Re: [Elecraft] K3: ADC Ref calibration
I spend most of my time tinkering with the AGC-THR, AGC-SLP and RX-EQ - wish I had a dollar for every minute I've spent with the RX-EQ but that's The Other thread. Matt Zilmer wrote: > > You have the satisfaction of knowing that your're right on the mark > then. Well... at least very close. AND you've been spot on the whole > time you've had the K3. > > Suggestion: Find somewhere else to tinker. The S-Meter is a good > target. There has been some debate on that. Same with AGC > adjustments. > > There is a lot to do here with the K3. Operating it is the best part. > I think Elecraft has found us a whole new hobby, or a set of them. > > 73, > matt, W6NIA > K3 #24, K2 #2810, etc. > > > On Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:39:28 -0800 (PST), you wrote: > >> >>The multimeter *did* read 5.007 volts but I couldn't enter the additional 7mV >>into the K3. Talk about annoying >> >> >>Matt Zilmer wrote: >>> >>> Just use a different (uncalibrated) DMM Then you can change the >>> setting _twice_! >>> >>> matt zilmer, W6NIA >>> >>> On Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:07:07 -0800 (PST), you wrote: >>> Don't you hate it when your calibrated multimeter displays 5.00V on pin 2 >>of the ACC connector and you then don't have a reason for altering the >>setting? I feel like I've missed out :) - Shane K3/10: S/N 2127, KBPF3, KFL3B-FM, KFL3A-6K, KFL3A-2.8K, KFL3A-400, >>KTCXO3-1 & KXV3. >>> ___ >>> 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 >>> >>> >> >> >>- >>Shane >>K3/10: S/N 2127, KBPF3, KFL3B-FM, KFL3A-6K, KFL3A-2.8K, KFL3A-400, KTCXO3-1 >>& KXV3. > ___ > 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 > > - Shane K3/10: S/N 2127, KBPF3, KFL3B-FM, KFL3A-6K, KFL3A-2.8K, KFL3A-400, KTCXO3-1 & KXV3. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3%3A-ADC-Ref-calibration-tp1658417p1661575.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: ADC Ref calibration
You have the satisfaction of knowing that your're right on the mark then. Well... at least very close. AND you've been spot on the whole time you've had the K3. Suggestion: Find somewhere else to tinker. The S-Meter is a good target. There has been some debate on that. Same with AGC adjustments. There is a lot to do here with the K3. Operating it is the best part. I think Elecraft has found us a whole new hobby, or a set of them. 73, matt, W6NIA K3 #24, K2 #2810, etc. On Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:39:28 -0800 (PST), you wrote: > >The multimeter *did* read 5.007 volts but I couldn't enter the additional 7mV >into the K3. Talk about annoying > > >Matt Zilmer wrote: >> >> Just use a different (uncalibrated) DMM Then you can change the >> setting _twice_! >> >> matt zilmer, W6NIA >> >> On Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:07:07 -0800 (PST), you wrote: >> >>> >>>Don't you hate it when your calibrated multimeter displays 5.00V on pin 2 >of >>>the ACC connector and you then don't have a reason for altering the >setting? >>>I feel like I've missed out :) >>> >>> >>>- >>>Shane >>>K3/10: S/N 2127, KBPF3, KFL3B-FM, KFL3A-6K, KFL3A-2.8K, KFL3A-400, >KTCXO3-1 >>>& KXV3. >> ___ >> 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 >> >> > > >- >Shane >K3/10: S/N 2127, KBPF3, KFL3B-FM, KFL3A-6K, KFL3A-2.8K, KFL3A-400, KTCXO3-1 >& KXV3. ___ 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 More Cool features
http://www.zerobeat.net/mediawiki/index.php/Procat_Cool_for_Windows New features at the bottom. ;-) ___ 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: ADC Ref calibration
The multimeter *did* read 5.007 volts but I couldn't enter the additional 7mV into the K3. Talk about annoying Matt Zilmer wrote: > > Just use a different (uncalibrated) DMM Then you can change the > setting _twice_! > > matt zilmer, W6NIA > > On Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:07:07 -0800 (PST), you wrote: > >> >>Don't you hate it when your calibrated multimeter displays 5.00V on pin 2 of >>the ACC connector and you then don't have a reason for altering the setting? >>I feel like I've missed out :) >> >> >>- >>Shane >>K3/10: S/N 2127, KBPF3, KFL3B-FM, KFL3A-6K, KFL3A-2.8K, KFL3A-400, KTCXO3-1 >>& KXV3. > ___ > 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 > > - Shane K3/10: S/N 2127, KBPF3, KFL3B-FM, KFL3A-6K, KFL3A-2.8K, KFL3A-400, KTCXO3-1 & KXV3. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3%3A-ADC-Ref-calibration-tp1658417p1661381.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] Brief loss of RX and TX on startup
Has anyone had this problem? Frequently when I first power up the K3 the display appears but no audio and no TX output. Shutting down and restarting it operates as normal.Howard..K2HK___ 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 Subreceiver problem
Hi Jim, Did you solve the problem? I would describe the problem I had but it is identical to yours. I tried everything. What worked, and I don't know why, was when I installed version 1.89 (the version the sub RX came with) into DSP2 with only the box labeled "Always load DSP data tables" and "DSP2" checked. After that everything was fine. In my case everything worked right after I installed the second receiver. It still worked the first time I did a firmware upgrade but only on the bands below 20 meters. I hope you solved your problem. Tom, ak2b ___ 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: ADC Ref calibration
Just use a different (uncalibrated) DMM Then you can change the setting _twice_! matt zilmer, W6NIA On Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:07:07 -0800 (PST), you wrote: > >Don't you hate it when your calibrated multimeter displays 5.00V on pin 2 of >the ACC connector and you then don't have a reason for altering the setting? >I feel like I've missed out :) > > >- >Shane >K3/10: S/N 2127, KBPF3, KFL3B-FM, KFL3A-6K, KFL3A-2.8K, KFL3A-400, KTCXO3-1 >& KXV3. ___ 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] ADC Ref Calibration
Yesterday I posted a msg about my non-working KRX3 subRX, and the PL2 and VCO Md error messages I was getting. On advice from Wayne, I did the ADC ref calbration, measuring the ref voltage at the ACC connector as 4.973V. After setting the ref voltage to that value and redoing the VCO MD calibration, the subreceiver worked perfectly. Jim W8ZR ___ 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: ADC Ref calibration
Don't you hate it when your calibrated multimeter displays 5.00V on pin 2 of the ACC connector and you then don't have a reason for altering the setting? I feel like I've missed out :) - Shane K3/10: S/N 2127, KBPF3, KFL3B-FM, KFL3A-6K, KFL3A-2.8K, KFL3A-400, KTCXO3-1 & KXV3. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3%3A-ADC-Ref-calibration-tp1658417p1661015.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: Fw: [Elecraft] Update Strange problem when switching modes from VFO A to B
We've fixed this and its in internal f/w test right now. It will be in the next beta release after 2.73. 73, Eric WA6HHQ Elecraft Jack Colson wrote: I jsut loaded the latest beta firmware and the strange audio stlll remains. Thanks to all who made comments and suggestions. 73 Jack, W3TMZ ___ 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 with SteppIR, MicroKeyer MK2 and IC-PW1 amp
K3/100 S/N 2295 came to life last week. Now it is time to integrate it into the main station. It will replace a IC756Pro3 at the main position. I have a MicroKeyer MK2 which outputs CI-V frequency information which is needed by both the SteppIR and the IC-PW1 amp. Has anyone integrated a combination like this? And are there tips you can pass on to speed up the integration effort? Please reply off-line to n...@cox.net 73 de Jim Spears N1NK ___ 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] KUSB and Logger32
I purchased a KUSB cable and downloaded the latest driver (v2.0.4.102) from the Prolific website, as directed on the Electraft website, for my K3. Although the Elecraft Utility program worked perfectly, and I found that full rig-control worked in Logger32 but with CPU running at 100% constantly. Obviously this was a problem as the pc slowed to a crawl. PC is 2.2 Ghz with 1.5Gb ram. Running other logging software (Wintest, HRD) was fine with no addition CPU loading. Only Logger32 displayed this 100% CPU payload. To further test, I installed the prolific usb-serial driver onto 2 other XP laptops. One was brand new out the box and all 3 had different Anti Virus packages. The exact same poor behaviour was found on both as on the original XP Home desktop. The resolution was to uninstall the USB-Serial driver and install an older Prolific driver (v2.0.2.8) which resolved the issue. Link below. http://www.prolific.com.tw/support/files//IO%20Cable/PL-2303HX/Drivers/Generic/wd_pl2303_v20019v2028.zip http://www.prolific.com.tw/support/files//IO%20Cable/PL-2303HX/Drivers/Generic/wd_pl2303_v20019v2028.zip I'm not sure how many are using Logger32 but this driver may be causing issues for others? Thought I would share this in case it helps someone. 73's de Gordon MM0GPZ -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/KUSB-and-Logger32-tp1660775p1660775.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] MixW settings for K3
On 12/15/2008 3:41 PM, K2MK wrote: The problem was my MixW settings. I had the RTS and DTR set for Always On. I checked the MixW reflector and found the suggested settings of: RTS set to PTT DTR set to CW MixW now works properly in digital modes and will not erroneously activate transmit if the K3 is in the wrong mode. It does transmit CW properly in the MixW CW mode. YES!! I had the same problem (PTT always asserted) come up suddenly with the RigBlaster Plus interface to my K2. I sent the interface back to WestMountain, fearful that the transistor controlling the PTT output had failed. They returned it (three weeks later counting round trip shipping) stating that it was operating correctly and that there may have been a change in how Win XP handles ports (it started doing that after several Win XP upgrades were installed). I changed the setting of the port in MixW to those that you had posted, and lo-and-behold I was back on the air just in time for the RTTY contest, which I did not participate in! -- 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] K3 for Sale
I have for sale a K3/100 (serial # 850) and it comes with the following accessories: KAT3 ATU KBPF3 General Coverage RX Module KXV3 Transverter Interface KTCXO3-1 TCXO KUSB With the following Inrad filters: FKL3B-FM KFL2A-2.8 KFL3A-2.1 KFL3A-400 KFL3A-250 Shipped and insured to the lower 48 only please $2830.00 OBO. Ph-479-646-5380. Many thanks and Happy Holidays! 73 de jay/w5jay. ___ 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] MixW settings for K3
I use MixW for AFSK RTTY and I thought I had successfully set it up. But something unusual happened. I noticed that if the K3 was in CW mode when I started MixW the K3 immediately began transmitting as if the key input was activated. If the VOX was off I would still have the key closure (as evidenced by the tone in the monitor) but of course it would transmit. While this is happening you can't change the K3 mode. You have to disable CAT on MixW (or quit MixW) and then change the K3 mode. The problem was my MixW settings. I had the RTS and DTR set for Always On. I checked the MixW reflector and found the suggested settings of: RTS set to PTT DTR set to CW MixW now works properly in digital modes and will not erroneously activate transmit if the K3 is in the wrong mode. It does transmit CW properly in the MixW CW mode. 73, Mike K2MK ___ 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 IC- 2KL; negative voltage modification
I would be interested also in seeing how you did the interface. Thanks George, Len K3LJ gdaught6 wrote: > > Roland wrote... > >> I would be also very interested in the interface you will use for band >> switching of the 2KL. >> I use an AT500 tuner and I'd like to do the bandswitching from the K3, >> but i >> couldn't find any >> decoders in the web. > > I built one to switch my 2KL/AT500 from a Yaesu FT1000MP MkV Field. All I > had > to do to make it work with my K3 was to change the plug on the radio end, > and steal > some 12VDC power from the jack on the back of the K3 [The Yaesu had power > available on the accessory jack.] I can come up with a schematic and > parts list if > anyone is interested. > > vy 73, > > George T Daughters, K6GT > CU in the California QSO Party (CQP) > October 3-4, 2009 > > > ___ > 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-and-IC--2KL--negative-voltage-modification-tp1617415p1660501.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 and IC- 2KL; negative voltage modification
Roland, There are two pieces you need: BCD to individual band decoder: http://www.unifiedmicro.com/decoder.html And the voltage divider to generate the voltages per band: http://www.qth.com/topten/apnote3.htm I hope this helps, Andreas, N6NU Menlo Park, CA > -Original Message- > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft- > boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of DC1RS > Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 1:23 PM > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and IC- 2KL; negative voltage modification > > > I would be also very interested in the interface you will use for band > switching of the 2KL. > I use an AT500 tuner and I'd like to do the bandswitching from the K3, but > i > couldn't find any > decoders in the web. > > 73 de Roland, DC1RS > > > Ron N9RC wrote: > > > > I use the K3 with a 2KL. I have the parts for auto band switching > (decade > > band info convertor) but have yet to build it. The max power setting I > > use is 25 watts for 500 watts out but have to watch the K3 power > closely. > > The 2KL trips out easily when over driven and depending on band, mode > and > > antenna SWR (worst case 1.5:1) I have to reduce the K3 power to as much > as > > 12 watts to avoid trips. I believe the K3 "may" have a power spike on > > first sylable that causes some of the trips. I do not use ALC but as > > things settle I may try it. I use the MFJ 600 watt auto tuner with the > > 2KL and generally it works quite well. I was not happy with a AT-500 I > > had. > > > > Ron, N9RC > > > > > > > > -- > View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-and-IC--2KL-- > negative-voltage-modification-tp1617415p1660062.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 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 IC- 2KL; negative voltage modification
Roland wrote... > I would be also very interested in the interface you will use for band > switching of the 2KL. > I use an AT500 tuner and I'd like to do the bandswitching from the K3, but i > couldn't find any > decoders in the web. I built one to switch my 2KL/AT500 from a Yaesu FT1000MP MkV Field. All I had to do to make it work with my K3 was to change the plug on the radio end, and steal some 12VDC power from the jack on the back of the K3 [The Yaesu had power available on the accessory jack.] I can come up with a schematic and parts list if anyone is interested. vy 73, George T Daughters, K6GT CU in the California QSO Party (CQP) October 3-4, 2009 ___ 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] USB to serial that does not get stuck on CW on startup
The KUSB adapter also keys the radio. This seems to be only if you use DTR for keying I haven't seen the other two problems with the KUSB device. matt zilmer On Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:19:38 -0800 (PST), you wrote: > >I have USB-serial device by Belkin. I use it with Vista and PTT/CW control. >It works but: > >1. While computer boots, it keys the radio >2. When computer awakens, N1MM or Logger 32 are frozen; restarting helps >3. High power kills the connection on some bands. > >Does anybody use USB-serial cable that does not have those problems? > >Ignacy ___ 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
Fw: [Elecraft] Update Strange problem when switching modes from VFO A to B
I jsut loaded the latest beta firmware and the strange audio stlll remains. Thanks to all who made comments and suggestions. 73 Jack, W3TMZ - Original Message - From: "Jack Colson" To: Sent: Sunday, December 14, 2008 8:39 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Strange problem when switching modes from VFO A to B I have VFO A programmed for CW on each band, VFO B programmed for SSB (makes no difference which sideband ). Power up the K3 on VFO A then switch over to VFO B and the signal generated is extremely distorted and sounds like it is being transmitted via a very narrow filter. To correct this problem simply switch the mode from L or USB to CW and back again to L or USB. Audio is then restored to normal. I have the filters programmed correctly, the 2.7KHz filter is used for transmit. I am using the ESSB mode with a 4 KHz filter. This problem is independent of band. I mentioned this to Gary who passed it onto Lyle and who was unable to make it happen. I am using firmware 2.38 DSP 1.92. I am waiting for an update which will fix the turn on audio spike before updating. Any suggestions ? It is just a nuisance getting a report of who is that calling!!! 73, Jack, W3TMZ ___ 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] K3 power loss on 10 meter USB
During the 2008 10 meter contest this past weekend I experienced some power loss during USB transmissions. The K3 was set to 100 watts, more or less. The K3 firmware is the 2.58/1.94 vintage. In responding to another party calling CQ I would send my call sign, N0YE. The N0 would be transmitted at the full 100 watts. The YE would be transmitted at about 10 watts. The power level observations were made on the built in power indicator in the K3. This behavior was highly repeatable. The K3 would transmit about 4 syllables of speech at full power and drop to a low power there after. This behavior occurred with whatever I spoke while transmitting. I used more than one antenna during the contest. Each antenna had it's own tuner and so the K3 antenna tuner was bypassed. I can not say for certain that the SWR to the rig was always better than 2:1. I do not know what I can do to get the K3 into this abnormal operational state. And I am not totally sure how I got the K3 into a “normal” operating state. I think changing power levels is one trigger to get into this abnormal state. I think going into the TUNE mode for a while is a way to get in the normal state. I also think changing bands say from 10m to 12m and back to 10m without transmitting is another way to get to the normal state. Power cycling the K3 may be another way to get to the normal state. Once in the normal mode, the K3 would function normally for a long time. After I built the K3 kit, I experienced power fluctuations while transmitting. These fluctuations were cured by grounding pins 7 and 8 onto the MIC connector shell. The K3 has functioned normally on 40m, 20m, 17m and 15m bands since that fix. The modified MIC connector was used during this contest. This other problem and fix are mentioned in the off chance there may be a connection to this 10m transmit power problem. So my questions to the group are: Is this a problem observed by others? Is this a solved problem? If this is not a solved problem, are there things I could do to mitigate the problem? Don, N0YE -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-power-loss-on-10-meter-USB-tp1660124p1660124.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 and IC- 2KL; negative voltage modification
I would be also very interested in the interface you will use for band switching of the 2KL. I use an AT500 tuner and I'd like to do the bandswitching from the K3, but i couldn't find any decoders in the web. 73 de Roland, DC1RS Ron N9RC wrote: > > I use the K3 with a 2KL. I have the parts for auto band switching (decade > band info convertor) but have yet to build it. The max power setting I > use is 25 watts for 500 watts out but have to watch the K3 power closely. > The 2KL trips out easily when over driven and depending on band, mode and > antenna SWR (worst case 1.5:1) I have to reduce the K3 power to as much as > 12 watts to avoid trips. I believe the K3 "may" have a power spike on > first sylable that causes some of the trips. I do not use ALC but as > things settle I may try it. I use the MFJ 600 watt auto tuner with the > 2KL and generally it works quite well. I was not happy with a AT-500 I > had. > > Ron, N9RC > > > -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-and-IC--2KL--negative-voltage-modification-tp1617415p1660062.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] USB to serial that does not get stuck on CW on startup
I have USB-serial device by Belkin. I use it with Vista and PTT/CW control. It works but: 1. While computer boots, it keys the radio 2. When computer awakens, N1MM or Logger 32 are frozen; restarting helps 3. High power kills the connection on some bands. Does anybody use USB-serial cable that does not have those problems? Ignacy -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/USB-to-serial-that-does-not-get-stuck-on-CW-on-startup-tp1660050p1660050.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 CW Delay
Looks like I run into a bug (version 2.67). When the CW delay is activated by pushing the with the speed/mic (digital) potentiometer, the AF potentiometer isn't working. 73's, Evert PA2KW ___ 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 sensitivity + preamp: looking for wisdom
Ron, Your detailed explanation is one of the best that I have ever read. Although I understand the reasoning for and the performance of preamps on given HF bands, and the conditions of when to use and when to not use them, your verbiage does extreme justice to ansering the question AND describing in words most will understand the full sequence of events surrounding use or non-use of preamps at HF. Thanks for your time and effort to put forth this layman's explanation. 73, de Milt, N5IA - Original Message - From: "Ron D'Eau Claire" To: "'DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL'" ; "'Elecraft Reflector'" Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 11:14 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 sensitivity + preamp: looking for wisdom Keith is quite right. All receivers generate internal noise in their amplifiers. The goal is to make sure this internal noise does not compete with the received signal so the only thing that limits the ability to hear weak signals is the unavoidable atmospheric or "antenna noise". Of course, the amount of "antenna noise" you hear depends upon the filter bandwidth used. Narrower bandwidths admit less noise. That's why narrow band modes (e.g. CW, PSK31, etc.) get through when wider bandwidth modes won't. In order to keep very strong off-frequency signals from overloading the amplifier stages in the receiver, the ideal receiver has as little gain as possible before the filters that set the selectivity. But any noise generated in the very first stages of a receiver (mixer, etc.) gets amplified along with the signal and appears in the speaker or phones. On lower frequencies (up to about 10 MHz) the "antenna noise" in the quietest locations is still relatively high. That allows a receiver for those frequencies to be designed for best dynamic range (minimum gain ahead of the filters) and still the antenna noise will dominate, even at the narrowest filter setting. So the ability to hear weak signals it limited solely by the "antenna noise" and not by the receiver's internal noise. On the higher frequencies, the atmospheric (antenna) noise drops dramatically. Depending upon the noise in one's location, somewhere between 10 and 20 MHz the noise generated internally in most receivers designed for optimum dynamic range on the lower frequencies will start to compete with the antenna noise. The K3 (and K2) are no exceptions. The answer is to add more gain near the antenna using a low-noise "preamplifier" that boosts the signal and antenna noise levels up above the receiver's internal noise. That's why the K3 (and K2) have built-in "preamplifiers" that can be switched in on the higher frequencies. "Low noise" refers to the fact that the preamplifier has low enough internal noise that it won't compete with signals down at the level of the "antenna noise". In general, the "quieter" (lower noise) the preamplifier is, the more susceptible to overload it becomes. And you don't want more gain than necessary ahead of the receiver's filters. Every dB of gain added reduces the dynamic range by bringing all signals and noise up nearer the clipping point of the subsequent amplifier stages in the receiver. That's why the preamplifiers are switchable. Smart ops turn them off on the lower frequencies where they aren't needed. Indeed, that's why there's an attenuator. Under extreme conditions, attenuating all the signals - wanted and unwanted alike - provides greater dynamic range and better performance, as long as the antenna noise is still greater than that generated internally in the receiver. That's a very common situation on the 160, 80 and sometimes the 40 meter Ham bands for many Hams. It depends upon their antenna and the level of the "antenna noise". The built in preamplifier in the K3 does a great job on frequencies up to 30 MHz or so but it's marginal for best weak-signal reception in many locations on 6 meters. That's why the PR6 was added. It's optimized for best 6 meter weak-signal reception under most circumstances by providing enough gain to bring the very low "antenna noise" and signals on 6 meters up above the internal receiver noise. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Hi... The following request for information is not specific to the K3 (or even to Elecraft). Please craft your response to be generic. Despite being an active ham/contester for over 40 continuous years (but not being an ee), I just do not understand how a "preamp" works. It is not a "smart" device, so how does it "know" to amplify the signal and not the noise? I first used a preamp way back when (1960's) when I was a teenager...it was an Ameco job. It was more "fun" than useful, because I could give out "big" S meter reports. Later, when listening in the noise became more important to my style of operation, I never could notice a difference between putting the preamp "on" and just turning up the volume (many rigs with built-in preamps too). Sometimes, turning up the AF gain worked better. So...HOW does a
RE: [Elecraft] Re: Strange problem when switching modes from VFO A to B
Wayne, I think I've seen something similar happen to my K3 a handful of times while I was using the LP-PAN/Power SDR combination to rapidly scroll through frequencies using the mouse wheel. It seems as if the frequencies change too fast for the K3 to keep up and somehow the radio is left in the wrong state. It sounds to me as if the wrong filters are left on (pinched audio?). A power cycle has always fixed the problem. Roger, W1EM -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of wayne burdick Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 11:17 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: [Elecraft] Re: Strange problem when switching modes from VFO A to B I've read all the mail on this and will try to duplicate it (and fix it). Thanks for the input. 73, Wayne N6KR ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K3 sensitivity + preamp: looking for wisdom
Hello Doug, Here some basics about preamps. I will try to make it short, but I could expand to pages A preamp only makes sense if the noise-figure (NF) of the preamp is better than the NF of the normal input stage (usually the normal frontend input). Each stage in a receiver (frontend, mixer, pads, amplifiers and buffers) adds his internal noise to the combination of signal and noise injected into that stage. If the noise-figure (NF) of the first stage is better then the NF of the following stage, the amplification factor of the first stage is determining if, and how much, the S/N ratio becomes better (or not). So, to stay with your words: The preamp is not some kind of intelligent amplifier selecting signal out of the noise but it should present a better signal to noise ratio to the next stage because it adds less internal (thermal) noise to the signal than the following stage. The best result in signal to noise ratio is coming out of your antenna connector (at the antenna) everything done after, is worsening the situation. The first decrease in S/N ration is due to attenuation of the coaxial cable. So the best place to put the preamp is at the antenna so the signal + antenna noise is amplified to a "maximum" level. The amount of noise added by the preamp and coaxial cable is only relative small compared to the amplified antenna signal. A preamp has got 1 big disadvantage: it decreases the dynamic range of the original receiver setup (with about the same number of dB's as the gain of the pre-amplifier). The best solution whatever is a frontend that has to little gain of it's own but a relative low NF (let's say 3 dB) and capable of handling BIG signals. A separate preamp that has a NF of 0,5 dB and a gain of 13 dB would be good enough to have a good overall performance (low NF and not too much gain before the first mixer stage). Most preamps in HF equipment are TOTALLY useless and only worsening the situation (but looks good on your S-meter). The discussion about the need for a low NF preamp on HF is easy for me: The less noise the preamp adds from itself (and so worsening the S/N ratio) the better it is. The effect of a low noise preamp is lessening when the atmospheric noise is higher, but the effect will never be zero! On low band the atmospheric noise is high and local signals very strong and so stressing the dynamic range of the receiver. On these bands it's sometimes better to switch the preamp off. 73's Evert PA2KW -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 17:15 To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: [Elecraft] K3 sensitivity + preamp: looking for wisdom Hi... The following request for information is not specific to the K3 (or even to Elecraft). Please craft your response to be generic. Despite being an active ham/contester for over 40 continuous years (but not being an ee), I just do not understand how a "preamp" works. It is not a "smart" device, so how does it "know" to amplify the signal and not the noise? I first used a preamp way back when (1960's) when I was a teenager...it was an Ameco job. It was more "fun" than useful, because I could give out "big" S meter reports. Later, when listening in the noise became more important to my style of operation, I never could notice a difference between putting the preamp "on" and just turning up the volume (many rigs with built-in preamps too). Sometimes, turning up the AF gain worked better. So...HOW does a preamp help to "bring a signal out of the noise" without the use of some fancy computer algorithms backed by lots of computing power? Further, does a preamp really "improve" sensitivity? I have yet to find a signal that I could not copy (or hear) with any preamp "on" vs increasing the AF gain. PS...I am talking about HF. I know that lots of guys use a preamp on 160m with their beverages, so the effect must be real...right? HOW does a "dumb" device do it? 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 ___ 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] Microphone Upgrade
The 635A is an omnidirectional mic (picks up equally well from all directions). It would sound great in a quiet shack, but has no directivity to reject background noise. Excellent point, Jim. For many shacks, that can make a good deal of difference -- and if we were to bullet-point of list of mic attributes in order of importance, directivity would rank well ahead of frequency response. EV's choice in making the '635A an omni probably had a lot to do with its extensive use as a "reporter" type of mic where you would want something more forgiving off-axis when you're pushing the mic back-and-forth during a news or sports interview. Paul, W9AC ___ 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] Microphone Upgrade
I also have a couple of Neumanns but I wouldn't dream of using them in my shack for ham use. I prefer a good headset which results in a constant mouth/capsule distance, whichever way I turn my head while speaking, so the desired "noise" (my voice, that is) will always be way above ambient shack noise. Not that I need so suppress ambient noise in my shack (average SPL here is below 50dBA) but guys running amps or noisy computers could really use al the S/N they can get before it reaches the mic amp stage. That being said, a TLM103 or U87 (not to mention the old Telefunken mics) sure would look cool on the shack picture printed on your QSL card! If you *really* want to use a Neumann, I strongly suggest you look into the KSM105 which is designed for stage use. It has a built-in plop screen which is *very* effective and the capsule's response is about equal to the KM84. 73 Glenn ON4WIX/OR4W - Original Message - From: "Gary Smith" To: Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 8:03 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Microphone Upgrade There is another caveat with the TLM-103 others have alluded to & that is the off axis response. If you're not using an amplifier, you'd be OK but the cardioid pattern of the 103 accompanied by the off axis response will pick up the blower noise from the amplifier quite clearly. I use a pair of 103s for my vocals and a Neumann KM84 modified for me by Klaus Heine for stringed instruments when I'm making a CD. Even the 84 has too much off axis response to be a great mic with the 103. A KM85 which has a much narrower cardioid pattern would be better suited but I wouldn't choose it as a first choice. If you are going to experiment using an existing 103 or similar mic, I would be sure to have the cardioid null be aimed directly at the amplifier to reduce that amplifier noise (but that mic will accurately reproduce the reflected noise in your shack, including the reflected blower noise). I suspect the Heil microphone sold by Elecraft would be prety close to as good as you'd get. I have the Heil HC4 element in a HM5 stand I bought from heil when I visited his studio back in 1982 and that element gets stellar reports on SSB. Gary KA1J But The Neumann looks so cool, and the dynamic range will do sound so great ... aside from the silky smooth freq response... ;) bill At 10:29 AM 12/15/2008, Jim Brown wrote: >On Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:02:20 -0500, Phil LaMarche wrote: > > >How about the RE 27 on the K3? ___ 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 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.18/1849 - Release Date: 15/12/2008 9:01 ___ 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] Microphone Upgrade
There is another caveat with the TLM-103 others have alluded to & that is the off axis response. If you're not using an amplifier, you'd be OK but the cardioid pattern of the 103 accompanied by the off axis response will pick up the blower noise from the amplifier quite clearly. I use a pair of 103s for my vocals and a Neumann KM84 modified for me by Klaus Heine for stringed instruments when I'm making a CD. Even the 84 has too much off axis response to be a great mic with the 103. A KM85 which has a much narrower cardioid pattern would be better suited but I wouldn't choose it as a first choice. If you are going to experiment using an existing 103 or similar mic, I would be sure to have the cardioid null be aimed directly at the amplifier to reduce that amplifier noise (but that mic will accurately reproduce the reflected noise in your shack, including the reflected blower noise). I suspect the Heil microphone sold by Elecraft would be prety close to as good as you'd get. I have the Heil HC4 element in a HM5 stand I bought from heil when I visited his studio back in 1982 and that element gets stellar reports on SSB. Gary KA1J > But The Neumann looks so cool, and the dynamic range will do > sound so great ... > aside from the silky smooth freq response... ;) > > > bill > > > At 10:29 AM 12/15/2008, Jim Brown wrote: > >On Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:02:20 -0500, Phil LaMarche wrote: > > > > >How about the RE 27 on the K3? ___ 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 sensitivity + preamp: looking for wisdom
Hi Ron, This was an -excellent- layman's language explanation about the functioning of front ends and pre-amps. Tell the boss you need an "atta-boy" and a raise! Merry Christmas! Ken Kopp - K0PP elecraftcov...@rfwave.net ___ 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 sensitivity + preamp: looking for wisdom
Keith is quite right. All receivers generate internal noise in their amplifiers. The goal is to make sure this internal noise does not compete with the received signal so the only thing that limits the ability to hear weak signals is the unavoidable atmospheric or "antenna noise". Of course, the amount of "antenna noise" you hear depends upon the filter bandwidth used. Narrower bandwidths admit less noise. That's why narrow band modes (e.g. CW, PSK31, etc.) get through when wider bandwidth modes won't. In order to keep very strong off-frequency signals from overloading the amplifier stages in the receiver, the ideal receiver has as little gain as possible before the filters that set the selectivity. But any noise generated in the very first stages of a receiver (mixer, etc.) gets amplified along with the signal and appears in the speaker or phones. On lower frequencies (up to about 10 MHz) the "antenna noise" in the quietest locations is still relatively high. That allows a receiver for those frequencies to be designed for best dynamic range (minimum gain ahead of the filters) and still the antenna noise will dominate, even at the narrowest filter setting. So the ability to hear weak signals it limited solely by the "antenna noise" and not by the receiver's internal noise. On the higher frequencies, the atmospheric (antenna) noise drops dramatically. Depending upon the noise in one's location, somewhere between 10 and 20 MHz the noise generated internally in most receivers designed for optimum dynamic range on the lower frequencies will start to compete with the antenna noise. The K3 (and K2) are no exceptions. The answer is to add more gain near the antenna using a low-noise "preamplifier" that boosts the signal and antenna noise levels up above the receiver's internal noise. That's why the K3 (and K2) have built-in "preamplifiers" that can be switched in on the higher frequencies. "Low noise" refers to the fact that the preamplifier has low enough internal noise that it won't compete with signals down at the level of the "antenna noise". In general, the "quieter" (lower noise) the preamplifier is, the more susceptible to overload it becomes. And you don't want more gain than necessary ahead of the receiver's filters. Every dB of gain added reduces the dynamic range by bringing all signals and noise up nearer the clipping point of the subsequent amplifier stages in the receiver. That's why the preamplifiers are switchable. Smart ops turn them off on the lower frequencies where they aren't needed. Indeed, that's why there's an attenuator. Under extreme conditions, attenuating all the signals - wanted and unwanted alike - provides greater dynamic range and better performance, as long as the antenna noise is still greater than that generated internally in the receiver. That's a very common situation on the 160, 80 and sometimes the 40 meter Ham bands for many Hams. It depends upon their antenna and the level of the "antenna noise". The built in preamplifier in the K3 does a great job on frequencies up to 30 MHz or so but it's marginal for best weak-signal reception in many locations on 6 meters. That's why the PR6 was added. It's optimized for best 6 meter weak-signal reception under most circumstances by providing enough gain to bring the very low "antenna noise" and signals on 6 meters up above the internal receiver noise. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Hi... The following request for information is not specific to the K3 (or even to Elecraft). Please craft your response to be generic. Despite being an active ham/contester for over 40 continuous years (but not being an ee), I just do not understand how a "preamp" works. It is not a "smart" device, so how does it "know" to amplify the signal and not the noise? I first used a preamp way back when (1960's) when I was a teenager...it was an Ameco job. It was more "fun" than useful, because I could give out "big" S meter reports. Later, when listening in the noise became more important to my style of operation, I never could notice a difference between putting the preamp "on" and just turning up the volume (many rigs with built-in preamps too). Sometimes, turning up the AF gain worked better. So...HOW does a preamp help to "bring a signal out of the noise" without the use of some fancy computer algorithms backed by lots of computing power? Further, does a preamp really "improve" sensitivity? I have yet to find a signal that I could not copy (or hear) with any preamp "on" vs increasing the AF gain. PS...I am talking about HF. I know that lots of guys use a preamp on 160m with their beverages, so the effect must be real...right? HOW does a "dumb" device do it? 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
Re: [Elecraft] Microphone Upgrade
On Mon, 15 Dec 2008 12:26:22 -0500, Paul Christensen wrote: >the 664 are also great choices for the K3. >As is the EV 635A and they're plentiful on the used market. The 635A is an omnidirectional mic (picks up equally well from all directions). It would sound great in a quiet shack, but has no directivity to reject background noise. On the other hand, noise can also be rejected by working the mic very close to the mouth (like eating it). That way, the desired sound is much louder than the noise because of inverse square law (sound dies out by 6 dB for a doubling of the distance). 73, Jim 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] Microphone Upgrade
But The Neumann looks so cool, and the dynamic range will do sound so great ... aside from the silky smooth freq response... ;) bill At 10:29 AM 12/15/2008, Jim Brown wrote: On Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:02:20 -0500, Phil LaMarche wrote: >How about the RE 27 on the K3? ___ 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: the "strange problem" - pinched audio
Hi Doug, I am only using the K3 standalone. I do not use a computer to control it. 73, Dick, W0NTA DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: > > I have ONLY experienced something like this when using my logging > program to "drive" the K3. I have never seen this when the computer > is turned off and I use the K3 "all by itself." > > Here is what I did to "solve" the problem when using the > computer...with the computer / contest software running: > > Set the VFO A and VFO B settings as I like. Using the K3, toggle the > BAND switch (top left of K3) up one band and down one band (to get > back to where I started). Now go the next band (either direction) and > repeat: Set VFO A and B as you wish, then toggle up/down on band. > Now go to the third band and repeat. After doing this for every band, > things will "stay put" as I change bands using the computer to drive > the changes. > > I do not know if this is related or not to the "pinched audio" > problem, but it sounds close to what has been described. > > Are you folks using the K3 in stand-alone mode or using a computer to > change from VFO A to B, etc? > > 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 > > -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3%3A-the-%22strange-problem%22---pinched-audio-tp1658988p1659143.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] Microphone Upgrade
666, the original "Buchannan hammer" (so named because Lou Burroughs, co-founder of the company, demoed its ruggedness by driving a nail with it) was one of the first variable-D mics. Both the 666 and it's lower priced cousin, the 664 are also great choices for the K3. As is the EV 635A and they're plentiful on the used market. http://www.electrovoice.com/documents/ev/635A_AB_EDS_Rev_D.pdf They're light, and most of the time, they do not block visibility as do some of the other popular condenser and dynamic mics. The '635A won't match the same low-end as that of these other mics, but for voice work, ~ 80 Hz represents a reasonable low-frequency roll-off point. Few amateur SSB transceivers produce adequate power at that frequency, but some folks will try to push low-end content through hyper-EQ techniques. I have yet to see a first fundamental lower than about 75 Hz on any male voice -- even from well-known voice-over personalities like Mitch Craig and Charlie Van Dyke. But that rare area in response between 75-85 Hz is what sets these guys apart from the rest of us. I've noticed that when some ESSB ops try to force audio content below the first voice fundamental with many rigs, some really strange things start happening to ALC circuitry. I would suggest to anyone (including the person who questioned the use of the TLM 103 with the K3), that they ensure adequate HP filtering when using any degree of ALC. Most ESSB ops try to avoid operating into the ALC region of any transceiver, but that's not always possible without the use of additional post-mic processing (e.g., W2IHY EQ-Plus or a finalizing processor like the Behringer DEQ2496). Many condenser mic manufacturers recognize the need for dual-purpose applications that include voice + music, and incorporate a switch-selectable 70-80Hz HP filter. So, if we deliberately keep our Tx's from producing power below ~ 80 Hz, then why go to the trouble of using a high-end condenser mic that has the propensity to create more trouble than it's worth? Sure, some of these mics look pretty damn cool but they're usually associated with bragging rights. I am more impressed with an op who understands some of these limitations and chooses a mic better matched to the application. Paul, W9AC ___ 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: the 'strange problem' - pinched audio
I varified it when manually changing VFOs. - 73, Greg - AB7R Whidbey Island WA NA-065 On Mon Dec 15 9:00 , "DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL" sent: >I have ONLY experienced something like this when using my logging >program to "drive" the K3. I have never seen this when the computer >is turned off and I use the K3 "all by itself." > >Here is what I did to "solve" the problem when using the >computer...with the computer / contest software running: > >Set the VFO A and VFO B settings as I like. Using the K3, toggle the >BAND switch (top left of K3) up one band and down one band (to get >back to where I started). Now go the next band (either direction) and >repeat: Set VFO A and B as you wish, then toggle up/down on band. >Now go to the third band and repeat. After doing this for every band, >things will "stay put" as I change bands using the computer to drive >the changes. > >I do not know if this is related or not to the "pinched audio" >problem, but it sounds close to what has been described. > >Are you folks using the K3 in stand-alone mode or using a computer to >change from VFO A to B, etc? > >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 ___ 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: ADC Ref calibration
>Hi Tom, > >At present only the PLL voltage and supply voltage measurements are >affected by the ADC REF calibration. You shouldn't have to re-do any >other calibration steps. > >73, >Wayne >N6KR Thanks Wayne, What prompted the question was getting a PLL error when using the sub receiver during the 10M contest. I was running QRP so did not think it was temp related. I've not had any occasion to try the sub receiver on 10M after initial testing so don't have a pre-firmware data point on that. Re-running the PLL cal on the sub receiver cleared the problem.I guess I should re-calibrate the main receiver PLL too... Have not noticed any problems with the main receiver after doing the ADC Ref cal... I also had problems with SSB and my Alpha this weekend that I had wondered were maybe related to either the firmware upgrade or this ADC calibration.I had to crank the power back to the point of turning off the 100W K3 amp to not overdrive the Alpha! Calibrating the power at 50W did not affect that. Have not tried reverting to the previous beta firmware. Tom Whiteside N5TW ___ 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: the "strange problem" - pinched audio
In my case the K3 is working alone. 73, Trond LA8NHA -Opprinnelig melding- Fra: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] På vegne av DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL Sendt: 15 December, 2008 6:00 PM Til: Elecraft Reflector Emne: [Elecraft] K3: the "strange problem" - pinched audio I have ONLY experienced something like this when using my logging program to "drive" the K3. I have never seen this when the computer is turned off and I use the K3 "all by itself." Here is what I did to "solve" the problem when using the computer...with the computer / contest software running: Set the VFO A and VFO B settings as I like. Using the K3, toggle the BAND switch (top left of K3) up one band and down one band (to get back to where I started). Now go the next band (either direction) and repeat: Set VFO A and B as you wish, then toggle up/down on band. Now go to the third band and repeat. After doing this for every band, things will "stay put" as I change bands using the computer to drive the changes. I do not know if this is related or not to the "pinched audio" problem, but it sounds close to what has been described. Are you folks using the K3 in stand-alone mode or using a computer to change from VFO A to B, etc? 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 ___ 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 10 meter contest
During a serious effort this week end in the 10 meter contest and fighting snow static I had a lot of experience with the pre-amp and snow static and the NB! We had a blizzard here all Saturday night and Sunday and a bit below zero and lots of snow blowing around so I really could only use the 5 element at just below 200 feet which was pretty much above the blowing snow. Early on when it was still dark on Sunday morning it was snowing some and even the NB did not take care of it. For those of you down south when it is cold the snow is "dry" and the snow static is much worse. Anyway I had to turn the pre-amp on and off depending on the snow static noise. Several times I was having trouble hearing people and I would notice the pre-amp was off and would turn it on and be able to copy them. Before turning the pre-amp on I had the volume really cranked up and when it was quiet I would turn the volume down and turn on the pre-amp and it definitely made a difference. What I am saying is that I could copy signals with the pre-amp on that I could not copy with the pre-amp off no matter what I did if I did not have the snow static. The bottom line is I had the pre-amp on as much as I could. For me I had more trouble with what I would called NB induced splatter than on 160M CW but I think it was a factor of the wide filter 2.8 khz and the DSP at 2.1. I tried the 1.8 filter a few times but I seemed to have trouble hearing the weak ones and when you are trying to survive it is not the time to be learning how to use your radio. We had great success using the 1.8 khz filter in SS but 10 meters with trying to copy weak signals and having someone strong right next door and using the NB and Pre-amp I just did not get it figured out how to use the 1.8 filter. I will have to try and learn this summer during the better sporadic "E" season but it is nearly impossible to simulate the 10M contest. I have a lot of people calling me that I just can not pull out. The truth is with 1500 watts it is impossible to hear someone running a few watts if they are just barely hearing me. I am sure there were a lot that called that I did not hear and there were others I just could not copy calls, etc. I do everything I can with having quiet rcv conditions and 7/8" heliax but the heliax just makes me louder on transmit so really no help there on hearing the weak ones. Anyway last year before the K3 arrived this summer I used the FT-1000D for a number of years and previous to that a TS-950SDX and the K3 is much better on 10 meters than they were. On another note I did notice the K3 puts out full power on 10 meters which a lot of radios do not. I was amazed at how cool the K3 stays. FWIW I operated split in the contest a lot as it is a lot easier tuning for those off frequency of which there seems to be a lot on 10 meters than using the small RIT knob. The RIT on the K3 is better than other radios I have used but going split is a lot better. Just like the FT-1000D tuning the "SUB" in the right ear is not the most "FUN" with the small knob. I see that physically there is room for a bigger knob. Is there someway one could but your "CQ" frequency in memory and use the main knob for the "SUB". I think I am dreaming but with the firmware lots of things are possible. For those in the NE my heart goes out to you with the "ICE". I have had ice here and it causes a lot of work to be destroyed in a short time!!! Ed W0SD ___ 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: ADC Ref calibration
Tom Whiteside (N5TW) wrote: I'm wondering if this new ADC reference calibration affects any other calibration settings. Are there other parts of the calibration procedure we should repeat after changing this setting from the default? Hi Tom, At present only the PLL voltage and supply voltage measurements are affected by the ADC REF calibration. You shouldn't have to re-do any other calibration steps. 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] Fixed: (1) power-on AF noise burst; (2) incorrect SSB TX filter settings after VFO swap
I was able to confirm and correct both of these problems, and both will be fixed in the next beta firmware release. If either of these is an inconvenience and you'd like to try the latest field-test code (which includes the changes), please e-mail me directly (wayne at elecraft dot com). I'll send you a .zip file. 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] K3: the "strange problem" - pinched audio
I have ONLY experienced something like this when using my logging program to "drive" the K3. I have never seen this when the computer is turned off and I use the K3 "all by itself." Here is what I did to "solve" the problem when using the computer...with the computer / contest software running: Set the VFO A and VFO B settings as I like. Using the K3, toggle the BAND switch (top left of K3) up one band and down one band (to get back to where I started). Now go the next band (either direction) and repeat: Set VFO A and B as you wish, then toggle up/down on band. Now go to the third band and repeat. After doing this for every band, things will "stay put" as I change bands using the computer to drive the changes. I do not know if this is related or not to the "pinched audio" problem, but it sounds close to what has been described. Are you folks using the K3 in stand-alone mode or using a computer to change from VFO A to B, etc? 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] K3 sensitivity + preamp: looking for wisdom
DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: > > Hi... > > The following request for information is not specific to the K3 (or > even to Elecraft). Please craft your response to be generic. > > Despite being an active ham/contester for over 40 continuous years > (but not being an ee), I just do not understand how a "preamp" works. > It is not a "smart" device, so how does it "know" to amplify the > signal and not the noise? I first used a preamp way back when > (1960's) when I was a teenager...it was an Ameco job. It was more > "fun" than useful, because I could give out "big" S meter reports. > > Later, when listening in the noise became more important to my style > of operation, I never could notice a difference between putting the > preamp "on" and just turning up the volume (many rigs with built-in > preamps too). Sometimes, turning up the AF gain worked better. > > So...HOW does a preamp help to "bring a signal out of the noise" > without the use of some fancy computer algorithms backed by lots of > computing power? Further, does a preamp really "improve" sensitivity? > I have yet to find a signal that I could not copy (or hear) with any > preamp "on" vs increasing the AF gain. PS...I am talking about HF. I > know that lots of guys use a preamp on 160m with their beverages, so > the effect must be real...right? HOW does a "dumb" device do it? > > de Doug KR2Q > > There is residual noise within the receiver. By amplifying the signal, a preamp can improve the signal to noise ratio, if the noise being received by the antenna is close to the amount of noise that is generated in the receiver. Therefore preamps are most often needed on VHF and up where the atmospheric noise level is low and greater gain is needed to raise it to the point where it swamps internally generated noise. If, as I do, you live in an electrically noisy location, then a preamp may seem to make no difference at all. I do not find the K3 preamp has any benefit at all, since the S meter is always reading a couple of S points (often a lot more!) even on a dead band. Perhaps when the higher frequency bands become workable again the preamp might show some benefits. It is probably also useful on 6m. - Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222. http://www.g4ilo.com/ G4ILO's Shack http://www.ham-directory.com/ Ham Directoryhttp://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html KComm for Elecraft K2 and K3 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-sensitivity-%2B-preamp%3A-looking-for-wisdom-tp1658815p1658925.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: [K3] [Elecraft] f/w 2.73/1.98 power calibration
Julian, G4ILO said: > I don't think it is anything to do with this revision. I first noticed this > a few months ago, after one of the updates that made some changes to the > ALC. Adjusting TXG VCE may be the answer, but the other change I made was to > avoid tuning at 5.0 or 50W. The K3 recalibrates the power when you press > TUNE at those exact power levels, and if it is looking into a mismatched (or > varying, as you adjust the ATU) load then it mucks up the calibration. Except when performing a power calibration, I never set my requested power to 5.0W or 50W for the reason Julian describes. Actually, this is not a power calibration issue at all, but it is a difference in the radio's performance as a result of the firmware revision. Even after performing the power calibration at 50W into a dummy load to eliminate calibration as a concern, I find that version 2.73/1.98 delivers significantly higher power than 2.67/1.96 at the same PWR control setting. As AD7OG did, I observe that with a PWR control setting of 48 watts and TXG VCE at 0.0 dB I get a reading of 90 watts (9 bars) delivered power at an audio frequency of 1000 Hz in DATA A mode. The IMD in PSK31 is correspondingly bad (at 90W delivered power, the measured IMD is around -18 dB instead of the desired -24 dB or better). The delivered power is not quite this high at higher audio frequencies, but still well above the requested 48 watts. AFSK A mode behaves similarly to DATA A, but unlike PSK31 the consequences in RTTY are relatively minor (no IMD issues to worry about - if I were using low tones, I would hold the delivered power to 100 watts or less simply to avoid the possibility of transmitting audio harmonics, but with high tones this is not likely to be a problem). In order to hold the delivered power down to no more than 50 watts so as to give acceptable IMD values for PSK31, I must either adjust the PWR control down to a setting much lower than the power I actually want, or set TXG VCE to a value of -2.0 dB or so as suggested by NW8L. The precise power delivered varies somewhat with audio frequency, but settings of 48W for the PWR control and -2.0 dB for TXG VCE seem to deliver reasonable PSK31 performance here. I expect that these settings may continue to change with future firmware revisions. 73, Rich VE3KI K3 #1595 ___ 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 sensitivity + preamp: looking for wisdom
Doug, the preamp does not discriminate between signal and noise. It does not bring the signal "out of the noise". It will raise the level of the signal and the noise if the noise level is very low such as happens frequently on VHF, sometimes on ten meters and occasionally on 15 meters. Preamps seldom help on the lower bands. The ten meter contest this weekend was a time where a preamp helped. I used the one in my K3. For me, most of the time the noise level was low enough that the preamp was of benefit. It raised the signal about an S unit which was enough. Part of the time the local power line noise was enough that I turned the preamp off because the noise level was moving the S meter. The best place for a preamp is at the antenna before the coax. Needless to say, this presents a lot of complications for transmitting antennas so hams usually use a preamp at the receiver. Preamps are great for receive only antennas that are far away from the shack, particularly if they are not very sensitive (such as a Beverage on 160 meters) As you observed, preamps are not very smart. They are just a transistor or two and some filtering. They are useful sometimes, harmful at others. I hope this helps. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ --- On Mon, 12/15/08, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: > From: DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL > Subject: [Elecraft] K3 sensitivity + preamp: looking for wisdom > To: "Elecraft Reflector" > Date: Monday, December 15, 2008, 8:14 AM > Hi... > > The following request for information is not specific to > the K3 (or > even to Elecraft). Please craft your response to be > generic. > > Despite being an active ham/contester for over 40 > continuous years > (but not being an ee), I just do not understand how a > "preamp" works. > It is not a "smart" device, so how does it > "know" to amplify the > signal and not the noise? I first used a preamp way back > when > (1960's) when I was a teenager...it was an Ameco job. > It was more > "fun" than useful, because I could give out > "big" S meter reports. > > Later, when listening in the noise became more important to > my style > of operation, I never could notice a difference between > putting the > preamp "on" and just turning up the volume (many > rigs with built-in > preamps too). Sometimes, turning up the AF gain worked > better. > > So...HOW does a preamp help to "bring a signal out of > the noise" > without the use of some fancy computer algorithms backed by > lots of > computing power? Further, does a preamp really > "improve" sensitivity? > I have yet to find a signal that I could not copy (or > hear) with any > preamp "on" vs increasing the AF gain. PS...I am > talking about HF. I > know that lots of guys use a preamp on 160m with their > beverages, so > the effect must be real...right? HOW does a > "dumb" device do it? > > 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 ___ 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] Microphone Upgrade
On Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:02:20 -0500, Phil LaMarche wrote: >How about the RE 27 on the K3? ANY variable-D mic will work very well with a K3. The RE27 is a variable-D mic and a variation on the RE20 that uses a neodymium magnet. It's a very good mic, but overkill. I own several RE20s, RE27s, and RE16s. The Ham Interfacing tutorial lists about 8 variable-D mics that are suitable, and are worth grabbing when you see them used. Dynamic mics don't wear out, so are pretty safe to buy used (unless, of course, they've been badly abused). The EV 666, the original "Buchannan hammer" (so named because Lou Burroughs, co-founder of the company, demoed its ruggedness by driving a nail with it) was one of the first variable-D mics. Both the 666 and it's lower priced cousin, the 664 are also great choices for the K3. I used to own some 666s but they got away from me. 73, Jim 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 sensitivity + preamp: looking for wisdom
I think the theory is that the atmospheric noise is below the receiver's detection level so the noise you hear is generated inside the rig. Add a preamp and both the antenna noise and signal come up by the same amount bringing the antenna noise up to the detection floor and boosting the signal at the same time. The overall noise floor doesn't change much if any but switched from internal noise to antenna noise. The signal, however has come up and is easier to copy. - Keith N1AS - - K3 711 - -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 11:15 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: [Elecraft] K3 sensitivity + preamp: looking for wisdom Hi... The following request for information is not specific to the K3 (or even to Elecraft). Please craft your response to be generic. Despite being an active ham/contester for over 40 continuous years (but not being an ee), I just do not understand how a "preamp" works. It is not a "smart" device, so how does it "know" to amplify the signal and not the noise? I first used a preamp way back when (1960's) when I was a teenager...it was an Ameco job. It was more "fun" than useful, because I could give out "big" S meter reports. Later, when listening in the noise became more important to my style of operation, I never could notice a difference between putting the preamp "on" and just turning up the volume (many rigs with built-in preamps too). Sometimes, turning up the AF gain worked better. So...HOW does a preamp help to "bring a signal out of the noise" without the use of some fancy computer algorithms backed by lots of computing power? Further, does a preamp really "improve" sensitivity? I have yet to find a signal that I could not copy (or hear) with any preamp "on" vs increasing the AF gain. PS...I am talking about HF. I know that lots of guys use a preamp on 160m with their beverages, so the effect must be real...right? HOW does a "dumb" device do it? 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 ___ 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] Strange problem when switching modes from VFO A to
Recognized this problem today for the first time with S/N 1933 FW 2.47. All I did was changing VFO's and was suddenly unreadable in the other end. The other station changed from lower sideband to the upper without success. He could very well here my signals but unable to read them. The VFO B was in CW mode when I changed between the two. Switching the rig off/on fixed the problem. For info only. 73, Trond LA8NHA -Opprinnelig melding- Fra: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] På vegne av Mike Scott Sendt: 15 December, 2008 3:40 PM Til: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Emne: [Elecraft] Strange problem when switching modes from VFO A to >I have VFO A programmed for CW on each band, VFO B programmed for SSB. Power up the K3 on VFO A then switch over to VFO B and the signal generated is extremely distorted and sounds like it is being transmitted via a very narrow filter. To correct this problem simply switch the mode from L or USB to CW and back again to L or USB. >Any suggestions ? >Jack, W3TMZ Jack, I sometimes come up with the same pinched audio that you are reporting. My situation is not as repeatable as yours. I have the same VFO A and VFO B set up as you do for CW/SSB. When my pinched audio has occurred I believe it happened after an operation just like you describe by switching over to VFO B. I tend to correct the problem with a power-off reset and haven't tried your mode-change solution. For what it is worth, this problem has been reported a few times by me and one other person that I know of. It has occurred over multiple firmware installations. My problem seems to have not occurred in quite some time now, ever since I enabled the noise gate function. Since Elecraft has been unable to duplicate the problem they are of course stuck. They have been diligent in trying to replicate the problem. If you have not enabled the noise gate, try it and let us all know if you still have the problem. I am wondering if the noise gate is causing the state of the audio path to be different such that it avoids the issue from surfacing. One other tidbit, perhaps unrelated but I pass on just in case it is related. I notice that when the K3 powers up in SSB mode (2.7 KHz filter) that the receive audio initially comes up in a narrow band pass and then shifts to the 2.7 KHz filter bandwidth. I am wondering if the transmit audio is in a similar sequence and gets stuck in a narrow pass band and the startup sequence on the transmit side never completes until a mode change. Here is the start up sequence as seen through the receive side: 1. Hit the power button at time zero 2. Audio comes up in a band limited to approximately 450 Hz to 850 Hz at roughly 2 1/2 seconds after sequence starts. The band limited phase lasts maybe a half second or less. I note that if we tried to transmit through that kind of band pass filter the audio would indeed be pinched. 3. Then broadband audio comes up through the 2.7 KHz filter with AGC wide open at 3.4 to 3.5 seconds 4. Then normal audio with under AGC control after 3.6 seconds (the 100 msec or so at the end of the sequence seems to cause the noise blast that some of us have been reporting, Elecraft is testing a change to this right now). Mike Scott - AE6WA Tarzana, CA (DM04 / near LA) K3-100 #508/ KX1 #1311 ___ 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] Microphone Upgrade
On Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:42:24 -0800, Dick Dievendorff wrote: >Is that URL right? http://HamInterfacing.pdf gives me HTTP 404 errors. OOPS! http://audiosystemsgroup.com/HamInterfacing.pdf 73, Jim 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
[Elecraft] Re: Strange problem when switching modes from VFO A to B
I've read all the mail on this and will try to duplicate it (and fix it). Thanks for the input. 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] K3 sensitivity + preamp: looking for wisdom
Hi... The following request for information is not specific to the K3 (or even to Elecraft). Please craft your response to be generic. Despite being an active ham/contester for over 40 continuous years (but not being an ee), I just do not understand how a "preamp" works. It is not a "smart" device, so how does it "know" to amplify the signal and not the noise? I first used a preamp way back when (1960's) when I was a teenager...it was an Ameco job. It was more "fun" than useful, because I could give out "big" S meter reports. Later, when listening in the noise became more important to my style of operation, I never could notice a difference between putting the preamp "on" and just turning up the volume (many rigs with built-in preamps too). Sometimes, turning up the AF gain worked better. So...HOW does a preamp help to "bring a signal out of the noise" without the use of some fancy computer algorithms backed by lots of computing power? Further, does a preamp really "improve" sensitivity? I have yet to find a signal that I could not copy (or hear) with any preamp "on" vs increasing the AF gain. PS...I am talking about HF. I know that lots of guys use a preamp on 160m with their beverages, so the effect must be real...right? HOW does a "dumb" device do it? 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] K3 10-meter sensitivity
GE Tony. 1. The K3's sensitivity in manufacturer's specifications for BW=500Hz is equal to -136dBm. If we will recalculate sensitivity for SSB BW=2800Hz we will see only -128dbm. 2. If we will see measurements from ARRL Lab for K3 and ProIII (for example), we will see that ProIII has better noise floor (MDS): for 14MHz -141dBm for ProIII (PreAmp2=On) and -138 for K3 (PreAmp=On) for 50MHz -142dBm for ProII (PreAmp2=On) and -136 for K3 (PreAmp=On) For 28MHz we don't have the results from ARRL. :( 73! Alex UR5LAM Tony - KM0O пишет: Yesterday, in the 10-meter contest, I noticed that some other stations (using comparable antennas) within a very few miles of me were working stations that I could barely detect, or not even hear, on my K3. In itself that is not too unusual, but I had another radio in the shack, a Yaesu FT-900, so I connected it to the K3 for some comparative receiver testing. What I discovered was rather disappointing. About half the time, there seemed to be no difference in the ability of the two receivers to pick out very weak signals at or near noise level. The other half of the time, the old FT-900 seemed just a bit better. NEVER was the K3 better at digging out the weak ones. What are other people's impressions of the K3's sensitivity on 10 meters? This is a K3 that was in Aptos a few months ago and came back "within spec". Does the K3's 6-meter sensitivity problem extend down to 10 meters? Comments, anyone? 73, Tony KM0O ___ 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 10-meter sensitivity
I have the same experience. *Without* the preamp the K3 sensitivity is excellent but turning the preamp on, the improvement in sensitivity is disappointing, in my case as little as 3dB (for 11dB more gain). My K3 has also been back to the factory (primarily for mods), and came back with the statement that it meet specs. I wonder if others have toyed with the idea of replacing the K3 preamp with a broadband low noise preamp with 11dB gain. I want it in *place* of the K3 preamp so that it will be behind the RF BP filters and thus protected. An outboard preamp in the RX antenna loop is not an option since it would have to be band selected in order to retain good IM. A small well shielded unit should be possible to wire in with a few trace cuts on the main circuit board. With a 1-2dB NF we should be able to lower the MDS by close to 10dB relative to what the typical K3 preamp provides (they seem to vary a bit) Tony - KM0O wrote: > > Yesterday, in the 10-meter contest, I noticed that some other stations > (using comparable antennas) within a very few miles of me were working > stations that I could barely detect, or not even hear, on my K3. In > i > 73, > Tony > KM0O > - AB2TC - Knut -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-10-meter-sensitivity-tp1658620p1658753.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 10-meter sensitivity
Hi Tony, I used my K3 this year and did not notice the problem Tony. Last year, I used an FT-900 for an hour and gave up on it because the inter modulation products were so bad and used my Kenwood TS-850. Signals were very weak this year with rapid fading. It would be very possible for two stations near each other to be hearing different signal strengths. Only a few signals were strong and those were only on Sunday afternoon for me. I did notice some distortion on the very strong signals when slightly off frequency which I do not have on the TS-850. My non-contest comparisons with weak signals between the TS-850 and the K3 are that signals that are Q3 on the TS-850 are Q4 on the K3. Does not sound like much, but is the difference between QSO and no QSO. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ ___ 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 DVR Receive Status
Dave, N1LQ wrote: " Has anyone with a K3 Serial Number around 370 received their KDVR or received notice of its upcoming shipment?" Dave- I have K3/100 #474 and was notified about a week ago that the KDVR3 was about to ship. It arrived in my mailbox this past Saturday, 12/13/08. 73, Terry, WØFM ___ 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] Photo of Large Tuning Knob for VFO B
At 12:49 PM 12/13/08, Gary Hvizdak wrote: Thanks to K3HRN, you can now see one of John's photos at the *bottom* of this page < http://www.zerobeat.net/mediawiki/index.php/SpotLight_on_K3 > on the K3 Wiki website. Actually, wb8yqj, Don, put the pix up on the wiki...he's one of the tireless Wiki-tenders. All of us involved in the wiki are more than happy to add information that will be of interest and help to the K3 community. 73, Thom k3hrn ___ 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 10-meter sensitivity
Yesterday, in the 10-meter contest, I noticed that some other stations (using comparable antennas) within a very few miles of me were working stations that I could barely detect, or not even hear, on my K3. In itself that is not too unusual, but I had another radio in the shack, a Yaesu FT-900, so I connected it to the K3 for some comparative receiver testing. What I discovered was rather disappointing. About half the time, there seemed to be no difference in the ability of the two receivers to pick out very weak signals at or near noise level. The other half of the time, the old FT-900 seemed just a bit better. NEVER was the K3 better at digging out the weak ones. What are other people's impressions of the K3's sensitivity on 10 meters? This is a K3 that was in Aptos a few months ago and came back "within spec". Does the K3's 6-meter sensitivity problem extend down to 10 meters? Comments, anyone? 73, Tony KM0O -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-10-meter-sensitivity-tp1658620p1658620.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] Strange problem when switching modes from VFO A to
>I have VFO A programmed for CW on each band, VFO B programmed for SSB. Power up the K3 on VFO A then switch over to VFO B and the signal generated is extremely distorted and sounds like it is being transmitted via a very narrow filter. To correct this problem simply switch the mode from L or USB to CW and back again to L or USB. >Any suggestions ? >Jack, W3TMZ Jack, I sometimes come up with the same pinched audio that you are reporting. My situation is not as repeatable as yours. I have the same VFO A and VFO B set up as you do for CW/SSB. When my pinched audio has occurred I believe it happened after an operation just like you describe by switching over to VFO B. I tend to correct the problem with a power-off reset and haven't tried your mode-change solution. For what it is worth, this problem has been reported a few times by me and one other person that I know of. It has occurred over multiple firmware installations. My problem seems to have not occurred in quite some time now, ever since I enabled the noise gate function. Since Elecraft has been unable to duplicate the problem they are of course stuck. They have been diligent in trying to replicate the problem. If you have not enabled the noise gate, try it and let us all know if you still have the problem. I am wondering if the noise gate is causing the state of the audio path to be different such that it avoids the issue from surfacing. One other tidbit, perhaps unrelated but I pass on just in case it is related. I notice that when the K3 powers up in SSB mode (2.7 KHz filter) that the receive audio initially comes up in a narrow band pass and then shifts to the 2.7 KHz filter bandwidth. I am wondering if the transmit audio is in a similar sequence and gets stuck in a narrow pass band and the startup sequence on the transmit side never completes until a mode change. Here is the start up sequence as seen through the receive side: 1. Hit the power button at time zero 2. Audio comes up in a band limited to approximately 450 Hz to 850 Hz at roughly 2 1/2 seconds after sequence starts. The band limited phase lasts maybe a half second or less. I note that if we tried to transmit through that kind of band pass filter the audio would indeed be pinched. 3. Then broadband audio comes up through the 2.7 KHz filter with AGC wide open at 3.4 to 3.5 seconds 4. Then normal audio with under AGC control after 3.6 seconds (the 100 msec or so at the end of the sequence seems to cause the noise blast that some of us have been reporting, Elecraft is testing a change to this right now). Mike Scott - AE6WA Tarzana, CA (DM04 / near LA) K3-100 #508/ KX1 #1311 ___ 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: ADC Ref calibration
I'm wondering if this new ADC reference calibration affects any other calibration settings.Are there other parts of the calibration procedure we should repeat after changing this setting from the default? Tom Whiteside N5TW ___ 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] FS - Elecraft K2-100 loaded with Accessories
I have a K2/100 for sale that includes the following: K2/100 100 Watt radio - S/N 3223 KAT-100-1 Auto Antenna Tuner KSB2 SSB Adapter KDSP2 DSP KNB2 Noise Blanker K160RX 160M Adapter FDIMP Finger Dimple K2 QRP Top Radio has all factory-authorized upgrades to bring it to current specifications. Everything is in excellent operating and cosmetic condition. High quality construction throughout. Includes all manuals and interconnecting cables. $1150.00 USD includes USPS shipping to Canadian and continental US destinations. I accept PayPal and Money Order. You can buy this radio with confidence; I am a long-time "Elecraftor". Pictures available on request. Please reply offline. Thanks Dave White, VE6DRW d...@trinustech.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] f/w 2.73/1.98 power calibration
Richard Ferch wrote: > > It's more than just the power calibration. Even after calibrating power > and > setting the requested power below 50W, with either 2.73/1.98 or 2.72/1.98 > the power output on PSK31 (in DATA A) mode often exceeds the requested > power, which results in splatter. I have been having to constantly ride > the > LINE IN and/or sound card output level controls in this weekend's PSK > contest to keep the power below 50W and PSK signal quality acceptable; I > have now switched back to 2.67/1.96 for the remainder of the contest. > I don't think it is anything to do with this revision. I first noticed this a few months ago, after one of the updates that made some changes to the ALC. Adjusting TXG VCE may be the answer, but the other change I made was to avoid tuning at 5.0 or 50W. The K3 recalibrates the power when you press TUNE at those exact power levels, and if it is looking into a mismatched (or varying, as you adjust the ATU) load then it mucks up the calibration. - Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222. http://www.g4ilo.com/ G4ILO's Shack http://www.ham-directory.com/ Ham Directoryhttp://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html KComm for Elecraft K2 and K3 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/f-w-2.73-1.98-power-calibration-tp1651339p1657645.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] K3 Request VFO round freq when coarse tune
K3 FW feature request: Freq rounding when coarse tune as an option Rounding of frequencies for digits smaller than the step size when using coase tuning. Perhaps independent settings for mode and/or depending on frequency range. VFO_OFS=ON, using rit/xit when off for coarse tune Example rounding: Mode AM, coarse step 1khz Freq 7012.45 when using coarse tune I see 7013.45, 7014.45 etc for the next steps It would be nice to see 7013.00, 7014.00. Same as on 10mtr FM 5 khz coarse. First you have to tune the vfo to the round freq (channel), only then you can effectively use coarse tune to hop through the channels. An extra feature could be automatic "channel" frequency set within a part of the spectrum The European Medium wave band is a good example, 9khz channels beginning at 531Khz ending 1620Khz BC, CB, 10mtr FM and even some digimodes on 20m are more examples Coarse tune could be a nice operational feature to quickly scan "canalized" activity on a band. But.. well. when I read this..I get a dejavu. I talk about the channel encoder function as on my gd old TS850. Could that "tool" be implemented pse? Thanks in advance, Hugo pa4la ___ 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] f/w 2.73/1.98 power calibration
Richard Ferch wrote: Steve Ward said: > I just applied the latest beta firmware as I have done many times > before, and it looks like this time my power calibration went out the > window. I'm putting out about 70w on PSK31 when I dialed in 45. > > Just wanted to give folks a heads-up to watch their power output when > they start operating under new firmware, it might be time to re-calibrate! It's more than just the power calibration. Even after calibrating power and setting the requested power below 50W, with either 2.73/1.98 or 2.72/1.98 the power output on PSK31 (in DATA A) mode often exceeds the requested power, which results in splatter. I have been having to constantly ride the LINE IN and/or sound card output level controls in this weekend's PSK contest to keep the power below 50W and PSK signal quality acceptable; I have now switched back to 2.67/1.96 for the remainder of the contest. Agreed that calibration is apparently not the issue. I did some testing with a dummy load. Sending a PSK signal (just "TX" mode no data) I see 9 bars on the RF Power display on the K3. The MFJ dummy load's meter (FWIW) shows approx 50w average output but much higher peak reading. I have no idea how accurate the meter on the MFJ is, but something is definitely changed with this revision. 73, 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
[Elecraft] Travel case for the K3
Official (TSA !) advice is NEVER put anything valuable like electronics in checked baggage. Levels of theft are reported to be much lower; a substantial number of TSA staff (436 I think) have been fired, but theft by baggage handlers remains an issue. I always use hand baggage, even for a TenTec Hercules II linear, (not for its PSU !!!) and after an unfortunate experience at Philadelphia, I never say whats in the bag. Let them ask . I took my K2 to ZS6 only days after 9/11. It was simply wrapped in a newspaper inside a supermart plastic carrier bag (no normal hand baggage allowed) but no-one asked what it was; no-one asked to see it. G3JAG K3/100 #107 ___ 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 and IC- 2KL; negative voltage modification
I got many different opinions on this topic and it seems that the IC-2KL really needs negative ALC for a good protection.I´ll do the modification in order not to damage the amp.Thanks for your comments! 73, Chris-OE5CSP -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-and-IC--2KL--negative-voltage-modification-tp1617415p1657415.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] Microphone Upgrade
http://www.audiosystemsgroup.com/HamInterfacing.pdf David (M6SPV) > From: j...@audiosystemsgroup.com > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Date: Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:33:50 -0800 > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Microphone Upgrade > > See http://HamInterfacing.pdf for details and a list of other great pro mics > to use in your ham shack that cost a LOT less. _ Get Windows Live Messenger on your Mobile http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/msnnkmgl001001ukm/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