Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Questions about ARRL review
Hi Doug, Can someone explain to me why the above/below results for these two filters are so disparate at these narrow spacings? Let me speculate... you might want to read the description by PA3AKE, especially the chapters on his development of his roofers: http://www.xs4all.nl/~martein/pa3ake/hmode/index.html He talks about, among other things, how important clean surfaces are for good IMD performance in crystals filters. - Quartz and IMD The surface finish plays a big role in the linearity of the quartz. Particles (micro dust) polluting the surface of the quartz are known to cause IMD. To make things considerably worse, the IMD they cause is not following 3rd order law by any means. (from the PA3AKE website) - Sherwood also mentions this in the information (in one of the audio files, if I remember correctly) available at his web site. If one of the crystals in the filter is dusty then you ought to see an immediate difference. My 2700Hz filter, if our numbers (DD5FZ DK4YJ) are really correct, is better than the ARRL filter but the difference is not major. I assume this is due to normal variance which occurs during the production process (and minor differences in the calibration of the measurement equipment). Also the 8 pole 2800Hz filter is likely to have a bit more attenuation in the passband than a 5 pole filter, which may have a minor affect on the amount of IMD in the post filter IF amps and second mixer. All of this could combine to explain the differences at 1kHz and 2kHz spacing. On the other hand, at 20kHz both filters are almost identical, so a dusty quartz crystal may not be part of the reason after all. review suggests that the observed asymmetry is quite unusual For many filter topologies the asymmetry is perfectly normal. Not to forget that in a design such as the K3, it's the first 20dB to 30dB of stop band attenuation which are really important. The final total selectivity comes from the DSP filter and not from the roofing filter. This said, I am playing with idea of rolling my own roofing filters for my K3 for three reasons. Firstly, can a couple dBs be tickled out by using extremely good crystals (expensive!)? Secondly, it should be educational. And most importantly, HAMs just wanna have fun. One thing the ARRL report does show, and I agree with this after having a 2700Hz filter in my K3 for about a year now, the five pole 2700Hz filter is plenty good. An 8 pole filter (i.e. the 2800Hz filter) does not appear to be necessary. vy 73 de toby -- DD5FZ (ex 4n6fz, dj7mgq, dg5mgq, dd5fz) K2 #885, K2/100 #3248, K3/100 #67 ___ 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 K2 I/O problem
Hi Rolf, I have had this problem about a week ago, my K2/100 would not talk to HRD or K2 Remote. I checked all cables etc no problems there. However I found that I had lost the side tone on cw, I then discovered that the K2 had somehow reset the U8-4 source to the default U6-25 setting. After re-setting it to the correct U8-4 source every thing worked again with HRD and K2 remote. Hope this is of some help to you 73 de Barry G4DBS No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.10/1814 - Release Date: 11/26/2008 20:53 ___ 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 keying
Barry, Shortening of characters in QSK is a common issue in many transceivers though it seems less of a problem in the K3. What you should really use to combat it is 'Keying Compensation' which you will see in for example Winkey configuration settings and other external keyers; it lengthens each character by a fixed amount (x millisecs) and is independent of keying speed and is designed specifically for this problem. Think I'm right in saying the K3 internal keyer doesn't have this adjustment (yet?). When I checked my K3 on my 'scope the shortening in qsk looked pretty minimal but I find a setting of 3ms makes the (Winkey) keying feel 'sweeter' so that's what I use... 73 and look out for you this weekend at GW0GEI (M2) Stewart Rolfe, GW0ETF Barry Simpson wrote: No one has commented on the apparent shortening of the first dit as illustrated in the QST review, Figure 1. My K3 keying does not have that issue as far as I can judge from listening on a separate receiver. What is does have is a disparity between keying weighting between MOX (either front panel switch or foot switch) and VOX/QSK. Compared with MOX which has characters about the same length as my other rigs on my keyer's 50% weighting setting (ie it is about right) the characters in VOX and QSK are shortened. I simply overcome it by altering my weighting to 58% and not using MOX. I note that Elecraft deal with the same issue by having the weighting set at 1.15 in the config menu. Not a real problem - just an observation. Looking forward to giving the K3 a good workout this weekend. Barry Simpson K3 #1397 ___ 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 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-keying-tp1584655p1584816.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] Questions about ARRL review
Toby Deinhardt wrote on Thursday, November 27, 2008 at 9:17 AM: you might want to read the description by PA3AKE, especially the chapters on his development of his roofers: http://www.xs4all.nl/~martein/pa3ake/hmode/index.html He talks about, among other things, how important clean surfaces are for good IMD performance in crystals filters. Toby, I'll second that, I am using the same 9MHz crystals that Martein uses. Not to forget that in a design such as the K3, it's the first 20dB to 30dB of stop band attenuation which are really important. Maybe, assuming that the IMD performance of the roofer and ALL stages which follow the roofer is good enough at those spacings. This said, I am playing with idea of rolling my own roofing filters for my K3 for three reasons. Firstly, can a couple dBs be tickled out by using extremely good crystals (expensive!)? Secondly, it should be educational. And most importantly, HAMs just wanna have fun. Something to bear in mind is that the passband insertion loss of a quadrature type roofer using good crystals is less than that of most roofing filters of the same bandwidth, which will increase signal levels at the IF's input all other things being equal. The difference can be as much as 6 - 8db in the case of a 500 Hz roofer. Also if you do build these filters, include a shield so that the input - output hybrids do not see one another and forget about using disc ceramic capacitors - bad for IMD! 73, Geoff GM4ESD ___ 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 keying
No one has commented on the apparent shortening of the first dit as illustrated in the QST review, Figure 1. My K3 keying does not have that issue as far as I can judge from listening on a separate receiver. What is does have is a disparity between keying weighting between MOX (either front panel switch or foot switch) and VOX/QSK. Compared with MOX which has characters about the same length as my other rigs on my keyer's 50% weighting setting (ie it is about right) the characters in VOX and QSK are shortened. I simply overcome it by altering my weighting to 58% and not using MOX. I note that Elecraft deal with the same issue by having the weighting set at 1.15 in the config menu. Not a real problem - just an observation. Looking forward to giving the K3 a good workout this weekend. Barry Simpson K3 #1397 ___ 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] Questions about ARRL review
Hi Geoff, Not to forget that in a design such as the K3, it's the first 20dB to 30dB of stop band attenuation which are really important. Maybe, assuming that the IMD performance of the roofer and ALL stages which follow the roofer is good enough at those spacings. It also depends on whether you are talking about signals within the pass band of the roofing filter or signals in the stop band. I would argue that within the roofing pass band the K3 does have weaknesses, but if the roofing filter bandwidth is close to the DSP bandwidth, then these become secondary as other aspects such as TX and RX phase noise will start to become limiting factors, especially at narrow bandwidths. Something to bear in mind is that the passband insertion loss of a quadrature type roofer using good crystals is less than that of most roofing filters of the same bandwidth, which will increase signal levels at the IF's input all other things being equal. The difference can be as much as 6 - 8db in the case of a 500 Hz roofer. Which could be taken care of by using a 6dB resistive pad, should the lower loss become a problem. I rather doubt that a quadrature type will fit into the space which Elecraft has alloted per filter. It could be the largest challenge if I decide to go the path which you and Martein have. disc ceramic capacitors - bad for IMD! Full Ack. very 73 de toby ___ 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: QST Review: Minor Quibble
Hi All, I have to agree with Erik 100% on this. After years of using the K2 I either use the tip of my forefinger on the edge of the VFO knob to roll the knob around, or I use it on the outer edge of the front face. Same with the K3. My K2 knob looks burnished from doing this. Actually I think we should defer judgment of this subject to my cats. Shadow has always preferred the paw on the edge of the knob when using my K2 and has never had a problem hitting the other controls. http://www.pituch.net/Steve%27s%20Page/Radio/cat/Cat.htm However, Bumper the kitten is doing very well with the K3, and is showing much promise. I was going to buy an LP Pan, but I am thinking that a cat might be even better. http://www.pituch.net/Pet%20Main%20Page/Pet%20Main%20Page.html After all, Albert Einstein compared (the lack of) cats to radio: You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. One thing I was worried about after I ordered the K3 was that when I would read the user's manual I would fall asleep. I sort of got the jist of how the controls worked but really could not visualize actually operating the radio myself without the excellent and very informative manual next to me. It was actually a bit disconcerting as I wondered how easy the K3 would be to use since it has so many features. I'm not dissing the manual in any way as I think it is excellent. It has everything you need to know about the K3. But it is very hard to know how good the controls on the K3 are unless you have one in front of you. Well after building the radio, and building it is such an enlightening experience, it was time to actually use it. And that's what I did. After I turned it on, I started using it as if I had been familiar with it for 10 years. Once in a while it took me a while to find a control, but I sort of intuitively knew what control was needed. I wasn't wasting time figuring out how to do something. It seems I'm just able to do it. I guess I think the radio is highly intuitive, although I couldn't really decide that from reading the manual. The K3 has become the first radio I have had that is sort of an extension of myself. Sort of hard to explain but I spend less time focused on the radio front panel and more time communicating with the signals coming out of it. In fact I often find myself not looking at the radio during critical net control operations for many minutes at a time. Its like no stress operating. On difficult nets when the f0F2 is way below the operating frequency I hear better, and while others on the net are stressing out I am enjoying myself and the challenge. I think that part of this is due to Wayne's degree in Cognitive Science. I doubted his judgment on this initially after first reading the manual. I thought maybe he was trying to jam too much on the front panel. But after operating the radio I think the control layout is a great feature set. I'm not a die hard contester, but I like using the radio very much. I think its hard to put this kind of feeling in a QST review, but I think the reviewer (Joel, W1ZR it seems) actually did reveal his positive enthusiasm toward the rig. I don't think I've ever read a more enthusiastic review in QST. In reading it, its like the messiah of radios has finally come to hamdom. Can't get much better than that. I think Joel realizes that the K3 pushes the state-of-art and will make Yaecomwood work a lot harder in the future on their designs. My cats also prefer the layout on the K3 to all the other radios I have in the shack. Regards, Steve, W2MY ___ 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] Questions about ARRL review
Table 2 of the ARRL review finally answered my questions about the relative performance of the 2700 and 2800 Hz filters at 1 Hz and 2 Hz spacing. The results are very impressive. Can someone explain to me why the above/below results for these two filters are so disparate at these narrow spacings? There are really two questions here. The first question has to do with the skirt selectivity of the roofing filter. If you look at the larger values of attenuation (134 vs 115, or 113 vs 93) the result is mostly due to the difference in shape factor of the roofing filter. Expressed differently, an 8-pole filter is likely to have a steeper slope in its selectivity curve than a 5-pole filter. The second question has to do with the difference between the above and below values for a given filter when the signal spacing is less than the nominal width of the filter. This asymmetry is due to the way in which the K3 aligns the roofing and DSP filter passbands. The signal is not necessarily centered in the roofing filter passband; rather, the signal is shifted towards an edge to maximize the use of the roofing filter's skirt selectivity. Why is this important? Consider the case in which you are using a wider filter in a crowded band while operating CW. A huge signal appears very close by, perhaps 1 or 2 kHz away. The use of CW REV or CW may make a considerable difference on the impact of that signal on the receiver. If the passbands were centered, this tool would be less effective. And if huge signal are on both sides? Time to get a narrower roofing filter! 73 and Happy Thanksgiving, Lyle KK7P ___ 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: Vivat Rex
After months of using my K3, I am spending time again with my K2. It is set up as a QRP model, and I recently upgraded it with the DSP option. I had forgotten what a pleasure it is to use the K2. I know that the specs are not as good as its K3 big brother, but the receiver is still a thing of beauty. This morning I worked Belgium (from San Diego) with 5 watts. The op on the other end was surprised to hear California, much less a QRP station. There is definitely some mojo going on there. So I don't know if I have a point, other than to remind myself and others that the K2 is still a top-notch rig and I am glad I still have it. 73 and Happy Thanksgiving to all! John, WA6L -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K2%3A--Vivat-Rex-tp1585677p1585677.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 Tuning Knob
The recommended K2 substitution knob is the main tuning knob from a Yaesu FT-900, it's much heavier and has a nice feel. I ordered mine from a German Yaesu dealer. Hummm think I'll pull it off the K2 and see how it fits K3 S/N 906. Vy 73, Bob DJ0MBC/WU5T ___ 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] Questions about ARRL review
Hi Lyle, If you look at the larger values of attenuation (134 vs 115, or 113 vs 93) the result is mostly due to the difference in shape factor of the roofing filter. Expressed differently, an 8-pole filter is likely to have a steeper slope in its selectivity curve than a 5-pole filter. But on the other hand, AFAIK, an 8 pole filter will tend to be more likely to create higher distortion of the Nutzsignal due to group and phase delay, ringing, etc. at each pole. So more poles is not always better than less poles. vy 73 de toby ___ 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] Questions about ARRL review
Hi lyle the List, ... higher distortion of the Nutzsignal due ... das Nutzsignal = the wanted signal Sorry about the German which kinda snuck in. vy 73 de toby ___ 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] Desk Mike for the K3 Question
Ladies n Gents I use my Heil Headphones HC-4 most of the time for SSB operation, but I was wondering what people use for a Desk Mike for the K3. I don't have one if the Heil set goes bad. I thought I would pick something up. What are you using if anything? 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
[Elecraft] Wanted to Trade a Hi-Q-Antennas NVIS Hi-Q-3/80 TAD
Wanted to trade a Hi-Q-antennas NVIS Hi-Q-3/80 TAD, used twice, excellent condition for either Elecraft K1, K2 DSP, or partial trade towards a K3. Non-military version -- NVIS Hi-Q-3/80 motorized remote TAD tune-a-dipole on mounting base. 2 Giant Quick disconnects (GQD’s) 2 Whip Quick Disconnects (WQD's) 2 4-lobe CapHat's Tripod Reed Switches Cables/Connectors MFJ-1924 controller Please let me know your thoughts on trade for Elecraft radio. Partial to QRP and K3. Best, Dan AD1P ## More information @ http://www.hiqantennas.com/ http://www.hi-q-militaryantennas.com/nvis.html [From Hi-Q Website] “Hi-Q-3/80 Tune-A-Dipole 10-80 Meter HF Portable antenna. The Tune-A-Dipole is available in both a Manually Tunable version and a Remotely Tunable (Motorized) version. The rotatable Hi-Q-Tune-A-Dipole HF antenna is very light and transportable -- just 7 pounds -- with the longest element only 34 long, when broken down for transportation. It is based on the Hi-Q-3/80 XTL (Extra Light) HF mobile antenna. A pair, back to back, assembles in minutes. The Hi-Q loading coil (Q=360) handles SSB legal limit and will tune CONTINUOSLY from 10-80 M including the NEW 60 M band.” ___ 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 PR6 6m pre-amp question...
Hi Group, My PR6 pre-amp arrived here today and I've got it connected. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong, but I simply can't get it to work. 12v is taken from the AUX supply. (The 12v is good) The White CTRL lead is connected to pin 11 on ACC On the 6m band I've set CONFIG: DIGOUT1 to ON I've removed the jumper P2 (although it didn't make any difference either way) The manual indicates tapping the RX antenna button to turn the pre-amp on, and when I do, the radio stops receiving. (it's sat listening to a beacon) and the RX is shown on the front panel. Any ideas as to what I've got set wrong? 73 Andy http://www.gd0tep.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 CW Sound Wave Canceling
When I first got my K3, I wanted a nice pair of speakers so I bought two Tivoli Audio extension speakers from their outlet store. They look and sound nice, although they have gone way up in price lately. To get the maximum effect from the stereo AFX performance, I placed the speakers several feet apart on a shelf right above the operating desk. The sound was good. But every now and then I would have to scramble to more clearly hear a station at a particular CW tone. Sometimes I would have to plug in the phones to be able to copy the station properly. Then I realized what might be going on. Sound waves travel at a speed of 344 meters per second. Wavelength is speed divided by frequency. So, the wavelength of a 344 Hz tone is one meter. When two sound waves meet, they can either add together (in-phase, or constructive interference) or cancel each other (out-of-phase, or destructive interference). Since I like to listen to lower frequency tones (like 400 Hz), there seems to be some cancellation going on at certain locations where I normally sit, depending on the particular pitch that I am copying. I pressed the “pitch” button and walked around the room while listening to various tone frequencies and I “think” that I can find spots where the sound is attenuated. There are other effects going on like reflections, etc. Maybe it is not a good idea to have the speakers too far away from each other. So, anyway, I will try different locations for the speakers, or drop down to only one speaker and use the AFX with only the headphones. There is nothing wrong with the K3. This is basic physics about the sound waves from two sound sources. It has the biggest effects at CW single-tone lower frequencies, and probably is not that much of a factor with the complicated sound waves in normal speech and music. And, I could be filled with hot air, which is also basic physics hi hi. 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-CW-Sound-Wave-Canceling-tp1586193p1586193.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 Tuning Knob
I wonder why?? The K3 knob is wonderful the way it is. Nicely weighted with a dimple and a nice rubber skirt. I think the K3 knob is great. 73 Greg AB7R -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Bob DeHaney Sent: Thursday, November 27, 2008 8:03 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Tuning Knob The recommended K2 substitution knob is the main tuning knob from a Yaesu FT-900, it's much heavier and has a nice feel. I ordered mine from a German Yaesu dealer. Hummm think I'll pull it off the K2 and see how it fits K3 S/N 906. Vy 73, Bob DJ0MBC/WU5T ___ 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: [K3] [Elecraft] Questions about ARRL review
Thank you Lyle. It never occurred to me that this was purposeful. I adjusted the filter offsets with the 500 and 200hz filters to more closely center them. Guess I'll believe the factory settings from now on! tnx, Gary W7TEA This asymmetry is due to the way in which the K3 aligns the roofing and DSP filter passbands. The signal is not necessarily centered in the roofing filter passband; rather, the signal is shifted towards an edge to maximize the use of the roofing filter's skirt selectivity. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Questions-about-ARRL-review-tp1583996p1586332.html Sent from the [K3] 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] Excellent Company!
Yo, I'd like to publicly thank Gary-AB7MY and Katie and Lisa for their excellent, accurate and prompt service regarding the resuscitation of my deaf K3 #1561. The rig developed a problem that I couldn't diagnose or fix in spite of Gary's email tutelage. I shipped the rig to him while the home office sent him an overlooked 250Hz filter in the sub-Rx. He rapidly fixed the rig, installed the filter and then fired the K3 back to me complete with a note detailing the 13 things he did while he had it. #1561 is back to me in time for this weekend's CW exercise and I don't think this level of service is normal for a usual radio company. # 1561 now hears back as well or better than its twin #1560. Diversity Rx utilizing two identical linked receivers with 2 different antennae makes radio a much better game for me! I'm pleased to own a product of such a well run and responsive company. 73 and I remain, Lew Sayre W7EW/W7AT ___ 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] Questions about ARRL review
Toby Deinhardt wrote on Thursday, November 27, 2008 3:33 PM: Hi Toby, It also depends on whether you are talking about signals within the pass band of the roofing filter or signals in the stop band. I would argue that within the roofing pass band the K3 does have weaknesses, but if the roofing filter bandwidth is close to the DSP bandwidth, then these become secondary as other aspects such as TX and RX phase noise will start to become limiting factors, especially at narrow bandwidths. Putting aside the K3 and thinking in the context of receivers in general, if you plot the Input IP3 of a ladder crystal filter vs frequency you will find that in most cases the value of its IIP3 has not reached a maximum untill the frequency is well into the upper and lower stopbands. For example the IIP3 of the 500Hz quadrature ladder filter that I use starts to decrease from + 55dbm at delta 6kHz from centre passband frequency, to a minimum of + 34 dbm at delta 500Hz, stays between +34dbm and +38dbm until reaching the opposite delta 600 Hz, then increases back to near +54 dbm at delta 10kHz before settling. Now if the plot of a filter's IIP3 is superimposed onto the plot of its frequency response it then becomes possible to determine relatively quickly, in the context of Gain Distribution, what is the level of two or more signals appearing in the skirt and stopband regions and their positions that will result in noticeable IMD products generated by the filter appearing in the passband. This is why I said maybe with ladder filters in mind, and is one of the reasons why three and four tone IMD tests are used by some. I agree with your comment about RX LO phase noise which must be suitably low if one objective is good in-passband performance, which also requires a bullet proof IF. Surprisingly TX phase noise has not been an issue here, even when digging out a SSB DX station sitting between very strong 40m BC stations. Something to bear in mind is that the passband insertion loss of a quadrature type roofer using good crystals is less than that of most roofing filters of the same bandwidth, which will increase signal levels at the IF's input all other things being equal. The difference can be as much as 6 - 8db in the case of a 500 Hz roofer. Which could be taken care of by using a 6dB resistive pad, should the lower loss become a problem. A pity to lose any potential improvement in overall noise figure by doing that, especially on the higher bands! 73, Geoff GM4ESD ___ 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 AF Upgrade Kit - alternative RF choke
With the Elecraft upgrade kit shipped to the UK costing over $20 for a 100 uH choke and two surface mount resistors (yes I know there are 4 in the kit and two axial ones), I wound a choke and used two surface mount resistors from my spares/repair kit. For anyone who is struggling to justify buying a slim RF choke to fit between the K3 RF board and the cover plate (needs to be no thicker than 0.275), I made a 100 uH choke using 15 turns of enamelled copper wire on a FT50-43 core and covered it with clear heatshrink. I cannot really say the audio sounds any better on my bookshelf speakers after changing the choke, but at least it didn't cost much... 73 Dave, G4AON K3/100 #80 ___ 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] Excellent Company!
I'd like to echo Lew's experience on a K3 repair. I had a minor problem with s/n 1417 that I could not track down despite many emails back and forth to Gary, AB7MY. He even sent parts that I was willing to install myself. When all else failed, I sent it to Elecraft for service. I sent the radio Priority Mail on Tuesday, Nov 18 and on Thursday, Nov 20 I had an email saying the radio was fixed and would be in the UPS system the next day! Unbelievable service! S/N 1417 is back home now and doing great. Just one more reason the K3 is the best radio around, you're buying a whole company that takes a personal interest in each customer. Rob NV5E Date: Thu, 27 Nov 2008 10:46:28 -0800 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net CC: Subject: [Elecraft] Excellent Company! Yo, I'd like to publicly thank Gary-AB7MY and Katie and Lisa for their excellent, accurate and prompt service regarding the resuscitation of my deaf K3 #1561. The rig developed a problem that I couldn't diagnose or fix in spite of Gary's email tutelage. I shipped the rig to him while the home office sent him an overlooked 250Hz filter in the sub-Rx. He rapidly fixed the rig, installed the filter and then fired the K3 back to me complete with a note detailing the 13 things he did while he had it. #1561 is back to me in time for this weekend's CW exercise and I don't think this level of service is normal for a usual radio company. # 1561 now hears back as well or better than its twin #1560. Diversity Rx utilizing two identical linked receivers with 2 different antennae makes radio a much better game for me! I'm pleased to own a product of such a well run and responsive company. 73 and I remain, Lew Sayre W7EW/W7AT ___ 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 _ Get more done, have more fun, and stay more connected with Windows Mobile®. http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/119642556/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
RE: [Elecraft] Desk Mike for the K3 Question
Hi Lee I am using an Icom SM20 (which I kept when I sold my PRO3). The plug needs a bit of rewiring but it really performs. I use it with the low cut on and some emphasis of higher frequencies in the K3. I get fantastic reports on the audio. 73 Barry VK2BJ K3 #1397 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Lee Buller Sent: 27 November 2008 17:00 To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: [Elecraft] Desk Mike for the K3 Question Ladies n Gents I use my Heil Headphones HC-4 most of the time for SSB operation, but I was wondering what people use for a Desk Mike for the K3. I don't have one if the Heil set goes bad. I thought I would pick something up. What are you using if anything? 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] K3 CW Sound Wave Canceling
On Thu, 27 Nov 2008 10:09:10 -0800 (PST), John W2XS wrote: Maybe it is not a good idea to have the speakers too far away from each other. Yes, it's a speed of sound issue, and the algebraic addition of sound waves that are arriving at your ears at different times. This may help you understand what is going on. http://audiosystemsgroup.com/AES-StereoASGWeb.pdf Study the parts about human perception of sound, time issues, and the directivity of human hearing. The best way to set up speakers for the K3 if you're listening two two channels (that is, diversity, or two RXs on two different frequencies) is with one speaker on your left so that your head blocks it to your right ear, and the other on your right so that your head blocks it to your left ear. This minimizes the destructive cancellations and maximizes your ability to discriminate which is which. Note also that the K3 plays some games with delay in DSP, which can also complicate things. Add to that that the two RXs are NOT precisely SYCNHRONIZED in diversity mode, which adds a beat of a Hz or so between the left and the right ears that is MADDENING! Wayne -- is there a tweak for this? 73, Jim Brown K9YC ___ 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] Questions about ARRL review
Hi Geoff, Which could be taken care of by using a 6dB resistive pad, should the lower loss become a problem. A pity to lose any potential improvement in overall noise figure by doing that, especially on the higher bands! Yep. It would be nice to avoid the resistive pad but any gain on the high bands could be detrimental on the lower. A problem if your two favorite shortwave bands are 160m and 10m. Of course front end attenuation is only a button push away... Putting aside the K3 and thinking in the context of receivers in... Thanks for pointing this out. vy 73 de toby ___ 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] Wtd K3 Tuning Knob
I would like to get a spare K3 main tuning knob. Anyone want to part with one? Aloha, John KH7T ___ 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] checking
checking ___ 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] Download to KRX3 - problem
I'm having trouble downloading the DSP firmware to the KRX3. Despite multiple attempts, in the table Firmware Versions for K3 Serial Number 00162 , under Installed in K3 still lists N/A for DSP2. The KRX3 seems to work properly, and all other entries in the table seem to properly reflect what I downloaded. I am using version 1.1.10.17 of the Mac K3 Utility. Can't seem to find anything in the KRX3 manual or Utility instructions to cure this. Any suggestions? Thanks. 73, Bob, WO3E This e-mail message is intended only for individual(s) to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, proprietary, or otherwise exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you believe you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by return e-mail and delete it from your mailbox. Thank you. ___ 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] Desk Mike for the K3 Question
Lee, I use an Elecraft MD2, but you can't get them anymore. I also have an old D-104 microphone that had a damaged crystal element in it - I replaced the element with a Heil HC-5 and a bunch of foam some time ago. The mic plug is wired to mate with the Elecraft pinout. Heil has a conversion kit for the D-104 that you may be interested in. The later D-104s were amplified, and any of those will work with the K3 if the plug is wired properly. Most any desk microphone can be wired to use the Elecraft pinout, it does not even have to be a ham type if you use VOX or take care of the PTT with a footswitch. Heil has several other microphone solutions and mic stands - some are quite nice, but expensive. You may also want to look at the Ten-Tec PN 708 and 709 microphones (those two have a 4 pin plug, so you have to find an 8 pin elsewhere), or the 708A and 709A which come with an 8 pin plug, but the plug must be re-wired to work with the K3. The 711 is a desk stand that is usable with the 709 and 709A mics. Those looking for an inexpensive hand mic could consider the TenTec 701 or 701A - the same thing goes for re-wiring the plug. There are many, many other choices, but for most of those choices, plan to change the mic plug, or if it already is an 8 pin, plan to re-wire it for the Elecraft pinout. With the built-in K3 TX EQ, you can tailor the audio response of most any microphone to your liking. Then at the high end, one can always use a ProAudio microphone along with an external mixer and feed the K3 line-in with the line level output from the mixer. At the low end of the scale, find a desk type computer microphone (those are usually electret types), turn on the bias for the rear mic jack and plug it in - you have to make other arrangements for PTT if that is desired, but several K3 owners have reported good to great success with those mics. Or see the Shower Head microphone featured in QST for November - that woks too (but looks ugly IMHO). Be creative. 73, Don W3FPR Lee Buller wrote: Ladies n Gents I use my Heil Headphones HC-4 most of the time for SSB operation, but I was wondering what people use for a Desk Mike for the K3. I don't have one if the Heil set goes bad. I thought I would pick something up. What are you using if anything? Lee - K0WA ___ 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 - Spontaneously changing config?
Yes, I am also convinced that some configuration settings spontaneously change when upgrading firmware. Unfortunately so far I have not been good at making notes when this happens, but I will next time. Joe Planisky wrote: I seem to recall a few postings to the list where it seemed that some problem was caused by a wrong config setting but the person didn't recall explicitly changing the setting. Since the rig is new to many people, my assumption is usually that they inadvertently changed a setting while exploring the config menus. It's easy enough to bump the main tuning knob when reaching for the VFO B knob. Now I'm not so sure. This afternoon I turned on my K3 and was surprised when I hit the band- down button and went from 30m to 80m. Several weeks ago I had locked out 60m, but 40m is one of my most used bands (used as recently as this morning). I checked the Band Map and sure enough, 40m was OUT. Since I haven't been in the config menu for quite a while, I don't think there's any way I could have inadvertently changed that particular configuration item. The only thing I've done recently besides normal operation is I loaded the latest beta firmware (2.67) this morning. Now I'm wondering if that could have somehow caused this configuration change. Has anyone else noticed inappropriate configuration changes after loading new firmware? 73 -- Joe KB8AP snip - AB2TC - Knut -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3---Spontaneously-changing-config--tp1583564p1587273.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] Desk Mike for the K3 Question
Lee, I use an inexpensive AKG professional dynamic mic (specific model no longer available) that looks like a knockoff of a Shure SM-58, the pro-audio standard for wired dynamic mics. These mics are under $50 on sale from musician stores, e.g. Guitar Center. The output is XLR low-impedance balanced, so you will need an in-line transformer to convert to the K3's unbalanced input (available from Radio Shack and Frey's). I also use a pro-quality scissor arm boom available from this source: http://q-mic.com/qm-50.html http://q-mic.com/qm-50.html All up you will out under $100 for a pro-quality set-up that outperforms the name ham brand for less than half the price, particularly combined with the K3's TX EQ which can tailor the response as you like for rag-chews or serious DX. Chuck, AE4CW Ladies n Gents I use my Heil Headphones HC-4 most of the time for SSB operation, but I was wondering what people use for a Desk Mike for the K3. I don't have one if the Heil set goes bad. I thought I would pick something up. What are you using if anything? 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 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Desk-Mike-for-the-K3-Question-tp1585930p1587283.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]Re: K3 AF Upgrade Kit - alternative RF choke
Dave, G4AON wrote: With the Elecraft upgrade kit shipped to the UK costing over $20 for a 100 uH choke and two surface mount resistors (yes I know there are 4 in the kit and two axial ones), I wound a choke and used two surface mount resistors from my spares/repair kit. For anyone who is struggling to justify buying a slim RF choke to fit between the K3 RF board and the cover plate (needs to be no thicker than 0.275), I made a 100 uH choke using 15 turns of enamelled copper wire on a FT50-43 core and covered it with clear heatshrink. I cannot really say the audio sounds any better on my bookshelf speakers after changing the choke, but at least it didn't cost much... 73 Dave, G4AON K3/100 #80 A UK-based business will soon be able to supply the recommended chokes and other components. It should be of benefit to K3 owners in both the UK and EU so I'll post details on the reflector when available. 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] K3 Interface
Hello all, I've added some more convenience to K3 operation, how about seeing the DSP bandwidth without pressing any buttons? That's new. Also added one click selection at .1, .5, 1, 1.8, 2.4, 3.3, 4.0, and 6.0 khz DSP bandwith. One click band stacking and analog S-Meter remain standard. Photo at: http://tinyurl.com/5npyc5 Download free at: http://www.zerobeat.net/mediawiki/index.php/Procat_Cool_for_Windows Happy Thanksgiving, Don wb8yqj ___ 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: power setting by mode?
Just wondering if it would be a SMOC to add the ability to store the power setting by operating mode, in the same fashion it's currently done by band (i.e. config option). I have caught myself calling CQ on PSK-31 at 100w a couple times already... Steve AD7OG ___ 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 - Spontaneously changing config?
On Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:20:48 -0800, Joe KB8AP wrote: Has anyone else noticed inappropriate configuration changes after loading new firmware? 73 No, not after loading firmware, but changes in band mapping can occur when you stray out of the ham bands. For example: If you have 80/40/30/20 mapped IN, then go jumping between the 49/31/25 meter SWBC bands(either by direct frequency entry or memory recall), you will subsequently find that BAND UP/DOWN only selects among 80/25/20 meters. What has happened is this: 30m has been transformed into 25m; 40m has been transformed into 49m and mapped OUT. So, going out of the ham bands is a sure way to jumble up the band scheme. It is easier to recover if you have some anchor freqs for each ham band programmed into the M1-M4 buttons. 73, Drew AF2Z ___ 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 - Spontaneously changing config?
Right after a firmware change a few weeks ago I noticed that my in-band (band segment) settings for M1 through M3 had disappeared for all the bands. Cause and effect not proven. 73, Erik K7TV - Original Message - From: ab2tc [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, November 27, 2008 4:52 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Spontaneously changing config? Yes, I am also convinced that some configuration settings spontaneously change when upgrading firmware. Unfortunately so far I have not been good at making notes when this happens, but I will next time. ___ 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 shipping info
I just saw this on the Elecraft site. Newly received K3 orders are now delivered approximately 1.50002 months (or less) after order date. It seems to me that the number of months is a little too precise to be realistic. LOL Nelson - K8DJC K3 #560 -- I am using the free version of SPAMfighter. We are a community of 5.7 million users fighting spam. SPAMfighter has removed 15193 of my spam emails to date. Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len The Professional version does not have this message ___ 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
