RE: [Elecraft] XG1 Results with K1 s/n 1018
2) Should I stop trying to figure out why the speaker volume is so and low and just use headphones? When I touch pin 1 of mixer U2, I get a loud blast from the speaker, so I'm convinced the audio chain is fine. I'm just not sure if the RF level into it is high enough. I have the K1-4 filter board and am sure I've peaked it for best results. Mark, Did you ever try another headphone? It must have the correct impedance and there are diffences of 40 dB between different headphones. 72/3 de Peter, DL2FI www.qrpproject.de ___ 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] Rework Eliminators(TM) Companion Guide - Official Release
Our new 35 page Rework Eliminators(TM) Companion Guide describes how to build a rework-free plug play ready K2. The procedure incorporates un-module (option bypass) headers plus all of the PCB mounted parts that are missing from a stock ($599) K2. It combines the initial K2 assembly procedure and all of the K2 option preparation steps, into a single seamless process. This eliminates the need for any subsequent disassembly or PCB rework to fully outfit a bare K2 with options. This procedure is ideally suited to builders-for-hire as you can now offer your customers an easily upgradeable bare radio. The first half of the guide is an introductory tutorial suitable for someone who is still just contemplating their first K2 purchase. It includes instructions for determining which if any additional parts kits you will need to purchase. The actual alternate assembly instructions comprise the second half of the guide. Please visit our website for the PDF. Due to our long URLs, its best if you use the ***Documentation Downloads*** link on our Resources directory page http://home.cfl.rr.com/garyhvizdak/KI4GGX/unpcbs/Resources/ to get to the PDF. 73, Gary, KI4GGX K2 #4067 ___ 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: Elecraft Digest, Vol 21, Issue 20 (Duty into UK)
I brought in the full package (K2/100 ATU100, DSP, 160M SSB). The Customs actually rung me up to find out what it was. The expensive package may have attracted their attention but it did reduce the shipping and postage. However it worked out that dollars in the States arrive as pounds (£) at your door. The duty + postage offsetting the favourable exchange rate. I hope this helps John G4BOU ___ 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] NK8Q Polar Bear #4 Report
I arrived at the Lynnport, PA location of the AT just before Ron, WB3AAL, around 1730Z. The location is just over 1 mile down a paved access roadway to an ATT microwave site that is no longer in use. Ed, K3YTR I got permission and operated from there last summer for the TAC Contest. It is at about 1580' of elevation and my GPS receiver claimed the coordinates (within 25' accuracy) were N 40.71481, W 075.79837. Calculations from the FCC's HAAT website show that the location is about 830 feet above average terrain! The first thing I did was to look for the mason line I had left in the trees from the last time I operated there. If they were still available my antenna raising would go quickly. Well, I quickly found the first one, but it had broken and wasn't useful. I didn't find the second one at all. Luckily I had my trusty slingshot and 2 oz lead sinker. Also, even more luckily, it was fairly windstill at that time. I must be getting better with the slingshot because I achieved success on the first launch over each tree! Good thing, because shortly afterward the wind kicked up and it would have been quite difficult, well, probably impossible to have done so! The trees at the top of the Blue Mountain ridge are not tall, maybe 20 to 30' at best. After the winds kicked up to 40 MPH (that is my estimate although Ed claimed 30 MPH, I think they were much closer to 40) we saw the trees really swaying and the parked vehicle was really getting pushed around a bit as well. We also noticed several branches that were down during our drive back out and I think Ed had noticed quite a few branches and trees that were snapping over in the wind from our operating site. In any case, I had the antenna up, checked with the MFJ-269B, and connected to the Elecraft K2 and made my first QSO by 1820Z. I think this is about the fastest I've ever gotten an antenna up, basically from scratch without reusing some previous ropes/twine. My first QSO was on 20m, since the antenna was really built for 20m as a 3/2 wavelength colinear dipole (W5YI Mystery Antenna). That first QSO was with a mobile station in FL who was running 20W and a hamstick antenna. I worked a total of 4 stations before the Polar Bear Hunt started, that first one on 20m, one on 40m that wasn't successful due to QSB, and two on 30m. During the Hunt I started out on 30m as 20m seemed quite busy with the NAQP activity. I called CQ PB for a long time and fnally almost one hour into the event I got a call from a very strong station, WB3AAL, who was operating about 100 yards away from me! That was my only QSO on 30m for the Hunt. I thought from there I would try 40m around 7.109 MHz. My first QSO there was with Don, N4HH, who was also using an Elecraft K2 (S/N 2028) and is located down in Atlanta, GA. Thanks to Don posting my info I had a few more stations calling me after that, K4MF, Gary from FL who was using an Elecraft K1 and W4FOA, Tony in GA who was also using a K2 (S/N 2213). Strongest signal reports exchanged were with Tony (oh, not counting the local QSOs with Ron). Then Ron jumped in to let me know he was going to QSY to 20m and I finished up with 2 more QSOs, WA9PLT, Bob in IL who was also running QRP but due to QSB I didn't get any more info, and finally N4KV, John in TN who was running 5W. At that point the wind was getting stronger and it started to snow and freezing rain. The feedline was whipping around pretty good and smacking up against the right-rear part of my Chevy Blazer. I had a bungie chord tie-down attached to the RF connector, to minimize the flopping but it worked its way loose several times. After my last QSO with N4KV I thought I should try 80m since I posted that I would be there at about that time. Well, no luck on 80m after about 15 minutes, so I went back to 40m for a few minutes more but again no luck there, either. As it was getting colder, darker, windier and more frozen precipitation was coming down, I ventured over to see what Ron though of the conditions. We decided to pack it in at that point, about 1-1/2 hours early, in order to be able to safely get off the mountain and get some bear food. Ron was much quicker with packing up his antenna, but it didn't take me too long to cut down the lines (I didn't leave them in the trees since I figured the trees might not be there the next time anyway as strong as the winds were), and I coiled up the antenna wire. We had a nice dinner at the restaurant right at the crest of PA-309 and the Blue Mountain along the AT. We compared stories of the day's QSOs as well as last year's Field Day efforts and various other things. While I ended up with 11 QSOs in the log this time, which is about typical for my efforts during other Polar Bear events, only 7 of those were with folk who really were hunting for Polar Bears, and 2 of those 7 were with Ron! During my drive home I saw a very large
[Elecraft] Re: Rework Eliminators(TM) - important comments from Elecraft
We'd like to thank Gary and Ken for creating this interesting alternative for dealing with K2 options. However, to avoid potential confusion, we want K2 builders to know they *can* build the K2 successfully using only our assembly manual. Nearly all of them, so far, have been built this way. Our very detailed and complete manual addresses delayed installation of options, and there are jumpers in the rig to bypass option connectors at time of assembly. Anyone capable of building the rig in the first place will have no trouble removing the jumpers and installing option connectors later on. I'm sure that Rework Elimiantors will appeal to some builders and experimenters. And, as Gary mentioned, I think they'll be very useful for those who build K2s for others. Recipients of pre-assembled K2s will then, if they choose, not have to solder much if anything. On the other hand, soldering is part of the fun for most our customers :) 73, Wayne N6KR --- 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] My K1 glows in the dark
I just installed the backlight kit, and it's great! I put up some pictures at my website: http://www.n2htt.net/K1/index.html This is a terrific mod! Mike N2HTT ___ 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] My K1 glows in the dark
One of the things I like best about the Elecraft list is how individuals approach problems and what they come up with for solutions. The taping of the resistors before soldering them to the backlight display Mike is neat idea and one that I have never thought about but will use at the very next opportunity. I love the backlight. Think N0SS is the guy to thank for that and Elecraft for carrying it. Tom K2TA - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, January 15, 2006 3:56 PM Subject: [Elecraft] My K1 glows in the dark I just installed the backlight kit, and it's great! I put up some pictures at my website: http://www.n2htt.net/K1/index.html This is a terrific mod! Mike N2HTT ___ 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] Re: My K1 glows in the dark
Tom Althoff wrote: I love the backlight. Think N0SS is the guy to thank for that and Elecraft for carrying it. I'm glad you like the backlight, Tom. I was looking at my K1 one day, in poor lighting, beside a nicely-lit K2. Pulled out a spare K2 backlight, measured it, and saw immediately that One K2 backlight = Two K1 backlights. I cut one in half and put it in my K1. (I also put a funky tilt peg on my K1, but that's another story, with sordid details of cutting a hole through the middle of the RF board and patching it up later.) As often happens, I later mentioned the mod to Tom Hammond, and he *volunteered* to try it and write up an installation sheet. Tom does great work, as you've seen. Having such great customers makes it fun to be in business! 73, Wayne N6KR --- 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] KRC2 users?
I don't think I've seen any comments regarding the KRC2. Ever since my K2/100 booted my Orion out of the shack I have been using my Array Solutions Rat Pak auto-antenna-switch in manual mode. The KRC2 would put me back in auto-antenna mode again. If I connect the KRC2 to my K2 I assume I can control the K2 from PC software transparantly from any software package that controls the K2 now. Correct? What would the disadvantage be if I wired the KRC2 for serial control (K2 and Kenwood) vs. Aux Bus mode (K2 only)? Has the KRC2 config utility been released yet? thanks! Tom K2TA ___ 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] My K1 glows in the dark
Hi Tom, et al: Giving credit where it should go... I wish I could claim originality for the K1 backlight mod, but I cannot. The brilliant IDEA for the backlight mod was Wayne's. However I was lucky enough to be able to help with the implementation and I wrote and illustrated the instruction sheet. Glad everyone is enjoying the mod! 73, Tom N0SS At 02:50 PM 1/15/2006, Tom Althoff wrote: One of the things I like best about the Elecraft list is how individuals approach problems and what they come up with for solutions. The taping of the resistors before soldering them to the backlight display Mike is neat idea and one that I have never thought about but will use at the very next opportunity. I love the backlight. Think N0SS is the guy to thank for that and Elecraft for carrying it. Tom K2TA - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, January 15, 2006 3:56 PM Subject: [Elecraft] My K1 glows in the dark I just installed the backlight kit, and it's great! I put up some pictures at my website: http://www.n2htt.net/K1/index.html This is a terrific mod! Mike N2HTT ___ 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] KRC2 users?
Tom, The KRC2 is just great - lots of function and opportunities for you to be creative with your antenna switching. I worked out a plan for automatically switching my antennas with it - and I am switching a lot of antennas in 3 selection banks (some even appear in more than one bank). The KRC2 drives my own diode matrix which takes advantage of the 'wire-or' capability of both the negative and the positive outputs. When I have everything completed, the antenna selection will follow the K2 band and I will be able to switch from one bank of antennas (horizontal polorization, vertical polarization, or beam/broadband set by tapping the Fx buttons on the KRC2. Yes, in addition to the KRC2, I need 12 remote relays in the antenna field and 3 relays in the shack, and these relays are controlled by 'logic' provided by using the KRC2 positive and negative outputs together along with the 'wire-or' function afforded by simply tying to outputs together - the use of a positive output along with a negative output on a relay coil provides a logical 'and' function available for use. Jack Brindle has been generous to offer a special configuration program for me because the configurator program is not yet available. I believe Jack has one working for the Mac, but Jack does not 'do Windows' (I hope I am not 'telling stories out of school') - in the meantime he seems to be willing to provide special releases of the KRC2 firmware for those who need it. I am using mine in K2 mode only since I have no Kenwood gear. The computer serial port connects directly to the KRC2 and software control of the K2 is available through that connection (no need for an extra K2 to computer cable). The KRC2 and K2 works with all the K2 control programs that I have tried. No problems with HRD and several others but I have encountered difficulty with the N4PY program only when used with the KRC2ACC version, the standard KRC2 handles N4PY control nicely. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- I don't think I've seen any comments regarding the KRC2. Ever since my K2/100 booted my Orion out of the shack I have been using my Array Solutions Rat Pak auto-antenna-switch in manual mode. The KRC2 would put me back in auto-antenna mode again. If I connect the KRC2 to my K2 I assume I can control the K2 from PC software transparantly from any software package that controls the K2 now. Correct? What would the disadvantage be if I wired the KRC2 for serial control (K2 and Kenwood) vs. Aux Bus mode (K2 only)? Has the KRC2 config utility been released yet? thanks! Tom K2TA ___ 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] KRC2 users?
Hi Tom My KRC2 is in constant use in my shack with my K2. I have a homebuilt box that does antenna switching and switches the antenna matching networks as well. I use tuned feeders on all bands except 160, so each band has to be matched separately. The KRC2 controls it all very well. I've not needed the utility to reprogram anything, so no info there. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG The Little Station with Attitude -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Tom Althoff Sent: Sunday, January 15, 2006 2:53 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KRC2 users? I don't think I've seen any comments regarding the KRC2. Ever since my K2/100 booted my Orion out of the shack I have been using my Array Solutions Rat Pak auto-antenna-switch in manual mode. The KRC2 would put me back in auto-antenna mode again. If I connect the KRC2 to my K2 I assume I can control the K2 from PC software transparantly from any software package that controls the K2 now. Correct? What would the disadvantage be if I wired the KRC2 for serial control (K2 and Kenwood) vs. Aux Bus mode (K2 only)? Has the KRC2 config utility been released yet? thanks! Tom K2TA ___ 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] Sidetone questions -- copy speed vs sidetone pitch
I understand the reason a lower pitch ST would be easier to copy when qrm is present, due to the percentage difference matter. My question concerns what pitch is easier to copy when receiving fast cw when no qrm is present.I seem to remember seeing a post on this matter some time in the past, in which it was stated that pitch makes a difference, but have been unable to find in the archives. Anyone remember it? Also, it seems my K2 pitch volumn has a hole around 550 to 625, in that the level is not as loud in this range, when using the K2 internal spkr. I do not notice this hole nearly as much when using my Kenwood spkr. I do not mean to knock my fine lil k2. My Kenwood internal speaker is no better, only the external speaker is better. Anyone else experience the hole? Seems like it would be nice if Elecraft came out with a neat seperate speaker. Any one care to comment?? 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
[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net preliminary rpt
Wow folks, Our experiment worked. On twenty meters we checked in 14 folks from: AZ, CO, ND, MO, CT, VA, IN, ON, NY, WV, and MA. There were a few times it was tough to pull out a call since there were so many at once. Signals were very good with only a couple cases of QSB. While I thaw some chicken I thought it would be nice to tell you of our success. Sam (the cat) will get a large part of the chicken tonight but he needs to be coddled. His kidneys are failing and he misses his mom something awful. Well I miss her too but I get the feed us both :) It will be lonely when he is gone. But I always have you all on the air! Kevin. KD5ONS (on KP duty) See you later on forty. ___ 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] Sidetone questions -- copy speed vs sidetone pitch
George, N4YM asked: ...I understand the reason a lower pitch ST would be easier to copy when qrm is present, due to the percentage difference matter. My question concerns what pitch is easier to copy when receiving fast cw when no qrm is present. ... Also, it seems my K2 pitch volumn has a hole around 550 to 625, in that the level is not as loud in this range, when using the K2 internal spkrAnyone else experience the hole? - What CW speeds are you thinking of George? My absolute maximum is about 40 wpm and that's head copy. I'm starting to work hard at 35wpm. 99% of my QRQ CW is around 30 wpm and 99% of my general QSOs are between 15 and 20 wpm. Those are very sedate speeds to real high speed (QRQ) operators. Over those ranges the tone makes no different to me as far as the ability to copy. I find the higher pitches (600 Hz) tiring to listen to, so I usually go for the lower frequencies. My K2 is set up for 500 Hz. I almost always copy using phones. In the o-l-d days, especially in the Army, I'd sometimes have to copy audio tones approaching 1 kHz on a loudspeaker in the operating room. That was tough for me because the room echoed, and echo got worse as the pitch frequency went up. I assume you mean the sidetone pitch, not the volume, since maximum, ear-splitting, volume occurs at 255 (mine is set to 11, Hi!). I don't notice any unusual variation but level drops smoothly as the frequency goes up, thanks to my having installed the sidetone improvement mod that makes the non-sinusoidal tone a little less harsh. It's basically a low-pass filter so it attenuates the higher frequencies. Still, the drop seems smooth on the internal speaker. 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] Elecraft CW Net preliminary rpt
Dang Kevein! You forgot to put a note on MY refrigerator! I'll try to remember it is 6PM for next Sunday. Tom K2TA - Original Message - From: Kevin Rock [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, January 15, 2006 6:54 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net preliminary rpt Wow folks, Our experiment worked. On twenty meters we checked in 14 folks from: AZ, CO, ND, MO, CT, VA, IN, ON, NY, WV, and MA. There were a few times it was tough to pull out a call since there were so many at once. Signals were very good with only a couple cases of QSB. While I thaw some chicken I thought it would be nice to tell you of our success. Sam (the cat) will get a large part of the chicken tonight but he needs to be coddled. His kidneys are failing and he misses his mom something awful. Well I miss her too but I get the feed us both :) It will be lonely when he is gone. But I always have you all on the air! Kevin. KD5ONS (on KP duty) See you later on forty. ___ 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] Elecraft CW Net preliminary rpt
Well, I tried to check in. I heard Kevin (most of the time) and maybe 2 other stations. I guess I'll have to wait until I get a real antenna. Kevin N8IQ -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kevin Rock Sent: Sunday, January 15, 2006 6:54 PM To: Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net preliminary rpt Wow folks, Our experiment worked. On twenty meters we checked in 14 folks from: AZ, CO, ND, MO, CT, VA, IN, ON, NY, WV, and MA. There were a few times it was tough to pull out a call since there were so many at once. Signals were very good with only a couple cases of QSB. While I thaw some chicken I thought it would be nice to tell you of our success. Sam (the cat) will get a large part of the chicken tonight but he needs to be coddled. His kidneys are failing and he misses his mom something awful. Well I miss her too but I get the feed us both :) It will be lonely when he is gone. But I always have you all on the air! Kevin. KD5ONS (on KP duty) See you later on forty. ___ 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] NAQCC Sprint Announcement
The NAQCC QRP CW Sprint for January is this coming Wednesday night January 18th from 8:30 to 10:30PM EST or, if you prefer, Thursday Morning from 0130 - 0330 UTC. This month's Sprint will be held on 80 Meters ONLY. The suggested starting point for participants is from 3.555 MHz to 3.565 MHz and there abouts. Please be considerate of non-contesting FISTS members who congregate around 3.558 MHz !!! Those who wish to initiate calls, please use CQ NA. The exchange is RST - SPC - NAQCC Member Nr. (for those who wish to participate that are not NAQCC members, simply substitute the member number with your output power. Please use a W to indicate that you are sending a power output figure! ALL amateurs may participate; but only those using QRP power levels may compete for awards. For details - please check: http://www.arm-tek.net/%7Eyoel/sprint200601.html To join the NAQCC please check: http://www.arm-tek.net/~yoel/joinup.html All contest logs must be submitted by no later than 2400 UTC on January 25, 2006. Larry W2LJ NAQCC #35 ___ 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] N3EPA on 80 Meters from AT Camp-Run-A-MOC
Hi, Ed, WA3WSJ is on the air now with the N3EPA call from Camp-Run-A-MOC in NJ. 3560.1 MHz @ 01:26 UTC He is giving out the Polar Bear #PA1. 72 and Thanks, Ron Polityka WB3AAL Polar Bear #1 www.wb3aal.com www.n3epa.org ___ 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] Elecraft CW Net preliminary rpt
Kevin: Well, I tried to check in. I heard Kevin (most of the time) and maybe 2 other stations. I guess I'll have to wait until I get a real antenna. Kevin N8IQ NEVER GIVE UP! Conditions weren't the best tonight... on EITHER net for that matter. There were several(!) stations who attempted to dump their calls in once (or twice) but didn't seem to want to stick around long enough for Kevin (or me) to acknowledge them. Just because you don't get thru on the first couple attempts, DO NOT ASSUME that you're not being heard... you may just be the 3rd or 4th level down and we often tend to pick up the strongest (or fastest) first when then work our way down the list. SO at least give it the old college try several more times before assuming you're not going to be heard. And, for those others who DO get through... if you hear someone attempting to QNI (check in) and neither Kevin nor I (nor anyone else) is acknowledging them, PLEASE dump YOUR call in (again) and relay (QSP) that other station when once you're acknowledged by the NCS at that time. 73, Tom N0SS ___ 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] N3EPA on 80 Meters from AT Camp-Run-A-MOC
In a message dated 1/15/06 8:30:40 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Ed, WA3WSJ is on the air now with the N3EPA call from Camp-Run-A-MOC in NJ. Worked him at 0309 UTC. Weak but readable. If he's out there tonight, he *IS* a polar bear! 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Construction question
I'm attempting my 1st contruction project in many years... CMOS4 keyer, and I have what is probably a pretty stupid question that maybe others can answer for me here. When you install a component on the printed side of the circuit board, and then you tip the board over to solder, what are accepted methods to keep the compenent from falling off? I've read that you should bend the leads to hold the component onto the board but I was wondering if this is the only acceptable way? Thanks for you info, 73 - Clint - WS1V __ 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
[Elecraft] XV60 Transverter low power
I'm experiencing low power out (on K2 front panel anyway) when using a transverter connected to the XV60/Transverter Adapter. When set to P .5 (1/2 mw), the K2 front panel reports P .09 LP instead of P .5 LP. The 28MHz band always puts out the requested power. I checked the voltage at V PWR (pin 2 of control board U8) and found 4.98 VDC which indicates either low transmit power or defective RF detector. Since the 28MHz band works fine, I assume that there is sufficient transmit power from the bandpass filter (BPF), so there must be something wrong with the ALC detector on the XV60. For completeness, though, I ran the signal tracing on page 14 of Appendix E. Using an RF probe, I checked the Xmit mixer output (pin 4 of RF board U10) and found 0.03Vrms (just about double the expected voltage) and then checked buffer output (pin 6 of RF board U9) and found 0.58Vrms (just about triple the expected voltage) and then moved to bandpass filter output at W6 (can't measure there with XV60 installed, so I measured at pin 5 of P1 on the XV60 and found 0.042Vrms which is just a little higher than expected. The same voltage was found on both sides of XV60 C8 and at the anode of XV60 D3. The cathode of XV60 D3 measures 0.07VDC (about .02VDC higher than receive mode). Pin 7 of XV60 U2 reads 0.025VDC and pin 1 of XV60 U2 reads 1.6VDC. Pin 6 of XV60 P1 is at 1.1VDC as is RF board R66 (V RFDET). What I don't know is if the .042Vrms (the V BPF) at pin 5 of XV60 P1 is high enough or if the 1.1VDC V RFDET is too low? Anybody have any ideas? ___ 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] Construction question
I just took a certification class at work for IPC-610(D) whihc is for solder inspection. So, I'm now authorized to answer your question! The method of bending the leads over is called cinching the leads and is acceptable as long as the component lead does not get close to other circuit components, traces, leads, etc. that would violate any designed minimum electrical spacing requirements. It doesn't take very much of a bend to allow the parts to be held into place. You might not want to bend them at 90 degree angles to make the leads flat with the board, though because it would likely be more difficult if you need to perform rework later. Are there other methods? Well, IPC-610(D) did specify other methods as well, actually. One was an example of a resistor that had a wire that went over the top of it and was soldered through holes alongside the resistor, but boards would have to be built specifically to do that and I'm sure yours isn't. That example really only applied to axial lead parts. The hold-down wire is really not used very often, although I did see it used on some larger axial lead parts in old aerospace qualified parts, and probably other applications where there may be a high vibration environment. The other method that was mentioned was use of some sort of adhesive or staking material. There were specifications on how much you would apply, and then it gets messy as well to have to deal with that stuff (what is the right stuff to use was not specified, the class didn't address process issues, just inspection criteria of solder joints). Although it wasn't addressed, I think that if you wanted you could probably also just hold the component until at least one lead is soldered (or for ICs and other long SIP or DIP packages leads on both ends of the part). Don't use too much solder, minimize the amount of time that you have the soldering iron on the circuit pad component lead, and inspect your solder joints after soldering to make sure you don't have an accidental short circuit to adjacent pads or other problems. The training we got was pretty much common sense, but since common sense is lacking and industry needs standards which they can use to specify acceptability, IPC-610(D) seemed pretty good. I wish I had the course before assembling my K2, but I think that in general my common sense was okay anyway. Have fun! Mark, NK8Q Clint Sprague wrote: I'm attempting my 1st contruction project in many years... CMOS4 keyer, and I have what is probably a pretty stupid question that maybe others can answer for me here. When you install a component on the printed side of the circuit board, and then you tip the board over to solder, what are accepted methods to keep the compenent from falling off? I've read that you should bend the leads to hold the component onto the board but I was wondering if this is the only acceptable way? Thanks for you info, 73 - Clint - WS1V __ 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 ___ 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] Construction question
Clint, WS1V asked: When you install a component on the printed side of the circuit board, and then you tip the board over to solder, what are accepted methods to keep the compenent from falling off? I've read that you should bend the leads to hold the component onto the board but I was wondering if this is the only acceptable way? -- Bending the leads is a common approach for components with easily-bent leads, but it is not the only way. One technique that I use (and you'll find described in some Elecraft assembly manuals) is what I call tack-soldering. In that case you position the part and hold it with the finger(s) of one hand while you use your other hand to touch the solder pad and one lead on the bottom of the board with a soldering iron that has been wetted with a drop of solder. This will transfer a small amount of solder to the lead and pad to hold the part in place. Then you can check positioning and make adjustments quite easily, if necessary, since only a tiny dab of solder is holding the part in place. Once satisfied with the placement, you the solder the OTHER leads first, going back to the original tack-soldered lead and soldering it properly last. A last note - you mentioned dealing with CMOS. Wear a grounded wrist strap or touch an unpainted, grounded metal surface frequently while you work to avoid damaging the CMOS devices with static electric charges accumulated on your body. Depending upon the climate where you are, just wiggling a bit on your chair can produce destructive charges. Do not attach yourself to a ground directly, except when you touch a ground. If you use a wrist strap, it should have at least a 1 megohm resistor in series with the strap and ground to prevent the possibility of a serious electrical shock. 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] Sidetone questions -- copy speed vs sidetone pitch
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Anyone else experience the hole? Yes, I have the same problem, I traced it to some body parts inside my head (YMMV). I have a fairly large hole in my hearing spectrum that extends from about 700 Hz to light. In fact most everything from 350 Hz down to DC is also pretty punk. Last audiology exam the VA gave me showed a small but good looking peak in my organix response around 650 Hz, which is where I put my K2 sidetone. As luck would have it, that is close to the TS-850 sidetone as well, although it is seeing less and less use now that I have the K2/100. Seriously, I tried out your observation on my K2 with the QRP top on, and my wife tells me it got distinctly weaker around 600 Hz ... I can't really tell. I tried stuffing the enclosure full of cotton balls (I said seriously, I really did do this), and it softened the character of the hole. I guess I'd expect cotton to soften. She couldn't hear any real hole using the KPA100 speaker, but did say it didn't sound quite as nice ... whatever that means to the audio engineers. Since I use amplified headphones with the AF gain all the way up, the speaker hole doesn't bother me. Neither does the not-so-nice-sounding KPA100 speaker. Again, YMMV. NEW SUBJ: I finally figured out what to do to TR-Log to get it to talk to the K2 (it involved reading the TR book, and then realizing I needed to also turn the K2 serial port on in the menu ... I just love to solve these really technical electronics problems), and I fear the TS-850 is going get lonelier in contests now. I'm still amazed by my radio, and, while I didn't design it, I did build it! 73, Fred K6DGW Auburn CA CM98lw K2 #4398 KX1 #897 +various other Elecraft accessory toys. ___ 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 CW Net Report for January 15th and 16th, 2006
Wow folks, That was fun! On forty it appears the well was deeper and more full than we could manage. Tom called for a good long time and with the help of Dave in Kentucky got many, many stations. We did lose a few folks though. I am sorry but some of you did not try more than once. Sometimes all I hear is a wall of sound so one or two characters will make all the difference. I am more wordy than Tom but I do work may way through the pileup eventually. He is a contest expert while I am not. I am just a talker :) Mea culpa. I do believe our experiment of moving both nets earlier worked. Much better than I had hoped with the inactivity of our system's star. Until the season pushes the sun earlier I will keep to this schedule since these are the best results we've had in quite some time. If the sun will not cooperate we'll do what it takes to make the path a little better. That being said we do need to avoid the contesters. This is the reason we moved to 2400z to begin with. However, on to the lists! On 14050 kHz at 2255z KL7CW/7 - Rick - AZ - KX1 - 798 with a hunk of wire in a Phoenix park. W0NTA - Dick - CO - K2 - 1787 W0CZ - Ken - ND - K2 - 1031 N0SS - Tom - MO - K2 - 008 W1WCG - Van - CT - K2 - 2634 K2HYD - Ray - VA - KX1 - 608 K4BEH - Pat - GA - Ten Tec one of these days... QNI #5 K1EV - Bill - CT - K1 - 2124 (NEW K1) Looks like Santa was nice to Bill :) AB9V - Mike - IN - K2 - 3993 VE3XL - Ric - ON - K1 - 968 Is this your original K1 or a new one? AK2B - Tom - NY - KX1 - 685 Not sure if it was this rig or your K2 QNI #20! K4GT - Jim - GA - K2 - 2015 NN8K - Sonny - WV - K1 - 380 QNI #5 W1EUY - Dave - MA - K2 - 744 Checked in just as I was to start dinner ;) On 7045 kHz at 0156z: N0SS - Tom - MO - K2 - 008 W5JBV- Mike - FL - ?? Called right at first but never heard from again. K4TO- Dave - KY - K2 - 4117 Thanks for the relay help Dave!! WD8JOL - Parker - OH - Hallicrafters HT-32D W0CZ - Ken - ND - K2 - 1031 K1EV - Bill - CT - K1 - 2124 QNI # 60!! K4BEH - Pat - GA - Ten Tec AK2B - Tom - NY - KX1 - 685 N7RR - Bruce - WA - ?? W1EUY - Dave - MA - K2 - 744 VE1XL - Gary - NB - ?? KL7V/5 - Sam - OK - K2 - 3158 QNI #35!! KG4FSN - Juan - FL - ?? NM0P - Antoine - AZ - 897D running 5W K6DF - Dennis - CA ?? TS-2000 100W KI4JLJ- Gerald - VA - ?? W1TF- Ty - GA - K1 - 1423 There were 31 check ins tonight. We have had 34 check ins once and one other time we had 31 check ins. However this is a very good showing for the way the sun has been sleeping lately. It may be because of the snow up here but I doubt it ;) I think it has much to do with the time change and the dogged determination of one N0SS ;) He kept going to the well and found another one to check in. He mentioned there were others but they did not wait around to fight through the pileups. We will get to you if you try again. Also, if we heard you and checked you in please relay anyone else you can hear but we cannot. It does not take much skill to run this net, just listen to me :) If you have a relay simply check in again with a QSP and relay the information you heard. There were a few ESP to me but they may not be that way to everyone around the continent. Remember there are all sorts of rigs, antennas, propagation characteristics, and power levels during any given net. This is one reason we do this; all of you get a chance to be NCS if you wish. Then if you work another Elecraft rig you can put that serial number in your log book. There is a century award awaiting those who gather 100 different rig numbers. ECN has 270 of them right now if my records are correct. There are some SNs pending from some of the weak check ins where we could only get a name and a call sign. But this is part of the fun. Thank you very much for your participation. We will keep this going for as long as we can. I have fun with it and it appears a few others do too. There may be errors in the above information. If you know the correct information please send it to me and I'll fix the database and write an email to announce it. Until next week stay warm and dry, Kevin. KD5ONS (Net Control Station 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
Re: [Elecraft] Construction question
- Original Message - From: Clint Sprague [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, January 15, 2006 10:35 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Construction question I'm attempting my 1st contruction project in many years... CMOS4 keyer, and I have what is probably a pretty stupid question that maybe others can answer for me here. When you install a component on the printed side of the circuit board, and then you tip the board over to solder, what are accepted methods to keep the compenent from falling off? I've read that you should bend the leads to hold the component onto the board but I was wondering if this is the only acceptable way? Thanks for you info, 73 - Clint - WS1V Howdy Clint: Bending resistor and capacitor leads over will prevent them from falling out and provide a relatively stable means of soldering the leads and it's a reliable technique. Depending on the type of part (i.e., integrated circuit) I will also use Scotch tape to hold components in place when you must turn the board over to solder. 73, Joe W2KJ I QRP, therefore, I am ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Construction question
I generally just hold the part down with one hand, touch the iron to the solder to get a little dab on the tip, and then tack down one lead. After that, the part will generally stay in place and you can solder the rest of the pins. Do be sure to re-solder that first lead as the tack is often tenuous :). On Mon, 16 Jan 2006, Joseph Trombino Jr wrote: - Original Message - From: Clint Sprague [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, January 15, 2006 10:35 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Construction question I'm attempting my 1st contruction project in many years... CMOS4 keyer, and I have what is probably a pretty stupid question that maybe others can answer for me here. When you install a component on the printed side of the circuit board, and then you tip the board over to solder, what are accepted methods to keep the compenent from falling off? I've read that you should bend the leads to hold the component onto the board but I was wondering if this is the only acceptable way? Thanks for you info, 73 - Clint - WS1V Howdy Clint: Bending resistor and capacitor leads over will prevent them from falling out and provide a relatively stable means of soldering the leads and it's a reliable technique. Depending on the type of part (i.e., integrated circuit) I will also use Scotch tape to hold components in place when you must turn the board over to solder. 73, Joe W2KJ I QRP, therefore, I am ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Sidetone questions -- copy speed vs sidetone pitch
-Original Message- My question concerns what pitch is easier to copy when receiving fast cw when no qrm is present. There has been research on the topic of sidetone and level. It concluded with 500 Hz and in some cases even lower tones to be favorable in noise free environments. This was published in Scandinavian Audiology, 1992, volume pages 255-60: Recognition of telegraphy signs at different listening levels and frequencies. by Montnemery P, Almqvist B, Harris S., Department of Audiology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. The recognition of telegraphy masked by noise at 40 and 80 signs/min telegraphy speed was studied in 10 normal-hearing subjects at different sound pressure levels (25-85 dB SPL in steps of 5 dB) as well as at different test frequencies (2000, 1000, 800, 630, 500 and 250 Hz). The ability to recognize the signs varied with varying SPL. Recognition for most of the subjects was best at an SPL close to 70 dB. All subjects improved their recognition as the frequency was lowered to 500 Hz, some even at 250 Hz. These facts should be taken into consideration when training telegraphy operators as well as in the construction of radio receivers to permit listening at low frequencies. Furthermore, the critical ratio was calculated at the different test frequencies. 40 and 80 signs/minute should be 8 and 16 wpm. Peter Montnemery is SM7CMY and a K2 owner, but I am not sure that he is active on this list any longer. 73 Sverre LA3ZA http://www.qslnet.de/la3za/ ___ 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
