[Elecraft] Tests right after first powerup
My K2 powered up like a champ, had the messages and start up freq exactly as mentioned in the manual, and the relays click in the band change tests, but I'm puzzled, the manual says the relays should also click when tapping the PRE/ATT button and they don't on my K2. What am I doing wrong? 73 de Alex NS6Y. PS - the RF probe is a pain in the butt to make, can I just use my 'scope? ___ 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] Tests right after first powerup
Sure thing, Alex! The attenuator switches in and out with a latching relay and the preamp too, so it's cycling one click > one click > two clicks almost simultaniously. Is there any effect noticeable while pressing the button? 73, Peter PA0PJE - Oorspronkelijk bericht - Van: "Alexandra Carter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Aan: Verzonden: maandag 23 januari 2006 13:33 Onderwerp: [Elecraft] Tests right after first powerup My K2 powered up like a champ, had the messages and start up freq exactly as mentioned in the manual, and the relays click in the band change tests, but I'm puzzled, the manual says the relays should also click when tapping the PRE/ATT button and they don't on my K2. What am I doing wrong? 73 de Alex NS6Y. PS - the RF probe is a pain in the butt to make, can I just use my 'scope? ___ 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] Haha found the relay problem
I was looking around on the net and found one anonymous page writer, who had the same problem ,to quote them: " Here we see the next glaring mistake. The instructions called for relays K1-17 to be installed as one the first things on the RF board; I mis-read it and installed K1-7. This became apparent when the unit failed one of the tests. On examining the schematic I realized it failed to actuate some of the relays because they were not installed. Installing them at this point was significantly harder than it would have been earlier (at the proper time) but not too bad. After that was corrected all tests passed. " I also read it as K1-7 lol! Time to go install more relays! This has had me puzzled, since how could the unit use the same relays to switch bands and the atten and preamp? .. OK all soldered in and retested, everything works fine! I guess those other 10 relays really do the rig more good in it than in their storage tube! 73 de Alex NS6Y___ 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 source
Hi all, recently completed K2 #5290. I've made a couple of posts during construction, all the 'bugs' I faced were self-inflicted. Saturday I went directly from final alignment into the middle of the NAQP and had a ball. Yesterday I was on CW and while fiddling with various menu settings I managed to lose my sidetone. I just figured out that I must have tapped DISPLAY while in the sidetone level menu. When I use the secondary menu to select U6-25 I have no sidetone. The recommended setting of U8-4 is fine. Do I have a bug? (self-inflicted or otherwise) If yes, should I worry as the recommended U5-26 setting works fine? Why selectable sidetone sources? 72, Bill N2BC K2 #5290 ___ 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] Haha found the relay problem
OK Alex, I have to read more carefully too. You said "FIRST power up" and I missed that. In this case you still have a few parts to go I wonder what the "pain" is about making the probe. I suggest to just make it by the book 'cause building on you will find it pretty useful... Btw I use a 'scope also, and a counter. I even have a simple yet effective spectrum/network analyzer but believe me they are not necessary to finish the job. 73, Peter K2#4837 - Oorspronkelijk bericht - Van: "Alexandra Carter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Aan: Verzonden: maandag 23 januari 2006 14:15 Onderwerp: [Elecraft] Haha found the relay problem I was looking around on the net and found one anonymous page writer, who had the same problem ,to quote them: " Here we see the next glaring mistake. The instructions called for relays K1-17 to be installed as one the first things on the RF board; I mis-read it and installed K1-7. This became apparent when the unit failed one of the tests. On examining the schematic I realized it failed to actuate some of the relays because they were not installed. Installing them at this point was significantly harder than it would have been earlier (at the proper time) but not too bad. After that was corrected all tests passed. " I also read it as K1-7 lol! Time to go install more relays! This has had me puzzled, since how could the unit use the same relays to switch bands and the atten and preamp? .. OK all soldered in and retested, everything works fine! I guess those other 10 relays really do the rig more good in it than in their storage tube! 73 de Alex NS6Y___ 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 source
Hi Bill, I had this too, once and could not trace fauty parts, so I made a note of all the settings ald did the K2 "Ctrl+Alt+Del" better known as the "456+Power on". I askled Gary AB7BY about this some time ago and this is what he wrote to me: The U8-4 sidetone setting is easy to lose, if you zap the control board or accidentally tap the Display button while editing the sidetone volume. That setting is something I have been trying to get Wayne to hard code, since we no longer need the U6-25 setting and it is a constant source of emails and phone calls when the sidetone stops working (!). Hope this woks for you. 73, Peter PA0PJE K2#4837 - Oorspronkelijk bericht - Van: "Bill Coleman N2BC" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Aan: Verzonden: maandag 23 januari 2006 14:42 Onderwerp: [Elecraft] Sidetone source Hi all, recently completed K2 #5290. I've made a couple of posts during construction, all the 'bugs' I faced were self-inflicted. Saturday I went directly from final alignment into the middle of the NAQP and had a ball. Yesterday I was on CW and while fiddling with various menu settings I managed to lose my sidetone. I just figured out that I must have tapped DISPLAY while in the sidetone level menu. When I use the secondary menu to select U6-25 I have no sidetone. The recommended setting of U8-4 is fine. Do I have a bug? (self-inflicted or otherwise) If yes, should I worry as the recommended U5-26 setting works fine? Why selectable sidetone sources? 72, Bill N2BC K2 #5290 ___ 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] Hexkey spade terminal lugs?
Anyone know where I can buy the spade connection terminal lugs that are on the bottom of the hexkey? Looking for both male & female connectors. Thanks, 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
RE: [Elecraft] Sidetone source
Bill, The selectable sidetone source is for support of older K2s that have not had the wiring change made for the new sidetone source. It has been a source of confusion many many times and IMHO should be eliminated in the next firmware release (which would require those older K2s to apply the hardware change if the firmware is upgraded). Bottom line, your K2 (like all post-SN3000 K2s) has only the U8 pin 4 sidetone source built into it - and there is nothing missing. 73, Don W3FPR > -Original Message- > Hi all, recently completed K2 #5290. > > I've made a couple of posts during construction, all the 'bugs' I faced > were self-inflicted. Saturday I went directly from final alignment into > the middle of the NAQP and had a ball. > > Yesterday I was on CW and while fiddling with various menu settings I > managed to lose my sidetone. I just figured out that I must have tapped > DISPLAY while in the sidetone level menu. When I use the secondary menu > to select U6-25 I have no sidetone. The recommended setting of U8-4 is > fine. > > Do I have a bug? (self-inflicted or otherwise) If yes, should I worry > as the recommended U5-26 setting works fine? Why selectable sidetone > sources? > > 72, Bill N2BC K2 #5290 > ___ 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 question
Ron, I bought a soldering station from Circuit Specialists in AZ and, as the order was more than $50, I got a FREE Digital Multi-Meter - it does a good job and I get the same readings I do from my B&K 2707A (cost me about $80 a year ago from Mouser but it reads capacitance, and transistor gain which the FREE DMM doesn't). FREE is good and the performance is A-OK. I also picked up the needle nose pliers and flush cut pliers (sized for circuit board work) at Home Depot for about $12 and they're great...got all of this info from reading the building tips link on the Elecraft site. Am well along with K2-100, S/N # 5266a fantastic kit and well done in all respects. Good luck, hope you'll join the fray! 73, "H" Cary, K4TM ___ 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 source
Hi Don, One's never to old to learn... I didn't know this and just cheked it. That must have been my problem as well, I think, but I can't be sure of course. Maybe something to put in the Troubleshooting FAQ on the Elecraft website? 73, Peter PA0PJE - Oorspronkelijk bericht - Van: "Don Wilhelm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Aan: "Bill Coleman N2BC" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; Verzonden: maandag 23 januari 2006 15:11 Onderwerp: RE: [Elecraft] Sidetone source Bill, The selectable sidetone source is for support of older K2s that have not had the wiring change made for the new sidetone source. It has been a source of confusion many many times and IMHO should be eliminated in the next firmware release (which would require those older K2s to apply the hardware change if the firmware is upgraded). Bottom line, your K2 (like all post-SN3000 K2s) has only the U8 pin 4 sidetone source built into it - and there is nothing missing. 73, Don W3FPR : 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] Stephany - Nice JOB! (K2 #5311 is alive)
You have that rig done already! Wow! I am truly impressed! Some take a year to build it! So, OK, how do you like it? - Keith KD1E - - K1, Omni V, SKCC 344 - -Original Message- Stephanie Maks Hi everyone, Thanks again for all the help and guidance with the problems I ran into. Last night I finished the final assembly and transmitter alignment of my K2. ___ 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] K1 - first impression.
Hey folks, The new-to-me K1 arrived on Saturday. I was swamped with other tasks (repairing my pellet rifle, preparing the sermon for Sunday) so was not able to apply power or antenna until Sunday evening. I had previously supposed the K1 was today's HW-9. Boy was I wrong. The K1 is a far better rig. The number of features in this rig far exceed those in the HW-9. With the ATU and built-in battery capability, I'm entertaining notions of summer hikes into the mountains, K1, straight key, wire antenna, paper & pencil in the backpack. It could be a very nice way to pass a summer afternoon. Anyway, where was I. Oh yea, winter in VT! I had very little time to use the K1 but was impressed. It sounds nice and plays nice. Clearly, it is not quite in the same league as my Omni V but nobody in their right mind would expect it to be. The RX seemed surprisingly quiet with signals rising up out of the background nicely. My Omni overall is much noisier. One thing I miss is a real S-meter. You know, the type with a needle and a scale. I put the rig in S-meter mode but the meter pretty much stayed pegged. I'll post more impressions as the days unfold and I get more time behind the knobs. - Keith KD1E - - K1, Omni V, SKCC 344 - ___ 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 source
Peter, Well, if you hear sidetone, you got it right!!! It is no more complex than that, and there should be no uncertainty in your mind. The real problem is that folks don't know where to look first if the sidetone suddenly disappears. 73, Don W3FPR > -Original Message- > > Hi Don, > > One's never to old to learn... I didn't know this and just cheked > it. That > must have been my problem as well, I think, but I can't be sure > of course. > Maybe something to put in the Troubleshooting FAQ on the Elecraft website? > > 73, > Peter PA0PJE > > - Oorspronkelijk bericht - > > > Bill, > > > > The selectable sidetone source is for support of older K2s that > have not > > had > > the wiring change made for the new sidetone source. It has > been a source > > of > > confusion many many times and IMHO should be eliminated in the next > > firmware > > release (which would require those older K2s to apply the > hardware change > > if > > the firmware is upgraded). > > > > Bottom line, your K2 (like all post-SN3000 K2s) has only the U8 pin 4 > > sidetone source built into it - and there is nothing missing. > > > > 73, > > Don W3FPR > > ___ 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] 2.5mm DC power plug ?
i hate to think how many times I've had to pull out the ohmmeter... to test these frequently wired non-standard... with the hot on the shell This year already I have blown up an infared headphone base station, because of that ... even after I made the measurement , then grabbed the wrong cable ! it's another reason to have a meter in the drawer next to you bill ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: (Elecraft) DMM advise?
Stephanie, DigiKey ships from Canada via Purolater Courier. If you order by e-mail today you will receive your order tomorrow, I kid you not. I have used their service many times with this result. They also quote prices in their catalog in Canadian Dollars which makes it easier. 73, Bob VE3XM K2/100 S/N 04031 K2 S/N 04575 ___ 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] Battery Power
The ongoing discussions regarding woes involving AC power supplies puzzles me, because I've operated for years from 2-volt batteries and wonder why it isn't a more common practice. From QRP rigs to 100-watt transceivers through VHF/UHF equipment, all my equipment is powered through a single, deep-cycle RV/Marine battery in a safety housing under the bench, constantly connected to a "smart" battery charger. I took a cheap, plastic toolbox and created inside a buss arrangement with fusing to make it easy for neatly and safely connecting all the various radio power leads to one location. All of this can be done for less than $150. In practice, the 20-amp charger absorbs most of the load when a 100-watt rig is keyed and the battery simply acts like a big capacitor to stop "hash" and voltage flunctuations. When working with simple QRP rigs, the pure DC supply is a joy because it eliminates the most obvious noise source from getting into the receivers. Because the charger is quietly maintaining the battery at a trickle rate, there is little gas given off by the battery and normal household air movement is sufficient to safely eliminate any buildup. The battery box and charger sit under the operating desk, where I can keep an eye on voltages, charging rates and battery condition. I've operated this way for years without a problem, and have had batteries last seemingly forever. I replaced the last one after 10 years of use, which included some major tasks at annual Field Day events. If there are drawbacks to this type of power useage, I'm not aware of them, and highly recommend batteries as the least expensive and most stable way to feed all your 12-volt equipment. Needless to say, the isolation from wavering AC mains is a plus, along with having instantaneous emergency power when the mains fail. If there's something I'm overlooking in this type of operation anyone would like to address, I'd welcome the comments. 73, Dale K6PJV, Sacramento, CA. ___ 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] Stephany - Nice JOB! (K2 #5311 is alive)
Hello Keith, Thanks for your email. I'm enjoying the K2 so far! I have done some listening with it, I listened into the 20M Elecraft net yesterday with it for a while. I'm still waiting for the KAT2 to arrive, untill it does I'm limited to what my random wire is resonant on, which is only 20 meters. It's an interesting rig to compare to the K1. So far, I would not say the K2 is 'better' or 'worse'. They're both simply different, and I think they are each ideal, for their different tasks. I love the K1's smaller size and quick fluid VFO tuning. I also love its simplicity, although there are a few areas where I think it might be a bit too simple. I love the way the K1's insides are designed, particularily the way the internal antenna tuner plugs in, so that the original antenna jack remains active and there are no internal wires. I love the K2's larger display, bargraph meter, full ham band coverage and wider filter options. And the SSB option is great too. I also love the direct frequency entry, and the fact that there are a couple memories, so I can store some net frequencies. As soon as I get the ATU built and into the K2, I'll start trying it out on the air and get a better feel for it. Already though, I like it a lot. Both the K1 and the K2 will be displayed in my shack with pride. 73 de Stephanie va3uxb On 23-Jan-06, at 10.03 .52, Darwin, Keith wrote: You have that rig done already! Wow! I am truly impressed! Some take a year to build it! So, OK, how do you like it? - Keith KD1E - - K1, Omni V, SKCC 344 - ___ 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] Battery Power
I agree with you Dale. In my article on remote station control in October QST, I urged people to use a similar arrangement for remote operation, where a power failure can be a real hassle. In this case, I also recommend using an inverter to power things like the rotator. Larry N8LP Dale Kretzer wrote: The ongoing discussions regarding woes involving AC power supplies puzzles me, because I've operated for years from 2-volt batteries and wonder why it isn't a more common practice. From QRP rigs to 100-watt transceivers through VHF/UHF equipment, all my equipment is powered through a single, deep-cycle RV/Marine battery in a safety housing under the bench, constantly connected to a "smart" battery charger. I took a cheap, plastic toolbox and created inside a buss arrangement with fusing to make it easy for neatly and safely connecting all the various radio power leads to one location. All of this can be done for less than $150. In practice, the 20-amp charger absorbs most of the load when a 100-watt rig is keyed and the battery simply acts like a big capacitor to stop "hash" and voltage flunctuations. When working with simple QRP rigs, the pure DC supply is a joy because it eliminates the most obvious noise source from getting into the receivers. Because the charger is quietly maintaining the battery at a trickle rate, there is little gas given off by the battery and normal household air movement is sufficient to safely eliminate any buildup. The battery box and charger sit under the operating desk, where I can keep an eye on voltages, charging rates and battery condition. I've operated this way for years without a problem, and have had batteries last seemingly forever. I replaced the last one after 10 years of use, which included some major tasks at annual Field Day events. If there are drawbacks to this type of power useage, I'm not aware of them, and highly recommend batteries as the least expensive and most stable way to feed all your 12-volt equipment. Needless to say, the isolation from wavering AC mains is a plus, along with having instantaneous emergency power when the mains fail. If there's something I'm overlooking in this type of operation anyone would like to address, I'd welcome the comments. 73, Dale K6PJV, Sacramento, CA. ___ 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] Battery Power
Dale Kretzer wrote: From QRP rigs to 100-watt transceivers through VHF/UHF equipment, all my equipment is powered through a single, deep-cycle RV/Marine battery in a safety housing under the bench, constantly connected to a "smart" battery charger. I've often thought of this, although I would probably put the battery in a box outdoors, just to be 100% safe. An additional cool thing would be to supplement the AC operated charger with a solar panel. I am interested in knowing exactly what smart charger and battery you are using. I (twice!) had to clean up a PDP-11 computer room after a battery exploded as a result of a malfunction in the charger portion of a UPS. That's why I'd keep the battery outdoors. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Battery Power - safety consideerations
Dale, You are correct that batteries provide a good stable source of power. Just remember that they can pack a lot of current, and they do not protect against a short circuit condition like a power supply will - if the battery terminals are shorted they can provide enough current to melt wrenches, screwdrivers, etc and spew molten metal a considerable distance. Be careful with rings, watches, other jewelery and tools around batteries. The only other thing that I can think of is that you did not mention venting the battery to outside air. Since Lead Acid batteries outgas hydrogen, it becomes an explosion hazard should it collect in sufficient quantity. Your 'under the bench location makes it even more of a problem because the air flow there is likely limited. Battery enclosures are available that vent the battery with a tube. They used to be available in RV supply centers, but I have not checked in several years. 73, Don W3FPR > -Original Message- > The ongoing discussions regarding woes involving AC power > supplies puzzles me, because I've operated for years from 2-volt > batteries and wonder why it isn't a more common practice. > From QRP rigs to 100-watt transceivers through VHF/UHF > equipment, all my equipment is powered through a single, > deep-cycle RV/Marine battery in a safety housing under the bench, > constantly connected to a "smart" battery charger. I took a > cheap, plastic toolbox and created inside a buss arrangement with > fusing to make it easy for neatly and safely connecting all the > various radio power leads to one location. All of this can be > done for less than $150. > In practice, the 20-amp charger absorbs most of the load when > a 100-watt rig is keyed and the battery simply acts like a big > capacitor to stop "hash" and voltage flunctuations. When working > with simple QRP rigs, the pure DC supply is a joy because it > eliminates the most obvious noise source from getting into the > receivers. Because the charger is quietly maintaining the battery > at a trickle rate, there is little gas given off by the battery > and normal household air movement is sufficient to safely > eliminate any buildup. The battery box and charger sit under the > operating desk, where I can keep an eye on voltages, charging > rates and battery condition. > I've operated this way for years without a problem, and have > had batteries last seemingly forever. I replaced the last one > after 10 years of use, which included some major tasks at annual > Field Day events. If there are drawbacks to this type of power > useage, I'm not aware of them, and highly recommend batteries as > the least expensive and most stable way to feed all your 12-volt > equipment. Needless to say, the isolation from wavering AC mains > is a plus, along with having instantaneous emergency power when > the mains fail. > If there's something I'm overlooking in this type of > operation anyone would like to address, I'd welcome the comments. > 73, Dale > K6PJV, Sacramento, CA. > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 267.14.21/236 - Release Date: 1/20/2006 > > ___ 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] N4PY
I am thinking of getting the KIO2 interface to use with my K2 and my computer. I use N4PY software with my Jupiter and I know it can be used with the K2, anyone using it and would you recommend it. 73 Kurt WA8VBX ___ 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] KIO2 problem
Hi, My KIO2 option worked well when it was first assembled. Now it does not. The initial test on page 14 in the manual works fine one way but not the over way. The K2 sends the right trest message to the computet. Typing SW01; on the keybord givs no responds by the K2. Nothing happen. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Yes, Port is ON and I am using the proper cable. Best 73, Rolf SM0YQC K2 #4979 ___ 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] N4PY
Kurt, I use the N4PY Software with my K2. Both are "class acts". 73, Harry W8YMO Cleveland OH - Original Message - From: "Kurt" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Monday, January 23, 2006 12:43 PM Subject: [Elecraft] N4PY I am thinking of getting the KIO2 interface to use with my K2 and my computer. I use N4PY software with my Jupiter and I know it can be used with the K2, anyone using it and would you recommend it. 73 Kurt WA8VBX ___ ___ 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] Battery Power
Dale, K6PJV wrote: The ongoing discussions regarding woes involving AC power supplies puzzles me, because I've operated for years from 2-volt batteries and wonder why it isn't a more common practiceIf there's something I'm overlooking in this type of operation anyone would like to address, I'd welcome the comments. Hi Dale - If you're talking about conventional lead-acid batteries, there is the issue of sulfuric acid, highly-flammable hydrogen gas that must be ventilated properly, and lots and lots of toxic lead when the battery is finally scrapped. Shoot, they didn't even allow those things 'indoors' on ships! They were in their own ventilated locker outside the radio room. A lot of people today are operating from living rooms, bedrooms and other places in homes where a lead-acid battery is less than welcome. That's what has made gel-cells popular, but they have severe limitations of their own compared to a normal lead-acid battery. Besides, a decent linear supply will provide decades of reliable service and not produce any RFI and last at least as long as most lead-acid batteries. The problems have started to arise with the popularity of "switching power supplies" that are light, small, and which, by their very nature, produce a lot of radio frequency interference. The better ones intended for use near radio equipment are shielded and filtered, but the RFI is always there to some degree or another. It's all a matter of what fits the need. For a growing number of Hams the need is for a small, lightweight, non-toxic power source that is a safe and convenient for use inside the living area of a house. For operators like you with a suitable shop space, a heavy-duty lead-acid battery can be a wonderful alternative that is also independent of the power lines. 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] MacLogger and CW KEYER
Hi, has anyone interfaced the K2 using MacLogger on a PowerBook G4 with the new CW KEYER by microHAM? I cannot seem to get MackLogger to OPEN the Port. It is listed in the PANEL but when I select VFO it says it cannot open the port. I installed the latest Nov 2005 driver pkg from FTDI corporation Yes, I do know that I can send CW via IOP. I am just looking for more noise isolation and figured the Opto-Isolaters of the CW KEYER would provide that for me. Any help? Bob K7RLK ___ 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] Battery Power
>> Shoot, they didn't even allow those things 'indoors' on ships! They were in their own ventilated locker outside the radio room. They do allow them and need them on submarines and these batteries are big enough you could get in the jar! Only time they are vented outside is when performing an "equalizing charge." However, they do ventilate the area to prevent H2 buildup in pockets. Get out your chemistry book and work out the molar equations, for the average auto/boat deep cycle battery the amount of hydrogen released during a normal charge is minimal. Very high charge rates (60 120 amp/hr) releases H2 quicker. But there is still a limited amount. Additionally, there would be no H2SO4 or H2O left. Even if all of it was used up you are only talking a few grams (Liters) of Hydrogen and that would be released over several hours. Rich -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 267.14.21/236 - Release Date: 1/20/2006 ___ 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] Battery Power
Rich Lentz wrote: > work out the molar equations How did this thread morph into dentistry? Fred K6DGW Auburn CA CM98lw ___ 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] Battery Power
Rich wrote: They do allow them and need them on submarines and these batteries are big enough you could get in the jar! Only time they are vented outside is when performing an "equalizing charge." However, they do ventilate the area to prevent H2 buildup in pockets. --- Yes. It's a little hard to get fresh outside air into a sub most of the time . And in the old diesel subs the batteries were darn near as dangerous as the enemy in wartime, but that was a special case not likely found at home; The mixture of the electrolyte and sea water produced deadly chlorine gas. I would consider the most dangerous problem today the sulfuric acid. Working on marine systems, I was terribly, terribly careful when checking batteries to avoid splashing any electrolyte. Still I didn't own a single pair of work pants that didn't have holes from very, very tiny electrolyte droplets. Of course, after the acid has a little while to work, the hole isn't nearly as tiny as the droplet was. There may not be a huge amount of hydrogen released, but you don't need a lot. There's a reason why one should never attach a live circuit directly to a lead-acid battery, such as when jump-starting a car. The last connection is ground and it goes to a point away from the battery because that inevitable spark when the clamp makes contact has caused entire batteries to blow up, piercing the hapless individual with lead shrapnel from what were the plates while simultaneously bathing him (or her) in sulfuric acid and causing serious burns from the flames. >From what I read, the modern "maintenance free" car batteries are no exception. They have exploded when left alone! As one survivor reported, "If you have to be near an exploding battery, be two floors down, in an office, in another building. Worked for me." For the full story see: http://www.rayvaughan.com/battery_safety.htm 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] Push Button Switch Life
Does anyone know what the design life is for the push button switches on the K2/K1/KX1? Harvey KN6VPNo virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 267.14.22/238 - Release Date: 1/23/2006 ___ 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] Push Button Switch Life
Harvey: I'm not certain which manufacturer they were purchased from but they are generated at 300K to 500K cycles, depending upon manufacturer. 73, Tom Hammond N0SS At 03:58 PM 1/23/2006, you wrote: Does anyone know what the design life is for the push button switches on the K2/K1/KX1? Harvey KN6VP ___ 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] Amazing K1 & K2 receiver feat
At least, I think it's amazing. I have my K1 on the workbench right now for some testing. I've got a little 5-watt dummy load plugged in as I was doing some tests with the power and SWR meters in the KAT1. And suddenly, with just a dummy load, I was listening to W1AW code practice on 40 meters! When I heard the faint code, my first thought was that I'd left a PIC beacon controller running on my bench. When I realized that nothing on my bench was turned on, I thought maybe I have a ham neighbor that I wasn't previously aware of. Then I heard the callsign, and realized it's code practice, coming from Newington CT! So I had to try it with the K2...I put it in the same spot, plugged in the dummy load and tuned 7047.5. Hey, it works on the K2 as well! RF Gain at max, AF Gain at "2 o'clock" and pre-amp on, and I can hear W1AW in the K2 speaker, using just a dummy load for an antenna. So, is this amazing proof of the great Elecraft designs? Or does this sort of thing happen all the time? 73 de Stephanie va3uxb K2#5311 - K1#2132 ___ 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] Amazing K1 & K2 receiver feat
Yep, they are amazing. Last week I was trying to work one of the 80M foxes on Tuesday night with my K2. First clue something was wrong was that the swr into my antenna was abnormally high. Nevermind, I could hear the Fox just fine so I try to work him. Normally I would work this particular Fox very easily and for 15 minutes I could hear him but he never responded to me. Light bulb goes on and I look at the panel. Sure enough I am trying to work him with ANT2 and I have my antenna hooked up to ANT1. Switch to ANT1 and work him promptly. Swr was better on ANT 1 too. :) Fine rigs these Elecraft's are. 73 de w1mt Mike --- Stephanie Maks <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > So I had to try it with the K2...I put it in the > same spot, plugged > in the dummy load and tuned 7047.5. Hey, it works > on the K2 as > well! RF Gain at max, AF Gain at "2 o'clock" and > pre-amp on, and I > can hear W1AW in the K2 speaker, using just a dummy > load for an antenna. > __ 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] RE: Amazing K1 & K2 receiver feat
I think it was Kurt N. Sterba who said once he was testing a rig by sending code (a CQ) into a dummy load. When he switched back to the antenna someone was answering his CQ! Now that’s QRPp. Steph it sounds like your dummy load doesn't have ideal shielding. Something is leaking out into the ether, but I don't think it’s a problem. Steve, W2MY -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 267.14.21/236 - Release Date: 1/20/2006 ___ 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] spectrogram
John, I didn't see any other responses to this so I thought I'd jump in again. The PC-based oscilloscope using a sound card is severly limited in bandwidth. The typical sound card will limit your bandwidth to about 20Khz, which is hardly even sufficient for audio work and totally useless for RF. Whle this is a handy toy for working on low frequency and audio stuff, it's hardly an "oscilloscope". If you want a scope, look at a big hamfest or on e-Bay. You can frequently find 50MHz scopes (sufficient for most ham work) for under $100. There are also some PC-based scopes that have the "oscilloscope" in a box and connect to a PC through a parallel port or USB and use the scope for processing and display. I have one such scope ... a PICO 3206 ... that works really fine and gives the advantage of allowing cut and paste of scope images into documentation. PICO and others have a range bandwidth and resolution available for almost any application, and the prices are less than a comp arable Tektronix or LeCroy. If your main interest is in looking at your transmitted waveforms (keying envelope and "christmas tree", you will be best served by a monitor scope such as the old Heath or Kenwood. These not useful as general purpose oscilloscopes but work great at their intended purpose ... to monitor transmitters. I have the Heath SB-614 I bought at a Hamfest about 24 years ago. Personally, I think it should be a REQUIREMENT that anyone with a high power amplifier have a monitor scope. It's the best way to be assured your amplifier is tuned properly for best linearity. I don't know if anyone is building a modern equivalent of the SB-614 or the Kenwood (model #?). Try a Google search for PC OSCILLOSCOPES and you will find a bunch of them available. By the way, several of the PC scopes double as a low-end spectrum analyzer. The PICO 3206 has a 200 MHz analog bandwidth and also a 200MSample/Second single-shot sample rate. It performs as a 100 MHz spectrum analyzer using FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) similar to Spectrascope. Good luck with your search for a scope display. By the way, I just did an e-Bay search for "oscilloscope" and got more than 13 pages of listings, some in the $40 range. If all you want is a transmitter monitor, you can probably get by with a 20 MHz scope and couple RF output directly to the vertical deflection plates. If you need more information, let me know exactly what you are trying to do. I can probably give you some more marginally useless advice. regards, Jim AB4CZ ___ 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] WA3WSJ: New Polar Bear Video In
Hello all, I just received some great video of Camp-Run-A-MOC from Glen, NK1N. Glen video taped our hike up to Catfish Fire Tower in the Delaware Water Gap, NJ; the bears setting up on the ridge and WA3WSJ in a ssb QSO. He also included some cooking etc in the den! Thanks Glen for the DVD and for shooting it. If anyone else has old or new video for the " Polar Bears Gone Wild DVD," please send it to WA3WSJ to be included on the DVD. If you have some photos you would like to include on the DVD, please send them too. Please remember there will be only 50 DVDs made so if you want one, make a donation to the EPA QRP Club now! After the first 50, that's it. Click on the link for more info about the DVD. http://www.wa3wsj.com/PolarBearsWildVideo.html 72, Ed, WA3WSJ ___ 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] Oscilloscopes (WAS: spectrogram)
Jim, AB4CZ gave you an excellent summary. If you think you'd like to use the 'scope for general bench work to look at waveforms, etc., on HF gear, then look for one with at least a 200 MHz bandwidth. Smaller bandwidth scopes are fine for a simple check on your transmitter waveform, but one of the greatest advantages to a scope is being able to see things you can't see otherwise - parasitics, the transition waveforms when keying, edges of clock signals, etc. While the fundamental frequency of the waveform may only be a few MHz, the frequency of the squiggles and other artifacts on the signal is much, much higher. For those applications a general 'rule of thumb' is to use a 'scope with at least 10 times the highest frequency you'll be interested in, the higher the better. If you try to observe signals on a narrower bandwidth oscilloscope, the higher-frequency information is simply lost. The displayed waveform will look much cleaner that it really is! For example, if you try to observe a 50 MHz square wave on a 50 MHz oscilloscope it'll show you a nice, clean sine wave, not a square wave. All of the higher-frequency information that makes the edges of the square wave sharp will be lost. To get a decent representation of the actual waveform you'd need at least a 500 MHz oscilloscope. At today's Hamfest prices, the price difference between a basic waveform monitor and a good general purpose scope is often small, and with the latter you have an instrument that will prove itself quite valuable over time if you enjoy tinkering with circuits on the bench. 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] Oscilloscopes (WAS: spectrogram)
Tektronix 475, baby! The 465 is OK, and the 485 a real 400MHz work of analog scope art I hope to own someday. Then if you're really serious you have a 7000-series mainframe and a lot of plugins hehe. A really good tutorial on scopes is Tektronix's The XYZ's Of Using A Scope which they used to give out, now you can download it from the net and the recent versions have a bunch of stupid stuff about their digital scopes - they tell such beautiful lies, stick to analog. 73 de Alex NS6Y. On Jan 23, 2006, at 7:06 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: Jim, AB4CZ gave you an excellent summary. If you think you'd like to use the 'scope for general bench work to look at waveforms, etc., on HF gear, then look for one with at least a 200 MHz bandwidth. ...If you try to observe signals on a narrower bandwidth oscilloscope, the higher-frequency information is simply lost. At today's Hamfest prices, the price difference between a basic waveform monitor and a good general purpose scope is often small, 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] Amazing K1 & K2 receiver feat
When I first got my K1 running a couple of years ago, When I disconnected the generator and turned the gain full up, the receiver sounded a bit "deaf" as there was practically no noise at all generated internally! It has never ceased to amaze me as to what I can hear with it though! For what is in it, it works amazingly well and it is by far the best CW QRP rig I ever owned. Right about now, I need a new tuning pot, as I have just about worn the one that came with it out! I plan on getting a metal shafted one when I replace it as the plastic bodied one gets a bit sloppy when you use it as much as I've used this one! Can't say enough about it's performance in VERY crowded band conditions of QRP contests. For the number of crystals in the variable selectivity filter, it works VERY nicely! 73, Sandy W5TVW K1 #1178 - Original Message - From: "Stephanie Maks" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Monday, January 23, 2006 6:41 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Amazing K1 & K2 receiver feat | At least, I think it's amazing. | | I have my K1 on the workbench right now for some testing. I've got a | little 5-watt dummy load plugged in as I was doing some tests with | the power and SWR meters in the KAT1. | | And suddenly, with just a dummy load, I was listening to W1AW code | practice on 40 meters! | | When I heard the faint code, my first thought was that I'd left a PIC | beacon controller running on my bench. When I realized that nothing | on my bench was turned on, I thought maybe I have a ham neighbor that | I wasn't previously aware of. Then I heard the callsign, and | realized it's code practice, coming from Newington CT! | | So I had to try it with the K2...I put it in the same spot, plugged | in the dummy load and tuned 7047.5. Hey, it works on the K2 as | well! RF Gain at max, AF Gain at "2 o'clock" and pre-amp on, and I | can hear W1AW in the K2 speaker, using just a dummy load for an antenna. | | So, is this amazing proof of the great Elecraft designs? Or does | this sort of thing happen all the time? | | 73 de Stephanie | va3uxb | K2#5311 - K1#2132 | | ___ | Elecraft mailing list | Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net | You must be a subscriber to post to the list. | Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): | http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft | | Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm | Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com | | | | -- | No virus found in this incoming message. | Checked by AVG Free Edition. | Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 267.14.22/238 - Release Date: 1/23/2006 | | ___ 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] Oscilloscopes (WAS: spectrogram)
Alex NS6Y wrote: Tektronix 475, baby! The 465 is OK, and the 485 a real 400MHz work of analog scope art I hope to own someday... -- Yep, Tek scopes are the most popular and they are very good. In the 1970's when I was running a television production studio we had to smuggle in our Tek waveform monitors because the facility was owned by Hewlett-Packard! Hewlett-Packard scopes are also EXCELLENT instruments though - at least their general-purpose lab scopes, which is what I was talking about here. When I was working in various labs I liked Tek scopes primarily because of their extreme flexibility, thanks to all of those expensive plug-ins , and because they carefully kept the control layout much the same from model to model. Grab that big knob over there and it was always the time base control, no matter which Tek scope you were using. HP wasn't so consistent with their panel layouts and they don't have all the swappable plug-ins that Tek used. However, HP made its name as a lab instrument company for almost 40 years before they touched the computer business in the 1970's with world-class lab gear. One advantage of their 'scopes for the Ham today is that they are often a lot cheaper than the Tek scopes, feature for feature and per megacycle of bandwidth simple because the Tek scopes are so popular. I have an HP1740 sitting on my bench that was built in the 1970's. It's an analog scope, which I prefer, and it's still tickin' like the day it was built, almost 40 years later! 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] Wanted KIO2
Hi, I am looking for a KIO2 module for my K2, if you have one that is not being used and would like to sell it, email me and let see what we can work out. Please email me directly. 73 Kurt WA8VBX ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) ___ 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] Oscilloscopes (WAS: spectrogram)
I have a 475 with the DM44 option, and a scad of different probes. It is on "semi-permanent" loan from my company (they have no need for it any longer). I have never used the DM44, but what looks interesting is that it will measure temperature in degrees C. I have the temperature probe and will get around to trying that out one of these days. I have never used an oscilloscope before about a couple of months ago, but I am trying to learn. The tutorial that Tek has on their website is pretty informative. Stan Rife W5EWA Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: Alex NS6Y wrote: Tektronix 475, baby! The 465 is OK, and the 485 a real 400MHz work of analog scope art I hope to own someday... -- Yep, Tek scopes are the most popular and they are very good. In the 1970's when I was running a television production studio we had to smuggle in our Tek waveform monitors because the facility was owned by Hewlett-Packard! Hewlett-Packard scopes are also EXCELLENT instruments though - at least their general-purpose lab scopes, which is what I was talking about here. When I was working in various labs I liked Tek scopes primarily because of their extreme flexibility, thanks to all of those expensive plug-ins , and because they carefully kept the control layout much the same from model to model. Grab that big knob over there and it was always the time base control, no matter which Tek scope you were using. HP wasn't so consistent with their panel layouts and they don't have all the swappable plug-ins that Tek used. However, HP made its name as a lab instrument company for almost 40 years before they touched the computer business in the 1970's with world-class lab gear. One advantage of their 'scopes for the Ham today is that they are often a lot cheaper than the Tek scopes, feature for feature and per megacycle of bandwidth simple because the Tek scopes are so popular. I have an HP1740 sitting on my bench that was built in the 1970's. It's an analog scope, which I prefer, and it's still tickin' like the day it was built, almost 40 years later! 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
Re: [Elecraft] Oscilloscopes (WAS: spectrogram)
Hi Be careful buying older Tek scopes. Many of the repair parts are not available any more. You may get lucky and never need to repair one of these scopes but many of the parts were proprietary made custom for Tek or in the case of some of the IC's and CRT's were made only by Tek in there own fab. I worked for Tektronix for many years as a field maintenance instructor in the test and measurement division. My specialty was the 7000 series and the portable scopes among others. The reason the 7000 series is so cheap on Ebay is the problem of getting repair parts. The most common problem is with the cam switches and attenuators in both the 7000 and the 465 and 475 scopes. The 485 is even a generation earlier than the 465 or 475 so I would not ever consider one these scopes unless it had a good CRT, is in excellent condition and was virtually free. It also takes a real expert and some special equipment to properly tweak a 485 so it will meet specs. The 7000 series may be OK if you can buy two for a few hundred dollars. The second one for parts. I have a friend with a cal lab that has a warehouse full of broken 7000's that he uses for parts to keep the stuff he has under contract. Tek has a policy that they do not guarantee parts support seven years after a product is discontinued. The 465, 475 and most of the 7000 has exceeded that by two and the 485 by three However I personally own a 2465 and can highly recommend it. It is 400 Mhz four channel with both 1 meg ohm and 50 ohm inputs with dual timebase. This was the last of the really great analog scopes Tek made. This scope sold for over $5000 in the mid 80's and was worth every penny. I have seen them on Ebay for well under $1000 (I paid $800 for mine a couple of years ago) I know that is a lot of money to spend on a scope used for hobby work but a new scope with much less capability will cost as much or more. Ron Is correct on the bandwidth specification. Scopes are rated at 3 db down at the rated bandwidth. This means a 100 MHz scope can measure a one volt pk to pk 100 MHz sine wave at .707 volts and still be in spec. Also the probes are rated at a max bandwidth as well. If you use a 100 MHz probe on a 200 MHz scope then you will only have a 100 Mhz bandwidth at best Don Brown KD5NDB - Original Message - From: "Alexandra Carter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Ron D'Eau Claire" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: Sent: Monday, January 23, 2006 9:13 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Oscilloscopes (WAS: spectrogram) > Tektronix 475, baby! The 465 is OK, and the 485 a real 400MHz work of > analog scope art I hope to own someday. Then if you're really serious > you have a 7000-series mainframe and a lot of plugins hehe. > > A really good tutorial on scopes is Tektronix's The XYZ's Of Using A > Scope which they used to give out, now you can download it from the net > and the recent versions have a bunch of stupid stuff about their > digital scopes - they tell such beautiful lies, stick to analog. > > 73 de Alex NS6Y. > > On Jan 23, 2006, at 7:06 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: > > > Jim, AB4CZ gave you an excellent summary. > > > > If you think you'd like to use the 'scope for general bench work to > > look at > > waveforms, etc., on HF gear, then look for one with at least a 200 MHz > > bandwidth. ...If you try to observe signals on a narrower > > bandwidth oscilloscope, the > > higher-frequency information is simply lost. > > At today's Hamfest prices, the price difference between a basic > > waveform > > monitor and a good general purpose scope is often small, > > 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] Oscilloscopes (WAS: spectrogram)
Hi In interesting piece of trivia. The DM44 sensor in the temperature probe is a 2n transistor. The circuit is similar to the temperature measuring circuit in the KPA100 used to monitor the heat sink temperature. Don Brown KD5NDB - Original Message - From: "Stan Rife" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Monday, January 23, 2006 9:56 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Oscilloscopes (WAS: spectrogram) > I have a 475 with the DM44 option, and a scad of different probes. > It is on "semi-permanent" loan from my company (they have no need for it > any longer). I have never used the DM44, but what looks interesting is > that it will measure temperature in degrees C. I have the temperature > probe and will get around to trying that out one of these days. I have > never used an oscilloscope before about a couple of months ago, but I am > trying to learn. The tutorial that Tek has on their website is pretty > informative. ___ 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] Oscilloscopes (WAS: spectrogram)
Yes, but in actuality, you can very often pick up a good 465 or 475 for $100 or so, take it home, clean it up, and it will work for you for years. That's hard to beat. 73 de Alex NS6Y. On Jan 23, 2006, at 8:36 PM, Don Brown wrote: Hi Be careful buying older Tek scopes. Many of the repair parts are not available any more. You may get lucky and never need to repair one of these scopes but many of the parts were proprietary made custom for Tek or in the case of some of the IC's and CRT's were made only by Tek in there own fab. I worked for Tektronix for many years as a field maintenance instructor in the test and measurement division. My specialty was the 7000 series and the portable scopes among others. The reason the 7000 series is so cheap on Ebay is the problem of getting repair parts. The most common problem is with the cam switches and attenuators in both the 7000 and the 465 and 475 scopes. The 485 is even a generation earlier than the 465 or 475 so I would not ever consider one these scopes unless it had a good CRT, is in excellent condition and was virtually free. It also takes a real expert and some special equipment to properly tweak a 485 so it will meet specs. The 7000 series may be OK if you can buy two for a few hundred dollars. The second one for parts. I have a friend with a cal lab that has a warehouse full of broken 7000's that he uses for parts to keep the stuff he has under contract. Tek has a policy that they do not guarantee parts support seven years after a product is discontinued. The 465, 475 and most of the 7000 has exceeded that by two and the 485 by three However I personally own a 2465 and can highly recommend it. It is 400 Mhz four channel with both 1 meg ohm and 50 ohm inputs with dual timebase. This was the last of the really great analog scopes Tek made. This scope sold for over $5000 in the mid 80's and was worth every penny. I have seen them on Ebay for well under $1000 (I paid $800 for mine a couple of years ago) I know that is a lot of money to spend on a scope used for hobby work but a new scope with much less capability will cost as much or more. Ron Is correct on the bandwidth specification. Scopes are rated at 3 db down at the rated bandwidth. This means a 100 MHz scope can measure a one volt pk to pk 100 MHz sine wave at .707 volts and still be in spec. Also the probes are rated at a max bandwidth as well. If you use a 100 MHz probe on a 200 MHz scope then you will only have a 100 Mhz bandwidth at best Don Brown KD5NDB - Original Message - From: "Alexandra Carter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Ron D'Eau Claire" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: Sent: Monday, January 23, 2006 9:13 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Oscilloscopes (WAS: spectrogram) Tektronix 475, baby! The 465 is OK, and the 485 a real 400MHz work of analog scope art I hope to own someday. Then if you're really serious you have a 7000-series mainframe and a lot of plugins hehe. A really good tutorial on scopes is Tektronix's The XYZ's Of Using A Scope which they used to give out, now you can download it from the net and the recent versions have a bunch of stupid stuff about their digital scopes - they tell such beautiful lies, stick to analog. 73 de Alex NS6Y. On Jan 23, 2006, at 7:06 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: Jim, AB4CZ gave you an excellent summary. If you think you'd like to use the 'scope for general bench work to look at waveforms, etc., on HF gear, then look for one with at least a 200 MHz bandwidth. ...If you try to observe signals on a narrower bandwidth oscilloscope, the higher-frequency information is simply lost. At today's Hamfest prices, the price difference between a basic waveform monitor and a good general purpose scope is often small, 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
