Re: [Elecraft] On the advisability of selling kit radios

[Dave - AB7E]

That's pretty silly when you consider that any amplifier will take (or maybe 
has already taken) a LOT of development work, likely incur a lot of tooling 
expenses, and would provide very little pull-through for their other products 
(which already sell very well on their own).  If they don't price it 
realistically it would at best be one of those situations where somebody 
advertises a product but hopes nobody buys one.

If you were running your own small business and trying to figure out where to 
invest your time and your money, would you make that decision?  I sincerely 
doubt it.  It's one thing for a heavily-capitalized company like Toyota to 
market a loss leader product for the sake of image and long term market share 
... it is quite a different matter for a smaller one.

If Elecraft can introduce a nifty power amplifier and sell it for a decent 
profit, more power to them.  Expecting them to sell you a multi-$K item for no 
financial return is simply fanciful.

Dave   AB7E



--Original Mail--
From: "Phil Hystad" 
To: "Conway Yee" ,

Sent: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 22:20:38 -0800
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] On the advisability of selling kit radios


The Elecraft K3 may have a 30 % margin and maybe the K2, being in production
for so long is now about 50 % margin.  But, a new solid-state amp may only be
5% or 7% -- enough to make their customers happy without losing money but not
earning money like a K3 or a K2 either.

phil, K7PEH


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[Elecraft] Re： On the advisability of selling kit radios

[Johnny Siu]

Hi Conway,

Through out the years with Elecraft, I feel they are successful in identifying 
a small but loyal market segment of customers.

As you have been aware, ham population is shrinking.  My boy has no interest to 
play my whole list of radios though he got his ham ticket at the age of 16.  
Similar to you, I would wonder how long a pure ham radio manufacturer could 
survive.  My comment on this has no regard to how long Elecraft will stay in 
its pure ham radio manufacturing.

Within my limited knowledge of the radio industry, Icom earned most its 
business profit from insitutional contracts and business.  Part of the 
knowledge and expertise gained from those contracts has been used in their ham 
radios.  In other words,  ham radio now becomes a 'by-product' of their 
successful insitutional contracts.

I truly hope that Elecraft will stay in its current business and give the ham 
population an unique choice of products.

73

Johnny VR2XMC



- 郵件原件 
寄件人﹕ Conway Yee 
收件人﹕ elecraft@mailman.qth.net
傳送日期﹕ 2010/2/9 (二) 1:57:16 PM
主題： [Elecraft] On the advisability of selling kit radios

The threads about a kit amplifier got me thinking.

It is now 1999.  The market is saturated with well established companies
such as Yaesu, Icom and Kenwood selling high quality radios.  Ham radio
technology is stagnant with no major leaps in the horizon.  The average
amateur is aging rapidly with very little influx of new blood.  The youth
are all interested in computers and the internet.  The days of Heathkit
are long past; there is no way to save money building kit electronics.
The only kit manufacturers sell small inexpensive radios that can be
built in a few hours.

Certainly there is no good reason to start a company selling a 100 Watt
kit SSB/CW rigOTOH Elecraft bet it could and it would appear that they
are successful.

It is now 2010.  The same arguments are being put forward for an solid
state HF amplifier.  In addition, the legal liability of high current
electronics is daunting.  The population of customers of amplifiers is
even smaller than that for 100 Watt kits.  Are these arguments
correct?  I don't know but suspect that there would be a niche market
for such kits as long as the manufacturer has no business presence in the
US.

Hopefully such a kit starts getting sold in the next few years.  It
sounds like fun.

tnx.
Conway Yee, N2JWQ

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[Elecraft] OT: Is the Elecraft Reflector List Secure?

[elelist984]

Hi Guys,

I have recently received a spam using the address that I only use for 
mail to and from the Elecraft reflector.  So I am wondering if the list 
of email addresses is secure.  Anyone else have this problem?  Anything 
that can be done about it?

73
Kevin
VK3DAP / ZL2DAP
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Re: [Elecraft] On the advisability of selling kit radios

[Phil Hystad]

I learned a little new thing about Toyota marketing just this week.  Toyota of 
course has been 
in the news lately with the massive recalls.  It was reported that the Toyota 
Prius Hybrid
is subsidized by about $2500 to $3000 by Toyota.  That is, the Prius whole sale 
price to
the dealers is a few thousand dollars less then it costs to build.  Every Prius 
car sold is a money
loser for Toyota!

Toyota is happy with this though (they said so) because it is their front-line 
product.
It is the product that gives them name recognition, the product that brings them
Kudos for high-tech achievements, and the product that brings customers through
their doors.

Thus, a company does not need to make money on a given product to justify its
production and sale -- there are other reasons to build products.

A smart company will choose the profit margin for each product individually.  
It is
rare for all products to be treated the same.  Some will bring in a margin of 
40%,
others only 5%, and then maybe others, by plan, minus 10%.

The Elecraft K3 may have a 30 % margin and maybe the K2, being in production
for so long is now about 50 % margin.  But, a new solid-state amp may only be
5% or 7% -- enough to make their customers happy without losing money but not
earning money like a K3 or a K2 either.

phil, K7PEH


On Feb 8, 2010, at 9:57 PM, Conway Yee wrote:

> The threads about a kit amplifier got me thinking.
> 
> It is now 1999.  The market is saturated with well established companies
> such as Yaesu, Icom and Kenwood selling high quality radios.  Ham radio
> technology is stagnant with no major leaps in the horizon.  The average
> amateur is aging rapidly with very little influx of new blood.  The youth
> are all interested in computers and the internet.  The days of Heathkit
> are long past; there is no way to save money building kit electronics.
> The only kit manufacturers sell small inexpensive radios that can be
> built in a few hours.
> 
> Certainly there is no good reason to start a company selling a 100 Watt
> kit SSB/CW rigOTOH Elecraft bet it could and it would appear that they
> are successful.
> 
> It is now 2010.  The same arguments are being put forward for an solid
> state HF amplifier.  In addition, the legal liability of high current
> electronics is daunting.  The population of customers of amplifiers is
> even smaller than that for 100 Watt kits.  Are these arguments
> correct?  I don't know but suspect that there would be a niche market
> for such kits as long as the manufacturer has no business presence in the
> US.
> 
> Hopefully such a kit starts getting sold in the next few years.  It
> sounds like fun.
> 
> tnx.
> Conway Yee, N2JWQ
> 
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[Elecraft] On the advisability of selling kit radios

[Conway Yee]

The threads about a kit amplifier got me thinking.

It is now 1999.  The market is saturated with well established companies
such as Yaesu, Icom and Kenwood selling high quality radios.  Ham radio
technology is stagnant with no major leaps in the horizon.  The average
amateur is aging rapidly with very little influx of new blood.  The youth
are all interested in computers and the internet.  The days of Heathkit
are long past; there is no way to save money building kit electronics.
The only kit manufacturers sell small inexpensive radios that can be
built in a few hours.

Certainly there is no good reason to start a company selling a 100 Watt
kit SSB/CW rigOTOH Elecraft bet it could and it would appear that they
are successful.

It is now 2010.  The same arguments are being put forward for an solid
state HF amplifier.  In addition, the legal liability of high current
electronics is daunting.  The population of customers of amplifiers is
even smaller than that for 100 Watt kits.  Are these arguments
correct?  I don't know but suspect that there would be a niche market
for such kits as long as the manufacturer has no business presence in the
US.

Hopefully such a kit starts getting sold in the next few years.  It
sounds like fun.

tnx.
Conway Yee, N2JWQ

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Re: [Elecraft] AGC & DSP Rain Dance

[Guy Olinger K2AV]

Hi Richard,

The "Dance" referred to the posted conversations about AGC, not
changing settings while operating the K3.  The only time I monkey with
DSP and the AGC is when I'm testing something out.  And before all the
testing the last couple of weeks, I had not changed the AGC settings
in over a year. Likewise I had not changed where PRE/ATT are set per
band since that's been available. I never need to touch AGC or DSP
config settings in a contest. I change the RF gain occasionally as a
band opens and closes, but not really that much.

I am well acquainted with MP's. I would agree with you on the MP's
AGC, to a point. The MP's audio was smooth.  I still own an MP and use
it from time to time (as I do a 75A3 and a Yaesu FT101ZD).  I have
used maybe ten different MP's over the last decade, but it has been
forever replaced as the prime rig by the K3.

At NY4A when we gather for the multi/op DX contest operations, for a
decade we brought in extra MP's to go with Howie's MP's. My MP was the
first one we used out there. We did all the key-click mods, did the
AGC mod where the MP's fast AGC was TOO fast on CW and mushed the CW
in pileups (sound familiar?).  In the K3 that's a setting and a
choice.

There have been 10 different operators out at the DX wars at NY4A over
the decade, all serious contest guys, with wins in ARRL and CQ DX and
WPX.  Among them they owned 9 MP's.

Two MP owners (3 MP's) are no longer active on the bands. The other
six MPs are replaced with K3's. Among the 8 operators still active
there are 7 K3's, an eighth K3 that we hope will be built for the ARRL
DX CW, and one op is waiting for a budget opportunity to replace his
Pro III with a ninth K3 for the diversity on 160. One of the ops
replaced his Kenwood main rig with an Orion II which he prefers over
the K3 but now only brings to NY4A as a backup in case we blow up a
position. We have used his Orion at a run position several times but
most of the ops originally found it hard to get used to, and the menu
RF gain was a never-ending source of confusion the first time anyone
used it. Those of us who have learned the Orion have no qualms about
using it.

Yet six of the seven ops who used both a K3 and an Orion bought K3's.

One thing that NOBODY misses from the MP days is the extra layer of
crud at the bottom of every band added by its RF/IF string. K3
complaints have been dealt with by mods and firmware changes.  Howie
is happy with his two fairly early K3's and has to be goaded into
updating his firmware so that we're all at the same level and don't
lose features we've gotten used to.

73, Guy.

On Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 8:11 PM,   wrote:
> Guy-
>
> It would appear that some K-3 owners really enjoy dancing around  wasting
> time and energy "dancing the AGC up and down" ... and forever fooling  with
> DSP adjustments... but there are some of us who do not enjoy that at  all!
> For me,  there are MUCH better uses of time when running  during a contest
> than fooling around dancing with the AGC & DSP  settings.  Further, dancing
> with the AGC & DSP simply isn't  neccessary in a well engineered modern day
> radio.  Therefore,  "dancing with the AGC should be optional for those who
> enjoy doing so.
>
> 73,
> Richard
>
>
> It may be a dance, but hopefully careful intelligent musing over the matter
>  is convincing people that they should get the ambient well down in the
> analog-to-digital converter (ADC) operating range. If they do, a -99 threshold
>  is a -109 threshold, and further backing off RF gain can make it a -119 or
> -129  threshold as far as the ADC is concerned, and headroom is being used
> for what  headroom should be used for.
>
> Maybe the variable gain by band in the MP  (with a menu override) was
> really a better strategy for a default. This same  issue dogged Orion
> owners, and by the chatter a lot of them never understood  either.   REPLY:
> INDEED IT WAS! BUT THE FACT IS WHETHER THE VARIABLE  GAIN WAS SET ON OR OFF
> THE MP'S AGC WAS A JOY TO USE AND LISTEN TO.
>
> 73, Guy.
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Re: [Elecraft] AGC & DSP Rain Dance

[Philippe Trottet]

Fully agree !
Race cars need fine (and often) tuning to get their best for each races, K3's 
are the same.
But my main main thing is to enjoy and have a lot of fun to chase the weak 
signal, specially in big pilups in SSB with my exotic callsign. Using for ssb 
FC: 0.95 and Width: 1.6k (6k, 2.8 & 1.8k filter installed) AGC mainly OFF  in 
that case and do not attempt I will respond first to the biggest signal.  
Use the N1EU AGC settings   http://n1eu.com/  with good results.
Personal rule: ssb=qro if needed but cw, exclusively qrp max 5w or qrpp.
MIC= MH2 and SONY MDR 7505 Headset, Keys: Vibroplex + straight key Siemens 
Baumuster T1, both connected.
 
Bst 73's
Philippe A65BI  (F5LTB)
k3#3616
Elecraft, by Hams, for Hams...What else !

>>> K6LE  09-02-2010 6:46 >>>
Well said!

I'm just glad I bought my K3 before I got too involved in some of the 
discussion on here.   If I hadn't I might not have done it and then I would be 
missing out on this wonderful radio.

To paraphrase what some others have said: "This one is a keeper and I am taking 
it with me to my final resting place!"


Rick
K6LE
#3757

On 2/8/2010, at 6:29 , Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Richard,
> 
> All controls are not for everyone.  There are those who "just want to 
> operate", and the default setting should be their choice.
> For those who want performance enhancement, then several of us are 
> trying to give instructions about how to effectively do that - because 
> the K3 does provide those performance enhancement tools.  We are not 
> making up for deficiencies in the K3 design, but are talking about how 
> to best use the tools available for extreme operating circumstances.  
> These suggestions may not be for everyone.
> 
> Those performance enhancement tools will be used differently depending 
> on the circumstances of band conditions, antenna selection, and operator 
> preferences.  Not everyone will want or need to use those tools.
> 
> Comparing it to driving a high performance vehicle.  If you just want to 
> cruise the streets, the normal settings will suffice, but if you want 
> maximum performance on the race track, you will want to use all the 
> tools at your disposal, and customize them for the track being used and 
> the driver's preferences (these may be different for every race).  Those 
> who want to just use the standard setting for this "race" will likely 
> not come in as front-runners, but they certainly can participate.
> 
> Just how much you want to "dance the AGC up and down" is a decision each 
> owner must decide for him/herself, no one answer fits all.  Use the 
> default settings if you do not want to make any decisions or do not want 
> to do any experimenting (trial runs).  In the meantime, the information 
> gleaned from the various comments here will allow those interested in 
> fine tuning their K3 to do so in an intelligent and orderly manner.
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR

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Re: [Elecraft] AGC & DSP Rain Dance

[Gary and Kathleen Pearse]

I've experimented almost daily during the last two Winter seasons  
searching 160M CW signals and making a few contacts. Not S9+, not  
loud and crowded Contesting or operating EU from the East Coast of  
NA, but typically weak signals from the middle of KL7.

I'm under the Aurora's influence in a typical S5-7 city noise floor,  
even with 100-150Hz filters enabled and all of the K3's arsenal  
brought to bear. It's typically S9+10-15 at 2.4 KHz for me. I have an  
Inv-L up 70'/out 55' with seven tuned elevated radials, and a  
rotatable Wellbrook receiving loop located on a 120x120' city lot  
surrounded by three power distribution lines. Yea I know - move.

If I only used AGC-on to hear the weak I may as well find another  
hobby. ATT on, RF (IF) gain up or down, doesn't matter. Threshold 08,  
Slope 000, filter gain up or down, doesn't matter. If the AGC (S or  
F) is used, the weak blend into the noise floor. I typically listen  
at a 450-500Hz tone.

However, if I turn the AGC off I can usually fine tune the AF and RF  
levels well enough hear, and usually work all heard. On 160M I've yet  
to hear as well with the AGC enabled as with it off.

Loud signals well out of my noise floor and on higher bands are  
another matter.

73, Gary NL7Y


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Re: [Elecraft] Best Digital Program for the K3?

[Dean45]

Coming from CW, and being fairly new to other digital modes, I liked the
option with PSK D to occasionaly use the paddle instead of the keyboard.
Also, because I would sometimes use the radio stand alone for PSK D/FSK D,
it made sence to get used to how it works while I have the computer on and
can see the waterfall etc. The posts here so far have educated me a lot.
Thanks for your responses!


"What would you like out of PSK D and FSK D?  We could consider adding it to
fldigi if there are advantages. 

BTW, you didn't say what OS you were using, but fldigi runs on Windows, Mac,
and Linux. 

Leigh/WA5ZNU "
-- 
View this message in context: 
http://n2.nabble.com/Best-Digital-Program-for-the-K3-tp4534355p4539145.html
Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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Re: [Elecraft] Isolation headphones

[O. Johns]

I'll repeat this in this thread:

I hope people do not make the mistake of using in-the-ear earbuds with ham 
radios, even the K3.  These in-the-ear phones like the etymotic or the shure 
have to be put pretty deep into the ear canal to seal and provide isolation.  
They are wonderful for hi-fi.  I use a pair by Shure to listen to Brahms on 
airplanes.  BUT, they take at least a few seconds to extract from your ears.  
If, as has been reported on this reflector several times, the radio 
mis-functions and puts out a very loud audio signal, your ears will be fried 
before you can react.  

DON'T DO IT

Oliver
W6ODJ



On 8 Feb 2010, at 6:20 PM, dw wrote:

> I think I've tried everything.
> I have the David Clark and another Sound studio set of over-the-ear
> headphones that are rated at around 24db isolation.  Both of them are
> not sufficient for my shack environment when its noisy.
> 
> I think the best I have are custom molded inner-ear units that I had
> made up at a motorcycle rally.
> There was a gal there custom making them for people.
> These are the kind you see people use on stage standing in front of
> killowatt guitar amps.  ;~]
> 
> To get the same but on the cheep, I got a pair of el-cheep-0 KOSS inner
> ear units with the black rubber foam.  Take the foam off and take a pair
> of sleep ear-plugs ( the kind that you shrink up and they expand in your
> ear).  Take a hot needle and boar a hole through the center.  Super glue
> them onto the ear-phones.
> 
> Best isolation I've ever had and cost is less than $25 bucks!
> Go figure :)
> 
> N1BBR
> -- 
> bw...@fastmail.net
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] OT: Common Mode Choke Data

[Brett Howard]

Man thats a GREAT little picture!  That one is going in the archive!

~Brett

On Mon, 2010-02-08 at 20:43 +, Ken Kopp wrote:
> This just appeared on eham.net. This is good data, done by someone who 
> knows how to do it.  If nothing else, it is good comparison reference.
> 
> Alan
> 
> 
> http://www.karinya.net/g3txq/chokes/
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Re: [Elecraft] AGC & DSP Rain Dance

[K6LE]

Well said!

I'm just glad I bought my K3 before I got too involved in some of the 
discussion on here.   If I hadn't I might not have done it and then I would be 
missing out on this wonderful radio.

To paraphrase what some others have said: "This one is a keeper and I am taking 
it with me to my final resting place!"


Rick
K6LE
#3757

On 2/8/2010, at 6:29 , Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Richard,
> 
> All controls are not for everyone.  There are those who "just want to 
> operate", and the default setting should be their choice.
> For those who want performance enhancement, then several of us are 
> trying to give instructions about how to effectively do that - because 
> the K3 does provide those performance enhancement tools.  We are not 
> making up for deficiencies in the K3 design, but are talking about how 
> to best use the tools available for extreme operating circumstances.  
> These suggestions may not be for everyone.
> 
> Those performance enhancement tools will be used differently depending 
> on the circumstances of band conditions, antenna selection, and operator 
> preferences.  Not everyone will want or need to use those tools.
> 
> Comparing it to driving a high performance vehicle.  If you just want to 
> cruise the streets, the normal settings will suffice, but if you want 
> maximum performance on the race track, you will want to use all the 
> tools at your disposal, and customize them for the track being used and 
> the driver's preferences (these may be different for every race).  Those 
> who want to just use the standard setting for this "race" will likely 
> not come in as front-runners, but they certainly can participate.
> 
> Just how much you want to "dance the AGC up and down" is a decision each 
> owner must decide for him/herself, no one answer fits all.  Use the 
> default settings if you do not want to make any decisions or do not want 
> to do any experimenting (trial runs).  In the meantime, the information 
> gleaned from the various comments here will allow those interested in 
> fine tuning their K3 to do so in an intelligent and orderly manner.
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR

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Re: [Elecraft] AGC & DSP Rain Dance

[Don Wilhelm]

Richard,

All controls are not for everyone.  There are those who "just want to 
operate", and the default setting should be their choice.
For those who want performance enhancement, then several of us are 
trying to give instructions about how to effectively do that - because 
the K3 does provide those performance enhancement tools.  We are not 
making up for deficiencies in the K3 design, but are talking about how 
to best use the tools available for extreme operating circumstances.  
These suggestions may not be for everyone.

Those performance enhancement tools will be used differently depending 
on the circumstances of band conditions, antenna selection, and operator 
preferences.  Not everyone will want or need to use those tools.

Comparing it to driving a high performance vehicle.  If you just want to 
cruise the streets, the normal settings will suffice, but if you want 
maximum performance on the race track, you will want to use all the 
tools at your disposal, and customize them for the track being used and 
the driver's preferences (these may be different for every race).  Those 
who want to just use the standard setting for this "race" will likely 
not come in as front-runners, but they certainly can participate.

Just how much you want to "dance the AGC up and down" is a decision each 
owner must decide for him/herself, no one answer fits all.  Use the 
default settings if you do not want to make any decisions or do not want 
to do any experimenting (trial runs).  In the meantime, the information 
gleaned from the various comments here will allow those interested in 
fine tuning their K3 to do so in an intelligent and orderly manner.

73,
Don W3FPR

r...@aol.com wrote:
> Guy-
>  
> It would appear that some K-3 owners really enjoy dancing around  wasting 
> time and energy "dancing the AGC up and down" ... and forever fooling  with 
> DSP adjustments... but there are some of us who do not enjoy that at  all!  
> For me,  there are MUCH better uses of time when running  during a contest 
> than fooling around dancing with the AGC & DSP  settings.  Further, dancing 
> with the AGC & DSP simply isn't  neccessary in a well engineered modern day 
> radio.  Therefore,  "dancing with the AGC should be optional for those who 
> enjoy doing so.
>  
> 73,
> Richard
>   
>
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[Elecraft] Isolation headphones

[dw]

I think I've tried everything.
I have the David Clark and another Sound studio set of over-the-ear
headphones that are rated at around 24db isolation.  Both of them are
not sufficient for my shack environment when its noisy.

I think the best I have are custom molded inner-ear units that I had
made up at a motorcycle rally.
There was a gal there custom making them for people.
These are the kind you see people use on stage standing in front of
killowatt guitar amps.  ;~]

To get the same but on the cheep, I got a pair of el-cheep-0 KOSS inner
ear units with the black rubber foam.  Take the foam off and take a pair
of sleep ear-plugs ( the kind that you shrink up and they expand in your
ear).  Take a hot needle and boar a hole through the center.  Super glue
them onto the ear-phones.

Best isolation I've ever had and cost is less than $25 bucks!
Go figure :)

N1BBR
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[Elecraft] Fw: K3 Spkr Splitter by N0SS

[Larry - K2GN]

I got Tom's splitter box today in the mail.
Tom was nice enough to assemble them for me because of on stroke.

What a nice box and board!!!
I ripped out me half a$$ed wiring and inserted the box.
Found out I actually had a poor connection and now the old Motorola speakers 
sound great!!!

Tom - Thanks for the service.

de K2GN
K3 S/N 3278


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[Elecraft] New W2 Firmware rev 0.96

[Brian]

We are announcing the release of W2 Firmware rev 0.96.

The W2 firmware will be the new version your "W2 Utility" program 
downloads from our ftp site (automatically, if you have the "Copy new 
files from Elecraft into local folder" box checked).  Here's what's new...

*Rev 0.96, 8-Feb-2010*

 

  * SENSOR CALIBRATION ADJUSTMENT:* *The Sensor "Calibration" range is 
now 350 to 650 (500 being the factory default).  This provides a very 
wide range for matching our sensors to any reference you already have.

 

  * SENSOR CALIBRATION VALUES AVAILABLE:* *The six possible types of 
sensor calibration values are available from the serial port.  Send the 
W2 a "?" and the data returned is a series of six numbers.  The values, 
in order, are Sensor1 HF 200W, Sensor1 HF 2KW, Sensor1 VHF, Sensor2 HF 
200W, Sensor2 HF 2KW, Sensor2 VHF.

 

  * SWR ALARM LEVEL NOW ADJUSTABLE:* *You may set the trip point for the 
SWR Alarm from 1.1:1 to 5.0:1.  Sending the W2 a "[" lowers the trip 
point, and "]" raises the trip point in 0.1 steps.  Note the decimal 
point is implied in the serial response, i.e. "[25;" means the trip 
point was lowered to an SWR of 2.5:1 and "]39" means the trip point was 
raised to 3.9:1.

 

  * THREE SENSOR SCAN MODE IMPROVEMENTS: 1. Initiating or stopping the 
W2 Sensor Scan mode by holding the front panel "Sensor" button is now 
visually confirmed by lighting or extinguishing both of the S1 & S2 
LEDs.  2. A noticeable delay of the W2 in responding to the active 
sensor has been eliminated.  3. This mode is now also saved in EEPROM 
and will return to scanning at power up.

* *


As always, if you have any trouble, please send any questions to 
k3supp...@elecraft.com.

73,
Brian, W6FVI
W2 Firmware Engineer
Elecraft, Inc.

 

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Re: [Elecraft] DATA Jack for K2??

[2rGarry]

Jon Perelstein wrote:
> 
> Is there any chance that Elecraft will develop a data jack add-on kit for
> the K2?  
>  
> I do a lot of PSK and other digital modes with mine, and it's a pain to
> use
> the mic plug and headphone jack as my connection points to the radio (if
> for
> no other reason than the fact that I would like to be able to hear things
> as
> I tune across the band).  I would much rather have a data jack that inputs
> and outputs digital data like the Yaesu FT-897.  
>  
> Jon
> KB1QBZ
> 
> Well Jon,  I also like to listen as I tune the band and it is easy to do
> if you get a "Y" splitter to plug into the headphone jack.  They are
> available here at the dollar stores (low quality but adequate) or at our
> equivalent to Radio Shack for more dollars but better quality.  I do use a
> rigblaster which takes care of the connection to the mic issue but all
> that is needed is a second connector wired appropriately and then you
> would have to unplug the mic whenever you wanted to operate digi modes.
> 
> 72
> 
> Garry/Ve7ajj 
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[Elecraft] AGC & DSP Rain Dance

[RLVZ]

Guy-
 
It would appear that some K-3 owners really enjoy dancing around  wasting 
time and energy "dancing the AGC up and down" ... and forever fooling  with 
DSP adjustments... but there are some of us who do not enjoy that at  all!  
For me,  there are MUCH better uses of time when running  during a contest 
than fooling around dancing with the AGC & DSP  settings.  Further, dancing 
with the AGC & DSP simply isn't  neccessary in a well engineered modern day 
radio.  Therefore,  "dancing with the AGC should be optional for those who 
enjoy doing so.
 
73,
Richard
 
 
It may be a dance, but hopefully careful intelligent musing over the matter 
 is convincing people that they should get the ambient well down in the  
analog-to-digital converter (ADC) operating range. If they do, a -99 threshold 
 is a -109 threshold, and further backing off RF gain can make it a -119 or 
-129  threshold as far as the ADC is concerned, and headroom is being used 
for what  headroom should be used for.

Maybe the variable gain by band in the MP  (with a menu override) was 
really a better strategy for a default. This same  issue dogged Orion
owners, and by the chatter a lot of them never understood  either.   REPLY: 
INDEED IT WAS! BUT THE FACT IS WHETHER THE VARIABLE  GAIN WAS SET ON OR OFF 
THE MP'S AGC WAS A JOY TO USE AND LISTEN TO.
 
73, Guy.
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Re: [Elecraft] Softrock panadapter for K3

[Don Wilhelm]

Bill,

You will find all the documentation you need on the SoftRock40 Yahoo 
group.  I don't like navigating Yahoo Groups much, but the info is in 
the Files area, and you have to join the group to get access.

If you are seriously considering this alternative, I suggest you use a 
Clifton Labs Z1 buffer between the K3 and the Softroct to keep the 
Softrock LO signal out of the K3 IF.  My implementation is awaiting for 
the enclosure I have chosen to arrive from TenTec.

73,
Don W3FPR

NZ0T wrote:
> Is there any documentation on how to go about building the Softrock
> panadapter for the K3?  I haven't found anything via a search here or on the
> internet.  Any help?  Seems like an inexpensive way to get panadapter
> capability.
>
> 73 Bill NZ0T
>   
> 
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com 
> Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2675 - Release Date: 02/08/10 
> 02:35:00
>
>   
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 SSB, "Hi Cur" message on PTT

[Don Wilhelm]

Brian,

Don't do a "re-boot" of the K2, it is not likely to solve anything and 
will only lose your menu settings including the filter and PLL data.
You have an intermittent somewhere, most likely on the KSB2 board.  I 
have (only once or twice) seen an intermittent connection in the carrier 
balance pot itself that could cause such "strange happenings".  I would 
suggest starting with re-flowing the solder on the KSB2 board in the 
area of the carrier balance and balanced modulator stages, then 
"crossing the fingers" that it does not re-occur.

The unfortunate part about intermittents is that it has to fail (and 
stay failed) for one to troubleshoot it properly.

73,
Don W3FPR

Brian Machesney wrote:
> Doug,
>
> I have owned and used my K2/100 on SSB and CW for almost 10 years, but it
> has been relegated to "second radio" duty since getting my K3 a year ago.
>
> I've been getting the K2 ready for a DXpedition for the last few days and I
> have noticed a similar symptom to what you describe, as part of a
> more-general syndrome that I can't explain and that is very unnerving.
>
> The primary problem is that I frequently turn on the K2 in USB mode but I
> can't get any output. Speaking into the mic simply doesn't produce any
> output, doesn't move the ALC meter and doesn't produce anything I can hear
> on the K3. Even though it all worked together fine the previous day.
>
> As part of the diagnosis procedure, I removed the mic plug from the front
> panel and shorted the PTT pin to the adjacent GND pin - I was going to see
> if touching the MIC pin in this configuration would create output and
> indicate a faulty line from the mic itself. Lo and behold, shorting the PTT
> and GND pins produced a *strong* carrier, whose output I could vary with the
> POWER control.
>
> Since this didn't produce the expected result (to say the least!), I
> remembered that the "dot" side of the paddle would act as PTT, so I plugged
> in a paddle and got the same behavior.
>
> Just for grins, I switched to CW and everything worked as expected.
>
> Switching back to USB, it too now works as expected.
>
> At some point in this procedure, I saw both the Hi Cur and the PA Hot
> warnings, but both are gone now.
>
> Don - any thoughts on what's going on here? Do I have to do a "reboot" of
> the radio?
>
>   
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Softrock panadapter for K3

[K4IA]

I have an unbuilt kit.  No instructions in it.  I think they  are on the 
internet.  I thought better of it and got the LP Pan  instead.  Anyone want to 
make me an offer?
 
Buck
k4ia
K3 #101
 
 
In a message dated 2/8/2010 7:41:20 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
n...@cox.net writes:


Is  there any documentation on how to go about building the Softrock
panadapter  for the K3?  I haven't found anything via a search here or on  
the
internet.  Any help?  Seems like an inexpensive way to get  panadapter
capability.

73 Bill NZ0T
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[Elecraft] K2: DSP tutorial - or other references

[dw]

Have you looked at the "The Nifty Mini-Manual"?
It has 3 pages on the DSP settings.
I find it really easy to follow.
The people who sell these are wonderful people.


In the following "Hold" means hold the button(s) for a count of 3
seconds

My most common Non-configuration adjustments during normal rig usage:
- Transitioning through the filters = Hold XFIL
- Turn Noise Reduction ON/OFF = HOLD XFIL + MSG together



Filter and Noise Configuration adjustments:

>From the main frequency readout
- Quick_tap DISPLAY
- Hold BAND+ to cycle through settings

When you are cycling through these settings and you get to the [dSP On]
display
- Quick-tap BAND- will turn DSP OFF
When DSP is OFF it will look like [dSP bYP]
With [dSP bYP] is displayed HOLD BAND+ to turn DSP ON.
NOTE: The display will not change after you release the hold button but
the DSP is back on.
To verify quick-tap BAND+

The filter settings are fairly straight forward.
Its the noise reduction adjustments that one might find the most
confusing.

I use a 750Hz side-tone so my filter settings:
The period after the C indicates D-noiser is ON
C.1 = .75 .80
C.2 = .75 .40
C.3 = .75 .20
C.4 = .75 .05


With the Configuration display as [C1 nr], [C2 nr], [C3 nr] or [C4 nr]
- Quick_tap BAND+ to cycle through Noise Reduction Levels
- Quick_tap BAND- to cycle between "Standard" cw filter and "Soft" cw
filtering

I prefer "Standard" cw filtering instead of the "Soft" cw filtering
I have my Noise Reduction settings at [nr .99 .10]

When your playing with the noise reduction settings you will get your
most pronounced change when transitioning from 99 to 00 on either the
Aggressive value or the Hold-time value.

N1BBR























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































 
-- 
 bw...@fastmail.net

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 SSB, "Hi Cur" message on PTT

[Brian Machesney]

Doug,

I have owned and used my K2/100 on SSB and CW for almost 10 years, but it
has been relegated to "second radio" duty since getting my K3 a year ago.

I've been getting the K2 ready for a DXpedition for the last few days and I
have noticed a similar symptom to what you describe, as part of a
more-general syndrome that I can't explain and that is very unnerving.

The primary problem is that I frequently turn on the K2 in USB mode but I
can't get any output. Speaking into the mic simply doesn't produce any
output, doesn't move the ALC meter and doesn't produce anything I can hear
on the K3. Even though it all worked together fine the previous day.

As part of the diagnosis procedure, I removed the mic plug from the front
panel and shorted the PTT pin to the adjacent GND pin - I was going to see
if touching the MIC pin in this configuration would create output and
indicate a faulty line from the mic itself. Lo and behold, shorting the PTT
and GND pins produced a *strong* carrier, whose output I could vary with the
POWER control.

Since this didn't produce the expected result (to say the least!), I
remembered that the "dot" side of the paddle would act as PTT, so I plugged
in a paddle and got the same behavior.

Just for grins, I switched to CW and everything worked as expected.

Switching back to USB, it too now works as expected.

At some point in this procedure, I saw both the Hi Cur and the PA Hot
warnings, but both are gone now.

Don - any thoughts on what's going on here? Do I have to do a "reboot" of
the radio?

Brian K1LI
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Re: [Elecraft] Best Digital Program for the K3?

[K6LE]

Chen,

With the ease of set up and use of AFSK on the K3 and with your tests showing 
how clean it can be, together with the terrific functionality of using both 
receivers with cocoaModem, I have decided that I am not going to bother getting 
FSK working either with direct keying or via FSK D mode.

I can't imagine running an RTTY contest anymore without using your dual 
wideband RTTY mode.

Thanks,

Rick
K6LE

On 2/8/2010, at 4:18 , Kok Chen wrote:
>>Snip>>
> 
> Not completely bug free, yet.  The K3's CAT command "KY" command interface 
> still has problems, so you can't do FSK directly through CAT, for example.
> 
> 73
> Chen, W7AY

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[Elecraft] Softrock panadapter for K3

[NZ0T]

Is there any documentation on how to go about building the Softrock
panadapter for the K3?  I haven't found anything via a search here or on the
internet.  Any help?  Seems like an inexpensive way to get panadapter
capability.

73 Bill NZ0T
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 DSP AGC Question

[Mike K2MK]

Hi Barry:

I was annoyed when I first read Lyle's post. It sounded like the right hand 
didn't know what the left was doing. Really, why optimize the amplifier for 32 
ohms and then only offer a 200 ohm headset for sale. But Lyle's further 
explanation was reasonable and I probably overreacted.

I know my hearing is not what it used to be. I first used the speaker jack 
during the ARRL 10 meter contest in Dec 08. The band was noisy so I had the NR 
on but there just wasn't enough volume available to pull out the barely audible 
stations. (Having a no gain vertical doesn't help either). There really is no 
good reason to keep the headphones in the speaker jack on the other bands. I 
just do and I keep the AF level correspondingly low.

I took note of your recent posting about the HD-280s. I put them away when I 
got the K3 and the Proset. But after the discussion regarding isolation I 
pulled them out and they have slightly greater volume then the Proset. I like 
the Proset because it has very comfortable ear pads. The 280 has a tighter grip 
on my head and the pads are a bit more rubbery. I think that's why I stayed 
with the Proset. But the ARRL DX contest is coming up so I think I'll give the 
280s a whirl and see which I prefer.

73,
Mike K2MK


From: Barry N1EU [via Elecraft] 
Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 4:44 PM
To: Mike K2MK 
Subject: Re: K3 DSP AGC Question


  Mike K2MK wrote:
  I was very disappointed to read your post. I purchased a Proset headset 
directly from Elecraft when I bought my K3. According to Heil this headset has 
an impedance of 200 ohms. Is that why I have to plug my headphones into the 
rear speaker jack to get sufficient audio output from them? Why would you folks 
sell a headset that does not complement the K3? I am really disappointed. 
I routinely use a 200-ohm Pro Set for ssb plugged into the headphone jack and 
it works like a charm.   

73, 
Barry N1EU 





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Re: [Elecraft] Best Digital Program for the K3?

[Kok Chen]

On Feb 8, 2010, at 3:27 PM, Julian, G4ILO wrote:

> By 50 watts average PSK power do you mean PWR set to 50, or PWR set to 100
> or whatever gives an average 50W out?

50 W with PWR knob, and measured to be close to 50W on an external averaging 
wattmeter with an idling Varicode on BPSK31

This means that the peaks of the BPSK31 signal is probably hitting somewhere 
near 100W instantaneous power.  The same will be true with QPSK31 when idling, 
but QPSK31 puts out a little more average power than BPSK31 when actively 
sending text (the two extra phase angles in the QPSK31 constellation don't dip 
all the way to zero power when there is a phase transition).

Because of the envelope waveshaping, many novices are confused when they see 
power flickering as they type -- because power *is* indeed changing depending 
on the character that is being transmitted :-).  The Idle Varicode, where the 
envelope of every symbol (i.e., every bit in BPSK and every dibit in QPSK) goes 
through zero, and has the lowest average power for BPSK31.  

> The K3 seems just about idiot proof in digi modes. I often say the K3 is the

> ideal radio for operating digital modes.

Not completely bug free, yet.  The K3's CAT command "KY" command interface 
still has problems, so you can't do FSK directly through CAT, for example.

73
Chen, W7AY

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 SSB, "Hi Cur" message on PTT

[Don Wilhelm]

Doug,

Start with the easy things first - it could be RF Feedback or some type 
of oscillation in the mic itself - or it could be a lack of carrier 
balance on the KSB2 board.  To check quickly, do not connect a 
microphone at all - just connect your paddles to the key jack, and in 
SSB mode, close the dot paddle (the DOT line inside the K2 is the same 
as PTT).  Do you have any power output?  You should not because there is 
no audio.  If you do have RF output, the first step is to adjust the 
carrier balance pot on the KSB2 board for minimum RF - you may have to 
compromise between LSB and USB, but the carrier level should drop to a 
very low level at the correct adjustment point.  That point should be 
near mid-range on the pot, if it is not, then look for a problem.
Once you have the carrier balanced, it is time to try the microphone 
again - since you now know the carrier balance is correct, this time 
suspect RF Feedback (or audio feedback if you have a computer soundcard 
also connected) if it happens when the mic is added.

There are other possibilities such as a problem in the ALC section of 
the KSB2 board, but try the above before doing anything else.

73,
Don W3FPR

Doug Heacock wrote:
> I dusted off my old K2 recently and decided to try to wire up an electret
> mic and give SSB a try--I've had the SSB module since I built the K2 years
> ago, but just never used it, because I had no mic at the time.  I've
> discovered that when I ground the PTT line with the K2 in LSB or USB mode, I
> get the "Hi Cur" message, and my output power goes to well over 15W,
> regardless of the setting of the power output control.
>
> I've done some of the voltage checks recommended in the SSB module manual,
> but only those for RX mode--I'm a little nervous about trying to measure
> voltages in transmit mode, because I don't know how long the PA can take
> that kind of current, and I don't want to fritz the final or cause other
> problems.  There are some voltage discrepancies associated with U2--pin 5 on
> that device is supposed to have 0.6v in RX mode, but I'm seeing more like
> 2.5v.  Pin 3 of U4--same story.
>
> If anyone out there has any suggestions for where to look for problems, or
> how to do further testing, I'm all ears.  I found an old thread in the list
> archives that suggested replacing Q3 and/or Q4 on the K2 control board, in
> case one of those 2N7000s happened to take a static electricity hit, but I
> haven't had a chance to do that yet (don't have any 7000s lying around), and
> I'm somewhat hesitant to go down that path because this rig seems to work
> just fine in CW mode.
>
> Many thanks, Doug
>   
>   
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 in a cw pileup - needs work

[O. Johns]

I hope people do not make the mistake of using in-the-ear earbuds with ham 
radios, even the K3.  These in-the-ear phones like the etymotic or the shure 
have to be put pretty deep into the ear canal to seal and provide isolation.  
They are wonderful for hi-fi.  I use a pair by Shure to listen to Brahms on 
airplanes.  BUT, they take at least a few seconds to extract from your ears.  
If, as has been reported on this reflector several times, the radio 
mis-functions and puts out a very loud audio signal, your ears will be fried 
before you can react.  

DON'T DO IT

Oliver
W6ODJ


On 7 Feb 2010, at 3:21 AM, Bill W4ZV wrote:

> 
> "High isolation headphones" below means ~30 dB isolation from ambient noise. 
> Heil does not make any in this range and most active noise reduction
> headphones (e.g. Bose) only have 10-15 dB.  Here are some examples of what
> Barry meant:
> 
> http://www.extremeheadphones.com/ex-29.html
> http://www.sennheiserusa.com/private_headphones_dj-headphones_004974
> http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er6.aspx
> 
> These are all available in the $75-100 range.
> 
> 73,  Bill
> 
> 
> Doug Turnbull wrote:
>> 
>> Barry, Sorry but what do you mean by 'high isolation headphones'.   Would
>> the Heil Pro-Set Plus do?
>> 73 Doug EI2CN
>> 
>> -Original Message-
>> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
>> [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Barry N1EU
>> Sent: 07 February 2010 01:01
>> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 in a cw pileup - needs work
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Barry N1EU wrote:
>>> 
>>> You need to maximize your rf/af dynamic range - that is what is going to
>>> turn that mush into a beautiful symphony of distinct signals of varying
>>> levels.  What has worked well for me is AGC off (although AGC on works
>>> fine as well), high isolation headphones, and the gain throttling
>>> techniques (most important) described by K3NA, W4ZV, myself, and others.
>>> 
>> Just to continue from previous post - I experienced only mush in pileup
>> reception until fully adopting this technique.  High isolation headphones
>> are critical because you want to set gain such that weak signals are
>> lightly
>> heard but clearly copiable.  You're maximizing the receive dynamic range
>> delivered to your ears and the high isolation means you can clearly hear
>> fainter signals without turning up the gain and squashing the dynamic
>> range
>> (and too frequently engaging AF Limiter with AGC Off).  
>> 
>> 73,
>> Barry N1EU
>> 
>> -- 
>> View this message in context:
>> http://n2.nabble.com/K3-in-a-cw-pileup-needs-work-tp4523884p4527626.html
>> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>> __
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> 
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Re: [Elecraft] What is high impedance

[drewko]

For my K3 I like using Koss SprtaPro headphones. They are 60-ohms,
very light, omfortable and non-fatiguing (but "high isolation" by no
means). They are collapsible and the headband can pivot to behind head
(so you don't muss up your 'do...) Lifetime warranty. They sound
really good to me, but may have too much bass for some. I think
they're great for CW.

73,
Drew


On Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:47:52 -0600, David K0LUM wrote:

>After Lyle's comment (reproduced below),  there has been been concern 
>expressed about headsets of 120 to 600 ohms.  A close reading of 
>Lyle's words indicates that higher impedance is only a problem if 
>there is a need to increase the AF gain too much.  As long as you 
>don't have to crank the AF gain way up there shouldn't be a problem.
>
>I think there is also some confusion about what high impedance means. 
>The common WW II aircraft headset came in two versions  High Z at 
>4000 ohms and Low Z at 600 ohms.  By that standard 120 ohms is very 
>low and 600 is still low.
>
>If your AF gain is at 3 o'clock maybe your earphones or ears have too 
>high an impedance.
>
>David K0LUM
>

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 DSP AGC Question

[Guy Olinger K2AV]

I think some of us have reduced hearing, and crank up volume on
EVERYTHING, including TV.  Ask your wives.  It's probably not fair or
electronically practical to expect that kind of range in everything.
My Bose QC15's (plugged into headphone jack) would blow my head off if
I turned up the K3 AF past about 9 oclock.

On Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 4:44 PM, Barry N1EU  wrote:
>
>
> Mike K2MK wrote:
>>
>> I was very disappointed to read your post. I purchased a Proset headset
>> directly from Elecraft when I bought my K3. According to Heil this headset
>> has an impedance of 200 ohms. Is that why I have to plug my headphones
>> into the rear speaker jack to get sufficient audio output from them? Why
>> would you folks sell a headset that does not complement the K3? I am
>> really disappointed.
>>
> I routinely use a 200-ohm Pro Set for ssb plugged into the headphone jack
> and it works like a charm.
>
> 73,
> Barry N1EU
>
> --
> View this message in context: 
> http://n2.nabble.com/K3-in-a-cw-pileup-needs-work-tp4523884p4537307.html
> Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 DSP AGC Question

[ab2tc]

Hi, I use the 200 ohm Heil proset and even with the AF gain set to "LO" I
have no problem getting enough audio or distortion free audio. Either there
is a number of defective prosets or K3s out there because this is making no
sense at all.

Knut - AB2TC


Grant Youngman wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> There are two factors here.  One is impedance.  (The impedance actually
> presented by a headphone is frequency dependent and can vary widely from
> the "nominal" value).  The other is sensitivity.  
> 
> I regularly use 250 ohm headphones on the K3 with no issues whatsoever. 
> Why?  They require very little drive to reach an acceptable output level. 
> So even given their relatively high Z (compared to 32 ohms)  it isn't
> necessary to drive the output stage of the K3 into clipping or high
> distortion levels to get plenty of good audio.
> 
> Grant/NQ5T
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Re: [Elecraft] Best Digital Program for the K3?

[Julian, G4ILO]

Kok Chen wrote:
> 
> I had recently made some measurements of RTTY and PSK31 which shows  
> that sound card driven programs using DATA-A can put out a cleaner  
> transmitted signal than the K3's internal generators in the PSK-D and  
> FSK-D modes.
> 
> Unlike many other rigs, the K3 is very forgiving about the precise Mic  
> Gain/audio levels.
> 
> I'd found that with Mic Gain set to 6, audio levels anywhere between  
> 250 mV RMS and 350 mV RMS work equally well, with the RF output  
> tracking the PWR knob setting and not needing to readjust the audio  
> levels.  With many rigs, you need to adjust the RF output through the  
> amount of audio drive, just so you can keep the ALC turned off.
> 
> The measurements also show that the K3's transmit IMD is low enough  
> that AFSK RTTY waveshaping by software can help reduce the keying  
> sidebands when compared to a rig (K3 or otherwise) that uses FSK.
> 
> The bottom line (if you want to skip the nitty gritty details in the  
> above web page) is that the K3's PA at 50 watts average PSK31 power is  
> capable of better than -35 dBc IMD for close spaced carrier pairs.
> 
> By carefully tuning the audio drive, I can get -37 dBc, so I assume  
> the PA itself is good to at least that.  The -35 dBc number is  
> probably limited by something else in the chain.
> 
> 73
> Chen, W7AY
> 
> 

By 50 watts average PSK power do you mean PWR set to 50, or PWR set to 100
or whatever gives an average 50W out?

Don't know how accurate my off-air IMD Meter is compared to the measurements
you did, but I see -28dB IMD with PWR at 100W which I think is pretty
acceptable not that I personally would run PSK31 at that power setting.

The K3 seems just about idiot proof in digi modes. I often say the K3 is the
ideal radio for operating digital modes. If there is another rig that does
them even better I'd like to know what it is.

-
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] K2 SSB, "Hi Cur" message on PTT

[Doug Heacock]

I dusted off my old K2 recently and decided to try to wire up an electret
mic and give SSB a try--I've had the SSB module since I built the K2 years
ago, but just never used it, because I had no mic at the time.  I've
discovered that when I ground the PTT line with the K2 in LSB or USB mode, I
get the "Hi Cur" message, and my output power goes to well over 15W,
regardless of the setting of the power output control.

I've done some of the voltage checks recommended in the SSB module manual,
but only those for RX mode--I'm a little nervous about trying to measure
voltages in transmit mode, because I don't know how long the PA can take
that kind of current, and I don't want to fritz the final or cause other
problems.  There are some voltage discrepancies associated with U2--pin 5 on
that device is supposed to have 0.6v in RX mode, but I'm seeing more like
2.5v.  Pin 3 of U4--same story.

If anyone out there has any suggestions for where to look for problems, or
how to do further testing, I'm all ears.  I found an old thread in the list
archives that suggested replacing Q3 and/or Q4 on the K2 control board, in
case one of those 2N7000s happened to take a static electricity hit, but I
haven't had a chance to do that yet (don't have any 7000s lying around), and
I'm somewhat hesitant to go down that path because this rig seems to work
just fine in CW mode.

Many thanks, Doug
-- 
Doug Heacock
AA0MS
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[Elecraft] K3 and What Happened to the Amps

[rfenabled]

(Snip) 

Wayne, Eric, WE WANT THE AMPS.

K4KGG, Larry, K3 # 799

End Snip

I certainly agree!

I cancelled my order for a THP and will await Dayton..no news on a release date 
amd I switch to another brand/manufacturer for the amplifier.

I figure a 2 year wait is all I a$ prepared to wait.

Unlike those wanting 800-1500w output, I only want/need around 400-500w output 
with a switchmode power supply (or linear if they must) and the simplest of 
interfaces to my K3.

I would like a remote head kit for the K3 too...(:-))

That would be my second K3!

73's
Gary
VK4FD
Sent via BlackBerry® from Telstra
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[Elecraft] What became of the Elecraft's KPA1500 and KPA 800?

[David and Dianne on Comcast]

Hi All,

I'm voting/hoping for the 'KPA500' referenced once by Elecraft 
(accidentally?) on this reflector last fall.

If such a hypothetical amp were to feature a built in A/T, watt 
meter/swr bridge and built in p/s it would be the ideal complement for 
my K3 and many more I suspect.

And it would be built in the USA and not off-shore.

Eric and Wayne, as the voice said in the movie Field of Dreams"Build 
it and they will come"

73 de N1LQ-Dave

You'll sell at least one!


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 DSP AGC Question

[Grant Youngman]

>> 
>> I was very disappointed to read your post. I purchased a Proset headset
>> directly from Elecraft when I bought my K3. According to Heil this headset
>> has an impedance of 200 ohms. Is that why I have to plug my headphones
>> into the rear speaker jack to get sufficient audio output from them? Why
>> would you folks sell a headset that does not complement the K3? I am
>> really disappointed.

There are two factors here.  One is impedance.  (The impedance actually 
presented by a headphone is frequency dependent and can vary widely from the 
"nominal" value).  The other is sensitivity.  

I regularly use 250 ohm headphones on the K3 with no issues whatsoever.  Why?  
They require very little drive to reach an acceptable output level.  So even 
given their relatively high Z (compared to 32 ohms)  it isn't necessary to 
drive the output stage of the K3 into clipping or high distortion levels to get 
plenty of good audio.

I have a set of high end audiophile headphones with 62 ohm Z.  I don't use them 
on the K3 (tried them once).  Why?  It takes a whole lot of power (relatively) 
to drive them to reasonable listening levels.

Given the number of people who use Prosets and seem to like them just fine, I 
don't know why there would be any real concern or any reason to feel 
disappointment.

Grant/NQ5T
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Re: [Elecraft] Best Digital Program for the K3?

[K2QI]

Thanks for the clarification Joe. I should have read the OP's request
better.

James K2QI

On Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 12:01 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV  wrote:

>
> > I like DM780.  It comes as part of HRD.
>
> And does not, last time I checked, support either PSK_D
> or FSK_D (FSK).  It is an audio only package.
>
> 73,
>
>   ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
>
>
> > -Original Message-
> > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
> > [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of K2QI
> > Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 11:53 AM
> > To: Dean
> > Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>  > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Best Digital Program for the K3?
> >
> >
> > I like DM780.  It comes as part of HRD.  It works perfectly
> > with the K3.
> >
> > James K2QI
> >
> > On Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 9:20 AM, Dean  wrote:
> >
> > > Can any body recommend a couple of the best digital
> > programs to work
> > > with the K3? I was looking for one that is compatible with
> > PSK D and
> > > FSK D.
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > >
>
>
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 DSP AGC Question

[Lew Phelps K6LMP]

Ummm, if this is a real issue for some operators (and not a theoretical issue), 
it would seem the problem could easily be resolved with an audio transformer. 

RadioShack sells one for $2.99.  They don't publish the specs in enough detail 
to tell for sure, but it has a number of taps on the secondary, and would 
appear to be able to transform the impedance of most headphones into the K3's 
"sweet spot." 

Am I missing something here?  a small project box with the transformer enclosed 
and phone jacks in and out ought to do the trick.

Lew K6LMP


On Feb 8, 2010, at 12:45 PM, Lyle Johnson wrote:

> I didn't mean to stir up yet another controversy.  I use Heil Proset 
> with my K3 and they work just fine, as do my Yamaha CM500.
> The K3 can easily drive high-impedance headphones.
> 
> My point was simply that *if* you have to crank up AF gain to the point 
> of distortion to get sufficient headphone volume, and *if* you are using 
> high-impedance headphones, *then* the problem *may* be related to the 
> headphone impedance.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Lyle KK7P
> 
> 
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] What became of the Elecraft's KPA1500 and KPA800

[Fred Atchley]

Doug Turnbull wrote: 

*  No matter what some say there are a number of us waiting for the
P3!!!

*   

I agree Doug. Many of us have good reason to prefer the P3 over an
amplifier. CC&R's limit us to stealth antennas and low power. 

My previous three rigs: Jupiter, Orion 1 and OMNI VII had limited spectral
displays that IMHO were useless. OTOH the waterfall added a new dimension to
the Navy's SONAR capability and will do the same for contesting and DXing.
Although there are other ways to achieve the P3 capability, they also add
clutter. The P3 will prevent clutter and thus allow me to focus on finding
that extra point or that elusive contact. I believe Wayne and Eric have
already made the right call.

73, Fred, AE6IC

 

 

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Re: [Elecraft] What became of the Elecraft's KPA1500 and KPA 800

[N2TK, Tony]

Hi Greg,

I am still looking for the magical amp. Some get close, but not quite there
yet.
Presently I am using an Acom 2000A. It works very well. Puts out plenty of
smoke on 10-160M. I have a few sets of spare tubes so that should not be an
issue for quite some time. It has good QSK. 
It is remoted - the amp is hanging for the basement ceiling about 3' below
my feet. It is nice just having the remote control unit in the shack. The
service from Acom has been wonderful. 

The only drawbacks I have with it:
- 3 minute warm up time. So, most of the time the amp stays on during low
band season (winter). Don't really use the amp much for the high bands. But
want the capability if I feel I need it.  Most of my non-contest QSO's are
barefoot.
- No 6M. That is the biggie. I would like to have one amp with everything in
one package so my next amp will include 6M.

By the way I think the 9500 and 87A are wonderful amps. So is THP 2.5. But
they don't run on 6M. The new SPE 2K sure looks interesting. Don't know
anything about them, yet.

I would like to see Elecraft come out with an amp that meets my needs:
- 160 - 6M
- Instant ON
- Can be remoted and controlled from a PC and/or a remote control head.
- Put out 1500W on at least 160-10M and reduced power on 6M.
- Can handle "continuous" duty for RTTY.
- None of my antennas need an antenna tuner so not really interested in that
feature. And being solid-state I would assume the amp would handle some
excursions of SWR without cutting back power.

If it comes in "kit" form I would assume it would be like a K3. I would
assume the amplifier boards and the switching power supply boards would come
finished and tested as building these could open a can of worms for some.
But many could handle the assembly and troubleshooting of high power amps. 
Maybe it is not cost effective for Elecraft to do this? Maybe there is
potential liability with high power unless it is not offered as a kit?

Hey, I just may "need" a new toy?

This is just my opinion. It won't even buy me a cup of coffee.

73,
N2TK, Tony



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Greg
Sent: Sunday, February 07, 2010 4:34 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] What became of the Elecraft's KPA1500 and KPA 800

As far as I know, no one makes a full 1500 watt output, continuous-duty, no
time limit, "brick on the key" amplifier that covers 160-6 meters with full
QSK and "instant on".  It would be nice to have a built in precision
wattmeter, too.

I'm sure some would also like an auto-tuner, antenna switch w/ memories,
dummy load, monitor scope...etc.  It could be "optioned" just like the K3 so
cost could be adjusted to the budget of the buyer...

73 de Greg-N4CC

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of westa...@comcast.net
Sent: Sunday, February 07, 2010 2:13 PM
To: sr...@swbell.net
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] What became of the Elecraft's KPA1500 and KPA 800



Frankly, It seems to me that good QRO amps are a glut on the market. (see
THP, etc.) 

To be competitive in that market, any Elecraft offering would have to be
highly 

innovative and I just don't see much more that can be done. 



IMHO 



Doug, W6JD 

K2 #1626 

K3 #23 
- Original Message - 
From: sr...@swbell.net 
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Sent: Sunday, February 7, 2010 8:08:37 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] What became of the Elecraft's KPA1500 and KPA 800 

YES!  That is exactly the question I would like to ask. I very much 
looked forward to the release a couple of years ago, and now you can't even 
get a comment from Elecraft about the situation. 

IMO, QRO is much more important than all these trivial little toys 
they are building now. I have a much more pressing need for a KPA- than 
I do a panadapter (with limited features) and a wattmeter. I have a very 
nice panadapter that has rig control from the computer, and it didn't cost 
700 bucks, and I can control it with the MOUSE. 

Wayne/Eric, how about some comments on this subject. At least tell 
us what the future holds for the KPAs. I'm holding off buying a new amp till

the KPAs are released. 

Stan Rife 
W5EWA 


-Original Message- 
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of DaveVK 
Sent: Sunday, February 07, 2010 12:21 AM 
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Subject: [Elecraft] What became of the Elecraft's KPA1500 and KPA 800 


What happened to the Elecraft Amps?  Did they get beyond 'proto: gee I want 
one' stage? 
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[Elecraft] What is high impedance

[David Christ]

After Lyle's comment (reproduced below),  there has been been concern 
expressed about headsets of 120 to 600 ohms.  A close reading of 
Lyle's words indicates that higher impedance is only a problem if 
there is a need to increase the AF gain too much.  As long as you 
don't have to crank the AF gain way up there shouldn't be a problem.

I think there is also some confusion about what high impedance means. 
The common WW II aircraft headset came in two versions  High Z at 
4000 ohms and Low Z at 600 ohms.  By that standard 120 ohms is very 
low and 600 is still low.

If your AF gain is at 3 o'clock maybe your earphones or ears have too 
high an impedance.

David K0LUM

---

Note that the headphone audio path of the K3 is designed for 32-ohm and
lower headphone impedances.  Higher impedance phones provide less audio
for a given transducer efficiency.  Cranking up the AF gain to
compensate can lead to clipping-related distortion.

73,

Lyle KK7P
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Re: [Elecraft] Best Digital Program for the K3?

[Kok Chen]

I had recently made some measurements of RTTY and PSK31 which shows  
that sound card driven programs using DATA-A can put out a cleaner  
transmitted signal than the K3's internal generators in the PSK-D and  
FSK-D modes.

Unlike many other rigs, the K3 is very forgiving about the precise Mic  
Gain/audio levels.

I'd found that with Mic Gain set to 6, audio levels anywhere between  
250 mV RMS and 350 mV RMS work equally well, with the RF output  
tracking the PWR knob setting and not needing to readjust the audio  
levels.  With many rigs, you need to adjust the RF output through the  
amount of audio drive, just so you can keep the ALC turned off.

With the "ease of use," together with lower IMD, there are few reasons  
to use PSK-D (or FSK-D, unless you are out in the boonies with just a  
Morse paddle) on the K3.

I've just spent a little time this morning and compiled the results  
into a web page here:

http://homepage.mac.com/chen/Technical/K3/Digital/digital.html

The write up includes cases where I found a power creep (with an  
attendant ALC creep and worsening IMD numbers from PSK31).  It appears  
that the power creep could be the result of insufficient audio drive.   
With the "good" fixed audio level mentioned above, I see no power  
creep at various RF power settings.

The measurements also show that the K3's transmit IMD is low enough  
that AFSK RTTY waveshaping by software can help reduce the keying  
sidebands when compared to a rig (K3 or otherwise) that uses FSK.

The bottom line (if you want to skip the nitty gritty details in the  
above web page) is that the K3's PA at 50 watts average PSK31 power is  
capable of better than -35 dBc IMD for close spaced carrier pairs.

By carefully tuning the audio drive, I can get -37 dBc, so I assume  
the PA itself is good to at least that.  The -35 dBc number is  
probably limited by something else in the chain.

73
Chen, W7AY

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 DSP AGC Question

[Barry N1EU]

Mike K2MK wrote:
> 
> I was very disappointed to read your post. I purchased a Proset headset
> directly from Elecraft when I bought my K3. According to Heil this headset
> has an impedance of 200 ohms. Is that why I have to plug my headphones
> into the rear speaker jack to get sufficient audio output from them? Why
> would you folks sell a headset that does not complement the K3? I am
> really disappointed.
> 
I routinely use a 200-ohm Pro Set for ssb plugged into the headphone jack
and it works like a charm.  

73,
Barry N1EU

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 DSP AGC Question

[Mike]

The Yamaha CM-500, recommended by quite a few here, is 120 ohms, right? 
So cranking up the AF results is less than optimum operation?

73,
Mike, NF4L

Lyle Johnson wrote:
>> There IS something entirely separate with the headphone audio and HI-Z
>> headsets, high volume levels, maybe a sharp saturation point, and
>> mush, just haven't nailed it yet.
>> 
>
> Note that the headphone audio path of the K3 is designed for 32-ohm and 
> lower headphone impedances.  Higher impedance phones provide less audio 
> for a given transducer efficiency.  Cranking up the AF gain to 
> compensate can lead to clipping-related distortion.
>
> 73,
>
> Lyle KK7P
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>   


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Re: [Elecraft] What became of the Elecraft's KPA1500 and KPA 800

[Doug Turnbull]

Wayne and Eric,
You are both smart engineers and business men.   Survey your market
before you manufacture high power amplifiers with an associated high cost.
There are plenty of amplifiers on the market new and old which do exactly
what is needed and interfacing is not such a problem.   No one wants
Elecraft a small company to get into financial trouble.   Four thousand K3
owners are not looking for the LPA 800/1500.   

No matter what some say there are a number of us waiting for the P3!!!


It will be your call and we all hope for the best.

73 Doug EI2CN

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Lawrence Libsch
Sent: 08 February 2010 20:29
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] What became of the Elecraft's KPA1500 and KPA 800

>Frankly, It seems to me that good QRO amps are a glut >on the market. (see
THP, etc.) 

>To be competitive in that market, any Elecraft offering >would have to be
highly innovative and I just don't see >much more that can be done. 

  Gotta disagree with this comment. There is no Elecraft-quality amp kit on
the market, indeed, maybe no 800, 1500 watt kits at all. But there are now
almost 4000 K3 owners, many looking for amps with straight forward K3
hookups and compatibility with the K3. If you don't think hookup and
compatibility of amps with the K3 are not an issue, you're not following the
reflector. Furthermore no one competes with Elecraft on customer service.
Again this reflector clearly demonstrates lots of interest in Elecraft amps.

>IMO, QRO is much more important than all >these trivial little toys
they are building now. I have a >much more pressing need for a KPA- than

>I do a panadapter (with limited features) and a >wattmeter. I have a very
nice panadapter that has rig >control from the computer, and it didn't cost 
>700 bucks, and I can control it with the MOUSE

Gotta agree with this. Elecraft got left in the dust with their
panadapter. For $25, I built a Softrock for Elecraft K3
that runs Power SDR If you don't want to.build a Softrock, buy an LP Pan for
about $200. Again you can run Power SDR. Either way creates an inexpensive
panadapter that provides an amazing visual display significantly larger than
the P3 proposes. It provides 2 RX VFOs, even if your K3 has no subreceiver.
It provides point and click mouse tuning. And it provides entry to the world
of SDR. Elecraft's P3 apparently will not have I and Q jacks. This means no
adventures in SDR land for the folks who buy it. It's clear SDR will have a
significant role in the future of radio. 

Wayne, Eric, WE WANT THE AMPS.

K4KGG, Larry, K3 # 799


 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 DSP AGC Question

[Lyle Johnson]

I didn't mean to stir up yet another controversy.  I use Heil Proset 
with my K3 and they work just fine, as do my Yamaha CM500.
The K3 can easily drive high-impedance headphones.

My point was simply that *if* you have to crank up AF gain to the point 
of distortion to get sufficient headphone volume, and *if* you are using 
high-impedance headphones, *then* the problem *may* be related to the 
headphone impedance.

73,

Lyle KK7P




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[Elecraft] OT: Common Mode Choke Data

[Ken Kopp]

This just appeared on eham.net. This is good data, done by someone who 
knows how to do it.  If nothing else, it is good comparison reference.

Alan


http://www.karinya.net/g3txq/chokes/
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[Elecraft] Heil headphone level

[Ken Kopp]

I'm likely only adding to the "noise" here, but I have two 
Heil HS's that work well with my K3 and can deliver -far- 
more audio than my 72 year old ears can handle with the 
AF gain parameter set for "LO".

73! Ken Kopp - K0PP
  elecraftcov...@rfwave.net
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Re: [Elecraft] What became of the Elecraft's KPA1500 and KPA 800

[Lawrence Libsch]

>Frankly, It seems to me that good QRO amps are a glut >on the market. (see 
>THP, etc.) 

>To be competitive in that market, any Elecraft offering >would have to be 
>highly innovative and I just don't see >much more that can be done. 

  Gotta disagree with this comment. There is no Elecraft-quality amp kit on the 
market, indeed, maybe no 800, 1500 watt kits at all. But there are now almost 
4000 K3 owners, many looking for amps with straight forward K3 hookups and 
compatibility with the K3. If you don't think hookup and compatibility of amps 
with the K3 are not an issue, you're not following the reflector. Furthermore 
no one competes with Elecraft on customer service. Again this reflector clearly 
demonstrates lots of interest in Elecraft amps.

>IMO, QRO is much more important than all >these trivial little toys 
>they are building now. I have a >much more pressing need for a KPA- than 
>I do a panadapter (with limited features) and a >wattmeter. I have a very nice 
>panadapter that has rig >control from the computer, and it didn't cost 
>700 bucks, and I can control it with the MOUSE

Gotta agree with this. Elecraft got left in the dust with their panadapter. 
For $25, I built a Softrock for Elecraft K3
that runs Power SDR If you don't want to.build a Softrock, buy an LP Pan for 
about $200. Again you can run Power SDR. Either way creates an inexpensive  
panadapter that provides an amazing visual display significantly larger than 
the P3 proposes. It provides 2 RX VFOs, even if your K3 has no subreceiver. It 
provides point and click mouse tuning. And it provides entry to the world of 
SDR. Elecraft's P3 apparently will not have I and Q jacks. This means no 
adventures in SDR land for the folks who buy it. It's clear SDR will have a 
significant role in the future of radio. 

Wayne, Eric, WE WANT THE AMPS.

K4KGG, Larry, K3 # 799


 
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[Elecraft] [k1] The puzzle of my new K1...

[John H Farmer]

Hello Group,

I'm pleased to announce that K1 #2822 is born - after a long gestation. 

I had couple of hitches along the way, which I thought might be interesting
to report:

I got as far as the end of RF board Part 1 in the build and came to page 36
of the manual where I power up for the first time.  Powered up, but the LED
test and start up routine failed and the rig "hung" with the yellow ATTN LED
glowing and the LCD blank, no relay clicking heard.  To cut a long story
short, a bit of sniffing around showed there was no voltage on the 6A line
due to an open RFC6 on the bottom of the RF board.  This was removed.  The
leads were intact, it was just open circuit when I put the ohmmeter across
it.  I replaced it and the 6A line voltages were then correct.  Problem was,
the rig still wouldn't start.  Same symptom with no LED test on power up:
just the single yellow ATTN LED and a blank LCD.Occasionally, if I very
rapidly cycled the power on and off, the initialisation routine would
progress, the LED test would complete normally and the rig would come alive.
But only until the next power down.  Then I was back to a dead rig.  And
this trick only worked sometimes.  So I sent off an email to Elecraft.

Gary, at Elecraft support, was great and has the patience of a saint.  With
his help, I discovered that the 6r/aux line voltage was low,  consistently
sitting at 288mV, measured at Pin 8 on the MCU. There was continuity along
the 6r/aux line onto the RF board, through the connector,  and no shorts to
ground.  Gary's theory was that there was a problem with the MCU.  He
shipped out a replacement and I installed it, but the problem wasn't fixed.
Big disappointment.  Plugged the new MCU in, powered up, but same low 6r/aux
line voltage.  I went over that front panel at least 10 times, rechecked
every part, re-flowed every accessible solder joint.  (Fortunately, MCU Pin
1 and Pin 8 are all accessible).  No obvious problems there, but no working
rig either.

So, in frustration, I went on and completed the rest of the RF board.  I
just installed the parts, thinking I'd reached the end of my know how and
would need to send the K1 off to Elecraft.  I got to the end of the RF board
build, powered up and guess what - it started up normally.  I couldn't
believe it, because I'd done nothing at all to the FP board during the build
of the RF board.  Now the 6r/aux line voltages were all normal:  5.94V at
the MCU.  All perfect.  

The calibration and alignment procedures were a breeze. I put in the KAT1
and adjusted that.  It all works perfectly.  And what a great little rig it
is.  Probably the most sensitive CW rig I've had, fun to use and it looks so
cute sitting here on my desk.

So that's my story.  It puzzles me still what all this was about.  I'm
hoping the problem has gone for good.  Time will tell...

73 and thanks for listening,

John
VK7JB


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 DSP AGC Question

[Guy Olinger K2AV]

OK, except a lot of people have these 400 and 600 ohm headsets by
well-known makers. People are blaming it on everything from the phases
of the moon to the neighbor's dog.  It would be good to have that
cleanly targeted.

What's the recommended workaround or is there a workaround?  Maybe a
high impedance headphone dongle kit that terminates the stereo speaker
audio in 8 ohms and has both headphone jacks?

73, Guy.

On Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 2:00 PM, Lyle Johnson  wrote:
>
>> There IS something entirely separate with the headphone audio and HI-Z
>> headsets, high volume levels, maybe a sharp saturation point, and
>> mush, just haven't nailed it yet.
>
> Note that the headphone audio path of the K3 is designed for 32-ohm and
> lower headphone impedances.  Higher impedance phones provide less audio for
> a given transducer efficiency.  Cranking up the AF gain to compensate can
> lead to clipping-related distortion.
>
> 73,
>
> Lyle KK7P
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 DSP AGC Question

[Mike K2MK]

Hi Lyle:

I was very disappointed to read your post. I purchased a Proset headset
directly from Elecraft when I bought my K3. According to Heil this headset
has an impedance of 200 ohms. Is that why I have to plug my headphones into
the rear speaker jack to get sufficient audio output from them? Why would
you folks sell a headset that does not complement the K3? I am really
disappointed.

Mike K2MK


>Note that the headphone audio path of the K3 is designed for 32-ohm and 
>lower headphone impedances.  Higher impedance phones provide less audio 
>for a given transducer efficiency.  Cranking up the AF gain to 
>compensate can lead to clipping-related distortion.
>73,
>Lyle KK7P
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Re: [Elecraft] Best Digital Program for the K3?

[K6LE]

Leigh,

I understand about RS232 for keying the rig and that is a nice feature of 
Fldigi, however, that doesn't accomplish direct FSK keying which takes us back 
to the OP's original desire (I think)

As far as cocoaModem using RS232 rig control, I wouldn't really want it to 
since I have either MLDX or RUMlog connected to my radio and of course can have 
only one program using the RS232 port.

The difference, of course, with Fldigi is it's also the logger but I don't use 
it as such.

Rick
K6LE

On 2/8/2010, at 9:38 , Leigh L. Klotz Jr WA5ZNU wrote:

> 
> Thank you, Rick.
> 
> You can configure fldigi to use RS232 commands for TX and RX control, 
> and the K3 has built-in transformer isolation so you don't need an 
> interface to run, just two shielded audio cables with 3.5mm plugs and an 
> RS232 9-pin straight-through cable.  FSK D would also require the same 
> RS232 cable.
> 
> I'm surprised cocoaModem hasn't got RS232 rig control yet; it's pretty 
> simple to implement for the K3.  (You literally just send "TX;" and "RX;" )
> 
> Leigh/WA5ZNU
> 
> On 02/08/2010 09:20 AM, Rick Prather [via Elecraft] wrote:
>> I don't know about the OP's requirements but to me the advantage of 
>> being able to use the FSK D mode would be the ability to run FSK 
>> without and interface.
>> 
>> Presently I am running both Fldgi and cocoaModem and they both work 
>> great in AFSK modes so I guess it's not a big deal to me.
>> 
>> BTW, one of the reasons I run cocoaModem instead of Fldigi on RTTY is 
>> the ability to watch both the Main and Sub receivers on a waterfall 
>> and line up the next contact while waiting to finish another.
>> 
>> 
>> Rick
>> K6LE

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 accessories for sale

[spitze1]

Hello!

I am interested but your Email is not working!!

Email me at: NH7VW(at)gmx.net

Thanks

73s Alex OE6ASF
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Re: [Elecraft] Export Model..a brief history

[w5ov]

Most of the so-called export model amplifiers were capable of well in
excess of double the legal limit in those days, and most could more than
double today's limit of 1500w.

The big Alpha 77 export models had two 8877 tubes in them - *not three*
along with a much bigger power supply. They could run about 3 to 4kW or so
output.

The smaller Alpha 76CA/PA and the 78 had three 8874 tubes in them. While
these could exceed legal limit output, they would be considered "normal"
by today's standards and only run about 1500 output or so.

Henry sold amps like the 8K and others that could well exceed the legal
limit too.

73,

Bob W5OV



> In the 1960s Henry & others marketed amps  for other than amateur use.
> They were called ' export models'. For military, government civilian &
> other uses. Most would easily reach amateur limits for domestic use. The
> 'export models' usually had a heavier plate transformer. Some times a
> larger cooling chimney. The  same amperage but 500v or more  higher out.
> Using the same amp but with the export model  xfmr could result in 500 or
> a 1000 more watts output.A friend was stationed on Deigo Garcia in the
> Indian Ocean. The ham shack ran such an export model amp. They used it
> for hamming & MARS work.  He said if he LIGHTLY drove this amp  it put out
> 3KW. Another friend bought a used amp  with the 'export model' label. He
> had to really drive it lightly. He set the HyGain balun on his TH6 on
> fire! Supposed to be a 5 KW balun. The bigger Alpha  had 3 holes cut in
> the chassis. USA  ones were sold with 2 tubes but I've heard guys say they
> were running a full 3 holer. You  fill in the blan
>  k.
> These companies need to sell to other markets besides amateur radio to
> stay in business.Henry amps used to be  used in hospitals for Diathermy.
> k9il
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[Elecraft] OT from KPA to CB and life blood for the hobby.

[Doug Turnbull]

Hi All,
First off I was never on CB but came into ham radio the Novice route in
1960   I am just as pleased that the FCC tries to some degree to police what
can be put on eleven meters.   Having said this, please let us remember that
many very good people have come into Ham Radio from the CB route and I do
mean good people.   Some of these guys and gals do become avid CW ops even
and then go on to run code classes for others.   It is not only true in the
USA but also in Ireland and other EU countries.   The skip is one of the
things which really opens their eyes and makes Ham Radio interesting.  I
hope that now with Sun Spots making some recovery that again we may have a
much needed infusion of new blood.   I lecture in electronics and a
colleague asked me today if ours was not a dying hobby.   Well, I was to
some extent dishonest and denied it but it is a worry.   For that matter I
understand there is a dearth of good radio designers in the west these days.
It seems one area of engineering where being in the seventies is not so much
a disadvantage.   We are most fortunate to have the good people in Elecraft.

73 Doug 

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Gary Smith
Sent: 08 February 2010 18:14
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] What became of the Elecraft's KPA1500 and KPA 800

I remember building my Heathkit 221.. the gem with the 10 meter trap 
in it. It was ludicrous the extent they went to make adding 10 meters 
difficult so you could have a 220 instead. 

I've always felt if they would have made CB on VHF instead of 
stealing 11 meters from USA hams, "Skip" wouldn't have happened on 
VHF and the CW McAll stimulus to pirate CB "Good buddy" never would 
have happened & we wouldn't have that silly FCC rule today.

It's so outdated, how many CB antennae on cars have you seen in the 
last 30 days? How many people today would drill a hole in their car 
to add a CB antenna... 

Another rule without a cause...

Love my K3

Gary
KA1J

> Didn't know about that rule change.
> 
> This is way OT, but... How would you do this and make it "not easily 
> defeated"? A filter, a trap... Those can be easily bypassed or removed. A 
> microcontroller that calculates the input frequency and only produces an 
> enabling signal when the input frequency is NOT 26-28 MHz? Easy, just
supply 
> the enabling signal separately so it's "always on." (And what manufacturer

> would ever go to that ridiculous extreme in design and cost anyway?)
> 
> I guess it depends on how you define "easily." LOL  Maybe it's not "easily

> defeated" if you have to open the cabinet and use a soldering iron...
> 
> Bill W5WVO
> 
> --
> From: "Lyle Johnson" 
> Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 9:20 AM
> To: 
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] What became of the Elecraft's KPA1500 and KPA 800
> 
> >
> >> The only rule I know of is that the amp won't have ten meters, and you 
> >> will
> >> need to produce a ham license to get a ten meter kit.
> >
> > On October 4, 2006 the FCC issued a Report and Order that did away with
> > that rule.
> >
> > Now, according to FCC Rules Section 97.317, external amplifiers must not
> > operate between 26 and 28 MHz, and this restriction must not be easily
> > defeated.
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Lyle KK7P
> > __
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> >
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> > 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 - 'High Isolation Headphones'

[Brian Machesney]

I received a Clarity Aloft headset as a gift. I am very impressed with the
quality of RX and TX sound and they are very comfortable to wear. The
headset and boom comprise a continuous wire frame that gently but firmly
grasps the head, while the "earbud" material and transducers are derived
from hearing aids, which are obviously designed for long-wearing comfort.

The earpieces provide excellent isolation from nearby sounds. The noise from
my amplifier blowers -- directly to my left at the operating position --
used to drive me crazy, but no more. I have tried several times to get up
and walk away from the radio with the headset on because I forgot I was
wearing it.

The RX and TX transducers are both of the "wide range" variety. The first TX
audio reports I received said that the audio was very "bassy,"  so the ESSB
"community" should *really* love them. The RX and TX equalizers on the K3
have become very valuable for tailoring the response to "communications"
standards for both day-to-day and contest use.

-- 
73 -- Brian -- K1LI
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 DSP AGC Question

[Lyle Johnson]

> There IS something entirely separate with the headphone audio and HI-Z
> headsets, high volume levels, maybe a sharp saturation point, and
> mush, just haven't nailed it yet.

Note that the headphone audio path of the K3 is designed for 32-ohm and 
lower headphone impedances.  Higher impedance phones provide less audio 
for a given transducer efficiency.  Cranking up the AF gain to 
compensate can lead to clipping-related distortion.

73,

Lyle KK7P
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Re: [Elecraft] Programming language and tools used by Elecraft and other for PIC programming - OT

[Bob Cunnings]

> The DSP code is written entirely in assembly language.  Don't ask how I
> know... :-)

The better to fully exploit the power of the processor. Using SHARC
floating point family here at work, where use of assembly language
programming allows maximum utilization of the dual FPUs in SIMD mode.
Now working with an X version of the new SHARC 469 part, clocked near
max, with a 48 kHz sample rate, 9 x 1024 = 9216 instructions per audio
frame are available - truly an embarrassment of riches!

Bob NW8L
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 DSP AGC Question

[Guy Olinger K2AV]

It may be a dance, but hopefully careful intelligent musing over the
matter is convincing people that they should get the ambient well down
in the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) operating range. If they do,
a -99 threshold is a -109 threshold, and further backing off RF gain
can make it a -119 or -129 threshold as far as the ADC is concerned,
and headroom is being used for what headroom should be used for.

One thing for sure, there has not been a good-enough presentation of
what is going on, and people really don't seem to get it.  For
something that is plain indisputable physics, people are still running
PRE and max RFgain on 80 with fast AGC, and are honestly dismayed and
confused about the inevitable outcome, incorrectly blaming the rig for
being natively noisy, no-work NR and NB, filter "ringing", unable to
pull signals out of noise, and more.

Maybe the variable gain by band in the MP (with a menu override) was
really a better strategy for a default. This same issue dogged Orion
owners, and by the chatter a lot of them never understood either.

There IS something entirely separate with the headphone audio and HI-Z
headsets, high volume levels, maybe a sharp saturation point, and
mush, just haven't nailed it yet.

73, Guy.

On Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 12:01 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV  wrote:
>
>
>> Likely?  I don't know.
>
> Likely is a better choice since raising the AGC threshold
> seems to be the primary goal of much of the "PRE/ATT/RF
> Gain dance" we've seen recently.
>
> The hardware AGC (HAGC) would seem to provide an ultimate
> limit on level to the ADC - unless the ADC can't handle
> the transient peaks - so a higher threshold for the DSP
> derived AGC would be helpful in many ways.
>
> 73,
>
>   ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
>
>
>> -Original Message-
>> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
>> [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Lyle Johnson
>> Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 11:24 AM
>> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 DSP AGC Question
>>
>>
>> Hello Joe!
>> > Assuming that the threshold values have not changed in a major
>> > way since Jack's measurements, would it be possible to extend
>> > the range of threshold values - say to AGC THR=016 at about
>> > -80dBm (assuming 2 dB per step)?
>> >
>>
>> Possible?  Yes.
>>
>> Likely?  I don't know.  There are a lot of side effects that
>> happen when the threshold is raised...
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Lyle KK7P
>>
>
>
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[Elecraft] Isolation Transformer

[n0jrn]

What kind of isolation transformer are you using and why did you choose the 
one you have ???

Just curious

73JerryN0JRN 

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Re: [Elecraft] Export Model..a brief history

[r miles]

In the 1960s Henry & others marketed amps  for other than amateur use. They 
were called ' export models'. For military, government civilian & other uses. 
Most would easily reach amateur limits for domestic use. The 'export models' 
usually had a heavier plate transformer. Some times a larger cooling chimney. 
The  same amperage but 500v or more  higher out. Using the same amp but with 
the export model  xfmr could result in 500 or a 1000 more watts output.A friend 
was stationed on Deigo Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The ham shack ran such an 
export model amp. They used it  for hamming & MARS work.  He said if he LIGHTLY 
drove this amp  it put out 3KW. Another friend bought a used amp  with the 
'export model' label. He had to really drive it lightly. He set the HyGain 
balun on his TH6 on fire! Supposed to be a 5 KW balun. The bigger Alpha  had 3 
holes cut in the chassis. USA  ones were sold with 2 tubes but I've heard guys 
say they were running a full 3 holer. You  fill in the blan
 k. 
These companies need to sell to other markets besides amateur radio to stay in 
business.Henry amps used to be  used in hospitals for Diathermy. 
k9il 
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Re: [Elecraft] Export Model..a brief history

[r miles]

In the 1960s Henry & others marketed amps  for other than amateur use. They 
were called ' export models'. For military, government civilian & other uses. 
Most would easily reach amateur limits for domestic use. The 'export models' 
usually had a heavier plate transformer. Some times a larger cooling chimney. 
The  same amperage but 500v or more  higher out. Using the same amp but with 
the export model  xfmr could result in 500 or a 1000 more watts output.A friend 
was stationed on Deigo Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The ham shack ran such an 
export model amp. They used it  for hamming & MARS work.  He said if he LIGHTLY 
drove this amp  it put out 3KW. Another friend bought a used amp  with the 
'export model' label. He had to really drive it lightly. He set the HyGain 
balun on his TH6 on fire! Supposed to be a 5 KW balun. The bigger Alpha  had 3 
holes cut in the chassis. USA  ones were sold with 2 tubes but I've heard guys 
say they were running a full 3 holer. You  fill in the blan
 k. 
These companies need to sell to other markets besides amateur radio to stay in 
business.Henry amps used to be  used in hospitals for Diathermy. 
k9il 
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Re: [Elecraft] What became of the Elecraft's KPA1500 and KPA 800

[Gary Smith]

I remember building my Heathkit 221.. the gem with the 10 meter trap 
in it. It was ludicrous the extent they went to make adding 10 meters 
difficult so you could have a 220 instead. 

I've always felt if they would have made CB on VHF instead of 
stealing 11 meters from USA hams, "Skip" wouldn't have happened on 
VHF and the CW McAll stimulus to pirate CB "Good buddy" never would 
have happened & we wouldn't have that silly FCC rule today.

It's so outdated, how many CB antennae on cars have you seen in the 
last 30 days? How many people today would drill a hole in their car 
to add a CB antenna... 

Another rule without a cause...

Love my K3

Gary
KA1J

> Didn't know about that rule change.
> 
> This is way OT, but... How would you do this and make it "not easily 
> defeated"? A filter, a trap... Those can be easily bypassed or removed. A 
> microcontroller that calculates the input frequency and only produces an 
> enabling signal when the input frequency is NOT 26-28 MHz? Easy, just supply 
> the enabling signal separately so it's "always on." (And what manufacturer 
> would ever go to that ridiculous extreme in design and cost anyway?)
> 
> I guess it depends on how you define "easily." LOL  Maybe it's not "easily 
> defeated" if you have to open the cabinet and use a soldering iron...
> 
> Bill W5WVO
> 
> --
> From: "Lyle Johnson" 
> Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 9:20 AM
> To: 
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] What became of the Elecraft's KPA1500 and KPA 800
> 
> >
> >> The only rule I know of is that the amp won't have ten meters, and you 
> >> will
> >> need to produce a ham license to get a ten meter kit.
> >
> > On October 4, 2006 the FCC issued a Report and Order that did away with
> > that rule.
> >
> > Now, according to FCC Rules Section 97.317, external amplifiers must not
> > operate between 26 and 28 MHz, and this restriction must not be easily
> > defeated.
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Lyle KK7P
> > __
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> > 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] Best Digital Program for the K3?

[Julian, G4ILO]

Leigh L. Klotz Jr WA5ZNU wrote:
> 
> What would you like out of PSK D and FSK D?  We could consider adding it
> to fldigi if there are advantages.
> 
I'm not really sure what advantages there are to using PSK D or FSK D.
Having to receive PSK by accurately tuning in a signal instead of clicking
on a waterfall is not a usability improvement, and the sound card decoders
do a better job of decoding weak PSK signals than the one in the K3. RTTY
may be better - I haven't really tried it.

Most people who have a computer connected to the radio have the use of a
sound card, so the only reason for trying this would seem to be "because you
can."

If Elecraft provides a way to read the decoded text into the software at the
same time as using CAT then I will support it in KComm. But I can't see that
I would ever use it in preference to a sound card.

-
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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View this message in context: 
http://n2.nabble.com/Best-Digital-Program-for-the-K3-tp4534355p4535912.html
Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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Re: [Elecraft] Best Digital Program for the K3?

[Bill VanAlstyne W5WVO]

At one time a couple of years ago, the next rework of DM780 was going to 
include an integral implementation of the WSJT protocols -- at least the 
major ones (FSK441, JT6M, JT65[x], maybe WSPR). It never happened. Simon got 
turned on to SSTV implementation instead, and then to SDR stuff... He is 
supposedly back onto HDR/DM780 now, but I haven't heard anything lately 
about the WSJT project. Anybody have any news?

Bill W5WVO

--
From: "Joe Subich, W4TV" 
Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 10:01 AM
To: "'K2QI'" ; "'Dean'" 
Cc: 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Best Digital Program for the K3?

>
>> I like DM780.  It comes as part of HRD.
>
> And does not, last time I checked, support either PSK_D
> or FSK_D (FSK).  It is an audio only package.
>
> 73,
>
>   ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
>
>
>> -Original Message-
>> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
>> [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of K2QI
>> Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 11:53 AM
>> To: Dean
>> Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Best Digital Program for the K3?
>>
>>
>> I like DM780.  It comes as part of HRD.  It works perfectly
>> with the K3.
>>
>> James K2QI
>>
>> On Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 9:20 AM, Dean  wrote:
>>
>> > Can any body recommend a couple of the best digital
>> programs to work
>> > with the K3? I was looking for one that is compatible with
>> PSK D and
>> > FSK D.
>> >
>> > Thanks!
>> >
>
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Programming language and tools used by Elecraft and other for PIC programming - OT

[Bob Cunnings]

I do a lot of PIC18 programming at work in C and use the Hi-Tech C
compiler for that microcontroller family. A free "Lite" version is
available for download.

Bob NW8L

On Sun, Feb 7, 2010 at 12:09 PM, Ken Nicely  wrote:
> This is a little off topic as it is not something that might be of great
> interest to some owners of Elecraft equipment unless they are into software
> as I am.  This reflector seems to be pretty knowledgeable and much more
> technical than most, so I am posting this to the reflector as there might be
> a few others here that would find it of interest.
>
> Recently I have started learning how to program PIC controllers, partly
> because I am interested and curious about how it is done and partly because
> I would like to start building some of my own software controlled radio
> electronics.  I am wondering what language Elecraft uses for programming
> their radios and what software package they use.  I am leaning towards using
> C in my projects using the Microchip compilers, but I have also looked into
> the Swordfish basic compiler and the mickoBasic Pro compiler as I know
> Visual Basic.net very well.
>
> I would also be interested in knowing if there are others on the list that
> have done some PIC programming and what language and software they use or
> would recommend.
>
> Ken Nicely KE3C
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Re: [Elecraft] What became of the Elecraft's KPA1500 and KPA 800

[Bill VanAlstyne W5WVO]

Didn't know about that rule change.

This is way OT, but... How would you do this and make it "not easily 
defeated"? A filter, a trap... Those can be easily bypassed or removed. A 
microcontroller that calculates the input frequency and only produces an 
enabling signal when the input frequency is NOT 26-28 MHz? Easy, just supply 
the enabling signal separately so it's "always on." (And what manufacturer 
would ever go to that ridiculous extreme in design and cost anyway?)

I guess it depends on how you define "easily." LOL  Maybe it's not "easily 
defeated" if you have to open the cabinet and use a soldering iron...

Bill W5WVO

--
From: "Lyle Johnson" 
Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 9:20 AM
To: 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] What became of the Elecraft's KPA1500 and KPA 800

>
>> The only rule I know of is that the amp won't have ten meters, and you 
>> will
>> need to produce a ham license to get a ten meter kit.
>
> On October 4, 2006 the FCC issued a Report and Order that did away with
> that rule.
>
> Now, according to FCC Rules Section 97.317, external amplifiers must not
> operate between 26 and 28 MHz, and this restriction must not be easily
> defeated.
>
> 73,
>
> Lyle KK7P
> __
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Re: [Elecraft] Best Digital Program for the K3?

[Leigh L. Klotz Jr WA5ZNU]

Thank you, Rick.

You can configure fldigi to use RS232 commands for TX and RX control, 
and the K3 has built-in transformer isolation so you don't need an 
interface to run, just two shielded audio cables with 3.5mm plugs and an 
RS232 9-pin straight-through cable.  FSK D would also require the same 
RS232 cable.

I'm surprised cocoaModem hasn't got RS232 rig control yet; it's pretty 
simple to implement for the K3.  (You literally just send "TX;" and "RX;" )

Leigh/WA5ZNU

On 02/08/2010 09:20 AM, Rick Prather [via Elecraft] wrote:
> I don't know about the OP's requirements but to me the advantage of 
> being able to use the FSK D mode would be the ability to run FSK 
> without and interface.
>
> Presently I am running both Fldgi and cocoaModem and they both work 
> great in AFSK modes so I guess it's not a big deal to me.
>
> BTW, one of the reasons I run cocoaModem instead of Fldigi on RTTY is 
> the ability to watch both the Main and Sub receivers on a waterfall 
> and line up the next contact while waiting to finish another.
>
>
> Rick
> K6LE
>
> On 2/8/2010, at 9:09 , Leigh L. Klotz Jr WA5ZNU wrote:
>
> >
> > What would you like out of PSK D and FSK D?  We could consider 
> adding it to
> > fldigi if there are advantages.
> >
> > BTW, you didn't say what OS you were using, but fldigi runs on 
> Windows, Mac,
> > and Linux.
> >
> > Leigh/WA5ZNU
> > --
> > View this message in context: 
> http://n2.nabble.com/Best-Digital-Program-for-the-K3-tp4534355p4535521.html
> > Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> > __
> > Elecraft mailing list
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> > Post: mailto:[hidden email] 
> 
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> View message @ 
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>
> To unsubscribe from Re: Best Digital Program for the K3?, click here 
> < (link removed) ==>. 
>
>


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Re: [Elecraft] Waiting KPA

[Phil Hystad]

Looks like that "beast" will suck all the electricity away and here I am trying 
to be a conservation type and replacing my heat bulbs with CFLs or whatever.

As for me, 1000 watts sold-state is just fine.  If someone can't hear my signal 
at that power then they we don't want to talk to each other.  I have never ever 
turned the power on with CW though.  With CW 100 watts is surely enough for me.

But, then again there is so much stuff I have never done in ham radio.

phil, K7PEH


On Feb 8, 2010, at 9:05 AM, Benny Aumala wrote:

> While waitig for Elecraft KPA, try this beast.
> Will put out 1500W RTTY.
> 
> http://www.difona.de/pdf_en/omom3500hf_manual.pdf
> 
> BennyOH9NB
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Re: [Elecraft] Best Digital Program for the K3?

[K6LE]

I don't know about the OP's requirements but to me the advantage of being able 
to use the FSK D mode would be the ability to run FSK without and interface.

Presently I am running both Fldgi and cocoaModem and they both work great in 
AFSK modes so I guess it's not a big deal to me.

BTW, one of the reasons I run cocoaModem instead of Fldigi on RTTY is the 
ability to watch both the Main and Sub receivers on a waterfall and line up the 
next contact while waiting to finish another.


Rick
K6LE

On 2/8/2010, at 9:09 , Leigh L. Klotz Jr WA5ZNU wrote:

> 
> What would you like out of PSK D and FSK D?  We could consider adding it to
> fldigi if there are advantages.
> 
> BTW, you didn't say what OS you were using, but fldigi runs on Windows, Mac,
> and Linux.
> 
> Leigh/WA5ZNU
> -- 
> View this message in context: 
> http://n2.nabble.com/Best-Digital-Program-for-the-K3-tp4534355p4535521.html
> Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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[Elecraft] Waiting KPA

[Benny Aumala]

While waitig for Elecraft KPA, try this beast.
Will put out 1500W RTTY.

http://www.difona.de/pdf_en/omom3500hf_manual.pdf

BennyOH9NB
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Re: [Elecraft] Best Digital Program for the K3?

[Leigh L. Klotz Jr WA5ZNU]

What would you like out of PSK D and FSK D?  We could consider adding it to
fldigi if there are advantages.

BTW, you didn't say what OS you were using, but fldigi runs on Windows, Mac,
and Linux.

Leigh/WA5ZNU
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Re: [Elecraft] K2: winding T5

[lstavenhagen]

Yeah, that was what I was doing, I sat and sat and sat on the wire and the
insulation just wouldn't cook off... Oh well, the sanding method is working
tho so I'll just use that for the rest of the coils. This part is slower
going for sure since I'm double and triple checking the winds.

I am noticing that with the suggested wire lengths I'm ending up with 3 and
4" of wire leftover after the wind. I sure hope I'm not going to run out of
wire right at the end I'm assuming there's extra wire in the supplies?

LS
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Re: [Elecraft] Best Digital Program for the K3?

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

> I like DM780.  It comes as part of HRD.

And does not, last time I checked, support either PSK_D 
or FSK_D (FSK).  It is an audio only package. 

73, 

   ... Joe, W4TV 
 



> -Original Message-
> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
> [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of K2QI
> Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 11:53 AM
> To: Dean
> Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Best Digital Program for the K3?
> 
> 
> I like DM780.  It comes as part of HRD.  It works perfectly 
> with the K3.
> 
> James K2QI
> 
> On Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 9:20 AM, Dean  wrote:
> 
> > Can any body recommend a couple of the best digital 
> programs to work 
> > with the K3? I was looking for one that is compatible with 
> PSK D and 
> > FSK D.
> >
> > Thanks!
> >



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Re: [Elecraft] K3 DSP AGC Question

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

> Likely?  I don't know. 

Likely is a better choice since raising the AGC threshold 
seems to be the primary goal of much of the "PRE/ATT/RF 
Gain dance" we've seen recently. 

The hardware AGC (HAGC) would seem to provide an ultimate 
limit on level to the ADC - unless the ADC can't handle 
the transient peaks - so a higher threshold for the DSP 
derived AGC would be helpful in many ways. 

73, 

   ... Joe, W4TV 
   



> -Original Message-
> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
> [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Lyle Johnson
> Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 11:24 AM
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 DSP AGC Question
> 
> 
> Hello Joe!
> > Assuming that the threshold values have not changed in a major
> > way since Jack's measurements, would it be possible to extend 
> > the range of threshold values - say to AGC THR=016 at about 
> > -80dBm (assuming 2 dB per step)?  
> >   
> 
> Possible?  Yes.
> 
> Likely?  I don't know.  There are a lot of side effects that 
> happen when the threshold is raised...
> 
> 73,
> 
> Lyle KK7P
> 


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Re: [Elecraft] Best Digital Program for the K3?

[K2QI]

I like DM780.  It comes as part of HRD.  It works perfectly with the K3.

James K2QI

On Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 9:20 AM, Dean  wrote:

> Can any body recommend a couple of the best digital programs to work with
> the K3? I was looking for one that is compatible with PSK D and FSK D.
>
> Thanks!
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K2: winding T5

[Matt Palmer]

The solder blob method takes a little trick, you have to sit on the
end of the wire long enough for the insulation to melt (heat has to
transfer to the wire). I usually just scrape with a xacto these days
and then tin, I think it is cleaner and easier than solder blob. When
I built my K2 I used a lighter to burn the insulation and sandpaper to
clean it up. It is just as effective.
Matt
W8ESE




On Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 11:31 AM, lstavenhagen  wrote:
>
> Ok, thanks Don.
>
> I feel kind of guilty because seems like I should have a bunch more
> questions. But I'm just not having that much trouble so far. even grounding
> the crystal cans went pretty smoothly hi hi once I read all the suggestions
> on how to do it (tin the cans first! Then hold the ground leads in place by
> putting a spare anti-static pad leftover from the IC's under the board and
> sticking them into it through the grounding holes).
>
> As for tinning the toroid leads, I did find that the solder blob method was
> ineffective. Perhaps a 700F tip just doesn't get hot enough to melt the
> insulation? Instead, I'm sanding the leads first with a bit of sandpaper to
> get the stuff mostly off then tinning. This gives a very nice tin on the
> wires and good solder connection on the board.
>
> Is this meant to be done with an 800F or hotter tip?
>
> Thanks es 73,
> LS
> --
> View this message in context: 
> http://n2.nabble.com/K2-winding-T5-tp4531587p4535190.html
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Re: [Elecraft] K2: winding T5

[Vic K2VCO]

On 2/8/2010 8:31 AM, lstavenhagen wrote:

> As for tinning the toroid leads, I did find that the solder blob method was
> ineffective. Perhaps a 700F tip just doesn't get hot enough to melt the
> insulation? Instead, I'm sanding the leads first with a bit of sandpaper to
> get the stuff mostly off then tinning. This gives a very nice tin on the
> wires and good solder connection on the board.
>
> Is this meant to be done with an 800F or hotter tip?

I do it with a 700F tip. It seems to help to start at the cut end of the wire 
where the 
copper is exposed. Hold the iron against it until the blob begins to bubble, 
then move it 
up toward the core. Add solder as needed.
-- 
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco
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Re: [Elecraft] K2: winding T5

[lstavenhagen]

Ok, thanks Don.

I feel kind of guilty because seems like I should have a bunch more
questions. But I'm just not having that much trouble so far. even grounding
the crystal cans went pretty smoothly hi hi once I read all the suggestions
on how to do it (tin the cans first! Then hold the ground leads in place by
putting a spare anti-static pad leftover from the IC's under the board and
sticking them into it through the grounding holes).

As for tinning the toroid leads, I did find that the solder blob method was
ineffective. Perhaps a 700F tip just doesn't get hot enough to melt the
insulation? Instead, I'm sanding the leads first with a bit of sandpaper to
get the stuff mostly off then tinning. This gives a very nice tin on the
wires and good solder connection on the board.

Is this meant to be done with an 800F or hotter tip? 

Thanks es 73,
LS
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 DSP AGC Question

[Lyle Johnson]

Hello Joe!
> Assuming that the threshold values have not changed in a major 
> way since Jack's measurements, would it be possible to extend 
> the range of threshold values - say to AGC THR=016 at about 
> -80dBm (assuming 2 dB per step)?  
>   

Possible?  Yes.

Likely?  I don't know.  There are a lot of side effects that happen when 
the threshold is raised...

73,

Lyle KK7P

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Re: [Elecraft] Best Digital Program for the K3?

[Richard Ferch]

 > Can any body recommend a couple of the best digital programs to work
 > with the K3? I was looking for one that is compatible with PSK D and
 > FSK D.

Any program that supports FSK on other radios will work with the K3 in 
FSK D mode, decoding RTTY using a sound card and keying the radio via 
pin 1 on the ACC connector. For Windows, the "gold standard" is MMTTY, 
either stand alone or in association with some other program.

MMTTY also supports AFSK A. From an operational point of view, the K3's 
AFSK A is virtually indistinguishable from FSK D, i.e. the K3 has the 
same operating features in both modes. The only real difference is how 
the transmitter is modulated. There are a number of software programs 
that will only do AFSK RTTY and do not support FSK, so your choice of 
software choice will be wider if you add AFSK A to your set of options.

PSK D is, frankly, just a curiosity at this time. There is basically no 
software for it, certainly no software that comes within miles of the 
capability of the sound card software that is used for PSK with other 
radios. The same comment applies to the K3's ability to encode and 
decode RTTY in FSK D mode and communicate text with the computer via the 
radio command port; at this stage this is no more than a curiosity, as 
there is no software that can make effective use of it.

For everyday operation in PSK31 and most other digital modes, you need 
to use DATA A. DATA A is compatible with all standard PSK31 (and other 
digital-mode) software. There are many choices; which program works best 
for you depends on what user interface you are most comfortable with.

73,
Rich VE3KI

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Re: [Elecraft] What became of the Elecraft's KPA1500 and KPA 800

[Lyle Johnson]

> The only rule I know of is that the amp won't have ten meters, and you will
> need to produce a ham license to get a ten meter kit.

On October 4, 2006 the FCC issued a Report and Order that did away with 
that rule. 

Now, according to FCC Rules Section 97.317, external amplifiers must not 
operate between 26 and 28 MHz, and this restriction must not be easily 
defeated.

73,

Lyle KK7P
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 DSP AGC Question

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

Lyle, 

> > 4) Is there a table that provides a dBm equivalent of each 
> > of the threshold values? Or alternatively  are the values 
> > on the Clifton Labs site correct?
> >
> >  (2 -117 dBm
> > 3   -110.5 dBm
> > 4   -105 dBm
> > 5   -103.5 dBm
> > 6   -102.5 dBm
> > 7   -101 dBm
> > 8   -99 dBm)
> >   
> 
> There is no available table, and Jack's measurements were 
> accurate at the time they were made for the then-current 
> firmware release.

Assuming that the threshold values have not changed in a major 
way since Jack's measurements, would it be possible to extend 
the range of threshold values - say to AGC THR=016 at about 
-80dBm (assuming 2 dB per step)?  

Such a change would put the K3 more in line with the K2 as 
measured by Jack Smith ... as well as numbers reported by 
Sherwood for the FT-1000D, FT-1000MP and even the IC-7600. 

73, 

   ... Joe, W4TV 
 
 





> -Original Message-
> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
> [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Lyle Johnson
> Sent: Sunday, February 07, 2010 2:21 PM
> To: Guy Olinger K2AV
> Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 DSP AGC Question
> 
> 
> 
> > Some follow-on questions:
> >
> > 1) When you say "The DSP outputs a voltage to control the 
> IF gain of 
> > the radio." are you referring to VIFGAIN1 input to U3B on the RF 
> > board?
> >   
> 
> Yes.
> > 2) Assuming so, is there anything that influences the voltage on 
> > VIFGAIN1 other than on behalf of the RF gain pot, and is 
> the voltage 
> > appearing at VFGAIN1 on behalf of the RF gain pot "processed" away 
> > from a linear replication of the pot wiper voltage?
> >   
> Without staring at the DSP code to verify the veracity of my reply, I 
> recall that the RF Gain control is the only thing that 
> currently drives 
> the VIFGAIN1 voltage.  Subject to change, of course, since it 
> is a DSP 
> firmware function.  And yes, the value read from the pot is 
> processed by 
> the DSP on its way to becoming VIFGAIN1.  Again, the 
> algorithm applied 
> is subject to change.
> > 3) The hardware AGC appears to have fixed slope, attack and decay 
> > constants. What would be the DSP slope and decay config 
> constants to 
> > mimic the hardware AGC constants?
> >   
> Correct as to the first, and I think there may be that there are no 
> settings that exactly mimic the HAGC.  Their purposes are quite 
> different.  To the DSP, influences of the HAGC voltage on the 
> received 
> signal are treated no differently than changes in propagation.
> > 4) Is there a table that provides a dBm equivalent of each of the 
> > threshold values? Or alternatively  are the values on the 
> Clifton Labs 
> > site correct?
> >
> >  (  2   -117 dBm
> > 3   -110.5 dBm
> > 4   -105 dBm
> > 5   -103.5 dBm
> > 6   -102.5 dBm
> > 7   -101 dBm
> > 8   -99 dBm)
> >   
> 
> There is no available table, and Jack's measurements were accurate at 
> the time they were made for the then-current firmware release.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Lyle KK7P
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] What became of the Elecraft's KPA1500 and KPA 800

[Bob - W0GI]

I don't understand what you mean by "export" model. We can and could buy an
amp that will produce power way over the limit. We just can't transmit over
the limit. A Henry 2K will output 1500W and a 3K much more.

A 2500W amp driven at 60W to produce legal power is cleaner then an exciter
and amp pushed to the limits.

The only rule I know of is that the amp won't have ten meters, and you will
need to produce a ham license to get a ten meter kit.

> It must have been the "export" model.  Full legal power in the "60's   
> was 1KW input.  Probably near half that out. 

73, 
Rick Dettinger   K7MW 
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Re: [Elecraft] Programming language and tools used by Elecraft and other for PIC programming - OT

[Pete, AG7C]

For PIC18F based products here, I use FlashForth by Mikael, OH2AUN. You can
get it on SourceForge.
A PICKit2 or 3 along with the free PIC MPLAB IDE completes a useful and
inexpensive development/debug platform. 
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[Elecraft] NAQCC Sprint Tuesday night!

[NAQCC]

NAQCC Sprint Tuesday night!

This coming Tuesday evening will be the monthly NAQCC Sprint for February, 2010.

I will refer you to the proper URL:

http://home.windstream.net/yoel/sprint201002.html

There you will find all the details as to time, frequencies and also a special 
prize.

This month's Special Award goes to the winner of a drawing among all who submit 
a valid log, gets a choice of paddle handles, straight key knobs, and/or K2 
knob inserts donated by Gregg WB8LZG.

This is a monthly event that caters to the CW veteran, the CW newcomer, 
straight key and bug fans. All are welcome to participate (this includes QRO); 
but you must use QRP power levels to compete for awards.

Come join us and have a real good time!

72/73 de Dave VA3RJ
NAQCC #0004

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[Elecraft] Pete Hoover, W6ZH sk

[Chuck Guenther]

Elecrafters who have participated in the ECN's (nets) and EQP's 
(Elecraft QSO Parties)
will recall Pete Hoover, W6ZH as a frequent participant.

I just learned from  W3UR's Daily DX service that Pete passed away on 
Feb. 4.

I didn't know Pete very well, but we did have some correspondence, and 
of course
I worked him in one of the EQP's. 

My condolences to his family, and I wish him good propagation at the 
controls of the Big Ham Station.

73,
Chuck  NI0C
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Re: [Elecraft] K144XV

[Julian, G4ILO]

Ci Jones wrote:
> 
> I would appreciate hearing the opinion of members of this group on an 
> issue I am facing. I just downloaded the manual for the K144XV since I 
> am considering this upgrade. As I understand it, it is an all mode ten 
> watt transceiver, and it costs about $300.00. In order to use it, I 
> will also have to buy a KXV3A for $140.00 and a KFL3B-FM for $126.00. 
> For a total of $560.00, I will have access to two meters with my K3. I 
> will also be able to listen to frequencies outside of the amateur 
> bands. I am wondering (and this is what I need your opinions on) why 
> this would be a better buy for me than another transceiver dedicated to 
> VHF and UHF and putting out considerably more power?
> 
The K144XV is not particularly expensive compared to other high performance
transverter options. Here in Europe the DB6NT 2m transverter with 25W output
will set you back the equivalent of $1800, though it is probably a bit
superior in performance to the K144XV.

The main reason people use HF transceivers + transverters on 2m is to
operate SSB and CW. There are not many choices of radios that will do 2m SSB
and most are shack-in-a-box type sets with not particularly good
performance. A K3 plus any good transverter will outperform pretty much any
other 2m receiver.

If you only want to work FM then to be honest a separate 2m FM set will be
more convenient, do just as good a job 99% of the time and you'll be able to
listen out for your friends without tying up your K3 in the process. Having
said that if you live in an area where standard FM radios have intermod
problems due to the presence of powerful nearby transmitters the K3 would
still have a benefit, plus the crystal filters are notably sharper than the
ceramic filters other FM rigs normally use so you'll get better copy of weak
signals.

-
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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Re: [Elecraft] Best Digital Program for the K3?

[Julian, G4ILO]

As far as I know there is only one program (apart from the terminal in the K3
Utility) that makes any use pf PSK D and FSK D at all and that is my program
KComm. However it is really transmit only. You have to receive by reading
the K3 display, because there isn't a good way to get the text into the
program at the same time as using CAT commands. (There is a check box that
disables CAT so you can receive the text in the program, but I did that just
for curiosity's sake - it isn't recommended.)

-
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] Best Digital Program for the K3?

[Dean]

Can any body recommend a couple of the best digital programs to work with the 
K3? I was looking for one that is compatible with PSK D and FSK D. 

Thanks!

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 - 'High Isolation Headphones'

[Hector Padron]

Well I spent this past weekend 18 hours in radio on saturday and sunday with my 
Yamaha CM-500 on my head all the time,either on CW or SSB and felt no 
tired,they are smooth and weight little in my head,isolation is perfect.Family 
at the living room with the big TV and sorround sound very loud don't bother me 
anymore,its another choice,for only $42 sold in the states by B&H  NY.
 
AD4C

"For a refined ham it is compulsory to own a k3"

--- On Mon, 2/8/10, turnbull  wrote:


From: turnbull 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - 'High Isolation Headphones'
To: "Deni" 
Cc: "Bob - W0GI" , elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Date: Monday, February 8, 2010, 1:09 PM



If one checks the website for these phones previously given there is a link to 
a UK distributor.   The EX 29 price delivered to EI land is about £99.

I have also tried ear defenders and sony earplug phones.   It is indeed very 
quiet but the defenders are uncomfortable to wear.  The clamping action over 
the full period of a contest is uncomfortable and tiring.  I would prefer the 
Pro-Set Plus by Heil even though they do not block external sounds nearly as 
well. I am going to try the EX 29.

             73 Doug EI2CN

On Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:03:18 +0100, Deni  wrote:
> I recently tried ear defenders used together with earbuds but I didn't
> like them, uncomfortable and too fiddly.
> 
> Considered a Dave Clark headset, but too expensive and seemed to start a
> whole new thread about best headset...for Pilots!
> 
> I ordered and have just received direct from USA the Extreme Isolation
> EX-29 headphones and have to say I'm very pleased with them.
> 
> Excellent sensitivity, with the K3, good fidelity and completely blocks
> my Amplifier and PC fan noise. Great !
> 
> 73, Deni
> F5VJC
> K3 325
> 
> Bob - W0GI wrote:
>> Put some David Clarks on your head. You won't hear outside noise, but
> after a
>> few hours of those things on your you head, you will wish you were dead.
> :>)
>>
>> Sorry, just a pilot joke..
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[Elecraft] Dave Clark High Isolation Headphones

[Hector Padron]

I have been working as electronic and comunications technician for the 
government for 18 years now and one of my jobs has been installing Motorola 
radios to the fire dept trucks and all of them use as internal intercom and 
radio interface as well the famous Dave Clark green color headsets with boom 
mic and certainly they are a perfect seal,once in your head you will hear 
almost nothing around you,our fire fighters love them specially when they have 
to drive opening the traffic with the very loud 100W siren in front of the 
truck,those are real loud but with the Dave Clarck headset that siren is very 
weak in your ears BUT I agree they are so heavy and unconfortable that you will 
not be able to work a contest or even dxing for few hours,they are designed for 
short runs from the Fire station to the site in problems,
Don't buy them,you will lose your money.
 
AD4C


"For a refined ham it is compulsory to own a k3"

--- On Mon, 2/8/10, Deni  wrote:


From: Deni 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - 'High Isolation Headphones'
To: "Bob - W0GI" 
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Date: Monday, February 8, 2010, 12:03 PM


I recently tried ear defenders used together with earbuds but I didn't 
like them, uncomfortable and too fiddly.

Considered a Dave Clark headset, but too expensive and seemed to start a 
whole new thread about best headset...for Pilots!

I ordered and have just received direct from USA the Extreme Isolation 
EX-29 headphones and have to say I'm very pleased with them.

Excellent sensitivity, with the K3, good fidelity and completely blocks 
my Amplifier and PC fan noise. Great !

73, Deni
F5VJC
K3 325

Bob - W0GI wrote:
> Put some David Clarks on your head. You won't hear outside noise, but after a
> few hours of those things on your you head, you will wish you were dead. :>)
> 
> Sorry, just a pilot joke..
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 - 'High Isolation Headphones'

[turnbull]

If one checks the website for these phones previously given there is a link to 
a UK distributor.   The EX 29 price delivered to EI land is about £99.

I have also tried ear defenders and sony earplug phones.   It is indeed very 
quiet but the defenders are uncomfortable to wear.  The clamping action over 
the full period of a contest is uncomfortable and tiring.  I would prefer the 
Pro-Set Plus by Heil even though they do not block external sounds nearly as 
well. I am going to try the EX 29.

 73 Doug EI2CN

On Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:03:18 +0100, Deni  wrote:
> I recently tried ear defenders used together with earbuds but I didn't
> like them, uncomfortable and too fiddly.
> 
> Considered a Dave Clark headset, but too expensive and seemed to start a
> whole new thread about best headset...for Pilots!
> 
> I ordered and have just received direct from USA the Extreme Isolation
> EX-29 headphones and have to say I'm very pleased with them.
> 
> Excellent sensitivity, with the K3, good fidelity and completely blocks
> my Amplifier and PC fan noise. Great !
> 
> 73, Deni
> F5VJC
> K3 325
> 
> Bob - W0GI wrote:
>> Put some David Clarks on your head. You won't hear outside noise, but
> after a
>> few hours of those things on your you head, you will wish you were dead.
> :>)
>>
>> Sorry, just a pilot joke..
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 - 'High Isolation Headphones'

[d.cutter]

Let us know what they are like after several hours in a contest. 

David
G3UNA


 Deni  wrote: 
> I recently tried ear defenders used together with earbuds but I didn't 
> like them, uncomfortable and too fiddly.
> 
> Considered a Dave Clark headset, but too expensive and seemed to start a 
> whole new thread about best headset...for Pilots!
> 
> I ordered and have just received direct from USA the Extreme Isolation 
> EX-29 headphones and have to say I'm very pleased with them.
> 
> Excellent sensitivity, with the K3, good fidelity and completely blocks 
> my Amplifier and PC fan noise. Great !
> 
> 73, Deni
> F5VJC
> K3 325
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 - 'High Isolation Headphones'

[Deni]

I recently tried ear defenders used together with earbuds but I didn't 
like them, uncomfortable and too fiddly.

Considered a Dave Clark headset, but too expensive and seemed to start a 
whole new thread about best headset...for Pilots!

I ordered and have just received direct from USA the Extreme Isolation 
EX-29 headphones and have to say I'm very pleased with them.

Excellent sensitivity, with the K3, good fidelity and completely blocks 
my Amplifier and PC fan noise. Great !

73, Deni
F5VJC
K3 325

Bob - W0GI wrote:
> Put some David Clarks on your head. You won't hear outside noise, but after a
> few hours of those things on your you head, you will wish you were dead. :>)
> 
> Sorry, just a pilot joke..
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Re: [Elecraft] What became of the Elecraft's KPA1500 and KPA 800

[Paul Christensen]

> "I would like to see a 160-6 meter, continuous duty 1500 watt
amplifier capable of QSK that was "instant on."

Greg,

The new SPE 2K-FA should meet your wish-list criteria:

http://www.radio-ham.eu/download/Leaflet%20Expert%202K-FA%20inglese.pdf

I believe it's still awaiting FCC certification.

Paul, W9AC
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