Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
I'm sorry Don, I know that you're trying to be helpful here. And your advice about turning on the Attenuator, and turning off the pre is all good advice for sure. But honestly.. Let's be serious.. We're not all contesters, and there are actually some of us that really hate that whole 599 5/9 report when it's not warranted. I for one would like to be able to count on my meter to tell me the actual signal level of a station I'm talking to. I'm sure that Wayne intended this much as well. This is a $1900 plus rig, it should be accurate based on the 50uv that you suggested that he set it to with an S9. Sure we can all GUESS at what a persons RST is, and of course I've done it too.. But giving advice to ignore the S meter is just a way of saying you don't know what to tell the guy. If that's the case, then just don't say anything, or tell him what you can to fix the problem. Your answer was no better than someone that gets directions from a person that has no idea where the address he's been asked for is, but he just feels like he HAS to help, so he guides the people asking in the wrong direction. The answer is, I've never seen this issue before where turning down the RF gain will cause a signal to Improve in S meter strength. Especially not on my K3. If that were the case I would keep lowering my RF gain all day long until everyone was an S9. There's SOMETHING going on with your rig. Check your RF gain calibration using the Elecraft Utility, check your S meter calibration. Make sure that you don't have something else like the Pre-amp on causing an error in the reading. Make sure that you don't have the Sub receiver on and the Sub AF audio up, or RF up causing it to look like it's getting stronger. These are some of the things that I can offer you. None of them may be the case, but at least it's a starting spot, not just an Ignore your 2,000 dollar rig's S meter. 559 still MEANS Receive Excellent, Signal 5 S UNITS, Tone Excellent. Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:30:07 -0400 From: w3...@embarqmail.com To: n...@comcast.net CC: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior Robert, You are relying on your S-meter too much IMHO. Yes, all that has nothing to do with the actual reading of the S-meter, but it is just good operating sense. just ignore the reading and give signal reports as you hear them - 59 (or 599) for a good strong signal, S-7 for perfect copy from a not so strong signal and S-5 for all the others that you can copy with some difficulty. For those below that level, you are not copying them anyway, so a signal report number is a moot point. _ The New Busy is not the too busy. Combine all your e-mail accounts with Hotmail. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?tile=multiaccountocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:042010_4 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
Just curious ... how do you factor in the uncertainty of the gain/loss of your antenna and any impact of its pattern, both bearing and azimuth relative to the actual arrival angle, while you're trying to accurately tell the guy on the other end how strong his RF is as it crosses your property line? I'd be willing to bet that there is more variability in that than there is inaccuracy in the K3 S-meter. You're just kidding yourself if you think differently. 73, Dave AB7E On 7/14/2010 11:03 PM, The Smiths wrote: I'm sorry Don, I know that you're trying to be helpful here. And your advice about turning on the Attenuator, and turning off the pre is all good advice for sure. But honestly.. Let's be serious.. We're not all contesters, and there are actually some of us that really hate that whole 599 5/9 report when it's not warranted. I for one would like to be able to count on my meter to tell me the actual signal level of a station I'm talking to. I'm sure that Wayne intended this much as well. This is a $1900 plus rig, it should be accurate based on the 50uv that you suggested that he set it to with an S9. Sure we can all GUESS at what a persons RST is, and of course I've done it too.. But giving advice to ignore the S meter is just a way of saying you don't know what to tell the guy. If that's the case, then just don't say anything, or tell him what you can to fix the problem. Your answer was no better than someone that gets directions from a person that has no idea where the address he's been asked for is, but he just feels like he HAS to help, so he guides the people asking in the wrong direction. The answer is, I've never seen this issue before where turning down the RF gain will cause a signal to Improve in S meter strength. Especially not on my K3. If that were the case I would keep lowering my RF gain all day long until everyone was an S9. There's SOMETHING going on with your rig. Check your RF gain calibration using the Elecraft Utility, check your S meter calibration. Make sure that you don't have something else like the Pre-amp on causing an error in the reading. Make sure that you don't have the Sub receiver on and the Sub AF audio up, or RF up causing it to look like it's getting stronger. These are some of the things that I can offer you. None of them may be the case, but at least it's a starting spot, not just an Ignore your 2,000 dollar rig's S meter. 559 still MEANS Receive Excellent, Signal 5 S UNITS, Tone Excellent. Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:30:07 -0400 From: w3...@embarqmail.com To: n...@comcast.net CC: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior Robert, You are relying on your S-meter too much IMHO. Yes, all that has nothing to do with the actual reading of the S-meter, but it is just good operating sense. just ignore the reading and give signal reports as you hear them - 59 (or 599) for a good strong signal, S-7 for perfect copy from a not so strong signal and S-5 for all the others that you can copy with some difficulty. For those below that level, you are not copying them anyway, so a signal report number is a moot point. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 and USB Audio Codec
You're still not going to get access to both IFs at the same time though... ~Brett (N7MG) On Wed, Jul 14, 2010 at 4:40 PM, Edward R Cole kl...@acsalaska.net wrote: I have kind of ignoring this thread, but just realized that it addresses a long-term desire of mine. I would like to tap the IQ data for both the main and sub receivers simultaneously for pc processing with special eme sw. I can do one channel using the SDR-IQ but there are advantages to having two channels (polarity diversity reception). Both channels need to be phase-locked in freq. My discussions with Wayne indicate that it may be possible interface at a later time thru the P3. To take advantage of the 15-KHz SDR in the K3 this interface will eventually very desirable. That opens the K3 to equal footing with other SDR's to fulfill the no obsolescence promise of SDR. 73, Ed - KL7UW -- Message: 6 Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:10:17 -0700 From: Kok Chen c...@mac.com Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and USB Audio Codec To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: 2e745a19-d7ed-4bb1-a9c6-d7080d6e1...@mac.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes On Jul 10, 2010, at 7/10 2:57 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: If one were going to provide digital output, it would be far better to stream the raw in I/Q data from the DSP's ADC via firewire rather than push it through two additional A/D and D/A steps and reduce it to a single channel of audio. FireWire is not necessarily a great solution either. It will definitely require special drivers at the computer end (viz, the Edirol FA-66 that is common in ham SDR circles). One good connection that I have come across is S/PDIF that is available on the Icom IC-7800. It allows a connection between the radio and the computer that is completely non-galvanic. No ground loops, no RFI, down to -144 dB. S/PDIF provides an audio path with up to 20 bits of resolution (about 120 dB, with 1 bit being 6.02 dB), with 24 bits being an option by using the extra 4 steering bits as data. The standard sampling rate for S/PDIF is 48,000 samples per second stereo, which would support almost 50 kHz of bandwidth on an baseband I/Q channel. S/PDIF provides up to about 30 feet separation between equipment. Both Firewire and S/PDIF lacks a standard way of passing control/ status signals. The Flex-5000 (which uses FireWire) used to hack into the MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) channel for control/ status; but I have not been following that development and it might have since changed. The Icom IC-7800 goes through its regular CAT path (RS-232 or CI-V, you get to choose, I believe). In any case, if you want a rig like the K3 to support 123 dB of dynamic range I/Q output, it will not come cheap. The Asahi AK-5394A is probably the most expensive component in the front end of the Flex-5000, and you have to be very careful with the circuit layout to get a -125 dB noise floor when mixing analog and digital components. We are definitely not talking about 16-bit codecs like the one in the SignaLink USB -- which by the way, is a TI/Burr-Brown PCM-2902, and it is not the $20 that people have been mentioning, but is $5.85 at DigiKey :-). 73 Chen, W7AY 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-QRT*, 432-100w, 1296-QRT*, 3400-fall 2010 DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] SELLING K3
FOR SALE My beloved K3. It is in excellent cond. It has instruction books and a lot of basic mods. It is a 100w unit SN 2244. Comes with upgraded DSP board and the following: 1. KAT3 INTERNAL ATU. 2. KBPF3 GENERAL COVERAGE RX BANDPASS MODULE. 3. KXV3 RX ANT. 4. KUSB CABLE. 5. FILTERS: 1. 13KHZ FM 8 POLE 2. 6KHZ AM 8 POLE 3. 2.8KHZ SSB 8POLE 4. 2.1KHZ SSB 8POLE 5. 500HZ CW 8 POLE ( NOT 5 POLE ) With power cord . $2250.00 OBO. plus shipping. I also have: 1. Heil Proline Gold and Heil stand with cable. $125.00 plus shipping. 2. Kenwood Headphones HS-5, covered to stereo. $35.00 plus shipping. 3. Astron SS-30m. $90.00 plus shipping. 4. Buddipole ant package. minus one whip ( $12.00 new ) plus isolator. $250.00. plus shipping. Karl Marderian N6XVT. karl...@sbcglobal.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] test
test __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] SELLING K3 rev.
My beloved K3. It is in excellent cond. It has instruction books and a lot of basic mods. It is a 100w unit SN 2244. Comes with upgraded DSP board and the following: 1. KAT3 INTERNAL ATU. 2. KBPF3 GENERAL COVERAGE RX BANDPASS MODULE. 3. KXV3 RX ANT. 4. KUSB CABLE. 5. KTCX03 TCXO (0.5pmm typ). 5. FILTERS: 1. 13KHZ FM 8 POLE 2. 6KHZ AM 8 POLE 3. 2.8KHZ SSB 8POLE 4. 2.1KHZ SSB 8POLE 5. 500HZ CW 8 POLE ( NOT 5 POLE ) With power cord . $2250.00 OBO. plus shipping. I also have: 1. Heil Proline Gold and Heil stand with cable. $125.00 plus shipping. 2. Kenwood Headphones HS-5, covered to stereo. $35.00 plus shipping. 3. Astron SS-30m. $90.00 plus shipping. 4. Buddipole ant package. minus one whip ( $12.00 new ) plus isolator. $250.00. plus shipping. Karl Marderian N6XVT. karl...@sbcglobal.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - WRTC Customs Pro Forma listings
Elecraft didn't influence anyone's WRTC rig choice. It's possible some of our customers did. If so, thanks :) Wayne N6KR Lu Romero lrom...@ij.net wrote: Incredibly interesting between-the-lines reading here. http://www.wrtc2010.ru/press/R3_license_for_SVO.pdf http://www.wrtc2010.ru/press/R3_license_for_DME.pdf What I find amazing in these lists is... __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - WRTC Customs Pro Forma listings
Grin...good comment I used to think I had superior intellect after I got my K3...now it seems they are multiplying at an ever increasing rate in my area...ya think I educated the masses too well? 73's Gary On Thu, Jul 15, 2010 at 5:44 PM, Wayne Burdick n...@elecraft.com wrote: Elecraft didn't influence anyone's WRTC rig choice. It's possible some of our customers did. If so, thanks :) Wayne N6KR Lu Romero lrom...@ij.net wrote: Incredibly interesting between-the-lines reading here. http://www.wrtc2010.ru/press/R3_license_for_SVO.pdf http://www.wrtc2010.ru/press/R3_license_for_DME.pdf What I find amazing in these lists is... __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- Gary VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile http://www.qsl.net/vk4fd/ K3 #679 For everything else there's Mastercard!!! __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Deaf KX-1 - repost
I never had a reply to my original posting from April, so thought I would fish for advice again. What has prompted me to repost is a qso just a few minutes ago with a GW on 20m (I'm in south-west France at the moment) where he gave me 579 (I was running 3W) and I could barely hear him. In the end I lost him completely. Here's the original posting I have always felt that on 20m the KX-1 is much quieter in terms of background noise compared with the 3 other bands. Having just bought a XG2 on ebay, I have been comparing receive performance at the 1uV level between 40m and 20m. There's no doubt that the s/n ratio on 40m is better by several dB (not measured, so a subjective observation). I have checked the alignment by adjustment of the trimmers 20a and 20b and found that the tuning was already pretty much on the nose. So the question is, is there anywhere else I should look? I have checked both with and without the built-in ATU and reached the same conclusion. I'd be grateful for any pointers. Tnx and 73 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Test
Testing new email address. Sorry! __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] RE K3's NR feature
After working lots of low band and 6 meter weak DX I fully concur with the latest reviews covering the NR feature and its ability to reach into wide varieties of QRN and pull out the signals. I will add that when using this feature for weak signal DXing, increasing the bandpass filtering allows the the DSP to produce improved signal detection thru/in the noise. At the same time, it also helps if there is less adjacent frequency QRM giving when listening down deep using this DSP based feature. When I narrow up the receiver bandwidth there is less chance of seeing NR improvement. 73, John, W1QS K3 S/N 2274 K2 S/N 47xx __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] SELLING K3 rev. sold
Karl, SOLD I'll buy the k3 call me and I'll call you back on my dime bill /3 At 03:06 AM 7/15/2010, KARL MARDERIAN wrote: My beloved K3. It is in excellent cond. It has instruction books and a lot of basic mods. It is a 100w unit SN 2244. Comes with upgraded DSP board and the following: 1. KAT3 INTERNAL ATU. 2. KBPF3 GENERAL COVERAGE RX BANDPASS MODULE. 3. KXV3 RX ANT. 4. KUSB CABLE. 5. KTCX03 TCXO (0.5pmm typ). 5. FILTERS: 1. 13KHZ FM 8 POLE 2. 6KHZ AM 8 POLE 3. 2.8KHZ SSB 8POLE 4. 2.1KHZ SSB 8POLE 5. 500HZ CW 8 POLE ( NOT 5 POLE ) With power cord . $2250.00 OBO. plus shipping. I also have: 1. Heil Proline Gold and Heil stand with cable. $125.00 plus shipping. 2. Kenwood Headphones HS-5, covered to stereo. $35.00 plus shipping. 3. Astron SS-30m. $90.00 plus shipping. 4. Buddipole ant package. minus one whip ( $12.00 new ) plus isolator. $250.00. plus shipping. Karl Marderian N6XVT. karl...@sbcglobal.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] SELLING K3 rev. sold
oops 847 405 0662 At 07:59 AM 7/15/2010, Bill NY9H wrote: Karl, SOLD I'll buy the k3 call me and I'll call you back on my dime bill /3 At 03:06 AM 7/15/2010, KARL MARDERIAN wrote: My beloved K3. It is in excellent cond. It has instruction books and a lot of basic mods. It is a 100w unit SN 2244. Comes with upgraded DSP board and the following: 1. KAT3 INTERNAL ATU. 2. KBPF3 GENERAL COVERAGE RX BANDPASS MODULE. 3. KXV3 RX ANT. 4. KUSB CABLE. 5. KTCX03 TCXO (0.5pmm typ). 5. FILTERS: 1. 13KHZ FM 8 POLE 2. 6KHZ AM 8 POLE 3. 2.8KHZ SSB 8POLE 4. 2.1KHZ SSB 8POLE 5. 500HZ CW 8 POLE ( NOT 5 POLE ) With power cord . $2250.00 OBO. plus shipping. I also have: 1. Heil Proline Gold and Heil stand with cable. $125.00 plus shipping. 2. Kenwood Headphones HS-5, covered to stereo. $35.00 plus shipping. 3. Astron SS-30m. $90.00 plus shipping. 4. Buddipole ant package. minus one whip ( $12.00 new ) plus isolator. $250.00. plus shipping. Karl Marderian N6XVT. karl...@sbcglobal.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] List Rule change, PLEASE!
Eric, Wayne and Don - I have read approximately 1500 of the post on this list. I have found some of them very informative, while others are almost useless. Why? Because there needs to be a basic rule change. I appreciate the fact that you guys get back SO quickly when someone post a problem (ME). But 99 times out of 100 all the resolution and responses are done OFF LIST. So those of us who are doing research find NO resolution to the problem posted unless the poster comes back and says what they found. Could we PLEASE post all responses on list? This gives all of us a history of what has transpired to resolve all the postings about perceived or actual problems. In fact, don't answer any response that isn't done on the list. I know, you are going to say that some posters don't read the list but respond directly to the email posting. If we make it a rule that all postings MUST be through the list or they are not responded to, everyone will get used to doing it that way. Thank you for listening and appreciate your comments. John McClun NQ3RP Always QRP! -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/List-Rule-change-PLEASE-tp5297021p5297021.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Let's Try This Again -- was [K3] ... A 750 Hz, 8-Pole ... Filter?
That's the filter width at the 3db point. From the filter plots it looks pretty close. At least it's not like buying a 2 X 4 which isn't close to being 2 X 4. 73, Ted, W2ZK On 7/14/2010 10:47 PM, Radio Amateur N5GE wrote: On Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:01:30 -0700 (PDT), Bill W4ZV btipp...@alum.mit.edu wrote: I second that. I wonder why they don't label them as the width they really are? Tom, N5GE K3 #806 with SUB RX, PR6, KRC2 and K144XV K3 #1055 with PR6 and XV432 W1, 2 W2's and other small kits QCWA Life Member 35102 n...@n5ge.com http://www.n5ge.com http://www.swotrc.net I'd be interested in a **true** 6 dB BW 8-pole for 200-250 Hz (Inrad's 250 is actually 370 Hz BW and I don't want that). 73, Bill __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Deaf KX-1 - repost
Stephen, While the MDS of the KX1 is not quite as good on 20 as it is on 40, there should not be such a substantial difference. I would first suggest that you check the oscillator injection at the mixer U6 pin 6 on 20 meters - it must be greater than 200 mV peak to peak (70 mV RMS) for the mixer to work at full capability. If it is low, check the 14 MHz LPF for proper values and good soldering. Could it be that one of the tiny inductors (L4 or L5) were injured? The next step is to measure the MDS on both 40 and 20 using the XG2 and the method outlined in the XG2 manual. How many dB down is 20 from 40? Yes, the KX1 is not quite a sensitive on 20 meters as it is on 40, but the 20 meter MDS should still be respectable - and should be better than -126 dBm. There is another cure, and that is to add the KXB3080. The front end of the receiver is changed with that option and has a higher Q than the stock KX1 front end. 73, Don W3FPR Stephen Prior wrote: I never had a reply to my original posting from April, so thought I would fish for advice again. What has prompted me to repost is a qso just a few minutes ago with a GW on 20m (I'm in south-west France at the moment) where he gave me 579 (I was running 3W) and I could barely hear him. In the end I lost him completely. Here's the original posting I have always felt that on 20m the KX-1 is much quieter in terms of background noise compared with the 3 other bands. Having just bought a XG2 on ebay, I have been comparing receive performance at the 1uV level between 40m and 20m. There's no doubt that the s/n ratio on 40m is better by several dB (not measured, so a subjective observation). I have checked the alignment by adjustment of the trimmers 20a and 20b and found that the tuning was already pretty much on the nose. So the question is, is there anywhere else I should look? I have checked both with and without the built-in ATU and reached the same conclusion. I'd be grateful for any pointers. Tnx and 73 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] List Rule change, PLEASE!
John, I don't know what to say. I usually keep the first few exchanges 'on-list' just because there may be others interested. But if the problem resolution gets into deep details and requires a number of try this or try that, I take it off-list. I figure it is up to the person with the problem to post the results when we are finished. Sadly, you are correct, many do not. 73, Don W3FPR NQ3RP wrote: Eric, Wayne and Don - I have read approximately 1500 of the post on this list. I have found some of them very informative, while others are almost useless. Why? Because there needs to be a basic rule change. I appreciate the fact that you guys get back SO quickly when someone post a problem (ME). But 99 times out of 100 all the resolution and responses are done OFF LIST. So those of us who are doing research find NO resolution to the problem posted unless the poster comes back and says what they found. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] List Rule change, PLEASE!
On 7/15/2010 8:06 AM, NQ3RP wrote: Eric, Wayne and Don - ...Could we PLEASE post all responses on list? = A lot of the traffic on this server is just rag-chewing, having little or nothing to do specifically with Elecraft problems. IMHO that kind of traffic that should be OFF the list. I am, myself, ambivalent about being subscribed to the server. It generates a totally immodest amount of stuff. Since everyone likes to sound off on their favorite issues (me too), perhaps there should be a chat version of the list, and a second, more important, one devoted to problems and their solutions. A rule that requires only problem-related, Elecraft, postings seems a bit draconian, though it was probably the intent of the originators. A truly anal list moderator would make it so. I'm glad I don't have to make those decisions. John Ragle -- W1ZI __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
Thanks all for your comments. It's nice to get so much feedback so fast! While I'm not very concerned about this, I do like to use my S meter to give the Strength report and believe that an S7 signal should read S7 even if the RF gain is turned down a bit (just for info, I set the S meter to Absolute and have PRE and ATT off, don't have a Sub rcvr installed). I've heard many perfectly readable signals that sounded like they were S9 but were, to my surprise, an S3 or S5. Except for contests I like to send and receive accurate strength reports. Last night I ordered an XG2 and will align RF gain and the S meter when it arrives. I'll post again once I've completed the alignment. Till then I'll be on the air enjoying my awesome K3! On Jul 15, 2010, at 1:03 AM, The Smiths wrote: Check your RF gain calibration using the Elecraft Utility, check your S meter calibration. Make sure that you don't have something else like the Pre-amp on causing an error in the reading. Make sure that you don't have the Sub receiver on and the Sub AF audio up, or RF up causing it to look like it's getting stronger. r. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Deaf KX-1 - repost
Many thanks Don, I shall have to wait until my return home for a scope but I shall certainly have a close visual inspection. I should have added however, that the radio has both the 30/80 board and the auto atu - I don't know whether that will change your diagnosis. 73 Stephen On Thursday, July 15, 2010, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Stephen, While the MDS of the KX1 is not quite as good on 20 as it is on 40, there should not be such a substantial difference. I would first suggest that you check the oscillator injection at the mixer U6 pin 6 on 20 meters - it must be greater than 200 mV peak to peak (70 mV RMS) for the mixer to work at full capability. If it is low, check the 14 MHz LPF for proper values and good soldering. Could it be that one of the tiny inductors (L4 or L5) were injured? The next step is to measure the MDS on both 40 and 20 using the XG2 and the method outlined in the XG2 manual. How many dB down is 20 from 40? Yes, the KX1 is not quite a sensitive on 20 meters as it is on 40, but the 20 meter MDS should still be respectable - and should be better than -126 dBm. There is another cure, and that is to add the KXB3080. The front end of the receiver is changed with that option and has a higher Q than the stock KX1 front end. 73, Don W3FPR Stephen Prior wrote: I never had a reply to my original posting from April, so thought I would fish for advice again. What has prompted me to repost is a qso just a few minutes ago with a GW on 20m (I'm in south-west France at the moment) where he gave me 579 (I was running 3W) and I could barely hear him. In the end I lost him completely. Here's the original posting I have always felt that on 20m the KX-1 is much quieter in terms of background noise compared with the 3 other bands. Having just bought a XG2 on ebay, I have been comparing receive performance at the 1uV level between 40m and 20m. There's no doubt that the s/n ratio on 40m is better by several dB (not measured, so a subjective observation). I have checked the alignment by adjustment of the trimmers 20a and 20b and found that the tuning was already pretty much on the nose. So the question is, is there anywhere else I should look? I have checked both with and without the built-in ATU and reached the same conclusion. I'd be grateful for any pointers. Tnx and 73 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
Don, I don't see that to be the case. The action of the s-meter in ABS mode does change when the RF Gain has been reduced. If you turn the RF Gain to 12 o'clock the s-meter goes to S9+30db. 73, Drew AF2Z On Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:34:22 -0400, Don W3FPR wrote: Robert, The K3 does have a cure, and that is to set the S-meter to ABS (absolute) in the Configuration Menu (see the manual). With that setting, the S-meter does not change with the PRE/ATT/RF Gain. 73, Don W3FPR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Deaf KX-1 - repost
Stephen, Since the KXB3080 is already installed, check the number of turns carefully on L1, L2 and T2 to make certain you do not have an extra turn. T2 has 33 turns on the red winding, and L1 and L2 each need 9 turns on the green winding (the red winding is only used on 80). All else remains the same. 73, Don W3FPR Stephen Prior wrote: Many thanks Don, I shall have to wait until my return home for a scope but I shall certainly have a close visual inspection. I should have added however, that the radio has both the 30/80 board and the auto atu - I don't know whether that will change your diagnosis. 73 Stephen On Thursday, July 15, 2010, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Stephen, While the MDS of the KX1 is not quite as good on 20 as it is on 40, there should not be such a substantial difference. I would first suggest that you check the oscillator injection at the mixer U6 pin 6 on 20 meters - it must be greater than 200 mV peak to peak (70 mV RMS) for the mixer to work at full capability. If it is low, check the 14 MHz LPF for proper values and good soldering. Could it be that one of the tiny inductors (L4 or L5) were injured? The next step is to measure the MDS on both 40 and 20 using the XG2 and the method outlined in the XG2 manual. How many dB down is 20 from 40? Yes, the KX1 is not quite a sensitive on 20 meters as it is on 40, but the 20 meter MDS should still be respectable - and should be better than -126 dBm. There is another cure, and that is to add the KXB3080. The front end of the receiver is changed with that option and has a higher Q than the stock KX1 front end. 73, Don W3FPR Stephen Prior wrote: I never had a reply to my original posting from April, so thought I would fish for advice again. What has prompted me to repost is a qso just a few minutes ago with a GW on 20m (I'm in south-west France at the moment) where he gave me 579 (I was running 3W) and I could barely hear him. In the end I lost him completely. Here's the original posting I have always felt that on 20m the KX-1 is much quieter in terms of background noise compared with the 3 other bands. Having just bought a XG2 on ebay, I have been comparing receive performance at the 1uV level between 40m and 20m. There's no doubt that the s/n ratio on 40m is better by several dB (not measured, so a subjective observation). I have checked the alignment by adjustment of the trimmers 20a and 20b and found that the tuning was already pretty much on the nose. So the question is, is there anywhere else I should look? I have checked both with and without the built-in ATU and reached the same conclusion. I'd be grateful for any pointers. Tnx and 73 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
The way I understand it, turning donw the RF Gain does not improve the signal's s-meter strength. The increasing level of the s-meter as you reduce the RF Gain indicates the level that a signal would need to attain in order to be heard. For example, if you turn the RF Gain to 12 o'clock you will only be able to detect signals that are approx S9+30db or greater. Personally, I would prefer that the s-meter not operate in this way in ABS mode. RF Gain should have no effect on the s-meter action when in ABS mode, just as ATT and PRE do not. 73, Drew AF2Z On Thu, 15 Jul 2010 06:03:19 +, The Smiths wrote: The answer is, I've never seen this issue before where turning down the RF gain will cause a signal to Improve in S meter strength. Especially not on my K3. If that were the case I would keep lowering my RF gain all day long until everyone was an S9. There's SOMETHING going on with your rig. Check your RF gain calibration using the Elecraft Utility, check your S meter calibration. Make sure that you don't have something else like the Pre-amp on causing an error in the reading. Make sure that you don't have the Sub receiver on and the Sub AF audio up, or RF up causing it to look like it's getting stronger. These are some of the things that I can offer you. None of them may be the case, but at least it's a starting spot, not just an Ignore your 2,000 dollar rig's S meter. 559 still MEANS Receive Excellent, Signal 5 S UNITS, Tone Excellent. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] LP-100A MCLoader program
Hi Matt. I sent the file on 7-10. Apparently hotmail didn't accept the attachment based on your next email, so I sent it again on 7-11 a different way. Then on 7-13 you sent another email which indicated to me that you were probably not getting any of my messages, even though I was not getting bounced messages from your ISP. Your SPAM filter must be blocking them, even the ones without attachments. I then sent an email which included a link to the file so that you could download it from my website, and apparently you did not receive this one either. Check your trash folder in your email client and I'm sure you will find some of these messages. Anyway, you can download it here, www.telepostinc.com/Files/mcloader.zip Please let me know when you have it. 73, Larry N8LP Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2010 20:26:35 -0700 From: Matt Zilmer mzil...@verizon.net Subject: [Elecraft] LP-100A MCLoader program To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: 9qvs361erq9l3ogtustt9aqn0q0rm0d...@4ax.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Does anyone have the MCLoader program for the TelePost LP100 or -100A? I am unable to obtain it from TelePost. Guess Larry's too busy; I've tried him via email several times on this. Please send direct to mzil...@verizon.net. 73 and TNX, matt W6NIA K3 #24 K2 #2810 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Let's Try This Again -- was [K3] ... A 750 Hz, 8-Pole ... Filter?
Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: For those reasons I would support 250Hz because it would meet the needs of more users, but would vote against 200Hz (and in this, I do literally mean vote with my pocketbook). I agree with Ian here ... a filter with a reliable 270 Hz bandwidth would be nearly ideal for RTTY and far better than the so called 250 Hz 8 pole filter. I would almost certainly replace the 5-pole 200 Hz filters with 8-pole 250-270 Hz filters. Agreed. 250-270Hz would be the sweet spot for an 8-pole filter, to guarantee good sales for the manufacturer *and* good performance for a range of users in heavy QRM. Now let's see if Inrad or Elecraft take the bait :-) 73 from Ian GM3SEK http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek On 7/14/2010 5:05 PM, Ian White GM3SEK wrote: Bill W4ZV wrote: Gary Hvizdak wrote: If instead you think that there might be a greater demand for some other bandwidth 8-pole INRAD roofing filter, please email me (off-Reflector) to let me know that width and include your reasoning for desiring that other width. I'd be interested in a **true** 6 dB BW 8-pole for 200-250 Hz (Inrad's 250 is actually 370 Hz BW and I don't want that). Yes, the real gap in the available range of roofing filters is an 8-pole with a *true* 6dB BW of 250Hz. As for the choice between 250Hz and 200Hz, I have tried both bandwidths by modifying a stock 200Hz 5-pole filter (with design help from Wayne). In real-life contest QRM there is no noticeable difference between the two bandwidths on CW, but there is a huge difference for RTTY. With 170Hz shift, a 250Hz filter is very close to the lower limit of usable bandwidth, but definitely on the right side of the line - in heavy RTTY QRM, a 250Hz filter can be a game changer. But 200Hz is below that limit, not usable at all. For those reasons I would support 250Hz because it would meet the needs of more users, but would vote against 200Hz (and in this, I do literally mean vote with my pocketbook). -- __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
I don't really understand, but would be interested in more discussion on this. I think I understand that the apparent power of a signal to your ears/brain may vary even though the actual received power is the same. Commercials on TV seems much louder than the shows these days, but I'm hearing that the actual power stays the same. We can alter the TX or RX equalization in the K3, I think that means we can use a standard 100 watts, but change the apparent loudness we hear by focusing the power in the audio bands that are best heard or for the best intelligibility, and that varies according to age, long proximity to artillery/machines, and other factors. The Heil 4/5 mics give the same effect. That seems to mean that a standard S7 signal could sound like something else. I wonder how meaningful an S meter reading is. It seems that it is more important to tell the other op how well you are receiving their message (as apposed to their signal strength) and that is the result of more than the meter reading. Rich NU6T On 7/15/2010 5:49 AM, Robert Mitilieri - N9EF wrote: Thanks all for your comments. It's nice to get so much feedback so fast! While I'm not very concerned about this, I do like to use my S meter to give the Strength report and believe that an S7 signal should read S7 even if the RF gain is turned down a bit (just for info, I set the S meter to Absolute and have PRE and ATT off, don't have a Sub rcvr installed). I've heard many perfectly readable signals that sounded like they were S9 but were, to my surprise, an S3 or S5. Except for contests I like to send and receive accurate strength reports. Last night I ordered an XG2 and will align RF gain and the S meter when it arrives. I'll post again once I've completed the alignment. Till then I'll be on the air enjoying my awesome K3! On Jul 15, 2010, at 1:03 AM, The Smiths wrote: Check your RF gain calibration using the Elecraft Utility, check your S meter calibration. Make sure that you don't have something else like the Pre-amp on causing an error in the reading. Make sure that you don't have the Sub receiver on and the Sub AF audio up, or RF up causing it to look like it's getting stronger. r. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
Don I performed both functions and they pretty much delivered the expexted results. However, I noticed something I consider counter-intuitive. It is possible to engage PRE and ATT simultaneously. Is there any advantage to this? Paul, NU4C From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com To: Robert Mitilieri - N9EF n...@comcast.net Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thu, July 15, 2010 12:30:07 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior Robert, You are relying on your S-meter too much IMHO. If you have an S-3 noise level, the first attack is to turn off the preamp - if that does not reduce the noise level enough, then turn the Attenuator ON. snip __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
Aloha Peoples I rarely ever give the other station an s meter reading, Instead I usually describe how I am receiving him. S meter readings dont seem to tell me how well I am understanding what is being said by the other station. Grandmaw Susan If you don't change direction you WILL arrive exactly where you're headed!! Susan Meckley, Skipper W7KFI-mm AFA9SM USSV DHARMA --- On Thu, 7/15/10, Richard Hill reh...@ix.netcom.com wrote: From: Richard Hill reh...@ix.netcom.com Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 3:58 AM I don't really understand, but would be interested in more discussion on this. I think I understand that the apparent power of a signal to your ears/brain may vary even though the actual received power is the same. Commercials on TV seems much louder than the shows these days, but I'm hearing that the actual power stays the same. We can alter the TX or RX equalization in the K3, I think that means we can use a standard 100 watts, but change the apparent loudness we hear by focusing the power in the audio bands that are best heard or for the best intelligibility, and that varies according to age, long proximity to artillery/machines, and other factors. The Heil 4/5 mics give the same effect. That seems to mean that a standard S7 signal could sound like something else. I wonder how meaningful an S meter reading is. It seems that it is more important to tell the other op how well you are receiving their message (as apposed to their signal strength) and that is the result of more than the meter reading. Rich NU6T On 7/15/2010 5:49 AM, Robert Mitilieri - N9EF wrote: Thanks all for your comments. It's nice to get so much feedback so fast! While I'm not very concerned about this, I do like to use my S meter to give the Strength report and believe that an S7 signal should read S7 even if the RF gain is turned down a bit (just for info, I set the S meter to Absolute and have PRE and ATT off, don't have a Sub rcvr installed). I've heard many perfectly readable signals that sounded like they were S9 but were, to my surprise, an S3 or S5. Except for contests I like to send and receive accurate strength reports. Last night I ordered an XG2 and will align RF gain and the S meter when it arrives. I'll post again once I've completed the alignment. Till then I'll be on the air enjoying my awesome K3! On Jul 15, 2010, at 1:03 AM, The Smiths wrote: Check your RF gain calibration using the Elecraft Utility, check your S meter calibration. Make sure that you don't have something else like the Pre-amp on causing an error in the reading. Make sure that you don't have the Sub receiver on and the Sub AF audio up, or RF up causing it to look like it's getting stronger. r. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
I do understand that my statement below may not make sense for digital modes grin. Rich NU6T On 7/15/2010 6:58 AM, Richard Hill wrote: I don't really understand, but would be interested in more discussion on this. I think I understand that the apparent power of a signal to your ears/brain may vary even though the actual received power is the same. Commercials on TV seems much louder than the shows these days, but I'm hearing that the actual power stays the same. We can alter the TX or RX equalization in the K3, I think that means we can use a standard 100 watts, but change the apparent loudness we hear by focusing the power in the audio bands that are best heard or for the best intelligibility, and that varies according to age, long proximity to artillery/machines, and other factors. The Heil 4/5 mics give the same effect. That seems to mean that a standard S7 signal could sound like something else. I wonder how meaningful an S meter reading is. It seems that it is more important to tell the other op how well you are receiving their message (as apposed to their signal strength) and that is the result of more than the meter reading. Rich NU6T On 7/15/2010 5:49 AM, Robert Mitilieri - N9EF wrote: Thanks all for your comments. It's nice to get so much feedback so fast! While I'm not very concerned about this, I do like to use my S meter to give the Strength report and believe that an S7 signal should read S7 even if the RF gain is turned down a bit (just for info, I set the S meter to Absolute and have PRE and ATT off, don't have a Sub rcvr installed). I've heard many perfectly readable signals that sounded like they were S9 but were, to my surprise, an S3 or S5. Except for contests I like to send and receive accurate strength reports. Last night I ordered an XG2 and will align RF gain and the S meter when it arrives. I'll post again once I've completed the alignment. Till then I'll be on the air enjoying my awesome K3! On Jul 15, 2010, at 1:03 AM, The Smiths wrote: Check your RF gain calibration using the Elecraft Utility, check your S meter calibration. Make sure that you don't have something else like the Pre-amp on causing an error in the reading. Make sure that you don't have the Sub receiver on and the Sub AF audio up, or RF up causing it to look like it's getting stronger. r. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] List Rule change, PLEASE!
IMHO, I think the private answering originates from flaming the people answering questions, not on this reflector (there aren't any other reflectors like this one) like others, but it is a learned response that makes one wary and carrys across. It makes one not want to answer with a general fix or how to get started and improve later for fear the hard line purist will send a page of criticism that ONLY applies to purists with unlimited funding and the poor fellow asking just got his first radio and wants to know the minumum height of an 80 meter dipole or the number of radials for a vertical because the manual says it doesn't need any. His reaction to a battle on the reflector, is this what ham radio is like? If we make it a rule that all postings MUST be through the list Some reflectors only place the reflector email address in the response bar but one can still glean the actual email address from the message. Ask for it as you did, you can't force it. Flame suit on. 73, de Jim KG0KP __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] receive sensetivity down about six S units with amp in place.
I have a k2 which works fine but when I add the 100 watt amp the receive sensetivity drops several s units. I checked continuity and it seems good. The problem is in the amp board. what??? Don -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/receive-sensetivity-down-about-six-S-units-with-amp-in-place-tp5297461p5297461.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] eHam.net forum message
That would be great, Dick. Guy has a very valuable suggestion there. I know you've got a plate full before you, but if I had a nickel for every guy on this reflector that asked me (or that I asked) for their settings, I'd own four K3's instead of one. Thanks for your consideration on this. Terry, W0FM -Original Message- From: Dick Dievendorff [mailto:die...@comcast.net] Sent: Wednesday, July 14, 2010 2:52 PM To: Guy Olinger K2AV Cc: r...@aol.com; Elecraft Discussion List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] eHam.net forum message This is a huge undertaking, and the MCU config variables are a moving target. But it is (low) on my list of possible K3 Utility enhancements. Dick, K6KR Sent from my iPhone On Jul 14, 2010, at 12:41 PM, Guy Olinger K2AV olin...@bellsouth.net wrote: Would it be possible to add a function to the utility which creates a file which lists all the K3 settings and configurations and control settings when it is invoked? Something that could be cut and pasted into an email or attached? This would be useful for many problem resolve sessions. I'm thinking that there are real issues here, solving or identification made problematic by unintentionally fuzzy descriptions. IF this could be boiled down to a certain kind of signal and precisely defined settings producing a widely agreed upon result, there could be a resolution. It is very hard to code solutions to impressions, particularly it is not at all clear whether NR was on at the same time, what settings were in use, and whether IF and/or DSP in use for NB, etc, etc, etc. Backing off PRE/ATT/RFgain settings in a noisy situation definitely helps the clarity of DSP functions, but this tactic seems eternally to fall on deaf ears. It is clear in some posts that the term noise reduction is used when the NB functions of the K3 are being addressed. On the other side of this, I've never seen an analog radio nullify key clicks. I don't think we know everything that is possible with DSP processing in the digital realm given time? Very careful and precise descriptions would be helpful. 73, Guy. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Wiggly Mic Plug
Thank You Don, Exactly what I expected Thank You -Neil AC2O On Wed, Jul 14, 2010 at 11:21 PM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Neil, That is quite normal. The microphone jack pins are secured to the board, but there is some play between the pins and the shell/housing of the jack. The two standoffs are used as spacers to maintain the proper distance between the metalwork and the front panel board - and as you indicated, to prevent board flexing when a mic plug is removed. You can secure the mic jack shell by removing the left side panel and scraping some of the solder mask off the board ground plane close to the mic jack. Then with a large tipped soldering iron, heat the mic jack shell and the ground plane until the mic jack shell will flow solder - form a solder bridge between the shell and the ground plane. Grounding the mic jack shell is a good step to reducing the possibility of RF feedback, and should be done on all K2s with the KSB2 option installed. 73, Don W3FPR Neil Shubert wrote: Hi All, I am the proud new owner of a k2, ser# 2676 I have torn it apart and its been built really well. The only curious thing is the mic plug is a little wiggly and the 2 threaded standoffs next to the mic plug do not seem to be attached to anything, other than the board, as if they are there to prevent the board from being pulled forward. Does this sound normal? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] List Rule change, PLEASE!
Yet with that might there be a handy way to get included in the off list resolution? I've missed some of the most interesting resolutions because it has gone off list. (Some of us dig deeper.or are gluttons...) Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -Original Message- From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com Sender: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:40:12 To: NQ3RPj...@mcclun.com Reply-To: d...@w3fpr.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] List Rule change, PLEASE! John, I don't know what to say. I usually keep the first few exchanges 'on-list' just because there may be others interested. But if the problem resolution gets into deep details and requires a number of try this or try that, I take it off-list. I figure it is up to the person with the problem to post the results when we are finished. Sadly, you are correct, many do not. 73, Don W3FPR NQ3RP wrote: Eric, Wayne and Don - I have read approximately 1500 of the post on this list. I have found some of them very informative, while others are almost useless. Why? Because there needs to be a basic rule change. I appreciate the fact that you guys get back SO quickly when someone post a problem (ME). But 99 times out of 100 all the resolution and responses are done OFF LIST. So those of us who are doing research find NO resolution to the problem posted unless the poster comes back and says what they found. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] SPAM to Ck Out Re: WRTC - photo gallery]
GM, Every day for a number of days I must receive 10's of this email from Pete Smith via the Elecraft Reflector. I presume you guys and gals at Elecraft are aware of it. 73, Dick, K2ZR Original Message Subject:Re: [Elecraft] WRTC - photo gallery Date: Mon, 12 Jul 2010 07:19:41 -0400 From: Pete Smith n...@contesting.com Reply-To: n...@contesting.com To: Dale Harding K7DNH dh2...@sbcglobal.net CC: elecraft@mailman.qth.net References: 4c38f414.8090...@elecraft.com 1278837854307-5279517.p...@n2.nabble.com It's a good thing we contesters are smart and nice folks, cuz we sure aren't pretty. 73, Pete N4ZR The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com, spots at telnet.reversebeacon.net, port 7000 On 7/11/2010 4:44 AM, Dale Harding K7DNH wrote: There are several photos of the K3s at WRTC http://www.wrtc2010.ru/index_photo.php __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K2 For Sale
K2 For Sale: K2 (10 watt version) serial# 6207 with the following options: KNB2 Noise Blanker, KAF2 Audio Filter clock, K160RX 160M (assembled but not installed) With hard copy of manual. Very clean, no scratches, etc. Non-smoker Assembled by experienced technician (me!) Works great. $700 plus shipping to USA only. Sorry, no Paypal, but will accept your personal check or money order from US post office. Chip Owens NW0O __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 - low line output level
I have been trying to get set up to record CW contests, including both my CW and that of the people I'm working. In the process I'm having trouble with what seems to be a low LIN OUT level. I currently have it at a setting of 96 (!) and my monitor at a setting of 58, and when I send a string of dots while watching on an old, uncalibrated scope, I see only about .1 volts of audio. Meanwhile, the manual says that any setting of the LIN OUT level more than 10 should be avoided, but I find that even with these very high settings I have to run the gain controls on the sound card wide open to get even a low level of audio through. Am I missing a setting, or, alternatively, can anyone suggest some trouble-shooting parameters? This is a brand-new KIO3A board that I bought to replace one that had an RS-232 failure due to lightning. I have written to Elecraft support but thought in the meantime it wouldn't hurt to post on this list. -- 73, Pete N4ZR The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com, spots at telnet.reversebeacon.net, port 7000 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Very Efficient Ear Buds
I ordered two pair. One for use with my drums in my basement. The other as part of my home-brew sonic jewelry cleaner and freezer defroster! And to think, Guns 'n Roses only use the to HEAR THEMSELVES!!! What a waste. Terry, W0FM -Original Message- From: Tony Morgan [mailto:1desertdwel...@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 14, 2010 9:28 PM To: Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Very Efficient Ear Buds Yep, The price is also very reasonable, just ordered mine ;-) Kevin Rock wrote: I just heard about some ear buds which are quite efficient. They use multiple drivers for each frequency ranges. Here is a link to a description of them: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13645_3-20005384-47.html More here: http://www.jhaudio.com/store/ I think it would be fun to test them in the field. 73, Kevin. KD5ONS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 - low line output level
73, Pete N4ZR The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com, spots at telnet.reversebeacon.net, port 7000 I have been trying to get set up to record CW contests, including both my CW and that of the people I'm working. In the process I'm having trouble with what seems to be a low LIN OUT level. I currently have it at a setting of 96 (!) and my monitor at a setting of 58, and when I send a string of dots while watching on an old, uncalibrated scope, I see only about .1 volts of audio. Meanwhile, the manual says that any setting of the LIN OUT level more than 10 should be avoided, but I find that even with these very high settings I have to run the gain controls on the sound card wide open to get even a low level of audio through. Am I missing a setting, or, alternatively, can anyone suggest some trouble-shooting parameters? This is a brand-new KIO3A board that I bought to replace one that had an RS-232 failure due to lightning. I have written to Elecraft support but thought in the meantime it wouldn't hurt to post on this list. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] SPAM to Ck Out Re: WRTC - photo gallery]
This is a problem between qth.net and an Internet outfit called Interbridge.net. QTH tech support is working on it, but it is difficult to solve, apparently. 73, Pete N4ZR The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com, spots at telnet.reversebeacon.net, port 7000 On 7/15/2010 10:47 AM, Dick, K2ZR wrote: GM, Every day for a number of days I must receive 10's of this email from Pete Smith via the Elecraft Reflector. I presume you guys and gals at Elecraft are aware of it. 73, Dick, K2ZR Original Message Subject: Re: [Elecraft] WRTC - photo gallery Date: Mon, 12 Jul 2010 07:19:41 -0400 From: Pete Smithn...@contesting.com Reply-To: n...@contesting.com To: Dale Harding K7DNHdh2...@sbcglobal.net CC: elecraft@mailman.qth.net References: 4c38f414.8090...@elecraft.com 1278837854307-5279517.p...@n2.nabble.com It's a good thing we contesters are smart and nice folks, cuz we sure aren't pretty. 73, Pete N4ZR The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com, spots at telnet.reversebeacon.net, port 7000 On 7/11/2010 4:44 AM, Dale Harding K7DNH wrote: There are several photos of the K3s at WRTC http://www.wrtc2010.ru/index_photo.php __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - WRTC Customs Pro Forma listings
Are you sure about that Wayne? You designed and produced the transceiver that a great many top contesters think is the BEST AVAILABLE, regardless of price and at the same time kept it small enough to carry on an iron bird and kept the price at an affordable amount. I can't think of any possible more powerful influence. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ From: Wayne Burdick n...@elecraft.com To: lrom...@ij.net lrom...@ij.net Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thu, July 15, 2010 2:44:54 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - WRTC Customs Pro Forma listings Elecraft didn't influence anyone's WRTC rig choice. It's possible some of our customers did. If so, thanks :) Wayne N6KR Lu Romero lrom...@ij.net wrote: Incredibly interesting between-the-lines reading here. http://www.wrtc2010.ru/press/R3_license_for_SVO.pdf http://www.wrtc2010.ru/press/R3_license_for_DME.pdf What I find amazing in these lists is... __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - WRTC Customs Pro Forma listings
While I do love me some Elecraft, what I find most amazing, and motivating, about the WRTC scores are the antennas and power levels they used: http://www.wrtc2010.ru/?id=23 * 20/15/10 m tri-bander with one feed line and PL-259 male connector on 12m tower with antenna rotator and control unit * 40 m Inverted V dipole with feed line and PL-259 male connector * 80 m Inverted V dipole with feed line and PL-259 male connector * 2 x 100 watts peak power monitors with the 80v at about 11m and the 40 at 10m, I assume attached to the same tower. Three to 4 thousand QSO's and 3 to 4 megapoints with 100 watts, one transmitter at a time on a too-low tower? Incredible, motivating, and a bit depressing as it puts paid to a cherished complaint: it's my antennas fault! Byron KI6NUL K1 #2799 wayne burdick wrote: Elecraft didn't influence anyone's WRTC rig choice. It's possible some of our customers did. If so, thanks :) -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-WRTC-Customs-Pro-Forma-listings-tp5295782p5298036.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
TheSmiths said: 559 still MEANS Receive Excellent, Signal 5 S UNITS, Tone Excellent. Actually, this statement is inaccurate and the RST code never specifies S meter readings but this perception is a common misconception. 559 means Readability Excellent, Fairly Strong Signals, Perfect tone, no trace of ripple or modulation of any kind. The S-meter reading has little to do with the RST or RS report. RST is a subjective code and depends on an operator's opinion of the signal. An S-meter reading is a stand alone method of comparing relative signal strength that may help support an operator's opinion when needed. The RST code is fully explained at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RST_code 73, Bob K5WA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
What a silly question.. Again, some of you guys just have to be so over technical about EVERYTHING. I'm certain that sometimes being TOO smart can be a detriment to your own self. This is an S meter, it's used by some to give an S report. Part of an RST.. This isn't a scientific calibration device.. If you're talking to someone in XYZ QTH and you have your antenna pointed at XYZ's location, or you have an omni directional antenna and it's receiving XYZ location at 4 S units, and You can hear them clearly and their tone is correct.. They have an RS(T) of 54(9). Sorry dave, it's really just that simple. If you've set a standard for your S meter during it's calibration then S 4 means 4.. Not oh my goodness is there gain on my antenna, do I need to factor in his azimuth and the arrival angle of his signal to my antenna.. JUST STOP, and enjoy your hobby for a change, don't over think it. Or even worse, try to be technical to impress people on the reflector. We all know that there are a lot of guys on here that know a LOT about a LOT of things... But they don't need to try to impress nor answer EVERYONE with their knowledge EVERY time. Save it for when it really counts, not on how to read an S meter. Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:27:40 -0700 From: xda...@cis-broadband.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior Just curious ... how do you factor in the uncertainty of the gain/loss of your antenna and any impact of its pattern, both bearing and azimuth relative to the actual arrival angle, while you're trying to accurately tell the guy on the other end how strong his RF is as it crosses your property line? I'd be willing to bet that there is more variability in that than there is inaccuracy in the K3 S-meter. You're just kidding yourself if you think differently. 73, Dave AB7E On 7/14/2010 11:03 PM, The Smiths wrote: I'm sorry Don, I know that you're trying to be helpful here. And your advice about turning on the Attenuator, and turning off the pre is all good advice for sure. But honestly.. Let's be serious.. We're not all contesters, and there are actually some of us that really hate that whole 599 5/9 report when it's not warranted. I for one would like to be able to count on my meter to tell me the actual signal level of a station I'm talking to. I'm sure that Wayne intended this much as well. This is a $1900 plus rig, it should be accurate based on the 50uv that you suggested that he set it to with an S9. Sure we can all GUESS at what a persons RST is, and of course I've done it too.. But giving advice to ignore the S meter is just a way of saying you don't know what to tell the guy. If that's the case, then just don't say anything, or tell him what you can to fix the problem. Your answer was no better than someone that gets directions from a person that has no idea where the address he's been asked for is, but he just feels like he HAS to help, so he guides the people asking in the wrong direction. The answer is, I've never seen this issue before where turning down the RF gain will cause a signal to Improve in S meter strength. Especially not on my K3. If that were the case I would keep lowering my RF gain all day long until everyone was an S9. There's SOMETHING going on with your rig. Check your RF gain calibration using the Elecraft Utility, check your S meter calibration. Make sure that you don't have something else like the Pre-amp on causing an error in the reading. Make sure that you don't have the Sub receiver on and the Sub AF audio up, or RF up causing it to look like it's getting stronger. These are some of the things that I can offer you. None of them may be the case, but at least it's a starting spot, not just an Ignore your 2,000 dollar rig's S meter. 559 still MEANS Receive Excellent, Signal 5 S UNITS, Tone Excellent. Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:30:07 -0400 From: w3...@embarqmail.com To: n...@comcast.net CC: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior Robert, You are relying on your S-meter too much IMHO. Yes, all that has nothing to do with the actual reading of the S-meter, but it is just good operating sense. just ignore the reading and give signal reports as you hear them - 59 (or 599) for a good strong signal, S-7 for perfect copy from a not so strong signal and S-5 for all the others that you can copy with some difficulty. For those below that level, you are not copying them anyway, so a signal report number is a moot point. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email
Re: [Elecraft] Deaf KX-1 - repost
Well Don, I'm hoping I've found the problem. In removing the atu board as part of the strip down to check toroids etc, I noticed that the pin of P1 nearest the side of the kx1 on the atu board appeared unsoldered. In the many times I have had this unit apart I had never noticed this before. Fortunately, although many miles from home in a foreign land, I have a miniature butane powered iron in the toolkit in the car. I even found some solder! The rx sounds much livelier now and I am seeing more power output! Thanks for the advice anyway. I probably would not have opened the radio up again to look were it not for your suggestions! 73 Stephen On Thursday, July 15, 2010, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Stephen, Since the KXB3080 is already installed, check the number of turns carefully on L1, L2 and T2 to make certain you do not have an extra turn. T2 has 33 turns on the red winding, and L1 and L2 each need 9 turns on the green winding (the red winding is only used on 80). All else remains the same. 73, Don W3FPR Stephen Prior wrote: Many thanks Don, I shall have to wait until my return home for a scope but I shall certainly have a close visual inspection. I should have added however, that the radio has both the 30/80 board and the auto atu - I don't know whether that will change your diagnosis. 73 Stephen On Thursday, July 15, 2010, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Stephen, While the MDS of the KX1 is not quite as good on 20 as it is on 40, there should not be such a substantial difference. I would first suggest that you check the oscillator injection at the mixer U6 pin 6 on 20 meters - it must be greater than 200 mV peak to peak (70 mV RMS) for the mixer to work at full capability. If it is low, check the 14 MHz LPF for proper values and good soldering. Could it be that one of the tiny inductors (L4 or L5) were injured? The next step is to measure the MDS on both 40 and 20 using the XG2 and the method outlined in the XG2 manual. How many dB down is 20 from 40? Yes, the KX1 is not quite a sensitive on 20 meters as it is on 40, but the 20 meter MDS should still be respectable - and should be better than -126 dBm. There is another cure, and that is to add the KXB3080. The front end of the receiver is changed with that option and has a higher Q than the stock KX1 front end. 73, Don W3FPR Stephen Prior wrote: I never had a reply to my original posting from April, so thought I would fish for advice again. What has prompted me to repost is a qso just a few minutes ago with a GW on 20m (I'm in south-west France at the moment) where he gave me 579 (I was running 3W) and I could barely hear him. In the end I lost him completely. Here's the original posting I have always felt that on 20m the KX-1 is much quieter in terms of background noise compared with the 3 other bands. Having just bought a XG2 on ebay, I have been comparing receive performance at the 1uV level between 40m and 20m. There's no doubt that the s/n ratio on 40m is better by several dB (not measured, so a subjective observation). I have checked the alignment by adjustment of the trimmers 20a and 20b and found that the tuning was already pretty much on the nose. So the question is, is there anywhere else I should look? I have checked both with and without the built-in ATU and reached the same conclusion. I'd be grateful for any pointers. Tnx and 73 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
As far as I have ever known, the S-meter reading has nothing to do with the S of RST signal report. The S is itself defined as the somewhat subjective measure of how strong the signal appears to be (see the definition of each of the numbers from 1 to 9). I do admit that many people use the S-meter reading as some kind of measure for giving the S of RST but officially the S of RST is not an S-meter value. On Jul 15, 2010, at 9:08 AM, The Smiths wrote: What a silly question.. Again, some of you guys just have to be so over technical about EVERYTHING. I'm certain that sometimes being TOO smart can be a detriment to your own self. This is an S meter, it's used by some to give an S report. Part of an RST.. This isn't a scientific calibration device.. If you're talking to someone in XYZ QTH and you have your antenna pointed at XYZ's location, or you have an omni directional antenna and it's receiving XYZ location at 4 S units, and You can hear them clearly and their tone is correct.. They have an RS(T) of 54(9). Sorry dave, it's really just that simple. If you've set a standard for your S meter during it's calibration then S 4 means 4.. Not oh my goodness is there gain on my antenna, do I need to factor in his azimuth and the arrival angle of his signal to my antenna.. JUST STOP, and enjoy your hobby for a change, don't over think it. Or even worse, try to be technical to impress people on the reflector. We all know that there are a lot of guys on here that know a LOT about a LOT of things... But they don't need to try to impress nor answer EVERYONE with their knowledge EVERY time. Save it for when it really counts, not on how to read an S meter. Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:27:40 -0700 From: xda...@cis-broadband.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior Just curious ... how do you factor in the uncertainty of the gain/loss of your antenna and any impact of its pattern, both bearing and azimuth relative to the actual arrival angle, while you're trying to accurately tell the guy on the other end how strong his RF is as it crosses your property line? I'd be willing to bet that there is more variability in that than there is inaccuracy in the K3 S-meter. You're just kidding yourself if you think differently. 73, Dave AB7E On 7/14/2010 11:03 PM, The Smiths wrote: I'm sorry Don, I know that you're trying to be helpful here. And your advice about turning on the Attenuator, and turning off the pre is all good advice for sure. But honestly.. Let's be serious.. We're not all contesters, and there are actually some of us that really hate that whole 599 5/9 report when it's not warranted. I for one would like to be able to count on my meter to tell me the actual signal level of a station I'm talking to. I'm sure that Wayne intended this much as well. This is a $1900 plus rig, it should be accurate based on the 50uv that you suggested that he set it to with an S9. Sure we can all GUESS at what a persons RST is, and of course I've done it too.. But giving advice to ignore the S meter is just a way of saying you don't know what to tell the guy. If that's the case, then just don't say anything, or tell him what you can to fix the problem. Your answer was no better than someone that gets directions from a person that has no idea where the address he's been asked for is, but he just feels like he HAS to help, so he guides the people asking in the wrong direction. The answer is, I've never seen this issue before where turning down the RF gain will cause a signal to Improve in S meter strength. Especially not on my K3. If that were the case I would keep lowering my RF gain all day long until everyone was an S9. There's SOMETHING going on with your rig. Check your RF gain calibration using the Elecraft Utility, check your S meter calibration. Make sure that you don't have something else like the Pre-amp on causing an error in the reading. Make sure that you don't have the Sub receiver on and the Sub AF audio up, or RF up causing it to look like it's getting stronger. These are some of the things that I can offer you. None of them may be the case, but at least it's a starting spot, not just an Ignore your 2,000 dollar rig's S meter. 559 still MEANS Receive Excellent, Signal 5 S UNITS, Tone Excellent. Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:30:07 -0400 From: w3...@embarqmail.com To: n...@comcast.net CC: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior Robert, You are relying on your S-meter too much IMHO. Yes, all that has nothing to do with the actual reading of the S-meter, but it is just good operating sense. just ignore the reading and give signal reports as you hear them - 59 (or 599) for a good strong signal, S-7 for perfect copy from a not so strong signal and S-5 for all the others that you
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
Personally, I would prefer that the s-meter not operate in this way in ABS mode. RF Gain should have no effect on the s-meter action when in ABS mode, just as ATT and PRE do not. It would probably screw up (highly technical term) how the system works, or require a separate receiver just for the S meter. The RF gain must be ahead of the DSP system. This means the real signal level to the DSP could be reduced 30 dB or even significantly more than that amount. How and why would someone design a DSP system that could measure the level on a signal that was not actually present??? There is no cheap or easy way to do that, so Elecraft does what everyone else does. Ever since receivers began, the RF gain will either affect the absolute S meter reading in relationship to input level, or the S meter will show the increase in gain reduction by increasing resting S meter reading as the gain is reduced. I think you want something that cannot be done. Besides, S meter are pretty much meaningless anyway. I only use mine to tell me when I need to use an attenuator pad or a preamp. 73 Tom __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
I'll take a stab at trying to explain how the s-meter works. Now the K3 may do it differently since it may be done by the DSP, but in normal analog radios, the IF is tapped at some point and goes to a noise amplifier and detector. This produces a varying dc signal that is used by the AGC circuit to control either RF gain or IF gain or both depending on the design. Usually the s-meter reads this varying dc level. RF gain allow the operator to shift AGC by adding a dc bias up or down, thus it should affect receiver gain. lowering RF gain lowers both noise and signal which may permit the receiver to operate at a better level for extracting the signal (i.e it sounds quieter). But by varying the AGC level the s-meter is fed a constant dc bias as well (typically the s-meter rises). In some designs the noise amplifier also drives the NB. So saying the s-meter is showing the level that would be needed to be heard is a little wrong. S-meter readings with RF gain reduced are just not calibrated and thus of little use. To divorce the s-meter from AGC takes more circuitry and it sounds like the K3 has that ability by use of the ABS mode (I leave it to the K3 experts to explain this if they desire). Loudness of audio and strength of signal are not the same, usually. In SSB there is a more direct connection as there is no carrier transmitted. In FM often audio can be set too low (low deviation) and still see a S9+ signal. Data mode don't usually speak in terms of loudness (unless your brain can decode FSK or PSK signals - little joke!). In general loudness is a function of modulation and not signal strength. But obviously this is a gross generalization and not very exact. 73, Ed - KL7UW -- Message: 30 Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:49:27 -0400 From: drewko drew...@verizon.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior To: The Smiths notforc...@hotmail.com Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: cb4u365nmms5oa7ob5pnbbs2qli30qh...@4ax.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii The way I understand it, turning donw the RF Gain does not improve the signal's s-meter strength. The increasing level of the s-meter as you reduce the RF Gain indicates the level that a signal would need to attain in order to be heard. For example, if you turn the RF Gain to 12 o'clock you will only be able to detect signals that are approx S9+30db or greater. Personally, I would prefer that the s-meter not operate in this way in ABS mode. RF Gain should have no effect on the s-meter action when in ABS mode, just as ATT and PRE do not. 73, Drew AF2Z 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-QRT*, 432-100w, 1296-QRT*, 3400-fall 2010 DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
Actually the S meter is used so the Strength of the signal report is *not* subjective, that's reserved for Readability. I firmly believe that the Strength report must *not* be subjective, why else ever put a meter to measure signal Strength? In the case of signal Strength we *must* differentiate between perception and reality so we can let different stations know how strong their signals are received at our location, not how loud they sound; the two can be vastly different. ...and use of the S meter to report signal strength is supported by the referenced link: The S stands for Strength. Strength is an assessment of how powerful the received signal is at the receiving location. Although an accurate signal strength meter can determine a quantitative value for signal strength, in practice this portion of the RST code is a qualitative assessment, often made based on the S meter of the radio receiver at the location of signal reception. On Jul 15, 2010, at 11:00 AM, K5WA wrote: TheSmiths said: 559 still MEANS Receive Excellent, Signal 5 S UNITS, Tone Excellent. Actually, this statement is inaccurate and the RST code never specifies S meter readings but this perception is a common misconception. 559 means Readability Excellent, Fairly Strong Signals, Perfect tone, no trace of ripple or modulation of any kind. The S-meter reading has little to do with the RST or RS report. RST is a subjective code and depends on an operator's opinion of the signal. An S-meter reading is a stand alone method of comparing relative signal strength that may help support an operator's opinion when needed. The RST code is fully explained at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RST_code __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
Rich, You DO tell the other person how you are receiving them.. That's the R part of the report READABILITY... If you have difficultly with copy of their signal you can go from 1 to 5 with that report. The S meter still tells you how well their signal strength is at your QTH. Even if you have a Superdupper rig that can filter every bit of noise out of the signal chain, and you can hear them as if they were sitting right next to you, it doesn't mean that the standard for Signal strength has changed. The guy on the other end of the radio just wants to know how well he's pushing your meter up and down with his antenna set up (and your antenna as part of that factor).. The readability part will let him know if his rig is doing a good job of filtering the noise so he can copy you. I've had RST reports of 379 because the other person could clearly see that my signal strength was there, but the QRN was keeping him from having clear copy of it. With your method and a loud noise floor I would have most likely got a 419 instead. Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 06:58:27 -0700 From: reh...@ix.netcom.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior I don't really understand, but would be interested in more discussion on this. I think I understand that the apparent power of a signal to your ears/brain may vary even though the actual received power is the same. Commercials on TV seems much louder than the shows these days, but I'm hearing that the actual power stays the same. We can alter the TX or RX equalization in the K3, I think that means we can use a standard 100 watts, but change the apparent loudness we hear by focusing the power in the audio bands that are best heard or for the best intelligibility, and that varies according to age, long proximity to artillery/machines, and other factors. The Heil 4/5 mics give the same effect. That seems to mean that a standard S7 signal could sound like something else. I wonder how meaningful an S meter reading is. It seems that it is more important to tell the other op how well you are receiving their message (as apposed to their signal strength) and that is the result of more than the meter reading. _ The New Busy is not the old busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:042010_3 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
Yes, you can change the gain structure of your receiver. If you want -20dB turn on the ATT, if you want plus 6dB put on the Pre, turn them both on and you've only cut -14dB.. My numbers may be off, but the theory is still there. It's just about having the ability for variables in your adjustments. Or you can just think of it as a little less ATT.. Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 06:59:37 -0700 From: n...@bellsouth.net To: d...@w3fpr.com CC: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior Don I performed both functions and they pretty much delivered the expexted results. However, I noticed something I consider counter-intuitive. It is possible to engage PRE and ATT simultaneously. Is there any advantage to this? Paul, NU4C From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com To: Robert Mitilieri - N9EF n...@comcast.net Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thu, July 15, 2010 12:30:07 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior Robert, You are relying on your S-meter too much IMHO. If you have an S-3 noise level, the first attack is to turn off the preamp - if that does not reduce the noise level enough, then turn the Attenuator ON. snip __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html _ The New Busy think 9 to 5 is a cute idea. Combine multiple calendars with Hotmail. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?tile=multicalendarocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:042010_5 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - WRTC Customs Pro Forma listings
On Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:03:06 -0400, Lu Romero wrote: But they both showed up with K3's. So did most of the competitors! Why? Two very simple reasons. 1) Anyone who has used one in a multi- transmitter environment, or in a major contest, knows that the K3 has the best behaviour of any available rig in the presence of strong signals in a contesting environment. 2) Its feature set and user interface was strongly influenced by top contesters, including some of those who took their own radios to WRTC. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] List Rule change, PLEASE!
I always go under the assumption that if one guy wants to know something, several other list members do too. The only times I respond off list are when I am reasonably sure that no one but the person asking the question cares about the answer, or when the exchange needs to get very detailed to solve a unique problam (as W3FPR often does). 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] SPAM to Ck Out Re: WRTC - photo gallery]
Pete, Thanks for the head's up. 73, Dick, K2ZR Pete Smith wrote: This is a problem between qth.net and an Internet outfit called Interbridge.net. QTH tech support is working on it, but it is difficult to solve, apparently. 73, Pete N4ZR The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com, spots at telnet.reversebeacon.net, port 7000 On 7/15/2010 10:47 AM, Dick, K2ZR wrote: GM, Every day for a number of days I must receive 10's of this email from Pete Smith via the Elecraft Reflector. I presume you guys and gals at Elecraft are aware of it. 73, Dick, K2ZR Original Message Subject: Re: [Elecraft] WRTC - photo gallery Date: Mon, 12 Jul 2010 07:19:41 -0400 From: Pete Smithn...@contesting.com Reply-To: n...@contesting.com To: Dale Harding K7DNHdh2...@sbcglobal.net CC: elecraft@mailman.qth.net References: 4c38f414.8090...@elecraft.com 1278837854307-5279517.p...@n2.nabble.com It's a good thing we contesters are smart and nice folks, cuz we sure aren't pretty. 73, Pete N4ZR The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com, spots at telnet.reversebeacon.net, port 7000 On 7/11/2010 4:44 AM, Dale Harding K7DNH wrote: There are several photos of the K3s at WRTC http://www.wrtc2010.ru/index_photo.php __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Let's Try This Again -- was [K3] ... A 750 Hz, 8-Pole ... Filter?
On Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:53:10 +0100, Ian White GM3SEK wrote: Agreed. 250-270Hz would be the sweet spot for an 8-pole filter, to guarantee good sales for the manufacturer *and* good performance for a range of users in heavy QRM. Now let's see if Inrad or Elecraft take the bait :-) Hang on a minute, guys. Inrad builds a nominal 250 Hz filter, Elecraft tests and re-sells it, and we buy it, because we've agreed that it's a sweet spot operationally. The issue is that it's wider than than at the -3dB points. So the problem appears to be that it's pretty difficult to build an 8-pole 250 Hz filter at 8.8 MHz, and that Inrad has given up on doing better. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
Has there -ever- been a subject in ham radio that's generated as much argument and discussion over the years? I think not. 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
Exactly! Regardless of the fact that in 1934 (as was indicated to me in off reflector email) we used to not use the meter for the S report, at some time (1970's when proper calibration and standardizations' came about) we were able to shift that OLD antiquated 1934's definition over to a STANDARDIZED S meter reading as part of the RST. Now R is just that, Readability. How well can you copy someone. S is Strength of the meter, which everyone should have set to the same approximate level, and T for quality of tone. Some old habits die hard. Not everything first invented in Ham radio has to be forced until the world ends. Much to some peoples Chagrin, we DO evolve as ham radio operators. From: n...@comcast.net Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:38:09 -0500 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior Actually the S meter is used so the Strength of the signal report is *not* subjective, that's reserved for Readability. I firmly believe that the Strength report must *not* be subjective, why else ever put a meter to measure signal Strength? In the case of signal Strength we *must* differentiate between perception and reality so we can let different stations know how strong their signals are received at our location, not how loud they sound; the two can be vastly different. ...and use of the S meter to report signal strength is supported by the referenced link: The S stands for Strength. Strength is an assessment of how powerful the received signal is at the receiving location. Although an accurate signal strength meter can determine a quantitative value for signal strength, in practice this portion of the RST code is a qualitative assessment, often made based on the S meter of the radio receiver at the location of signal reception. On Jul 15, 2010, at 11:00 AM, K5WA wrote: TheSmiths said: 559 still MEANS Receive Excellent, Signal 5 S UNITS, Tone Excellent. Actually, this statement is inaccurate and the RST code never specifies S meter readings but this perception is a common misconception. 559 means Readability Excellent, Fairly Strong Signals, Perfect tone, no trace of ripple or modulation of any kind. The S-meter reading has little to do with the RST or RS report. RST is a subjective code and depends on an operator's opinion of the signal. An S-meter reading is a stand alone method of comparing relative signal strength that may help support an operator's opinion when needed. The RST code is fully explained at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RST_code __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html _ The New Busy is not the old busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:042010_3 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] List Rule change, PLEASE!
On Jul 15, 2010, at 10:10 AM, Jim Brown wrote: I always go under the assumption that if one guy wants to know something, several other list members do too. I usually go off list, which I very often do, when the question gets specific. Stuff like K3 sees no transmit audio from cocoaModem. There are not enough cocoaModem users to waste bandwidth on. 73 Chen, W7AY __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
Regardless of the fact that in 1934 (as was indicated to me in off reflector email) we used to not use the meter for the S report, at some time (1970's when proper calibration and standardizations' came about) we were able to shift that OLD antiquated 1934's definition over to a STANDARDIZED S meter reading as part of the RST. There may be a standard some people believe in, but it is a paper standard that never took hold. Drake used 5 db per S unit as a goal, ICOM about the same. Collins was down around 3 dB per S unit as a target. Most receivers are around 1 dB or so per S unit down around S 1, and very few prior to digital processing were ever remotely linear over the S range. My FT1000MP MKV, sitting in front of me now, is 2 S units per 6 dB at S8 and the very same 6 db pad drops it from S5 to S0 (it has that scale point, even though there is no such thing). I've never measured the K3 for many reasons. S meters historically have been very poor, absolute signal level at a receiver is not an indication of field strength in volts-per-meter, volts-per-meter is not a constant indication of S/N ratio or even how loud a signal is, and so on. This whole thing is an exercise similar to arguing how to measure plate milliamps using #47 light bulb. How would Elecraft or anyone else measure the meaningless S units of an S3 signal when RF gain is set so the DSP only sees an S5 signal at the lowest signal sensitivity? Why work to know what isn't even important, and what is never useful? 73 Tom __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Let's Try This Again -- was [K3] ... A 750 Hz, 8-Pole ... Filter?
It *is* difficult to build very narrow 8-pole filters with low loss. That's one reason Elecraft offers a 5-pole, 200-Hz unit. 5 poles is entirely adequate at these narrow widths. Our 2-kHz IMD dynamic range using the 200-Hz filter is outstanding. We've had some requests to offer a 270 or 300-Hz 5-pole filter, which would be better optimized for narrow-shift RTTY than the 200-Hz filter. We're also considering a dual-passband filter (500/270 or 500/300) that would fit in one slot. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jul 15, 2010, at 10:18 AM, Jim Brown wrote: On Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:53:10 +0100, Ian White GM3SEK wrote: Agreed. 250-270Hz would be the sweet spot for an 8-pole filter, to guarantee good sales for the manufacturer *and* good performance for a range of users in heavy QRM. Now let's see if Inrad or Elecraft take the bait :-) Hang on a minute, guys. Inrad builds a nominal 250 Hz filter, Elecraft tests and re-sells it, and we buy it, because we've agreed that it's a sweet spot operationally. The issue is that it's wider than than at the -3dB points. So the problem appears to be that it's pretty difficult to build an 8-pole 250 Hz filter at 8.8 MHz, and that Inrad has given up on doing better. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
On Jul 15, 2010, at 12:52 PM, Tom W8JI wrote: There may be a standard some people believe in, but it is a paper standard that never took hold. I always thought the standard was you're 5x9 here OM, and please repeat your call, QTH and my signal report :-) Grant/NQ5T __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
As this drifts further from the original topic... I find it amusing that a station will ask me to repeat my callsign and name several times, and then give me a 59 report. I think I messed up several people over the weekend contest by giving them 5-7 08 reports instead of what they expected. One station actually lost their contest tempo when I came back with 45 zone 8. Working back toward the original topic... I generally give signal reports based on what I think the signal would be with the RF gain fully clockwise, and attenuator and preamp both turned off. To me, that would be the natural and unmodified smeter reading. (I've never given better than 57 on 10 meters.) This best meets my understanding of what that portion of the signal report should be: A report of signal level as it is received by my rig (and not a signal level as my rig has modified it.) Of course, I'm a newbie ham, so I'm probably doing it all wrong. 73 - Gary / k3wow On Jul 15, 2010, at 1:21 PM, The Smiths wrote: Exactly! Regardless of the fact that in 1934 (as was indicated to me in off reflector email) we used to not use the meter for the S report, at some time (1970's when proper calibration and standardizations' came about) we were able to shift that OLD antiquated 1934's definition over to a STANDARDIZED S meter reading as part of the RST. Now R is just that, Readability. How well can you copy someone. S is Strength of the meter, which everyone should have set to the same approximate level, and T for quality of tone. Some old habits die hard. Not everything first invented in Ham radio has to be forced until the world ends. Much to some peoples Chagrin, we DO evolve as ham radio operators. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] For KX-1 fans -- some real simple ways to pack up some outboard batteries...
A tidy arrangement, but I would have one less set of connectors in series with the battery, possibly more: either I would solder the wires direct to the KX1 pcb, or, not to spoil the KX1, I would eliminate the power poles. The fuse and holder will drop quite a lot of precious mV as well, so I would be tempted to solder directly to the fuse or use fuse wire without the holder soldered direct to the battery box terminal, then a joint to the supply wire. David G3UNA Hi folks, Just in case anyone is looking for some very simple ideas on packing up some external AAs for the KX-1 or other small QRP rigs... http://wilcoxengineering.com/projects/amateur-projects/42-bat-pak http://w1pns.wordpress.com/2010/07/14/power-to-the-peanut-whistle/ With best regards, Pete -- Peter N. Spotts -- W1PNS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior [END of Thread]
This topic has easily exceeded the 'Too many postings' limit. Time to end this topic for now. In the future, on a high volume topic like this, please self regulate. :-) 73, Eric WA6HHQ Elecraft List modulator __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Let's Try This Again -- was [K3] ... A 750 Hz, 8-Pole ... Filter?
Jim Brown-10 wrote: The issue is that it's wider than than at the -3dB points. So the problem appears to be that it's pretty difficult to build an 8-pole 250 Hz filter at 8.8 MHz, and that Inrad has given up on doing better. Inrad currently offers an 8-pole 125 Hz at 5.7 MHz: http://www.inrad.net/product.php?productid=179cat=100 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Let-s-Try-This-Again-was-K3-A-750-Hz-8-Pole-Filter-tp5290695p5298700.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] List Rule change, PLEASE! [END of thread]
Let's end this thread. In general, if a topic is taken off list to discuss, which is always OKk, please also post the final resolution to the list so others can benefit from the results. This will save on future questions on the same topic posted to the list. in general, it is outside of the guidelines to argue what should, and should not be posted to the list on the list itself. That just clogs up everything for others reading the list. Please send those requests to me, the list moderator for consideration. 73, Eric WA6HHQ List Modulator __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
Did you mean The readability part will let him know if _your_ rig is doing a good job of filtering.. instead of The readability part will let him know if _his_ rig is doing a good job of filtering...? ' 73, Mike NF4L On 7/15/2010 12:38 PM, The Smiths wrote: Rich, You DO tell the other person how you are receiving them.. That's the R part of the report READABILITY... If you have difficultly with copy of their signal you can go from 1 to 5 with that report. The S meter still tells you how well their signal strength is at your QTH. Even if you have a Superdupper rig that can filter every bit of noise out of the signal chain, and you can hear them as if they were sitting right next to you, it doesn't mean that the standard for Signal strength has changed. The guy on the other end of the radio just wants to know how well he's pushing your meter up and down with his antenna set up (and your antenna as part of that factor).. The readability part will let him know if his rig is doing a good job of filtering the noise so he can copy you. I've had RST reports of 379 because the other person could clearly see that my signal strength was there, but the QRN was keeping him from having clear copy of it. With your method and a loud noise floor I would have most likely got a 419 instead. Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 06:58:27 -0700 From: reh...@ix.netcom.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior I don't really understand, but would be interested in more discussion on this. I think I understand that the apparent power of a signal to your ears/brain may vary even though the actual received power is the same. Commercials on TV seems much louder than the shows these days, but I'm hearing that the actual power stays the same. We can alter the TX or RX equalization in the K3, I think that means we can use a standard 100 watts, but change the apparent loudness we hear by focusing the power in the audio bands that are best heard or for the best intelligibility, and that varies according to age, long proximity to artillery/machines, and other factors. The Heil 4/5 mics give the same effect. That seems to mean that a standard S7 signal could sound like something else. I wonder how meaningful an S meter reading is. It seems that it is more important to tell the other op how well you are receiving their message (as apposed to their signal strength) and that is the result of more than the meter reading. _ The New Busy is not the old busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:042010_3 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] For KX-1 fans -- some real simple ways to pack up some outboard batteries...
David, Anytime you're talking portable, there's always the risk of connecting something wrong, even when we know better! IMHO, I'd gladly sacrifice a few mV just to know that a blockhead goof-up that I make won't smoke something. 73, Alan Alan D. Wilcox, W3DVX (K2-5373, K3-40) 570-321-1516 http://WilcoxEngineering.com Williamsport, PA 17701 David Cutter wrote: A tidy arrangement, but I would have one less set of connectors in series with the battery, possibly more: either I would solder the wires direct to the KX1 pcb, or, not to spoil the KX1, I would eliminate the power poles. The fuse and holder will drop quite a lot of precious mV as well, so I would be tempted to solder directly to the fuse or use fuse wire without the holder soldered direct to the battery box terminal, then a joint to the supply wire. David G3UNA Hi folks, Just in case anyone is looking for some very simple ideas on packing up some external AAs for the KX-1 or other small QRP rigs... http://wilcoxengineering.com/projects/amateur-projects/42-bat-pak http://w1pns.wordpress.com/2010/07/14/power-to-the-peanut-whistle/ With best regards, Pete -- Peter N. Spotts -- W1PNS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Very Efficient Ear Buds
On 7/14/2010 7:27 PM, Tony Morgan wrote: http://www.jhaudio.com/store/ Yep, The price is also very reasonable, just ordered mine ;-) I read the ad. Twice. I read your message. Twice. The smiley is not the sign of a contented customer, I would presume! $1100 plus! My K2 cost just a few bucks more than that. I'll continue to use the old WW-II earphones (from a B-17 ?) with my radios, thank you! :-) -- 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
I think you miss my point entirely. I never said that you needed to know the gain characteristics of your antenna ... only that since you don't (none of us do since we don't know what the arrival angle is) any S-meter reading is only a relative indication of received signal strength anyway. You're all upset that the S-meter on the K3 (as with just about every other rig on the market) shifts as you change RF Gain, but in all reality it is a meaningless consideration anyway. Relative is all you get no matter what you think the K3 should be able to do, or would be able to do if it had a lab quality RF voltmeter. I'm not trying to impress anyone or be overly technical, but I will try to put it in simpler terms for you. Let's say that you have two antennas that both function on 40m but physically they don't look at all alike. Neither you nor the guy on the other end has any clue what the gain, pattern, and efficiency is for either of them. Let's also say that you have a calibrated RF microvoltmeter (complete with handy chart to convert to S-units if desired) and you check his signal on both antennas. As expected, you get different readings from the two antennas. What do you give the other guy for his report? You have two different voltmeter readings and since you don't know the parameters of either antenna, neither reading has any correlation at all to the strength of the arriving signal. Even your own two readings are not the same. Your only recourse is to give the guy a subjective report relative to other signals on the band at the time. So how is that any different than what you have right now? You stated, I for one would like to be able to count on my meter to tell me the actual signal level of a station I'm talking to. I'm sure that Wayne intended this much as well. This is a $1900 plus rig, it should be accurate based on the 50uv that you suggested that he set it to with an S9. Yet, when I pointed out the even greater influence of the antenna on the actual signal level of a station you're talking to, you reply that it's silly and irrelevant. There's something wrong with that picture. 73, Dave AB7E On 7/15/2010 9:08 AM, The Smiths wrote: What a silly question.. Again, some of you guys just have to be so over technical about EVERYTHING. I'm certain that sometimes being TOO smart can be a detriment to your own self. This is an S meter, it's used by some to give an S report. Part of an RST.. This isn't a scientific calibration device.. If you're talking to someone in XYZ QTH and you have your antenna pointed at XYZ's location, or you have an omni directional antenna and it's receiving XYZ location at 4 S units, and You can hear them clearly and their tone is correct.. They have an RS(T) of 54(9). Sorry dave, it's really just that simple. If you've set a standard for your S meter during it's calibration then S 4 means 4.. Not oh my goodness is there gain on my antenna, do I need to factor in his azimuth and the arrival angle of his signal to my antenna.. JUST STOP, and enjoy your hobby for a change, don't over think it. Or even worse, try to be technical to impress people on the reflector. We all know that there are a lot of guys on here that know a LOT about a LOT of things... But they don't need to try to impress nor answer EVERYONE with their knowledge EVERY time. Save it for when it really counts, not on how to read an S meter. Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:27:40 -0700 From: xda...@cis-broadband.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior Just curious ... how do you factor in the uncertainty of the gain/loss of your antenna and any impact of its pattern, both bearing and azimuth relative to the actual arrival angle, while you're trying to accurately tell the guy on the other end how strong his RF is as it crosses your property line? I'd be willing to bet that there is more variability in that than there is inaccuracy in the K3 S-meter. You're just kidding yourself if you think differently. 73, Dave AB7E On 7/14/2010 11:03 PM, The Smiths wrote: I'm sorry Don, I know that you're trying to be helpful here. And your advice about turning on the Attenuator, and turning off the pre is all good advice for sure. But honestly.. Let's be serious.. We're not all contesters, and there are actually some of us that really hate that whole 599 5/9 report when it's not warranted. I for one would like to be able to count on my meter to tell me the actual signal level of a station I'm talking to. I'm sure that Wayne intended this much as well. This is a $1900 plus rig, it should be accurate based on the 50uv that you suggested that he set it to with an S9. Sure we can all GUESS at what a persons RST is, and of course I've done it too.. But giving advice to ignore the S meter is just a way of saying you don't know what
Re: [Elecraft] Very Efficient Ear Buds
Earbuds that completely seal the ear canal scare me. Has earbud transducer technology advanced to the point where the transducer's cut off from the source below a reasonable safety level (roughly 100 dBSPL)? Over the years, I've had many mistaken disasters when plugging in closed-ear headphones into dangerously loud sources. Sometimes my reflexes were fast -- other times not. I cannot imagine the damage I would have caused with earbuds that fit perfectly into the ear canal. As my teen-aged daughters go through the iPod craze, earbuds of any type have been off limits. We only allow them to wear unsealed, on-the-ear headphones. Paul, W9AC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
I don't know about your rigs, but My Icom 706, My Ten Tec Omni 1, Yaesu 767GX circa 1980 and my Yaesu FT-2000D all seem to match my K3's S meter reading all within one S unit. That's close enough for me This is a Hobby, not an exact science. At least if someone on the air gives me an S3 reading I know approximately how well I'm doing at his QTH given the idea I know HIS antenna set up, and Mine. That's good enough for me. From: w...@w8ji.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:52:29 -0400 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior Regardless of the fact that in 1934 (as was indicated to me in off reflector email) we used to not use the meter for the S report, at some time (1970's when proper calibration and standardizations' came about) we were able to shift that OLD antiquated 1934's definition over to a STANDARDIZED S meter reading as part of the RST. There may be a standard some people believe in, but it is a paper standard that never took hold. Drake used 5 db per S unit as a goal, ICOM about the same. Collins was down around 3 dB per S unit as a target. Most receivers are around 1 dB or so per S unit down around S 1, and very few prior to digital processing were ever remotely linear over the S range. My FT1000MP MKV, sitting in front of me now, is 2 S units per 6 dB at S8 and the very same 6 db pad drops it from S5 to S0 (it has that scale point, even though there is no such thing). I've never measured the K3 for many reasons. S meters historically have been very poor, absolute signal level at a receiver is not an indication of field strength in volts-per-meter, volts-per-meter is not a constant indication of S/N ratio or even how loud a signal is, and so on. This whole thing is an exercise similar to arguing how to measure plate milliamps using #47 light bulb. How would Elecraft or anyone else measure the meaningless S units of an S3 signal when RF gain is set so the DSP only sees an S5 signal at the lowest signal sensitivity? Why work to know what isn't even important, and what is never useful? 73 Tom __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html _ Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:042010_2 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] InRad filter plots and Elecraft doc
I noticed the latest filter plots on the InRad W3 are a bit different from those in the file. Which ones should we rely on for filter settings if the filters were purchased in the last 3 months? -- 73 de N6CCH aka Rebar __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] contest rst/s meter reports
I have to agreeit UPSETS me that almost every station gives 599 or 40/9 sig reports but asks for call signs three or four times. My usual responsesorry, no qso with lids and I change frequency. Cranky? yes!, out of tune with the times? Maybe!...but having been on the air steady for over 56 years, and being 75 years old...yep, that's me. I give accurate how I hear you reports...many times that is enhance by the radio I am using, communications is the operative word. Grandmaw Susan. If you don't change direction you WILL arrive exactly where you're headed!! Susan Meckley, Skipper W7KFI-mm AFA9SM USSV DHARMA --- On Thu, 7/15/10, Gary Dezern g...@garyndenise.org wrote: From: Gary Dezern g...@garyndenise.org Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior To: The Smiths notforc...@hotmail.com Cc: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 8:13 AM As this drifts further from the original topic... I find it amusing that a station will ask me to repeat my callsign and name several times, and then give me a 59 report. I think I messed up several people over the weekend contest by giving them 5-7 08 reports instead of what they expected. One station actually lost their contest tempo when I came back with 45 zone 8. Working back toward the original topic... I generally give signal reports based on what I think the signal would be with the RF gain fully clockwise, and attenuator and preamp both turned off. To me, that would be the natural and unmodified smeter reading. (I've never given better than 57 on 10 meters.) This best meets my understanding of what that portion of the signal report should be: A report of signal level as it is received by my rig (and not a signal level as my rig has modified it.) Of course, I'm a newbie ham, so I'm probably doing it all wrong. 73 - Gary / k3wow On Jul 15, 2010, at 1:21 PM, The Smiths wrote: Exactly! Regardless of the fact that in 1934 (as was indicated to me in off reflector email) we used to not use the meter for the S report, at some time (1970's when proper calibration and standardizations' came about) we were able to shift that OLD antiquated 1934's definition over to a STANDARDIZED S meter reading as part of the RST. Now R is just that, Readability. How well can you copy someone. S is Strength of the meter, which everyone should have set to the same approximate level, and T for quality of tone. Some old habits die hard. Not everything first invented in Ham radio has to be forced until the world ends. Much to some peoples Chagrin, we DO evolve as ham radio operators. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Let's Try This Again -- was [K3] ... A 750 Hz, 8-Pole ... Filter?
Lets really mess with contesters mindsgive them a report of 20db over S2. grandmaw Susan If you don't change direction you WILL arrive exactly where you're headed!! Susan Meckley, Skipper W7KFI-mm AFA9SM USSV DHARMA --- On Thu, 7/15/10, Wayne Burdick n...@elecraft.com wrote: From: Wayne Burdick n...@elecraft.com Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Let's Try This Again -- was [K3] ... A 750 Hz, 8-Pole ... Filter? To: Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 8:01 AM It *is* difficult to build very narrow 8-pole filters with low loss. That's one reason Elecraft offers a 5-pole, 200-Hz unit. 5 poles is entirely adequate at these narrow widths. Our 2-kHz IMD dynamic range using the 200-Hz filter is outstanding. We've had some requests to offer a 270 or 300-Hz 5-pole filter, which would be better optimized for narrow-shift RTTY than the 200-Hz filter. We're also considering a dual-passband filter (500/270 or 500/300) that would fit in one slot. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jul 15, 2010, at 10:18 AM, Jim Brown wrote: On Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:53:10 +0100, Ian White GM3SEK wrote: Agreed. 250-270Hz would be the sweet spot for an 8-pole filter, to guarantee good sales for the manufacturer *and* good performance for a range of users in heavy QRM. Now let's see if Inrad or Elecraft take the bait :-) Hang on a minute, guys. Inrad builds a nominal 250 Hz filter, Elecraft tests and re-sells it, and we buy it, because we've agreed that it's a sweet spot operationally. The issue is that it's wider than than at the -3dB points. So the problem appears to be that it's pretty difficult to build an 8-pole 250 Hz filter at 8.8 MHz, and that Inrad has given up on doing better. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Let's Try This Again -- was [K3] ... A 750 Hz, 8-Pole ... Filter?
Wayne, I realize that I'm showing my ignorance, but could you briefly explain how a dual-passband filter works in the K3?? I would DEFINITELY be interested in either of the two possibilities you mentioned for my RTTY usage, even though the 8 pole 400 cycle one is pretty good. 73, Don, WB5HAK - Original Message - From: Wayne Burdick n...@elecraft.com To: Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2010 1:01 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Let's Try This Again -- was [K3] ... A 750 Hz,8-Pole ... Filter? It *is* difficult to build very narrow 8-pole filters with low loss. That's one reason Elecraft offers a 5-pole, 200-Hz unit. 5 poles is entirely adequate at these narrow widths. Our 2-kHz IMD dynamic range using the 200-Hz filter is outstanding. We've had some requests to offer a 270 or 300-Hz 5-pole filter, which would be better optimized for narrow-shift RTTY than the 200-Hz filter. We're also considering a dual-passband filter (500/270 or 500/300) that would fit in one slot. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jul 15, 2010, at 10:18 AM, Jim Brown wrote: On Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:53:10 +0100, Ian White GM3SEK wrote: Agreed. 250-270Hz would be the sweet spot for an 8-pole filter, to guarantee good sales for the manufacturer *and* good performance for a range of users in heavy QRM. Now let's see if Inrad or Elecraft take the bait :-) Hang on a minute, guys. Inrad builds a nominal 250 Hz filter, Elecraft tests and re-sells it, and we buy it, because we've agreed that it's a sweet spot operationally. The issue is that it's wider than than at the -3dB points. So the problem appears to be that it's pretty difficult to build an 8-pole 250 Hz filter at 8.8 MHz, and that Inrad has given up on doing better. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.839 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3007 - Release Date: 07/15/10 06:09:00 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Let's Try This Again -- was [K3] ... A 750 Hz, 8-Pole ... Filter?
The issue is that it's wider than than at the -3dB points. So the problem appears to be that it's pretty difficult to build an 8-pole 250 Hz filter at 8.8 MHz, and that Inrad has given up on doing better. Sorry Jim, amateur practice has been to specify bandwidth at - 6dB not -3dB. Inrad use -6dB (within reasonable tolerance) for their other filters: AM (6 KHz): 6.250 @ - 6dB (+4%) 2.8 KHz: 2.880 @ - 6dB (+3%) 2.1 KHz: 2.175 @ - 6dB (+4%) 1.8 KHz: 1.838 @ - 6dB (+2%) 1.0 KHz: 1.063 @ - 6dB (+7%) 400 Hz: 450 @ - 6dB (+11%) 250 Hz: 370 @ - 6dB (+48%)!!! The problem is that 250 Hz and to a lesser extent 400 Hz is either marketing hype or an outright lie. I choose to believe it is an artifact of Yaesu's method of specifying filters bandwidth based on their cascaded bandwidth - in other words marketing hype. For example, the 708/704 pair provide an effective 250 Hz in cascade and 703/701 pair provide an effective 400 Hz at - 6dB in cascade. However, that means the 708 and 701 filters fail to perform to their nominal specifications when used by themselves. It's high time that INRAD admit to the marketing hype and produce a filter for the K3 that honestly lives up to its specified bandwidth values as a 250 Hz (+/- 5%) filter or change their marketing to admit that the 400 Hz filter is really a 450 Hz filter and the 250 Hz filter is really 370 Hz wide. The Elecraft produced 5-pole filters are generally specified correctly at -6 dB ... that it my four 500 Hz filters all measure between 480 and 510 Hz wide at - 6dB and my 200 Hz filters are both just slightly less than 200 Hz. If they can be specified correctly, why should INRAD be given a pass on truth in advertising? 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 7/15/2010 1:18 PM, Jim Brown wrote: On Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:53:10 +0100, Ian White GM3SEK wrote: Agreed. 250-270Hz would be the sweet spot for an 8-pole filter, to guarantee good sales for the manufacturer *and* good performance for a range of users in heavy QRM. Now let's see if Inrad or Elecraft take the bait :-) Hang on a minute, guys. Inrad builds a nominal 250 Hz filter, Elecraft tests and re-sells it, and we buy it, because we've agreed that it's a sweet spot operationally. The issue is that it's wider than than at the -3dB points. So the problem appears to be that it's pretty difficult to build an 8-pole 250 Hz filter at 8.8 MHz, and that Inrad has given up on doing better. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
Aloha Peoples: being raised in tube type electronics I do not profess to understand solid state beyond the hole theory. Thus, I REALLY DON'T CARE WHAT THE RECEIVER/ANTENNA DOES TO THE SIGNAL...the main thing is that I can hear you and understand what you are saying. Is it arm chair copy? Do you have an old time 75 meter bodacious signal? Bottom line, It all does not matter as my antenna/receiver/filter/hearing aid/ear combination effects the received signal that I just cant say how strong your signal isnow, if I had a station equipped with all the lab equipment I want, perhaps then I could tell you your 'RELATIVE' signal strength. my last post on this subject. Grandmaw Susan If you don't change direction you WILL arrive exactly where you're headed!! Susan Meckley, Skipper W7KFI-mm AFA9SM USSV DHARMA --- On Thu, 7/15/10, Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com wrote: From: Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior To: drewko drew...@verizon.net, The Smiths notforc...@hotmail.com Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 6:27 AM Personally, I would prefer that the s-meter not operate in this way in ABS mode. RF Gain should have no effect on the s-meter action when in ABS mode, just as ATT and PRE do not. It would probably screw up (highly technical term) how the system works, or require a separate receiver just for the S meter. The RF gain must be ahead of the DSP system. This means the real signal level to the DSP could be reduced 30 dB or even significantly more than that amount. How and why would someone design a DSP system that could measure the level on a signal that was not actually present??? There is no cheap or easy way to do that, so Elecraft does what everyone else does. Ever since receivers began, the RF gain will either affect the absolute S meter reading in relationship to input level, or the S meter will show the increase in gain reduction by increasing resting S meter reading as the gain is reduced. I think you want something that cannot be done. Besides, S meter are pretty much meaningless anyway. I only use mine to tell me when I need to use an attenuator pad or a preamp. 73 Tom __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] InRad filter plots and Elecraft doc
N6CCH wrote: I noticed the latest filter plots on the InRad W3 are a bit different from those in the file. Which ones should we rely on for filter settings if the filters were purchased in the last 3 months? Measure your filter responses in the K3 using an XG-1 or XG-2. This can be done manually or using one of the automated scripts that third parties have written. Your specific filters may vary slightly from the published plots from either source. For example, the INRAD 8-pole filters are said to have zero offset, but several of mine do have a finite offset from the IF. This is especially critical on the narrow filters such as the 400 Hz where mine have offsets of 80 Hz. Although mentioned many times previously, the filter marketing names seldom reflect the exact -6 dB bandwidth, so again, measuring your actual filters is helpful in deciding what DSP bandwidth you choose to have them engage. Typically, the actual bandwidths of the INRAD filters are wider than their marketing label implies. Historically, these filters were used as the primary filtering in both the first and second Ifs of older-generation receivers. The resultant receiver bandwidth of two cascaded filters came close to the marketing label on each filter because each filter was actually wider by itself. For example, the so-called 250 crystal filter is closer to 370 Hz and the 400 is about 435 Hz. Accordingly, in their application as roofing filters for the K3, I see no reason to have both the 250 and the 400 in the same receiver. Ed - W0YK __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Very Efficient Ear Buds
On Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:47:53 -0700, Phil Kane wrote: $1100 plus! My K2 cost just a few bucks more than that. If you want really good in-ear earphones, look at offerings by Etymotic Research and Shure. Both are widely used by professionals. http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er4.aspx http://store.shure.com/store/shure/en_US/list/categoryID.12165500 I own an ER4S and an ER4P, and a three Shure models that precede those listed on their webpage. I'm happy with all but the lowest cost Shures. The Shure products are widely available in the retail distribution world. I think that Etymotic also has dealers, and the dealers may offer substantial discounts. All of these pro products work fine with the ear-fittings that come in the box, but can be fitted with earmolds. You need to get fitted by an audiologist. Whether an earmold helps, and how much it helps, depends on everyone's individual ear. It's sort of like shoes. :) One of the major advantages of these in-ear products is superior isolation from room sound. 40dB is typical of the best, and custom earmolds tend improve on that. Again, depending on your ears, they may also improve comfort. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - WRTC Customs Pro Forma listings
On Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:44:42 -0700 (PDT), Byron KI6NUL by...@servies.us wrote: I read the rules and equipment available to the operators at the link below. Now that's a real contest and a level playing field! Outstanding! Tom Childers N5GE Antenna 4507 Branchview Drive Arlington, TX 76017 n...@n5ge.com http://www.n5ge.com While I do love me some Elecraft, what I find most amazing, and motivating, about the WRTC scores are the antennas and power levels they used: http://www.wrtc2010.ru/?id=23 [snip] __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Very Efficient Ear Buds
K9YC wrote: If you want really good in-ear earphones, look at offerings by Etymotic Research and Shure. Both are widely used by professionals. http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er4.aspx http://store.shure.com/store/shure/en_US/list/categoryID.12165500 I own an ER4S and an ER4P, and a three Shure models that precede those listed on their webpage. I'm happy with all but the lowest cost Shures. The Shure products are widely available in the retail distribution world. I think that Etymotic also has dealers, and the dealers may offer substantial discounts. All of these pro products work fine with the ear-fittings that come in the box, but can be fitted with earmolds. You need to get fitted by an audiologist. Whether an earmold helps, and how much it helps, depends on everyone's individual ear. It's sort of like shoes. :) One of the major advantages of these in-ear products is superior isolation from room sound. 40dB is typical of the best, and custom earmolds tend improve on that. Again, depending on your ears, they may also improve comfort. Earbud specialists say that custom-molded earpieces can actually be less comforatble for some people than generic ear pieces that come with the earbuds ... to Jim's point about individuality. Another 25 dB of isolation can be added by using high-quality ear muffs, too. I've found the Bilsom Leightning L3 muffs to be entirely comfortable over a 48-hour contest weekend. Quality earbuds with quality ear muffs provide much more isolation than the best noise-cancelling headphones. Ed - W0YK __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Very Efficient Ear Buds
AHfor the good old days. When I could tune across twenty meters and loads of signalsnow, here in kh6, I have to hunt just to find a signal. Grandmaw Susan If you don't change direction you WILL arrive exactly where you're headed!! Susan Meckley, Skipper W7KFI-mm AFA9SM USSV DHARMA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Very Efficient Ear Buds
Same here yesterday when I particpated in a Show and Tell for Explorer Scouts at a camporee on top of a 10,000 Ft. mountain in AZ. We really had to search to get a couple of signals who were of strength and clarity to conduct an open air demonstration of HF communication. A K3 sitting on the hood of my Suburban running directly connected to the battery for power, and connected to a 20 Meter dipole in the clear, strung between two fir trees, found VERY few signals on SSB and CW. The group of ~35 scouts and leaders found it exciting to communicate directly via the ether with a station in eastern CO and OH (a 3-way). Some of the scouts were intrigued with the CW demo, and tried their fingers on the iambic paddles while listening to the dits and dahs on the K3 monitor. Hopefully we set the hook in a couple of them. This mountain is named Heliograph Peak, and was used in the 1880's by the US Calvary for relay communications via Heliographs between forts down on the desert floor. Hence the name Heliograph Peak. To demonstrate the method of communications from 130 years ago, we used mirrors to flash to pre-arranged parties in the City of Safford, AZ, 7,000' below and 20 miles away from us. This mountain top is also a modern communications site and we gave them a tour of the towers, buildings and electronic equipment. We showed them amateur VHF and UHF repeaters, IRLP, remote controlled base stations and APRS systems that our club has operating at this location. All in all a great day with a fine group of youth and their leaders. Just needed more signals on 20 Meters. Milt, N5IA - Original Message - From: ussv dharma ussvdha...@yahoo.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; w...@msn.com Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2010 1:44 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Very Efficient Ear Buds AHfor the good old days. When I could tune across twenty meters and loads of signalsnow, here in kh6, I have to hunt just to find a signal. Grandmaw Susan __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] receive sensetivity down about six S units with amp in place.
Don, If it is down when the power is set to either low or high, then it is most likely the Low Pass Filters in the KPA100. Is there any difference between the bands?, or is it constant across all bands?. It is also possible that relays K1 and K2 are at fault. If it happens only at high power settings, then the problem is most likely in the T/R switch area. 73, Don W3FPR kh6dx wrote: I have a k2 which works fine but when I add the 100 watt amp the receive sensetivity drops several s units. I checked continuity and it seems good. The problem is in the amp board. what??? Don __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K144XV with external 10 GHz Transverter
I'd like to use a K3 as the IF for a 10 GHz station using a DB6NT transverter which maps a 144-146 MHz IF to 10368-10370 MHz. Input drive is 0.5 to 5.0 W on 2m. Can the K3 can be set up to use the internal K144XV transverter to drive an external transverter and show the correct frequency display of 10368-10370? Tks! 73, Dean, K0MKT -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K144XV-with-external-10-GHz-Transverter-tp5299602p5299602.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 two antennas without a KAT3-one idea.
Hello All, From time to time the request comes up on how to use the empty second antenna port without having to buy a KAT3. I have a suggestion for someone who is able to put the time and effort to devise a hardware add-on for the KANT3 board. Refer to the schematic of the KAT3 ATU. If you ignore all the tuning components (relays K1 to K17 and their 10n capacitors, L1 to L9, C1 to C8) what you have left is three shift registers/relay drivers, 2 relays (K18,19), a 5volt regulator and a few resistors and decoupling capacitors. There is no microcontroller, its all done with a 24bit shift register. The TPIC6C595Ds could be substituted with 74HC595s and two transistors to drive the two relays, though watch out for the different pinouts of the chips. I suppose it could be done as two sub boards attached to the KANT3 - one with the shift registers at the mainboard connector end, the other with the relays, bleed resistor and spark gap near the antenna connector. Best of all, no toroids to wind. Unfortunately I don't have the time etc. to do this at the moment as I am currently prototyping the ultimate accessory for my K3-a new shack to house it in. Any further comments and suggestions welcome. 73 de David VK5DG __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 on Order
Well I took the BIG plunge today, K3/100, 2.8 up Grade filter, FM filter,6m preamp. Any recommendation on a power supply? Chris W7CTH __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K144XV with external 10 GHz Transvert er
The leading 10 is dropped after a brief display of 10368 then reverts to 368.100.00 with a external xverter fro the calling freq, should be the same with the internal K144XV. 10Ghz IS FUN!! 73 Bill K0AWU EN37ed __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] For KX-1 fans -- some real simple ways to pack up some outboard batteries...
Alan I take your meaning entirely and I agree it is very easy to get it wrong - I've done it often enough, but you've got that protection either with the power poles or with the jack plug, why have both? I'm even thinking you don't need the fuse. If you think you need a fuse, use an electronic one that will drop less volts. You should ask your self: what is the fuse protecting and where will the short occur that will pull enough current to blow it? The usual answer is a cable short which leads to another discussion. David G3UNA David, Anytime you're talking portable, there's always the risk of connecting something wrong, even when we know better! IMHO, I'd gladly sacrifice a few mV just to know that a blockhead goof-up that I make won't smoke something. 73, Alan Alan D. Wilcox, W3DVX (K2-5373, K3-40) 570-321-1516 http://WilcoxEngineering.com Williamsport, PA 17701 David Cutter wrote: A tidy arrangement, but I would have one less set of connectors in series with the battery, possibly more: either I would solder the wires direct to the KX1 pcb, or, not to spoil the KX1, I would eliminate the power poles. The fuse and holder will drop quite a lot of precious mV as well, so I would be tempted to solder directly to the fuse or use fuse wire without the holder soldered direct to the battery box terminal, then a joint to the supply wire. David G3UNA Hi folks, Just in case anyone is looking for some very simple ideas on packing up some external AAs for the KX-1 or other small QRP rigs... http://wilcoxengineering.com/projects/amateur-projects/42-bat-pak http://w1pns.wordpress.com/2010/07/14/power-to-the-peanut-whistle/ With best regards, Pete -- Peter N. Spotts -- W1PNS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 on Order
Welcome to the family. I'm using an Astron RS-35M, it's what I had. I found I had to set the output to 13.8V for the K3 to operate correctly. 73, Mike NF4L On 7/15/2010 6:39 PM, Chris Hembree wrote: Well I took the BIG plunge today, K3/100, 2.8 up Grade filter, FM filter,6m preamp. Any recommendation on a power supply? Chris W7CTH __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 on Order
Hey, congratulations, Chris. I know you will enjoy the rig. I use an Astron RS-50M with mine, but that's extreme overkill. I just had it on hand. One of the Elecraft co-owners (memory doesn't tell me which) uses the Samlex 1223 I believe. I've looked at the 30 amp version of that, and the price is tempting, for sure, and I like the light weight instead of this 30 lb monster I have, hi. 73, Don, WB5HAK - Original Message - From: Chris Hembree w7...@yahoo.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2010 5:39 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 on Order Well I took the BIG plunge today, K3/100, 2.8 up Grade filter, FM filter,6m preamp. Any recommendation on a power supply? Chris W7CTH __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.839 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3008 - Release Date: 07/15/10 13:35:00 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [K3] New Kid on the Block! -- was A 750 Hz 8-Pole INRAD Filter?
There will soon be a new 8-pole INRAD filter for K3 owners to choose from! Hopefully this latest progress report will generate the remaining interest we need before we can commission INRAD to produce our first batch? To notify us of your interest, please email webmas...@unpcbs.com and state whether you want one or two filters. We will notify you via email once we've added the filter to our Ordering webpage. TNX 73, Gary KI4GGX webmaster, http://www.unpcbs.com/ K3 #2724 P.S. If you don't have a use for a 750 Hz filter, please resist the urge to reply on the Reflector. (One less thread for Eric to have to end when he is focusing on P3 production.) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 on Order
I bought an MFJ 4125P a few days before I received my K3 so I would have something that would work and would be easily portable and with the intention of buying a power supply for non-portable use later, which I haven't done yet. The MFJ 4125P is somewhat, but not terribly noisy. In my case, significant hearing damage probably but I also place it behind a monitor. Dunc, W5DC Chris Hembree wrote: Well I took the BIG plunge today, K3/100, 2.8 up Grade filter, FM filter,6m preamp. Any recommendation on a power supply? Chris W7CTH __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 on Order
Hi Chris, Hope you enjoy your K3. One thought: If you operate any CW or narrowband data at all, I think you'll want at least one narrow filter (500 or 400 Hz). It'll make a huge difference in crowded band conditions. If you're strictly into voice modes, you can do without. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jul 15, 2010, at 3:39 PM, Chris Hembree wrote: Well I took the BIG plunge today, K3/100, 2.8 up Grade filter, FM filter,6m preamp. Any recommendation on a power supply? Chris W7CTH __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 on Order
On Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:39:20 -0400, Chris Hembree w7...@yahoo.com wrote: Well I took the BIG plunge today, K3/100, 2.8 up Grade filter, FM filter,6m preamp. Any recommendation on a power supply? Chris W7CTH Yup .. I'd get something around 13.8V - 30A surge :p All kidding aside, pick the one you like. Almost all are good. Check out the August 2009 issue of QST and Best of luck with your new K3 !! __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- Using Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: http://www.opera.com/mail/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 on Order
I have used a bunch of different supplies, all worked well. Use an Alinco switching 35 amp supply for portable work, an Astron 20 amp up at the cabin and a Lambda arc welder supply :) for home use 73 Dave NT6AA - Original Message - From: Chris Hembree w7...@yahoo.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2010 3:39 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 on Order Well I took the BIG plunge today, K3/100, 2.8 up Grade filter, FM filter,6m preamp. Any recommendation on a power supply? Chris W7CTH __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 SOLD... BUT NOT THE OTHER STUFF!
__ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior
In some areas of ham radio having a fairly accurate measure of signal strength is more than nice. On HF who really cares is what I am getting here on the list. But if you design, construct and try to get the optimum performance from your station, measurements become more than nice. Of course most of you must realize I am talking about eme or moonbounce for my passion. Knowing if you are 0.5 dB or 1.0 dB over noise or under makes a big difference. (In fact I regularly copy eme signals that are -22 dB below noise). MY software measures the signal to provide me an exact level, frequency, and timing - its a synchronous digital mode). Elecraft already admits to setting S9 = 50uV on the K3. The standard is 6-dB/s-unit. I have not measured or know how close this is observed in the K3, but I have a receiver that goes one better...it is calibrated in dBm and I have measured it with professional -calibrated signal generators to less than a dB accuracey. Guess what? It is a software defined radio *in fact it is a SDR-IQ*. Interestingly, it will display signal steps from 10-dB/div down to 0.01 dB/div. So I would maintain that any SDR, including the K3 can do this. However, this resolution can not be read on the linear s-meter scale in present use. Maybe some day there will be a numerical readout offered in the menu reading dBm or uV? It is all just software. No more from me on this - seems to be pretty thrashed already ;-) 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-QRT*, 432-100w, 1296-QRT*, 3400-fall 2010 DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com == *temp __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 on Order
I have an Astron RS-35M as my power supply through a Rigrunner to my K3/10. Enough left to upgrade to K3/100. 73s de Dave KJ6CBS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
