Re: [Elecraft] Re: K3: TX Gain [PR80]
In a recent message, wayne burdick <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote ... I asked about When carrying out the power calibration on the K3, I find that TXGN in the Config[Tech] menu shows: "Pr80 28" when doing the 50W calibration on 80 metres. You said "PR80" means "preamp in use for 80 m transmit" (at the 50-W level). Thank you, Wayne; I am relieved to know that my K3 is working as it is supposed to. 73 -- David G4DMP Leeds, England, UK -- ___ 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] OT: new concept/tool for cw DXing and contesting.
I believe a similar article appeared in QST in the late 1960's. Steve Brandt N7VS ex: WB6VVS, WN6QYP Portland, Oregon > Some time back, W3FQB (SK) wrote a story called "The Man Who Broke The Bank" > about a techno-ham who built a fully automated SS station and proceeded to > make an incredible score. The computer did everything - tuned across all the > bands looking for new ones, called CQ, made the QSOs, kept the log, decided where > the best points-rate could be found, etc. He just sat and watched it go, and > occasionally keyed it manually just to have something to do. > > The article was in QST for May, 1953. > > 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Report for February 3rd & 4th, 2008
Good Evening, Another fine set of nets. Until Pete mentioned there was a game about to start I had totally forgotten the event. However, since Green Bay was not participating it could not be much of a game ;) One of the teams is trying to beat the perfect record of the Miami Dolphins but I cannot remember their name. Oh well, I'll not win one of those trivia contests. Propagation was good though and we gathered a couple new folks. When I looked up W0LK between nets I was impressed with his history. Trouble is when I tried to relate to him my father's similar involvement I got 'tongue tied' so to speak and did not send at all well :( It is still snowing and the weather folks predict even more will fall. February has always been the longest month of the year. When I lived in Wisconsin it would drag on and on. Winter sports were beginning to pale and thoughts of spring were always in mind. It was starting to get warmer (if you can call twenty below warm!) and the calendar said there was only another month left before the muddy season. I have no idea what the ground hog had to say about things yesterday. I'll have to look up the Wisconsin papers and see. Punxsutawney Phil is not the prognosticator I favor. Jimmy the Groundhog in Sun Prairie is the true predictor of spring! On to the lists before I dig my hole any deeper => On 14050.5 kHz at 2300z: W0CZ - Ken - ND - K2 - 1031 W6ZH - Pete - CA - K2 - 5138 AB9V - Mike - IN - K2 - 3993 N0SS - Tom - MO - K3 - 008 AC5P - Mike - OK K4JPN - Steve - GA - K2 - 1422 QNI #80!!! W0RSR - Mike - CO - K2 - 5767 N7KRT - Jeff - NV - K2 - 5471 N0AR - Scott - MN - K2 - 4866 K2HYD - Ray - NC - KX1 - 608 NN8K - Sonny - WV - K1 - 380 K6DGW - Fred - CA - K2 - 4398 W0LK - Bob - AR - K2 - 1208 KL7CW - Rick - AK - KX1 - 798 N6KA - Don - CA - K2 - 1217 On 7045 kHz at 0100z: W6ZH - Pete - CA - K2 - 5138 W0RSR - Mike - CO - K2 - 5767 N0BK - Bruce - MN - K2 - 3646 AB9V - Mike - IN - K2 - 3993 * QNI #145 * K9ZTV - Kent - MO - K3 - 21 QNI #25!! W0LK - Bob -AR - K2 - 1208 N7KRT - Jeff - NV - K2 - 5471 K5BGB - Rod - TX - K2 - 1126 KL7CW - Rick - AK - KX1 - 798 WB5BKL - Nick - TX - K2 - 231QNI #5! Hopefully I got the new information correct. There was QSB on some stations and wouldn't you know it but the two folks who tried giving me new information had it the worst. As always just send the corrections to me and I'll fix things. If anyone has a circuit for a linear amplifier for 2 meters I would like to examine it. I need to convert a 300 mW signal to between 3 and 5 watts. Hopefully there is someone who has solved this problem before. I don't think I can do it in one stage (~12 dB) at that frequency but maybe in two it will be possible. Until next week stay well, 73, Kevin. KD5ONS (Net Control Operator 5th Class) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 & AF Audio Question
On Sun, 03 Feb 2008 21:26:32 -0600, John Hoaglun wrote: > As I am looking around I don't seem to notice any AF audio out > connection. That seems a little odd given all of the features > and functionality that this system has. Am I missing something > obvious here because I am new to this radio and kit project? As others will also tell you, Don Wilhelm has developed a small accessory board that mounts inside the K2 and feeds "hot" audio to a phono jack that will have to be mounted on the rear of the K2. I use that for my data modes and it works 100% (thanks Don). -- 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402 ___ 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 & AF Audio Question
K2 folks, I am getting to start building my K2. (I was putting the errata notes into my manual tonight.) As I am looking around I don't seem to notice any AF audio out connection. That seems a little odd given all of the features and functionality that this system has. Am I missing something obvious here because I am new to this radio and kit project? I do operate digital modes on both HF and VHF/UHF (with transverters) so the AF out is a big deal for me. (I operate a lot of meteor scatter on 6m/2m with WSJT.) This seems like pretty basic functionality and is readily available on most current rigs without much effort. Thanks, JH -- John Hoaglun NG0R - EN25 http://www.hoaglun.com -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.19/1256 - Release Date: 2/2/2008 1:50 PM ___ 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] K3 and FSK RTTY
Its a shame you had to go there Simon. My experience with Linux and Unix is, it just works. Completely different from my experience with windows. Obviously biased, but well said. http://www.vanwensveen.nl/rants/microsoft/IhateMS.html Haven't heard of any Linux Botnets out there... http://www.honeynet.org/papers/bots/ http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid14_gci1030284,00.html http://www.windowsecurity.com/articles/Robot-Wars-How-Botnets-Work.html Please direct all flames at me, and not at the list. I just shared this one note for a contrast. In the end, use the tool that works safely and securely to meet your needs. What ever it may be. Dave Wilburn K4DGW K2/100 - S/N 5982 Simon Brown (HB9DRV) wrote: Depends on drivers, good luck with Linux, I assume you have a lot of time to waste. Simon Brown, HB9DRV - Original Message - From: "G4ILO" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> So not a lot, then, except it frees up your existing sound card. It sounds pretty much the same as the RigExpert, which I sold a couple of weeks ago on eBay. It was a nice piece of kit but it was useless under Linux, which I'm the process of migrating to. I guess this box of yours is also Windows-specific. ___ 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] question
Bruce, If you mount the KPA100 and/or the KAT100 in an external enclosure, the KAT2 will be locked to ANT1. If you place the KPA100 in place of the QRP K2 top cover, the KAT2 will not be present. 73, Don W3FPR Bruce Rattray wrote: If I add the KPA-100 to my K2 and then the KAT-100, what happens to the auto tuner that's in my K2? - tnx - Bruce. ___ 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] Ron ZL1TW-SK Funeral Details
UPDATE Funeral Details : Morris and Morris Funeral Directors 199 Kamo Road Whangarei Thursday 1.30 pm 7th February (NZDT) Any messages and cards should be sent to: Willcocks family 35 Puriri St, Kamo Whangarei 0112 NEW ZEALAND Peter ZL1PWD ___ 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] K3 Invoice
I received my invoice today from Lisa. Once again, it's a Sunday afternoon in Aptos and she's working away. The order to be shipped is as follows: K3/10 KPA3 - 100 Watt Upgrade KFL3A-200 200Hz - 5 Pole KFL3A-500 500Hz - 5 Pole KXV3 - Xvtr Interface w/RX Antenna In/Out Jacks I ordered on May 25th. Lisa said it should ship in 5 to 7 days. 73, Dave N8AG Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ___ 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: Receive Antennas
Hi Parker I think it depends on the noise source. If it comes from one direction, a loop antenna can be rotated to place its null on the noise source, improving the signal to noise ratio for the signals coming from other directions. On the other hand, if your noise is more pervasive, and turning the loop won't reduce it, the loop isn't going to do anything for you. You might as well stay with your main antenna. One thing you can try that helps sometimes is use an existing dipole for reception on 160m or 80. As horizontally polarized antennas, they will have a different noise pickup than the inv. L. Sometimes this can make a useful difference. All receiving loops I know of have less signal pickup than any full size antenna, such as your inv. L. Larger loops may get by without use of a preamp other than what is already in your receiver. However, the lower in frequency you go, the less signal pickup the loop will have and will probably benefit from a preamp. Homebrew preamps are easy to make, and an Altoids tin makes a great housing. I've built several that way, and they all do just what is needed. By all means, give a loop a try. They are easy to make and inexpensive. A great cheap experiment. If it seems to do a useful job, then by all means make a more permanent version. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: "Parker Buckley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2008 2:33 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Re: Receive Antennas > I was interested to read recent comments on 160M receive antennas. As it > happens, I just completed a coaxial loop antenna for my K2 this weekend, as > described by KN4LF and KC2TX, and combined it with their recommended preamp. > It's the antenna design that's been in the handbook for years. I've wanted > to try one of these for some time, thinking I might hear that rare DX that > everyone else seems to be working. So it's all tuned up and seems to work > well, but let me ask a basic question. If I already enjoy relatively quiet > conditions on 160, in spite of living in the city, will the loop ever hear > anything that my full-sized inverted L won't hear? The inverted L seems to > work well, as I've worked all over the US, including Hawaii, during > contests; all the while at 5 watts (I know, it's all about their beverage > and not my whopping signal, but still I'm pretty happy for QRP). My nominal > noise level on the L is 2 S units. I peaked up the K2 and measured receive > sensitivity, and I think it's doing all that it should. So is this loop > antenna just a fun project, or will this let me hear things so far down in > the noise that I would not other wise hear them? > > Parker WD8JOL K2 #2636 > > ___ > 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: Receive Antennas
I was interested to read recent comments on 160M receive antennas. As it happens, I just completed a coaxial loop antenna for my K2 this weekend, as described by KN4LF and KC2TX, and combined it with their recommended preamp. It's the antenna design that's been in the handbook for years. I've wanted to try one of these for some time, thinking I might hear that rare DX that everyone else seems to be working. So it's all tuned up and seems to work well, but let me ask a basic question. If I already enjoy relatively quiet conditions on 160, in spite of living in the city, will the loop ever hear anything that my full-sized inverted L won't hear? The inverted L seems to work well, as I've worked all over the US, including Hawaii, during contests; all the while at 5 watts (I know, it's all about their beverage and not my whopping signal, but still I'm pretty happy for QRP). My nominal noise level on the L is 2 S units. I peaked up the K2 and measured receive sensitivity, and I think it's doing all that it should. So is this loop antenna just a fun project, or will this let me hear things so far down in the noise that I would not other wise hear them? Parker WD8JOL K2 #2636 ___ 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] K3 PA & FP temp sensor
Actually it is documented on pg 34, but it doesn't say explicitly that PA & FP temps are shown only in tech mode, it just says additional displays will be available. On 3/2/08 15:55, "Dave G4AON" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> sent: > You need the "tech mode" to be on... Undocumented feature! > > 73 Dave, G4AON > K3/100 #80 > > When trying to display the PA or FP temp, the manual says to tap DISPLAY and > use VFO B knob to select PA xxC or FP xxC (pg 48) but when I try this I do > not see either as an option. How do I set these options. -- One can pay back the loan of gold, but one dies forever in debt to those who are kind. -Malayan Proverb ___ 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] KXV3: (1) RX ANT signal level during TX; (2) spectra at buffered IF output
Hi all, I'll address both of these issues. 1. RX ANT input signal handling during TX The KXV3's ANT IN jack includes a carrier-operated relay circuit (COR). If the COR kicks in too soon, they relay will switch off/on during keying. So its threshold is set high. It will still serve its primary function, which is to protect the transceiver when unsafe signal levels are present, such as when the RX antenna is in the near field of a KW transmit signal, or when a transmitter is accidentally connected to this port. This leaves a gray zone where the COR doesn't kick in, but the transmit signal may still be very high. High-power contest stations sometimes use additional external T/R switching if they can't avoid the use of closely-coupled receive and transmit antennas. We recently to a close look at this gray zone, and found that we could make an "RX ANT jack on steroids" by adding two more diode isolation sections. The resulting parts count is considerably higher, but we feel that the added protection during transmit would be worthwhile. So this change will be included in production units (once we use up our present supply of assembled KXV3 modules). Meanwhile, if your antenna configuration and power level warrant this higher degree of isolation, and you already have a KXV3, you can modify it. We're designing a small add-on board to make this easier. It will be supplied free of charge, on request. This unit has not yet been assigned an Elecraft part number, and isn't available yet, so PLEASE don't request it until we announce the details. 2. Buffered I.F. output spectra The pick-off point for the K3's buffered I.F. output -- right at the output of the 1st mixer's post-amp stage -- was selected to give the widest possible bandwidth. Thus there is no filtering of any kind from here to the BNC jack on the KXV3. This creates the opportunity to do *very* wide spectral sweeps, if required -- limited only by the bandwidth of the K3's band-pass filters. As some (armed with spectrum analyzers) have noted, this output signal includes the usual spectra one would expect from a high-level mixer. (And it *is* a very high-level mixer.) A mixer's output includes a broad range of products relating to the sum and difference of its inputs (RF and LO). It also includes products derived from harmonics of the sum and difference, etc. Collectively, these will appear as a "comb" pattern on an analyzer. This is why the mixer must be followed by band-pass filtering. (In transmit mode this function is performed by the K3's narrow ham-band band-pass filters; in receive mode, by the I.F. crystal filter and DSP filtering.) But the buffered I.F. output is at a different point in the signal chain. So any filtering needed for a panadapter must be included either in the panadapter itself, or in series with it. Some panadapters will require no filtering at all, while some will need various degress of L-C filtering (the L-C filter used on our I.F. noise blanker is a good starting point). If you were only interested in a narrow band sweep, you could use a ceramic or crystal filter. Our FM crystal filter, at about 13 kHz wide, would be a good choice here. Excellent shielding should be used, and possibly additional buffering, to prevent re-radiation of 8.215 MHz back into the K3. A related topic is the exact frequency of the buffered I.F. output. It is nominally 8.215 MHz with our 8-pole filters, and typically 0.8 to 0.9 kHz lower with our 5-pole filters. In addition, the portion of this passband actually present at the audio output is determined by the DSP controls (SHIFT, WIDTH, etc.). We can work with panadapter suppliers to provide this data via the RS232 port, and of course any future Elecraft panadapter would also have this information available. I'll be adding this subject to the Owner's Manual. If you're interfacing a panadapter to the K3 and have any further questions, feel free to e-mail me directly. 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] More power for K2
Johnny Siu wrote: Again, thanks for all your answers. Now, I need to do one thing - buy a 3.5AH battery and come back to this group again for more details of the battery. If you could get double the power out with the same battery voltage you would be increasing your current draw from the battery by an equal factor. You would get less operating time on the 3.5AH battery when running at the higher power than you would from a 2.9AH batter when running at the standard maximum power level. -- Cheers! Kevin. http://www.ve3syb.ca/ |"What are we going to do today, Borg?" Owner of Elecraft K2 #2172 |"Same thing we always do, Pinkutus: | Try to assimilate the world!" #include | -Pinkutus & the Borg ___ 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] question
Bruce Rattray wrote: If I add the KPA-100 to my K2 and then the KAT-100, what happens to the auto tuner that's in my K2? - tnx - Bruce. You keep the QRP lid with the tuner in it so you can switch them if you want to take your K2 camping. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: question
When fitting the KPA100, any of the items normally fitted in the QRP version lid (KI02, KAT2, battery) are removed (including the lid). The KPA100 occupies the space they formerly resided in. The normal layout is to fold the K2's tilt bail and stand it on top of the KAT100. You end up with a spare QRP-ready lid, which is easily swapped with the KPA100 if you want to go back to QRP occasionally, or you can sell it. 73 DaveL G3TJP ___ 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] question
If I add the KPA-100 to my K2 and then the KAT-100, what happens to the auto tuner that's in my K2? - tnx - Bruce. ___ 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 46, Issue 5
I was able to duplicate your findings, Scott. My setup is a little different though... K3 output to spectrum analyzer through 100W/50dB attenuator. RX IN connected to signal generator with adjustable output. I found the noise in the transmitted signal to appear at +20dBm as well, although mine was jumping around in level and frequency with peaks about 10dB below the carrier. I wonder if this has something to do with the GDT surge arrester input protective circuitry? Larry N8LP Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2008 18:22:57 -0800 From: "Scott Prather" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [Elecraft] K3/100 RF Feedback/Spurious Oscillation Verified Via RX Input To: Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" When I read about this report from Stewart last night (as well as the responses indicating that other had experienced a similar effect) I decided to set up the bench test to see if I could emulate the problem. I've since discovered that these reports are valid, the K3 PA will generate a severe spectral "comb" if there's insufficient isolation between the RX and TX antennas when the KXV3 RX input is used. To execute this test, I ran the K3 into a dummy load through an RF coupler that displays 26 dB of isolation. The output of this coupler was split (3 dB splitting loss) between a Tektronix 496 spectrum analyzer and a Tektronix 2701 50-ohm step attenuator. The output of the 2701 was fed into the K3's RX input. Initially, the attenuator was set to 0 dB. The K3 was keyed at full output (100W or +50 dBm), which results in a +21 dBm signal back into the K3's RX input. Under this condition, if the RX port is enabled, the K3 will generate a spectral comb with the most severe spurs only 10 to 20 dB down from the carrier. Turning the RX input off clears the problem. I was able to create this comb spectrum on 160, 80, and 40 meters, with 40 displaying the highest-power spurs. Lowering the input power to the K3 via the 2701 attenuator indicates that the "sweet spot" for generating this spurious oscillation occurs when there's an input signal of about +20 dB. This would correspond to a minimum of 30 dB of TX antenna to RX antenna isolation when operating at 100W output power or 40 dB of isolation at 1 kW. I have spectrum analyzer photos of the spurious signals generated by the K3 under these conditions if anyone is interested. I ran the same test under the same conditions with my K2/100, and this problem does not occur. The bottom line here is that a +20 dBm signal (100 mw) will create severe spurs on the K3 but not the K2 when operating in the 40M band and below. Above 40M I was unable to duplicate the problem, perhaps a higher power to the RX input is required. It's important to note that anyone who has +20 dBm or more coming back on the receive antenna is asking for trouble in the first place, and additional isolation and/or a shorting relay during TX operation is probably a good idea. >From the reports, it sounds like there have been a few folks who had rather high power coming back in through the RX input for a while and didn't notice it until this secondary symptom was noted in the K3. I haven't looked at the RX input circuit in the K2 to see how it differs from the K3 so that I can find the root-cause of this problem. Scott N7NB K2 #1285 K3 #219 ___ 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: TX Gain [PR80]
David, G4DMP wrote: > When carrying out the power calibration on the K3, I find that TXGN > in the Config[Tech] menu shows: "Pr80 28" when doing the 50W > calibration on 80 metres. It is only on 80m & the 50W calibration > that I get the "Pr80". On all other bands the Pr80 is not shown > and I just get a gain figure. Hi David, "PR80" means "preamp in use for 80 m transmit" (at the 50-W level). Thanks for noticing that this was left out of the manual. The transmitter and receiver share the I.F. strip, which is reversible. In TX mode the preamp is used on some bands and power levels but not others, allowing us to optimize per-band gain distribution. On 80 meters at the 50-watt calibration point, the preamp is turned on by default. It can be turned off within the TXGN HP menu entry if required by tapping the PRE switch. The only difference you'd notice is that the resulting TXGN number, after calibration, would change. Normally we would only turn this off during signal tracing or as a preamp gain check in TX mode. You can leave it on. 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] OT: new concept/tool for cw DXing and contesting
Björn said: >First of all, interesting that no one complained about the K3 internal CW decoder but found the time to question the functionality of this software :) Well, Björn, the K3 decodes one signal at a time and the Skimmer decodes and analyzes (identifies the callsign of who "owns" the frequency and not just everybody else answering the CQ in the case of "running" for a contest) the entire band, thereby completely eliminating the need to actually "tune the band." A single signal decoder can be used to help train/learn CW. This software is for DXing and Contesting and little, if anything, to do with learning cw. So for me, there is big difference. 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] OT: new concept/tool for cw DXing and contesting.
Plus ca change Some time back, W3FQB (SK) wrote a story called "The Man Who Broke The Bank" about a techno-ham who built a fully automated SS station and proceeded to make an incredible score. The computer did everything - tuned across all the bands looking for new ones, called CQ, made the QSOs, kept the log, decided where the best points-rate could be found, etc. He just sat and watched it go, and occasionally keyed it manually just to have something to do. The article was in QST for May, 1953. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: new concept/tool for cw DXing and contesting.
In a message dated 2/3/08 10:02:53 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > The reality is that it is just one step up from the DX > clusters. > Except that using clusters in many contests will put you in a different entry class. The trend towards such automation is not new. Some time back, W3FQB (SK) wrote a story called "The Man Who Broke The Bank" about a techno-ham who built a fully automated SS station and proceeded to make an incredible score. The computer did everything - tuned across all the bands looking for new ones, called CQ, made the QSOs, kept the log, decided where the best points-rate could be found, etc. He just sat and watched it go, and occasionally keyed it manually just to have something to do. The article was in QST for May, 1953. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music. (http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp0030002548) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] OT: new concept/tool for cw DXing and contesting.
>> Technologywhen is it "too much?" Not that this really apply to an Elecraft radio, but I couldnt resist to comment; First of all, interesting that no one complained about the K3 internal CW decoder but found the time to question the functionality of this software :) Technology evolves and this enhances our hobby! I applause VE3NEA and other developers for creating new ways to enjoy the hobby, it will move us forward and keep ham radio attractive to the next generation. BTW, I tried to learn CW the old fashioned way in the early 80's and gave up several times as it was just plain boring. With new technology I was able to use my computer to learn CW in my own pace while having fun at the same time. I learned the code and passed the test in less than 2 months. 73 de Björn /SM0MDG ___ 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] K3 and FSK RTTY
Depends on drivers, good luck with Linux, I assume you have a lot of time to waste. Simon Brown, HB9DRV - Original Message - From: "G4ILO" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> So not a lot, then, except it frees up your existing sound card. It sounds pretty much the same as the RigExpert, which I sold a couple of weeks ago on eBay. It was a nice piece of kit but it was useless under Linux, which I'm the process of migrating to. I guess this box of yours is also Windows-specific. ___ 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] K3/100 RF Feedback/Spurious Oscillation Verified Via RX Input
I believe this phenomenon was responsible for my Acom 2000A generating arc fault errors if I ran >500W on 160M with rx connected to a Beverage that's about 100ft away in its general direction. It's still early to say, but the problem seems to have been cured by adding an ICE 196 RF Limiter in the Beverage feedline. 73, Barry N1EU -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-100-RF-Feedback-Spurious-Oscillation-Verified-Via-RX-Input-tp15249900p15256954.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3: display question with high SWR
I was just chatting with another K3 owner about the merits (or not) of the K3 tuner. I commented that I have resonant antennas on all bands except for 75m where my ant is cut for the bottom end of 80m. I noted that if I set the K3 to 5 watts power and the display and then transmit (cw), I still get 5 watts "out" even on 75. Pretty much the same at all other power levels up to say, 60 watts, where it seems to level off. Since that is plenty of power, I don't see why I would "need" the tuner. However, I note (for the first time...never looked before) that when I transmit on (say) 3.8 (75m), instead of the usual frequency display, I get something like "3.5 - 1" 1. What is that? 2. I assume that if I operate into a "bad" SWR, that the radio will protect itself and prevent me from destroying it. Is that correct? Thanks, 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] Watertight Polycarb Boxes at Wally World
The ones I bought (not from Wal-Mart) were good against light rain, but leaked slightly in driving rain, yours might be different, be worth a try. You could add some compound on the seal to help with this. On mine the O ring is a bit too hard and the lip a bit too soft to make a really good seal, made worse if the sides are deformed by over-filling. David G3UNA A few days ago, I discovered some polycarbonate boxes in the camping section of our local Wal-Mart. They are watertight, have an O ring gasket around door fitting, clear (with a blue tint), and come in 2 sizes. I couldn't find them on the WM website, but did find them on the Outdoor Products site: http://www.outdoorproducts.com/proddetail.aspx?sku=172OP The larger box fits my KX1 (with the paddle attached) and leaves a little room to spare for extra batteries, antenna, mini-manual, etc. I imagine that the smaller box would hold Altoid's tin-sized rigs with a little room to spare as well. Oh yeah, these boxes will set you back a whopping $7 & $9 at Wal-Mart for the small and large sizes, respectively. Cheers, Tom kf4tzk ___ 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: More power from K2
The good thing about a larger capacity battery is that you can operate longer. 72, Bill K9YEQ K2 #35, K2 # 5279, KX1 #35, Mini Modules, etc. (K3/100 on order!) -Original Message- >From monetary terms, if K2 can be modified to deliver 25 watts at say US$50, it would be worthwhile to go for it. It is really no point for me to go for K2/100 because I can simply use my K3 which can deliver 100 watts. 25 watt output from K2 can drive most of the linear amplifiers to 1KW. My K2 can now only drive my ICPW-1 or Yaesu Quadra to only 300-350 watts. >From marketing point of view, if our QRP K2 can some how manage to deliver 25 watts, the usefulness of the rig will be further enhanced and hence marketability. In other words, a 25 watts K2 could mean: a. an capable QRP rig as it is; b. with good power output to suit most situations; c. a rig can drive most of the linear amplifiers to full output without any intermediate cheers, Johnny VR2XMC K3 + builder of more than 10 x K2 --- Bill Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> �f： > Johnny, > > The difference in real signal strength for a > receiving station if you were > to go from 15 watts to 20-25 watts is about zilch. > Going from 15 watts to > 60 watts is approximately 1 S-Unit. I wouldn't > bother going there, besides > the changes are more work than it is worth. It may > be a better option to > order the KPA-100 and increase power to 100 watts > which is 10 db, closer to > 2 S units. Or, in the alternative, focus on the > antenna which is the least > expensive alternative, esp. if you are into wires > like so many of us are. > Then, of course, one could try one of the more > exotic, expensive verticals > with lots of ground wires, then 1 watt would > accomplish alot. > > > 72, > > Bill > > K9YEQ > K2 #35, K2 # 5279, KX1 #35, Mini Modules, etc. > > > -Original Message- > > I notice that battery technology has been improving. > > The internal lead-acid battery used in K2 can be > replaced by newer version with capacity of 3.5Ahr > instead of the original 2.9Ahr. The new version can > be found easily in Hong Kong at a price of say > US$10. > > Therefore, my question is "Is it possible to modify > the K2 to deliver a RF output of something around > 20-25W?" > > > 出差或去旅�[�r，你可以�S�r�S地用全新的Yahoo! Messenger �W上版同朋友即 �r通��及查���υ���息�o��!立即前往 http://hk.web.im ___ 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: K1 NB
Brett wrote: >I have a noise at my place that comes on at night and is a random >pulse type noise... > >In my Kenwood TS-450S both NB1 and NB2 seem to have about the same >effect on the noise and it does a pretty good job. > >But the K1 seems to be completely ineffectual on this noise. Could >it be that it's a construction issue? It's not a construction issue. The K1 noise blanker is very very limited in the types of noise that it will have any effectiveness reducing. My K1's NB is completely ineffective on my local power line noise, but it will reduce noise such as that generated by a sparking DC motor brush and commutator. My Kenwood TS-50S noise blanker almost completely eliminates nearby high power line noise, although its NB reduces the TS-50S receiver's modest dynamic range (which almost all NBs do). For what it's worth, when the K1 NB is set to HIGH, it sets a HIGH threshold for a noise pulse to trigger blanking. LOW setting sets a LOW threshold, so the NB is more likely to have an effect when LOW is used rather than HIGH. If you used the option of installing an LED as one of the threshold diodes, that sets an even higher noise theshold than the normal diode does when the NB is set to HIGH, and the KNB1 will be even less likely to produce a blanking effect. Another oddity about the K1 NB is that the K1 quick reference guide on the Elecraft site and in the K1 manual incorrectly indicate that the K1 NB menu settings are NB1 and NB2, rather than the correct HIGH and LOW. This was pointed out seven years ago. 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
Re: [Elecraft] OT: new concept/tool for cw DXing and contesting.
My guess it will appeal to some non-cw or slow cw operators to get on a contest, so increasing the numbers having a go. More QRM so need for more K3s amongst those not using it :o) David G3UNA DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: This will change everything. Personally, I don't like the concept, as it ends (or drastically reduces) a skill set that I highly value. Technologywhen is it "too much?" Personally I don't think it will have any impact at all, especially at $75. - Julian, G4ILO K3 s/n: 222 K2 s/n: 392 ___ 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] K3 and FSK RTTY
So not a lot, then, except it frees up your existing sound card. It sounds pretty much the same as the RigExpert, which I sold a couple of weeks ago on eBay. It was a nice piece of kit but it was useless under Linux, which I'm the process of migrating to. I guess this box of yours is also Windows-specific. Simon Brown (HB9DRV) wrote: > > 1) an excellent soundcard which is FCC approved, > > 2) just one cable connects the box to your PC, it provides: > > > Dual soundcard input > > Two serial ports (including CI-V) > > K1EL Winkeyer > > Input for paddles > > FSK via a UART > > Monitor the audio > > I was *very* sceptical - until it arrived. It frees up cables and provides > a > very clean solution with the one USB cable and a nicely made harness which > connects to the back of the K3. No more rats nests. > > As someone else said to me - it's the last piece of equipment I would > sell. > > Simon Brown, HB9DRV > > - Original Message - > From: "G4ILO" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >> What does this allow you to do that you can't with a serial cable and a >> pair >> of audio cables? > > ___ > 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 > > - Julian, G4ILO K3 s/n: 222 K2 s/n: 392 G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-and-FSK-RTTY-tp15232995p15255812.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] Watertight Polycarb Boxes at Wally World
A few days ago, I discovered some polycarbonate boxes in the camping section of our local Wal-Mart. They are watertight, have an O ring gasket around door fitting, clear (with a blue tint), and come in 2 sizes. I couldn't find them on the WM website, but did find them on the Outdoor Products site: http://www.outdoorproducts.com/proddetail.aspx?sku=172OP The larger box fits my KX1 (with the paddle attached) and leaves a little room to spare for extra batteries, antenna, mini-manual, etc. I imagine that the smaller box would hold Altoid's tin-sized rigs with a little room to spare as well. Oh yeah, these boxes will set you back a whopping $7 & $9 at Wal-Mart for the small and large sizes, respectively. Cheers, Tom kf4tzk ___ 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] K3 and FSK RTTY
1) an excellent soundcard which is FCC approved, 2) just one cable connects the box to your PC, it provides: > Dual soundcard input > Two serial ports (including CI-V) > K1EL Winkeyer > Input for paddles > FSK via a UART > Monitor the audio I was *very* sceptical - until it arrived. It frees up cables and provides a very clean solution with the one USB cable and a nicely made harness which connects to the back of the K3. No more rats nests. As someone else said to me - it's the last piece of equipment I would sell. Simon Brown, HB9DRV - Original Message - From: "G4ILO" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> What does this allow you to do that you can't with a serial cable and a pair of audio cables? ___ 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] K3 and FSK RTTY
Simon Brown (HB9DRV) wrote: > > 2) For anyone thinking about a digital mode interface *please* look at the > usinterface.com Navigator, it is an excellent piece of hardware in every > respect, I just cannot criticise it at all. > What does this allow you to do that you can't with a serial cable and a pair of audio cables? - Julian, G4ILO K3 s/n: 222 K2 s/n: 392 G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-and-FSK-RTTY-tp15232995p15255026.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3/100 RF Feedback/Spurious Oscillation Verified
Nice sleuthing work, Scott. I noticed another issue with the KXV3. One of the first things I did with my finished K3 kit was to look at the IF output prior to connecting it to my panadapter project. I was mainly looking to check the overall stage gain from antenna input to IF output. What I saw on my spectrum analyzer was a lot of LO leakage from the K3. I don't see this anywhere else, but there are LO signals, and harmonics of them, at a level of about -50 to -60 dBm in the IF output. There are distortion products of passband signals as well. This has caused me to rethink the input filter specs on my panadapter. I don't know if this is typical or a problem with my K3. You may want to check it with your SA as well. I have pictures if you want to exchange them. 73, Larry N8LP Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2008 18:22:57 -0800 From: "Scott Prather" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [Elecraft] K3/100 RF Feedback/Spurious Oscillation Verified Via RX Input To: Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" When I read about this report from Stewart last night (as well as the responses indicating that other had experienced a similar effect) I decided to set up the bench test to see if I could emulate the problem. I've since discovered that these reports are valid, the K3 PA will generate a severe spectral "comb" if there's insufficient isolation between the RX and TX antennas when the KXV3 RX input is used. To execute this test, I ran the K3 into a dummy load through an RF coupler that displays 26 dB of isolation. The output of this coupler was split (3 dB splitting loss) between a Tektronix 496 spectrum analyzer and a Tektronix 2701 50-ohm step attenuator. The output of the 2701 was fed into the K3's RX input. Initially, the attenuator was set to 0 dB. The K3 was keyed at full output (100W or +50 dBm), which results in a +21 dBm signal back into the K3's RX input. Under this condition, if the RX port is enabled, the K3 will generate a spectral comb with the most severe spurs only 10 to 20 dB down from the carrier. Turning the RX input off clears the problem. I was able to create this comb spectrum on 160, 80, and 40 meters, with 40 displaying the highest-power spurs. Lowering the input power to the K3 via the 2701 attenuator indicates that the "sweet spot" for generating this spurious oscillation occurs when there's an input signal of about +20 dB. This would correspond to a minimum of 30 dB of TX antenna to RX antenna isolation when operating at 100W output power or 40 dB of isolation at 1 kW. I have spectrum analyzer photos of the spurious signals generated by the K3 under these conditions if anyone is interested. I ran the same test under the same conditions with my K2/100, and this problem does not occur. The bottom line here is that a +20 dBm signal (100 mw) will create severe spurs on the K3 but not the K2 when operating in the 40M band and below. Above 40M I was unable to duplicate the problem, perhaps a higher power to the RX input is required. It's important to note that anyone who has +20 dBm or more coming back on the receive antenna is asking for trouble in the first place, and additional isolation and/or a shorting relay during TX operation is probably a good idea. >From the reports, it sounds like there have been a few folks who had rather high power coming back in through the RX input for a while and didn't notice it until this secondary symptom was noted in the K3. I haven't looked at the RX input circuit in the K2 to see how it differs from the K3 so that I can find the root-cause of this problem. Scott N7NB K2 #1285 K3 #219 ___ 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] OT: new concept/tool for cw DXing and contesting.
DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: > > This will change everything. Personally, I don't like the concept, as > it ends (or drastically reduces) a skill set that I highly value. > Technologywhen is it "too much?" > Personally I don't think it will have any impact at all, especially at $75. - Julian, G4ILO K3 s/n: 222 K2 s/n: 392 G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/OT%3A-new-concept-tool-for-cw-DXing-and-contesting.-tp15252570p15254952.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3 PA & FP temp sensor
Dave You need the "tech mode" to be on... Undocumented feature! 73 Dave, G4AON K3/100 #80 When trying to display the PA or FP temp, the manual says to tap DISPLAY and use VFO B knob to select PA xxC or FP xxC (pg 48) but when I try this I do not see either as an option. How do I set these options. Dave ___ 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] OT: new concept/tool for cw DXing and contesting.
This will change everything. Personally, I don't like the concept, as it ends (or drastically reduces) a skill set that I highly value. Technologywhen is it "too much?" http://www.dxatlas.com/CwSkimmer/ Another way of looking at this program is that if you had a Softrock on the IF output of a K3 you would have a point and tune spectrum display with up to 192KHz (with the right sound card). Tom, AK2B -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/OT%3A-new-concept-tool-for-cw-DXing-and-contesting.-tp15252570p15254673.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3 PA & FP temp sensor
When trying to display the PA or FP temp, the manual says to tap DISPLAY and use VFO B knob to select PA xxC or FP xxC (pg 48) but when I try this I do not see either as an option. How do I set these options. Dave -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-PA---FP-temp-sensor-tp15254648p15254648.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] OT: new concept/tool for cw DXing and contesting.
I just downloaded and installed CW Skimmer on my computer. It is a really nice program. It easily decodes weak signals and it is obvious an awful lot of work went into it. The program supports the K3. As a casual CW op I am very impressed. On another note, I just installed the KXV3 in my K3 #106 and it all went without a hitch. I would recommend installing it on the initial build since there is an awful lot of work/disassembly doing a retrofit. I feed the 8215khz IF out into the RX jack on my PRO3 and have a very effective, though expensive, spectrum scope. Have to get a good isolated switch to switch between the IF out and RX antenna out on the K3 to the PRO3. I am using the MicroHam Microkeyer for FSK and keyboard CW with the K3. One last note is that I use the W2IHY Iplus to do all my switching of mic's, amps speakers among 3 radios. It works great on isolation and no rf problems. I have the W2IHY 8 band equalizer but must say I do not use it with K3. I find the built in equalizer to be just as good, if not better, since it was designed for the radio. Mike WA8EBM ___ 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] OT: new concept/tool for cw DXing and contesting.
DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: http://www.dxatlas.com/CwSkimmer/ Technologywhen is it "too much?" Steroids in baseball come to mind. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: new concept/tool for cw DXing and contesting.
Hi Doug, If that works as advertised the "search and pounce" technique is now history. It will be "read and pounce" . or maybe even "read, read and pounce." One could sit and read a magazine and just periodically look up and read the screen. The reality is that it is just one step up from the DX clusters. 73, Bob K2TK DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: This will change everything. Personally, I don't like the concept, as it ends (or drastically reduces) a skill set that I highly value. Technologywhen is it "too much?" http://www.dxatlas.com/CwSkimmer/ de Doug KR2Q PS. Tnx to CT1BOH for the heads-up alert. ___ 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] More power for K2
Hello Group, This group is fantistic. Of course, I got all answers such as: 1. go for a better antenna; 2. not much difference in dB so don't border the increase; 3. work better on the compression for SSB. Naturally, all the above are very good advice. The most encouraging answer is that a ham did send me details for modification for higher power output. Again, thanks for all your answers. Now, I need to do one thing - buy a 3.5AH battery and come back to this group again for more details of the battery. cheers for now, Johnny VR2XMC 出差或去旅遊時，你可以隨時隨地用全新的Yahoo! Messenger 網上版同朋友即時通訊及查詢對話訊息紀錄!立即前往 http://hk.web.im ___ 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] OT: cannot get reply from [EMAIL PROTECTED]
They are busy in W6-land. I have received email responses from Lisa with a 2 day turnaround just this last week. Gooc luck. Mike/aj9c Dr. Werner Furlan wrote: hello, if someone from Elecraft staff reads this, I am trying to get an answer from Lisa or someone in the sales department since 2 or 3 weeks, maybe my mails are caught in a spamfilter? No error messages though. I have a question regarding my K3 order. 73! de Werner OE9FWV ___ 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] Receive antennas - damage potential
I recall marine transmitters that I sailed with having big resistors from antenna to ground to prevent static build up. An old hand told me they got warm when sailing the Indian Ocean. David G3UNA I severely damaged (burned up!) the receive antenna input board of an FT-1000D once due to excessive input signal from a near-by transmitting antenna. Once was enough ... installed small shorting reed relays on all receive antenna inputs on all radios in my (then) multi-op contest station. Regarding "St. Elmo's fire" ... Was a marine R/O for some years, and often saw / heard the entire ship ... especially rigging ... "glow". Grew up in dry, windy Oklahoma and often heard the snapping of precipitation static discharging inside rigs. 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] OT: new concept/tool for cw DXing and contesting.
This will change everything. Personally, I don't like the concept, as it ends (or drastically reduces) a skill set that I highly value. Technologywhen is it "too much?" http://www.dxatlas.com/CwSkimmer/ de Doug KR2Q PS. Tnx to CT1BOH for the heads-up alert. ___ 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] K3: TX Gain
When carrying out the power calibration on the K3, I find that TXGN in the Config[Tech] menu shows: "Pr80 28" when doing the 50W calibration on 80 metres. It is only on 80m & the 50W calibration that I get the "Pr80". On all other bands the Pr80 is not shown and I just get a gain figure. Do I have something wrong? What is the significance of the "Pr80" as I cannot find anything about this in the Operator's Manual. Many thanks 73 -- David G4DMP Leeds, England, UK -- ___ 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] Receive antennas
Note. The EWE needs good and consistent ground conditions to work well. Stewart G3RXQ On Sat, 2 Feb 2008 16:19:56 -0800 (PST), WILLIS COOKE wrote: > > -Rolf, the best antenna for receiving on 80 meters is > the Beverage if you have the room. Since you need to > stretch a wire for 500 to 1200 feet in the direction > that you want to receive, and live in Stockholm City, > chances are good that you don't. Instructions are in > the ARRL Antenna Book. > > Failing that, you might consider a EWE if you have > room for an array that is about 30 meters square. > Instructions are at www.ok1rr.com > > If you don't have room for an EWE, you can look at a > K9AY array which was published in QST and is available > on the internet. It requires a space about 15 feet > in diameter. > > If you have lots of money to spend, look at the DX > Engineering four square receiving array. > > Cookie, K5EWJ >> Hi all, >> >> I am looking for a receive antenna for 80 meter >> because of >> high levels of white nise here in Stockholm City. >> Any suggestions there to find good building >> instructions on >> the Internet should be appreciated. >> >> Best 73's, >> Rolf - K2 #4979 >> SMØYQC >> ___ >> 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] K3/100 RF Feedback/Spurious Oscillation Verified Via RX Input
Good investigation Scott, ties in with my findings. Protem I have installed a relay to short the loop pre-amp output on TX. 73 Stewart G3RXQ On Sat, 2 Feb 2008 18:22:57 -0800, Scott Prather wrote: > > When I read about this report from Stewart last night (as well as the > responses indicating that other had experienced a similar effect) I decided > to set up the bench test to see if I could emulate the problem. I've since > discovered that these reports are valid, the K3 PA will generate a severe > spectral "comb" if there's insufficient isolation between the RX and TX > antennas when the KXV3 RX input is used. > > To execute this test, I ran the K3 into a dummy load through an RF coupler > that displays 26 dB of isolation. The output of this coupler was split (3 dB > splitting loss) between a Tektronix 496 spectrum analyzer and a Tektronix > 2701 50-ohm step attenuator. The output of the 2701 was fed into the K3's RX > input. Initially, the attenuator was set to 0 dB. > > The K3 was keyed at full output (100W or +50 dBm), which results in a +21 > dBm signal back into the K3's RX input. Under this condition, if the RX port > is enabled, the K3 will generate a spectral comb with the most severe spurs > only 10 to 20 dB down from the carrier. Turning the RX input off clears the > problem. I was able to create this comb spectrum on 160, 80, and 40 meters, > with 40 displaying the highest-power spurs. > > Lowering the input power to the K3 via the 2701 attenuator indicates that > the "sweet spot" for generating this spurious oscillation occurs when > there's an input signal of about +20 dB. This would correspond to a minimum > of 30 dB of TX antenna to RX antenna isolation when operating at 100W output > power or 40 dB of isolation at 1 kW. I have spectrum analyzer photos of the > spurious signals generated by the K3 under these conditions if anyone is > interested. > > I ran the same test under the same conditions with my K2/100, and this > problem does not occur. > > The bottom line here is that a +20 dBm signal (100 mw) will create severe > spurs on the K3 but not the K2 when operating in the 40M band and below. > Above 40M I was unable to duplicate the problem, perhaps a higher power to > the RX input is required. > > It's important to note that anyone who has +20 dBm or more coming back on > the receive antenna is asking for trouble in the first place, and additional > isolation and/or a shorting relay during TX operation is probably a good > idea. > >> From the reports, it sounds like there have been a few folks who had rather > high power coming back in through the RX input for a while and didn't notice > it until this secondary symptom was noted in the K3. I haven't looked at the > RX input circuit in the K2 to see how it differs from the K3 so that I can > find the root-cause of this problem. > > Scott > N7NB > > K2 #1285 > K3 #219 > > > -- > > Message: 34 > Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:14:13 GMT > From: Stewart Baker <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: [Elecraft] K3/100 RF Feedback/Spurious oscillations ? > To: Elecraft Reflector > Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Very strange effect noticed today when tuning up on 20m. > > At power levels above 20 w on 14.175 my external Palstar SWR meter > would suddenly leap from 1:1 to above 5:1. Also the K3 SWR display > showed similar. High current was also reported. No problems with > either a TS850S or K2, both OK up to 100W. > > Switching the RX Ant switch to the main antenna or removing the RX > Antenna BNC lead cured the problem. > > I use the RX antenna input for 2 x Pennant loops for the LF bands, > but find that they sometimes give a better SNR than the main > antenna on higher bands. The main antenna system is a doublet fed > with open wire feeders into a fully balanced (no toroid on output) > ATU. > > My initial thoughts is that there might be some spurious output > generated by an obscure feedback path from the RX antenna input. > If this output were on a frequency well separated from the desired > then it could show up as as high SWR. > > What think Ye ? > > 73 > Stewart G3RXQ > > > ___ > 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] More power from K2
Hi David and other group members, Thank you for all your replies. I shall try to buy one of those 3.5AH battery first and give you details later. There are many many battery manufacturers in China where we are so near. I shall see what I get. There may be no weblink for manufacturers who are in fact OEM for other suppliers. We are lucky that we do not have any GST or VAT or import duties. Ham gears and electronic parts are just cheaper than most parts of the world. 73 Johnny VR2XMC --- David Pratt <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 說： > In a recent message, Johnny Siu > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote ... > >I notice that battery technology has been > improving. > >The internal lead-acid battery used in K2 can be > >replaced by newer version with capacity of 3.5Ahr > >instead of the original 2.9Ahr. The new version > can > >be found easily in Hong Kong at a price of say > US$10. > > Could you please provide a link to these batteries, > Johnny? If they are > the same physical size as the original K2 battery I > should be very > interested in obtaining one. > > 73 > -- > David G4DMP > Leeds, England, UK > -- > > > 出差或去旅遊時，你可以隨時隨地用全新的Yahoo! Messenger 網上版同朋友即時通訊及查詢對話訊息紀錄!立即前往 http://hk.web.im ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K1 NB
I have a noise at my place that comes on at night and is a random pulse type noise. Essentially on a spec an it looks like a bunch of very narrow spikes that jump all over the place. A peak hold trace draws a new noise floor by connecting the spike peaks about 20dB over the actual floor. In my Kenwood TS-450S both NB1 and NB2 seem to have about the same effect on the noise and it does a pretty good job. But the K1 seems to be completely ineffectual on this noise. Could it be that it's a construction issue? I'm not fully familiar with how they work or where I'd start figuring out this one. ___ 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
