RE: [Elecraft] RF vs. AF gain (was: KX1 vs K1)
- Don W3FPR said - ... one can leave the AGC on to help protect the ears from the really loud ones. - THIS, I think, is the best of both worlds. The AGC is, after all, just an automatic way to adjust the RF gain. I prefer to use a mix of the two. Turn the RF gain down until the background noise is just a bit above the receiver noise floor and then let the AGC do the rest from there. If I'm rag chewing with a strong station, I'll turn the RF gain down so the AGC is just kicking into action on the weak part of his signal. Then, I get the benefit of AGC handling the QSBs of this signal (whether fast or slow) plus I get the nice high S/N ratio that you get with turning the RF gain down. RF gain control is ESPECIALLY useful in a rig with an audio derived AGC. Back the RF gain down and most of the initial pop of a strong signal disappears. When I had my K1 (which convinced me to get a K2 BTW) I did miss the RF gain control. And with my K2 in the process of becoming a K2/100, I'm beginning to think about getting a K1. Clearly the disease continues :-) And, yes, I believe the K1 sounds even better than the K2. 73! - Keith N1AS - - K2 5411 - ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Silvery Thermal Pads
When I removed the KPA100 PC board to do the KPA100 Upgrade the thermal pads of Q1 and Q2 stuck to the transistors. I noticed that the bottom of these pads were silvery where they joined the heat sink. Some of the black part of the pads remained with the heat sink. I will replace these thermal pads. Should I attempt to clean off the heat sink surface where these pads left their residue? And yes, I will be very attentive in tightening these screws after a small amount of use in the future. These pads I am removing are not the original pads, so I don't think I have overly abused the finals. Thanks for any comments. Roy Morris W4WFB ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Silvery Thermal Pads
Roy Morris wrote: When I removed the KPA100 PC board to do the KPA100 Upgrade the thermal pads of Q1 and Q2 stuck to the transistors. I noticed that the bottom of these pads were silvery where they joined the heat sink. Some of the black part of the pads remained with the heat sink. I will replace these thermal pads. Should I attempt to clean off the heat sink surface where these pads left their residue? I think so, certainly. I used isopropyl alcohol to clean it. Anything that interferes with heat transfer is undesirable. I even went so far as to remove the burrs around the mounting holes in the heat sink and on the transistors. By the way, I did the upgrade because I had observed the KPA100 'taking off' on 40 meters with a particular antenna and the KAT100 in line. This happened although I had done the previous KPA100 upgrade, installed the improved shield, and had been very careful with the location of the RF choke across the output. This problem was solved by the latest upgrade. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] KSB2 board - should be renamed.
I started the KSB2 last night. Between interruptions, I got about 1/2 way through. I think the board should be renamed. Call it the 103 board. Man are there a bunch of blue 103 caps to install! With tonight's effort I just may have the rig ready for some SSB action this weekend. - Keith N1AS - ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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: K1 Audio Pot
Hello all, If anyone needs a new audio pot for your K1, take a look here. http://www.wa3wsj.com/K1Pot.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] ARRL November SS Phone (but not Elecraft)
I will be trying to make a serious effort from WNY, but since neither my K1 or KX1 has the ssb option B-) it will be QRP with my FT-897.I don't have the greatest antenna setup, so after a little experimentation tonight and tomorrow morning I may decide to go precedence A insteadGud luck in the test73Mike 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] OT: FS Vibroplex Original Deluxe bug
Any Vibroplex bug operators or collectors out there? I have for sale, one, decent condition, Vibroplex Original Deluxe model, serial number 2237xx which indicates that it was manufactured somewhere around 1962. This is the chrome plated one. As with most Vibroplex models of this vintage, the little red plastic button on top of the pivot yoke is missing There are a few minor blemishes on the chrome, but overall it's an 8 of 10. It comes with the original small weight, and a nicely machined, home made heavier brass weight that tames the speed down a bit. Minimum speed with the original weight is around 25 wpm, and with the heavier weight it will slow to 15 or so. I will include a very nicely done home made carrying case, constructed of Baltic Birch plywood and lined with green pool table felt. It's the same size and shape as the old, leatherette covered, Vibroplex Case. Current production price on this key is $229.95 plus shipping handling. I'll let this one go with the carrying case for $175.00 plus whatever shipping for the method you desire to get it safely to you. I'll accept PayPal (add 3.9 percent to the total), certified check or money order. Anyone interested, please contact me off list. Jim Sheldon, W0EB [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] KX1 vs K1
The mail archive provided by AC6RM is a great resource with a great search facility. Try it by going to http://www.ac6rm.net/mailarchive/html/elecraft-list/ And do a search on 'K1 and Kx1 compared' The first hit by Bruce Prior N7RR is comprehensive and Wayne has added an extra aspect in the second hit on the list. 73, Nigel ZL2DF ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] W1 Wattmeter now shipping; New Serial commands
We started shipping the W1 Wattmeter today and we have also placed the latest W1 manual up on our manual download page at: http://www.elecraft.com/K2_Manual_Download_Page.htm This manual also contains the complete serial command set for the W1. Next week we will be placing a free W1 serial control program for windows up on our web site for download, along with its VB6 source code for your enjoyment and modification. 73, Eric WA6HHQ -- _..._ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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: KX1 K6XX CW Indicator Install
Hello all, I finished my K6XX Visual Indicator Kit install today. Here is what I found to work best. I installed an SMD kit and used two 47k resistors to form a voltage divider to the audio input pin of the K6XX Kit Board. With this setup I have a rather smooth LED action when tuning upon a signal. I have a few false blinks, but not many -hi! http://www.wa3wsj.com/KX1k6xx.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] K2 SSB version?
Elecraft Inc. - Does Elecraft have any plans to upgrade the K2, for better SSB operation? I probably lean more towards SSB voice, vs CW. I know the K2 is an outstanding CW rig, even in QRP mode - but it seems evident that the K2 is lacking or secondary, when it comes to robust SSB operation. I don't want to buy/build a standard K2, and modify it myself for better SSB operation. Does Elecraft have any plans, to enhance or upgrade the K2 - for a SSB VERSION? I'm sure there are bits and pieces of all sorts of modifications one can attempt, on a standard K2 - to make it operate better on SSB. This is not what I am requesting. I'd like to build a K2SSB rig, and buy/build an external 100W amp. I know of late - several serious K2 owners - have suggested some great ideas for an Elecraft K2SSB rig. I'd like to know if Elecraft Inc's has plans, if any, to enhance the K2 or create a K2SSB rig, etc. - any time soon? Thanks, Fred N3CSY K2 54xx 6/2006 Sponsored Link Degrees online in as fast as 1 Yr MBA, Bachelor's, Master's, Assoc http://yahoo.degrees.info ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K2 SSB version?
Fred, What specifically are you referring to? As is, the KSB2 offers excellent carrier rejection and a good filter for the transmitted SSB signal to provide excellent undesired sideband suppression. One must align the SSB FL1 filter properly if the full capabilities are to be realized - you can find information on how to do that on the Builders resources page at the Elecraft website www.elecraft.com, Tom Hammond's website www.n0ss.net and in the K2 dial calibration article on my website http://w3fpr.qrpradio.com . I must admit that the K2 SSB does have a couple of drawbacks in the VOX arena - the VOX is not as sensitive as some would like, and there is no anti-vox circuitry in the KSB2. The mic gain is also somewhat limited - it works fine with high output (-40 dBm output) mics, but there are many mics that only produce output in the -50 to -60 dBm range and do need a preamp to bring the output up to the level required for full drive to the K2. Stewart Baker has developed some additions to the KSB2 that directly address the VOX/Anti-VOX situation. For those using PTT, I have trouble believing that there is any problem with the K2 SSB operation. I do not regard the above situations as deficiencies, but rather a statement of 'the way things are'. I do hope Elecraaft will again sell a hand mic and desk mic that have output levels compatible with the K2, but in the meantime, most mics designed for use with Icom transceivers will meet the output requirements of the K2. Lower level output mics may need a preamp. The mods to increase the input resistance of the mic AF circuit are only 'band-aids' IMHO. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Elecraft Inc. - Does Elecraft have any plans to upgrade the K2, for better SSB operation? I probably lean more towards SSB voice, vs CW. I know the K2 is an outstanding CW rig, even in QRP mode - but it seems evident that the K2 is lacking or secondary, when it comes to robust SSB operation. I don't want to buy/build a standard K2, and modify it myself for better SSB operation. Does Elecraft have any plans, to enhance or upgrade the K2 - for a SSB VERSION? I'm sure there are bits and pieces of all sorts of modifications one can attempt, on a standard K2 - to make it operate better on SSB. This is not what I am requesting. I'd like to build a K2SSB rig, and buy/build an external 100W amp. I know of late - several serious K2 owners - have suggested some great ideas for an Elecraft K2SSB rig. I'd like to know if Elecraft Inc's has plans, if any, to enhance the K2 or create a K2SSB rig, etc. - any time soon? Thanks, Fred N3CSY K2 54xx 6/2006 ___ 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] KPA100 Update Mod
Hi Roy, I just completed my KPA100 the other night and I used just the split washers as per the instructions. Keep in mind that when you tighten down the srews the the split washers compress and become mostly flat like the fiber washers. Just don't over tighten them and crush Q3 Q4. Tom W8AMZ Roy Morris [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am getting ready to secure Q3 and Q4 to the heat sink. I was using black fiber flat washers. Now the instructions say to use split lock washers. Am I supposed to eliminate the black fiber washers that completely fill the circumference of the screw holes and use split lock washers only? Thanks for any comments. Roy Morris W4WFB ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] ARRL November SS Phone
I also plan on operating during the SS this weekend (although not the entire weekend, as well as some during the EPC PSK63 contest on Sunday. Hope to work a few Elecraft owner/users. 72 de N8PVZ, K2 S/N 5601 ---bernie The all-new Yahoo! Mail beta Fire up a more powerful email and get things done faster. http://new.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] Peaking L34 (IF amplifier)
Hi, First, I took Don Wilhelm;s advice about checking soldering and re-did anything I could find that looked dubious. Now, I've come to peak the IF amplifier. It seems to me that a signal just gets louder when I turn the slug counter-clockwise until it hits the stop and quieter turning the slug clockwise. If there was a peak, it was a really shallow one. I followed the instructions and could hear the internal birdie quite well, so peaking should not have been difficult. Any suggestions, please? Thanks. -- David Dawson A strong conviction that something must be done is the parent of many bad measures. -- Daniel Webster ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
