Re: [Elecraft] 897 vs K3

[Dave G4AON]

I'm not sure that the K3 is light years ahead of the 897D in all areas,
but it certainly outperforms them in several. I used to use an FT857D,
which is basically the same as the 897D but with a  different case and
front panel, extensively for portable work from a leisure batter and
initially thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. Ignoring the
need to use menus more on the smaller transceiver, which is a trade off
between size and operator convenience, the  "problems" with the FT897D are:

1. The receiver always sounds tiring, I tried reduced gain via the
engineering menu but that didn't help. It was "OK" out portable on 6m
but in the shack on HF it didn't last more than a few minutes before I
had to switch to my K2. The mode/band most often used at home was 80m
CW. I haven't compared one to a K3 as I got rid of mine before I bought
my K3.

2. Beware that on transmit the early FT857D was prone to outputting
spikes at the leading edge of a CW transmission and after a pause on
SSB, when running less than full power. This is totally unacceptable
behaviour and the main reason for getting rid of mine. Later models may
have been improved but it's something to check if you intend to purchase
one. For details of my findings and a partial work around see:
http://www.astromag.co.uk/ft857d/

3. There are no proper CW keyer memories, only a "beacon" feature which
is peculiar. The 897D may be different, but I bought a code cube to go
with my Palm mini paddle as the only solution to the awful internal
keyer/memory.

I suppose there will always be a certain appeal with a radio that covers
160m to 70cms, but I'd far rather have the K3 which covers 600m to 2m
depending on which internal modules you fit.

The K3 isn't perfect, but it's way ahead of the 897D.

73 Dave, G4AON
K3/100 #80

Well here's a dilemma. do I get an 897D or do I dive in and get a K3
to start with than upgrade it from there. The thing that sticks out is
that K3 is light years ahead of the 897D. However I would have to get
brand new because the asking used price is such that no one is willing
to work with me on.

thoughts?

73,

Ben
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[Elecraft] K3 Wierd action

[PAUL VANOVEREN]

To all of those who replied to my problem, Thanks. I unplugged everything 
connected to the radio. Turned down the Vox gain and  powered down the K3 a 
couple of times and I no longer get the ERR-KEY message. The scrolling banner 
is the first to appear and the K3 is no longer transmitting intermittently 
while in the data mode. Again thanks to all those who helped..

Sincerely,

Paul VanOveren
NF8J
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Re: [Elecraft] Workaround for providing automatic SSB < > CW VFO offset

[Bill W5WVO]

Excellent! :-)
Bill

wayne burdick wrote:
> Ah...QSL. Rather than fix this problem, I think I'll just endeavor to
> add the desired pitch offset when switching modes, like you originally
> wanted :)
> 
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
> 
> On Jun 12, 2009, at 6:16 PM, Bill W5WVO wrote:
> 
>> Wayne,
>> 
>> This is why I emphasized the KNOB, not the VFO. When you swap VFOs A
>> and B by pressing the A/B button, the locked status follows what was
>> originally VFO B and now becomes VFO A. What we want here is for the
>> VFO B KNOB (i.e., the middle one) to stay locked, regardless of which
>> VFO frequency it is controlling, because moving it changes the 700 Hz
>> offset when VFO B is not locked. If the locked status didn't follow
>> the frequency from VFO B to VFO A, it would work to prevent
>> accidentally corrupting the offset. However, that is clearly not the
>> way LOCK was designed to work.
>> 
>> Bill W5WVO
>> 
>> 
>> wayne burdick wrote:
>>> Bill, you can lock VFO B by going into BSET mode, then holding LOCK.
>>> If the VFOs are linked, this preserves VFO B tracking.
>>> 
>>> 73,
>>> Wayne
>>> N6KR
>>> 
>>> On Jun 12, 2009, at 3:57 PM, Bill W5WVO wrote:
>>> 
 I have discovered one "gotcha" in my workaround, and that is the
 inability to
 lock the "B" VFO knob -- the KNOB, not the VFO -- because if you
 accidentally
 touch it, you lose the 700 Hz offset. I've been training myself not
 to touch it,
 but it would be nice if there was a way to lock it down so it
 wouldn't do
 anything.
>>> 
>>> ---
>>> 
>>> http://www.elecraft.com
>> 
>> 
>> 
> 
> ---
> 
> http://www.elecraft.com
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Re: [Elecraft] 897 vs K3

[Rick Braun]

I own both and all responses are correct.  I tend to take the 897 travelling 
because it seems indestructible and it would kill me to damage or lose my K3.  
The 897 is a very good radio, the K3 is an exceptional radio.  I originally 
bought the 897 thinking I would use the internal battery feature in remote 
locations, but it turns out to be of questionable value.  With internal 
batteries the 897 weighs about 12-13 pounds, definitely not backpacking 
material.  And with internal batteries you are limited to 20 watts output.  OK, 
so if you don't use if for backpacking, you car camp, and can carry a regular 
UPS 60-90 amp/hour battery.  The K3 also works just fine with a car battery and 
may be able to tolerate a lower voltage.  So it's a toss up on portability.  If 
you must make a choice, my recommendation, just one man's opinion, would be to 
save your dough, wait, and buy the K3/10, you'll never look back; unless, as 
Mr. Wilburn said, you intend to mostly ragchew on 2m/70cm repeate
 rs.  

Rick Braun
KE7VXP
K3 #2869
  - Original Message - 
  From: David Wilburn 
  To: Elecraft Discussion List 
  Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 4:36 PM
  Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 897 vs K3


  A lot depends on what is important to you, and what you want to do 
  with the rig.

  If you are contesting, its a no brainer.  The K3 receiver performance 
  when surrounded by strong signals, is unmatched.

  If you want to hunt DX, and dig out weak signals.  I would go with the K3.

  If you like to operate CW, and you want a rig that one of the best in 
  that mode, then the K3 is the way to go.

  If you are going to rag chew with your friends and talk on local 
  repeaters, the 897D is a good rig.

  If you need a rig with all the bands and modes of the 897D, then the 
  K3 is not a useful choice.

  If you like to listen to foreign broadcasts, outside the ham bands, 
  then the K3 will require addition features to be able to receive those 
  frequencies.

  Dave Wilburn
  NM4M

  Ben Ramler wrote:
  > Evening Group,
  > 
  > Well here's a dilemma. do I get an 897D or do I dive in and get a 
K3 to start with than upgrade it from there. The thing that sticks out is that 
K3 is light years ahead of the 897D. However I would have to get brand new 
because the asking used price is such that no one is willing to work with me on.
  > 
  > thoughts?
  > 
  > 73,
  > 
  > Ben
  > 
  > 
  >   
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Re: [Elecraft] Workaround for providing automatic SSB < > CW VFO offset

[wayne burdick]

Ah...QSL. Rather than fix this problem, I think I'll just endeavor to 
add the desired pitch offset when switching modes, like you originally 
wanted :)

73,
Wayne
N6KR

On Jun 12, 2009, at 6:16 PM, Bill W5WVO wrote:

> Wayne,
>
> This is why I emphasized the KNOB, not the VFO. When you swap VFOs A 
> and B by pressing the A/B button, the locked status follows what was 
> originally VFO B and now becomes VFO A. What we want here is for the 
> VFO B KNOB (i.e., the middle one) to stay locked, regardless of which 
> VFO frequency it is controlling, because moving it changes the 700 Hz 
> offset when VFO B is not locked. If the locked status didn't follow 
> the frequency from VFO B to VFO A, it would work to prevent 
> accidentally corrupting the offset. However, that is clearly not the 
> way LOCK was designed to work.
>
> Bill W5WVO
>
>
> wayne burdick wrote:
>> Bill, you can lock VFO B by going into BSET mode, then holding LOCK.
>> If the VFOs are linked, this preserves VFO B tracking.
>>
>> 73,
>> Wayne
>> N6KR
>>
>> On Jun 12, 2009, at 3:57 PM, Bill W5WVO wrote:
>>
>>> I have discovered one "gotcha" in my workaround, and that is the
>>> inability to
>>> lock the "B" VFO knob -- the KNOB, not the VFO -- because if you
>>> accidentally
>>> touch it, you lose the 700 Hz offset. I've been training myself not
>>> to touch it,
>>> but it would be nice if there was a way to lock it down so it
>>> wouldn't do
>>> anything.
>>
>> ---
>>
>> http://www.elecraft.com
>
>
>

---

http://www.elecraft.com

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Re: [Elecraft] Workaround for providing automatic SSB < > CW VFO offset

[Bill W5WVO]

Wayne,

This is why I emphasized the KNOB, not the VFO. When you swap VFOs A and B by 
pressing the A/B button, the locked status follows what was originally VFO B 
and 
now becomes VFO A. What we want here is for the VFO B KNOB (i.e., the middle 
one) to stay locked, regardless of which VFO frequency it is controlling, 
because moving it changes the 700 Hz offset when VFO B is not locked. If the 
locked status didn't follow the frequency from VFO B to VFO A, it would work to 
prevent accidentally corrupting the offset. However, that is clearly not the 
way 
LOCK was designed to work.

Bill W5WVO


wayne burdick wrote:
> Bill, you can lock VFO B by going into BSET mode, then holding LOCK.
> If the VFOs are linked, this preserves VFO B tracking.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
> On Jun 12, 2009, at 3:57 PM, Bill W5WVO wrote:
>
>> I have discovered one "gotcha" in my workaround, and that is the
>> inability to
>> lock the "B" VFO knob -- the KNOB, not the VFO -- because if you
>> accidentally
>> touch it, you lose the 700 Hz offset. I've been training myself not
>> to touch it,
>> but it would be nice if there was a way to lock it down so it
>> wouldn't do
>> anything.
>
> ---
>
> http://www.elecraft.com 

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Re: [Elecraft] Workaround for providing automatic SSB < > CW VFO offset

[wayne burdick]

Bill, you can lock VFO B by going into BSET mode, then holding LOCK. If 
the VFOs are linked, this preserves VFO B tracking.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

On Jun 12, 2009, at 3:57 PM, Bill W5WVO wrote:

> I have discovered one "gotcha" in my workaround, and that is the 
> inability to
> lock the "B" VFO knob -- the KNOB, not the VFO -- because if you 
> accidentally
> touch it, you lose the 700 Hz offset. I've been training myself not to 
> touch it,
> but it would be nice if there was a way to lock it down so it wouldn't 
> do
> anything.

---

http://www.elecraft.com

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Re: [Elecraft] Workaround for providing automatic SSB < > CW VFO offset

[Lance Collister, W7GJ]

Bill W5WVO wrote:
> I have discovered one "gotcha" in my workaround, and that is the inability to 
> lock the "B" VFO knob -- the KNOB, not the VFO -- because if you accidentally 
> touch it, you lose the 700 Hz offset. I've been training myself not to touch 
> it, 
> but it would be nice if there was a way to lock it down so it wouldn't do 
> anything. Removing the knob and epoxying the shaft seems a little extreme. 
> ;-) 
> Perhaps a function that does this could be implemented that could be invoked 
> from one of the PF function buttons.
> 
> Of course, all of this is moot if the VFO mode-switching behavior gets fixed 
> so 
> it works correctly in the first place. I have faith that Wayne will 
> eventually 
> get to it. But the Elecraft folk do tend to respond to the squeakiest wheel 
> first, so if this behavior is at all important to you, please let Wayne know. 
> Otherwise he will continue to think I'm the only nutcase who cares about it. 
> :-)
> 
> While we're on the subject -- Is there anyone else here besides me who thinks 
> that the "normal" CW tuning behavior should reflect the default SSB sideband 
> for 
> a given frequency band? In other words, instead of always tuning like LSB, 
> the 
> "CW" mode would tune like LSB on 160, 80, and 40, and would tune like USB on 
> all 
> other bands. "CW REV" would reverse this default correlation. Seems more 
> intuitive to me than the way it is now.
> 
> Bill W5WVO
> 
> 
> Julian, G4ILO wrote:
>> Ralph Parker wrote:
>>> Good work, Bill!
>>> Non-6m ops don't quite understand the problem, complicated by the
>>> fact that
>>> "normal" CW is on LSB, making us ex-Yaesu drivers crazy.
>>>
>> I often find myself wandering around the CW end of 20m in the wrong
>> mode, then finding that I "lose" the station after switching to CW.
>> So I don't understand why this is being discussed as of benefit only
>> to VHF operators.
>>
>> I have managed to implement the VFO shift when changing modes to/from
>> CW in the next version of KComm.
>>
>> -
>> Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392  K3 #222.
>> * G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com
>> * KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html
>> * KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html 
> 
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> 
Hello Bill,

I am with you on needing a way to be able to switch back and forth from CW to 
USB on 
6m, and I also use CW-R for this.  However, I like to keep my B VFO free for 
other 
things - like quickly QSYing off the calling frequency by just switching to the 
other 
VFO.  I think the neat way to switch to CW and back to SSB again would be to 
somehow 
define your steps as a macro and program it into some hot key so you could 
automatically do all the steps quickly and without error by just pressing a 
single 
button.  I don't know if this is possible with the K3, but I imagine that it is.

While we are on the subject, I still would like to see use footswitch operators 
be 
able to send CW to SSB operators, like the VOX people do ;-)

VY 73, Lance

-- 
Lance Collister, W7GJ (ex: WN3GPL, WA3GPL, WA1JXN, WA1JXN/C6A, ZF2OC/ZF8)
P.O. Box 73
Frenchtown, MT  59834  USA
QTH: DN27UB
TEL: (406) 626-5728
URL: http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj
2m DXCC #11/6m DXCC #815


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Re: [Elecraft] 897 vs K3

[David Wilburn]

A lot depends on what is important to you, and what you want to do 
with the rig.

If you are contesting, its a no brainer.  The K3 receiver performance 
when surrounded by strong signals, is unmatched.

If you want to hunt DX, and dig out weak signals.  I would go with the K3.

If you like to operate CW, and you want a rig that one of the best in 
that mode, then the K3 is the way to go.

If you are going to rag chew with your friends and talk on local 
repeaters, the 897D is a good rig.

If you need a rig with all the bands and modes of the 897D, then the 
K3 is not a useful choice.

If you like to listen to foreign broadcasts, outside the ham bands, 
then the K3 will require addition features to be able to receive those 
frequencies.

Dave Wilburn
NM4M

Ben Ramler wrote:
> Evening Group,
> 
> Well here's a dilemma. do I get an 897D or do I dive in and get a K3 
> to start with than upgrade it from there. The thing that sticks out is that 
> K3 is light years ahead of the 897D. However I would have to get brand new 
> because the asking used price is such that no one is willing to work with me 
> on.
> 
> thoughts?
> 
> 73,
> 
> Ben
> 
> 
>   
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[Elecraft] K3 construction problem

[Dennis Wieck]

Since Garry suggested I ask the reflector I am posting the following 
that we have been trying to figure out on my K3 kit. Any help would be 
appreciated

Dennis
N4ZKR

Copies of messages below:

Gary Surrency wrote:
> OK. Let me know how the testing goes. I don't work on weekends, but 
> will be back here come Monday morning at 8am MST.
>
> Someone else in tech support may reply in the interim though, and 
> there is also the Elecraft reflector you can use as a resource. Use 
> k3supp...@elecraft.com to be sure more than one person receives your 
> emails.
>
> Many times, all that is wrong is there is a bent or misaligned pin, or 
> a filter setup error. The K3 Utility makes it easy to check the filter 
> setup, and to test if the serial port and firmware upgrade procedure 
> works OK.
>

I have visually checked all of the pins and/or reinserted them

> Use care when handling and testing the boards so you do not damage 
> anything with ESD. The SMT parts are also easy to knock loose from the 
> PCB, so use care and be gentle. Examine the boards and parts closely 
> with a bright light and a magnifier to see if there might be some 
> damage or poorly soldered parts that came loose in handling, shipping, 
> and during assembly.
>

EVERYTHING has been done with an ESD wrist strap attached to the radio 
and on an ESD surface. I dont see anything broken or missing
> -- 
> 73, Gary AB7MY
> =
> supp...@elecraft.com
> Elecraft Technical Support  
>
> dwi...@cafes.net wrote:
>> I will check tonight. I am also rounding up a RS232 cable to try the 
>> K3 Utility tonight also.
>> 73
>> Dennis
>
K3 utility verifies the filter settings.

>
>> On Fri Jun 12 12:14 , Gary Surrency  sent:
>>
>>  
>>> When the preamp is turned on, do you hear a slight increase in noise 
>>> and hiss as it adds its gain into the signal path?

No increase with the preamp. No increase in noise when the antenna is 
connected.
>>>
>>> A noticeable response in noise should result when you touch pins 1 
>>> and 2 of the KR MXR board. Pin 1 is the round pin closer to the P1 
>>> label (not the gold plated hole, but the pin next to it).

No increase in the noise
>>>
>>> -- 
>>> 73, Gary AB7MY
>>> =
>>> supp...@elecraft.com
>>> Elecraft Technical Support  
>>>
>>> Dennis Wieck wrote:
>>>   
 I did try the test points. The results are listed by each point. I 
 have rechecked the filter settings. I only have one installed at 
 present. It is the stock 2.7 in the first position.

 Gary Surrency wrote:
 
> Try those test points I mentioned, and be SURE the filter setup is 
> correct. The K3 Utility helps a lot to do that.
>
> -- 
> 73, Gary AB7MY
> =
> supp...@elecraft.com
> Elecraft Technical Support Dennis Wieck wrote:
>   
>> It is pretty much deaf. There is no increase in noise when you 
>> connect
>> an antenna
>> The only filter installed is the standard 2.7 at FL1
>> I will have to get a cable to do the computer interface.
>>
>> Gary Surrency wrote:
>> 
>>> Complete the kit and setup/calibration that you can do, so you 
>>> can see if it will transmit.
>>>
>>> 
>> It does not show any power out on my wattmeter
>>
>> 
>>> Verify VCO CAL works OK.
>>> 
>> If this is the synthesizer cal this works right
>> 
>>> Look over all boards and connectors closely for correct assembly.
>>>
>>> 
>> Checked this
>> 
>>>
>>> More:
>>>
>>>
>>> You can try the receiver troubleshooting steps I show below. 
>>> This testing is done in the reverse order of normal signal flow, 
>>> from the AF to IF to RF circuits.
>>>
>>> You can do this without even having any test equipment. Just use 
>>> care to not accidentally short or drop anything inside the rig, 
>>> and ground yourself against ESD.
>>>
>>> Try touching these points using an insulated meter test probe 
>>> from your VOM or DMM to couple in a little noise to see if the 
>>> stages are working. Select a noisy band such as 40m and have the 
>>> preamp ON.
>>>
>>> The M1, M2 pads near the far right of the RF board should 
>>> produce a click when touched.
>>> 
>> This worked
>> 
>>> Both of the right hand most pins of the currently selected 
>>> crystal filter for the sub should make noise when touched. Make 
>>> sure the filter setup is correct. It is easier to see and modify 
>>> all of the filter setups in the K3 Utility, under the 
>>> Configuration/Edit Crystal Filters button. Incorrect filter 
>>> setup is one of the most common errors, as there are lots of 
>>> settings to do by mode and by filter position.
>>>
>>> 
>> This worked
>>
>> 
>>> Pins 1 and 7 of the KNB3 should make a

Re: [Elecraft] 897 vs K3

[Don Wilhelm]

Ben,

Based on your question, I am going to assume you are ham budget 
limited!  BEWARE: my comments are biased, but I have nothing against the 
897D.

Spring for the K3/10 if that is what you budget can stand right now.  
Add the KPA3 as funds are available, and then as you operate and find 
need (and budget), add extra filters and options purchase them at that 
time.  You will have a 1st class expandable transceiver if you select 
the K3.  Certainly you can get $3000 to $4000 tied up in the K3 if you 
order all the options and a full house of filters, but the starting 
price of $1395 will provide you with a great receiver and a 10 watt 
transmitter.  Lots of contacts can be made at 10 watts (ask the QRP 
crowd about that).  The K3/100 is only $500 more, so if you crave more 
power, that is a good first investment.  The kit version is not 
difficult to assemble - just follow the manual instructions - if you 
have questions, ask on this reflector and you will likely get answers 
within minutes.

73,
Don W3FPR

Ben Ramler wrote:
> Evening Group,
>
> Well here's a dilemma. do I get an 897D or do I dive in and get a K3 
> to start with than upgrade it from there. The thing that sticks out is that 
> K3 is light years ahead of the 897D. However I would have to get brand new 
> because the asking used price is such that no one is willing to work with me 
> on.
>
> thoughts?
>
> 73,
>
> Ben
>   
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Workaround for providing automatic SSB < > CW VFO offset

[Don Wilhelm]

Bill,

I for one have to disagree with you on the CW sideband item.
 From day one of my hamming days, I have always wanted CW to tune so the 
higher pitches were higher in frequency than lower pitched signals 
(blame that on my early elmer).  So I have come to relate the audio 
pitch to the relative frequency - which means LSB CW for all bands.

Yes, I know SSB is different, but SSB is different than CW.

73,
Don W3FPR

Bill W5WVO wrote:
> I have discovered one "gotcha" in my workaround, and that is the inability to 
> lock the "B" VFO knob -- the KNOB, not the VFO -- because if you accidentally 
> touch it, you lose the 700 Hz offset. I've been training myself not to touch 
> it, 
> but it would be nice if there was a way to lock it down so it wouldn't do 
> anything. Removing the knob and epoxying the shaft seems a little extreme. 
> ;-) 
> Perhaps a function that does this could be implemented that could be invoked 
> from one of the PF function buttons.
>
> Of course, all of this is moot if the VFO mode-switching behavior gets fixed 
> so 
> it works correctly in the first place. I have faith that Wayne will 
> eventually 
> get to it. But the Elecraft folk do tend to respond to the squeakiest wheel 
> first, so if this behavior is at all important to you, please let Wayne know. 
> Otherwise he will continue to think I'm the only nutcase who cares about it. 
> :-)
>
> While we're on the subject -- Is there anyone else here besides me who thinks 
> that the "normal" CW tuning behavior should reflect the default SSB sideband 
> for 
> a given frequency band? In other words, instead of always tuning like LSB, 
> the 
> "CW" mode would tune like LSB on 160, 80, and 40, and would tune like USB on 
> all 
> other bands. "CW REV" would reverse this default correlation. Seems more 
> intuitive to me than the way it is now.
>
> Bill W5WVO
>
>
> Julian, G4ILO wrote:
>   
>> Ralph Parker wrote:
>> 
>>> Good work, Bill!
>>> Non-6m ops don't quite understand the problem, complicated by the
>>> fact that
>>> "normal" CW is on LSB, making us ex-Yaesu drivers crazy.
>>>
>>>   
>> I often find myself wandering around the CW end of 20m in the wrong
>> mode, then finding that I "lose" the station after switching to CW.
>> So I don't understand why this is being discussed as of benefit only
>> to VHF operators.
>>
>> I have managed to implement the VFO shift when changing modes to/from
>> CW in the next version of KComm.
>>
>> -
>> Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392  K3 #222.
>> * G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com
>> * KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html
>> * KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html 
>> 
>
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>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
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> 05:55:00
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[Elecraft] 897 vs K3

[Ben Ramler]

Evening Group,

    Well here's a dilemma. do I get an 897D or do I dive in and get a K3 to 
start with than upgrade it from there. The thing that sticks out is that K3 is 
light years ahead of the 897D. However I would have to get brand new because 
the asking used price is such that no one is willing to work with me on.

thoughts?

73,

Ben


  
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Re: [Elecraft] Workaround for providing automatic SSB < > CW VFO offset

[Bill W5WVO]

I have discovered one "gotcha" in my workaround, and that is the inability to 
lock the "B" VFO knob -- the KNOB, not the VFO -- because if you accidentally 
touch it, you lose the 700 Hz offset. I've been training myself not to touch 
it, 
but it would be nice if there was a way to lock it down so it wouldn't do 
anything. Removing the knob and epoxying the shaft seems a little extreme. ;-) 
Perhaps a function that does this could be implemented that could be invoked 
from one of the PF function buttons.

Of course, all of this is moot if the VFO mode-switching behavior gets fixed so 
it works correctly in the first place. I have faith that Wayne will eventually 
get to it. But the Elecraft folk do tend to respond to the squeakiest wheel 
first, so if this behavior is at all important to you, please let Wayne know. 
Otherwise he will continue to think I'm the only nutcase who cares about it. :-)

While we're on the subject -- Is there anyone else here besides me who thinks 
that the "normal" CW tuning behavior should reflect the default SSB sideband 
for 
a given frequency band? In other words, instead of always tuning like LSB, the 
"CW" mode would tune like LSB on 160, 80, and 40, and would tune like USB on 
all 
other bands. "CW REV" would reverse this default correlation. Seems more 
intuitive to me than the way it is now.

Bill W5WVO


Julian, G4ILO wrote:
> Ralph Parker wrote:
>>
>> Good work, Bill!
>> Non-6m ops don't quite understand the problem, complicated by the
>> fact that
>> "normal" CW is on LSB, making us ex-Yaesu drivers crazy.
>>
> I often find myself wandering around the CW end of 20m in the wrong
> mode, then finding that I "lose" the station after switching to CW.
> So I don't understand why this is being discussed as of benefit only
> to VHF operators.
>
> I have managed to implement the VFO shift when changing modes to/from
> CW in the next version of KComm.
>
> -
> Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392  K3 #222.
> * G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com
> * KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html
> * KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html 

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[Elecraft] About to start building my 6 year old K2...ideas on improvements

[M. Hendricks]

Hello to all,

I have had my K2 s/n 3464 for some time now and would like to actually begin 
assembly.  It came with the rev. E manual.  Are there any suggested and MAJOR 
improvements that would be recommended?  I also have the KAF2, KNB2 and KSB2 
units for the K2.  Are there any recommended changes for those units as well?  
Any feedback and suggestions are appreciated.  Thanks, in advance, to those who 
answer.

73,
Mike

 
Thought for today...

Regarding absolute truth...adding two to two equals four.  To say otherwise is 
not truth.


  
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[Elecraft] For Sale: K60XV unbuilt kit

[Joe W2KJ]

Howdy Elecrafters:

I have a K60XV unbuilt kit for the K2 that I have decided not to build.

Will ship CONUS for $55.

73, Joe W2KJ
I QRP, therefore I am
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Re: [Elecraft] [K3] K3 - intermittent CW chirp

[wayne burdick]

Check in with k3support. You may have recent firmware, but you also 
need to run VCO CAL to take advantage of the latest updates to the 
synthesizer control algorithm.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


On Jun 12, 2009, at 1:56 PM, G4LNA wrote:

>
>
> I can't think what that can possibly be, I take it that you have 
> monitored
> the chirp yourself on a separate receiver to actually confirm the 
> chirp is
> there and not the result of a fault on the distant receiver? Just a 
> thought,
> have you tried removing the KXV3 and see if everything returns to 
> normal?
> Sorry just questions, no answers at the moment.
>
>
> LB3SA wrote:
>>
>> I have a K3 with almost all the options. I recently installed the 
>> KXV3.
>> I'm not sure if the problem started after doing this but I did 
>> receive my
>> first chirp report shortly after. The rig is almost a year old but 
>> has the
>> newest firmware.
>>
>>
>
> -- 
> View this message in context: 
> http://n2.nabble.com/K3---intermittent-CW-chirp-tp2941027p3069904.html
> Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>
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>

---

http://www.elecraft.com

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Re: [Elecraft] [K3] K3 - intermittent CW chirp

[G4LNA]

I can't think what that can possibly be, I take it that you have monitored
the chirp yourself on a separate receiver to actually confirm the chirp is
there and not the result of a fault on the distant receiver? Just a thought,
have you tried removing the KXV3 and see if everything returns to normal?
Sorry just questions, no answers at the moment.


LB3SA wrote:
> 
> I have a K3 with almost all the options. I recently installed the KXV3.
> I'm not sure if the problem started after doing this but I did receive my
> first chirp report shortly after. The rig is almost a year old but has the
> newest firmware.
> 
> 

-- 
View this message in context: 
http://n2.nabble.com/K3---intermittent-CW-chirp-tp2941027p3069904.html
Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com.

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 low Tx output and insensitive Rx on 20 metres

[Don Wilhelm]

Stan,

When you say the "receive function is off", I trust you mean that the 
RANT menu parameter is set to OFF for 20 meters - that menu setting is 
PER BAND (there is no global ON/OFF setting).  Please check the menu 
while 20 meters is selected.

If RANT is OFF for 20 meters, then let us know if it transmits with full 
power capability on 20 meters.  If not, I would suspect a relay point 
has failed because you said this was a sudden failure - such a relay 
failure will show up on transmit as well as receive.

If the problem is on both transmit and receive, than one of the filters 
is suspect - either the bandpass filter for 20 meters (but why is 30 
meters OK), or the Low Pass Filter (again, why is 30 meters OK), and if 
the KPA100 is installed, the low pass filters in the KPA100 might be the 
problem.
There is also the possibility that the VCO frequency has changed and is 
causing the problem with 20 meters, but that would also cause transmit 
to be faulty on 20 meters.
All the circuits in the K2 for both transmit and receive, other than 
those I have mentioned are *not* frequency selective - if those work on 
one band, they will work on 20 meters too.

If only 20 meter receive is a problem, then I would suspect something in 
your antenna system has failed rather than the K2 - what is unique to 20 
meters in your system?  Look there.

73,
Don W3FPR



Stanley Thompson wrote:
> Sirs
>
> My K2 was working well and suddenly 20 metres has gone wrong. All other 
> bands, including 30 metres are OK. I have 160 metres band installed but the 
> receive antenna function is off. iwould welcome any suggestions!
>
> Thank you
> Stan GI3WTG
>   
>
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[Elecraft] K2 low Tx output and insensitive Rx on 20 metres

[Stanley Thompson]

Sirs

My K2 was working well and suddenly 20 metres has gone wrong. All other bands, 
including 30 metres are OK. I have 160 metres band installed but the receive 
antenna function is off. iwould welcome any suggestions!

Thank you
Stan GI3WTG

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Re: [Elecraft] Solid state QSK amp to pair with K3

[Augie Hansen]

Allan Taylor wrote:
> Reflector folks.
>
> I am currently using a Tentec Hercules II amp with my K3. I would like
> to check out options for a solid state amp of
> 1000W or more and QSK capable. I have a Quadra but it pairs nicely
> with the MP and I wish to keep it separate from
> the K3 setup.
>
> I have seen a nice amp by an Italian mfgr capable of 900W, QSK, and an
> internal tuner. Are there any other options?
> My realistic budget for now is about 3K. (I may need to wait until the
> used market comes along)

Burghardt is getting out of the retail business. They have some PW1 
units in their remaining stock for sale at under $3K.

http://www.burghardt-amateur.com/Secure/store.html

I've used a PW1 with my K3 (and K2) with good success. You'll want to 
use a band decoder with it to get automatic band switching, and should 
modify the K3 ALC circuit to accept negative-going ALC (to set a 
protective drive limit, not as a power control signal).

Another nice amplifier is the SG-500 SmartPowerCube, which puts out 
500-600 watts on HF (no 6m). It uses positive-going ALC and protects 
itself well from those who would do it harm.

Gus Hansen
KB0YH

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Re: [Elecraft] Workaround for providing automatic SSB < > CW VFO offset

[Julian, G4ILO]

Ralph Parker wrote:
> 
> Good work, Bill!
> Non-6m ops don't quite understand the problem, complicated by the fact
> that
> "normal" CW is on LSB, making us ex-Yaesu drivers crazy.
> 
I often find myself wandering around the CW end of 20m in the wrong mode,
then finding that I "lose" the station after switching to CW. So I don't
understand why this is being discussed as of benefit only to VHF operators.

I have managed to implement the VFO shift when changing modes to/from CW in
the next version of KComm.

-
Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392  K3 #222.
* G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com
* KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html
* KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html

-- 
View this message in context: 
http://n2.nabble.com/Workaround-for-providing-automatic-SSB-%3C-%3E-CW-VFO-offset-tp3069153p3069446.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.

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Re: [Elecraft] Solid state QSK amp to pair with K3

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

The present choices are: 

  1) Tokyo High Power:  HL-1.5Kfx (1KW 160-6M) 
 HL-2.5Kfx (1500 W 160-10M) - available from HRO
  2) Yaesu Quadra - any Yaesu dealer 
  3) Icom PW-1 - any Icom dealer 
  4) SPE Expert - from SteppIR 
  5) Ameritron - ALS-600 (600 W, 160-10M) 
 ALS-1300 (1KW, 160-10M) 

The alternative is to build a BCD to 1 of 10 decoder 
(W9XT BCD-10) with drivers or reed relays to provide 
the band switching control for your Hercules II (or 
buy a commercial band decoder). 

73, 

   ... Joe, W4TV 
 


> -Original Message-
> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
> [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Allan Taylor
> Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 1:50 PM
> To: n...@contesting.com
> Cc: Elecraft
> Subject: [Elecraft] Solid state QSK amp to pair with K3
> 
> 
> Reflector folks.
> 
> I am currently using a Tentec Hercules II amp with my K3. I 
> would like to check out options for a solid state amp of 
> 1000W or more and QSK capable. I have a Quadra but it pairs 
> nicely with the MP and I wish to keep it separate from the K3 setup.
> 
> I have seen a nice amp by an Italian mfgr capable of 900W, 
> QSK, and an internal tuner. Are there any other options? My 
> realistic budget for now is about 3K. (I may need to wait 
> until the used market comes along)
> 
> -- 
> 73 AllanK7GT


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[Elecraft] solid state hf amp

[John Campbell, Jr.]

Allen, I have a Tokyo High Power amp, and their auto tuner, a combination
that works well with my K-3. Also purchased the equipment from Array
Solutions in Texas.   73 de John, K8DHA

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[Elecraft] Workaround for providing automatic SSB < > CW VFO offset

[Ralph Parker]

>...VFO automatically offset... when switching between SSB and CW...
>On VHF and UHF, SSB and CW are used interchangeably...

Good work, Bill!
Non-6m ops don't quite understand the problem, complicated by the fact that
"normal" CW is on LSB, making us ex-Yaesu drivers crazy.
I've solved the offset problem for now by using my PRO III on 6m
(has the spectrum display, too :-)

VE7XF

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[Elecraft] BRAND NEW K3 FOR SALE

[Jay]

ONE WEEK OLD-FACTORY BUILT-GREAT RADIO BUT TOO MUCH RADIO FOR ME-PAID $2.373 
SHIPPED-WILL SELL FOR $2,200 I SHIP USA ONLY K1UA JAY-E MAIL w1seb @yahoo.com


  
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Re: [Elecraft] Solid state QSK amp to pair with K3

[Ken Kopp]

Alan, my vote would be for one of the Tokyo High Power
amps.  I have one here and it interfaces nicely with my K3.

Array Solutions is a dealer...

73! Ken Kopp - K0PP
  elecraftcov...@rfwave.net
  http://tinyurl.com/7lm3m5
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[Elecraft] Solid state QSK amp to pair with K3

[Allan Taylor]

Reflector folks.

I am currently using a Tentec Hercules II amp with my K3. I would like
to check out options for a solid state amp of
1000W or more and QSK capable. I have a Quadra but it pairs nicely
with the MP and I wish to keep it separate from
the K3 setup.

I have seen a nice amp by an Italian mfgr capable of 900W, QSK, and an
internal tuner. Are there any other options?
My realistic budget for now is about 3K. (I may need to wait until the
used market comes along)

-- 
73 AllanK7GT
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 wierd action.

[Don Wilhelm]

Paul,

You have something activating the keying line - most likely from the 
computer.
Set the K3 menu for DTR-RTS to OFF-OFF.
Then in the DM780 configuration, set DM780 to activate transmit through HRD.

73,
Don W3FPR

PAUL VANOVEREN wrote:
> The last couple of days, on 20 meters, 14.070 in data mode for psk31, the TX 
> led lights up intermittently, and the audio make clicking sounds. Of course, 
> while watching the waterfall, the traces are interupted by the radio going 
> into transmit, and I can not print the data on the screen. I am using HRD and 
> DM 780 and have been operating for the last yr and a half with no problems. I 
> powered the radio off and the power supply off and when turning on the ps and 
> the K3, I get an error message on the B vfo line. ERR-Key, and then the 
> banner scrolls and the error message goes away. I cannot find in the owners 
> manual any reference to "ERR KEY".  When I switch the K3 to the "Test Mode", 
> the TX led does not light of course, but the traces continue to be 
> interrupted by the radio going into transmit.. As far as I can tell, this 
> behavior does not happen in any other mode. The K3 is serial # 758 and the 
> firmware is 3.11 and the DSP is 2.15. Anyone have a suggestion of something I 
> might 
 ch
>  eck. 
> NF8J
>
> Paul VanOveren
> Alto, Mi. 
> n...@iserv.net
>   
>

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Re: [Elecraft] K3/10 wanted

[Phil LaMarche]

Ben,

If you have more than one offered at that price, I'll take the second one.

Phil 


Philip LaMarche 
LaMarche Enterprises, Inc.
www.instantgourmetspices.com

www.w9dvm.com 
800-395-7795 pin 02 
727-944-3226 
FAX 727-937-8834 
NASFT 30210 

K3  #1605

CCA 98  00827
W9DVM 



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ben Ramler
Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 12:12 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3/10 wanted


Hi Group,

    Since the deal with the K3 fell through on the suggestion of one the
members I thought I would post it hereIs by chance anyone selling their
K3/10 or K3/100? I don't want to pay over 1000 for it.

73,

Ben


  
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 wierd action.

[Richard Ferch]

Paul,

The "ERR KEY" message indicates that you have CONFIG:PTT-KEY set to 
something other than OFF-OFF and that either the RTS or the DTR line was 
set "On" at the time you restarted.

This may be related to the intermittent TX problem: I find that when 
using a USB-to-serial adapter for radio control, making changes to other 
USB devices sometimes results in disturbances on these control lines, 
and if I have PTT set to use RTS, I see the radio toggling between RX 
and TX for a few moments at these times. One solution to that is to turn 
CONFIG:PTT-KEY to OFF-OFF and use PTT via software command instead. 
Another is to do PTT and CW (and FSK) keying on a different serial port 
from the one you are using for radio control.

73,
Rich VE3KI

NF8J wrote:
> The last couple of days, on 20 meters, 14.070 in data mode for psk31,
> the TX led lights up intermittently, and the audio make clicking
> sounds. Of course, while watching the waterfall, the traces are
> interupted by the radio going into transmit, and I can not print the
> data on the screen. I am using HRD and DM 780 and have been operating
> for the last yr and a half with no problems. I powered the radio off
> and the power supply off and when turning on the ps and the K3, I get
> an error message on the B vfo line. ERR-Key, and then the banner
> scrolls and the error message goes away. I cannot find in the owners
> manual any reference to "ERR KEY".  When I switch the K3 to the "Test
> Mode", the TX led does not light of course, but the traces continue
> to be interrupted by the radio going into transmit.. As far as I can
> tell, this behavior does not happen in any other mode. The K3 is
> serial # 758 and the firmware is 3.11 and the DSP is 2.15. Anyone
> have a suggestion of something I might check.


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[Elecraft] K3/10 wanted

[Ben Ramler]

Hi Group,

    Since the deal with the K3 fell through on the suggestion of one the 
members I thought I would post it hereIs by chance anyone selling their 
K3/10 or K3/100? I don't want to pay over 1000 for it.

73,

Ben


  
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[Elecraft] K3 Mods needed

[Thom LaCosta]

I have a K3 from the first batch that needs a small number of 
modifications.  Due to some physical problems, I am unable to do them 
myself.  I'm looking for someone within reasonable driving distance 
of Baltimore MD who can do the modifications for me.

Thanks in advance.

Thom k3hrn

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 wierd action.

[Bob Cunnings]

If you have VOX enabled, it may be that strong signals sent to the
sound card via line out are coupling back via line in and triggering
transmit. If so try reducing VOX gain. I ran into a variation on this
theme involving use of NR when tuning through AM signals.

ERR KEY means the K3 detects a keyed condition within 2 seconds after
powerup, and is described in the release notes for firmware MCU 2.13 /
DSP 1.83, 7-3-08.

Bob NW8L

On Fri, Jun 12, 2009 at 7:56 AM, PAUL VANOVEREN wrote:
> The last couple of days, on 20 meters, 14.070 in data mode for psk31, the TX 
> led lights up intermittently, and the audio make clicking sounds. Of course, 
> while watching the waterfall, the traces are interupted by the radio going 
> into transmit, and I can not print the data on the screen. I am using HRD and 
> DM 780 and have been operating for the last yr and a half with no problems. I 
> powered the radio off and the power supply off and when turning on the ps and 
> the K3, I get an error message on the B vfo line. ERR-Key, and then the 
> banner scrolls and the error message goes away. I cannot find in the owners 
> manual any reference to "ERR KEY".  When I switch the K3 to the "Test Mode", 
> the TX led does not light of course, but the traces continue to be 
> interrupted by the radio going into transmit.. As far as I can tell, this 
> behavior does not happen in any other mode. The K3 is serial # 758 and the 
> firmware is 3.11 and the DSP is 2.15. Anyone have a suggestion of something I 
> might ch
>  eck.
> NF8J
>
> Paul VanOveren
> Alto, Mi.
> n...@iserv.net
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[Elecraft] K3 wierd action.

[PAUL VANOVEREN]

The last couple of days, on 20 meters, 14.070 in data mode for psk31, the TX 
led lights up intermittently, and the audio make clicking sounds. Of course, 
while watching the waterfall, the traces are interupted by the radio going into 
transmit, and I can not print the data on the screen. I am using HRD and DM 780 
and have been operating for the last yr and a half with no problems. I powered 
the radio off and the power supply off and when turning on the ps and the K3, I 
get an error message on the B vfo line. ERR-Key, and then the banner scrolls 
and the error message goes away. I cannot find in the owners manual any 
reference to "ERR KEY".  When I switch the K3 to the "Test Mode", the TX led 
does not light of course, but the traces continue to be interrupted by the 
radio going into transmit.. As far as I can tell, this behavior does not happen 
in any other mode. The K3 is serial # 758 and the firmware is 3.11 and the DSP 
is 2.15. Anyone have a suggestion of something I might ch
 eck. 
NF8J

Paul VanOveren
Alto, Mi. 
n...@iserv.net
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Re: [Elecraft] K3: Peculiar BW behavior?

[Bill W4ZV]

Walter V. Gilles wrote:
> 
> 
> I used the utility to check things out before making any changes, and all
> was as it should be.  However I reloaded the current release firmware, and
> increased the insertion loss compensation on the 0.40 roofing filter from
> 1db to 2db.  I don’t use any other compensation.  Upon checking on air,
> the freq shift and fadeout experienced previously on 20M at 0.20 BW is
> gone, and a quick check on a few other bands indicates that problem is
> fixed. 
> 

A 2 dB gain setting for a 400 Hz filter sounds far too low.  I have two 500
Hz 8-pole filters in my base rig and one 500 Hz 5-pole in my portable rig. 
The 8-poles are 6 dB and the 5-pole is 5 dB.   I would expect more like 6-7
dB for the 400 Hz 8-pole based on the Inrad/Elecraft filter plot below :

http://www.inrad.net/product.php?productid=150&cat=140&page=1

You can check your gain setting by applying a steady carrier, zero beat with
your desired PITCH and gradually turn WIDTH from the widest setting to the
set point where the 400 Hz engages.  There should be no change as you
transition across the 400 Hz set point.  If you want to do this more
accurately you can use the internal AFV/dBV meter (remember AGC must be OFF)
to measure changes of 0.1 dB.  You should adjust CONFIG: FLx Gain so that
the transition is smoothest across the set point WIDTH.

If you have other filters besides the 400 Hz, you should start with your
widest filter, set that one to 0 dB gain and then adjust each filter, from
widest to narrowest in order so that the transition is smooth across the set
points.

It's been awhile since I looked at the manual and I see page 46 says:

"Use VFO A to set the gain in dB. In general,
you’ll want to add 1-2 dB for 400-500 Hz
filters, and 3-4 dB for 200-250 Hz filters."

In my experience (with several different 500 Hz and 200 Hz filters) the
recommended settings are about 4 dB too low.  They also do not agree with
published insertion loss figures by Inrad.  I would expect 5-6 dB is correct
for 400-500 Hz filters and 7-8 dB for 200-250 Hz filters.

Someone should write up a better description for how to accurately set the
filter gain settings using the internal AFV/dBV meter...hint hint to Ron
AC7AC.  ;-)

73,  Bill  W4ZV

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View this message in context: 
http://n2.nabble.com/K3%3A-Peculiar-BW-behavior--tp3060111p3067081.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.

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Re: [Elecraft] Workaround for providing automatic SSB < > CW VFOoffset

[Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy]

It is Friday :-)

If the receive and transmit modes can each be selected separately using a 
front panel control, likewise the transmit frequency offset when required, 
it can be done using just one VFO. This leaves the second VFO available for 
other purposes such as monitoring another station on the fly. Whether or not 
this is possible with the K3, I do not know.

73,
Geoff
GM4ESD

- Original Message - 
From: "pd0psb" 
To: 
Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 8:11 AM



>
> Oops, that's what the first poster suggested isn't it?
> 73'
> Paul
> PD0PSB
>
>
> Just a quick thought:
> Isn't all this possible by:
> -setting VFO A to your SSB prefs
> -setting VFO B to your CW prefs.
> -make the right offset for sidetone
> -link VFO's
> -work split A/B
> ?
>
> 73'
> Paul
> PD0PSB

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Re: [Elecraft] Workaround for providing automatic SSB < > CW VFOoffset

[pd0psb]

Oops, that's what the first poster suggested isn't it?
73'
Paul
PD0PSB


Just a quick thought:
Isn't all this possible by:
-setting VFO A to your SSB prefs
-setting VFO B to your CW prefs.
-make the right offset for sidetone
-link VFO's
-work split A/B
?

73'
Paul
PD0PSB

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Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.

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Re: [Elecraft] Workaround for providing automatic SSB < > CW VFOoffset

[pd0psb]

Just a quick thought:
Isn't all this possible by:
-setting VFO A to your SSB prefs
-setting VFO B to your CW prefs.
-make the right offset for sidetone
-link VFO's
-work split A/B
?

73'
Paul
PD0PSB



Joe Subich, W4TV-4 wrote:
> 
> 
> 
>> > It looks like the difference between this process and "send 
>> > CW while in SSB" which was added a while ago, is that with 
>> > this you switch to the CW filters. 
> 
> If the concern is about CW filters, simply configure the K3 to 
> enable the narrow filters in SSB.  Then you can use CW in SSB 
> and either crank down the width or preset the other filter bank 
> with a narrow filter configuration (BW=0.40, FC=0.70).  
> 
> With a CW configuration saved in the other filter bank going 
> from SSB to CW is really nothing more than toggling I/II. 
> 
> 73, 
> 
>... Joe, W4TV 
>  
> 
> 
> 
>> -Original Message-
>> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
>> [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill W5WVO
>> Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2009 4:58 PM
>> To: Peter Wollan
>> Cc: [Elecraft]
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Workaround for providing automatic 
>> SSB < > CW VFOoffset
>> 
>> 
>> Correct, as well as having QSK mode available!
>> 
>> Peter Wollan wrote:
>> > It looks like the difference between this process and "send 
>> CW while 
>> > in SSB" which was added a while ago, is that with this you 
>> switch to 
>> > the CW filters.  Is that right?
>> > 
>> > Peter N8MHD
>> > 
>> > 
>> > On 6/11/09, Bill W5WVO  wrote:
>> >> A number of VHF ops on the list (myself included) have 
>> been lobbying 
>> >> for some time for a feature that is standard on most or all HF+VHF 
>> >> Ikensu rigs: the ability to have the VFO automatically 
>> offset by the 
>> >> amount of the BFO pitch when switching between SSB and CW. This 
>> >> capability is typically of little interest to HF 
>> operators, where SSB 
>> >> and CW are rigidly separated into two distinct sub-bands. 
>> On VHF and 
>> >> UHF, SSB and CW are used interchangeably, as needed, on the same
>> >> (SSB) frequencies.   
>> >> 
>> >> I've already had extensive discussions with Wayne about this; the 
>> >> problem is, due to the software design architecture of the 
>> K3, it's 
>> >> not as easy to implement as it sounds like it should be.
>> >> 
>> >> The performance objective for switching from SSB to CW (CW 
>> to SSB is 
>> >> simply the reverse) is for ONE button tap to accomplish:
>> >> 
>> >>  (a) shifting the VFO frequency up (or down) 700 Hz (nominal pitch)
>> >>  (b) switching the K3 from USB to CW REV (or from LSB to CW)
>> >>  (c) bringing into play a pre-configured set of CW characteristics 
>> >> that go with the transmission mode
>> >> 
>> >> The workaround I've come up with accomplishes this, at the 
>> expense of 
>> >> having a free VFO B to play with. On VHF/UHF, however, there is 
>> >> virtually no split operation (except satellites), so this isn't as
>> >> big a deal as it sounds like.   
>> >> 
>> >> Here's how to do it, assuming USB and a pitch offset of 700 Hz 
>> >> (substitute your own pitch setting if not 700):
>> >> 
>> >> (1) Set MODE to USB, and set up all desired RX characteristics for 
>> >> this mode in the normal fashion.
>> >> 
>> >> (2) Set display resolution to FINE so it displays Hz 
>> (three decimal 
>> >> places).
>> >> 
>> >> (3) Tap A/B button, and repeat Step 2.
>> >> 
>> >> (4) Now set each VFO in turn (select using the A/B button) 
>> such that 
>> >> one is zeroed out (xx.xxx.000), and the other displays xx.xxx.700.
>> >> 
>> >> (5) Hold SUB and notice that the display says LINK. The 
>> two VFOs are 
>> >> now locked together and will track 700 Hz apart.
>> >> 
>> >> (6) Use the A/B button to select the VFO with the +700 Hz offset. 
>> >> This will be your CW VFO.
>> >> 
>> >> (7) Set MODE to CW REV, which will give you the same 
>> tuning direction 
>> >> as USB.
>> >> 
>> >> (8) Set up all desired RX characteristics for this mode in 
>> the normal 
>> >> fashion.
>> >> 
>> >> This completes the setup. From now on, a tap of the A/B 
>> button will 
>> >> switch from USB to CW REV or from CW REV to USB, and the VFO will 
>> >> automatically be set to the correct frequency, removing the
>> >> requirement of retuning to acquire the signal.   
>> >> 
>> >> RIT can still be used in the normal manner, but the offset will be 
>> >> carried on RX when switching from one VFO to the other. 
>> Depending on 
>> >> what you're trying to do, this may or may not be a good thing. Just
>> >> be mindful of the behavior.   
>> >> 
>> >> Please critique these instructions if you find anything unclear.
>> >> 
>> >> Bill W5WVO 
>> >> __
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