an even *higher* noise pulse magnitude before the the noise gate will trigger. The early KNB1 is identcal to the current KNB1, except that it wasn't provided with a 0.01 uF cap between U1 pin 1 and pin 8. Without that cap, gosh-awful noise is generated on some frequencies in the 20m band (at least) as the K1 transitions between transmit and receive. Anyone whose early KNB1 is without this cap should install it. Of course, that cap has no effect on setting the noise gate trigger threshold. That's determined only by RP1(9-10), RP2(5-6), and D1 when on LO, plus D2 when on HI. BTW, the K1 Quick Reference has for almost a decade now said that the KNB1 menu selections are OFF, NB1, NB2 instead of the correct OFF, HI, LO. Mike / KK5F __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Audio Response - Version 3.33 Firmware
So I think I may have found a strange bug. Please someone tell me if you can reproduce it. With the latest 3.33 pre-released test I am unable to set the top two knobs to HI/LOW adjustments. However this problem is only present when the radio is in the CW mode. When in this mode tapping the HI/BW knob doesn't change it between modes. ~Brett (KC7OTG) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Audio Response - Version 3.33 Firmware
Ah yes it does look like that is the case. Went back and read it and it clearly states (there are some limitations at present). Thats somewhat of an esoteric one... Wonder if at some point it can be supported. Seems like it was a difficult one to figure out at the time so rather than dig into that section of and update it to support the new shift it was just disabled. Its been fun watching this thing grow... ~BTH On Sun, 2009-09-20 at 06:07 -0700, Lyle Johnson wrote: With the latest 3.33 pre-released test I am unable to set the top two knobs to HI/LOW adjustments. However this problem is only present when the radio is in the CW mode. When in this mode tapping the HI/BW knob doesn't change it between modes. When CONFIG PB CTRL CHIFT=.01 you can;t use HI CUT/LO CUT IF SHIFT=.05 (default), then you can. See Release notes for 3.25/2.21. 73, Lyle KK7P __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] K3 Audio Response - Version 3.33 Firmware
Yes but unless the response remains that way when an 8 ohm speaker is there its not a very useful measurement. ~BTH On Sun, 2009-09-20 at 07:56 -0700, Ignacy wrote: Is this measured with high impedance probes? If I remember correctly, small caps limit low-frequency response of K3 especially with low impedance phones/speakers. Ignacy As a further experiment, I just added 3 dB to Rx bands 1-3 and the response is now essentially +/- 0dB between 20Hz and 3.5 kHz in SSB through the 6K filter and Fc = 1.35. You can lay the ruler flat on the response. http://216.229.20.37/images/K3-V333-EQ.jpg Paul, W9AC ___ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] K3 firmware 2 years on and still much to do
Personally I have one folder that the list as a whole is filtered into then I have another folder that any @elecraft.com or lyle's email address go into. You can do this with gmail using the label's. This is how I do it. If you want further help on how to make it go let me know and I can elaborate. ~BTH On Sun, 2009-09-20 at 15:36 -0700, Julian, G4ILO wrote: One of the many suggestions I have made over the years which have been ignored like most of the others is that Elecraft set up an elecraft-announce list that only Eric, Wayne and Lyle can post to, and everyone else can just subscribe to. I believe that would address your issue. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 Feature Idea
Not too long ago there was some debate about the Fast QSY function that can be used if you set VFO OFS = 1. There were those who feel that the fast QSY function should *not* clear the LSB's so that if you use it (or perhaps accidentally bump it) you have an easier time getting back to the frequency that you were previously on. However there are those who have grown accustomed to the M.CH knob on Kenwood rigs that allow for 1Khz movement but it *does* clear the LSB's and allows you to tune the band in a channelized fashion. Personally I kinda wish that we'd use the band in a more random fashion and less like CBer's but thats just me... ;) Any way I had a thought. Being that the CLR button has no function when the user is simply listening with RIT and XIT off why not have that button clear the 3 LSBs. That way if you want the first scenario mentioned above you simply grab the knob and crank away. However if you prefer the second scenario you only have tap that CLR switch. This is a very simple action and one can hit this button in the same motion while reaching for the knob. Anyone have thoughts? ~Brett PS: Sorry for more nit picks on the K3 guys but honestly I think we're at this level now... For me the K3 works wonderfully. Granted I know that with this group out here there will be more great ideas and some more big exciting firmware releases are on the way! Sometimes its hard to come up with solutions that keep everyone happy. Here is my attempt at one. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: IF output buffer gain modification
Are there any thoughts as to the accuracy level in dBm in correlation with this mod? As well as any sort of absolute accuracy specs on what we expect to see with this box? On Tue, 2009-09-22 at 16:58 -0700, Alan Bloom wrote: On Tue, 2009-09-22 at 19:08 -0400, amstel78 wrote: So would it be advisable to wait for the P3 to come out before performing this modification? If it's not really needed, then what's the point? My antenna system isn't that great anyway... I need to do some more experimenting to get a better handle on this, but I think it just depends on conditions. With the K3 preamp off on a quiet band (e.g. VHF) you definitely want the mod. On 80 meters in the summertime it's not necessary. If you don't do the mod you might need to use the preamp more often than you otherwise would. There's no reason not to do the modification other than the hassle factor. The P3 automatically bypasses its own preamplifier if the signal starts to over-range. Alan N1AL __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 VHf use
You guys know that there is also a feature that will automatically correct for this offset when changing modes. It automatically uses your pitch frequency as the offset. It was released several versions ago. Read through the release notes and you'll find it in there. ~Brett On Tue, 2009-09-22 at 19:55 -0700, Jessie Oberreuter wrote: As a frequent VHF contester, I know what you mean! Fortunately, there is a setting on the K3 that lets you simply send CW while in SSB mode, and it takes care of all of the offsets for you! Alas, I don't recall what it is, but it was added to the firmware several months ago. Try it! You'll like it! On Tue, 22 Sep 2009, Maarten wrote: Yes I figured that one out. Going from SSB to CWrev I still have to retune (+600Hz) to copy CW as the CW signal is at zero beat. Going from CW to SSB I have to tune 600Hz down. If you work VHF/UHF you understand what a convenience it is when you change from SSB to CW mode, that the zero beat frequency shifts by whatever your selected CW pitch is so you do not have to retune again. Maarten N1DZ -Original Message- From: Radio Amateur N5GE [mailto:n...@n5ge.com] Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 7:46 PM To: Maarten Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 VHf use On Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:01:27 -0400, Maarten n...@cox.net wrote: Since one week I am a K3 owner with the KXV3A option. When hooking up the XV50,144,222,432 transverters I noticed that the only option with the K3 and the KXV3A is separate transmit and receive IF ports. Is there a setting in the K3 to share a single IF port for TX and RX? It would save me some cables. Also is there a setting in the K3 that when one switches from SSB to CW the frequency is automatically adjusted for the CW offset. This is really handy for VHF/UHF work as there is often a mix of SSB and CW signals during band openings. One often switches from SSB to CW for a weak CW DX signal. It is very frustrating having to retune the weak station when switching modes. The Icom 756 and Flexradio PowerSDR have this option. The K3 with the excellent XV transverters should have this option available too. 73 Maarten N1DZ __ [snip] When using the K3 to switch between USB and CW you must set the CW offset to CW REV by holding the ALT button which will switch the CW output to USB. The normal CW offsets to LSB. That is why you are having to retune. Tom, N5GE n...@n5ge.com K3 #806, K3 #1055, PR6, XV144, XV432, KRC2, W1 and other small kits. 2 W2's on order 1 K144XV on order http://www.n5ge.com http://www.swotrc.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: IF output buffer gain modification
If it were within +/- 2.0dB absolute accuracy I'd be tickled pink. However your comments about spectrum analyzers today are a bit dated. Power meters are becoming much less crucial for getting accurate readings. We just bought a new spectrum analyzer from Agilent which with all the options we got only cost around 55,000. This unit is an N9020A and its very accurate. Their specification is +/- .23 dB absolute accuracy and it matches with our power meter dead nuts on. The thing even has a 35dB preamp with 10dB NF built in and it covers almost the full bandwith of the unit (100Khz to 13.6Ghz). The unit itself can measure down to 3Hz. Its not that I needed to understand what went into the calculation and while the question may have sounded ignorant I was more looking for a value than an explanation why it was worse than some may have thought I was looking for. ~BTH On Tue, 2009-09-22 at 20:40 -0700, Al Lorona wrote: Are there any thoughts as to the accuracy level in dBm in correlation with this mod? As well as any sort of absolute accuracy specs on what we expect to see with this box? The absolute accuracy will almost certainly not be better than about +/- 2.0 dB... which is the best that spectrum analyzers from RohdeSchwarz, Agilent, and others could do. Most people are quite surprised to hear that their US$70,000 spectrum analyzer could be off by 2.0 dB. But that is the reality. An error analysis of a spectrum analysis measurement is well-known: frequency response, mismatch, IF gain (reference level), and calibrator uncertainty all come into play. The result is somewhere in the neighborhood of +/- 1.8 dB or worse. That is considered quite good! When making a relative measurement (the difference between two signals) it's even worse. For more information and specific examples, see http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5968-3659E.pdf . The main thing to remember is that a panadaptor display is good, but it's not absolutely accurate in power. If you need excellent power accuracy, you must use a power meter. There are a lot of stages before the P3 panadaptor that conspire to increase the measurement uncertainty. Consider that before the signal even reaches the receiver it has already undergone the loss in the transmission line and the connectors. Do you know exactly how much loss you have in your transmission line and connectors? Following this, the signal then hits the receiver input which is not exactly 50 ohms. It could be 20. Or 90. Because it's not exactly 50, there is mismatch uncertainty. Already two errors right there. On the inside of the rx, there are a number of switches, cables, and bandpass filters (with amplitude ripple), then an attenuator and RF amp, mixer, and post-mixer amp. Take the attenuator for example. It might claim that its loss is -10 dB, but that's a nominal value that will actually be different for every K3. Each of the stages mentioned has an uncertainty in its gain, loss, or match which must be added to the total uncertainty. So these are all of the errors that add up to the figure I quoted at the outset. You might have better accuracy that this, but the point is you won't know if you do, so you must assume the worst case. Al W6LX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 VHf use
Excellent post! I was trying to remember where this was but wasn't remembering off the top of my head. Thanks for providing that for these guys. I think there are a good number of K3 users out there that wish they had a feature to do that one thing that bugs them and little do they know that there is something just for them in the rig They've just yet to stumble across it. We need more posts like this! ~BTH On Wed, 2009-09-23 at 00:15 -0400, Richard Ferch wrote: Maarten, There are two related but different configuration options for the situation you describe. The first option lets you use your CW paddles or key while the radio is in SSB mode. The newer option (so far in beta firmware only) adjusts the offset so that when you switch modes from SSB to CW, you do not have to retune the radio. The first one is documented in the current Owner's Manual; it is called CW-in-SSB. Quoting from the K3 Firmware Release Notes for firmware version 1.87: CW KEYING IN SSB MODES: While in SSB modes, you can now send CW without changing modes or using an offset. The other station will hear the signal at your CW pitch. This is especially useful on VHF bands when SSB signals can’t be copied. To enable this feature, go into CONFIG:CW WGHT and tap '1' until you see SSB +CW. You can also use this option for cross-mode QSOs. Interfaced logging software will record the QSO as an SSB QSO, since the radio is still in SSB mode. The second option was added in firmware beta release 3.19 and is not yet in the Owner's Manual. From the K3 Firmware Release Notes: AUTOMATIC CW VFO OFFSET ON MODE CHANGE: Allows switching quickly between SSB and CW mode without either you or the other station having to re-tune the VFO (often done on 6 meters and transverter bands). First, locate CONFIG:CW WGHT and tap '5' on the keypad until you see VFO OFS. From then on, when switching to CW mode from any other mode, the VFO will be offset by an amount equal to your sidetone pitch (as set using the PITCH switch in CW mode). If the sideband most recently used on this band is USB, the VFO will be shifted UP; if it was LSB, the VFO will be shifted DOWN. Note: If you make frequent use of this feature, you may want to use CW reverse on bands where you use USB, and CW normal on bands where you use LSB. This results in perfect pitch matching when listening to a CW signal and switching from SSB to CW. You must download and install beta release firmware 3.19 or newer to use this option; I believe it will be included in the next regular production release. 73, Rich VE3KI __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html