[Elecraft] Re: K3 Caution when using an external monaural speaker
Thanks for your observations on this, Todd. Just to be safe, we recommend using a stereo plug even when only a single external speaker is being used. This is discussed in detail in the owner's manual (page 20 in the case of revision D). Just use the TIP contact of the plug for the speaker, leaving RING unconnected. Of course we want to reduce the possibility of damaging the AF amp to zero -- even with SPKRS=2 and a mono plug. To this end, we're working on a very simple modification to the KIO3 audio daughter board. This will be the subject of a modification document soon, and is already being phased into production. 73, Wayne N6KR TGahagan wrote: Most of the K3 owners probably already know this but for the benefit of those that don't please be aware that you may damage the audio amplifier chip on the DSP board if you enable Config Speaker 2 and then plug a monaural speaker plug into the rear panel speaker jack. --- 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: K2 - CAT
Fred I have never had luck running either the K2 or K3 with AUTO baud rate. I'd set the baud rate to 4800. And I've seen on the Writelog reflector recommendations not to use AUTO with most radios. 73HankK8DD The RS-232 CAT for my K2 has always worked well. Getting ready for the OK RTTY, I find that it keeps giving weird frequencies, none of which are right. It seems to do it about once a second. I'm running WriteLog, the rig is set to K2, and the baud rate to AUTO, which has always worked. Anyone got any ideas? If I can get this fixed, I think I'll just leave the K2 set on RTTY ... this happens every time I try to get it working with the laptop again. I have 2 USB adapters, both Prolific bridges, one from Elecraft and one from RS. The RS one has worked in the past. Open to any ideas. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2009 Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2009 - www.cqp.org -- 'Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level then beat you with experience.' -anon -- ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 Caution when using an external monaural speaker
Most of the K3 owners probably already know this but for the benefit of those that don't please be aware that you may damage the audio amplifier chip on the DSP board if you enable Config Speaker 2 and then plug a monaural speaker plug into the rear panel speaker jack. This overloads the audio amp. If running a monaural speaker the Speaker setting must be set to 1. I would recommend always using a set of stereo speakers no matter what the configuration setting for speakers. I am somewhat embarrassed to say that the audio amp chip is really not much fun to replace and I will be more careful in the future. :-( Todd, WA7U ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2 - CAT
The RS-232 CAT for my K2 has always worked well. Getting ready for the OK RTTY, I find that it keeps giving weird frequencies, none of which are right. It seems to do it about once a second. I'm running WriteLog, the rig is set to K2, and the baud rate to AUTO, which has always worked. Anyone got any ideas? If I can get this fixed, I think I'll just leave the K2 set on RTTY ... this happens every time I try to get it working with the laptop again. I have 2 USB adapters, both Prolific bridges, one from Elecraft and one from RS. The RS one has worked in the past. Open to any ideas. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2009 Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2009 - www.cqp.org ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] KNB2 Mod... OK!
Hi everybody; My next door neighbor just purchased a new 40"+ flat screen TV. When He turned it on, my little K2 just about jumped off the operating table! The EMI is pretty bad. After thinking about a non violent cure for a while I discovered a little mod to my KNB2 that turned out to really work. The addition of a 0.1Uf cap between the emitter of Q2 and ground proved to be quite effective in taking the interference noise level down quite a bit. It's not gone entirely but is nowhere near as bad as it was. The mod may be found in the Tech. notes section, K1/K2 mods, "excellent index of customer mods" kept by Sverre LA3ZA. To continue, LA3ZA unofficial guide to K2 mods, general mods for any K2, KNB2, noise blanker knb2, Increase low threshold sens. BY Stefan DL7MAJ. Whew!! Maybe this mod will work as well for others, I hope so. Thanks Stefan!! Best regards, Bob K7HBG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] OT: help w/Skype. THANKS!
I should have said to reply directly. Apologies to the list. I have it resolved now. For the record, I am using Firefox and that is where the "conversion" of numbers to teleco numbers took place. I disabled the add-on (under TOOLS) while under my log-on (XP). Still works when they kids log on as themselves, but now I am clean again. :-) Thanks to all who replied directly and otherwise. de Doug KR2Q ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: help w/Skype
Yes, that's the Skype Internet Explorer add-on. You should have a button titled Skype in the Internet Explorer toolbar. If clicked, it turns numbers that look like telco numbers into buttons. Either click it again to shut that feature off, or uninstall just the add-on. Details here, but you can just click the drop-down arrow and one of the choices is to uninstall the add-on. No doubt that line will get wrapped. http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/10/10/disable-uninstall-and-remove-skype-add-on-call-this-phone-number-on-web-page-and-toolbar-plugin-menu-in-ie/ So, tinyurl: http://tinyurl.com/2493j8 I always uninstall that add-on. I never use it. Rick Kunath, k9ao ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: help w/Skype
> > You mean, like, your bank account balance turns into a phone number? ;-) > Nahhh. Phone numbers can't be negative! ;-) Sorry, I couldn't help myself. 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] OT: help w/Skype
On Fri, Dec 19, 2008 at 16:22, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: > My kids installed Skype on the home PC. Now all numbers which MIGHT > be phone numbers turn into phone numbers (instead of remaining as > columns of numbers). > > How do I turn this off? > > Thanks, > de Doug KR2Q > I assume you mean in something like IE or Firefox. Look for a Skype icon in the application you are using, clicking it should toggle this feature. You can try to hover over it with the mouse first, it just might tell you what will happen if you click it. Contact me direct and I will be happy to assist. 73, -- Clark B. Wierda, N8CBW "Love all, trust a few." - Shakespeare ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: help w/Skype
You mean, like, your bank account balance turns into a phone number? ;-) On Fri, Dec 19, 2008 at 4:22 PM, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: > My kids installed Skype on the home PC. Now all numbers which MIGHT > be phone numbers turn into phone numbers (instead of remaining as > columns of numbers). > > How do I turn this off? > > Thanks, > de Doug KR2Q > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Manual - Config Menu updates
Firmly agree, it's so easy to be out of date and miss things. David G3UNA To that end, perhaps the Config Menu (incorporating new firmware updates) could be posted on the website for replacement of the (outdated) C.M. in the manual. but having the C.M. updates separately would be helpful. VE7XF ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Roofing Filter question
>I have a K3/10 on order. I have used my K2 for over a year and find >the filters to be very good. I operate 90% on the time on QRP >CW. I'm looking for opinions on which roofing filters I might include. Unless you're contesting or dealing with DX pileups, probably none. The default 2.7 kc filter works fine. One of the reasons I purchased a K3 was that it had 5 roofing filter slots and a whole slew of filters available to fill them up. When my K3 kit arrived in June, it came with only the 2.7 KHz filter-- my CW filters were on back order. I notice a huge difference when I installed the 400 Hz filter. Right now, I own two SSB filters and four CW filters, and am evaluating which three of the four CW filters I want to keep. My application is mainly DX pileups, sometimes along with some close neighbors. 73, Chuck NI0C K2/10 s/n 5853 K3/100 s/n 1061 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] anti-static (ESD) mat testing and recommendations
On Fri, 2008-12-19 at 09:53, wayne burdick wrote: ... > In our tests of the ESD mats we found that if we walk across the room > and then touch the mat, we draw an arc. So, the mat must be conductive, > though very high in resistance. No doubt Elecraft's industrial-grade ESD mats do meet specifications. That is, between 1 Mohm and 1 Gohm depending on relative humidity. But I was measuring 25-50 Gohms (25,000-50,000 Mohms) on the Radio Shack and Jameco mats. That implies it would take a 25-50 million volt static charge to get a 1 mA arc. ... > Meanwhile, please *do* purchase and use a mat. ... I continue to use mine if for no other reason than for the grounded wrist strap. On Fri, 2008-12-19 at 10:43, WILLIS COOKE wrote: > Al, the explanation could be that the sauce pans are not machine > flat, thus have a much smaller contact area than their measured > diameter would indicate. A machined flat surface with the mat > sitting on a very flat surface would probably yield much different > results. Trying to make laboratory accurate measurements with > jury rigged apparatus sometimes yields poor results. Yes I understand my measurement technique is not very accurate. But it would have to be off by at least 2,500 per cent (Radio Shack) or 5,000 per cent (Jameco) for those mats to be meeting industry-standard specifications. By the way, the Jameco mat in particular is quite squishy. I doubt the flatness of the saucepan bottom makes much difference. On Fri, 2008-12-19 at 10:47, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: ... > The only uncertainty I can think of is whether your Simpson behaves like you > expect with very brief current surges. It's the old "move a car with a > sledge hammer" issue: inertia plays a huge role as does the action of the > spring in the meter movement. When you whack the meter with the surge, it > may not be behaving in a linear fashion as the surge varies. ... As a sanity check I lowered the power supply voltage to 7.5V and measured the current surge. Sure enough, it jumped just about half the amount as it did with 15V. Admittedly the measurement is not very accurate since I'm looking for a brief meter movement down below 10% of full scale on the meter. So it could easily be off 20-30 per cent. But there's no way it's off 2,500 per cent. > On Fri, 2008-12-19 at 10:59, Kok Chen wrote: > Alan, > > In case the pan is a bad way to measure (as someone pointed out), is > there any way that you can measure the two mats you have (one on top > of the other, facing one another) some way? > > You have two mats, which most of us don't and you may be able to do > some measurements that the rest of us cannot :-) :-). ... Good idea. I turned the Radio Shack mat upside down on the Jameco mat and put my trusty saucepan weighted with 8 pounds as close to the corner with the ground wire connections as possible. I connected the 0.1 uF capacitor between the two ground leads and charged it to 15V. After a half an hour, the meter jumped to 70-80%. So the resistance is comparable, or even higher, using this method than with the two saucepans side-by side (simulating the industry-standard test). Al N1AL ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Re: K3 feeling of knobs and switches
I posted the problem you are describing about a month ago, but it only happened when I had activated SW TONE. With SW TONE disabled SPOT worked fine. But now it seems to work fine with or without SW TONE. I am using FW 2.67. 73, Drew AF2Z On Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:07:04 -0800, W6ODJ wrote: >Is this thread maybe related to the following problem? The tap of the >SPOT key is very goosey on my K3. If I just tap it very briefly, the >SPOT tone fails to come on. I have to press it for just a fraction >longer, but not long enough to register as a HOLD (which triggers the >PITCH function). Takes a delicate touch. > >As a test, I turned on the audible switch-press feedback (CONFIG:SW >TONE). I find that even a very brief tap of the SPOT switch always >makes the small feedback beep sound. But only some of the time does >it turn on the SPOT sidetone correctly. > >Anyone else? > >Oliver Johns >W6ODJ > > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] OT: help w/Skype
My kids installed Skype on the home PC. Now all numbers which MIGHT be phone numbers turn into phone numbers (instead of remaining as columns of numbers). How do I turn this off? Thanks, de Doug KR2Q ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Any amplifier news?
I don't really NEED two K3's either. But sometimes the WANT of a KPA-1500 outweighs the NEED of other things. Isn't that something Spock might have said? Merry Christmas N2TK, Tony K3 - #311 K3 - #1435 -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of David Pratt Sent: Friday, December 19, 2008 5:50 AM To: dj7...@muenchen-mail.de Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Any amplifier news? In a recent message, dj7...@muenchen-mail.de wrote ... > >I suppose with K3 variable roofing filters, K3 Panadapters and the >like, the KPA800 & KPA1500 may well be on the back burner for many, >many more months. You don't need an amplifier, Toby. Working stations using QRP is a much greater achievement. Build a KX1 instead. ;-) 73 -- David G4DMP Leeds, England, UK -- ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Wiring the Shure 450 mic for K3
I thought those with concern or issues have already taken pin 7 & 8 to ground... "bypassing" the inductors and L7 on the rear mic input bill At 02:17 PM 12/19/2008, Iain MacDonnell - N6ML wrote: Hmm, but there has been a recommendation to connect the mic return and shield to the connector chassis, instead of using pin 7, to avoid the "pin 1 problem". http://n2.nabble.com/Microphone-ground-td1329465.html ~Iain ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Re: K3 Operating Tip: Menu help text and factory default settings
wayne burdick wrote: The owner's manual has full descriptions. I do encourage everyone to read the entire menu section, just so you'll know what you can do with the rig. (Or, if you don't like to read manuals, just go to each one in turn and tap DISP to get the short version.) Two questions: 1. Just exactly how much memory does my K3 have? 2. Where did you hide the 100GB disk drive? Just curious ... 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2009 Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2009 - www.cqp.org ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Wiring the Shure 450 mic for K3
Iain, While that is true in many respects, the following facts are also true: 1) The K3 mic connector shell is grounded - so purists should connect the shield wire from th emic element to the shell of the Foster plug. 2) The K3 original design used a 100 uHy inductor in the ground path (pins 7 and 8) of the mic jack input. That has been corrected in the current build of K3. Those who have earlier K3s should short out Front Panel L4 as described in the Elecraft Application Note "Front Panel Microphone Circuit Modification". 3) The above will be a benefit, but it still does not completely solve the 'pin 1 problem' (although it comes as close as practical (see below). 4) To truly solve the 'pin 1 problem', the microphone jack shell should be connected directly to the *enclosure* at the jack location (rather than to the board ground) - that is difficult to achieve with the enclosure mounted over a PC board. It was not a problem in older equipment where the jacks were fastened to the enclosure itself rather than fastening to the PC board. If some users have a need to do so, it would be possible to add a solder lug on the inside of the Front Panel and connect it by a short path to the microphone jack shell - that would be the proper "pin 1" solution. But since that would require a mounting hole (for the solder lug) in the K3 Front Panel metalwork, I doubt that many owners would be willing to do that. There is space to mount a solder lug on the bottom flange of the front panel metalwork, so some owners may be willing to add one there (just below the mic jack) - the solder lug can be positioned in such a way that it is possible reach into the left end and solder (and desolder) it to the ground wire around the mic jack when the front panel metalwork is installed (or removed). After the change to bypass L4 is in place, mic jack pins 7 and 8 both have a relatively short path to the board ground plane, and in all but the most extreme situations, it will be sufficient. 73, Don W3FPR Iain MacDonnell - N6ML wrote: Hmm, but there has been a recommendation to connect the mic return and shield to the connector chassis, instead of using pin 7, to avoid the "pin 1 problem". http://n2.nabble.com/Microphone-ground-td1329465.html ~Iain ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Manual - Config Menu updates
>I do encourage everyone to read the entire menu section... To that end, perhaps the Config Menu (incorporating new firmware updates) could be posted on the website for replacement of the (outdated) C.M. in the manual. I do print the 'New Firmware Information' with every revision, but having the C.M. updates separately would be helpful. VE7XF ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] And so it begins...
The K3 kit arrived today. I haven't opened it yet, I've been deciding if I want to do it here where there's no distractions or there where there's companionship & three cats. Tomorrow's my birthday so I want to have it done by then. Here there's antennae galore, there there's nothing but I can bring coax, wire & the MFJ-259B & do an interior dipole. Here the food is OK There, it's plenty and tasty. Here there's snow & there there's snow. Decisions, decisions. It will... be done tomorrow either way. Better light here. I'm opening the box! WooHoo Gary KA1J ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Wiring the Shure 450 mic for K3
Hmm, but there has been a recommendation to connect the mic return and shield to the connector chassis, instead of using pin 7, to avoid the "pin 1 problem". http://n2.nabble.com/Microphone-ground-td1329465.html ~Iain Don Wilhelm wrote: Benson, You can connect the black wire to either pin 7 or pin 8 and the red wire to pin 2 and it will work with the K3. Other amateur transceivers (some Kenwoods) have the PTT return separate from the AF return. I believe the PTT return is pin 8 and the AF Return is pin 7, so if you also want it to operate with all Kenwood transceivers having the 8 pin connector, wire the black wire to pin 8 and the shield plus the white wire pin 7 - the green wire (AF) goes to pin 1. 73, Don W3FPR Benson wrote: I see in the K3 manual that the mic connector has one pin for PTT and two grounds. My mic, a Shure 450 (http://www.shure.com/stellent/groups/public/@gms_gmi_web_ug/documents/web_resource/us_pro_450_series_2_ug.pdf) has a red and black wire for PTT. They are not part of the audio circuit but are just shorted by the PTT in the mic. Can anyone offer any guidance in wiring this mic? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Inrad 1.5 KHz filter for K3
K6LL posted: > I was visiting the Inrad Web site this morning and noticed > the following: > > Narrow SSB Filter for Elecraft K-3 > By special request we have made a small run of super-narrow > 1500 Hz SSB filters for the Elecraft K3. We are shipping from > stock. (Dec 10, 2008) > > 1500 Hz 8215 kHz SSB 8-pole crystal filter Bandwidth 1500 Hz > Center Frequency 8215.0 kHz Mode SSB Typical Insertion Loss < 6 dB > Price: $125.00 > > http://www.inrad.net/inrad.php?mode=announce I have been using these crystal filters in my K3s and KRX3s for 8 months now. The actual bandwidth is about 1650 Hz and I configure my receivers to engage them at DSP bandwidths of 1500 Hz and lower. Nearly all my SSB operating is contesting and my preferred SSB operating bandwidth is 1500 Hz (300-1800 Hz). These crystal filters give a bit tighter DSP protection than the 1.8 kHz crystal filters (which are actually about 1.9 kHz at the -6 dB points). I can't seriously argue that 250 Hz narrower first IF filters are a substantial improvement, but they offer another alternative for picky contesters and DXers! Even if you operate at a DSP bandwidth of 1500 Hz, the 1.8 kHz crystal filters are outstanding. Secondarily, these filters offer DSP protection for CW bandwidths wider than the narrow CW filters, where the 1.0 kHz crystal filter is often deployed. Ed - W0YK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Re: K3 feeling of knobs and switches
Is this thread maybe related to the following problem? The tap of the SPOT key is very goosey on my K3. If I just tap it very briefly, the SPOT tone fails to come on. I have to press it for just a fraction longer, but not long enough to register as a HOLD (which triggers the PITCH function). Takes a delicate touch. As a test, I turned on the audible switch-press feedback (CONFIG:SW TONE). I find that even a very brief tap of the SPOT switch always makes the small feedback beep sound. But only some of the time does it turn on the SPOT sidetone correctly. Anyone else? Oliver Johns W6ODJ On 18 Dec 2008, at 9:30 PM, wayne burdick wrote: ab2tc wrote: For the record, my readings are perfectly stable on one number even if I do my best to "tease" the button press. Not relevant to Hank's problem, though. The A-to-D converter has an inherent +/- 0.5 count ambiguity, and you just got lucky :) 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 mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Wiring the Shure 450 mic for K3
Benson, You can connect the black wire to either pin 7 or pin 8 and the red wire to pin 2 and it will work with the K3. Other amateur transceivers (some Kenwoods) have the PTT return separate from the AF return. I believe the PTT return is pin 8 and the AF Return is pin 7, so if you also want it to operate with all Kenwood transceivers having the 8 pin connector, wire the black wire to pin 8 and the shield plus the white wire pin 7 - the green wire (AF) goes to pin 1. 73, Don W3FPR Benson wrote: I see in the K3 manual that the mic connector has one pin for PTT and two grounds. My mic, a Shure 450 (http://www.shure.com/stellent/groups/public/@gms_gmi_web_ug/documents/web_resource/us_pro_450_series_2_ug.pdf) has a red and black wire for PTT. They are not part of the audio circuit but are just shorted by the PTT in the mic. Can anyone offer any guidance in wiring this mic? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Wiring the Shure 450 mic for K3
I see in the K3 manual that the mic connector has one pin for PTT and two grounds. My mic, a Shure 450 (http://www.shure.com/stellent/groups/public/@gms_gmi_web_ug/documents/web_resource/us_pro_450_series_2_ug.pdf) has a red and black wire for PTT. They are not part of the audio circuit but are just shorted by the PTT in the mic. Can anyone offer any guidance in wiring this mic? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] ESD mat measurements
Al, the explanation could be that the sauce pans are not machine flat, thus have a much smaller contact area than their measured diameter would indicate. A machined flat surface with the mat sitting on a very flat surface would probably yield much different results. Trying to make laboratory accurate measurements with jury rigged apparatus sometimes yields poor results. 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
Re: [Elecraft] ESD mat measurements
Here's some more information for the latest swirling controversy :-) If you try to measure the resistance of an anti-static mat, you'll need an ohmmeter good to at least 1,000 megohms. Even my HP/Agilent 34401A 6 digit benchtop DMM can't measure that high! Why is the resistance so high if it is supposed to dissipate static? The answer is here < URL:http://www.3m.com/us/office/meetings/rg/pdfs/w4%20choosing%20the%20right%20mat.pdf > If you are convinced you need to measure yours, here is a place that sells test equipment for doing just that < URL:http://www.botron.com/ESD_product16 > 73, Lyle kK7PO PS _ I have no financial interest in any of the above companies. This is informational only. Use the information at your own risk. The websites linked may have all sorts of malicious stuff embedded in them. Etc. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Source of anti-static goodies
When looking for anti-static goodies Google help me locate the source referenced below: I have NO connection to the company - just passing the info along. Their prices are reasonable. http://www.apogeekits.com/anti-static_products.htm 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] anti-static (ESD) mat testing and recommendations
We strongly recommend the use of an anti-static mat when doing assembly of any kit, and when working on equipment in general. In our tests of the ESD mats we found that if we walk across the room and then touch the mat, we draw an arc. So, the mat must be conductive, though very high in resistance. To successfully reduce ESD build-up, it need only be significantly more conductive than the surrounding surfaces. This appears to be the case. I'm going to contact one of the manufacturers to see if they test their mats in a slightly more scientific manner. Meanwhile, please *do* purchase and use a mat. Or, at minimum, touch an unpainted, grounded metal surface occasionally as you work, especially right before handling semiconductors (diodes, transistors, ICs.). (I do both.) 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Roofing Filter question
I have a K3/10 on order. I have used my K2 for over a year and find the filters to be very good. I operate 90% on the time on QRP CW. I'm looking for opinions on which roofing filters I might include. Unless you're contesting or dealing with DX pileups, probably none. The default 2.7 kc filter works fine. Paul N4LCD ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Season Greatings
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my Readers. 73 de M0XDF, K3 #174 -- It came to me that reform should begin at home, and since that day I have not had time to remake the world. -Will Durant, historian (1885-1981) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] ESD mat measurements
OK, so what's the bottom line? Is the Radio Shack ESD mat any good or should I spring for a 'quality' mat, and if it's the latter, how do I know which mat(s) meet specs? Nelson, KU0A -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Alan Bloom Sent: Friday, December 19, 2008 10:49 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ESD mat measurements On Fri, 2008-12-19 at 08:18, Rich Lentz (KE0X) wrote: > You may get better - different - results if you use an oscilloscope to > measure this voltage peak. The Simpson has ?dampening? qualities and > will NOT show the true peak voltage/current. It shouldn't matter. I was not trying to measure the voltage, rather the RATIO of the voltage before and after the capacitor discharge. As long as the dynamic response of the meter is independent of voltage level, the measurement should be accurate. > Also, have you taken into account any internal resistance of the > Simpson? As I recall that was a 20,000 ohms per volt (a 50 uA > movement) meter - Great at the time, but worthless today for anything > other than house/auto wiring - which also implies that there is a > shunt dropping the meter movement down from 50 to 60 ( which model > has a range of 60??? I have seen ones with 50 and 100 uA but not 60) > and thus there is resistance added to your "test" circuit. These small > errors are acting like a furculum and greatly skewing your results. As I said, I don't think it matters. Besides, even if the measurement were off by a factor of two it wouldn't affect the qualitative result. The measured resistance was several orders of magnitude too high. > Rich, > > KE0X Al N1AL ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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: 270.9.19/1857 - Release Date: 12/19/2008 10:09 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] ESD mat measurements
On Fri, 2008-12-19 at 08:18, Rich Lentz (KE0X) wrote: > You may get better - different - results if you use an oscilloscope to > measure this voltage peak. The Simpson has ?dampening? qualities and > will NOT show the true peak voltage/current. It shouldn't matter. I was not trying to measure the voltage, rather the RATIO of the voltage before and after the capacitor discharge. As long as the dynamic response of the meter is independent of voltage level, the measurement should be accurate. > Also, have you taken into account any internal resistance of the > Simpson? As I recall that was a 20,000 ohms per volt (a 50 uA > movement) meter - Great at the time, but worthless today for anything > other than house/auto wiring - which also implies that there is a > shunt dropping the meter movement down from 50 to 60 ( which model > has a range of 60??? I have seen ones with 50 and 100 uA but not 60) > and thus there is resistance added to your "test" circuit. These small > errors are acting like a furculum and greatly skewing your results. As I said, I don't think it matters. Besides, even if the measurement were off by a factor of two it wouldn't affect the qualitative result. The measured resistance was several orders of magnitude too high. > Rich, > > KE0X Al N1AL ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] ESD mat measurements
You may get better - different - results if you use an oscilloscope to measure this voltage peak. The Simpson has ?dampening? qualities and will NOT show the true peak voltage/current. Also, have you taken into account any internal resistance of the Simpson? As I recall that was a 20,000 ohms per volt (a 50 uA movement) meter - Great at the time, but worthless today for anything other than house/auto wiring - which also implies that there is a shunt dropping the meter movement down from 50 to 60 ( which model has a range of 60??? I have seen ones with 50 and 100 uA but not 60) and thus there is resistance added to your "test" circuit. These small errors are acting like a furculum and greatly skewing your results. Rich, KE0X ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 + Microkeyer II - RF into paddle input
> The fix is somewhere on the microHam USA web site > -- they sell an interface that goes between the key and the > MicroKeyer and fixes the issue, microKEYER II already includes the "debouncer function" and separate left/right paddle inputs. The only way RF is going to effect the paddles is if there are significant common mode RF issues in a particular installation. Common mode elimination methods have been discussed at length by K9YC and W1HIS among others. 73, ... Joe, W4TV > -Original Message- > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net > [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of WA6L > Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 6:14 PM > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 + Microkeyer II - RF into paddle input > > > > > Terry, > > I don't know if this is the same problem, but there is a > well-documented issue with MicroKeyers (actually with the > Winkey chip). It has to do with the properties of certain > metallic compounds used in the contacts on the keys. The > Begali keys are the ones most apt to have the problem, but > there could be others. > > You end up with extra 'dits' and occasionally other > anomalies. The fix is somewhere on the microHam USA web site > -- they sell an interface that goes between the key and the > MicroKeyer and fixes the issue, > > Good luck and 73, > > John, WA6L > > > > g4amt wrote: > > > > Has anyone had a problem with RF getting into the paddle > input of the > > MKII ? Problem is reduced somewhat by careful adjustment of > the router > > `Winkey` page, but essentially series of Ds likey to turn > into Ms and > > Gs (!); fine with K3 on test so has to be RF based. MKII keys clean > > with no problems `internally` but misbehaves when keyed > with paddle. > > Tried all usual decoupling - separate power supplies etc etc .. > > > > On a slightly separate but perhaps relevant note, I have no +12V > > output on > > the rear phone jack on the K3 - this is bracketed (switched) in the > > manual > > but I can find no reference to where to switch it ! ... it > means running > > the MKII from a 12v psu with the DB37-EL-K3 12v in phone > lead floating > > free. > > Thanks in advance for any help ! > > > > Terry > > G4AMT > > > > ___ > > Elecraft mailing list > > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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-%2B-Microkeyer-II---RF-into-paddle-inp ut-tp1665248p1675283.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
[Elecraft] Re: K3 Internal keyer question
Wayne,
Perfect! That's exactly what I was hoping for.
Santa comes in many guises, indeed!
Thanks!
73,
Gary
KA1J
> > As to CW & the K3...
> >
> > I use iambic paddles. I Always used keyers based on the Curtis 8044
> > like the Ham Keyer HK5A. I still do. I remember the TenTec internal
> > keyer was a different kind of logic and I had a terrible time with
> > it. If I remember correctly, it had an issue with extra dits getting
> > inserted at the end of certain characters. I went back to the "Ham
> > Keyer".
> >
> > Anyone know if the keying logic that's internal to the K3 is the same
> > logic as the Ham Keyer HK5A? It would be wonderful to be able to plug
> > the iambic paddles into the K3, shelve the HK5A and have one less
> > item on my desk.
>
> Hi Gary,
>
> The keyer state machine in the K3 firmware emulates the Curtis keyer
> chip if you set IAMBIC = A in the CONFIG menu (default). It emulates
> the "Super CMOS" keyer's mode B if you set IAMBIC = B. Based on your
> description, I think you'd like mode A.
>
> Some K3 owners have asked for emulations closer to other keyers.
> Firmware can be changed ("small matter of programming"). Enough said ;)
>
> 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
[Elecraft] Inrad 1.5 KHz filter for K3
I was visiting the Inrad Web site this morning and noticed the following: Narrow SSB Filter for Elecraft K-3 By special request we have made a small run of super-narrow 1500 Hz SSB filters for the Elecraft K3. We are shipping from stock. (Dec 10, 2008) 1500 Hz 8215 kHz SSB 8-pole crystal filter Bandwidth 1500 Hz Center Frequency 8215.0 kHz Mode SSB Typical Insertion Loss < 6 dB Price: $125.00 http://www.inrad.net/inrad.php?mode=announce Happy holidays to all. Dave Hachadorian, K6LL Yuma, AZ . ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2 40-Meter Transmitter Alignment
Hello My K2 is in the phase of alignment and Test, Part III. In the transmitter alignment with 2, 5 or 10 watts I have the voltage and current similar to the manual (10 watts 11.5v and 1.98 amp). Test Setup: 100w dummy and WM-2 Wattmeter from oak hills Everything seems OK. Power and current remain stable during the tuning time (5-10 sec). But then I have realized that I have differences in the reading of the power level before and after I push the TUNE Button. E.g.: Power Set: 5 Watt then TUNE and the Display shows 7.1 Watt! Problem: If I repeat this procedure 10 times I read different, but stable values between 4.8 and 7.1 Watt. The Wattmeter shows the same values as the display. I think there is something wrong, but I didn't found this behavior in the troubleshooting section. Can you help me? Many thanks Edi, HB9BQJ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX1 30/80 Assembly
I woke up in the middle of the night last night and realized my mistake. Kind of embarrasing! After work, I'll install it on the correct side! Thanks for the help Jay W9IUF On Thu, Dec 18, 2008 at 10:07 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Jay, > > The KXB3080 board mounts on the component side of the KX1 just below the > encoder and to the left side of the bandwidth and AF Gain control bodies - > it sounds to me like you are trying to mount it on the solder side. > > The crystal cans are on the opposite side of the KX1 board from the KXB3080 > board. There is no way that the crystals can interfere with the board. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > Jay Sissom wrote: >> >> Hello, I am building my 2nd KX1. I am currently working on the 30/80 >> meter option. On my first KX1, I was able to fairly easily position >> this board so that both the variable capacitors were centered >> perfectly over their holes. On this KX1, I'm unable to do this. No >> matter what I do, they are offset from the holes. I have removed the >> 2 filter crystals closest to this board and after doing that, I can >> position the board to fit, but if I were to do that, I couldn't >> reinstall the crystals. >> >> I have checked that I have installed the two variable capacitors the >> proper way. Does anyone have any idea why this doesn't fit? Could >> the circuit board I received be too big? >> >> Thanks & 73 >> Jay >> >> W9IUF (ex KA9OKT) >> > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] ESD mat measurements
Alan, Bloom's Law: I like it. Doug out my mat and, no, couldn't measure it with my DVM. It so happens that I do have a nice L/C meter (Almost All Digital Electronics model L/C Meter IIB) and I did discover I can measure capacitance: About 1 pf. Now, while thats not telling me the resistance, at least it's telling me that *something* is happening! If I have time, the sauce pans will come out... Where can I find a nice juicy capacitor... Regards, kurtt Kurt Pawlikowski, AKA WB9FMC The Pinrod Corporation ku...@pinrod.com (773) 284-9500 http://pinrod.com Alan Bloom wrote: A few months ago I reported here on some measurements I made on the Radio Shack portable ESD mat (see below). Basically I found that it doesn't bleed off static charges as it is supposed to. (i.e. It fails the ESD Association resistance specification for ESD mats.) So I recently bought another ESD mat from Jameco. It's their 19.5x23.5-inch anti-static mat, P/N 10584, $16.45. Tonight I measured it using the same technique that I used with the Radio Shack mat. It's even worse! After a half hour, the capacitor was still charged to 75% or so versus 50% with the RS mat. So what's going on here? I can think of three explanations. (1) There's something wrong with my measurement technique. (2) Perhaps you're supposed to treat the mat with some kind of conductive material before use. (3) Cheap anti-static mats are a fraud and are worthless for their intended purpose. I can't figure out how it could be (1). As a sanity check I confirmed that the sauce pans I was using as probes are conductive and the capacitor is indeed 0.1 uF. I doubt it is (2) - I can't believe that the mats are supposed to be untreated as they come from the factory. I suspect (3). Years when when I was a components engineer at Hewlett Packard, I was measuring some of those rubber heat sink insulators and found they didn't even come close to meeting their thermal resistance spec. So I came up with Bloom's Law: "The harder a specification is to measure, the more likely it is to be a lie." If you buy a 1k, 10% resistor it will almost certainly be within spec since anyone with a DVM can easily measure it. Measuring surface resistivity by the ESD Association method requires an uncommon, expensive piece of test equipment that people who buy $16 ESD pads are unlikely to have. So it's easy for the manufacturer to cut corners without getting caught. Al N1AL On Wed, 2008-02-27 at 09:51, Alan Bloom wrote: Well, I've convinced myself that the Radio Shack portable ESD mat, P/N 276-2370 doesn't work properly. The "ESD Association" http://www.esda.org has promulgated an industry-standard test for ESD mats, ESD S4.1. It is the standard specified by most commercial mats. I decided not to spring for the $70 to buy a copy of the standard, but other information I found on the web describes the test in general terms. It uses two circular electrodes, each weighted with 5 pounds, spaced 10 inches apart on the mat. The "Point to Point Resistance" is specified to be: At 40-60% RH: 10^6 - 10^7 ohms At 20-40% RH: 10^7 - 10^8 ohms At 10-20% RH: 10^8 - 10^9 ohms I don't know what the RH here in Santa Rosa was yesterday when I did the test, but I don't think it was very low since it has been raining recently and the ground is still damp. For sure the resistance shouldn't be below 10^9 ohms (1 gigohm) and probably more like 10^8 or 10^7 (100 or 10 megohms). I measured 2.5 x 10^10 ohms (25 gigohms), which puts the Radio Shack mat way out of spec. Test procedure: I didn't find a specification on the electrode size, but in the photo of a popular tester they look to be maybe 3 or 4 inches in diameter. For my test, the electrodes were two saucepans, each about 7 inches in diameter and weighted with 5 pounds. They were spaced 10 inches apart on the mat (3 inches edge-to-edge). I connected a 0.1 uF film capacitor between the two pans and charged it to 15V with a power supply. I set my ancient Simpson analog volt-ohm meter to 60 uA full scale. If I touch the leads across the capacitor immediately after charging, the needle momentarily jumps to about 6 uA (1/10 full scale) as the capacitor discharges through the meter. If I wait half an hour (1800 seconds) for the capacitor to partially discharge through the mat resistance, the needle jumps to about 3 uA. An R-C network discharges to 3/6 of original voltage in about 0.7 time constant. So the time constant must be 1800/0.7 = 2571 seconds. That implies the mat resistance is 2571 sec / 0.1 uF ~= 2.5 x 10^10 ohms. Al N1AL ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Any amplifier news?
I am tickled with my "brand new" used Ameritron ALS-600. Found it on eBay. 60 watts in gives about 500 out. Runs on 120 volts with a 12 amp fuse. Protects itself from high SWR, wrong bandpass selection, and so far all my other goofs. (my first amplifier) All parts available from Ameritron - the 27000mfd filter cap was bad, so replaced it. Digikey wanted twice as much for the cap, and would have had to buy 42 of them for over $2,400!! Really miss the K3 autotuner, but an MFJ-962D does the job. Have not hooked up ALC yet (would need to do the negative ALC mod) and may never, as per Elecraft recommendation. Monty K2DLJ For those who don't know, take a look at these links, or do a search in the list archives: http://www.n6ie.com/Elecraft.html http://lists.contesting.com/pipermail/sedxc/2006-April/002485.html It would be nice to have the amps offered. They look quite attractive, even considering other commercial offerings available. I believe we'd have them now, but for the K3 development effort. Not that I'm complaining Lou, W0FK Wh? KPA-1500? *rubs eyes* Since when did this happen? Oh gosh my xmas list has already been mailed to Santa! Daarnit! ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 Internal keyer question
Hi Wayne,
you couldn't change it to a speed of 60 or 70+ wpm ?
Martin
DK4XL
K3 #2199
>Some K3 owners have asked for emulations closer to other keyers.
>Firmware can be changed ("small matter of programming"). Enough said ;)
>73,
>Wayne
>N6KR
--
View this message in context:
http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Internal-keyer-question-tp1676691p1677260.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] Any amplifier news?
In a recent message, dj7...@muenchen-mail.de wrote ... I suppose with K3 variable roofing filters, K3 Panadapters and the like, the KPA800 & KPA1500 may well be on the back burner for many, many more months. You don't need an amplifier, Toby. Working stations using QRP is a much greater achievement. Build a KX1 instead. ;-) 73 -- David G4DMP Leeds, England, UK -- ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Any amplifier news?
Me Too Me Three. I've waiting for a long time now, but then again there was the K3 so that made the wait less difficult... ;-) I suppose with K3 variable roofing filters, K3 Panadapters and the like, the KPA800 & KPA1500 may well be on the back burner for many, many more months. vy 73 de toby ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
