Re: [Elecraft] Anyone in Boston area
__ 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] P3: Peak hold question
Hi Craig, The peak hold has an "infinite" hold time so it shows the biggest peak since it was first enabled. One of the items "on the list" is a "peak-sag" mode where the peak value will not hold indefinitely but will gradually sag down so that if strong signals go away, it will reset eventually. Alan N1AL On Sat, 2010-09-25 at 17:30 -0700, Craig wrote: > Hi > > When I run the P3 for an extended period of time of 10 to 15 minutes, it > seems that the Peak hold blue/cyan trace resets or freezes. > > The peak hold trace goes flatline well above the highest signal peak after a > long run. Is this normal behavior ? The peak hold trace might have a buffer > that fills up that causes the trace to freeze or reset? > > I like leaving the peak hold trace running continuously since the Peak > correlates more closely to the S-meter's true reading. My P3 reads -80dbm for > a S9(-73dbm) signal input. > > I just got my P3 so might have missed something by not reading the manual > properly. > > > > 73 > Craig > VK3HE > > > > > > __ > 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 Froze
Hi David, If you haven't got it running by now, the key to recovering from this is to first terminate the K3 Utility program and then cycle power on the K3 while making sure the P3 does not turn on. (The easiest way to do that is to pull the power cable on the P3.) Then fire up K3 Utility again and you should be able to download firmware to the K3. There is no need to re-route any RS-232 cables. The P3 includes a relay that automatically bypasses it's serial ports when the power is off. Alan N1AL On Sat, 2010-09-25 at 15:46 -0700, David Carlson wrote: > My K3 froze up while downloading in The K3 utility program. The LED shows > "MCU LD" and the red TX light is blinking under the power switch. I can not > turn the power off with the power switch. I have to turn off the power > supply. The K3 utility program can not communicate with the K3 so I can't > reinstall the firmware code, however the P3 utility program can connect. I > have tried turning off the K3 and then turning it back on holding the > "shift/lo" button to reset. That does not work. I did download the latest K3 > utility program. > > Any suggestions? Thanks > __ > 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 FSK D Mode: possible Bug?
Thank you to each one who responded, both on and off list. I was particularly surprised to see a message this morning from Wayne (N6KR) himself, indicating that he would try to reproduce the problem on his side. To hear back directly from the chief engineer who designed your rig, just a few hours after reporting an issue (and on a Sunday morning at that!) . . . well, this is what makes Elecraft a very special company indeed!! One further note: I discovered while "running" later today, that the problem will also occur after using the paddle to send a call sign live, and then pressing a memory to send the rest of the exchange. The significant thing is that the carrier does not drop out between the two. So, the problem is routinely reproducible, either by 'chaining' memories, or by sending with the paddle followed immediately (without drop of carrier) with a memory. I will try to keep the list informed as to what develops on this front. Thanks, 73 John N6JW K1, K2, K3 & P3 N6JW wrote: > > Briefly stated, here is the problem: While in FSK D data mode, > if one is sending a "chained" stored message, upon returning to > receive, the audio frequency is "offset" by (I believe) the selected > Mark pitch frequency (e.g. 915hz or 1275 hz). The 'offset' remains, > but some commands can reset things to normal. > > > -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-FSK-D-Mode-possible-Bug-tp5571721p5573611.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] Anyone in Boston area
Is there anyone in the Boston area using HRD and DM780 with Signalink and the K3? I'm having trouble setting this up, but I'm pretty sure that I'm doing something wrong. Dick, WO1I, K3 #911 __ 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 FSK D Mode use in RTTY contest
Thanks for the comments, both on and off list! Someone pointed out that I had failed to mention the value of using the Dual Passband Filter [Dual PB; Hold Xfil button]. Yes! I use it all the time. In fact it comes up as my default when I switch to RTTY. It is most helpful. Also some folk commented about the fact that in recent firmware RTTY defaults to 75 Baud. This appears to be true. But once you change it back to 45 Baud (per band), it will stay that way until changed. If you cannot get clean copy on a properly tuned strong signal, you probably have the baud rate incorrectly set. [Data MD] Thanks again, and hope my notes were helpful to some. Regards, 73 John, N6JW N6JW wrote: > > First: the K3's FSK D mode (self-contained RTTY) is NOT just a novelty! > It is a > perfectly capable performer, particularly in a situation like the CQ WW > RTTY contest > taking place over this weekend. I found my new P3 made working this > contest > without software a breeze. What follows below is a detailed > "how-to-do-it" (with > or without the P3) for the uninitiated, from someone who dabbles casually > in a > contest or two, from time to time. It is quite simple. But be warned, it > is LONG. > -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-FSK-D-Mode-use-in-RTTY-contest-tp5571564p5573587.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] Elecraft CW Net Report for September 26th & 27th, 2010
Good Evening, The nets went well. A couple new folks and a couple I have not heard from in a while; one with a new call. Twenty meters had some QRN on it which is uncharacteristic. Forty had more but then that is normal. Only a little QSB on both nets so the sun is helping more than harming things though the RTTY contest may have improved propagation just a little ;) Weather reports were for mostly fall-like conditions even though the Coloradans were describing quite a warm day. Here I am fluctuating between rain and sun; it all depends upon where the stream from the Pacific is aimed. A little further north and it is sunny and warm. A little further south and it is sunny and cold. In between it is rainy and cold. In any case the next week will be dry so I will be loading and unloading my F250 as many times as possible. Four wheel low is the order of the day. On to the lists => On 14050 kHz at 2200z: K1THP - Dave - CT - K3 - 686 NO8V - John - MI - K3 - 820 N0TA - John - CO - K3 - 994 W0CZ - Ken - ND - K3 - 457 WA3MIX - Lou - PA - K3 - 4290 WB5BKL - Nick - TX - K3 - 231 W0RSR - Mike - CO - K2 - 5767 W4ATK - Jim - AL - K2 - 4028 W8OV - Dave - TX - K3 - 3139 NU0T - Karl - IA - K2 - 4227 On 7044 kHz at z: K0DTJ - Brian - CA - K3 - 4113 K6DGW - Fred - CA - K3 - 642 AB9V - Mike - IN - K3 - 398 W8OV - Dave - TX - K3 - 3139 W0RSR - Mike - CO - K2 - 5767 K1THP - Dave - CT - K3 - 686 AC6JA - Mike - CA - K3 - 3215 I hope the sun stays active so we can experience ever better conditions as the autumn season progresses into winter. I'll do some antenna work before the rains become incessant so I am ready for the worst of it. I may replace one and now that there is more open space I can plan a loop which will have predictable break points for when the portable spar poles drive through the property. If only I lived on the fifteen acre side. But then I would have a demolished house from all the fallen timber. Maybe I should build a nice log cabin radio shack over there so I can get away from it all :) Until next week stay well, 73, Kevin. KD5ONS (Net Control Operator 5th Class) - First net report written and sent from my Coho account. -- Using Opera's revolutionary email 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
[Elecraft] Just making sure
Test My previous email connections to the Elecraft Reflector were complicated. I am in the process of simplifying things just a bit. I had one subscription for outgoing mail and another for incoming mail. Yes, it was necessary. Now that is no longer the case. Just think of Tevya with his staircases. I even had one going nowhere at all :) Kevin. -- Using Opera's revolutionary email 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
[Elecraft] testing
Just a test of the connection. -- Using Opera's revolutionary email 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] K2: Heat On Digital Modes
John, Rather than changing the SSB filters for digital modes, activate the RTTY filter set in the secondary menu. That gives you a set of filters (just like the SSB set but with the important difference that the SSBC menu parameter is independent - always set to 1:1 for digital modes). I set the RTTY FL1 filter the same as the SSB OP1 for use with a wide waterfall display, but I set the other 3 to widths of 1.00, 0.70 and 0.40 each centered at 1000 Hz to be able to deal with QRM if the need be - just tune the desired signal in (with the VFO) to about 1000 Hz on the waterfall display and switch to the more narrow filters. With PSK the narrow filters are seldom necessary, the for RTTY it is often needed - set the application's mark frequency to 915 Hz and you should be good. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/26/2010 9:53 PM, Jon Perelstein wrote: > Don, > > Again, thanks for quick reply. > > Guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend. That's okay, I was going to > open > it up anyway to adjust the SSB filters to get narrow filtering for use in > digital modes. > > Jon > KB1QBZ > > > > > From: Don Wilhelm > To: Jon Perelstein > Cc: elecraft reflector > Sent: Sun, September 26, 2010 7:12:49 PM > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2: Heat On Digital Modes > > Jon, > > Your quick tests are sufficient to negate my initial suspicion. > > I would say your next step is to re-do the KPA100 bias adjustment. If you > have the bias set too high, the PA transistors will heat more than normal. > > Meter the current into the KPA100 - put the K2 into CW test (hold the VOX > button) and make sure the "C" indicator in the display is blinking - > connect > a dummy load to the KPA100 'just in case'. Set power to greater than 11 > watts. The current draw will be in the vicinity of 500 ma. Whatever your > external ammeter says, add 400 ma to that - this is your target value. > The hold TUNE, and look at the ammeter - If it is a digital meter, wait > until the 2nd reading (blink) because the first value shown may be too low > due to the relative timing of the meter vs the time you pushed the TUNE > button. > The current will go up the longer you remain in TUNE, so obtain the > reading > and exit tune - adjust the KPA100 bias up or down a bit and try again. > Once > you have hit your target value, you are done - be sure to remove the > ammeter > from the power line. > > While you have the shield off the KPA100, you may want to check the > balance > on the wattmeter (C1 adjustment) and the power calibration with reference > to > a wattmeter that you are willing to trust. > > You should be ale to operate the KPA100 at 35 watts continuously without > it > getting too hot to touch - yes it will get quite warm, but not too hot to > touch unless you have more sensitive fingers than average. RTTY can be > considered continuous, PSK31 should be OK up to 50 watts since the PSK > idle > has a shorter duty cycle. > > If the bias and wattmeter are correct, and you still feel it is getting > warmer than you would like, you might want to try a supplemental fan - > find > one from a defunct computer, and run it with a resistor in series to slow > it > down so the noise does not irritate. It can be placed on top of the heat > sink, moving air away and will be quite effective. See Tom Hammond's > website www.n0ss.net for his implementation. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 9/26/2010 6:49 PM, Jon Perelstein wrote: > Don >> >> Thanks for the quick reply. Fortunately, it appears that >> uncontrolled >> power output is not the problem. >> >> >> And yes, it is a K2/100. >> >> >> I connected the rig to an MFJ-941E Versatuner II and connected the >> Versatuner to my antenna. I tuned to a 1.1:1 SWR using the >> Versatuner >> and then measured forward power on CW key down at various power >> settings. The forward power transitioned smoothly from just under >> 20 >> watts with the rig set to 20 watts to just over 90 watts with the >> rig >> set to 100 watts. I probably need to do some calibration, but it >> appears that the power control is working. >> >> >> I also tried it with PSK and Olivia transmissions and the >> Versatuner >> was showing around 25 watts when I had 25 watts set on the K2's >> power >> control. I upped the K2s power control to 40 watts and saw an >> increase in forward power on the Versatuner to about 35 watts or >> so. >> >> >> I can get my hands on a real wattmeter in the next few days if you >> think it necessary, but these tests would imply that I am not >> experiencing uncontrolled power. >> >> >> Jon >> KB1QBZ >> >> >> >> > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailma
Re: [Elecraft] K2: Heat On Digital Modes
Don, Again, thanks for quick reply. Guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend. That's okay, I was going to open it up anyway to adjust the SSB filters to get narrow filtering for use in digital modes. Jon KB1QBZ From: Don Wilhelm To: Jon Perelstein Cc: elecraft reflector Sent: Sun, September 26, 2010 7:12:49 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2: Heat On Digital Modes Jon, Your quick tests are sufficient to negate my initial suspicion. I would say your next step is to re-do the KPA100 bias adjustment. If you have the bias set too high, the PA transistors will heat more than normal. Meter the current into the KPA100 - put the K2 into CW test (hold the VOX button) and make sure the "C" indicator in the display is blinking - connect a dummy load to the KPA100 'just in case'. Set power to greater than 11 watts. The current draw will be in the vicinity of 500 ma. Whatever your external ammeter says, add 400 ma to that - this is your target value. The hold TUNE, and look at the ammeter - If it is a digital meter, wait until the 2nd reading (blink) because the first value shown may be too low due to the relative timing of the meter vs the time you pushed the TUNE button. The current will go up the longer you remain in TUNE, so obtain the reading and exit tune - adjust the KPA100 bias up or down a bit and try again. Once you have hit your target value, you are done - be sure to remove the ammeter from the power line. While you have the shield off the KPA100, you may want to check the balance on the wattmeter (C1 adjustment) and the power calibration with reference to a wattmeter that you are willing to trust. You should be ale to operate the KPA100 at 35 watts continuously without it getting too hot to touch - yes it will get quite warm, but not too hot to touch unless you have more sensitive fingers than average. RTTY can be considered continuous, PSK31 should be OK up to 50 watts since the PSK idle has a shorter duty cycle. If the bias and wattmeter are correct, and you still feel it is getting warmer than you would like, you might want to try a supplemental fan - find one from a defunct computer, and run it with a resistor in series to slow it down so the noise does not irritate. It can be placed on top of the heat sink, moving air away and will be quite effective. See Tom Hammond's website www.n0ss.net for his implementation. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/26/2010 6:49 PM, Jon Perelstein wrote: Don > > >Thanks for the quick reply. Fortunately, it appears that >uncontrolled >power output is not the problem. > > >And yes, it is a K2/100. > > >I connected the rig to an MFJ-941E Versatuner II and connected the >Versatuner to my antenna. I tuned to a 1.1:1 SWR using the >Versatuner >and then measured forward power on CW key down at various power >settings. The forward power transitioned smoothly from just under >20 >watts with the rig set to 20 watts to just over 90 watts with the >rig >set to 100 watts. I probably need to do some calibration, but it >appears that the power control is working. > > >I also tried it with PSK and Olivia transmissions and the Versatuner >was showing around 25 watts when I had 25 watts set on the K2's >power >control. I upped the K2s power control to 40 watts and saw an >increase in forward power on the Versatuner to about 35 watts or so. > > >I can get my hands on a real wattmeter in the next few days if you >think it necessary, but these tests would imply that I am not >experiencing uncontrolled power. > > >Jon >KB1QBZ > > > > __ 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 FSK D Mode: possible Bug?
During the CQ WW RTTY contest, I had a frequency jump occur twice on my K3 (s/n 4521). I was using N1MM Logger and operating around 14.090, but suddenly my frequency jumped (while not transmitting) down to 14.003. I was running my amp at about 1300w; it could possibly have been RFI but I seriously doubt it as I don't have RFI with this setup or any previous setup. The only way I quickly noticed it was the SWR indicator on my Alpha amp started blinking at me! 73, Tom - W4BQF -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Richard Ferch Sent: Sunday, September 26, 2010 8:40 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 FSK D Mode: possible Bug? I can confirm - I observed the same thing while setting up the radio for the contest on Friday and making a test QSO using the radio's memory buttons. I had the LP-PAN and PowerSDR running, but no radio control software. I called someone using the memory buttons by pressing M1 twice, and found the receiver was suddenly listening somewhere else. I was able to recover quickly enough to complete the QSO. I chalked the whole thing up to having unwittingly bumped a button or knob somewhere, but in hindsight I can see that in as many details as I can remember, which is nowhere near the level of detail in John's description, it did appear to be exactly the same as John is reporting. 73, Rich VE3KI K3 #1595, F/W 4.12 N6JW wrote: > I think I may have discovered a (rare) bug in the firmware, > that has been 'bugging' me for a long time! If I am right, I believe this > issue could have been there from the beginning. I have K3 #936 and I > noticed the problem early on (but had no idea what was happening). > I would very much appreciate it if others could check it out and perhaps > confirm what I am experiencing; thus ruling out the likelihood that it is > unique to my rig/situation. __ 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 NATIVE rtty AND N1MM LOGGER
Eric,
First, you cannot use PSK D for PSK31 with a computer unless you are
using the K3 Utility. All PSK31 software that I know of, other than the
K3 Utility, works by creating the PSK signal in a sound card and sending
that to the radio. In PSK D the radio does not accept audio input. It
can accept ASCII text input through the computer interface, but apart
from the K3 Utility, as far as I know there is no other software that
uses this method. To send PSK31 from a computer using standard PSK
software, put the radio into DATA A mode, which accepts audio input from
a sound card.
Second, to use CW input for either FSK D or PSK D, you have to use a
paddle connected to the K3's internal CW keyer. The radio does not
accept CW from the key jack for this purpose, and therefore you cannot
an external keyer or CW software.
In FSK D, the way software such as MMTTY keys the radio is by commanding
a serial port to key the TxD line with the Baudot code at the chosen
speed. This line must be connected to pin 1 of the ACC connector through
a keying circuit.
In AFSK A and DATA A, an audio signal is fed from the computer's sound
card to the K3's LINE IN jack.
Third, while N1MM Logger does not support PSK D, it does support the
other three data modes. It calls FSK D "RTTY", AFSK A "AFSK", and DATA A
"PSK". Open the N1MM Logger's Configurer and select the Mode Control
tab. On the right side of the window is a pane for "Mode sent to radio".
Beside RTTY, select RTTY if you want to use FSK D, or AFSK if you want
to use AFSK A. When the Logger is placed in RTTY mode (either because
the contest is an RTTY-only contest or because you type RTTY into the
Entry window), the radio will be put into FSK D or AFSK A depending on
how you have set up this panel. Beside PSK, select PSK, which will set
the data mode to DATA A whenever the program is in PSK mode. You can
also set the mode by clicking on the mode at the top right of the
Bandmap. Each time you click on the mode, the program will step one step
through its list of modes.
Fourth, if the function keys in the Entry window are displaying CW
messages, the program is in the wrong mode. Assuming you are in a
contest module that permits digital modes, type RTTY or PSK into the
call sign box and press Enter. The program should now select the digital
message set. The messages should start with {TX} and end with {RX}.
These messages will be sent to MMTTY or MMVARI or Fldigi, which in turn
will send them to the radio in the appropriate format (audio for AFSK A
and DATA A, on-off keying in FSK D).
73,
Rich VE3KI
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 FSK D Mode: possible Bug?
Same issue here. Happened twice during the contest. No known reason for occurrence as I had not touched the radio - except it went from TX to RX on a frequency a short way away. FSK D mode. Dan -- N3ND -Original Message- From: Richard Ferch To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sun, Sep 26, 2010 8:39 pm Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 FSK D Mode: possible Bug? I can confirm - I observed the same thing while setting up the radio for the contest on Friday and making a test QSO using the radio's memory buttons. I had the LP-PAN and PowerSDR running, but no radio control software. I called someone using the memory buttons by pressing M1 twice, and found the receiver was suddenly listening somewhere else. I was able to recover quickly enough to complete the QSO. I chalked the whole thing up to having unwittingly bumped a button or knob somewhere, but in hindsight I can see that in as many details as I can remember, which is nowhere near the level of detail in John's description, it did appear to be exactly the same as John is reporting. 73, Rich VE3KI K3 #1595, F/W 4.12 N6JW wrote: > I think I may have discovered a (rare) bug in the firmware, > that has been 'bugging' me for a long time! If I am right, I believe this > issue could have been there from the beginning. I have K3 #936 and I > noticed the problem early on (but had no idea what was happening). > I would very much appreciate it if others could check it out and perhaps > confirm what I am experiencing; thus ruling out the likelihood that it is > unique to my rig/situation. __ 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 FSK D Mode use in RTTY contest
Hi Barry: Thanks for your comments. That is quite an accomplishment to hold both those records! Just a comment about the IM (..--) prosign used to end the RTTY idle. It is storable in the memories. You can do it by using your paddle (entry should end right after sending IM). Of course, the timing is critical; it must be IM not "I" and then an "M"! Alternatively, you can use the K3 Utility to easily store CW memories (which will also work in Data modes) and there is a special character to store the IM prosign (the vertical line "|" --- I hope that comes out right in the email). That is a good suggestion for a menu entry for setting the idle-time. But in the meantime, IM will work. Thanks again, 73 John N6JW Barry wrote: > > John - found your post interesting and timely, as I played around with the > CW to RTTY mode last night myself in the contest. I used to operate the > CQWW RTTY contest regularly, and still hold the USA records for SOHP and > SOLP, after number of years. I have a feeling I threw off some of the > old-time regulars with my new zone and state :.) Also, my signal is quite > a bit weaker now, running barefoot and stealth wires. The only issue I > had with the CW to RTTY mode was trying to send a - (--) As it's a > character I never use in real CW, it was difficult to send correctly. > > Appreciate your post, especially the tip about CONFIG: VFO OFS. That's > one setting I'm going to use. I didn't know it existed. Regarding your > follow-up post, I don't have a P3 and my K3 is new, and I had no problems. > The only "issue" I had was the long idle time at the end of a buffer. I > tried programming IM (..--) into its own buffer, but it wouldn't "take." > I guess it only accepts real CW characters. I'd like to see a CONFIG > setting for an adjustable end-idle time. > > Barry W2UP > > > -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-FSK-D-Mode-use-in-RTTY-contest-tp5571564p5573249.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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FSK D Mode: possible Bug?
I can confirm - I observed the same thing while setting up the radio for the contest on Friday and making a test QSO using the radio's memory buttons. I had the LP-PAN and PowerSDR running, but no radio control software. I called someone using the memory buttons by pressing M1 twice, and found the receiver was suddenly listening somewhere else. I was able to recover quickly enough to complete the QSO. I chalked the whole thing up to having unwittingly bumped a button or knob somewhere, but in hindsight I can see that in as many details as I can remember, which is nowhere near the level of detail in John's description, it did appear to be exactly the same as John is reporting. 73, Rich VE3KI K3 #1595, F/W 4.12 N6JW wrote: > I think I may have discovered a (rare) bug in the firmware, > that has been 'bugging' me for a long time! If I am right, I believe this > issue could have been there from the beginning. I have K3 #936 and I > noticed the problem early on (but had no idea what was happening). > I would very much appreciate it if others could check it out and perhaps > confirm what I am experiencing; thus ruling out the likelihood that it is > unique to my rig/situation. __ 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] Repeat
Repeat after me. "I will never again run a RTTY Contest without a P3." Dan -- N3ND __ 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] K2: Heat On Digital Modes
Jon, Your quick tests are sufficient to negate my initial suspicion. I would say your next step is to re-do the KPA100 bias adjustment. If you have the bias set too high, the PA transistors will heat more than normal. Meter the current into the KPA100 - put the K2 into CW test (hold the VOX button) and make sure the "C" indicator in the display is blinking - connect a dummy load to the KPA100 'just in case'. Set power to greater than 11 watts. The current draw will be in the vicinity of 500 ma. Whatever your external ammeter says, add 400 ma to that - this is your target value. The hold TUNE, and look at the ammeter - If it is a digital meter, wait until the 2nd reading (blink) because the first value shown may be too low due to the relative timing of the meter vs the time you pushed the TUNE button. The current will go up the longer you remain in TUNE, so obtain the reading and exit tune - adjust the KPA100 bias up or down a bit and try again. Once you have hit your target value, you are done - be sure to remove the ammeter from the power line. While you have the shield off the KPA100, you may want to check the balance on the wattmeter (C1 adjustment) and the power calibration with reference to a wattmeter that you are willing to trust. You should be ale to operate the KPA100 at 35 watts continuously without it getting too hot to touch - yes it will get quite warm, but not too hot to touch unless you have more sensitive fingers than average. RTTY can be considered continuous, PSK31 should be OK up to 50 watts since the PSK idle has a shorter duty cycle. If the bias and wattmeter are correct, and you still feel it is getting warmer than you would like, you might want to try a supplemental fan - find one from a defunct computer, and run it with a resistor in series to slow it down so the noise does not irritate. It can be placed on top of the heat sink, moving air away and will be quite effective. See Tom Hammond's website www.n0ss.net for his implementation. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/26/2010 6:49 PM, Jon Perelstein wrote: > Don > > Thanks for the quick reply. Fortunately, it appears that uncontrolled > power output is not the problem. > > And yes, it is a K2/100. > > I connected the rig to an MFJ-941E Versatuner II and connected the > Versatuner to my antenna. I tuned to a 1.1:1 SWR using the Versatuner > and then measured forward power on CW key down at various power > settings. The forward power transitioned smoothly from just under 20 > watts with the rig set to 20 watts to just over 90 watts with the rig > set to 100 watts. I probably need to do some calibration, but it > appears that the power control is working. > > I also tried it with PSK and Olivia transmissions and the Versatuner > was showing around 25 watts when I had 25 watts set on the K2's power > control. I upped the K2s power control to 40 watts and saw an > increase in forward power on the Versatuner to about 35 watts or so. > > I can get my hands on a real wattmeter in the next few days if you > think it necessary, but these tests would imply that I am not > experiencing uncontrolled power. > > Jon > KB1QBZ > > __ 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] K2: Heat On Digital Modes
Don Thanks for the quick reply. Fortunately, it appears that uncontrolled power output is not the problem. And yes, it is a K2/100. I connected the rig to an MFJ-941E Versatuner II and connected the Versatuner to my antenna. I tuned to a 1.1:1 SWR using the Versatuner and then measured forward power on CW key down at various power settings. The forward power transitioned smoothly from just under 20 watts with the rig set to 20 watts to just over 90 watts with the rig set to 100 watts. I probably need to do some calibration, but it appears that the power control is working. I also tried it with PSK and Olivia transmissions and the Versatuner was showing around 25 watts when I had 25 watts set on the K2's power control. I upped the K2s power control to 40 watts and saw an increase in forward power on the Versatuner to about 35 watts or so. I can get my hands on a real wattmeter in the next few days if you think it necessary, but these tests would imply that I am not experiencing uncontrolled power. Jon KB1QBZ __ 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] K2 mounting of LC and Control Boards
Ian, One set of washers is needed as a spacer - so just do it the easy way - when you mount the standoffs onto whichever board they are mounted to first, put the washers between the board and the standoff. When you put the second board on the other end of the standoffs, put the lockwasher under the screwhead. Now when you remove the screws from the standoffs, always remove the screw with the washer under the head - it is a bear to align the washer between the standoff and the board if the standoff is mounted at the other end. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/26/2010 4:19 PM, Ian Liston-Smith wrote: > My KAT2 errata dated 25 Feb 2010 shows the washers between the standoff and > the board, but the text says put between the screw heads and the board. > Normally I'd think it wasnt that important and the washers are just used as > spacers, but in case the space is tight when putting it all together which is > right, the text or the picture? > > Come to think of it, it must matter or there wouldn't be an errata to change > it. Is it just that the diagram hasn't been changed to match the text? > > Thanks, > > Ian, G4JQT > __ 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 mounting of LC and Control Boards - found the answer I think
I've just had another look in the archives and think I've learnt that it's not that important. One pair of washers above and one below. It's just a spacing thing... Regards, Ian __ 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 mounting of LC and Control Boards
My KAT2 errata dated 25 Feb 2010 shows the washers between the standoff and the board, but the text says put between the screw heads and the board. Normally I'd think it wasnt that important and the washers are just used as spacers, but in case the space is tight when putting it all together which is right, the text or the picture? Come to think of it, it must matter or there wouldn't be an errata to change it. Is it just that the diagram hasn't been changed to match the text? Thanks, Ian, G4JQT __ 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 NATIVE rtty AND N1MM LOGGER
N1MM LOGGER GOES INTO RTTY MODE WHEN I select PSK D, understandably. However, it means that my cw messages don't work. Neither do the N1MM digital messages work because the K3 is expecting cw input. So, do I have to hand key all of my transmissions??? Help please ... eric VA7DZ -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. __ 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 CW Sidetone
Is it also possible that you're turning off your rig by shutting off the power TO the rig without using the Power "off/on" button (I.E. Just turning off the power supply). I belive that you have to save the settings at least ONE time by doing a proper shut down on the K3, and not just killing power to the rig. I've found settings get lost if you don't. Just an idea. Like a computer, you can't just "Crash" it when you're ready to stop using it. > From: n...@elecraft.com > To: ke...@lamonica.com > Date: Sun, 26 Sep 2010 09:08:38 -0700 > CC: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW Sidetone > > Keith, > > This shouldn't happen. I test this on every firmware release, and just > tested it again. Enter CW mode, then hold the SPEED/MIC/MON knob in to > bring up sidetone MON level, then adjust it. Tap the knob to return to > normal operation. Changing modes and possibly readjusting the MON > level for that mode should have no effect on the sidetone level. > > If this isn't working, please contact k3support on Monday. > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > > On Sep 26, 2010, at 8:56 AM, Keith Lamonica wrote: > > > Can the sidetone monitor level be set to a fixed level? Mine > > defaults > > to 4 when I change modes and then come back to CW. > > > > Keith, W7DXX Remote > > > __ > 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] Help with RTTY
Jeff, I was in the same situation with native RTTY and PSK decoding with the K3. We camp a lot in our small RV trailer and I wanted to master the native capability B4 hooking up a computer. I just couldn't get the hang of tuning PSK and RTTY, but got it down pat now. Most of the ham band RTTY QSOs were too short to get the hang of tuning, and I mastered the PSK tuning first. Here are my suggestions ~ -- change the RTTY pitch decode to 915 instead of 2125. I found it easier to listen with my ear, having set CW pitch to its highest of about 900 hZ. I was trying to find the 'audio tone sweet spot', so to speak. -- find some strong RTTY transmissions. The two that helped me the most were the W1AW 3PM and 6PM Pacific data transmissions on Mon thru Fri. If those times are inconvenient, then on Saturdays the 'old' coastal station of KPH has been re-licensed as KSM under the wonderful sponsorship of a group of folks. http://radiomarine.org/ And they do RTTY transmissions long enuf to zero in. I'm not taking anything away from what the other folks have said as they have been most helpful to me. So I would start tuning up in FSK D mode until the leftmost bars when solid and could hear the 915 pitch tone. Once you got it decoding on those transmitters, then you can play with narrowing the filter BW and trying the DUAL PB. Good luck... Dennis - SN #4335 with 13, 2.8 and 400 8-pole filters and 10 watts. TCXO KBPF3 general coverage option. Plus the wonderful T1 tuner and two BL2 baluns. Back on HF after 25-year absence. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Help-with-RTTY-tp5568816p5572562.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] FW: Help with RTTY
Sorry Barry - this should have gone to the reflector! -Original Message- From: Tommy Alderman [mailto:alderm...@windstream.net] Sent: Sunday, September 26, 2010 2:06 PM To: 'Barry' Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Help with RTTY I got caught by that Friday night! Could not understand why I could not get very many answers - the Q rate stayed below 60/hr. Then I discovered the baud rate had defaulted to 75 baud!! Just in the nick of time because I was about ready to move the K3 to the floor and put my IC-7700 back on the desk. I would urge the default FSK-D be defaulted to the standard 45 baud rate as there is only one contest (that I know of) that wants RTTY run at 100 wpm! The rate then improved - significantly- then John made his post about using the P3 and all the lights came on! John's post was a tremendous help for me. Set the FSK-D default to 45 baud -- PLEASE! 73, Tom - W4BQF -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Barry Sent: Sunday, September 26, 2010 12:56 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Help with RTTY I know this is a little late for the contest, but if you're using the RTTY decode within the K3, it defaults to 75 baud (100 WPM). You need to change that to decode 60 WPM, which is the standard. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Help-with-RTTY-tp5568816p5572320.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 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] K1 80/40 tx problem
Igor, The waveshapes are normal. They will not be anything like a sine wave coming out of a mixer, but the fundemental RF voltage is still present, so the waveform will be cleaned up by the bandpass filters and the PA Low Pass Filter. Since you have excessive current draw, the first place to look is the Low Pass Filter on the 2 band board. Are the capacitors correct? Are the number of turns on the toroids correct? Count the turns carefully, counting each turn that goes through the center of the core - a straight wire through a toroid is one turn, a full wrap around the core is two turns. Failure to realize that fact is a common builder error. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/26/2010 12:06 PM, Igor Lána wrote: > Hello friends, > I built a kit K1 80/40. Everything was no problem. All values of resistors > and DC voltages were OK. But in chapter 9, part "Band 1 Allignment", > transistor Q7 has been melted (2W at 80 m band). > I changed it and after that I measured current - 0.1 W on 3.6 MHz current > is 1.1A! On 7 MHz, is slightly better - 0.1W is 0.4 A but the 2W is 1.3 A. > After several attempts to find mistake, I tried to use the "Signal > Transmitter tracing" with DRV-ground jumper. Instead of RF Probe I used the > old oscilloscop in multimetr mode. I performed the measurements to the point > 15. All values looked like okay, but from the point 10, I watched the > unstability. > I switched oscilloscop to the measurement curve mode. And on OSC it is not > pure sine wave. The point of MIX has been very vibrant. ATTN is clean. I do > not know if the problem is on 6-7 intputs U8 or output 4. > Please, see videos of measuring on youtube. > ociloscop 150ns time raster: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYTOw9DWfKI > ociloscop 50ns time raster: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mUunLQdBuU > ociloscop-multimeter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFaKCssXsA > In every video first part is on ATTN, second on OSC, and the third on MIX. > > Please, do you have some recommendations how or where to find the error? > Can Xtal X6 defective? > > Thanks > 73 Igor OK1TGI > > __ > 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 Audio I/O Daughter Board
Gary, Elecraft does not recommend any fixatives on toroids in any of its kits, and I also strongly discourage its use. Many fixatives will alter the inductance, and change other characteristics. Additionally, toroids mounted with fixatives make repairs more difficult (if a toroid must be removed) and will likely void the warranty. The toroids are sturdy enough to stand normal abuse in portable/mobile situations as well as during transport and shipping. As testimony to that fact, consider that one K2 I built traveled several million miles over the US in the cab of an 18 wheeler. No fixatives were used and no toroid failures ever occurred - and I worked on that same K2 (for another problem) only about 3 weeks ago. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/26/2010 12:45 PM, Gary wrote: > Elecraft must be having a good sales month if Roger bought his K3 (s/n 46xx) > earlier this month and I just bought mine at last weekend's ARRL > Southwestern Div Convention (s/n 47xx) and the month even isn't over yet. > Congratulations Eric& staff. I am just starting my assembly and will look > for this audio board issue. I'd also like to see everything well supported > inside because I plan to transport my K3 from time to time and don't want > any intermittent problems. The first I found was the toroids in my KAT3 came > bent over, especially L8. When I carefully straightened all of them I > noticed L8 had to be lifted more than 1/8" above the others to snug up the > last wraps of wire on it. Dale Farmer indicated that this is nothing to be > concerned about however I'd be more comfortable if the toroids were > supported more. Maybe a dab of silicone sealant below each? Any suggestions? > Gary > __ 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] K2: Heat On Digital Modes
Jon, I do not believe your condition has anything to do with digital modes, but rather sounds like you have a power control problem - it should not heat up that it is too hot to touch, and not as fast as you indicate. I assume a K2/100. If so, please use an external wattmeter to determine just how much power it is really producing. Also, see if the power control properly controls the power? I am suspecting that you have some problem with the KPA100 wattmeter (like damaged diodes from a lightning surge) and it is developing full uncontrolled power output, which for some KPA100s can be as high as 180 watts. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/26/2010 11:42 AM, Jon Perelstein wrote: > This is a follow-up to a post about two months ago. > > I'm still getting pretty high heat on my K2 when running digital modes such as > PSK, Olivia, etc. Per the recommendation of Don and a few others, I'm > adjusting > the K2 so that my desired power output is set on the Power control (25 watts), > and then I'm setting my input gain (using a Signalink) so that (a) I do not > exceed that power on the display and (b) I have one bar on the ALC. > > Despite that, the K2 heats up rapidly. After one or two transmissions of 2-3 > minutes each, the K2's fan will stay on high speed for all transmissions and > the > top of the K2 is hot to the touch. As it heats up, people notice drift of +/- > 20 Hz (on 20 meters) as the rig warms up during transmit, even with the fan > kicking in. > > The K2 does cool down on long receives, which indicates that the fan is having > some impact, but obviously not enough. For now I have aimed a desk fan at the > K2 when operating digital and it has reduced the heat and the drift. > > Is all this normal for digital on the K2? Are there things I should be > looking > at that might perhaps be indicating a problem in my build? > __ 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] Help with RTTY
I know this is a little late for the contest, but if you're using the RTTY decode within the K3, it defaults to 75 baud (100 WPM). You need to change that to decode 60 WPM, which is the standard. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Help-with-RTTY-tp5568816p5572320.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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Audio I/O Daughter Board
Elecraft must be having a good sales month if Roger bought his K3 (s/n 46xx) earlier this month and I just bought mine at last weekend's ARRL Southwestern Div Convention (s/n 47xx) and the month even isn't over yet. Congratulations Eric & staff. I am just starting my assembly and will look for this audio board issue. I'd also like to see everything well supported inside because I plan to transport my K3 from time to time and don't want any intermittent problems. The first I found was the toroids in my KAT3 came bent over, especially L8. When I carefully straightened all of them I noticed L8 had to be lifted more than 1/8" above the others to snug up the last wraps of wire on it. Dale Farmer indicated that this is nothing to be concerned about however I'd be more comfortable if the toroids were supported more. Maybe a dab of silicone sealant below each? Any suggestions? Gary -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Roger Gagos Sent: Friday, September 24, 2010 2:13 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Audio I/O Daughter Board I am really enjoying my new K3/100 (#4629) . It worked perfectly on completion from the kit earlier this month. Today I noticed the Audio I/O daughter board E850236 does have some vertical play in the rear panel after mic and earphone plugs are inserted and there is additional leverage from the plug bodies themselves. It looks like this would be normal since I see no rear securing hardware for the installed board. Is that right? The digital I/O board is, of course secured by the RS-232 connectors to the back panel. maybe some short plastic sleeves around the jacks would help. Thought I remember seeing something about this but I didn't find anything in the reflector archives, but maybe I didn't search for the right terms. Roger Gagos, K6EQ Escondido, CA __ 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 CW Sidetone
Keith, This shouldn't happen. I test this on every firmware release, and just tested it again. Enter CW mode, then hold the SPEED/MIC/MON knob in to bring up sidetone MON level, then adjust it. Tap the knob to return to normal operation. Changing modes and possibly readjusting the MON level for that mode should have no effect on the sidetone level. If this isn't working, please contact k3support on Monday. 73, Wayne N6KR On Sep 26, 2010, at 8:56 AM, Keith Lamonica wrote: > Can the sidetone monitor level be set to a fixed level? Mine > defaults > to 4 when I change modes and then come back to CW. > > Keith, W7DXX Remote > __ 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] K1 80/40 tx problem
Hello friends, I built a kit K1 80/40. Everything was no problem. All values of resistors and DC voltages were OK. But in chapter 9, part "Band 1 Allignment", transistor Q7 has been melted (2W at 80 m band). I changed it and after that I measured current - 0.1 W on 3.6 MHz current is 1.1A! On 7 MHz, is slightly better - 0.1W is 0.4 A but the 2W is 1.3 A. After several attempts to find mistake, I tried to use the "Signal Transmitter tracing" with DRV-ground jumper. Instead of RF Probe I used the old oscilloscop in multimetr mode. I performed the measurements to the point 15. All values looked like okay, but from the point 10, I watched the unstability. I switched oscilloscop to the measurement curve mode. And on OSC it is not pure sine wave. The point of MIX has been very vibrant. ATTN is clean. I do not know if the problem is on 6-7 intputs U8 or output 4. Please, see videos of measuring on youtube. ociloscop 150ns time raster: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYTOw9DWfKI ociloscop 50ns time raster: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mUunLQdBuU ociloscop-multimeter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFaKCssXsA In every video first part is on ATTN, second on OSC, and the third on MIX. Please, do you have some recommendations how or where to find the error? Can Xtal X6 defective? Thanks 73 Igor OK1TGI __ 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 CW Sidetone
Can the sidetone monitor level be set to a fixed level? Mine defaults to 4 when I change modes and then come back to CW. Keith, W7DXX Remote __ 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: Heat On Digital Modes
This is a follow-up to a post about two months ago. I'm still getting pretty high heat on my K2 when running digital modes such as PSK, Olivia, etc. Per the recommendation of Don and a few others, I'm adjusting the K2 so that my desired power output is set on the Power control (25 watts), and then I'm setting my input gain (using a Signalink) so that (a) I do not exceed that power on the display and (b) I have one bar on the ALC. Despite that, the K2 heats up rapidly. After one or two transmissions of 2-3 minutes each, the K2's fan will stay on high speed for all transmissions and the top of the K2 is hot to the touch. As it heats up, people notice drift of +/- 20 Hz (on 20 meters) as the rig warms up during transmit, even with the fan kicking in. The K2 does cool down on long receives, which indicates that the fan is having some impact, but obviously not enough. For now I have aimed a desk fan at the K2 when operating digital and it has reduced the heat and the drift. Is all this normal for digital on the K2? Are there things I should be looking at that might perhaps be indicating a problem in my build? My FT-897, for comparison, does not have any noticeable heat spots even after long digital transmits of 20 minutes or so (at 25 watts). Also, on the FT-897 I can get the ALC down below one bar while still keeping it at 25 watts; on the K2 I can never get it below 1-2 bars of ALC. Note to others -- if you're going to aim a desk fan at the K2, make sure that you dust first. It may take a couple of days for me to get all the dust out of my mouth from when I first turned on the fan. Jon KB1QBZ __ 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: RF gain settings forgotten in utility cal routine when using XG-2
Stephen I'm also having problems doing an RF Gain Cal using the latest K3 Utility (and a few other recent versions). Various error codes are displayed and the Rx sensitivity is well down after I cycle the Power switch off and back on again. The S meter only reads about S5 and the MDS drops from -136 dBm to about -120 dBm. Like you, restoring the Factory Default settings gets me back to normal. I have gone back to K3 Utility Ver 1.2.8.10 and everything works as it should. The matter has been referred to Gary Surrency at Elecraft support and I would expect a reply tomorrow. For info, I have completely disconnected the P3 and the RS232 cable from the PC is run straight into the K3. 73 Norman - GM4KGK --- /All of a sudden, I'm having trouble with the K3's receiver following RF gain calibration and S meter setting. The RF gain calibration using the utility leaves the receiver with S9 at -73dBm (using ZG-2) but when I turn off and then on the K3 the S meter drops to S7 and the RF gain control, although reducing the perceived signal strength, does not cause the S meter to rise. The agc has completely default settings throughout. For the purposes of the calibration, the K3 is directly connected to the PC, not through the P3. I'm running the latest firmware and K3 utility. Having taken a break from typing this, I have only now just found that if I choose to 'Use factory default RF Gain calibration data' then all is well, so is this a bug within the latest utility I wonder? Thanks 73 Stephen G4SJP/ __ 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 FSK D Mode use in RTTY contest
John - found your post interesting and timely, as I played around with the CW to RTTY mode last night myself in the contest. I used to operate the CQWW RTTY contest regularly, and still hold the USA records for SOHP and SOLP, after number of years. I have a feeling I threw off some of the old-time regulars with my new zone and state :.) Also, my signal is quite a bit weaker now, running barefoot and stealth wires. The only issue I had with the CW to RTTY mode was trying to send a - (--) As it's a character I never use in real CW, it was difficult to send correctly. Appreciate your post, especially the tip about CONFIG: VFO OFS. That's one setting I'm going to use. I didn't know it existed. Regarding your follow-up post, I don't have a P3 and my K3 is new, and I had no problems. The only "issue" I had was the long idle time at the end of a buffer. I tried programming IM (..--) into its own buffer, but it wouldn't "take." I guess it only accepts real CW characters. I'd like to see a CONFIG setting for an adjustable end-idle time. Barry W2UP -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-FSK-D-Mode-use-in-RTTY-contest-tp5571564p5572022.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
[Elecraft] Ten-Tec Eagle
Everyone, A friend of mine e-mailed me with an attachment with information about the New Ten-Tec Eagle HF-6 meter tranceiver I don't know much about the rig yet but so far found it interesting. To find it just Google ten-tec eagle. 73 Dave KD1NA __ 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: keyboard problems
Michael van Hauten wrote: > > Hi Elecrafters, > my new K3 #4739 is ready and works fine. Only one problem is the band > switch. Switching the bands up by pressing the right side of the > bandswitch works very well. But for switching the bands down you need a > lot of pressure, so much that the K3 moves backwards on the table. Any > solution for this problem? > Hallo Michael, You didn't say if your unit is factory or kit, but my guess is the front panel assembly is not properly inserted into the front panel sheet metal. Make sure the BAND switch is centered in the panel cutout and not binding on the left side. If it's binding, you will need to remove the front panel assembly and reseat to the sheet metal. Otherwise you may need a new front panel assembly from Elecraft if the switch itself is bad. I doubt that switch can be easily repaired behind the rubber buttons but you should contact K3support at elecraft.com for advice. 73 & GL! Bill -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-keyboard-problems-tp5571412p5571755.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
[Elecraft] K3 FSK D Mode: possible Bug?
As indicated in my previous email, the K3 works well in FSK D mode. However, I think I may have discovered a (rare) bug in the firmware, that has been 'bugging' me for a long time! If I am right, I believe this issue could have been there from the beginning. I have K3 #936 and I noticed the problem early on (but had no idea what was happening). I would very much appreciate it if others could check it out and perhaps confirm what I am experiencing; thus ruling out the likelihood that it is unique to my rig/situation. Reading my previous email (unfortunately, also rather long!) would help in setting the context for my use of the FSK D mode in what follows. Briefly stated, here is the problem: While in FSK D data mode, if one is sending a "chained" stored message, upon returning to receive, the audio frequency is "offset" by (I believe) the selected Mark pitch frequency (e.g. 915hz or 1275 hz). The 'offset' remains, but some commands can reset things to normal. Here are some important notes and observations: 1. The TX frequency does not change and is always correct! I did not realize this until recently. I originally thought that something was wrong on my side and that I was off frequency, because the station would come back to me on a 'different' frequency. This led to many busted QSO's and undoubted frustration on the part of those I was trying to contact. Having the P3 helped me figure out what was happening. 2. As far as I can tell, the problem only occurs after using 'chained' memories (e.g. M1-M4) for sending. For example, tapping M1 (programed with my callsign + IM) twice will cause the problem. But NOT if it is only tapped once. Likewise, tapping M1 then M2 (e.g. stored exchange + IM) while M1 is still running (thus chaining them together) WILL cause the problem. If the K3 returns to receive between sending each memory, the problem will not occur. Of course, in practice the problem appeared intermittent, and I had no good idea of what was happening until receipt of the P3 and extensive work with FSK D this weekend. 3. The IM (..--) prosign is NOT causing the problem. Chained messages without it, will still cause the 'offset'. 4. This is NOT RFI related in any way. The problem can be reliably reproduced with TX in test mode and no RF output at all. 5. The problem can be reliably reset (restored to normal) by tapping the A/B button twice. This switches the K3 to VFO B and then back to VFO A. While running FSK D mode, I have VFO A & B set to the same filter, width, etc. The only difference between VFO A & B would be frequency. Upon testing, the following buttons will reset the problem: A/B, REV, PITCH, DATA MD. The list might not be complete. 6. One can see the audio 'offset' quite clearly on the P3 (6 khz scan). With the passband set to 300 hz (DSP; 500 hz roofing filter), I get good text copy with the right-hand (Mark?) tone set right on the P3's center frequency mark. When the problem occurs the tones are offset in the passband (the audio goes higher, at least on 20m). 7. Other possible menu settings (e.g. CONFIG menu: FSK POL = 1) or ALT Mode Button (for sideband reverse) that might have an effect have been checked and are OK. The RIT or XIT is NOT on. Split mode is not in effect (the Sub-RX is off), and the yellow Delta LED is not lit. 8. When the problem is in effect, the built-in decoder will not work (i.e. copy correctly), and the RX frequency is noticeably different, until the frequency has been re-adjusted either with the VFO knob (thus moving both the RX and TX) or with just the RIT. Checking the RIT offset, leads me to believe that the offset is about the same as the PITCH setting for the Mark frequency. 9. As far as I can tell, the problem is not related to any recent firmware version, or the addition of the P3. I distinctly remember the problem as an intermittent from my early days with the K3. I started using the memories with stored info from the start of experimenting with FSK D. It is very likely that I 'chained' memories together early on in doing so. At the time I just put it down to not knowing enough about RTTY. Finally, here are the particulars of my setup: K3/100 #936; with Sub-RX; ATU; DVR; I/O & Audio boards; original unmodified DSP board. P3 #597 Currently running K3 firmware, 4.05 DSP 2.60; P3 vr.0.32 If this can be reproduced, corroborated, and confirmed, is there a prize for the one who finds the most 'ancient' bug still in the system? :) 73 John N6JW -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-FSK-D-Mode-possible-Bug-tp5571721p5571721.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
[Elecraft] K3: RF gain settings forgotten in utility cal routine when using XG-2
All of a sudden, I'm having trouble with the K3's receiver following RF gain calibration and S meter setting. The RF gain calibration using the utility leaves the receiver with S9 at -73dBm (using ZG-2) but when I turn off and then on the K3 the S meter drops to S7 and the RF gain control, although reducing the perceived signal strength, does not cause the S meter to rise. The agc has completely default settings throughout. For the purposes of the calibration, the K3 is directly connected to the PC, not through the P3. I'm running the latest firmware and K3 utility. Having taken a break from typing this, I have only now just found that if I choose to 'Use factory default RF Gain calibration data' then all is well, so is this a bug within the latest utility I wonder? Thanks 73 Stephen G4SJP __ 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 FSK D Mode use in RTTY contest
This is a two part contribution to the list: first, in this email, a report
on how well
the K3 works in FSK D mode (RTTY without an attached computer); the second
is
a report of a possible bug in the firmware, which I will raise in a
follow-up email.
First: the K3's FSK D mode (self-contained RTTY) is NOT just a novelty! It
is a
perfectly capable performer, particularly in a situation like the CQ WW RTTY
contest
taking place over this weekend. I found my new P3 made working this contest
without software a breeze. What follows below is a detailed "how-to-do-it"
(with
or without the P3) for the uninitiated, from someone who dabbles casually in
a
contest or two, from time to time. It is quite simple. But be warned, it
is LONG.
-
Of course, the K3 is an exceptionally good performer using normal contest
and data
mode software using an attached computer. However, for many reasons, some
of
us don't always want to do it this way. The FSK D data mode in the K3 makes
it
possible to operate very effectively with minimal effort. In just a few
hours of
operating I have thus far made over 100 DX contacts with nothing but the
K3's
FSK D mode, running 100w (using a 3 element tribander at 37 feet; and G5RV),
and a simple logging program running on an ancient laptop. I do have a new
P3 and it certainly makes it easier, but it is not essential. For those who
have
not yet tried it, but would like to do so, here is how I go about it for
this contest,
for what it's worth:
1. Switch the K3 to Data mode [use Mode Button], and make sure you are set
to
45 BPS FSK D mode [use Data MD button]. Set Pitch to your preference (I like
Mark Tone either 915 or 1275, using Pitch button]. Set Filter width to
about 300 Hz
(this uses the 500Hz roofing filter in my setup; I also have the 200Hz
filter but
tuning is more critical when it is engaged).
2. Turn CWT on [CWT button]; and Text decode on [Text Dec] ('T' will show on
right
side of screen). Set the 'Threshold' level somewhere 8-10 [Text Dec
button]. Make
sure VFO B is reading frequency (if not, tap Display button).
3. Using your paddle, record your callsign and store it in M1: Tap REC then
M1 and
then send your callsign (I do it twice) and immediately after the last
character send
the IM (..--) prosign to stop the RTTY idle. You should hear both CW and
RTTY in the
monitor while doing so. With TX inhibited (Test mode; 'TX' flashing) press
M1 and
make sure it sends, scrolls and stops correctly (watch VFO B space).
4. Do the same for your exchange and store it in M2: Tap REC then M2 and
then
send something like this "RR 599 zone state TU de yourcallsignIM (..--)".
5. Now you are ready to go [remember to switch Test mode off, 'TX' stops
flashing].
Tune to the RTTY part of the band (e.g. 14073-14120), and tune slowly
through the
RTTY signals (distinctive alternating two tone rhythm) until you have equal
number
of bars either side of the CWT mark above the S meter and are getting good
copy
scrolling across VFO B. [If not, check FSK POL = 1 in the CONFIG menu; make
sure
you are not in REV]. Put the call in the log, and to reply after a "QRZ?"
or "CQ test",
just tap M1. If the station comes back with your call, copy down the
exchange info
(just zone number if DX; zone + state for US) and when carrier cuts, press
M2.
Check for "CFM" or "QSL" or "TU" and you are done. Now you can tune for the
next
one, or go looking for the specific DX of your choice.
6. Of course, you could also use FSK D mode for running (i.e. calling CQ
test). But
it is a little more complex in that you would have to use the paddle to
insert the
callsign you have copied, live. Here is how I do it: I switch to memory
bank 2
(M5-8) and program M1 (really M5) for my CQ test string; and program M2
(really
M6) for the fixed part of the exchange (for me in this contest, "03 03 CA
CA..--").
When someone answers my CQ, I send their call with my paddle and then press
M2.
I program M4 (M8) "TU N6JW test..--" and use that to confirm the contact.
7. Of course, you can use the K3 Utility program to store the above CW
messages
in the memories of your choice, if you prefer. If you do, remember to use
the "|"
symbol for IM (..--) at the end of every line. BTW, the memories will work
just
fine as set for either CW or DATA (the IM is just ignored in CW). What I
outlined
above is how to do it without the computer :)
Having the P3 makes operating a RTTY contest very easy and even more
efficient.
It becomes like shooting fish in a barrel! Here is how I happen to do it:
1. I have the second receiver in my K3 but keep it switched off for the
following.
So this will work on any K3 + P3.
2. I set the P3 for maximum waterfall area, and appropriate Ref-Level and
Scale.
I run with Averaging On. I set the Scan to 6 khz (yes, -+ 3 khz). This
allows you
to just fill the K3 passband (set to 300 hz) with the two tones (easily seen
at this
scale) and hardly ever have to touc
