[Elecraft] Tektronics guide to oscilloscopes
Greetings from stormy England, http://www.tek.com/Measurement/App_Notes/XYZs/ Points to a downloadable pdf of aTektronix guide describing how oscilloscope works and how to take simple measurements. Hope this helps someone. Regards Steve ___ 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] Tektronics guide to oscilloscopes
Rich: http://www.tek.com/Measurement/App_Notes/XYZs/ Points to a downloadable pdf of a Tektronix guide describing how oscilloscope works and how to take simple measurements. Thought you might like to see this. Don't forget that I have a scope for you to use. 73, Tom ___ 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] Polar Bear Challenge 2007!
Hello all, If you missed the previous emails about the PBC 2007, take a look at the PBC 2007 Website. We're having a blast with the competition, exercising and playing radio! You will compete with amateurs and non-amateurs worldwide! http://www.wa3wsj.com/PBChallenge2007.html 72, Ed,WA3WSJ Aka Kangaroo Ed ___ 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] Travel
I took my K2 from UK to ZS6 only days after 9/11 when there was total chaos and the only hand baggage allowed had to be in a see-thru plastic bag. No-one at the airport had any left . so we made do with carrier bags from duty free stores. I padded it a bit with a newspaper and no-one even asked what it was, despite repeated inspections. I have even taken a 500w solid state linear back to TenTec in hand baggage for service without any questions being asked. But even before 9/11, a brand new Omni-V was rejected at Philadelphia airport, until I took it apart with a screwdriver borrowed from the 747 captain and he told the inspectors he did not mind having it on board. And all the time this argument was in progress I was watching them accept all sorts of other electronic goodies as hand baggage. Why was there a problem ? Answer: I should never have asked if it was OK ... I recommend (a) saying nothing at all unless asked (b) having a ham licence, sales receipts, basic literature readily to hand (c) never lose your cool ! (Laptops are potentially at least as dangerous and no-one seems to query them.) John G3JAG ___ 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] Hamfests
Right call sign, wrong name. Sorry John. In my own defense I did say it has been a while since we have talked. Call me a slow starter, but I finally have K2 #5939 under construction thanks to the nudge I got from you at the Frostfest. Thanks for helping me spend my money. 73, Chuck K4QS ___ No banners. No pop-ups. No kidding. Make My Way your home on the Web - http://www.myway.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2: RXVFO Waveform?
While debugging a transmit output problem (cracked RFC13 found) I noticed that although the input to U3 is a nice sine wave the output (RXVFO) is distorted. It has the proper gain (x2) but has what appears to be some higher order distortion on its way to the proper output level. Maybe second or third order. Definitely not oscillation. Power and ground to the IC is clean. Is this due to the TUF-1 load as the diodes begin to conduct? The input TXVFO is nice and clean so it makes me think the '1252 was put in this location just to handle the effect of the mixer non-linear load. The receiver sounds great on 40M. I'm going ahead and tuning up the receiver on the other bands while waiting on the choke. Or maybe I have another issue to debug... 73 jim ab3cv (pam shipped my rfc13 right after i called!!!) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Noise Blanker Blues (WAS: Planning kit purchase)
Fred, did you remember or remove jumper W5 when you installed your noise blanker? W5 is near Q22, the transistor with the heat sink on it. If you forgot, the noise blanker is permanently bypassed. A great test is a cheap lamp dimmer: the kind that makes a wall of noise on 80 meters when it's used. It only requires an investment of a couple of bucks at the hardware store to pick one up, hook it to a lamp and turn it on. If your NB is working properly, it'll kill the noise beautifully. Sometimes it's necessary to turn on the preamp when using the NB. Otherwise the noise pulses may be loud enough to mask weak signals but not strong enough to make the NB spring into action, even when set to low threshold. In those situations the NB sounds completely inoperative until I turn on the preamp and, presto, the noise disappears. That's on of the rare times I use the preamp on the lower frequencies. Another good noise source for testing should be an old-fashioned doorbell or buzzer. The point is that the NB works on repetitive noise pulses. It is not effective against random 'pops and sizzles' such as lightning QRN and normal band static. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- I didn't have good luck with Elecraft's K2 NOISE BLANKER. I know its advertised to do all sorts of noise reduction not my experience. I even bought a 2nd NB, it did'nt work any better. One day 3 cement trucks, and a large pickup truck sat outside of our home. NB did nothing to eliminate these electrical noises. I fact, I couldn't find any ham band noises - that the NB would remove. Maybe it was just some sort of K2 setup thing, that I hadn't done right - .. Fred, FL ___ 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] What about... the audio and the K2 !?!?
Hi to all, I found a product, who many of you already know about, the EQ8 and EQplus from W2IHY. I was curious about how good and also how the audio will be with a K2. I bought these two units last week. Before, I was not able to properly use my Yaesu MD-200 with my K2. But now, I have plenty of audio now, and the audio flavor in marvelous. Like color and a good meal, it is all about taste... a personal matter... If you want to take a look... http://web.mac.com/jf.menard Just click W2IHY tab in the menu. I put an audio sample of what it can be done... Best 73 and happy visiting ! === Jean-François Ménard / VA2VYZ Elecraft K2 #4130 KX1 #999 FISTS #11896 SKCC #2245 Web: http://web.mac.com/jf.menard __ 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] Planning kit purchase
I used feel the same way about the NB. I would hear noise and find the elecraft nb did nothing but TS-940s NB would make a significant difference. However, a few times there would be a noise source, my wifes blender, some outside sources of noise, etc, and the Elecraft NB would totally eliminate it, absolutely quiet. Bottom line, the NB does work on certain types of noise, but not on all. I found the same to be true of the Kenwood TS-940 NB also. Have a great weekend. Larry WA2DGD Fred (FL) wrote: I didn't have good luck with Elecraft's K2 NOISE BLANKER. I know its advertised to do all sorts of noise reduction not my experience. I even bought a 2nd NB, it did'nt work any better. One day 3 cement trucks, and a large pickup truck sat outside of our home. NB did nothing to eliminate these electrical noises. I fact, I couldn't find any ham band noises - that the NB would remove. Maybe it was just some sort of K2 setup thing, that I hadn't done right - .. Fred, FL Never miss an email again! Yahoo! Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail arrives. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/toolbar/features/mail/ ___ 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 -- 73 Larry WA2DGD ___ 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 and TS-940s -
Mark, I feel the receiver in the K2 is better, marginally, than the TS-940s. I prefer the ergonomics of the TS-940 over the K2, strictly a personal preference, guess I like big knobs and no menus. (almost sounds like we're talking about women, hi ) Also like the ability to go from 5-120 watts with the Kenwood. Prefer to keep the K2 a QRP rig, especially when I get the urge to take it portable. The TS-940s is definitely desk bound due to the size and the weight. I'm very happy I own both, and wouldn't want to part with either. It's also a lot easier to service the K2, easier to work on, and the support from this reflector is unmatched anywhere else. Larry WA2DGD K2 #1672 -- 73 Larry WA2DGD ___ 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] Kit Building
Several issues have arisen of late in regard to tools and modules while building Elecraft gear. I'd like to add my two cents' worth with my experiences. First, I just built and installed the DSP module in my K2/100, and I'm elated with the results. I don't think it can be stressed enough just how much the denoiser adds to the enjoyment of both cw and SSB reception! It is ideal, of course, for SSB noise filtering and interference limiting, but the denoiser is really nice to have for cw as well. The little noise limiter module has its specific uses, but the DSP unit is well worth the price that originally stopped me from including it with all the other modules I've added. I say don't hesitate, buy it. Regarding cut wires from components flying all over the place, I have a pair of flush-cutting diagonal cutters that include an added spring clip against the interior of the jaws. When the wire is cut, most of the time that clip catches and holds the cut piece so you can bring it back up and remove it by hand or just drop it into an appropriate container. I've used that for all my building and never had problems with cut ends flying around. The cutters are Xcelite brand, model 175M, widely available at a reasonable price. It was mentioned awhile back that the Radio Shack regulated soldering station is not grounded. That's not exactly correct. It is true there is no grounded plug on the power cord, but at the back of the base is a socket for plugging in a ground wire specifically for grounding the tip. I've used that iron to build complete K1, KX1 and K2/100 kits, plus other Elecraft modules, and it works just fine. The only potential drawback is that the tip is not replaceable, but it is supposed to be a lifetime tip and to this day looks just like when I bought it. The size of the tip evidently is fine, because it has worked well even with my shaky hands in the tight spots. Finally, I'll add my encouragement to those who've already stressed there's no such thing on the Forum as a stupid question, and that we really want to hear from and encourage newcomers to ask anything related to this wonderful product and its use. The experts available here (not me) always respond with clear, concise answers. I read them all, even though I've completed the building phase. As a matter of fact, I'm getting desperate for more goodies to build. C'mon, guys, give us more of these fantastic Elecraft products! 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] Commercial CW Station KSM on the air now
For you CW buffs who miss SWLing commercial CW stations, copying wx reports, etc., the announcement below came from Richard Dillman this afternoon. KSM is QSA5 here in N.W Oregon on 6477.0 on my K2 and on 12993.0 on my KX1. Ron AC7AC - Sr. Transmitter Engineer Steve Hawes has just advised via the order wire from the transmitting station that the transmitter for the KSM 4Mc frequency is available. That transmitter is now (2230Z) on the air for the first time with high seas weather and will continue to transmit the KSM wheel and other information. The frequency is: 4350.5kc KSM is also transmitting on: 426kc 6477.0kc 12993.okc 16914.0kc As always, those desiring a verification should send a reception reports to the QSL Mistress at: Ms. Denice Stoops PO Box 381 Bolinas, CA 94924 USA VY 73, RD Chief Op, KSM ___ 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] c44
C44 is not used. Check the parts list-no C44 When you build the antenna coupler kit it's instructions indicate to remove C44 if installed 73 Dave KD1NA ___ 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: RXVFO Waveform?
Here's a link to the pics I took of scope traces for TP1 aka RXVFO. As I said the receiver sounds fine. I'm not used to working with CFA type amps driving low impedence nonlinear loads. Does this look OK? http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=55201169346768265/l=239913880/g=15542617/cobrandOid=1000131/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB 73 jim ab3cv ___ 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 rf board D18
Hey there Elecraft! I just noticed that D18 on the back of rf bd got fried. The diode looks melted in the middle, and is probably not useable. Now here is my question, and I feel silly even to ask, but, can I just go to Radio Shack and pick up another 1N4148 diode, or is the diode provided by Elecraft specific for this kit. Dennis Vavra, AD5LY ___ 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: RXVFO Waveform?
don't worry about creating an account or signing in. just click the view now button. first time i've tried snapfish... 73 jim ab3cv ___ 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] New to list/want to build
Hello all. I currently working on getting my basic qualification here in Canada and probably advanced after that. My first radio will be a handset just to get on the air locally but I would really like to build my own base station radio. I've built many small kits over the years but none that transmit. I'm just wondering if the K2 is in the realm of possible for someone who has good soldiering skills and a decent grasp of electronics. I don't have an oscilloscope but I'm sure someone in the ham community here will have one if I need it. BTW time to build doesn't really matter as I'm more interested in the process and theory of building the radio than using it. Thanks Stephen ___ 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 Serial Number6000?
Does anyone know if the K2's have passed Serial Number 6000 yet? I noticed that there were substanstial changes with SN 3000. Is there any word about design changes being included in K2/100 SN6000+ that are not in SN5999 and below? I am ready to buy a fully loaded K2/100 and am very interested in this information. Also I found what looks like a good deal for a complete Xytronics 988TP Soldering Desoldering Station. Check it out: http://www.howardelectronics.com/xytronic/988TP.html Best regards, Darrell (Formerly KB9AV and working to get it back!) ___ 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 Announcement
Good Evening, Another interesting week in the Pacific Northwest. I think it was Tuesday when the folks in the valley got their yearly snow storm. Not a big deal if you are from the Midwest but 8 inches of snow ties up Portland quite well. I try not to drive during these periods because of the strange methods these drivers have to deal with slippery conditions. There are at least two types out there who scare me silly: the ones who travel 1-5 mph and brake at the least sign of danger, or the ones who think 4WD means they are invincible. Those folks travel along at their normal 65 mph and wonder why they go off the road when they hit a slippery patch. The 4WD should have prevented that! Guess they never attended the physics lab where we experimented with static and dynamic friction conditions. I used to ride my motorcycle on the frozen creek to practice sliding. During our first accumulation of snow I would go to a large, mostly vacant parking lot to practice skidding and recovering. Practice helps a great deal. Other than the stormy weather (in the valley at least, I got about 1/2 an inch of snow up here) I was deep in a project for work. I think I got on the air all of twice since last weekend. Conditions were poor but, then, we were using SSB so what can a person expect? I've read a bit about the fox hunts and heard they had a few problems too. Hopefully Comet McNaught has caused the sun to put a few streams in our direction. I did read about aurora in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin so maybe the ionosphere has recharged a little. Our new times have helped gain larger lists each week though. However, the best way to test propagation is to get on the air and see who you can hear and who can hear you. Let's experiment tomorrow evening! Please join us: Sunday 2300z (Sunday 3 PM PST) 14050 kHz Monday 0200z (Sunday 6 PM PST) 7045 kHz Kevin. KD5ONS ___ 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 rf board D18
Hi Dennis, Sorry to hear about your D18 being fried and/or melted. 1N4148 is an industry standard part number so any other 1N4148 should work fine for you as a replacement regardless of your source. They are a very common part, but be prepared to pay nearly an arm and a leg for this cheap part if you source it from R.S. compared to other places you could maybe get it. I have bought packs of 100 at hamfests fairly cheap just to have on hand, which sure beats the high price you pay for anything at R.S. (especially lately). Seems that you sure have to pay a premium to have instant availability if your own junk box or parts supply is lacking. Oh, I've also found that I've had to try going to maybe three different R.S. stores to find common, or at least what used to be common, items. So, good luck! If/when you do find another 1N4148, not to worry, it will work fine for you. Mark, NK8Q Dennis Vavra wrote: Hey there Elecraft! I just noticed that D18 on the back of rf bd got fried. The diode looks melted in the middle, and is probably not useable. Now here is my question, and I feel silly even to ask, but, can I just go to Radio Shack and pick up another 1N4148 diode, or is the diode provided by Elecraft specific for this kit. Dennis Vavra, AD5LY ___ 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
