RE: [Elecraft] Wayne on KNBx - To SMT or not to SMT - That is the question!
Sorry, I must have missed something. Why would a KNBx have to be built using ALL SMT. There is a fair amount of vertical (and some horizontal) space where the existing KNB2 fits. I have found no space issue with my Pre-Filter. The requested noise blanker could be a hybrid like the KDSP2, with a pre assembled DSP part in SMT, and the rest, conventional components. That should satisfy both camps, assuming that it got rid of the noise... 73 Stewart G3RXQ On Tue, 19 Jul 2005 13:40:06 -0700 (PDT), Lee Buller wrote: Gotta get my two cents in here too.. I'll try anything once (except something that is detrimental to my health)...but...it seems that if the designer needs more components to make something work...well why not make the everything bigger. Small little radios are nice...but...large radios will work just as well. Really, SMT is designed to get more stuff in a small place...well...if you need more stuff to make the circuit work...then use a bigger space and use bigger components for us who are SMT challenged. Of course this argument is stupid if you consider what it would take to make a K2 with tubesoh yes it would be a KWM2A on steroids. Lee - K0WA Common sense is in short supply - get some and use it. If you can't find any common sense, ask for help from somebody that has some common sense. - Lee Buller ___ 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] problem on low power module K2
Help Needed After using the K2 for some time with the 100w module and putting back on the 15 watt module for a portable operation a problem occurred: low batt indication, no power on transmit. with 13v ps. or with charged interne battery the same thing. but when the 100w module installed and powering with the low power 13 v jack i get the 15 w. out. wonder if anyone can help to resolve that problem ? 73 kurt ___ 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] Replacement Hand Microphone
What is the hand Mic of choice amongst this august group? Any suggestions are most welcome. Best Regards, Bob K7HBG Bob - I was making an adapter to use my MD2 desk mike with both my K2 and my Pegasus. An email to Bob Heil confirmed my suspicion that the MD2 was the same as Heil's iC amplified mikes for Icom rigs. Thus, any Heil mike with the iC suffix would be a functional equivalent to the Elecraft MH2 or MD2. A visit to Heil's web site doesn't show any hand mikes, which may explain why the MH2 was discontinued. But, there is the little Handi Mic HM-iC that looks like a good alternative. 73 de NA8M John ___ 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] Replacement Hand Microphone
An amusing aside to this thread, when I built the SSB board for my K2, the only mic I had on hand was one from an old Tempo VHF-1 2 meter rig. This microphone is identical to many of the older CB microphones, and has a 600 ohm, unamplified, dynamic cartridge. I hooked up the MIC hot ground, PTT hot ground to an 8 pin connector according to the Kenwood MIC pinout, and just used little computer jumpers to short the pins straight across on the K2's control board. In the initial tests, everyone that I talked with said it sounded great and not to change a thing. Later I borrowed an MH2 and was able to run comparisons. I was astounded when, in 10 QSO's on SSB, ALL of them told me the old Tempo VHF-1 microphone sounded better. The MH2 had plenty of punch and all, but the audio quality of the CB style microphone was better on my voice. It just goes to show that the K2 doesn't need a fancy, expensive microphone to sound good on the air. Pick up a $2.00 CB hand mic at a hamfest, wire it to fit and operate. Quit arguing over which microphone sounds better, you are losing valuable operating time! Jim Sheldon, W0EB -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of John Huffman Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 5:37 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Replacement Hand Microphone What is the hand Mic of choice amongst this august group? Any suggestions are most welcome. Best Regards, Bob K7HBG Bob - I was making an adapter to use my MD2 desk mike with both my K2 and my Pegasus. An email to Bob Heil confirmed my suspicion that the MD2 was the same as Heil's iC amplified mikes for Icom rigs. Thus, any Heil mike with the iC suffix would be a functional equivalent to the Elecraft MH2 or MD2. A visit to Heil's web site doesn't show any hand mikes, which may explain why the MH2 was discontinued. But, there is the little Handi Mic HM-iC that looks like a good alternative. 73 de NA8M John ___ 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] K2 BFO test after adding a capacitor
Hello! After few weeks building incativity due to hot summer I'm back in my shack. My K2 #4759 has been on the air several months. However, BFO lower limit frequency didn't meet the required 4912.7 kHz Leigh, WA5ZNU sent me a mail which he had got from Gary from Elecraft. Gary adviced to add 1-4pF NP0-capacitor to junction of X3 and X4. I mean the lower junction in schematics. That is connected to L33. I added 1.5pF NP0 capacitor on the bottom of the RF board. Other pin of capacitor was soldered to ground pad of X4. BFO is now working OK. You can find the new frequencies below. Original frequencies are shown in the brackets. BFO High Freq. 4917.17 kHz (4917.23 kHz) must be = 4916.3 kHz BFO Low Freq. 4912.50 kHz (4912.95 kHz) must be = 4912.7 kHz I'd be interested in the technical report why adding a little cap to the paralleel of L33 and series with parallel connected crystals lowered the oscillator frequency. I'm not an engineer. But I'd like to understand. Should I make CAL FIL (and CAL PLL) again after this mod? I assume they are not needed. Rolf Moberg oh6kxl ___ 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 BFO test after adding a capacitor
Rolf, Yes, re-do CAL FIL to properly reposition the filter passbands - the BFO controls that positioning, so any change in BFO frequency will cause a shift. You should not need to run CAL PLL since the PLL reference oscillator has not been changed. Why does adding a capacitor change the frequency? The BFO is actually a VXO, and the frequency is controlled by changing the capacitance in the circuit - normally that is done by changing the voltage on the varicaps, but since your total capacitance range was slightly out of normal a small padder capacitor needed to be added. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Hello! After few weeks building incativity due to hot summer I'm back in my shack. My K2 #4759 has been on the air several months. However, BFO lower limit frequency didn't meet the required 4912.7 kHz Leigh, WA5ZNU sent me a mail which he had got from Gary from Elecraft. Gary adviced to add 1-4pF NP0-capacitor to junction of X3 and X4. I mean the lower junction in schematics. That is connected to L33. I added 1.5pF NP0 capacitor on the bottom of the RF board. Other pin of capacitor was soldered to ground pad of X4. BFO is now working OK. You can find the new frequencies below. Original frequencies are shown in the brackets. BFO High Freq. 4917.17 kHz (4917.23 kHz) must be = 4916.3 kHz BFO Low Freq. 4912.50 kHz (4912.95 kHz) must be = 4912.7 kHz I'd be interested in the technical report why adding a little cap to the paralleel of L33 and series with parallel connected crystals lowered the oscillator frequency. I'm not an engineer. But I'd like to understand. Should I make CAL FIL (and CAL PLL) again after this mod? I assume they are not needed. Rolf Moberg oh6kxl -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.9.2/52 - Release Date: 7/19/2005 ___ 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 #4913 160m issue?
Ken, It is the VCO - not the bandpass filters. The VCO will stop changing frequency when the voltage at the left end of R30 goes much above 7.7 volts and becomes unstable below 1 volt. It would appear that you need to re-investigate the entire VCO range adjustment and adjust L30 to get everything within range on all bands. See the VCO alignment section of the manual (page 61 in the Rev F manual). If you cannot get 160 meters within range C75 may be at the lower edge of its tolerance, a small padder capacitor can often be added across C75 to bring things in line. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- My VFO range on 160m is 1330-1941. The rig stops tuning outside this range. I didn't notice it until tonight because I rarely tune outside of 1800-1900. At first I suspected the 80/160m bandpass inductors which I never readjusted after I installed the 160m module. I didn't do that because I was getting full power into a dummy load across both bands with L3/L4 peaked for 80m only. Might this be another clue? My VFO won't tune above 4.104, either. All the other bands seem fine. I just tweaked L3/L4 for a good compromise of power on *both* bands but I still can't get the VFO to cover all of 160m. -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.9.2/52 - Release Date: 7/19/2005 ___ 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] Replacement Hand Microphone
I didn't wanna say anything but I get better audio reports with a Radio Shack el-cheapo mic than I do with the MH2 with my voice. RonE. WØIFL. - Original Message - From: Jim Sheldon [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 06:03 Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Replacement Hand Microphone An amusing aside to this thread, when I built the SSB board for my K2, the only mic I had on hand was one from an old Tempo VHF-1 2 meter rig. This microphone is identical to many of the older CB microphones, and has a 600 ohm, unamplified, dynamic cartridge. I hooked up the MIC hot ground, PTT hot ground to an 8 pin connector according to the Kenwood MIC pinout, and just used little computer jumpers to short the pins straight across on the K2's control board. In the initial tests, everyone that I talked with said it sounded great and not to change a thing. Later I borrowed an MH2 and was able to run comparisons. I was astounded when, in 10 QSO's on SSB, ALL of them told me the old Tempo VHF-1 microphone sounded better. The MH2 had plenty of punch and all, but the audio quality of the CB style microphone was better on my voice. It just goes to show that the K2 doesn't need a fancy, expensive microphone to sound good on the air. Pick up a $2.00 CB hand mic at a hamfest, wire it to fit and operate. Quit arguing over which microphone sounds better, you are losing valuable operating time! Jim Sheldon, W0EB -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of John Huffman Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 5:37 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Replacement Hand Microphone What is the hand Mic of choice amongst this august group? Any suggestions are most welcome. Best Regards, Bob K7HBG Bob - I was making an adapter to use my MD2 desk mike with both my K2 and my Pegasus. An email to Bob Heil confirmed my suspicion that the MD2 was the same as Heil's iC amplified mikes for Icom rigs. Thus, any Heil mike with the iC suffix would be a functional equivalent to the Elecraft MH2 or MD2. A visit to Heil's web site doesn't show any hand mikes, which may explain why the MH2 was discontinued. But, there is the little Handi Mic HM-iC that looks like a good alternative. 73 de NA8M John ___ 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] Replacement Hand Microphone
I guess all the mikes for our rigs today have to be low impedance but I am wondering how a D-104 would sound if we could get it to work! They have untold punch! Paul Gates K1 #0231 KX1 #1186 XG1 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Original Message Follows From: Jim Sheldon [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Replacement Hand Microphone Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 06:03:54 -0500 An amusing aside to this thread, when I built the SSB board for my K2, the only mic I had on hand was one from an old Tempo VHF-1 2 meter rig. This microphone is identical to many of the older CB microphones, and has a 600 ohm, unamplified, dynamic cartridge. I hooked up the MIC hot ground, PTT hot ground to an 8 pin connector according to the Kenwood MIC pinout, and just used little computer jumpers to short the pins straight across on the K2's control board. In the initial tests, everyone that I talked with said it sounded great and not to change a thing. Later I borrowed an MH2 and was able to run comparisons. I was astounded when, in 10 QSO's on SSB, ALL of them told me the old Tempo VHF-1 microphone sounded better. The MH2 had plenty of punch and all, but the audio quality of the CB style microphone was better on my voice. It just goes to show that the K2 doesn't need a fancy, expensive microphone to sound good on the air. Pick up a $2.00 CB hand mic at a hamfest, wire it to fit and operate. Quit arguing over which microphone sounds better, you are losing valuable operating time! Jim Sheldon, W0EB -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of John Huffman Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 5:37 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Replacement Hand Microphone What is the hand Mic of choice amongst this august group? Any suggestions are most welcome. Best Regards, Bob K7HBG Bob - I was making an adapter to use my MD2 desk mike with both my K2 and my Pegasus. An email to Bob Heil confirmed my suspicion that the MD2 was the same as Heil's iC amplified mikes for Icom rigs. Thus, any Heil mike with the iC suffix would be a functional equivalent to the Elecraft MH2 or MD2. A visit to Heil's web site doesn't show any hand mikes, which may explain why the MH2 was discontinued. But, there is the little Handi Mic HM-iC that looks like a good alternative. 73 de NA8M John ___ 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] K-1 20 Meter Low Power
My K-1 (#933) has developed a low power situation on twenty meters. It still receives on all four bands and transmits fine on the other three. When tuning into a dummy load, it shows 0.1 watts and then indicates low power. I am not very technically oriented, and I would appreciate any suggestions about where to look for problemsthanks, Ci Ci Jones WU7R FISTS 10789 NAQCC 306 ___ 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] K2/100 # 2469
Hello, #2469 lives again. I finally located a sig gen so that I could begin signal tracing in the IF strip. As I was beginning, I touched Q21 and the receiver came alive again. A close inspection of the rx pre-amp (on or off, previously tested) showed nothing obviously amiss. I reheated all solder joints in the area and the receiver seems normal again. In spite of my efforts to protect it, I suppose it is a consequence of the rig often being near salt water and in tropical heat. I will now re-install the KPA100 and see if anything misbehaves. If it is still OK next month, it is going with me to OC-206. Thanks again to those who emailed suggestions. 73 de Dan VK8AN ___ 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] Replacement Hand Microphone
a supercheap computer stereo headset with boom mic $ 8.00 great sounding audioPRICELESS,, bill At 08:17 AM 7/20/2005, WØIFL wrote: I didn't wanna say anything but I get better audio reports with a Radio Shack el-cheapo mic than I do with the MH2 with my voice. RonE. WØIFL. ___ 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] Replacement Hand Microphone
I bought a really pretty D-104 at a hamfest last Winter with the intent of doing this. I would probably try it first with the stock mic element and amplifier but I also picked up a Heil element and ultimately planned on bypassing the amp and running the Heil element in the D-104. RonE. WØIFL - Original Message - From: Paul Gates [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 08:27 Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Replacement Hand Microphone I guess all the mikes for our rigs today have to be low impedance but I am wondering how a D-104 would sound if we could get it to work! They have untold punch! **snip** ___ 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] Replacement Hand Microphone
Paul Gates wrote: I guess all the mikes for our rigs today have to be low impedance but I am wondering how a D-104 would sound if we could get it to work! They have untold punch! --- I just finished refurbishing a D-104 for a buddy to use on his 1950's era E.F. Johnson Viking Ranger AM/CW transmitter and played around with it a bit. The later D-104's included a built-in preamplifier for use with modern rigs. The amp provides the necessary impedance matching since the D-104 uses a very high impedance crystal element. The amp is also important because modern rigs require a much higher audio level at the mic input than most of the old vacuum-tube jobs did. The D-104 has a peak in its response at about 3 kHz. Compared to the output at 1 kHz, the output is down about 10 db at 100 Hz and 6 kHz. The peak in the response at 3 kHz is up about 12 db. That 12-db hump gave the mic its characteristically bright sound that made the sibilances (s-sounds) in words very pronounced. In general, that helps with intelligibility. Audio shaping like that was far more important in the days of A.M. rigs because the audio amps in the rigs themselves seldom did much audio shaping. A little low frequency roll-off was usually provided by using low-valued coupling caps, but that was about all. Audio shaping for best voice intelligibility is still very important, but with the K2 it can be done largely by adjusting the BFO frequency and choosing the right filter bandwidth. The bandwidth of the K2's OPT1 filter used for SSB transmission is fixed, but it can be changed using the mod kits available from Elecraft. The K2 comes stock with an OPT1 filter bandwidth near 2 kHz because that provides optimum punch for most voices. That's especially important when running QRP. Wider bandwidths help some voices sound more natural. The most critical adjustment of the SSB filter is the position of that bandwidth in the audio spectrum. That defines the low and high frequency roll-off points. That's adjusted with the BFO using CAL FIL. That is why the SSB module setup instructions recommend listening to your signal on another receiver to choose the final settings for the BFO frequencies. That procedure is more complicated than just buying a good communications-quality mic like the D-104, but it allows the audio response to be much better tailored to an individual's voice than the old rigs did. While the K2 doesn't provide a peak in the mid-range, setting the roll-off points at the high and low ends of the audio range provides the same benefits. Ron AC7AC ___ 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] Replacement Hand Microphone
Paul Gates wrote: I guess all the mikes for our rigs today have to be low impedance but I am wondering how a D-104 would sound if we could get it to work! They have untold punch! --- I just finished refurbishing a D-104 for a buddy to use on his 1950's era E.F. Johnson Viking Ranger AM/CW transmitter and played around with it a bit. The later D-104's included a built-in preamplifier for use with modern rigs. The amp provides the necessary impedance matching since the D-104 uses a very high impedance crystal element. The amp is also important because modern rigs require a much higher audio level at the mic input than most of the old vacuum-tube jobs did. The D-104 has a peak in its response at about 3 kHz. Compared to the output at 1 kHz, the output is down about 10 db at 100 Hz and 6 kHz. The peak in the response at 3 kHz is up about 12 db. That 12-db hump gave the mic its characteristically bright sound that made the sibilances (s-sounds) in words very pronounced. In general, that helps with intelligibility. Audio shaping like that was far more important in the days of A.M. rigs because the audio amps in the rigs themselves seldom did much audio shaping. A little low frequency roll-off was usually provided by using low-valued coupling caps, but that was about all. Audio shaping for best voice intelligibility is still very important, but with the K2 it can be done largely by adjusting the BFO frequency and choosing the right filter bandwidth. The bandwidth of the K2's OPT1 filter used for SSB transmission is fixed, but it can be changed using the mod kits available from Elecraft. The K2 comes stock with an OPT1 filter bandwidth near 2 kHz because that provides optimum punch for most voices. That's especially important when running QRP. Wider bandwidths help some voices sound more natural. The most critical adjustment of the SSB filter is the position of that bandwidth in the audio spectrum. That defines the low and high frequency roll-off points. That's adjusted with the BFO using CAL FIL. That is why the SSB module setup instructions recommend listening to your signal on another receiver to choose the final settings for the BFO frequencies. That procedure is more complicated than just buying a good communications-quality mic like the D-104, but it allows the audio response to be much better tailored to an individual's voice than the old rigs did. While the K2 doesn't provide a peak in the mid-range, setting the roll-off points at the high and low ends of the audio range provides the same benefits. Ron AC7AC ___ 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 vs K2 opinions (summary)
K2: far better base specs (performance and features) The K1 has the best specs for spurious output of any Elecraft rig. Mike / KK5F ___ 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 vs K2 opinions (summary)
There's no denying the K1 is a very nice, and I'm beginning to think, underrated rig. The KX1 kind of upstaged this solid little performer. Due, in no small part, to some product reviews of the KX1 incorrectly implying that the KX1 was an improved K1. It isn't. I just say Let me see you work 80m or 15m at 7 watts into some oddball antenna with your KX1 and its more limited auto-tuner! Mike / KK5F ___ 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] Replacement Hand Microphone
On Wed, 20 Jul 2005, WØIFL wrote: I didn't wanna say anything but I get better audio reports with a Radio Shack el-cheapo mic than I do with the MH2 with my voice. When I decided I wanted to try SSB with the K2, I realized I no longer had a mikeso, I took the rig and the docs to the last local ham radio dealer in the area. The owner was a yong man who had the bad luck of having me administer his novice test some years ago. I asked him if he'd try and find a mike that worked with the K2. When I got back, he gave me a cassete tape, a player and a set of headphonestold me to listen and pick the sound that I liked the best, since he had tried several mikesranging from some high-end stuff to some down and dirty generic, Hey you lost your mike Good Buddie, I got one that works with anything. I picked, by the sound of his voice on the tape, the best sounding mikeand when I had, he asked me for 3.95 for the mike. I went home and that evening checked into a Maryland net that I hadn't been in over 30 years.and some of my old budsasked if I was using my TR7 (g). 73,Thom-k3hrn www.zerobeat.net Home of QRP Web Ring, Drakelist home page, Free Classified Ads for amateur radio, QRP IRC channel Elecraft Owners Database www.tlchost.net/hosting/ *** Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month___ 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 vs K2 opinions (summary)
Well, I'm certainly happy with my choice. The K1 is a serious ham rig and mine does very well for me. Eric KE6US -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mike Morrow Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 7:07 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K1 vs K2 opinions (summary) There's no denying the K1 is a very nice, and I'm beginning to think, underrated rig. The KX1 kind of upstaged this solid little performer. Due, in no small part, to some product reviews of the KX1 incorrectly implying that the KX1 was an improved K1. It isn't. I just say Let me see you work 80m or 15m at 7 watts into some oddball antenna with your KX1 and its more limited auto-tuner! Mike / KK5F ___ 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] Replacement Hand Microphone
Thom, K3HRN wrote: I picked, by the sound of his voice on the tape, the best sounding mikeand when I had, he asked me for 3.95 for the mike. I went home and that evening checked into a Maryland net that I hadn't been in over 30 years.and some of my old budsasked if I was using my TR7 (g). --- That sounds like my mic! Mine's the inexpensive ($2 or $3) Radio Shack electet element that I mounted in a housing that had originally held a cheap dynamic element. It has the best sound for me out of a number tested, including some pretty nice hi-fi mics. It is also very important to have the BFO settings correct. No mic can make up for having the passband positioned incorrectly. Ron AC7AC ___ 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] NB and other improvements and the SMT argument
I would have another thought: Why not redesign a larger K2 with all the necessary options / improvements in a conventional through hole format and plenty of space in the box to have them installed. True this may not be the backpak dream kind of rig, but it can be a high performance base unit. Sometimes if it is very hard to go through a task, you can just bypass it (there are many ways to skin a cat).. 73 to all, Marinos, ki4gin ___ 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 #4913 160m issue?
- Original Message - From: W3FPR - Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Ken Bessler [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Elecraft Main Group elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 8:15 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K2 #4913 160m issue? Ken, It is the VCO - not the bandpass filters. The VCO will stop changing frequency when the voltage at the left end of R30 goes much above 7.7 volts and becomes unstable below 1 volt. It would appear that you need to re-investigate the entire VCO range adjustment and adjust L30 to get everything within range on all bands. See the VCO alignment section of the manual (page 61 in the Rev F manual). If you cannot get 160 meters within range C75 may be at the lower edge of its tolerance, a small padder capacitor can often be added across C75 to bring things in line. 73, Don W3FPR Bingo! I actually woke up last night with that idea but I decided to wait until I heard from the list before messing around. 2000 kc was 8.89v and all my values that I had written down in the manual were off. I found I had to make a compromise between 2000 (7.3v) and 3500 (1.83v) when tweaking L30 but all the other bands were well in range. The only changes to the rig since I first did the VCO alignment are the addition of the KAT2, KIO2 and K160RX. Could adding the 160m module be the culprit? My guess is yes but I could not find anything in the 160 manual talking about re-aligning the VCO after installing the module. Maybe a good candidate for an errata sheet? Thanks for the help, Don! Ken -- Just my 2¢... 73 es gd dx de Ken KGØWX Grid EM17ip, Flying Pigs #-1055 Proud builder owner of Elecraft K2 #4913 -- Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.9.2/52 - Release Date: 7/19/2005 ___ 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 #4913 160m issue?
Ken, I really can't underatand why adding only C75 to the circuit (the only change to the VCO for 160 meters) would throw off your prior adjustments, so you might want to look for something else. Actually the only thing I can think of right now is the possibility that T5 is mounted a bit loose and something (your hand maybe) shifted the turns on T5 slightly - stranger things have happened. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Ken, It is the VCO - not the bandpass filters. The VCO will stop changing frequency when the voltage at the left end of R30 goes much above 7.7 volts and becomes unstable below 1 volt. It would appear that you need to re-investigate the entire VCO range adjustment and adjust L30 to get everything within range on all bands. See the VCO alignment section of the manual (page 61 in the Rev F manual). If you cannot get 160 meters within range C75 may be at the lower edge of its tolerance, a small padder capacitor can often be added across C75 to bring things in line. 73, Don W3FPR Bingo! I actually woke up last night with that idea but I decided to wait until I heard from the list before messing around. 2000 kc was 8.89v and all my values that I had written down in the manual were off. I found I had to make a compromise between 2000 (7.3v) and 3500 (1.83v) when tweaking L30 but all the other bands were well in range. The only changes to the rig since I first did the VCO alignment are the addition of the KAT2, KIO2 and K160RX. Could adding the 160m module be the culprit? My guess is yes but I could not find anything in the 160 manual talking about re-aligning the VCO after installing the module. Maybe a good candidate for an errata sheet? Thanks for the help, Don! Ken -- -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.9.2/52 - Release Date: 7/19/2005 ___ 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 #4970 is now a K2/100
John, our club's K2/100 does the same thing - high current on topband, but it seems normal on all other bands. I mentioned it on here some months back, and received some useful suggestions to try, but I never did find anything wrong as such, or a cure for that matter. 73 Fraser G4BJM From: John Reiser [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K2 #4970 is now a K2/100 Date: Sun, 17 Jul 2005 12:55:57 -0400 Hi everyone, Last night, I finished building and testing the KPA100. Today, I made several QRO contacts and got good reports on the audio from the KSB2 and the Heil desk mike. K2 # 4970 also has the noise blanker, DSP filter and 160 meters installed. The DSP filter is incredible. Signals seem to just pop out of a nearly quiet background when it's on. I love this radio. It's better than my 756 pro II. The only odd things I encountered while testing the amp were: 1) on 160 M the current draw is about 27-28 amps at 100 W out, all other bands are 20 amps or less; 2) maximum attainable output on 30 meters is 68 watts; all other bands reach 100 watts + except 10 meters, which reaches about 90 watts. Other than this, the radio and all its options are working perfectly. What I am wondering about is whether or not the amp is working normally. Has anyone had the same experience Thanks and 73, John, W2GW _ It's fast, it's easy and it's free. Get MSN Messenger 7.0 today! http://messenger.msn.co.uk ___ 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] Replacement Hand Microphone
You can either use a high impedance to low transformer for the D104 mike, or get one of the D104 amplified mikes which has a impedance converting transistor circuit in its base, able to drive low impedance modern microphone inputs. The crystal high impedance element of the 104 needs to look into a high impedance to avoid altering the tone response. It will sound good, if properly terminated into the right circuit. Stuart K5KVH ___ 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] SMT and kits
Hi Wayne, A thought for you. Some of us out here aren't afraid of surface mount construction. For example I've built the DB6NT 10 GHz down-converter, and some other similar stuff too. For your amusement I love tube stuff and I'm a member of the glowbugs list. But the world is going to SMT and axial and leaded(sp?) components may become increasingly rare and more expensive in the future. Now I know that a lot of your customers are older guys that have failing eyesight and motor control, and they have problems sometimes reading the color bands on components, but they do so love to build electronic stuff and so do what's necessary to allow them their fun! As such I suggest that you go ahead and design and make available SMT kits for those of us that want and are able to build them, and prebuilt kits for the others. The price, I think, should reflect the degree of pre-construction too. Another quick comment is that I'm still waiting for that 70 cm down-converter kit you promised so long ago, and which too might, need to be, partially SMT. The hamvention is over for this year and the QRO amp is basically out now. And I'd love DCs for 902 and higher frequencies in the future. Yes, I know this would involve competition with Down East but that's the way a free market is supposed to work, and really their prices are too high anyway. In summary I suspect that there are several of us SMTers out here that can do this thing, and others might grumble but will come along because they just love this hobby! Thanks for your time, and in advance for your consideration. 72, Carol Ganow, AB0SN ___ 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] K2 Mic wiring problems
Uuh! This is going to be hard! After completing ssb kit to K2 I decided to wire mics for K2. I have two mic connectors, one for Heil headset adapter cable and another to be used in Yaesu MH31 mic from FT857/817/897. I decided to wire MH31 first. There was a RJ45 connector in cable. Through the plastic you can see the colours and from the manual of ft897 you can check the proper wiring. I counted 8 colourful cables inside of RJ45. (Two blacks!) I cut RJ45 off and found a lot of cotton inside the mic cable. And lot of bare, very thin copper wires. After cutting them off I counted the cables. What? There are only seven colourful cables in the mic cable. I think Yaesu has covered some bare copper wires with one extra black coating. All the little cables are unusable. They are _very_ hard to strip. The copper inside the coating is very very thin and it breaks all the time. Almost half of the smaller cables are cotton! Cotton is twisted together with three or four very thin copper wires. After several tries I raised my hands. I gave up. I will not even think about soldering those thin wires to mic connector. After building a K2, installing hundreds of components, soldering thousands of joints I couldn't install a microphone cable to mic connector. Maybe you don't believe me. Try it! I'll make home made Heil adapter (Kenwood version) tomorrow. It's going to be a lot easier job. Rolf Moberg oh6kxl ___ 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] Sad day for amateur radio
Saw this posted on TowerTalk... from the following link... http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Digest/2005/ddtoday.html AMENDMENT OF PART 97 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES TO IMPLEMENT WRC-03 REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO REQUIREMENTS FOR OPERATOR LICENSES IN THE AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE. Revised the amateur service rules to elimnate the telegraphy testing requirement. Seek comment on these proposed rule changes. Rule changes proposed by some petitioners are unnecessary, or being considered in the Phone Band Expansion NPRM. by Order. (Dkt No. 05-235). Action by: the Commission. Adopted: 07/15/2005 by NPRM. (FCC No. 05-143). WTB FCC-05-143A1.doc http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-05-143A1.doc FCC-05-143A1.pdf http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-05-143A1.pdf FCC-05-143A1.txt http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-05-143A1.txt 73, Larry N8LP Gary Hvizdak wrote: We are now accepting orders for our PCB based K2 un-module header kit. We have priced it as low as possible, with the intention that every K2 owner can find sufficient justification for having a set. Being that it is a kit, the K2 is the kind of radio that you just naturally want to get your hands into. We wonder how many K2 owners who would like, or perhaps even need to be digging into their rigs, aren't doing so simply because of the time required to do it right. We realize that our kit isn't for everyone, and that most un-module headers can be replaced with the appropriate gauge jumper wire or a single cap. However, this solution assumes that every K2 owner has the necessary parts on hand, knows where they need to be installed, and actually installs them in the correct location. (Remember that some K2 owners either bought theirs used, or from a builder-for-hire.) Then there's the UN-J12/KNB2 header, which isn't so easy. Plus, even using the KE1L approach of soldering the parts directly onto headers, there's still no way to fabricate an Audio Filter un-module. Once installed, an un-module header becomes a functional part of your radio. Because of this, and given the inherently superior mechanical and electrical reliability of PCB based construction, we recommend our kit to every K2 owner. No matter how yours is configured, it is likely that this is a worthwhile investment for you. As with insurance, first-aid kits, umbrellas, spare tires, and jumper cables, this may be a worthwhile accessory to have on hand just in case you ever do need it. To learn lots more, please visit our vastly expanded RoadRunner hosted webpage at http://home.cfl.rr.com/garyhvizdak/KI4GGX/unpcbs.htm 73, Gary, KI4GGX Ken, WB2ART ___ 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] Sad day for amateur radio
Larry, N8LP wrote Sad day for amateur radio -- Not at all, Larry! The FCC has simply told us Hams in the USA that it's time to set our own agenda. They recognize that there's a huge interest in CW and that it's one of the most popular modes today, but they decline to see any reason why they need to regulate it. They asked a great question in their Notice of Proposed Rule Making: Why should the US FCC mandate a demonstrated knowledge of Morse code and not mandate a demonstrated knowledge of other digital modes? Years ago I earned a First Class Radiotelephone License that allowed me to operate and repair the transmitters at commercial television stations, radio stations and anywhere a licensed transmitter (other than a Ham rig) was located. For most people it involved a two year college-level program to prepare for it. That license is now no more than pretty wallpaper. Anyone who can pry the cover off of a transmitter is, in the eyes of the FCC, qualified to work on it today. This is just the same thinking coming to Amateur Radio. The commercial technicians and broadcast engineers in the USA have adopted their own standards of competence through their professional organizations. We are certainly allowed to do that through our Ham organizations. But under it all, we in the USA are being allowed to choose our own destiny. We have been given tremendous freedoms to continue to explore and enhance our hobby, including our use of CW and other modes. The on-going chatter among US Hams here on the Elecraft reflector about CW operating is a clue about just how vital CW is to the Hobby as well as how important it is to understand other modes, even if we choose not to use them in our stations. We don't need a government agency to which is important to us. Ron AC7AC ___ 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] Sad day for amateur radio
I guess I should have read it more completely. Yes, I guess it's just another case of deregulation, and I suppose we don't need the government telling us to like cw ;-) BTW, I too have that pretty blue piece of wallpaper on my wall, although I did need it way back when ;-) 73, Larry N8LP Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: Larry, N8LP wrote Sad day for amateur radio -- Not at all, Larry! The FCC has simply told us Hams in the USA that it's time to set our own agenda. They recognize that there's a huge interest in CW and that it's one of the most popular modes today, but they decline to see any reason why they need to regulate it. They asked a great question in their Notice of Proposed Rule Making: Why should the US FCC mandate a demonstrated knowledge of Morse code and not mandate a demonstrated knowledge of other digital modes? Years ago I earned a First Class Radiotelephone License that allowed me to operate and repair the transmitters at commercial television stations, radio stations and anywhere a licensed transmitter (other than a Ham rig) was located. For most people it involved a two year college-level program to prepare for it. That license is now no more than pretty wallpaper. Anyone who can pry the cover off of a transmitter is, in the eyes of the FCC, qualified to work on it today. This is just the same thinking coming to Amateur Radio. The commercial technicians and broadcast engineers in the USA have adopted their own standards of competence through their professional organizations. We are certainly allowed to do that through our Ham organizations. But under it all, we in the USA are being allowed to choose our own destiny. We have been given tremendous freedoms to continue to explore and enhance our hobby, including our use of CW and other modes. The on-going chatter among US Hams here on the Elecraft reflector about CW operating is a clue about just how vital CW is to the Hobby as well as how important it is to understand other modes, even if we choose not to use them in our stations. We don't need a government agency to which is important to us. Ron AC7AC ___ 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] OT parts
I'm looking for some parts. IF you use a company other than Mouser, Jameco Allied I would really like to know RC kc5wa -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.9.1/51 - Release Date: 7/18/2005 ___ 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 Mic wiring problems
Rolf, Yes, it is going to be hard since you have already cut the cable. It IS possible to solder to those leads but it takes a great deal of care and patience. Do not try to trim off the cotton, just tin the leads as they are (cotton and all) and it can work. Headphone cords are similar construction, so 'repairer beware'. You might try soldering those thin wires to a short intermediate wire rather than directly to the mic connector. Good luck with it, and I offer my sympathy! I would advise anyone contemplating cutting one of those 'very flexible' mic cords (particularly the coiled ones) to create an adapter rather than cutting the cord - only becuase of the soldering problem. For those who have a variety of mics, I strongly suggest creating an adapter for each one and wire the K2 mic header straight across (Elecraft mic wiring). 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Uuh! This is going to be hard! After completing ssb kit to K2 I decided to wire mics for K2. I have two mic connectors, one for Heil headset adapter cable and another to be used in Yaesu MH31 mic from FT857/817/897. I decided to wire MH31 first. There was a RJ45 connector in cable. Through the plastic you can see the colours and from the manual of ft897 you can check the proper wiring. I counted 8 colourful cables inside of RJ45. (Two blacks!) I cut RJ45 off and found a lot of cotton inside the mic cable. And lot of bare, very thin copper wires. After cutting them off I counted the cables. What? There are only seven colourful cables in the mic cable. I think Yaesu has covered some bare copper wires with one extra black coating. All the little cables are unusable. They are _very_ hard to strip. The copper inside the coating is very very thin and it breaks all the time. Almost half of the smaller cables are cotton! Cotton is twisted together with three or four very thin copper wires. After several tries I raised my hands. I gave up. I will not even think about soldering those thin wires to mic connector. After building a K2, installing hundreds of components, soldering thousands of joints I couldn't install a microphone cable to mic connector. Maybe you don't believe me. Try it! I'll make home made Heil adapter (Kenwood version) tomorrow. It's going to be a lot easier job. Rolf Moberg oh6kxl -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.9.2/52 - Release Date: 7/19/2005 ___ 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 parts
Try DigiKey, Dan's Small Parts, Ocean State Electronics, The Wireman, RadioWorks, Marlin P Jones and Associates, All Electronics, Fair Radio Sales, RF Parts, and a miriad of others, I have ordered from each of them at one time or another, it all depends on what parts you are looking for. Each has their own benefits/problems, so you have to 'go with the flow' and decide about the total cost - some have minimum order requirements, some have a premium for small orders, some have huge handling charges under certain circumstances - but when you really need a particular part, you have to accept such things if there is only one sourcing choice. Google and other search engines will often show you where to find a particular part. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- I'm looking for some parts. IF you use a company other than Mouser, Jameco Allied I would really like to know RC kc5wa -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.9.2/52 - Release Date: 7/19/2005 ___ 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] KPA100 Update
I have one of the older KPA100s and have done all the mods and upgrades. However, I have seen a recommendation to change C80 and C81 from 4700 to 5600. I have not seen these cap changes in the errata sheets. My KPA100 works well on all bands, 160 thru 10 (including 60 meters) with full output on all bands. Are the new KPA100 kits supplying the 5600s or are these just changes if there is a problem with 15 and 17 meter low output? Thanks Roy Morris W4WFBNo virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.9.2/52 - Release Date: 7/19/2005 ___ 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] S Meter Calibration Changing
Hi guys, It seems that my S Meter calibration is changing. I noticed this when I was building the K2 and it seems to happen occasionally. What usually occurs is when I take the RF gain all the way counter clockwise, the last LED does not light up. I readjust it so that it does. It should be fine for a little while. But it will do it again. Right now the high point is set to 16. Any ideas on why this will happen? Other than that, no major problems or anything... Thanks Jason N8XE -- A long journey starts with the first step and an understanding spouse. http://www.undermidnight.com - astronomy and astrophotography http://www.n8xe.com - ham radio http://www.jasonhissong.com - electronic music composition ___ 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] Sad day for amateur radio
I read the entire NPRM. They make their case well, but they ignore some logical extensions of their arguments. If the telegraphy requirement is defined simply as demonstrating basic ability in one mode of communication and is therefore unnecessary becase skill in other modes is not required, then certain questions need to be removed from the testing pool. For example: What is the standard video level, in percent PEV, for white in an amateur fast-scan television transmission? Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of FMTV as compared to vestigial sideband AM television? What is the approximate bandwidth of a slow-scan TV signal? These questions go on and on. Since I have no interest in video modes, why should I have to demonstrate that I know anything about them? After all, those who have no interest in CW weaseled out of the code test! Which of the following digital protocols does APRS use? Di-di-dah-dah-di-dit? I don't know. Who cares? Take it out. What do the letters FEC mean as they relate to AMTOR operation? Another mode I don't care about. Take it out. What this shows is that there's nothing special about the code requirement. 5 WPM is no more difficult to learn that it is for me to memorize a bunch of nonsense about satellites, digital LMNOP-mode, and whatever. It's duplicitous to claim that CW is being treated special. It's not. The difference between CW and these other modes is that it requires some skill to use. It may be the only mode that's skill-based. Other modes can be asked about in a written test. That's tough to do with CW. So the Commission specifies a very simple test. Just like I can't be expected to have a clue how to conduct SSTV transmissions just because I know the bandwidth of the signal, I can't be expected to carry on a QSO in CW (or build a CW receiver) just because I passed a 5 WPM test. So either they need to remove all mode-specific questions from the test or they need to treat CW like any other mode and require a rudimentary (i.e. 5 WPM) knowledge of the mode. OTOH I know I'm dangerously close to sounding like an Old Fart. I'm somewhat disgusted to think that there will be Extra Class licensees that don't know code but will be indistinguishable from me. (At the same time, the fastest code test I passed was 13 WPM for my General in 1974, so there are probably some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me, either.) For this reason I think they should at least change the names of the three license classes to Technician, Good Test Taker, and Memorized the Answer Key to differentiate from those of us who passed when there was a code requirement. :-) And THAT makes me an Old Fart! Craig NZ0R K1 #1966 K2 #4941 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Larry Phipps Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 6:16 PM Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio Saw this posted on TowerTalk... from the following link... http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Digest/2005/ddtoday.html AMENDMENT OF PART 97 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES TO IMPLEMENT WRC-03 REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO REQUIREMENTS FOR OPERATOR LICENSES IN THE AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE. Revised the amateur service rules to elimnate the telegraphy testing requirement. Seek comment on these proposed rule changes. Rule changes proposed by some petitioners are unnecessary, or being considered in the Phone Band Expansion NPRM. by Order. (Dkt No. 05-235). Action by: the Commission. Adopted: 07/15/2005 by NPRM. (FCC No. 05-143). WTB FCC-05-143A1.doc http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-05-143A1.doc FCC-05-143A1.pdf http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-05-143A1.pdf FCC-05-143A1.txt http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-05-143A1.txt 73, Larry N8LP Gary Hvizdak wrote: We are now accepting orders for our PCB based K2 un-module header kit. We have priced it as low as possible, with the intention that every K2 owner can find sufficient justification for having a set. Being that it is a kit, the K2 is the kind of radio that you just naturally want to get your hands into. We wonder how many K2 owners who would like, or perhaps even need to be digging into their rigs, aren't doing so simply because of the time required to do it right. We realize that our kit isn't for everyone, and that most un-module headers can be replaced with the appropriate gauge jumper wire or a single cap. However, this solution assumes that every K2 owner has the necessary parts on hand, knows where they need to be installed, and actually installs them in the correct location. (Remember that some K2 owners either bought theirs used, or from a builder-for-hire.) Then there's the UN-J12/KNB2 header, which isn't so easy. Plus, even using the KE1L approach of soldering the parts directly onto headers, there's still no way to fabricate an Audio Filter un-module.
Re: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio
You're right on, Ron. I left most of my hearing in SE Asia 40 years ago, and CW is my choice, particularly for contesting. I worked my way through college in the late 50's/early 60's in FM and TV broadcast with a 1st phone. I still hold the wallpaper you mentioned. I worked my senior year in HS in a coastal marine station on CW with a 2nd telegraph which I let lapse. Times change, technology moves ahead. I'd rather have a thriving and growing hobby, with lots of young folks entering, than demand that everyone learn my favorite mode. Nearly all of those young folks can hear very well, and SSB works for them. Well said, and I'll probably file some comments. 73, Fred K6DGW Auburn CA CM98lw PS: My KSB2 has some PTT problem I haven't had time to diagnose yet. I may be back with questions. Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: Larry, N8LP wrote Sad day for amateur radio -- Not at all, Larry! The FCC has simply told us Hams in the USA that it's time to set our own agenda. They recognize that there's a huge interest in CW and that it's one of the most popular modes today, but they decline to see any reason why they need to regulate it. They asked a great question in their Notice of Proposed Rule Making: Why should the US FCC mandate a demonstrated knowledge of Morse code and not mandate a demonstrated knowledge of other digital modes? Years ago I earned a First Class Radiotelephone License that allowed me to operate and repair the transmitters at commercial television stations, radio stations and anywhere a licensed transmitter (other than a Ham rig) was located. For most people it involved a two year college-level program to prepare for it. That license is now no more than pretty wallpaper. Anyone who can pry the cover off of a transmitter is, in the eyes of the FCC, qualified to work on it today. This is just the same thinking coming to Amateur Radio. The commercial technicians and broadcast engineers in the USA have adopted their own standards of competence through their professional organizations. We are certainly allowed to do that through our Ham organizations. But under it all, we in the USA are being allowed to choose our own destiny. We have been given tremendous freedoms to continue to explore and enhance our hobby, including our use of CW and other modes. The on-going chatter among US Hams here on the Elecraft reflector about CW operating is a clue about just how vital CW is to the Hobby as well as how important it is to understand other modes, even if we choose not to use them in our stations. We don't need a government agency to which is important to us. Ron AC7AC ___ 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] Sad day for amateur radio
On Thursday 21 July 2005 01:33, Craig Rairdin wrote: OTOH I know I'm dangerously close to sounding like an Old Fart. I'm somewhat disgusted to think that there will be Extra Class licensees that don't know code but will be indistinguishable from me. (At the same time, the fastest code test I passed was 13 WPM for my General in 1974, so there are probably some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me, either.) For this reason I think they should at least change the names of the three license classes to Technician, Good Test Taker, and Memorized the Answer Key to differentiate from those of us who passed when there was a code requirement. :-) Hey Craig, Look me up, AB2GR .. a beige Extra. :) Ian, K2 #4962 -- ___ 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] KPA100 Update
Roy Morris wrote: I have one of the older KPA100s and have done all the mods and upgrades. However, I have seen a recommendation to change C80 and C81 from 4700 to 5600. I have not seen these cap changes in the errata sheets. My KPA100 works well on all bands, 160 thru 10 (including 60 meters) with full output on all bands. Are the new KPA100 kits supplying the 5600s or are these just changes if there is a problem with 15 and 17 meter low output? As I understand it, there is no reason to make this change if you do not have low output on 20/17 meters. The gain of the KPA100 varies over the frequency range, and dips somewhere near the 30/20/17 meter bands. On some KPA100s this dip is deep enough to make it hard for the driver to supply enough drive for full output. There's been a lot of discussion about the exact cause of this dip, but according to Elecraft this change fixes a problem caused by capacitors that are at the low extreme of their tolerance range. -- 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
[Elecraft] Noise
Hi all Here's what works to cancel line noise at my QTH. I purchased, on Ebay, an MFJ 1026 Deluxe Noise Cancelling Signal Enhancer gadget. I paid 125 bucks for like new. It takes most of my line noise from S6 or S7 down to S1, or so, and I am delighted with it. One caveat: It is not as simple as throwing a switch to enable it to do its work. It cancels noise by using an auxiliary (small) antenna and as you adjust the front controls it cancels the noise by phase shifting the noise 180 deg., and must be set up afresh for each use. It has no discernable effect on the desired signal. In many cases, it has enabled me to solidly copy signals which were otherwise impossible to copy. It is installed between my ant tuner and the transceiver. My aux ant is about 30' long and 10' off ground. Length not critical. A 10 wire would do. Back to the adjustment of it, it took me a lot of practice to get the most out of it, but if one follows the manual faithfully, it works fine, and I can now adjust it rapidly (in a few seconds). MFJ claims the ability to boost a signal as well as cancel one, but I don't use that feature. The deluxe model comes with a telescoping small screw-in antenna, but I found it works much better with a longer random wire. There is a connector on the back for this. Finally, QST mag tested this device some years ago, and I suggest you read that article before buying. Anyone else using one?? George, N4YM ___ 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] Sad day for amateur radio
On Wed, 20 Jul 2005, Craig Rairdin wrote: OTOH I know I'm dangerously close to sounding like an Old Fart. I'm somewhat disgusted to think that there will be Extra Class licensees that don't know code but will be indistinguishable from me. (At the same time, the fastest code test I passed was 13 WPM for my General in 1974, so there are probably some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me, either.) For this reason I think they should at least change the names of the three license classes to Technician, Good Test Taker, and Memorized the Answer Key to differentiate from those of us who passed when there was a code requirement. :-) And don't forget, Dues Paying member of the Future Amateur Radio Technical Sailboaters. Thom www.baltimorehon.com/Home of the Baltimore Lexicon www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ 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] Sad day for amateur radio
One other thing Thom When I got my Extra in 2002 @ 72 years old, there were Extra's who were unhappy about 5WPM So I said, OK guys I passed a 13 WPM test for your information. And, let's get down to brass tacks I will take a 20wpm test and you guys take the theory exam for Extra. They did not go for it because they indicated that the exam would be too difficult. These are the same guys that were preaching we should make the Extra Class exam tougher!! Incidently I was at the Historical Electronic Museum in Linthicum tonight with the camera from the space craft 40 years ago. I belong to the Ham club at the museum. You should visit us sometime on 2nd Thurs. at 6PM. Paul Gates K1 #0231 KX1 #1186 XG1 [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: Thom R LaCosta [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Craig Rairdin [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 9:57 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio On Wed, 20 Jul 2005, Craig Rairdin wrote: OTOH I know I'm dangerously close to sounding like an Old Fart. I'm somewhat disgusted to think that there will be Extra Class licensees that don't know code but will be indistinguishable from me. (At the same time, the fastest code test I passed was 13 WPM for my General in 1974, so there are probably some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me, either.) For this reason I think they should at least change the names of the three license classes to Technician, Good Test Taker, and Memorized the Answer Key to differentiate from those of us who passed when there was a code requirement. :-) And don't forget, Dues Paying member of the Future Amateur Radio Technical Sailboaters. Thom www.baltimorehon.com/Home of the Baltimore Lexicon www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ 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] Sad day for amateur radio
so there are probably some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me, either.) I took my extra in 1978, in Fargo, ND, if I can recall correctly, the code speed was actually 21 wpm. However, I may be one of the weird ones, but I don't look down on any hams, whether they took a code test or not. I just don't think it was difficult to mean anything at all - maybe if it had been at 60 or 70 wpm. In other words, just because I sat down and successfully wrote out a string of characters at 21 wpm just doesn't make me any better than anyone else. Personally, I'd like to see the code included, if nothing more than to honor tradition. But I won't hold something against a newcomer, just because he or she did not have the opportunity to take a code test. Also, everything is relative - I also took and passed California's three-day bar exam on the first try. So adding code, more and tougher questions, or whatever - it would still be a walk-in-the-park by comparison to other tests. If you really want something worth bragging about (and I think some people do), I think the test should be at least three days, where one is required to draw up plans and build a transceiver. Tom W6EIJ ___ 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] KPA100 Update
Morris, If your KPA100 works FB, do not change anything. I have it on good authority that the real problem is not the capacitors, but the resistors, particularly the 1.6 ohm 2 watt resistors. Apparently the manufacturer changed to an inductive design without consulting with their clients (including ELecraft). As a result, you can look for Builder's alert 22 to be resinded and replaced with a new one. Again, if your KPA100 has good output on all bands, this is NOT for you - it only happens to those unlucky folks who received resistors that are inductive with their kit - the older resistors are non-inductive, and no change is recommended - 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- I have one of the older KPA100s and have done all the mods and upgrades. However, I have seen a recommendation to change C80 and C81 from 4700 to 5600. I have not seen these cap changes in the errata sheets. My KPA100 works well on all bands, 160 thru 10 (including 60 meters) with full output on all bands. Are the new KPA100 kits supplying the 5600s or are these just changes if there is a problem with 15 and 17 meter low output? Thanks Roy Morris W4WFB -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.9.2/52 - Release Date: 7/19/2005 ___ 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] Sad day for amateur radio
At the same time, the fastest code test I passed was 13 WPM for my General in 1974, so there are probably some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me, either. This 20 WPM Extra Class licensee will welcome the No Code Extras and do my best to help them discover and enjoy Amateur radio. 73, Lyle KK7P ___ 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] Sad day for amateur radio
On Wed, 20 Jul 2005, Paul Gates wrote: One other thing Thom When I got my Extra in 2002 @ 72 years old, there were Extra's who were unhappy about 5WPM So I said, OK guys I passed a 13 WPM test for your information. And, let's get down to brass tacks I will take a 20wpm test and you guys take the theory exam for Extra. They did not go for it because they indicated that the exam would be too difficult. These are the same guys that were preaching we should make the Extra Class exam tougher!! Yes, I have seen that kind of argumentbut that's like arguing about whether the booze is 60 or 70 or 80 or 90 proofit's still booze. I think many of the people who are bemoaning the lack of a CW requirement are doing it because to them, it represents a dimunation of the skills required to join the ranks of amateur radio. From my vantage point, lowering entrance requirements is very much like the recent moves in educationMontgomery County, Maryland recently decreed that no student will receive a grade of less than 50 out of a 100 in any course. When I taught in a program for students who had never been sucessful in traditional school systems, my contract was not renewed because I insisted that students be able to perform basic math(addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) without the aid of a calculator. I'm proud that not only did all of the students master the basic entry skills, but several of them thanked me for insisting that they meet the challenge and jump the hoops. I, like many others struggled to master the codeI recall migrane headaches, a sense of dispair and total frustrationbut, because I wanted to become a ham, I accepted the fact that I had to jump the hoops. Sorry to be so long winded...I'm not really too happy realizing that as a society we think that milk shakes are nothing more than soft icecream served in a big wax cup. Thom ___ 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] XV50 Alignment
The local oscillator level at TP1 is 1.06 VDC (0.8 - 1.2) LNA at TP2 is 241 mV with R13 set at its limit (CW) R22 at its limit (CW) will just hit 20 W (PEP) L15 peaks at 2 turns above the top of the can instead of two turns down. I'm suspicious that I may have the wrong capacitor at C53. The C53 is suppose to be 18pf. The only capacitor in the kit that has 18 anywhere on it is a huge (relatively speaking) triangular shaped capacitor that has three lines of text. The top line reads 18J The second line reads 1KV The third line reads 33 I could find no other capacitor that reads 18 or 180 with the kit. Nor could I find any capacitor that should read 33. So I assumed that this must be the right capacitor for C53, a substitute perhaps, but it should work. The way L15 peaked at 2 turns above the can, though raises some concern. I lack the know how to determine if everything is as it should be. ___ 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] XV50 Alignment
The local oscillator level at TP1 is 1.06 VDC (0.8 - 1.2) LNA at TP2 is 241 mV with R13 set at its limit (CW) R22 at its limit (CW) will just hit 20 W (PEP) L15 peaks at 2 turns above the top of the can instead of two turns down. I'm suspicious that I may have the wrong capacitor at C53. The C53 is suppose to be 18pf. The only capacitor in the kit that has 18 anywhere on it is a huge (relatively speaking) triangular shaped capacitor that has three lines of text. The top line reads 18J The second line reads 1KV The third line reads 33 I could find no other capacitor that reads 18 or 180 with the kit. Nor could I find any capacitor that should read 33. So I assumed that this must be the right capacitor for C53, a substitute perhaps, but it should work. The way L15 peaked at 2 turns above the can, though raises some concern. I lack the know how to determine if everything is as it should be. ___ 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] Sad day for amateur radio
Back in the day, when I had the blue paper (FCC First Phone) and the white paper (FCC Second CW) and the blue and white paper (Amateur Extra acquired before the days of incentive licensing) I considered that any compromise on the code requirement would lead directly to the demise of Western Civilization. (Side note: In those days, passing the 20 WPM code test was no big deal. You had to be a General for two years before you could even apply for an Extra. Any active CW operator who starts at 13 WPM will be well over 20 WPM after two years. The big bugaboo on the Extra was the written exam. I had the First Phone and Second CW for several years before I took a crack at Extra.) By the early 80s when the no-code topic first came up in a serious way (and CBers were getting ham licenses in droves), I was very energetic in the effort to nip the no-code thing in the bud. However, I now see that, after quite a few years of no-code licensing on VHF, we're not really closer to perdition than we were back then. As an exclusively CW operator, I find that CW is still thriving. Also, I do find no-code VHF licensees who want to learn the code, and 5 WPM Extras who want to get good at CW. Dropping the code requirement does not prevent the members of either group from doing so. I do sympathize with Thom LaCosta's point. Isn't the gradual relaxation of the Morse requirement part of an overall relaxation in standards that seems to be bedeviling all levels of contemporary society? Certainly, I used to think so. However, I once ran across a translation of a 4000 year old Egyptian hieroglyphic text that essentially said, I don't know how we're going to make it. The youth of the land don't have to achieve what we did, and they have no sense of responsibility. This seems to be literally an ages-old concern. I expect that the real situation is that each generation needs to be good at different things. When we see the rising generation not placing value on skills we value, we forget that they are also mastering other skills which are indispensable to them, but on which we do not place high value. There is one other thing that should not be forgotten. Passing a code test is not an assurance of either moral or intellectual virtue. It is not even an assurance that the passee will be a good CW operator. There seems to be a little enclave between 7035 and 7050 kHz where the quality of the sending is absolutely abysmal. Nevertheless, every one of those operators passed a code test, and probably well above 5 WPM. Should the new generation of hams, especially the new Extras, by expected to pay the dues to get the privilege? Absolutely! Must they pay them in the same coin that we did? This seems unnecessarily arbitrary. 73, Steve Kercel AA4AK ___ 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] Replacement Hand Microphone
On 7/20/05 3:44 PM, Stuart Rohre [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: You can either use a high impedance to low transformer for the D104 mike, or get one of the D104 amplified mikes which has a impedance converting transistor circuit in its base, able to drive low impedance modern microphone inputs. The crystal high impedance element of the 104 needs to look into a high impedance to avoid altering the tone response. It will sound good, if properly terminated into the right circuit. Alan, W2AEW, has a very nice construction article on one of his web pages: http://www.qsl.net/w2aew/myd104amp.html We've talked on air several times and his audio is excellent. If you have a D-104 with a functioning crystal (or ceramic) element, this circuit is a good way to match the hi-Z output to the low-Z input of modern rigs. Alan has been careful about RFI proofing and other essentials, such as tone characteristics and gain control. At the end of the page is the schematic for the original Astatic preamp. 73, Gus Hansen / KB0YH ___ 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] Copper wrapped cotton conductor soldering.
Hi, Many moons ago, I was employed as a Telephone Exchange Tech, and one of the joys :-( of the job was making up switchboard leads for the Toll boards and old manual exchanges that used to be scattered around the district. (no new-fangled electronic exchanges in those days) Anyway..the cords used to come with spade connectors on one end, and we were the mugs who had to make the tiny loops to terminate the cable in the jacks, on the other end. This was done by carefully stripping the covering of each conductor, and then carefully winding a layer of fine fuse wire over the copper/cotton conductor, forming a loop, and then soldering over the fuse wire...which of course included the copper conductor. I have used this method to solder copper wrapped cotton mic cords into mic plugs, but am now acutely aware my fingers aren't as nimble as they used to be back in the 50's. Might be a handy hint for rolling your own mic cord? Cheers..Ron ZL1TW ___ 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] Sad day for amateur radio
And those of us who took our 13 wpm AND 20 wpm code tests in front of a grumpy FCC Inspector waiting for retirement instead of a collegial VE buddy can't stand to be in the same room with ANY of you guys! Eric KE6US -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Craig Rairdin Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 6:33 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Sad day for amateur radio OTOH I know I'm dangerously close to sounding like an Old Fart. I'm somewhat disgusted to think that there will be Extra Class licensees that don't know code but will be indistinguishable from me. (At the same time, the fastest code test I passed was 13 WPM for my General in 1974, so there are probably some 20 WPM Extras out there who can't stand to be in the room with me, either.) ___ 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] Sad day for amateur radio
Aren't those F.A.R.T.S. just called Sailmail customers for FCC purposes? Eric KE6US -Original Message- And don't forget, Dues Paying member of the Future Amateur Radio Technical Sailboaters. Thom www.baltimorehon.com/Home of the Baltimore Lexicon www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ 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
