Re: [Elecraft] Two K2... One Mic... Zéro Prob lem ? :-)
JEAN-FRANCOIS MENARD wrote: YOOOU! I was not dreaming... ;-) Now what's next ? Anyone have a schematic or an existing project that look like this one and I could start from ? Take a look at http://www.kkn.net/~k5tr/trlog/switch.pdf This is a schematic that I have used to switch between two K2's. I do not operate that much SSB, so I did not include the relay to switch the microphone, but the logging programs that I use (CT, Logger32) switch the keying and amp T/R line using Pin 14 on the LPT port. You could also do it with a manual switch. 73HankK8DD ___ 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/KPA100 power adjustment problem
Hi all, I finally got the last part into the KPA100. It was missing C71. After pulling the board out and installing the cap, now I am not getting any power adjustment at low power or high power. With the KPA100 removed, the power adjustment is fine. The low power adjustment goes from about .1 watt to about 12 watts. With the KPA100 installed, the RF out display still shows that the power should be adjustable, but the low power output, below 11 watts, is maxed out with no lowering or adjustment of power. Above 11 watts, power output is full 100+ watts with no adjustment. Has anyone got any tips on where to start looking? Also, have connected the serial cable after getting it built, turned on the K2IO in the menu PORT function, but it appears that I am not communicating with the K2 at all. No test characters when using HyperTerminal and no control using various K2 software programs. Would also like some tips on where to start the troubleshooting of this problem. I have checked the cable, know it is wired right according to the directions using 2-2, 3-3 and 5-5 with the hardware loop installed. Also know that my computer is fine because I use it to run my FT817 with Ham Radio Deluxe. Jess AE0CW ___ 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] AmTech K2 milliwatting
The last time I visited SLAC was about a decade ago. They were busy building the nearly perfect aluminum coated quartz spheres that are the essence of the free rotor gyroscopes flying on Gravity Probe B. I think the analogy regarding the sphericity was something like "if the spheres were as large as the earth, the difference between the lowest ocean trench, and highest peak was on the order of a few yards". N7WY - Original Message - From: "Leigh L Klotz, Jr." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Nick Waterman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; Sent: Sunday, September 18, 2005 11:59 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] AmTech K2 milliwatting > Nick, > The linac part is long and mostly far away. > We were in the campus part. They are pretty safety oriented there, so I > wasn't concerned. > > When I was at MIT, the Plasma Fusion Center had their computation > facilities a floor above the magnets, and when there was a pulse, all > the monitors got really weird & wavy. The place looked just like a > movie idea of a mad scientist's lair -- a raised dais with a semicircle > of 10ft tall racks of equipment with blinkenlights and oscilloscopes, > every one showing a sine wave. > > 0R73, > Leigh / WA5ZNU > On Sun, 18 Sep 2005 11:45 am, Nick Waterman wrote: > > Leigh L Klotz, Jr. wrote: > >> Yesterday was AmTech day, a local operating event hosted by the FARS > >> club, on the site of Stanford's Linear Accelerator. The site provides > >> park-like facilities, plus meeting rooms, but the hams provide the > >> rest. > > > > Linear accelerator as in... stonking great electromagnets? Any > > interesting QRM? :-) > ___ > 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] Elecraft Net Report for September 18th, 2005
Good Evening, The net was interesting this evening. A little QSB but not all that bad. Maybe I am learning something. Or maybe I am just plain lucky ;) Rounded up a few lost sheep this week: Ken and Ray had been absent for a few weeks but they explained their absences. Jim was trying to tell us all that September in Arkansas is usually dry. Tom agreed by stating Missouri weather is much the same. You guys: I grew up in the Midwest and can see a leg pulling contest a mile off! Enjoy your tall tales and soggy climate ;) Russ checked in running QRP but I never would have known from his signal. N5EBD checked in strong and then faded off. He had slow QSB on his signal. Not like last night into AK. The QSB was so fast it was hard to catch the dits. I also learned something in an email from K1EV that helps me understand why the AK folks are running a voice net on 7093 kHz. To wit: "Phone and image modes are permitted between 7075 and 7100 kHz for FCC licensed stations in ITU Regions 1 and 3 and by FCC licensed stations in ITU Region 2 West of 130 degrees West longitude or South of 20 degrees North latitude. See Sections 97.305(c) and 97.307(f)(11). Novice and Technician Plus licensees outside ITU Region 2 may use CW only between 7050 and 7075 kHz. See Section 97.301(e). These exemptions do not apply to stations in the continental US." Hmmm... I did not know that. Thank you Bill. Good thing I have been using CW to check into the Alaska Bush Net the last few days. On 14049 kHz at 2300z: N0SS - Tom - MO - K2 - 008 QNI #105 N9IV/QRP - Russ - IN - K2 - 4650 AK2B - Tom - NY - K2 - 4482 K3KYR - Jeff - NY - ? - ? N7GS - Mal - MT - K2 - 456 N5EBD - Ken - TX - K1 - 34 KI8JM - Bob - OH - K2 - 3630 WU5X - Jim - Dry (?) AR - K2 - 3440QNI #15 WA6GCL - Jerry - CA - ? - ? N6JW - John - CA - K2 - 3290 W0CZ - Ken - ND - K2 - 1031 K2HYD/4 - Ray - NC - KX1 - 608 QNI #45 Any corrections or fills to the above list would be appreciated. I'll fix the database and post the errata here. Thanks to you all for making this so much fun. 73, Kevin. KD5ONS (Net Control Operator 5th Class) ___ 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] FS: K2/100 with all options, KAT-100
FS: K2/100 with the following options: 1. K2 S/N 34_ _ 2. KPA100 INTERNAL AMP 3. KDSP2 4. KAT100-1 5. KSB2 6. K60XV 7. KNB2 8. K160RX 9. MH2 - HANDMIKE(NEW) 10. FDIMP This radio is in like new condition upgraded to latest firmware. Professionally built by NR1SS. NO FLUX RESIDUE! 2.5 SSB MOD, Keying Bandwidth Mod, etc. Filters aligned with Spectrogram. Includes alignment tools, power cords, interface cable, etc. $1500.00 shipped (LOWER 48 ONLY) Tnx..Dario/N5QVF __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.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] Two K2... One Mic... Zéro Proble m ? :-)
YOOOU! I was not dreaming... ;-) Now what's next ? Anyone have a schematic or an existing project that look like this one and I could start from ? Le 05-09-18 à 21:28, Bob Nielsen a écrit : JEAN-FRANCOIS MENARD wrote: I'm looking at a way to merge enterely two K2 to the same ressource: ONE mic and ONE multi-band antenna. So the setup interface must be able to switch mic between K2, and when one K2 transmit, the receiving on the other K2 is muted and also making sure that the RF is stopped and do not enter in the receiving K2 One Antenna for two K2 when both K2 do not transmit, they can listen on different or same band at the same time. Am I dreaming ? It must be possible to do this project ? ;-) Sure it is possible, but a bit complicated. You would need to have a PIN diode switch (or relay) to short out the input to the non- keyed K2, as well as a few switches or relays to select which K2 is transmit-enabled Mic, PTT and antenna. Some sequencing to make delay transmit until after the input is shorted would be desirable. 73 et bonne chance! Bob, N7XY ___ 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] Two K2... One Mic... Zéro Prob lem ? :-)
JEAN-FRANCOIS MENARD wrote: I'm looking at a way to merge enterely two K2 to the same ressource: ONE mic and ONE multi-band antenna. So the setup interface must be able to switch mic between K2, and when one K2 transmit, the receiving on the other K2 is muted and also making sure that the RF is stopped and do not enter in the receiving K2 One Antenna for two K2 when both K2 do not transmit, they can listen on different or same band at the same time. Am I dreaming ? It must be possible to do this project ? ;-) Sure it is possible, but a bit complicated. You would need to have a PIN diode switch (or relay) to short out the input to the non-keyed K2, as well as a few switches or relays to select which K2 is transmit-enabled Mic, PTT and antenna. Some sequencing to make delay transmit until after the input is shorted would be desirable. 73 et bonne chance! Bob, N7XY ___ 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] Two K2... One Mic... Zéro Proble m ? :-)
I'm looking at a way to merge enterely two K2 to the same ressource: ONE mic and ONE multi-band antenna. So the setup interface must be able to switch mic between K2, and when one K2 transmit, the receiving on the other K2 is muted and also making sure that the RF is stopped and do not enter in the receiving K2 One Antenna for two K2 when both K2 do not transmit, they can listen on different or same band at the same time. Am I dreaming ? It must be possible to do this project ? ;-) 73 Le 05-09-18 à 20:08, Jack Brindle a écrit : If you are really worried about it, Wayne came up with a modification to improve the K2's strong-signal handling characteristics. This was created specifically to protect the receiver in the presence of strong near-by signals. Usually these are only a problem when the transmitter and receiver are on the same band, or even on the same frequency. If you keep the radios on different bands, I doubt you will see much problem. I hope this helps, et bon chance! On Sep 18, 2005, at 4:14 PM, JEAN-FRANCOIS MENARD wrote: Ok for the mic. My main concern is for the K2 that will be receiving when the other transmit and vice-versa Le 05-09-18 à 18:50, Jack Brindle a écrit : This is very close to contesting's SO2R (Single Op, two radios). The difference is that in SO2R both radios are always active. When one transmits, the other continues to receive. Bandpass filters are used to keep the transmit RF from adversely affecting the 2nd radio's receiver. If it did hurt it, then that radio would be rather useless when the first is transmitting, right? Switching the microphone between the two radios shouldn't be too difficult with a simple switch, and if you really want to get fancy, you too could become addicted to creating the ultimate SO2R box... ;-) A web lookup on SO2R should be quite revealing. After reading the articles, you might realize that it is not that difficult to use TWO K2s at the same time! On Sep 18, 2005, at 7:54 AM, JEAN-FRANCOIS MENARD wrote: Hi to all, I would like to build another K2 this automn, I can't stand in my shack without no kit to build. ;-) But I would like to know if it is possible (I think to an easely yes) to operate two K2, one at a time of course, but using the same microphone with an a/b switch like. And when one K2 is in TX the other is stop listenning, to prevent or to protect it, from busting his fontend. If someone already did this setup, it would be really appreciated to share this project with us. Or at least somebody have a good start for this ??? -Jack Brindle, W6FB === - Jack Brindle, W6FB -- --- ___ 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] KAT100 question
I know my KAT100 is working ok. On one of my antennas on 80m however, it rattles a lot, and then displays "20" on the LCD. What does that mean? I don't think it found a match because I know how hard it is to get a match with my manual tuner on 80m, but just curious. Fred K6DGW Auburn CA CM98lw K2 #4398 (no idea of the S/N of the KPA100) but best rig KX1 #897 ___ 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] Two K2... One Mic... Zéro Proble m ? :-)
If you are really worried about it, Wayne came up with a modification to improve the K2's strong-signal handling characteristics. This was created specifically to protect the receiver in the presence of strong near-by signals. Usually these are only a problem when the transmitter and receiver are on the same band, or even on the same frequency. If you keep the radios on different bands, I doubt you will see much problem. I hope this helps, et bon chance! On Sep 18, 2005, at 4:14 PM, JEAN-FRANCOIS MENARD wrote: Ok for the mic. My main concern is for the K2 that will be receiving when the other transmit and vice-versa Le 05-09-18 à 18:50, Jack Brindle a écrit : This is very close to contesting's SO2R (Single Op, two radios). The difference is that in SO2R both radios are always active. When one transmits, the other continues to receive. Bandpass filters are used to keep the transmit RF from adversely affecting the 2nd radio's receiver. If it did hurt it, then that radio would be rather useless when the first is transmitting, right? Switching the microphone between the two radios shouldn't be too difficult with a simple switch, and if you really want to get fancy, you too could become addicted to creating the ultimate SO2R box... ;-) A web lookup on SO2R should be quite revealing. After reading the articles, you might realize that it is not that difficult to use TWO K2s at the same time! On Sep 18, 2005, at 7:54 AM, JEAN-FRANCOIS MENARD wrote: Hi to all, I would like to build another K2 this automn, I can't stand in my shack without no kit to build. ;-) But I would like to know if it is possible (I think to an easely yes) to operate two K2, one at a time of course, but using the same microphone with an a/b switch like. And when one K2 is in TX the other is stop listenning, to prevent or to protect it, from busting his fontend. If someone already did this setup, it would be really appreciated to share this project with us. Or at least somebody have a good start for this ??? -Jack Brindle, W6FB = == - Jack Brindle, W6FB - ___ 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] Two K2... One Mic... Zéro Proble m ? :-)
Ok for the mic. My main concern is for the K2 that will be receiving when the other transmit and vice-versa Le 05-09-18 à 18:50, Jack Brindle a écrit : This is very close to contesting's SO2R (Single Op, two radios). The difference is that in SO2R both radios are always active. When one transmits, the other continues to receive. Bandpass filters are used to keep the transmit RF from adversely affecting the 2nd radio's receiver. If it did hurt it, then that radio would be rather useless when the first is transmitting, right? Switching the microphone between the two radios shouldn't be too difficult with a simple switch, and if you really want to get fancy, you too could become addicted to creating the ultimate SO2R box... ;-) A web lookup on SO2R should be quite revealing. After reading the articles, you might realize that it is not that difficult to use TWO K2s at the same time! On Sep 18, 2005, at 7:54 AM, JEAN-FRANCOIS MENARD wrote: Hi to all, I would like to build another K2 this automn, I can't stand in my shack without no kit to build. ;-) But I would like to know if it is possible (I think to an easely yes) to operate two K2, one at a time of course, but using the same microphone with an a/b switch like. And when one K2 is in TX the other is stop listenning, to prevent or to protect it, from busting his fontend. If someone already did this setup, it would be really appreciated to share this project with us. Or at least somebody have a good start for this ??? -Jack Brindle, W6FB == = ___ 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] Two K2... One Mic... Zéro Proble m ? :-)
This is very close to contesting's SO2R (Single Op, two radios). The difference is that in SO2R both radios are always active. When one transmits, the other continues to receive. Bandpass filters are used to keep the transmit RF from adversely affecting the 2nd radio's receiver. If it did hurt it, then that radio would be rather useless when the first is transmitting, right? Switching the microphone between the two radios shouldn't be too difficult with a simple switch, and if you really want to get fancy, you too could become addicted to creating the ultimate SO2R box... ;-) A web lookup on SO2R should be quite revealing. After reading the articles, you might realize that it is not that difficult to use TWO K2s at the same time! On Sep 18, 2005, at 7:54 AM, JEAN-FRANCOIS MENARD wrote: Hi to all, I would like to build another K2 this automn, I can't stand in my shack without no kit to build. ;-) But I would like to know if it is possible (I think to an easely yes) to operate two K2, one at a time of course, but using the same microphone with an a/b switch like. And when one K2 is in TX the other is stop listenning, to prevent or to protect it, from busting his fontend. If someone already did this setup, it would be really appreciated to share this project with us. Or at least somebody have a good start for this ??? -Jack Brindle, W6FB === ___ 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] AmTech K2 milliwatting
Nick, The linac part is long and mostly far away. We were in the campus part. They are pretty safety oriented there, so I wasn't concerned. When I was at MIT, the Plasma Fusion Center had their computation facilities a floor above the magnets, and when there was a pulse, all the monitors got really weird & wavy. The place looked just like a movie idea of a mad scientist's lair -- a raised dais with a semicircle of 10ft tall racks of equipment with blinkenlights and oscilloscopes, every one showing a sine wave. 0R73, Leigh / WA5ZNU On Sun, 18 Sep 2005 11:45 am, Nick Waterman wrote: Leigh L Klotz, Jr. wrote: Yesterday was AmTech day, a local operating event hosted by the FARS club, on the site of Stanford's Linear Accelerator. The site provides park-like facilities, plus meeting rooms, but the hams provide the rest. Linear accelerator as in... stonking great electromagnets? Any interesting QRM? :-) ___ 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] AmTech K2 milliwatting
Leigh L Klotz, Jr. wrote: Yesterday was AmTech day, a local operating event hosted by the FARS club, on the site of Stanford's Linear Accelerator. The site provides park-like facilities, plus meeting rooms, but the hams provide the rest. Linear accelerator as in... stonking great electromagnets? Any interesting QRM? :-) -- "Nosey" Nick Waterman, Senior Sysadmin. #include [EMAIL PROTECTED] Linux: A penguin which jumps through Windows and leaps over Gates. ___ 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 Elecraft Transverters
If it were up to me, and it is not, I would like to see transverters for 432 and 1296. 902 would be a surprise, since it seems to me it is even more neglected than 222. But, as other's have said, they would like to see a kit from Elecraft. This is probably just because they like the quality of the stuff that Elecraft has put out so far. But, of course, the more time you spend on developing products for increasingly smaller market segments, the more you have to charge for them. And if you know that Down East Microwave already does them and well, I would imagine it is hard for Elecraft to justify the time and money spent, unless you just OEM (rebrand/repackage) their product. David, K3TUE . --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > Michael, what is your perspective? What have you built, and where do you > want to go? > > Most Hams that I encounter these days seem quite happy to pretty much stay > on 20 Meters or a few other HF bands. > > Not many seem to look at the RF spectrum at large. > > 73, and my truly best thoughts and wishes! 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] Tilt Stands
Hi Yes the K2 comes with the stand. The EC2 and Kat100 do not come with the stands so that is why they are for sale on the price list Don Brown KD5NDB - Original Message - From: "Nick Waterman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Elecraft Reflector" Sent: Sunday, September 18, 2005 11:40 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Tilt Stands > Quick Q - still choosing my options and saving my pennies for a K2... > > K2 comes with a tilt stand, right? ETS15 and ETS2 are not required > unless you're playing with other EC2 / KAT100 enclosures? > > -- > "Nosey" Nick Waterman, G7RZQ, Senior Sysadmin. > #include [EMAIL PROTECTED] > If you think before you speak the other guy gets his joke in first. > ___ > 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] Tilt Stands
Quick Q - still choosing my options and saving my pennies for a K2... K2 comes with a tilt stand, right? ETS15 and ETS2 are not required unless you're playing with other EC2 / KAT100 enclosures? -- "Nosey" Nick Waterman, G7RZQ, Senior Sysadmin. #include [EMAIL PROTECTED] If you think before you speak the other guy gets his joke in first. ___ 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] AmTech K2 milliwatting
Yesterday was AmTech day, a local operating event hosted by the FARS club, on the site of Stanford's Linear Accelerator. The site provides park-like facilities, plus meeting rooms, but the hams provide the rest. It is a fun activity and something to cnsider for your own club, especially if you open it to general hams as the FARS club does. I brought my K2, KX1, and the antenna I made on FD morning with 44ft of wire and 300 Ohm twinlead from The Wireman, supported by two fishing poles and a tree. There is a good mix of operating and eyeballing, and plenty of OMs and YLs I know showed up, as well as a number of new faces. I showed my K2 to quite a few people, and a few tried it in CPO mode but nobody used it for a QSO. I got back to casual contesting in the Salmon Run, and answered an OM in Colorado, who gave me a 559, but when it was my turn to give the poutput power (part of the exchange) I noticed that somehow the knob had gotten turned all the way down! So I sent 0R1W 1TTMW and had a good chuckle. I don't know the exact power out in this situation, so I just gave him the requested power reading. The talks were promising, but I arrived too late in the afternoon to join them, and wanted to get operating. I did get to see the K6WX portable vertival beam in action (on a K2) and they worked the World Bank in Washington, DC, and N6DQ reportedly showed his SDR1000 to a good crowd as well. 73, Leig / WA5ZNU ___ 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] Why Lead Free? (WAS: Solder requests - STOP)
I didn't realize you were on the east side of the Atlantic, Nick. Given the issues with lead-free solder, it has been around a LONG time! Lead-free "silver solder" is required by the manufacturers of many RF systems for use where very high frequency (appx. 1 GHZ), high current RF flows. E.F. Johnson (of Ham fame and now a major manufacturer of Land Mobile radios and repeaters) is one whose equipment I have serviced that requires silver solder in their RF power amplifiers. In that case the justification is that silver solder is more conductive, especially to RF which flows only through the few surface atoms of the conductor. It's not as easy to work with, as I mentioned before, but it has a long history of radio use. Don's comments echo my experience with "silver solder". I haven't personally used much of the newer stuff, but from what he says it hasn't changed much, Hi! I'm as "green" as then next guy, being a proud resident of the American northwest were we take ecological and pollution issues very seriously and being one of the few places where residents have consistently approved higher taxes to do things in ways that pollute less, but I also avoid stampedes to do "what everyone knows". As I'm fond of saying in various local meetings, if the fact that something can be toxic is justification for banning it, then we must ban coffee, sugar, all grains, most dairy products, etc., because any laboratory will confirm that if you shove a pound of it down the throat of a rat in one meal, the rat will die every time. It's not just whether it's toxic, it's toxic in what quantities that counts. I traded off-line messages with another British Ham yesterday in which we talked about the recycling efforts going on there and here in which we do not even put electronics scrap in the 'trash' any longer. It is recycled to recover the metals and other recyclable materials from it instead. Only the bare minimum of residue, and non-toxic, lead-free residue, finds its way into landfills. Now it might make sense to remove lead entirely if it's possible, but to me using it and recycling it is preferable if lead provides a superior product. But then that's just my opinion. I wrote my original reply on the assumption you were an American Ham, not seeing a call sign attached to your name. Sorry about that! 73, 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] RE: VBWFPA and No Pole
Hi Ron, Yes the VBWFPA works great on 40m,20m and 30m with no pole- even better! If you keep the coil around 2 feet off the ground it tunes on more bands too! I tried this in my back yard, I mean my antenna testing range (hi!) and it worked great. One item you have to watch is to hang the vertical radiator on a branch that won't move up and down to much in the wind. Otherwise the coil moves up and down which is no big deal as long as it stays off the ground. My first qso on 40m at 3w with my K1 was with a ham in WI from PA. He gave me a report of 579. I will now use my VBWFPA with no pole on the AT. That way I can just throw it in my backpack and when ready just hang it up on the AT. I also cut out the extra pole weight etc! 72, Ed, WA3WSJ -Original Message- From: Ron Polityka [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, September 18, 2005 9:38 AM To: Ed Breneiser WA3WSJ Subject: VBWFPA and No Pole Hi Ed, Just wanted to pass along this information for everyone to read. So if you can place it on your web site. I operated the QRP AField 2005 from the Appalachian trail. I decided to not take along the pole this time and hang the wire from a tree. Wow, it works Great I did not even have to change the radiator to operate on 15 meters. My K1 tuned up on 15 meters easily. What a time saver in a contest. Now I don't have to worry when the ground freezes in the winter. 72 and Thanks, Ron Polityka WB3AAL ___ 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] Two K2... One Mic... Zér o Problem ? :-)
Hi to all, I would like to build another K2 this automn, I can't stand in my shack without no kit to build. ;-) But I would like to know if it is possible (I think to an easely yes) to operate two K2, one at a time of course, but using the same microphone with an a/b switch like. And when one K2 is in TX the other is stop listenning, to prevent or to protect it, from busting his fontend. If someone already did this setup, it would be really appreciated to share this project with us. Or at least somebody have a good start for this ??? 73 = /¯\/¯\/¯\/¯\/¯\/¯\ JEAN-FRANCOIS MENARD V A 2 V Y Z \_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/ Elecraft K2 #4130 Elecraft KX1 #999 http://homepage.mac.com/jfmenard = ___ 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] FS: MH2
Hi all, I have a microphone type MH2 for sale. My home made microphone simply suits my needs. The MH2 is hardly used and therefore is in excellent condition! Selling it for 50 Euro plus shipping. 73, Dick PA2DW ___ 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] lead-free solder
I have encountered this problem...It is a problem even with conventional 60/40 solder if the joint you are trying to de-solder is on the ground plane...Desoldering the joint, then resoldering it with 60/40, then desoldering it again helps a lot to remove the solder on the other side of the board..Use caution not to dwell too long on the joint lest the land be damaged... Jerry, wa2dkg >Ron made several good points, but I want to add another - I have done repair work on 2 K2s to date that used lead-free solder, and I can tell you that de-soldering that stuff is no fun - even with my Hakko 808. Sure the solder sucks off the side the Hakko is on, but the solder itself apparently does not conduct heat very well, so after every de-soldering attempt, I had to reheat the lead from the component side and remove the component (being careful not to injure the plated thru hole), and then use a stainless steel needle to open the hole for replacement component.< ___ 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] Why Lead Free? (WAS: Solder requests - STOP)
W3FPR - Don Wilhelm wrote: de-soldering that stuff is no fun - even with my Hakko 808. Sure the solder Eeek. PS - I truly believe the original statement that "60/40 doesn't exist" was a tongue-in-cheek remark. Jack has that 'funny' way with words sometimes, and I for one appreciate the humor. I certainly hope it didn't cause any undue concerns. It was me who said "doesn't officially exist". I'll admit I was looking at one (very well known) UK hobby electronics supplier, and they have no leaded solder any more. Looking at the other main UK supplier, they DO still sell leaded Multicore and Alpha Fry, alongside lead-free from the same manufacturers, but they make it quite clear that the leaded solder is "Not RoHS compliant!" and is being phased out. http://www.rohsdirective.com/ In my original solder email, I said something like "I thought it was just an EU thing, didn't realise it was going out of fashion your side of the pond too". RoHS is an EU thing, and it looks like "products using non-compliant components onto the EU market after 1st July 2006 will be in breach of both UK and European law" so most people seem to HAVE already, or BE already phasing it out. I still don't know if there's YET a similar thing in the US or not. "Anybody producing products that are not compliant with ROHS and who then attempts to sell then on the EU market after the compliance deadline, will be in breach of the EU ROHS Directive", so selling kits without solder is PROBABLY fine as long as there's no lead/cadmium/etc in any of the other components (maybe that's a foolish assumption?) Ron said: Finally, all the lead-free solders I know of require somewhat higher iron temperatures than leaded solder. From what I've read, they vary. Some of the more expensive alloys have far LOWER melting point, but tend to cost more, apparently wet badly, and traditional fluxes don't activate at those temperatures, so they need special fluxes too. If you're not careful, your hotter components can also desolder themselves :-) There's quite a wide choice of lead-free alternatives, presumably each with their pros and cons, which is why I was seeking advice. :-/ I guess what worries me... sooner or later, all of us Elecrafters in EU and possibly the rest of the world are going to need something that's: 1) Lead-free (well, yeah, and mercury, cadmium, and the rest of RoHS) 2) Easy enough to work with, and indeed desolder, and rework with 3) Doesn't fry components with too high a heat 4) Lasts... and perhaps most importantly 5) Is covered by Elecraft's limited warranty (fluxes, solvents, blah) Advice from on point 5 particularly appreciated, most of the rest we've covered. What do Elecraft themselves (and "Dr Solder") recommend if (and when) lead isn't an option? Nigel G8IFF said: You go buy lead free solder, preferably silver loaded, and start using it. No changes needed to your normal soldering methods. ... and being a G, I'm going to hope he knows what he's talking about :-) Cheers all! -- "Nosey" Nick Waterman, Senior Sysadmin. #include [EMAIL PROTECTED] Running a business is about 95% people and 5% economics. ___ 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] Why Lead Free? (WAS: Solder requests - STOP)
ISTR someone also had previously posted a link to some pictures on the NASA web site showing the problem with crystalline whiskers with tin. I think the issue here was that such whisker growth is significant less with traditional leaded solders than the lead-free ones. If this is true, and as we moved towards closer pin placement and higher densities, this could make long term reliability an issue. Anyone have any more info that aspect? 73, David, M0DHO K2#4030 ___ 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
