Re: [Elecraft] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
On Jun 7, 2007, at 9:50 AM, Leigh L Klotz, Jr. wrote: I wholly and completely disagree. Interesting. It seems to me that we are saying the same thing. 1. S Meter standardization is a failed effort. S meters are marketing numbers. dBuV or dBmW is the measure to use. If you are filing interference reports with the FCC and cannot figure out how to convert your signal strength readings to dB relative units, you need to make better measurements. Precisely. 2. If Elecraft chooses to allow end-users to calibrate and set their S Meter readings to have a known intercept (50uV at S9) and slope (4dB, 6dB, 3dB), so much the better, as it helps number one. That Elecraft allows it to be set to a standard and that it will be consistent from day-to-day and band-to-band is fantastic. It means it CAN be used for measurement. The only question is what the calibration will be. Since we have been taught that one S-unit represents a 6dB change, new kit should adhere to that. When I sit down at your radio and see a 1 S-unit change, I should be able to know what that means without having to ask you, Hey Leigh, what are your S-meter calibration coefficients? I don't have to do that with a wattmeter or a voltmeter, do I? 3. And, although I would not hold MSFT responsible for pushing forward UI design, I certainly don't think they offer the best options in terms of user configurability! I think Microsoft has their head up their ... uh ... well, they are pretty clueless when it comes to coming up with a good UI. Their options su... are supremely suboptimal. So, seems you are agreeing with me and I with you. 73 de Brian, WB6RQN Brian Lloyd - brian HYPHEN wb6rqn AT lloyd DOT 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] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
Hallo, Wayne wrote: I'd agree with you if there were a single world-wide standard for S-9, and no need to compensate for slight differences in receive gain from There is a standard in Region 1, but, to be honest, a standard which up to now has almost totally been ignored by the industry. This has been bemoaned in almost all serious rig tests I can remember here in Germany. When a rig has a s-meter which comes close to the Region 1 standard, it is often considered by the authors to be a real plus point for the rig. Wayne wrote: This is also more flexible. As I mentioned earlier, I set my S-meters up for 4 dB per S-unit. Here's why: I like a greater degree of sensitivity Sorry but I do not agree. A signal strength meter, which is what an s-meter should be, should not be affected by changes in amplification after entering the rig, i.e. the reading should not be affected by a built-in preamplifier. Wayne wrote: If hams wanted to be precise in assessing signal levels, we'd report them in dBm and do a lot of averaging. But for most operators this is a hobby, not a job :) I would prefer an s-meter which showed dBm or dBu and was fairly accurate. For many, if not most amateurs, +/- 1.5dB would, I think, be more than good enough. Professional style measurements are not really what you would want to do with an amateur communications receiver, but nonetheless the numbers from one rig to the next still ought to be comparable. BTW: To quote the head honcho of our local club: We do professional amateur radio... ;-) Leigh wrote: numbers. dBuV or dBmW is the measure to use. If you are filing interference reports with the FCC and cannot figure out how to convert In some parts of the world and for some budgets I agree, in other cases, all you might have is a s-meter. Then it would be more than just nice to know that the numbers mean actually something, and that you can then say +/- 3dB the following level in dBm can be seen at the antenna jack. Easy math if the s-meter sticks to a standard. Granted with the K3, you can go into menus, and set it up the way you need it. However, this does lead to feel good metering, i.e. useless for the other station, who does not know how you've set your rig up. vy 73 de toby PS: RST should be more than just Raten, Schätzen, Täuschen -- DD5FZ, 4N6FZ (ex dj7mgq, dg5mgq, dd5fz) K2 #885, K2/100 #3248 K3/100 #??? ( #200) DOK C12, BCC, DL-QRP-AG ___ 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: Sherwood Engineering and DSP
Brian Lloyd wrote: The thing is, what he is talking about would be very easy to fix It's a no-brainer (emulating state-of-the-art hardware AGC), and was part of the spec in our case. I just have a hard time believing that any competent engineer would fail to understand this. Competent engineers may understand something, yet still ignore it. Unless they work here :) Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K1-2277] Voltage Check P1 pin 16 voltage is Supply - 0.24V not Supply - 0.3V
Hi Rich, I'm off by 0.06 V Many DMMs show you a digit or more than they can actually measure. 0.06V is 0.45% of 13.2V so I really wouldn't worry about it. The K1 is not a RS ESU EMI test receiver... hi hi vy 73 de toby -- DD5FZ, 4N6FZ (ex dj7mgq, dg5mgq, dd5fz) K2 #885, K2/100 #3248 K3/100 #??? ( #200) DOK C12, BCC, DL-QRP-AG ___ 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: Knives - now Conkers [OT]
At the risk of starting another off-topic thread. Some schools in the UK have now banned conkers because of the 'risk' of injury! Can you believe this! We now have some people saying kids take risks they can't handle when they are older (and hurt or kill themselves), because not taking little risks when young means they can't access the risk properly. I agree with this. A list of some things schools are banning because they are dangerous: Conkers, Ice Slides (in playground) in winter, Snowball fights, climbing frames, climbing trees.. On 6/6/07 23:14, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] sent: When I went to school in England, in the early 1950's, students each had to bring a penknife, to sharpen pencils. (It also helped us make conkers.) -- Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen. --John Steinbeck, novelist, Nobel laureate (1902-1968) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 38, Issue 11
How could you do that to a good old friend ? I'm a mac user! On 7/6/07 09:04, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] sent: http://content.techrepublic.com.com/2346-10878_11-5597.html?tag=nl.e099.dl0606 07 -- Many ideas grow better when transplanted into another mind than in the one where they sprang up. -Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., US Supreme Court Justice (1841-1935) ___ 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 size
Dear All, My K2 is not to hand at the moment and I am looking to order an internal battery on line. Can someone email me off list with the dimensions of the battery, please? I am trying to source one in Europe to reduce the shipping cost and I can't find the size info on the elecraft website. Many thanks Steve M0BPQ ___ 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] 80m CW last night...
Dear all Forgive the bandwidth but I just had to share this. I have been trying to improve my CW over the last few weeks by getting myself onto 80m of an evening and having one or two rag chewing type QSO's. Well last might I was tuning around when I heard a station calling so I replied. It was Bill G4WJM also in the UK. We started chatting and at one point he said he was using 5W and I told him that I was using my IC 706 with 10W. However I then said that I really would like to build an Elecraft rig... possibly a K2. He then came straight back and said I was listening to a K2, he had just finished building it and this was his first QSO! I don't know who was more chuffed, him or me. It really did sound great. Anyway I'm more motivated than ever to get one. 73 Marc G0AZS ___ 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] Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 38, Issue 11
On Thu, 7 Jun 2007, David Ferrington, M0XDF wrote: How could you do that to a good old friend ? I'm a mac user! I apologizeit was not meant to offend Mac users...but it struck me that we need to look at secondary uses of our favored technology. I felt that an IMAC case would have been a better choice, since that product line comes closer to our discussion of color options for the K3. The advantage to the different colors might be that in contests we could have more meaningful exchangescall, rig, color de k3hrn K3 tangerine Sooner or later a cult-like rating systemsome wise person will enter on a Wiki(where anyone can change the information, and thus all of it is suspect) that Elecraft only produced 10 puce K3s .. and the race will be on to discover the 10 puce units. Wayne and Eric will have to ammend the FaQ to indicate that the amplifier module from a puce K3 can in fact be used in the avacado k3. I also envision many serious tests to determine if the puce to puce communications are more effective than plum to orange communications. If differences are discovered, a whole new look at point scoring in contests may evolve. Of course there might be conflictsis your WAC for Worked All Countries, of Worked All Colors ? It's also possible that a cottage industry of custom color modifications will surface. At some point, you will be able to submit a hair sample from your poodle and your K3 will be returned to you with not only an exact color match, but also, for an additional fee, a texturizing, that would allow the memorializition of FiFi in the K3. Now, I need to rework the Elecraft Owners Online Database to allow for the color option, and I suppose a way to note if it was a factory color or after-market. Perhaps the database can be used years from now when a k3 is offered for sale, and it demands a high price because it is one of the very rare Pesto Green K3s. Before purchasing, the potential buyer could lookup the unit by serial number to discover where or not the Pesto Green was manufactured by the Aptos crew. Me? I want the K3naked optionI think it would be very relaxing to watch all the electrons running around inside the case. http://content.techrepublic.com.com/2346-10878_11-5597.html?tag=nl.e099.dl0606 07 Thom,k3hrn,EIEIO Email, Internet, Electronic Information Officer www.baltimorehon.com/Home of the Baltimore Lexicon www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ 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] Sherwood Engineering and DSP
http://www.sherweng.com/documents/Dayton2007w.pdf SM2EKM: Lets hope Elecraft got it right! For the record I've used an Orion for ~4 years and probably made at least 20k QSOs in contests and on the low bands. I also have some local electric fence noise as well as lots of thunderstorm QRN on 160. I've never heard transients similar to his recording *unless* my AGC was set to an abnormally slow setting. If I ever heard anything like that, the first thing I would have checked would have been AGC Decay rate, and also made sure Hang was set to zero. I'm not sure about the other rigs Rob tested but I don't believe this was a real problem in Orion. I personally think you would have to totally screw up the default Med or Fast AGC settings to hear anything similar to his recording using an Orion. I think Ten-Tec got it right also but am happy to hear Elecraft is aware of the issue. 73, Bill W4ZV ___ 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: Battery size
Wow, Super fast response from G4MDP. Thanks for the info. I have now placed my order. Hope to see some of you on the air from the Glastonbury music festival - I wonder if I will be the only ham operating from the site? 150,000 people will be there! 73 Steve Steve Bunting wrote: Dear All, My K2 is not to hand at the moment and I am looking to order an internal battery on line. Can someone email me off list with the dimensions of the battery, please? I am trying to source one in Europe to reduce the shipping cost and I can't find the size info on the elecraft website. Many thanks Steve M0BPQ ___ 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] Re: Battery size
You're taking a K2 to Glastonbury? Wow... I hope it's not muddy. Any special event call? 73 Marc G0AZS On 07/06/07, Steve Bunting [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Wow, Super fast response from G4MDP. Thanks for the info. I have now placed my order. Hope to see some of you on the air from the Glastonbury music festival - I wonder if I will be the only ham operating from the site? 150,000 people will be there! 73 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
Re: [Elecraft] Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 38, Issue 11
No offence taken - I thought it was quite funny too :-) On 7/6/07 11:29, Thom LaCosta [EMAIL PROTECTED] sent: On Thu, 7 Jun 2007, David Ferrington, M0XDF wrote: How could you do that to a good old friend ? I'm a mac user! I apologizeit was not meant to offend Mac users...but it struck me that we need to look at secondary uses of our favored technology. -- Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein. -H. Jackson Brown, Jr., writer ___ 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] Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 38, Issue 11
In a message dated 6/7/07 7:26:38 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein. -H. Jackson Brown, Jr., writer What operating systems did *they* use? 73 de Jim, N2EY ** See what's free at http://www.aol.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] Sherwood report and K3 agc
Really glad to see this discussed here. Sherwood is usually pretty close to the mark on his tests etc, so very happy the E Team on top of and out front on this very impt issue. Best, Dick, K5AND ___ 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] Sherwood report and K3 agc
Hi Dick, I own IC7800, IC781 and K2. I also bought Sherwood cool fan kit for my Ic781. Having said that, I do not entirely agree to Sherwood report nor having the same observation about AGC or pinfalls of modern DSP rigs It is my opinion and may only be applicable to my QTH and operation condition. 73 Johnny Siu VR2XMC From: Dick Hanson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Sherwood report and K3 agc Date: Thu, 7 Jun 2007 06:34:42 -0500 Really glad to see this discussed here. Sherwood is usually pretty close to the mark on his tests etc, so very happy the E Team on top of and out front on this very impt issue. Best, Dick, K5AND _ MSN 人氣搜尋，有齊城中熱門話題 http://www.msn.com.hk/hothits/default.asp ___ 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: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
You guys are awesome! :D Bill / /W5WVO wayne burdick wrote: On Jun 6, 2007, at 10:01 PM, Bill W5WVO wrote: Hi Wayne, In addition to the slope of the function (dB per S-unit), is the scale set point user-configurable? Or is this hard-coded such that S9=50 uV? User settable. Wayne --- 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] Sherwood report and K3 agc
I only had an icom 756 pro and the R4C, TS440, IC735, plus other really old boatanchor receivers, and while I never paid real close attention to the old ones on CW, I know the 756 pro was nasty sounding compared to the K2 on CW. I suspect if my homebrew receivers were set up for CW, they would be better sounding then the K2, but have other serious limitations. Generally speaking, I find all the new stuff sounds quite nasty in many respects, even under good band conditions they are noisy and distorted. All those high gain chips, mixing, processing, low fi audio stages... 1.5 watts out at 10% distortion??? I also know many people think a really poor sounding radio sounds great to them, there are very low expectations from some operators I guess. Even the AM community has a good share of people with low expectations, despite the mode having a fidelity bias. Brett N2DTS Hi Dick, I own IC7800, IC781 and K2. I also bought Sherwood cool fan kit for my Ic781. Having said that, I do not entirely agree to Sherwood report nor having the same observation about AGC or pinfalls of modern DSP rigs It is my opinion and may only be applicable to my QTH and operation condition. 73 Johnny Siu VR2XMC From: Dick Hanson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Sherwood report and K3 agc Date: Thu, 7 Jun 2007 06:34:42 -0500 Really glad to see this discussed here. Sherwood is usually pretty close to the mark on his tests etc, so very happy the E Team on top of and out front on this very impt issue. Best, Dick, K5AND _ MSN 人氣搜尋，有齊城中熱門話題 http://www.msn.com.hk/hothits/default.asp ___ 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] Sherwood report and K3 agc
I think you've hit the nail on the head, Brett. There is a vast difference in the sound of different receivers. I've listened critically to several: IC-735 TT Omni V (0.9 mods, mint) TT Corsair II TT Omni C TT Century 21 TT Century 22 TS-830s (mint condx) TS-930s Drake R-4A (had some issues) Drake 2B (in VG condition) Many (most) of them actually sounded rather nasty. The 2B was very sweet sounding but had issues with the overly aggressive AGC. 830s was pretty good as was the R-4A. The worst of the bunch (Omni V, 930s, 735) just sound bad. Harsh, loud, distorted, spikey - many words describe it but the bottom line is they make me want to QRT before the QSO has ended. And those are all well respected rigs. I can't imagine how bad a run-of-the-mill rig must sound. The K1 and K2 are notable exceptions. These rigs sound pretty good (esp. K1). Smooth, easy on the ears. I can't for the life of me understand how so many people are so happy with these rigs, but they are. Actually, I guess I used to love them too but then I actually took the time to listen. That was probably a mistake on my part since the only rig I'll own now is a K1, K2 or (someday) K3. - Keith - -Original Message- From: Brett gazdzinski I also know many people think a really poor sounding radio sounds great to them, there are very low expectations from some operators I guess. ___ 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] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
You guys are awesome! :D In addition to the slope of the function (dB per S-unit), is the scale set point user-configurable? Or is this hard-coded such that S9=50 uV? User settable. I'm not sure I really like this at all. S-meters are meaningless if they do not adhere to some kind of norm. The IARU Region I published a norm many years ago and, imho, it is a blemish on the face of the face of amateur community that this has not been implemented on a wide scale basis. It is beyond me how regulators can take interference reports based on s-meter values seriously. The s-meter is for many amateurs around the world, the only way they have of selectively measuring low level signals. One can not expect an affordable s-meter to be accurate to a tenth of a dB but plus/minus one or two dBs ought to be possible. vy 73 de toby PS: The IARU Region I recommendation: Page 156 in http://www.iaru-r1.org/VHF_Handbook_V5_11.pdf Page 142 in http://www.iaru-r1.org/HFM%20Handbook%20V6.pdf -- DD5FZ, 4N6FZ (ex dj7mgq, dg5mgq, dd5fz) K2 #885, K2/100 #3248 K3/100 #??? ( #200) DOK C12, BCC, DL-QRP-AG ___ 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] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
The good new Toby is that for folks who are strictly concerned about a norm is that you can calibrate it to whatever norm you wish. I think that's the whole point here. Not everyone is so concerned about an exact norm nor does everyone use their S-meter when giving a signal reportI sure don'tto me it's how I hear the signal on the radio. If I need to make a comparison between two or more signals then I might use the S-meter. So don't fret...and adjust away to suit your needs. 73 Greg AB7R On Thu Jun 7 9:24 , Toby Deinhardt sent: You guys are awesome! :D In addition to the slope of the function (dB per S-unit), is the scale set point user-configurable? Or is this hard-coded such that S9=50 uV? User settable. I'm not sure I really like this at all. S-meters are meaningless if they do not adhere to some kind of norm. The IARU Region I published a norm many years ago and, imho, it is a blemish on the face of the face of amateur community that this has not been implemented on a wide scale basis. It is beyond me how regulators can take interference reports based on s-meter values seriously. The s-meter is for many amateurs around the world, the only way they have of selectively measuring low level signals. One can not expect an affordable s-meter to be accurate to a tenth of a dB but plus/minus one or two dBs ought to be possible. vy 73 de toby PS: The IARU Region I recommendation: Page 156 in http://www.iaru-r1.org/VHF_Handbook_V5_11.pdf Page 142 in http://www.iaru-r1.org/HFM%20Handbook%20V6.pdf -- DD5FZ, 4N6FZ (ex dj7mgq, dg5mgq, dd5fz) K2 #885, K2/100 #3248 K3/100 #??? ( DOK C12, BCC, DL-QRP-AG ___ 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] Sherwood report and K3 agc
Hello, Well, i f we are talking about sweet audio, then I agree that my IC781 and ICR9000L sound much nicer and sweeter than my DSP rigs. DSP rigs do have noticable artifacts. Oh, I must mention that most of comemts made before or in this email are with reference to SSB mode. My K2 is now without KDSP2 though I once installed it. 73 Johnny Siu VR2XMC From: Darwin, Keith [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Sherwood report and K3 agc Date: Thu, 7 Jun 2007 06:24:01 -0700 I think you've hit the nail on the head, Brett. There is a vast difference in the sound of different receivers. I've listened critically to several: IC-735 TT Omni V (0.9 mods, mint) TT Corsair II TT Omni C TT Century 21 TT Century 22 TS-830s (mint condx) TS-930s Drake R-4A (had some issues) Drake 2B (in VG condition) Many (most) of them actually sounded rather nasty. The 2B was very sweet sounding but had issues with the overly aggressive AGC. 830s was pretty good as was the R-4A. The worst of the bunch (Omni V, 930s, 735) just sound bad. Harsh, loud, distorted, spikey - many words describe it but the bottom line is they make me want to QRT before the QSO has ended. And those are all well respected rigs. I can't imagine how bad a run-of-the-mill rig must sound. The K1 and K2 are notable exceptions. These rigs sound pretty good (esp. K1). Smooth, easy on the ears. I can't for the life of me understand how so many people are so happy with these rigs, but they are. Actually, I guess I used to love them too but then I actually took the time to listen. That was probably a mistake on my part since the only rig I'll own now is a K1, K2 or (someday) K3. - Keith - -Original Message- From: Brett gazdzinski I also know many people think a really poor sounding radio sounds great to them, there are very low expectations from some operators I guess. _ MSN Tool Bar 幫你刪除惱人的廣告 ! http://toolbar.msn.com.hk ___ 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: RE: [Elecraft] Sherwood report and K3 agc
I found the FT1000MP to have a softer, more pleasant sound and easier to do long operating times compared to the 756 which was unpleasant after just a few minutes, even tho it seemed to perform better. David G3UNA From: Brett gazdzinski [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 2007/06/07 Thu PM 01:54:43 BST To: 'Elecraft' elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Sherwood report and K3 agc I only had an icom 756 pro and the R4C, TS440, IC735, plus other really old boatanchor receivers, and while I never paid real close attention to the old ones on CW, I know the 756 pro was nasty sounding compared to the K2 on CW. I suspect if my homebrew receivers were set up for CW, they would be better sounding then the K2, but have other serious limitations. Generally speaking, I find all the new stuff sounds quite nasty in many respects, even under good band conditions they are noisy and distorted. All those high gain chips, mixing, processing, low fi audio stages... 1.5 watts out at 10% distortion??? I also know many people think a really poor sounding radio sounds great to them, there are very low expectations from some operators I guess. Even the AM community has a good share of people with low expectations, despite the mode having a fidelity bias. Brett N2DTS Hi Dick, I own IC7800, IC781 and K2. I also bought Sherwood cool fan kit for my Ic781. Having said that, I do not entirely agree to Sherwood report nor having the same observation about AGC or pinfalls of modern DSP rigs It is my opinion and may only be applicable to my QTH and operation condition. 73 Johnny Siu VR2XMC From: Dick Hanson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Sherwood report and K3 agc Date: Thu, 7 Jun 2007 06:34:42 -0500 Really glad to see this discussed here. Sherwood is usually pretty close to the mark on his tests etc, so very happy the E Team on top of and out front on this very impt issue. Best, Dick, K5AND _ MSN ? http://www.msn.com.hk/hothits/default.asp ___ 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 - Email sent from www.virginmedia.com/email Virus-checked using McAfee(R) Software and scanned for spam ___ 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] Sherwood report and K3 agc
Hi If K2 sounds better than most modern rigs, then listen to the soundfiles on http://www.qslnet.de/member/df7tv/nc2030pn.html and compare the sounds of NC2030 and K2, in my opinion the NC2030 is far superior sounding under these conditions, compared to K2, judging from these recordings. 73, Matti -- Marteinn SverrissonTF3MA Langitangi 2Internet: tf3ma [at] raunvis [dot] hi [dot] is 270 Mosfellsbær http://www.raunvis.hi.is/~tf3ma Iceland ___ 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] QSK with K-3 and Linear Amp
It looks like the key out and key jacks on the back of the K3 could support a Ten-Tec type QSK keying loop (key amp, then key radio). Does anyone know if that's the case? Thanks and 73, Joel Joel R. Hallas, W1ZR ___ 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] FAQ updated
Sorry all...this was an error on my part. The carrier offset item WILL be in the initial release. I'll correct the FAQ this evening. 73 Greg AB7R On Thu Jun 7 11:18 , Bill Tippett sent: AB7R: FYIA few new items were added to the K3 FAQ last night. Will the K3 have a menu setting for carrier offset or something equivalent? Shifting the IF in relation to the crystal filter during TX mode in order to optimize the operator's voice will be in a ***future firmware release, but not for the initial shipment.*** Hmmm...I'll bet that means the firmware is now frozen for the ~20 units being shipped to beta testers. Hope this means July still looks good for first production units! Back to work guys. 73, Bill W4ZV ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: QSK with K-3 and Linear Amp
Hi Joel, We have enough flexibility to handle just about any amp keying requirement. Small matter of programming (translation: it may or may not be in the first release, but if there's a need for it, chances are it'll be in a subsequent release). 73, Wayne N6KR On Jun 7, 2007, at 8:55 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: It looks like the key out and key jacks on the back of the K3 could support a Ten-Tec type QSK keying loop (key amp, then key radio). Does anyone know if that's the case? Thanks and 73, Joel Joel R. Hallas, W1ZR ___ 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 --- 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] Sherwood report and K3 agc
I do a fair bit of digital recording. Ticks and pops are usually a sign that the DSP engine is not processing samples fast enough, usually because of latency in the operating system. I would expect this to be a less-likely problem with dedicated DSP where the designer knows ahead of time how he/she wants to spend the CPU cycles to ensure that the CPU is never saturated. I do not for a moment believe that this is a problem inherent in the use of DSP in the IF/ demod stages. 73 de Brian, WB6RQN Brian Lloyd - brian HYPHEN wb6rqn AT lloyd DOT 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] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
On Jun 7, 2007, at 6:24 AM, Toby Deinhardt wrote: It is beyond me how regulators can take interference reports based on s-meter values seriously. The s-meter is for many amateurs around the world, the only way they have of selectively measuring low level signals. One can not expect an affordable s-meter to be accurate to a tenth of a dB but plus/minus one or two dBs ought to be possible. I agree 100%. I like the idea that by referencing a fixed standard, i.e. S9 = 50uV into 50ohms, and then with a fixed slope after that, i.e. 6dB/S-unit, I can get an actual calculation of path loss by knowing the rest of the kit, e.g. line loss, antenna gain, transmit power, etc. That is really useful! Randomly changing S-meter behavior because it looks good or sounds good seems pretty darned counter-productive to me. As a minimum, if someone makes a 10dB change in their signal, I should see a 10dB change on my meter. I just roll my eyes when someone kicks on their amplifier and I see a 3 S-unit change. Oh please! So this gets back to a discussion of user interface. Microsoft has convinced us that being able to change things is somehow useful and desirable when, in fact, all it really does is cause confusion and support problems. Almost nothing is more frustrating than finding that the person you are trying to help has customized their system beyond recognition and nothing you tell them is really going to help them get it to work. Sorry Wayne, but being able to change the S-meter slope and intercept strikes me as being a bad option. To me that is like changing the calibration of a voltmeter or wattmeter because you like the needle pointer to move differently. 73 de Brian, WB6RQN Brian Lloyd - brian HYPHEN wb6rqn AT lloyd DOT 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: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
Brian Lloyd wrote: being able to change the S-meter slope and intercept strikes me as being a bad option. To me that is like changing the calibration of a voltmeter or wattmeter because you like the needle pointer to move differently. I'd agree with you if there were a single world-wide standard for S-9, and no need to compensate for slight differences in receive gain from one unit to the next. But reality is that S-meters usually require both scale and offset calibration. This is also more flexible. As I mentioned earlier, I set my S-meters up for 4 dB per S-unit. Here's why: I like a greater degree of sensitivity in the S-meter so I can see the effects of things like preamp on/off, filter changes, notch, NR, etc. It also makes band-pass filters easier to tweak when there isn't a scope or AF voltmeter handy, and you can more readily see the effect of an improved antenna during A/B testing. If hams wanted to be precise in assessing signal levels, we'd report them in dBm and do a lot of averaging. But for most operators this is a hobby, not a job :) 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
I wholly and completely disagree. 1. S Meter standardization is a failed effort. S meters are marketing numbers. dBuV or dBmW is the measure to use. If you are filing interference reports with the FCC and cannot figure out how to convert your signal strength readings to dB relative units, you need to make better measurements. 2. If Elecraft chooses to allow end-users to calibrate and set their S Meter readings to have a known intercept (50uV at S9) and slope (4dB, 6dB, 3dB), so much the better, as it helps number one. 3. And, although I would not hold MSFT responsible for pushing forward UI design, I certainly don't think they offer the best options in terms of user configurability! Leigh/WA5ZNU On Thu, 7 Jun 2007 9:36 am, Brian Lloyd wrote: On Jun 7, 2007, at 6:24 AM, Toby Deinhardt wrote: It is beyond me how regulators can take interference reports based on s-meter values seriously. The s-meter is for many amateurs around the world, the only way they have of selectively measuring low level signals. One can not expect an affordable s-meter to be accurate to a tenth of a dB but plus/minus one or two dBs ought to be possible. I agree 100%. I like the idea that by referencing a fixed standard, i.e. S9 = 50uV into 50ohms, and then with a fixed slope after that, i.e. 6dB/S-unit, I can get an actual calculation of path loss by knowing the rest of the kit, e.g. line loss, antenna gain, transmit power, etc. That is really useful! Randomly changing S-meter behavior because it looks good or sounds good seems pretty darned counter-productive to me. As a minimum, if someone makes a 10dB change in their signal, I should see a 10dB change on my meter. I just roll my eyes when someone kicks on their amplifier and I see a 3 S-unit change. Oh please! So this gets back to a discussion of user interface. Microsoft has convinced us that being able to change things is somehow useful and desirable when, in fact, all it really does is cause confusion and support problems. Almost nothing is more frustrating than finding that the person you are trying to help has customized their system beyond recognition and nothing you tell them is really going to help them get it to work. Sorry Wayne, but being able to change the S-meter slope and intercept strikes me as being a bad option. To me that is like changing the calibration of a voltmeter or wattmeter because you like the needle pointer to move differently. 73 de Brian, WB6RQN Brian Lloyd - brian HYPHEN wb6rqn AT lloyd DOT 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/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
On Jun 7, 2007, at 9:50 AM, wayne burdick wrote: Brian Lloyd wrote: being able to change the S-meter slope and intercept strikes me as being a bad option. To me that is like changing the calibration of a voltmeter or wattmeter because you like the needle pointer to move differently. I'd agree with you if there were a single world-wide standard for S-9, and no need to compensate for slight differences in receive gain from one unit to the next. But reality is that S-meters usually require both scale and offset calibration. Yes, they do. But they can be calibrated to a standard regardless of the gain of the radio. This is also more flexible. As I mentioned earlier, I set my S- meters up for 4 dB per S-unit. Here's why: I like a greater degree of sensitivity in the S-meter so I can see the effects of things like preamp on/off, filter changes, notch, NR, etc. It also makes band-pass filters easier to tweak when there isn't a scope or AF voltmeter handy, and you can more readily see the effect of an improved antenna during A/B testing. What you are doing is changing the calibration instead of changing the *resolution*. What you really want to do is to be able to resolve smaller changes easily. So blow up the scale. Add calibration points for half S-units. That would give you 3dB points on the meter. That is even better than your 4dB resolution! If hams wanted to be precise in assessing signal levels, we'd report them in dBm and do a lot of averaging. I agree. I would prefer to have a meter calibrated in dBm but we have used S-units for so long that it is part of the fabric. Heck, we still use the English Standard system of measurements in the US. I have to switch back and forth between metric and ES all the time. And sometimes it is convenient to measure resistance in ohms or conductance in mohs even though we know they are really the same thing. But for most operators this is a hobby, not a job :) It is a technical hobby. We measure voltage, resistance, current, and power to very accurate levels. Why should we therefore say that accurately measuring receive signal level is unimportant? You yourself say that you use the S-meter to: ...see the effects of things like preamp on/off, filter changes, notch, NR, etc. It also makes band-pass filters easier to tweak when there isn't a scope or AF voltmeter handy, and you can more readily see the effect of an improved antenna during A/B testing. Clearly you are using it as an instrument of measurement. Why not have it conform to a standard so that the readings are useful rather than just randomly relative? I think this gets back to my comment about resolution. If you are using a quantized bar-graph display it is easier to change the calibration than to change the resolution. OTOH, three digits would be nice or even an analog meter. (I actually still prefer analog meters for a lot of things, especially doing calibrations involving tweaking things.) Never mind. 73 de Brian, WB6RQN Brian Lloyd - brian HYPHEN wb6rqn AT lloyd DOT 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] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
On Jun 7, 2007, at 10:12 AM, Darwin, Keith wrote: I disagree with this. If S-meter cal was indeed a standard, that's one thing but the reality of S-meters is that they are all over the map. If I calibrate my rig and know how many dB per s-unit than I'm far ahead of my peers who only *think* they know. If I have 4 dB per unit I expect to see a 2.5 unit jump when the other guy kicks on the linear. I find it interesting that people say they disagree with me and then go on to agree with me. The points I am making are: 1. Most radios have S-meters that don't tell you anything useful other than, the signal is bigger or smaller. Why bother with the meter if your ear can do just as well and probably more accurately? 2. Just because everyone else has crap for a meter doesn't mean you should too. 3. Having a meter that accurately tells you the received signal strength, one that can be accurately turned into relative dB changes or, better still, changes relative to 0dBm, is a very good thing. 4. Being able to sit down at a random radio, look at its meter, and know what it is telling you without having to get a lesson from its owner would be really nice. The only question is what the calibration should be. If the FCC didn't put it on the test and if there weren't a european standard, I would say hey, knock yourself out; do what makes you happy so long as it is consistent. But we do actually have a standard and we do (finally) have a radio that can perform accurate measurement to that standard. Why throw that away? Sorry, I have carried on too long about this. When I get my K3 I can set its meter to give me real measurements in S-units. If you use my radio you will know that what you had to learn for your FCC exam is actually reflected in the behavior of the meter in my radio. Oh, and I want a meter with resolution that corresponds to the accuracy of the measurement. ;-) Uh, and can I have it for $59 too? :-) 73 de Brian, WB6RQN Brian Lloyd - brian HYPHEN wb6rqn AT lloyd DOT 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: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
I think this gets back to my comment about resolution. If you are using a quantized bar-graph display it is easier to change the calibration than to change the resolution. OTOH, three digits would be nice or even an analog meter. (I actually still prefer analog meters for a lot of things, especially doing calibrations involving tweaking things.) I just added a task to my future-K3-firmware list: allow the VFO B display to optionally show signal level in dBm. Three digits. Just for you, Brian :) 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] S meters and audio quality
Here is (was) my take on S meters: http://www.ac6rm.net/mailarchive/html/elecraft-list/2007-05/msg01072.html Next. I think that an adjustable sensitivity for the S meter (how many db/S) is great for my purposes. Frankly, I don't care if the guy I'm working is S1 or 20 over, just so long as I can hear him. However, when I am doing things that require a RELATIVE scale (testing antennas, aligning things, etc), all I care about is is condition 2 better or worse than condition 1? One of the YUCK things about a bar graph S meter is that you can't see tiny increments (at least I can't). If I can twiddle the db/S unit, then I suspect that I'll be able to observe TINY changes, more like what I might be able to see on an analog meter (mechanical). So I think this sounds GREAT to me. Hope it goes does down to 1db per S unit! I do have an 82db step attenuator, so I'm all set. Audio: I think a classic case is the TR7. For the time, a great front end right out of the box. But OMG, what an aweful audio amp!! It was wonderful to hear tiny signals when surrounded by other BIG signals (especially at M/M...we had 10 TR7's), but wow, did one get a headache from all that GARBAGE audio (I can't even call it bad quality because it still has the word quality). How many big dollars when into good design (for the time) only to send it out through a 99 cent AF amp. UGH... Hope things are in order with the K3 de Doug KR2Q ___ 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] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
I just added a task to my future-K3-firmware list: allow the VFO B display to optionally show signal level in dBm. Three digits. Just for you, Brian :) One can not help but love these guys. ___ 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] Re: Battery size
Also looking for a K2 battery in the Uk, could you please pass on any info received? tia Barry. G0MPA ___ 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] KX1 LED display
My display is almost impossible to see outdoors. Can I do anything to make the digits more visible outdoors during the day? al ve3gam ___ 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] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
-- Original message -- From: Toby Deinhardt [EMAIL PROTECTED] User settable. I'm not sure I really like this at all. S-meters are meaningless if they do not adhere to some kind of norm. I tend to agree. If someone doesn't want to use or place any importance on a particular S-meter reading that's fine - I tend to be that way as well. But the fact that it's a meter suggests - as does its intended purpose - that it represents some type of standard of measurement. Therefore IMO it's worth having your meter adhere to that, whether or not you choose to pay any attention to it. Why call it a cup if in fact it's a tablespoon? On this reflector, I'm surprised no one has mentioned the XG1 and XG2 kits that can be used to easily calibrate an S-meter *to* a known standard. I used the XG2 first to become acquainted with Elecraft kit building (now I can't get enough!), and then to check the meter on my FT-857D (which needs a slight adjustment as it's reading a tad high at 50uV). -- 73, Mike, KC0KBC Yaesu FT-857D, FT-8800R, VX-7RB Elecraft KX1 #1819 (in work), XG2 ___ 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: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
Wayne, Could you also add a 3 digit display for BARS, as in how many bars am I hitting you with?. -- Elecraft] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux) Sender: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I think this gets back to my comment about resolution. If you are using a quantized bar-graph display it is easier to change the calibration than to change the resolution. OTOH, three digits would be nice or even an analog meter. (I actually still prefer analog meters for a lot of things, especially doing calibrations involving tweaking things.) I just added a task to my future-K3-firmware list: allow the VFO B display to optionally show signal level in dBm. Three digits. Just for you, Brian :) 73, Wayne N6KR ___ 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] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
Hi Mike, On this reflector, I'm surprised no one has mentioned the XG1 and XG2 kits that can be used to easily calibrate an S-meter *to* a known standard. I used the XG2 first to become acquainted with Elecraft kit building (now I can't get enough!), and then to check the meter on my FT-857D (which needs a slight adjustment as it's reading a tad high at 50uV). Many rigs use the AGC voltage for the s-meter, which means often, especially below S9, the curve is anything but 6dB per S-meter-unit. So even if your rig does S9 correctly, the chances are that S5 will be wildly wrong. But you are right, better a correct indication of S9 than nothing. And the XG1 is a nice tool for this, especially if you can verify the signal level which it is producing. vy 73 de toby -- DD5FZ, 4N6FZ (ex dj7mgq, dg5mgq, dd5fz) K2 #885, K2/100 #3248 K3/100 #??? ( #200) DOK C12, BCC, DL-QRP-AG ___ 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] Re: Tardy Dayton Comments
At least half a dozen people took careful note of your call when viewing the enclosures at SeaPac too. Primary interest was in the WM1 installed in one. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of wayne burdick Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2007 9:30 PM To: Dave Van Wallaghen Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Re: Tardy Dayton Comments Hi Dave, Your attractive enclosures got a lot of attention, too! Thanks for your help at Dayton-- Wayne On Jun 6, 2007, at 9:20 PM, Dave Van Wallaghen wrote: My apologies for being so tardy with my comments, but I went on vacation after Dayton (without email access) and then it took a week for me to get everything back to normal around here when I got home ;-) --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
Mike wrote: I tend to agree. If someone doesn't want to use or place any importance on a particular S-meter reading that's fine - I tend to be that way as well. But the fact that it's a meter suggests - as does its intended purpose - that it represents some type of standard of measurement. Therefore IMO it's worth having your meter adhere to that, whether or not you choose to pay any attention to it. Why call it a cup if in fact it's a tablespoon? The S-meter has always been conceived to represent signal strength in terms of dB relative to a fixed intercept (nominally, in many quarters, 50 uV = S9). When you are measuring dB, you are measuring a ratio of two voltages, not an absolute quantity of voltage (though that can of course be derived from calibration data). Changing the slope and intercept of the S-meter is no different than changing the scaling factors on an old analog VTVM. The face might look different after you do it, the needle might react differently, but it still reads the same quantities if you know the calibration of the thing. From that perspective, it doesn't really matter HOW the S-meter is calibrated, as long as it IS calibrated. Given the almost complete absence of any kind of accepted standard, I think Wayne made exactly the right call in making the S-meter user-programmable. We now have the opportunity, given this new feature, to experiment and see what really works best, and make a LOGICAL case for establishing that as a standard. Bill / W5WVO ___ 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] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
...seems the on-air rag-chew talk these days is more and more about fine settings and precision...comments to others that they, 'are 27 Hz off frequency' and the like. That was a non-issue before a couple more decimal places were added to the right and scopes were built in. Will we now be faced with windy discussions when giving a station a signal report about, 'how my s-meter is calibrated?' Amateur radio is a technical hobby. Yet some would like to talk about things other than issues that are way to the right of the decimal point. With no attempt towards a standard, the s-meter report one receives degrades further in relevance. If one sets their own radio's s-meter in a way that suits them for use as an instrument for other than signal reports, is it appropriate to use that to report signal strength to the rest of the ham community? Specialization is fine...to a point. At some point it becomes it becomes an exclusive nitch. Are we hearing more and more QSOs where if a person can't talk about a particular brand/model of radio or feature of function of a radio, they won't be included in the QSO? Some can find nothing to QSO about other than radio and precision. Never mind accuracy and as another said, 'consistency.' Overall, 'fraternity' (for lack of a better term) breaks down and insider cliques grow. How many enthusiasts does it take to dance in a chorus line to the right of a decimal point? (Fill in the blank with any particular specialty you care to.) Okay...resume target practice. Regards, Dick - KA5KKT/4 ___ 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] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
Kn6bi Signal Report Rules: Ya don't need no stinking S meter.. If the station is copy-able, with ease; He's S9 If he's copy-able with some trouble; He's S5 If he's not very copy-able and DX and you need a card; He's S9 If he's not very copy-able and doesn't qualify for the above; He's S3 If he's loud and has a good fist; He's 20/S9 Same as above with a bad fist; He's S9 If you know he's got a stack of mono-banders and is running 10KW and you like the guy or need a card.. He's 20/S9 If you know he's got a stack of mono-banders and is running 10KW and you DON 'T like the guy or DON'T need a card.. He's S9 (Tell him he used to have a great sig on 20.. did he make antenna changes? He needs a K3, his finals must be flat, call Eimac, what-ever..) pete kn6bi -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Brian Lloyd Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2007 10:31 AM To: [Elecraft] Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux) On Jun 7, 2007, at 10:12 AM, Darwin, Keith wrote: I disagree with this. If S-meter cal was indeed a standard, that's one thing but the reality of S-meters is that they are all over the map. If I calibrate my rig and know how many dB per s-unit than I'm far ahead of my peers who only *think* they know. If I have 4 dB per unit I expect to see a 2.5 unit jump when the other guy kicks on the linear. I find it interesting that people say they disagree with me and then go on to agree with me. The points I am making are: 1. Most radios have S-meters that don't tell you anything useful other than, the signal is bigger or smaller. Why bother with the meter if your ear can do just as well and probably more accurately? 2. Just because everyone else has crap for a meter doesn't mean you should too. 3. Having a meter that accurately tells you the received signal strength, one that can be accurately turned into relative dB changes or, better still, changes relative to 0dBm, is a very good thing. 4. Being able to sit down at a random radio, look at its meter, and know what it is telling you without having to get a lesson from its owner would be really nice. The only question is what the calibration should be. If the FCC didn't put it on the test and if there weren't a european standard, I would say hey, knock yourself out; do what makes you happy so long as it is consistent. But we do actually have a standard and we do (finally) have a radio that can perform accurate measurement to that standard. Why throw that away? Sorry, I have carried on too long about this. When I get my K3 I can set its meter to give me real measurements in S-units. If you use my radio you will know that what you had to learn for your FCC exam is actually reflected in the behavior of the meter in my radio. Oh, and I want a meter with resolution that corresponds to the accuracy of the measurement. ;-) Uh, and can I have it for $59 too? :-) 73 de Brian, WB6RQN Brian Lloyd - brian HYPHEN wb6rqn AT lloyd DOT com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
Hallo Bill, user-programmable. We now have the opportunity, given this new feature, to experiment and see what really works best, and make a LOGICAL case for establishing that as a standard. 6dB makes a lot of sense to me: 1 S-unit = 6db = factor 2 in voltage. This is the Region 1 recommendation: -- IARU Region 1 Technical Recommendation R.1 BRIGHTON 1981, TORREMOLINOS 1990 STANDARDISATION OF S-METER READINGS 1. One S-unit corresponds to a signal level difference of 6 dB, 2. On the bands below 30 MHz a meter deviation of S-9 corresponds to an available power of -73 dBm from a continuous wave signal generator connected to the receiver input terminals, 3. On the bands above 30 MHz this available power shall be -93 dBm, 4. The metering system shall be based on quasi-peak detection with an attack time of 10 msec ∀ 2 msec and a decay time constant of at least 500 msec. -- But *MUCH, MUCH* better is Wayne's plan to display dBm. I do wonder what timing Wayne will use. vy 73 de toby -- DD5FZ, 4N6FZ (ex dj7mgq, dg5mgq, dd5fz) K2 #885, K2/100 #3248 K3/100 #??? ( #200) DOK C12, BCC, DL-QRP-AG ___ 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] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
Very good. I'm sure that, in order to facilitate better understanding, all contesters are careful to give accurate S-meter reports in every exchange too.;-) Honest signal reports have been an issue since I opened my first copy of How to Become a Radio Amateur. Personally, I think the commercial operators got it right by adopting the QSA reporting system: QSA 1 = scarcely perceptible QSA 2 = weak QSA 3 = fairly good QSA 4 = good QSA 5 = very good Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Kn6bi Signal Report Rules: Ya don't need no stinking S meter.. If the station is copy-able, with ease; He's S9 If he's copy-able with some trouble; He's S5 If he's not very copy-able and DX and you need a card; He's S9 If he's not very copy-able and doesn't qualify for the above; He's S3 If he's loud and has a good fist; He's 20/S9 Same as above with a bad fist; He's S9 If you know he's got a stack of mono-banders and is running 10KW and you like the guy or need a card.. He's 20/S9 If you know he's got a stack of mono-banders and is running 10KW and you DON 'T like the guy or DON'T need a card.. He's S9 (Tell him he used to have a great sig on 20.. did he make antenna changes? He needs a K3, his finals must be flat, call Eimac, what-ever..) pete kn6bi ___ 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] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
On Jun 7, 2007, at 12:09 PM, Toby Deinhardt wrote: 4. The metering system shall be based on quasi-peak detection with an attack time of 10 msec ∀ 2 msec and a decay time constant of at least 500 msec. Hmm, peak rather than RMS voltage? If you are averaging then it needs to be something like RMS so that noise energy is properly accounted for. Peak works for an SSB signal but not so good for general measurement. I guess we need to ask Wayne for a peak/RMS switch. -- But *MUCH, MUCH* better is Wayne's plan to display dBm. Yes. I do wonder what timing Wayne will use. And don't forget attack/decay time for the peak-reading meter and integration time for the RMS meter function. :-) Oh dear, this could get SO out-of-hand. Sorry. 73 de Brian, WB6RQN Brian Lloyd - brian HYPHEN wb6rqn AT lloyd DOT 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] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
I do wonder what timing Wayne will use. And don't forget attack/decay time for the peak-reading meter and integration time for the RMS meter function. :-) You could of course read a stream of values into a computer via the RS-232 port and then do all kinds of stuff with da data. ((( Oh dear, I mentioned something new ))) Oh dear, this could get SO out-of-hand. Sorry. Yep. We should stop while we are ahead... hi hi Let's declare an eot before Eric has to. vy 73 de toby -- DD5FZ, 4N6FZ (ex dj7mgq, dg5mgq, dd5fz) K2 #885, K2/100 #3248 K3/100 #??? ( #200) DOK C12, BCC, DL-QRP-AG ___ 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] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
On Thu, 7 Jun 2007, Edward Dickinson III wrote: Will we now be faced with windy discussions when giving a station a signal report about, 'how my s-meter is calibrated?' Well, the true tinkerer in quest of gnats eye calibration would simply calibrate his/her S meter with an accurate external signal generator. Then, instead of telling someone they are S7, the person could actually give them a DB report. Sounds silly? I remember so much spectrum and time be wasted on 75 meters with folks arguing about S meter readings. Of course we could simply query a station who gives us an S7, and ask how their S Meter is calibrated. This is all too technical for me...I'm still trying to determine how many angels can dance upon a K3 power connector. Thom,EIEIO Email, Internet, Electronic Information Officer k3hrn www.baltimorehon.com/Home of the Baltimore Lexicon www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ 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] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
On Thu, 7 Jun 2007, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: Honest signal reports have been an issue since I opened my first copy of How to Become a Radio Amateur. Personally, I think the commercial operators got it right by adopting the QSA reporting system: But the commercial operators had a primary concern of communicating information, rather than being technical wizards. Sigh, I know I'm out of step...I'd rather learn about the person on the other end of QSO instead of how many dbs I am presenting to the internal measuring point of his/her receiver. Thom,EIEIO Email, Internet, Electronic Information Officer k3hrn www.baltimorehon.com/Home of the Baltimore Lexicon www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ 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] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
When someone wants to tell me of their rig, their fancy antenna, and the Oh wow linear amp I tell them that's fine and dandy and proceed to ask them about their weather :) I heard an IK op running stations the other evening on 20 meters. His message mentioned name, QTH, RST, and weather report. What he wanted in return was the weather report from each op he worked. It stymied some of them who were big into the 599 thing but they finally figured out he really did wish to know something other than the standard QSO material. I'd rather know the weather than the details of someone's rig too. If I can hear them I assume their antenna is still up and their rig is not yet smoking! I thought the idea of communication was to create a dialog between two people. I don't really care if you're running 50 Terawatts or 100 milliwatts; I want to hear about you, your family, your cat (or pheasant), and, yes, your weather :) 73, Kevin. KD5ONS -Original Message- From: Thom LaCosta [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Jun 7, 2007 1:18 PM To: Ron D'Eau Claire [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: '[Elecraft] Reflector' elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux) On Thu, 7 Jun 2007, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: Honest signal reports have been an issue since I opened my first copy of How to Become a Radio Amateur. Personally, I think the commercial operators got it right by adopting the QSA reporting system: But the commercial operators had a primary concern of communicating information, rather than being technical wizards. Sigh, I know I'm out of step...I'd rather learn about the person on the other end of QSO instead of how many dbs I am presenting to the internal measuring point of his/her receiver. Thom,EIEIO Email, Internet, Electronic Information Officer k3hrn www.baltimorehon.com/Home of the Baltimore Lexicon www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ 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] KX1 LED display
Al, Not a lot you can do other than to devise some sort of shade to keep the direct sunlight off the LED. If it is not a frequent requirement, shading it with your palm long enough to see the frequency may be enough. Of course working in the shade is always more comfortable - at least at my latitude. 73, Don W3FPR VE3GAM Al McRorie wrote: My display is almost impossible to see outdoors. Can I do anything to make the digits more visible outdoors during the day? ___ 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 Facilitating Thermistor Calibration
I'm getting close to the point at which I populate the thermistor board and I came across an article saying that the quarter watt resistor was deliberately not an eighth watt in order to make it easier to change it to calibrate the board. Has anyone devised good ways of making it easy to adjust, e.g. by using a variable, or using a header, so the through hole joints don't have to be remade? Is there enough clearance to do something like this. (As an aside, it would have been nice to have done the correction in firmware, so that you linearise the calibration curve, but I guess that would have needed another microcontroller hanging off the AuxBus.) -- David Woolley Emails are not formal business letters, whatever businesses may want. RFC1855 says there should be an address here, but, in a world of spam, that is no longer good advice, as archive address hiding may not work. ___ 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] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
I'm amazed by this thread. Most S meters are pretty much AGC voltmeters. They register practically nothing until the signal is more or less readability 9 and then whizz up to S9 or so after which they may approximate to the +10, +20db calibration. Whatever the K3 has will be streets ahead of any other radio, allowing the user to set it up to suit their own personal foibles / preferences. But who cares about S meters? I run QRP. Nearly every report I get is 599. Most of the people I work are not running QRP so I'm not about to offend them by giving a lower report than I got. Besides, while he's sending his first over I'm entering his details into the log and never even think to look at the meter before it's my turn to reply. -- Julian, G4ILO G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com K2 s/n: 392 K3 s/n: ??? ___ 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: KX1 LED display
Al, Make sure you have the LED brightness set to maximum (6). Also note that the KX1 can be operated entirely without the display. It has a full CW audio interface, with programmable code speed. All controls and menu entries can be used in this fashion. See the CFB menu entry in the manual. 73 Wayne N6K VE3GAM Al McRorie wrote: My display is almost impossible to see outdoors. Can I do anything to make the digits more visible outdoors during the day? ___ --- 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] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
On Thu, 7 Jun 2007, Julian G4ILO wrote: But who cares about S meters? I run QRP. Well, with a fully adjustable S-Meter...you could simply ask the other station what S-Meter report he would like. Thom,EIEIO Email, Internet, Electronic Information Officer www.baltimorehon.com/Home of the Baltimore Lexicon www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ 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] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
QSM? de W6JD -- Original message -- From: Thom LaCosta [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Thu, 7 Jun 2007, Julian G4ILO wrote: But who cares about S meters? I run QRP. Well, with a fully adjustable S-Meter...you could simply ask the other station what S-Meter report he would like. Thom,EIEIO Email, Internet, Electronic Information Officer www.baltimorehon.com/ Home of the Baltimore Lexicon www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ 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] RST or S - meter readings?
Do people really use a meter to give signal reports to people? I thought RST was to be honest reportage. Kevin. KD5ONS -Original Message- From: Thom LaCosta [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Jun 7, 2007 2:39 PM To: Julian G4ILO [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux) On Thu, 7 Jun 2007, Julian G4ILO wrote: But who cares about S meters? I run QRP. Well, with a fully adjustable S-Meter...you could simply ask the other station what S-Meter report he would like. Thom,EIEIO Email, Internet, Electronic Information Officer www.baltimorehon.com/Home of the Baltimore Lexicon www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ 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] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
I sometimes wonder why we have S-Meters. They've never been a scientific instrument to determine signal strengthat least not the ones I've seen. I think that S-Meters are a marketing toojust try to sell a radio without one. Hard to do. However S-Meters are calibratedI like to compare signals on the bands...so when I have a QSO...I can tell the person he is so and so loud in comparison to other signals on the band. S-Meters (to me) are relative to the band conditions. Lee - K0WA In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply. If you don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it. If you can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense. Is Common Sense divine? ___ 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] RST or S - meter readings?
On Thu, 7 Jun 2007, Kevin Rock wrote: Do people really use a meter to give signal reports to people? I thought RST was to be honest reportage. Well, all we need do is observe signal reports in contests and the quaint notion of RST being an honest report is nullified. I rememeber years ago, at least a 1000, being on 75 meters AM and giving folks S meter reportsuntil some real ole timer(he had to look like the folks in the Jeeves cartoons in QST asked us where we were measuring the S units...and how. It suddendly dawned on me that: A. I didn't know B. I had no interest in learning how it was done But, I guess if the meter is there...you are tempted to use it. Now folks with insensitive meters had scotch s-meters...but we can't say that now, since it ain't PC. I'd really like to have a magic-eye tube instead of an S-meter...they are so interesting...and for output power a neon bulb at least 6 inches longthey are really interesting as you adjust your antenna and the SWR changes. Thom,EIEIO Email, Internet, Electronic Information Officer k3hrn www.baltimorehon.com/Home of the Baltimore Lexicon www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ 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] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)
___ 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] RST or S - meter readings?
Kevin Rock wrote: Do people really use a meter to give signal reports to people? I thought RST was to be honest reportage. Kevin. KD5ONS It's context dependent, Kevin. If it's a DXpedition or a contest, everyone is 5NN. If it's a QRP contest or QSO, everyone is 56N. If you get a report from me, be aware ... I made it up. Best way to tell your real report at my QTH is to watch and see if I answer your questions. Can't tell you the last time I heard a CW signal that wasn't xxN although chirp is a bit more common. The whole system is an anachronism, but old habits die hard. We call it CW and mean communications using the International Morse Code when CW means continuous waves. But then, Sam Morse didn't exactly invent the code which carries his name either. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2007 CQP Oct 6-7 - www.cqp.org ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Just what isn't user definable?
I just added a task to my future-K3-firmware list: allow the VFO B display to optionally show signal level in dBm. Three digits. Just for you, Brian :) 73, Wayne N6KR In addition to the slope of the function (dB per S-unit), is the scale set point user-configurable? Or is this hard-coded such that S9=50 uV? User settable. ...Wayne OK, I overheard this at Dayton. As with everything on the K3, all things are definable. Is it true that one can change the size of the cabinet, in both English and Metric? Tom K8TB K3 Sn xxx ___ 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] Just what isn't user definable?
On Thu, 7 Jun 2007, K8TB wrote: Is it true that one can change the size of the cabinet, in both English and Metric? That option is a subset of the color change settings. Be aware that the K3 senses the technical prowess of the user, so some menu options may be hidden from Appliance Operators like myself. Thankfully Elecraft did not take the suggestion of either an interactive user skill qualifier or license class detector. Thom,EIEIO Email, Internet, Electronic Information Officer k3hrn www.baltimorehon.com/Home of the Baltimore Lexicon www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ 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] Life and Elecraft
I find it makes my life simpler if I think of Elecraft as the Chocolate Factory and Wayne as Willie Wonka :) (Stuck at work, deep in a recalcitrant ISR, hoping to map a timing issue.) Kevin. KD5ONS P.S. Not the movie, the book! KJR ___ 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] RST or S - meter readings?
We call it CW and mean communications using the International Morse Code when CW means continuous waves. Communications using Morse code by keyed continuous waves in contrast to communications using Morse code by keyed damped waves, which was the type of signal emitted by those old spark and arc transmitters of yesteryear, until alternators and vacuum tube oscillators were available to emit continuous waves during key-down. CW vs. DW! I wish that there were allowances for damped wave transmissions by amateurs somewhere above 1500 meters for one night each year. Dust off that crystal set. 73, Mike / KK5F ___ 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] Signal Stength Monitoring (WAS: K3: S-meter calibration (redux))
From time to time a buddy will enlist my help in doing some signal strength monitoring. That can be a useful exercise when working with stable signals to compare various antennas at least over the path between that station and mine. When I do that I turn off the S-meter because I turn the AGC off. I put a step attenuator in the antenna line and select some nominal amount of attenuation - say -20 dB. Then I connect my DMM or a 'scope to read the AC voltage at the speaker jack and note the audio his signal produces. That can be a tone transmitted by him SSB or, best, the beat not produced from his CW carrier. He makes a change and I adjust the step attenuator to regain the *same* voltage at the audio output. The attenuator shows me the dB change directly. I've considered building an appropriate audio voltmeter into a homebrew receiver but the need doesn't come up often enough to justify it. I have built step attenuators into my receivers at the antenna jack that I use for a RF gain control. I've often used 6 dB, since that is about the smallest definite change in gain one notices in normal operation with typical QSB, etc. A rotary switch attenuator is handy for that; just turn the knob. I used two separate -40 dB attenuators cascaded with it, each with a simple toggle switch, for a total of about 116 dB attenuator. Of course, it's necessary to pay attention to isolating the inputs from the outputs for the attenuation to be accurate, especially on the higher frequencies. With a rotary switch, that starts to get difficult above 40 dB, so I limit the range to that value and add to well-isolated single stage -40 dB attenuators in series with it. That attenuator at the antenna input become the main receiver gain control. Like days of old, the audio gain is adjusted to the level just below that at which the internal noise is audible, then the RF Gain - the attenuator - controls the loudness of signals heard. That makes for a lazy operator. If I notice that I have to switch in, say, another 6 dB of attenuation as the other station's signal builds up during a QSO, I can observe UR SIG UP AN S UNIT HR OM... during the next xmission. I suppose I could calibrate the attenuator in S-Units. That's definitely not a new idea. A popular regenerative receiver from the 1930's featured direct signal strength readout. They calibrated the volume control! As the control was turned, the pointer passed 9 down near minimum gain and worked through 8, 7, 6...to 1 at maximum gain. One tuned in a signal, set the gain for comfortable listening, and then read the S report directly from the pointer on the gain control knob! 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] WA3WSJ's Blue Moon Hike Saturday.
Hello all, Since I had to cut short my earlier Blue Moon QRP Hike, I'll give it a go again this Saturday. I plan to hike into the pond area off Rt. 183 again and play QRP. WA3WSJ's Blue Moon QRP Hike Date:June 9, 2007 Time:1600utc to 1900utc Place: Appalachian Trail, PA Bands: 7.030, 10.106, 14.060mhz Special QSL Card for celebrating the Blue Moon in May of 2007 - it's COOL! I'll be using my Elecraft pimped-out KX1! To view the Blue Moon QSL Card, click on the link below. http://www.wa3wsj.com/WA3WSJ-hiking.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] Signal report
I have always given signal reports according to how well I could hear the sending station. I never pay any attention to the S-meter. Is that incorrect? If I have to turn down the volume for a station, I will give him a 9, and if I can barley hear him above the noise, he will probably get a 3. And the rest will be somewhere in between. 73 Scott N5SM _ Dont miss your chance to WIN $10,000 and other great prizes from Microsoft Office Live http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/aub0540003042mrt/direct/01/ ___ 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 circuit breaker
Is there any way to test the circuit breaker in a K2 without running the risk of damaging the rig? I have had the circuit breaker in my Icom PS-30 switching power supply trip a couple of times lately because of high swr on the antenna I was trying to use. The power supply always beats the K2 circuit breaker in opening. Seems to me this should be the other way around? 73 Scott N5SM _ Picture this share your photos and you could win big! http://www.GETREALPhotoContest.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHMloc=us ___ 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 circuit breaker
Scott, That sounds like you have a K2/100 there (using a 30 amp? power supply). There is no circuit breaker in the KPA100, but if you are using the supplied power cord, the manual instructs you to add a 20 amp fuse in the power supply lead. The base K2 does have a resettable fuse that acts rather quickly. For my own preference, I would rather rely on the internal power supply circuit breaker (or foldback current limiting or crowbar circuit) than a fuse in the transceiver itself - the breaker in the power supply protects against faults in both the transceiver and the power cable. If you are seeing erratic HI SWR on your antenna, consider that the KPA100 could be oscillating (especially if it happens on 40 meters) - if that is suspected, I recommend that you add the KPA100UPKT. If your KPA100 kit was shipped after last December, it already has the upgrade, but if it is earlier, it is wise to add it. 73, Don W3FPR Scott McDowell wrote: Is there any way to test the circuit breaker in a K2 without running the risk of damaging the rig? I have had the circuit breaker in my Icom PS-30 switching power supply trip a couple of times lately because of high swr on the antenna I was trying to use. The power supply always beats the K2 circuit breaker in opening. Seems to me this should be the other way around? 73 Scott N5SM _ Picture this – share your photos and you could win big! http://www.GETREALPhotoContest.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHMloc=us ___ 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] Hakko 936
The famous Hakko 936 ESD at a good price. http://www.hmcelectronics.com/cgi-bin/scripts/query.cgi?query=936esd Tony W7GO ___ 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] RST or S - meter readings?
On Thursday 07 June 2007 17:44:31 Kevin Rock wrote: Do people really use a meter to give signal reports to people? I don't and never have done in my 28 years as a Radio Amateur. My K2's bar meter is switched off. Ian, G4ICV, AB2GR, K2 #4962 -- ___ 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] ESD bags
It seems that the K2 circuit boards should be stored in ESD bags while being assembled. I am concerned that family members might inadvertently touch the boards being built. Is this correct? Do most kit builders do this or is there a different solution? Where can I get or buy large ESD bags in small quantities at a reasonable price? Thanks, Bob K3JOP ___ 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] ESD bags
On Jun 7, 2007, at 6:49 PM, Nancy and Bob Widmaier wrote: Where can I get or buy large ESD bags in small quantities at a reasonable price? Just wrap them in aluminum foil if you are concerned. 73 de Brian, WB6RQN Brian Lloyd - brian HYPHEN wb6rqn AT lloyd DOT 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] ESD bags
Foils OK if you don't snag a bit on a sharp pin and short something later. Also don't use foil if there are any batteries involved. You can kill a computer motherboard if you wrap it in foil with the battery installed. Check http://www.esdbagsonline.com/General_purpose_esd_bags_.php for $11 you can buy 100 - 8x10s Al WA6VNN ** See what's free at http://www.aol.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] ESD bags
On 6/7/07, Nancy and Bob Widmaier [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Do most kit builders do this or is there a different solution? I protect my work bench with a large mess, which seems to discourage people wandering into my workshop. Where can I get or buy large ESD bags in small quantities at a reasonable price? Most of mine are from various electronic bits I've ordered. One other source is local computer stores that actually build computers themselves, the motherboards and cards (video, source, network, etc.) come in a large anti-static bag, that are mostly waste for them. I have a number of bags from motherboards and cards I've bought or inherited over the years. Here's one surplus source, but I see that they only are selling them in 100s. http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/products.asp?dept=1287 I think all the online / catalog places like Newark, Mouser, Digi-Key, Jameco stock them as well, not so sure the prices are reasonable. Jameco's price doesn't look too bad. http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1storeId=10001catalogId=10001productId=78650 -Michael, VE3TIX ___ 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] RST or S - meter readings?
On Jun 7, 2007, at 2:44 PM, Kevin Rock wrote: Do people really use a meter to give signal reports to people? I thought RST was to be honest reportage. Only when the meter needle is stuck on 9. :^) Maybe we should use meters calibrated for power density or field strength, taking into account antenna gain and feedline loss. That would be honest and consistent. 73, Bob N7XY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Elecraft's HexKey
This occurred to me immediately of course, but the Bencher folks couldn't assure me that the bare steel base would be suitable for chrome plating. They said the reason they don't offer a chrome version is the reject rate for chromed hex bases. I don't know if this is due to the finish of the steel that appeared in the chrome finish or not. I didn't ask the obvious ... how is the Hex Key base different from the (chrome) bases of their famous square-based paddles? Perhaps a different supplier and/or material. Brass? Along the same line ... if someone has a Hex Key, please look closely at he top surface of the large square post and see if you can see file-like marks in the metal that appear in/through the chrome ... especially at each corner. Mine has these, but they are fine enough that they most likely wouldn't show if the post was painted like the base. Still, it -IS- a fine paddle and a joy to use. 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: Brian Lloyd To: Elecraft Reflector Sent: Thursday, 07 June, 2007 03:02 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft's HexKey On Jun 6, 2007, at 5:55 PM, Ken Kopp wrote: I'm a long-time CW op (54 years) and agree it's about the best I've ever used, too. Attaching a house logo and adding a S/N is another example of Elecraft's marketing savvy. Mine's S/N 290, FWIW. (:-)) No, there's no way to buy a chrome version, from either Elecraft or Bencher, even at a premium price. So, take it apart, strip the base, and take it to your local chrome- plating shop. Then you can attach S/N 0001 to it. :-) 73 de Brian, WB6RQN Brian Lloyd - brian HYPHEN wb6rqn AT lloyd DOT com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft's HexKey
Ken Kopp wrote: ... Along the same line ... if someone has a Hex Key, please look closely at he top surface of the large square post and see if you can see file-like marks in the metal that appear in/through the chrome ... especially at each corner. Mine has these, but they are fine enough that they most likely wouldn't show if the post was painted like the base. Hi Ken, I have an original Bencher Hex Key, bought before Elecraft started selling their re-branded version. There are no visible tool marks on the chromed main post or any of the other chrome plated parts. It really is a fine paddle -- my personal favorite. 73, Gus Hansen KB0YH ___ 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 circuit breaker
Normal fuses are rated such that when 2.1 times their nominal current rating is passed they will break within 30s. So, a normal 20A fuse will not break until it is passing 40A and even then it will take a long time to go, enough to fry the rig. The fuse is there to protect the cable when a gross overload occurs, eg a dead short across the power cable entry; perhaps when you drop a spanner in the works : o ( David G3UNA ___ 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
