Re: [Elecraft] Monitor output...

[Ian White GM3SEK]

Tony Estep wrote:
>On Fri, May 13, 2011 at 10:18 PM, Gary K9GS  wrote:
>
>> a P3 driving a nice big 20 something inch monitor would be the way to
>> go
>>
>> I set up a panadaptor display on my computer in parallel with my P3. It
>gives a nice big, detailed picture, but I soon scrapped it. Why? Because the
>monitor is a step backward from the P3 if it doesn't have point-and-shoot.
>There has to be communication between computer and K3. This adds complexity,
>software, and another cable. So it's not such a simple task.
>

I came to the P3 from an SDR-IQ using a 15in second monitor [1], linked 
to the K3 and N1MMLogger through LP-Bridge. For the moment, the much 
tighter integration between the P3 and the K3 (particularly the tracking 
cursors on *both* VFOs) overrides the need to peer at a small screen 
that is lacking in detail.

The 480x272 display of the P3 is pin-sharp and superb for its size, but 
the fine detail is still a major loss. A 1024x768 display with 
appropriate sampling provides much clearer information on other 
stations' signal quality and spectrum occupancy, and it gives the 
operator a much better understanding of what's happening on the band. 
With plenty of space for the waterfall, it has extra clarity in two 
dimensions, both frequency and time.

 From experience, the more detailed display allows *much* better 
judgements when choosing a 'clear' frequency. The loss of detail in the 
P3 has brought back an uncomfortable element of guesswork. Anyone who 
has used a larger, more detailed panadapter display to choose a clear 
frequency will know exactly what I mean.

Anyone who has only ever viewed seen the band through a P3... well, 
continue to enjoy; but when the VGA adapter arrives, you'll be due for a 
big surprise! Elecraft have already promised that the VGA adapter will 
allow a more detailed display (it won't be simply a block graphics 
version of the existing screen) and I'm very much looking forward to 
that.



[1] By the way, the 15in display was the *smallest* 1024x768 monitor 
that I could find. Filling the screen, the panadapter display is just 
about the right size to take in all the information at a glance. A 
larger-screen, wide-format monitor looks great from a distance, but the 
operator soon develops a severe case of swiveling eyeballs :-)


-- 

73 from Ian GM3SEK
http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek
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Re: [Elecraft] KX1 - We need to develop the ideal antenna

[CUTTER DAVID]

This is what we used to call the "shirt button antenna" 'cos we used shirt
buttons as the insulators which saves and awful lot of work making them.
For light weight I would consider 300ohm ribbon for the feeder and a simple
choke/balun to the connector.  Crock clips rust in our wx and slide switches
eventually pack up, so, I'm thinking of bullet connectors next.
73
David
G3UNA

On 15 May 2011 04:40, Erik Basilier  wrote:

> After using a 26 ft wire with counterpoise as well as vertical and
> horizontal Buddipole configurations, for the past year or so I have settled
> on a dipole with jumpers, and this is the best configuration yet.  KK5F
> beat
> me to suggesting it here, but I am chiming in because the subject is
> interesting, and details are worth discussing. Here are some details of
> mine:
>
>
>
> 1.   My insulators are rectangular pieces of Lexan sheet, cut to about
> 0.25" x 0.5" x 1.75". Each insulator has a row of 6 holes. The holes are
> just wide enough to pass  the male and female connectors, which are Molex
> pins with added shrink-wrap tubing to avoid wire breakage. The wire from
> each side is passed through 3 holes in a zig-zag fashion, and the
> connectors
> are joined hanging in the air, forming a loop of about 1.5" diameter.  This
> arrangement is easy to disassemble in the field, yet holds the wire
> securely
> without placing stress on the connection itself. It depends on the friction
> created between the shoulders of the holes and the wire insulation. The
> ability to disassemble without tools helps me when I want to remove the 80
> m
> sections, or make repairs or replacements.
>
> 2.   The wire I use is the extremely lightweight copperclad available
> from The Wireman, which is strong and has a tough insulation which is happy
> to be subjected to the sharp edges of the insulator. It is also stiffer
> than
> some other kinds of wire. I find that the insulators hold securely even
> with
> softer wire, and I don't expect regular pvc insulation to be a problem, as
> I
> never put much mechanical tension on the wire. I do think the copperclad is
> more efficient than tinned copper which should have more rf resistance.
> Don't know how large this effect is in practice, but every little bit helps
> with qrp.
>
> 3.   My feedline is RG-58 from my Buddipole, which includes a
> lightweight balun using beads. This can be purchased as a separate item.
>
> 4.   The configuration is inverted-vee, supported at up to 22 ft or so.
> At the bottom is the tripod plus short mast from the Buddipole, which is
> light enough to be carried in the field for shorter trips. This is from a
> few years ago. I understand that Buddipole currently only makes a heavier
> model tripod that is intended to support a small beam. In any case, my
> tripod is the heaviest part of the setup, and for a longer trip on foot I
> would leave it at home and use whatever I can find to support the pole. The
> tripod with Buddipole short mast provides about 8 of the 22 ft. The rest of
> the height comes from a Cabela's Crappie Pole which is quite a bargain at
> $20 or so, and extremely light. If I remember right it is a 16 ft model,
> but
> with the top section removed. (It will remove itself the first time the
> antenna falls over!). I had to make a custom piece to connect the crappie
> pole to the Buddipole mast.
>
> 5.   I store the antenna with feedline detached on two "Halo Winder"
> type spools designed for kite string. I don't remember which vendor I
> bought
> them from, but they were available in a variety of sizes, without string,
> easy to find on the net. I use the 5" diameter model which leaves room to
> spare with wire for all bands including 80 m.  Each spool with wire and
> insulators weighs about 5 oz. My center insulator is similar to the other
> insulators, and I detach the wire by unthreading the 3 holes on each side
> for transportation. A hole in the middle slips right over the crappie pole,
> and stops because the pole sections are conical. At first I used
> Buddipole's
> mini banana connections for the feedline, but the plugs were damaged when
> the antenna fell, so now the feedline is soldered and bolted to the
> insulator, with pigtails for Molex pin connection to the antenna wire. (I
> got a new feedline from Buddipole, since I still like to use the complete
> Buddipole in some situations where weight is not an issue.)
>
>
>
> Before I took this antenna into the field, I tried flexing the soldered
> copperclad to see if it would break. It would not. The steel core seemed
> very hard to break. Then, first time in the field, the KX1 ATU wouldn't
> find
> a good match, and it turned out the wire had broken right at a solder
> joint.
> That's when I slightly enlarged the insulator holes and added shrinkwrap
> tubing around the solder joints. It turned out that the wire still locked
> very securely in the holes.
>
>
>
> The Molex pins tend to get loose with use. Not a big deal, as they ca

Re: [Elecraft] XV144

[Julian, G4ILO]

I also have an IC-910H (which is surplus to requirements now I have the
XV144, if any UK based person is interested.) I much prefer the sound of the
K3 receiver and having the standard K3 shift and width controls does help
pulling a weak SSB signal out of the noise.


John Ragle wrote:
> 
> Roger...(and other perhaps-interested parties on the list)
> 
> Good advice. However, I think the dynamic range issue is not of 
> great concern, since I live in a fairly isolated rural area with no 
> local VHF/UHF contesters. Moreover, the 910 works into a TE Systems amp 
> with a GaAsFET preamp in line to improve the 910's not-so-hot noise 
> figure.  At 144 MHz I am not so concerned about line loss, but on 432 I 
> have a mast-mounted GaAsFET preamp, since the 910 is really quite deaf 
> on 432 and line loss is more of a problem.
> 
> Another factor which is somewhat of an aid is that I don't lie on 
> the line of sight of anyone ELSE;  in particular VT and NH are very 
> sparsely populated with VHF/UHF stations,  and the active Maine stations 
> are well away from my bearing from just about anywhere.  My 10 element 2 
> meter beam also adds some selectivity because of its directivity, and 11 
> elements on 432 does the same.
> 
> A third comment: I have compared the 910 against the XV144 on the 
> same antenna and feed line against the stations that are "local" -- the 
> closest are mostly in the Hartford area 60-70 kM south of me and there 
> don't seem to be any issues on receive. I have used these two setups  
> interchangeably for the past several weeks with no noticeable 
> differences at all, specifically for comparison purposes.
> 
> If cost and physical space were no issue, I would probably choose to 
> run a Kuhne TR144H, but that unit is too costly for me (around 4X the 
> price of the XV144). I managed a once-in-a-lifetime deal on the ICOM 
> 910H, and with preamps it is a nice little box.
> 
> Thank you for the response. I was aware of the advantages of 
> transverter use, but maybe there are others on the list who will benefit 
> from your comment.
> 
> John Ragle -- W1ZI
> 
> =
> 
> K8RS wrote:
>> John,
>> If you are a casual 2M op than the 910H will serve you well, but
>> if you are a contest op, then I would keep the XV144.  You will be
>> disappointed in the 910H on 2M during a contest.  Local stations and big
>> power stations will show up all over your 910H dial underneath/overtop of
>> the station you want to work..  There is a trade off when you step away
>> from transverters.  
>>Roger K8RS
> 
> 


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

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Re: [Elecraft] We need to develop the Ideal Antenna!

[David Windisch]

Dunno if this is ideal, however, I have 2 Hustler 6BTV's and they can be fed
together as a dipole.  I plan to put them in a pvc pipe, for wx resistance
and some mechanical stability, and use them as a 6-band  slopper, leaning
toward my tower and fed with 7/8" line to handle vswr excursions.  Support
point is around 40 ft, so it may work in some trees, as well.
Brgds,
Dave, N3HE

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Re: [Elecraft] We need to develop the Ideal Antenna!

[Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy]

Bob,

An interesting idea for a multiband centre-fed antenna was described by 
W4JRW in the December 1960 issue of QST, "Multiband Antennas using 
Decoupling Stubs".

The decoupling stubs that he used are not hung at right angles to the 
antenna wire, but are "horizontal" stubs which results in a tidy 
arrangement. In fact one of the antennas he described uses a length of 
tubular Twin-Lead, one conductor forming the antenna and the second 
conductor cut and removed in places to make the decoupling stubs, which 
results in a light weight antenna easy to carry.

73,

Geoff
GM4ESD


On Saturday, May 14, 2011 11:13 PM,  "AB5N" <7000...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Wow Guys, thanks!
>
> It's great.. although this is my 5th sunspot cycle on the air, I am still
> challenged with
> projects like this- which I can use help with. Thanks for all the ideas!
>
> I guess I have come to the conclusion that nobody has really run the gamut
> trying antenna
> designs for the KX-1. It's requirements are unique (the tuner etc). I'm a
> folded-dipole fan...
> and use a Carolina Windom for my main general Hf antenna with great 
> success.
>
> OK, I'll "run the gamut"... with my goal being to fulfill the above
> criteria. I'll take into considerations
> all the suggestions above as well. Traps may be involved... and clip-on
> elements.
>
> The downside of the 25 ft wire and counterpoise is that you pick up lots 
> of
> internal processor
> noise from the KX-1. It is also just such a compromise.
>
> As far as if my KX-1 is actually receiving correctly.. who knows? It's
> sensitivity is adequate, but it
> is pretty deaf compared to say my FT-817. Because of the low noise floor,
> with any signal you have a chance of working with 4 watts -can be heard.
>
> Back to the bench!
>
> Bob-AB5N


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[Elecraft] K3 Loss of receive audio on SSB

[Lee Trout]

*I have experienced this problem four times now and I see from the archives
that others have experienced it too.  For no apparent reason there is a
total loss of receive audio in the SSB mode.

If the width is opened to above 3 kHz, receive audio returns to normal;
decrease the width below 3 kHz and the audio mutes again.

I have reset the filter offset, no help.  Although no changes have been made
in filters, have double checked all settings both in the radio and via the
K3 utility.  If, in the CONFIG menu, with FL1 ON showing in the LSB mode, I
cycle the mode switch to FL1 ON in CW, then back to FL1 ON LSB, the receive
audio comes back on.  But, after exiting the CONFIG menu, the audio mutes
again.

The only thing that restores the radio to normal operation is to do a
Restore Configuration from the K3 utility.  One time did a total radio reset
combined with a Restore Configuration. This problem has just cropped up
within the last month or so.  K3 is #1737, running version 4.25.  Filters:
2.7; 400.

This problem seems rare -- have seen only two other postings on it.

Any ideas?  Thanks, Lee (K9CM)*
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Loss of receive audio on SSB

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Lee,

So far I haven't been able to reproduce this. Please send me as much  
detail as possible on what you were doing (and how the radio was  
configured) just before it happened. Also include your firmware  
revision. If you try an older revision that does not exhibit this  
behavior, let me know.

Tnx
Wayne
N6KR

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Utility

[Gary Ferdinand]

Gosh I hope this didn't keep you up all night :-)  I suggest you put the
shortcuts to the utilities in a desktop folder if you're running out of
space.  

I'm perfectly content with one utility per product, Elecraft.  Keep the
products coming.  

Gary W2CS



>Surely we don't need 3 separate utilities for the K3, P3 and KPA500.  I
could
>accept a separate utility short term for the P3, but this is getting out of
>hand.  Will there be yet another utility for the high power antenna tuner? 
My
>desktop is getting crowded with Elecraft utilities.
>
>Rob
>NV5E

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Utility

[Dick Dievendorff]

Rob:

There are separate utilities for the K3, W2, P3, K144XV, KPA500 and XG3.
Yes, a couple more of them are on the radar.

We considered putting these all into one larger software offering, but I
couldn't think of a way to keep it simple and focused.  

If I made one utility that could communicate with just one device at a time,
then users of the K3 and KPA500 who might want both utilities running
concurrently (say for the K3's terminal page and the KPA500 operate page)
would have to choose which tab they're viewing. 

We'd also need quite an array of serial port choices to satisfy users who
have multiple serial ports connected to different devices. 

If you're on the "save configuration" tab page, would it be the K3 or the
KPA500's configuration you're saving? 

I fear that new users of just one Elecraft product (say just a P3) would be
find a uber-utility confusing. Confusing means "$upport calls".   

The utilities progress at different times and in different ways.  The KPA
Utility's "operate" page requires a very internal different technique than
anything in the K3 Utility.  I'm making large changes right now to just the
KPA Utility to more smoothly handle the transitions between "not
communicating" to "back panel power switch on, front panel switch off" to
"front panel power on".  Eventually these techniques will influence the
other utilities.   But I can now make sweeping changes to one at a time
only.

Making changes to a single "uber utility" risks breaking unrelated functions
whenever I change anything.  Testing is easier if they're separate: when I
release a version of the KPA Utility, I don't have to test K3-only
functionality like TxGain or RF Gain calibration. The test matrix for a
larger utility would be daunting and would make it impossible to release
anything in a hurry.

You can delete some or all of the Elecraft desktop icons if you find them
cluttering your desktop, they're not essential. Just right click the desktop
icon and choose "delete.  The Utilities can be found on the Start Menu under
"Elecraft". 

Or you might also want to create a single desktop folder, perhaps named
"Elecraft Cornucopia" and drag all the Elecraft Utility desktop icons into
that folder.

73 de Dick, K6KR


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Rob May
Sent: Friday, May 13, 2011 8:37 PM
To: hb9...@bluewin.ch; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Utility


Surely we don't need 3 separate utilities for the K3, P3 and KPA500.  I
could accept a separate utility short term for the P3, but this is getting
out of hand.  Will there be yet another utility for the high power antenna
tuner?  My desktop is getting crowded with Elecraft utilities.

Rob
NV5E



> Date: Fri, 13 May 2011 13:12:08 -0700
> From: hb9...@bluewin.ch
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Utility
>
> The FW page for KPA Utility (Windows Version 1.4.5.4) May 4, 2011 reads:
>
> "Download and run the file from the above link.
> Use this utility to check for the latest releases of new features for 
> your K3.
> Requires either a RS-232 cable or KUSB Serial-USB Cable to download 
> from your PC to the K3."
>
> To the K3??? Or to the KPA500?
> Is this a typo?
>
> It's a bit early (still waiting for my KPA500 and it will have the 
> initial FW anyway) but I'm curious!
>
> 73
> Richard
>
> -
> Richard - HB9ANM
> --
> View this message in context: 
> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA500-Utility-tp6361039p6361039.
> html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> __
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Utility

[Rob May]

Dick,
Thanks for explaining the thinking in choosing to do separate utilities.  My 
comment about cluttering up the desktop with Elecraft icons was tongue in 
cheek.  Half the desktop is taken up with radio related programs!  Sorry if I 
came off more serious that I really meant to be.  Thanks for the great job you 
do.
Rob
NV5E


> From: die...@comcast.net
> To: roblitesp...@hotmail.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA500 Utility
> Date: Sun, 15 May 2011 07:32:14 -0700
>
> Rob:
>
> There are separate utilities for the K3, W2, P3, K144XV, KPA500 and XG3.
> Yes, a couple more of them are on the radar.
>
> We considered putting these all into one larger software offering, but I
> couldn't think of a way to keep it simple and focused.
>
> If I made one utility that could communicate with just one device at a time,
> then users of the K3 and KPA500 who might want both utilities running
> concurrently (say for the K3's terminal page and the KPA500 operate page)
> would have to choose which tab they're viewing.
>
> We'd also need quite an array of serial port choices to satisfy users who
> have multiple serial ports connected to different devices.
>
> If you're on the "save configuration" tab page, would it be the K3 or the
> KPA500's configuration you're saving?
>
> I fear that new users of just one Elecraft product (say just a P3) would be
> find a uber-utility confusing. Confusing means "$upport calls".
>
> The utilities progress at different times and in different ways. The KPA
> Utility's "operate" page requires a very internal different technique than
> anything in the K3 Utility. I'm making large changes right now to just the
> KPA Utility to more smoothly handle the transitions between "not
> communicating" to "back panel power switch on, front panel switch off" to
> "front panel power on". Eventually these techniques will influence the
> other utilities. But I can now make sweeping changes to one at a time
> only.
>
> Making changes to a single "uber utility" risks breaking unrelated functions
> whenever I change anything. Testing is easier if they're separate: when I
> release a version of the KPA Utility, I don't have to test K3-only
> functionality like TxGain or RF Gain calibration. The test matrix for a
> larger utility would be daunting and would make it impossible to release
> anything in a hurry.
>
> You can delete some or all of the Elecraft desktop icons if you find them
> cluttering your desktop, they're not essential. Just right click the desktop
> icon and choose "delete. The Utilities can be found on the Start Menu under
> "Elecraft".
>
> Or you might also want to create a single desktop folder, perhaps named
> "Elecraft Cornucopia" and drag all the Elecraft Utility desktop icons into
> that folder.
>
> 73 de Dick, K6KR
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Rob May
> Sent: Friday, May 13, 2011 8:37 PM
> To: hb9...@bluewin.ch; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Utility
>
>
> Surely we don't need 3 separate utilities for the K3, P3 and KPA500.  I
> could accept a separate utility short term for the P3, but this is getting
> out of hand.  Will there be yet another utility for the high power antenna
> tuner?  My desktop is getting crowded with Elecraft utilities.
>
> Rob
> NV5E
>
>
> 
> > Date: Fri, 13 May 2011 13:12:08 -0700
> > From: hb9...@bluewin.ch
> > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> > Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Utility
> >
> > The FW page for KPA Utility (Windows Version 1.4.5.4) May 4, 2011 reads:
> >
> > "Download and run the file from the above link.
> > Use this utility to check for the latest releases of new features for
> > your K3.
> > Requires either a RS-232 cable or KUSB Serial-USB Cable to download
> > from your PC to the K3."
> >
> > To the K3??? Or to the KPA500?
> > Is this a typo?
> >
> > It's a bit early (still waiting for my KPA500 and it will have the
> > initial FW anyway) but I'm curious!
> >
> > 73
> > Richard
> >
> > -
> > Richard - HB9ANM
> > --
> > View this message in context:
> > http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA500-Utility-tp6361039p6361039.
> > html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> > __
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>
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[Elecraft] K3 Firmware Updates

[Christopher Soames]

Hi all, just a couple of quick questions
1. How often should one update the firmware on my K3 ?
2.Where do I look to see what the latest update is ?

-- 
Regards from

Chris Soames
G0TZZ
email :-
sem...@semaos.plus.com
www.norfolkamateurradio.org

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Utility

[Dave Perry]

Dick,

I like your approach -- one utility per product.  Keep it up!

Dave, N4QS

- Original Message - 
From: "Dick Dievendorff" 
To: "'Rob May'" ; 
Sent: Sunday, May 15, 2011 9:32 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Utility


Rob:

There are separate utilities for the K3, W2, P3, K144XV, KPA500 and XG3.
Yes, a couple more of them are on the radar.

We considered putting these all into one larger software offering, but I
couldn't think of a way to keep it simple and focused.

If I made one utility that could communicate with just one device at a time,
then users of the K3 and KPA500 who might want both utilities running
concurrently (say for the K3's terminal page and the KPA500 operate page)
would have to choose which tab they're viewing.

We'd also need quite an array of serial port choices to satisfy users who
have multiple serial ports connected to different devices.

If you're on the "save configuration" tab page, would it be the K3 or the
KPA500's configuration you're saving?

I fear that new users of just one Elecraft product (say just a P3) would be
find a uber-utility confusing. Confusing means "$upport calls".

The utilities progress at different times and in different ways.  The KPA
Utility's "operate" page requires a very internal different technique than
anything in the K3 Utility.  I'm making large changes right now to just the
KPA Utility to more smoothly handle the transitions between "not
communicating" to "back panel power switch on, front panel switch off" to
"front panel power on".  Eventually these techniques will influence the
other utilities.   But I can now make sweeping changes to one at a time
only.

Making changes to a single "uber utility" risks breaking unrelated functions
whenever I change anything.  Testing is easier if they're separate: when I
release a version of the KPA Utility, I don't have to test K3-only
functionality like TxGain or RF Gain calibration. The test matrix for a
larger utility would be daunting and would make it impossible to release
anything in a hurry.

You can delete some or all of the Elecraft desktop icons if you find them
cluttering your desktop, they're not essential. Just right click the desktop
icon and choose "delete.  The Utilities can be found on the Start Menu under
"Elecraft".

Or you might also want to create a single desktop folder, perhaps named
"Elecraft Cornucopia" and drag all the Elecraft Utility desktop icons into
that folder.

73 de Dick, K6KR


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Rob May
Sent: Friday, May 13, 2011 8:37 PM
To: hb9...@bluewin.ch; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Utility


Surely we don't need 3 separate utilities for the K3, P3 and KPA500. I
could accept a separate utility short term for the P3, but this is getting
out of hand. Will there be yet another utility for the high power antenna
tuner? My desktop is getting crowded with Elecraft utilities.

Rob
NV5E



> Date: Fri, 13 May 2011 13:12:08 -0700
> From: hb9...@bluewin.ch
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Utility
>
> The FW page for KPA Utility (Windows Version 1.4.5.4) May 4, 2011 reads:
>
> "Download and run the file from the above link.
> Use this utility to check for the latest releases of new features for
> your K3.
> Requires either a RS-232 cable or KUSB Serial-USB Cable to download
> from your PC to the K3."
>
> To the K3??? Or to the KPA500?
> Is this a typo?
>
> It's a bit early (still waiting for my KPA500 and it will have the
> initial FW anyway) but I'm curious!
>
> 73
> Richard
>
> -
> Richard - HB9ANM
> --
> View this message in context:
> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA500-Utility-tp6361039p6361039.
> html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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[Elecraft] Looking for KX1

[jrusk1957]

Hello, just getting back into Amateur radio after absence of 20 plus years. I
mainly operated CW way back. Have heard alot of good things about the KX1.
Looking for a reasonably price used station to get started again. On limited
income.

Thanks

Jim W0CZT

--
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Looking-for-KX1-tp6365642p6365642.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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[Elecraft] KPA500 High Reflected Power Fault

[Nels Anderson]

Been enjoying KPA500 #32 for a couple of days now. Haven't yet made a 
lot of QSOs with it, but the extra power on RTTY and to bust a couple 
SSB pile-ups has been welcome.

However, the amp does not like my 40m setup. As soon as I transmit it 
instantly goes into high reflected power fault and shuts down. My 
antenna is a 120 foot center fed wire using 1 inch ladder line and an 
LDG 1 kw auto tuner. SWR on 40m is under 2:1 and the K3 and other rigs 
I've used it with have always been happy with the antenna arrangement.

In experimenting I used the K3 tune function and reduced the power in 
steps to see if I could reach a low enough power level that it would 
operate, but even at 1 watt of drive the amp still instantly went into 
fault.

On 80m it did the same thing the first time I tried it, but then I 
manually tweaked the antenna tuner, got a lower SWR reading and then the 
amp worked. On the higher bands that I've tried there has been no problem.

So, any idea what is causing this?

73 Nels K1UR

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Firmware Updates

[Dave Perry]

Chris,

I would recommend staying current with all production versions of utility 
software as it becomes available.  This keeps you up-to-date regarding all 
new features and products.  For example, the latest K3 firmware v. 04.36 
provides support for the KPA500 plus other improvements.

You can find the latest updates on the Elecraft website--click on Firmware + 
SW tab from home page.  You can also check for latest firmware when running 
one of the utilities.  For example, if you run the K3 Utility, you can then 
click on the Firmware tab and then click on the Check Versions Now button --  
after waiting a few moments -- you can compare the versions of firmware 
installed on your K3 versus what is available.  It works that way for all of 
the firmware utilities.  I only update when this screen tells me that new 
versions are available.  I then simply click the Send All Firmware to K3 
button.

You can also download beta versions of new firmware before they are 
officially released for production.  Those are also available from the 
website, but is somewhat more complicated to install.  I tend to wait for 
the latest production versions as described above.

Dave, N4QS

- Original Message - 
From: "Christopher Soames" 
To: 
Sent: Sunday, May 15, 2011 9:47 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Firmware Updates


> Hi all, just a couple of quick questions
> 1. How often should one update the firmware on my K3 ?
> 2.Where do I look to see what the latest update is ?
>
> -- 
> Regards from
>
> Chris Soames
> G0TZZ
> email :-
> sem...@semaos.plus.com
> www.norfolkamateurradio.org
>
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 High Reflected Power Fault

[Wayne Burdick]

Nels,

The K3 and your other rigs may be happy with it at 100 W, but at 500 W  
it may be more critical. The present SWR level (actually, the  
reflected power) could be just barely faulting the amp. Did you try  
reducing the drive a bit?

Also: Is there any reason why the LDG tuner can't find a little better  
match?

I've forwarded this to our amp design team to see if they can give you  
any additional advice.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


On May 15, 2011, at 8:00 AM, Nels Anderson wrote:

> Been enjoying KPA500 #32 for a couple of days now. Haven't yet made a
> lot of QSOs with it, but the extra power on RTTY and to bust a couple
> SSB pile-ups has been welcome.
>
> However, the amp does not like my 40m setup. As soon as I transmit it
> instantly goes into high reflected power fault and shuts down. My
> antenna is a 120 foot center fed wire using 1 inch ladder line and an
> LDG 1 kw auto tuner. SWR on 40m is under 2:1 and the K3 and other rigs
> I've used it with have always been happy with the antenna arrangement.
>
> In experimenting I used the K3 tune function and reduced the power in
> steps to see if I could reach a low enough power level that it would
> operate, but even at 1 watt of drive the amp still instantly went into
> fault.
>
> On 80m it did the same thing the first time I tried it, but then I
> manually tweaked the antenna tuner, got a lower SWR reading and then  
> the
> amp worked. On the higher bands that I've tried there has been no  
> problem.
>
> So, any idea what is causing this?
>
> 73 Nels K1UR
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Monitor output...

[Jim Brown]

On 5/15/2011 12:44 AM, Ian White GM3SEK wrote:
> I came to the P3 from an SDR-IQ using a 15in second monitor [1], linked
> to the K3 and N1MMLogger through LP-Bridge. For the moment, the much
> tighter integration between the P3 and the K3 (particularly the tracking
> cursors on*both*  VFOs) overrides the need to peer at a small screen
> that is lacking in detail.

Before going too far down the trail about lacking detail, it's important 
to realize that  resolution is also limited by the FFT parameters used 
to process the complex IF signal and convert it to the frequency 
display. According to N1AL, here are 468 active FFT bins.  I haven't 
seen numbers for the frequency and time resolution of the FFT process, 
but the upper limit of frequency resolution is (F2-F1)/468.

FWIW, I'm quite happy with the P3 display, and only wish it were smaller 
(that is, less depth front to rear) with a swiveling bracket to mount it 
to the underside of a shelf above my rig.

73, Jim K9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Utility

[Dick Dievendorff]

Not a problem at all.  It's a reasonable observation, and I'm not sure the
reasons are well understood.

We wrangled with this issue the P3 Utility effort began.  I wanted to put P3
Utility functions into the K3 Utility, particularly as they use the same
serial port and to some degree the K3/P3 combination works as one unit.  

We also would need a standalone P3 Utility for P3 customers using other
transceivers.   We deferred the combination at that time, we hadn't really
thought it through for other products and we had a full plate (although not
as full as it is now...)

The K144XV is an internal K3 accessory. But the K144XV's firmware is loaded
through a separate serial port connector (even a different cable style), not
through the K3.  Explaining when to plug which cable into which device would
be a whole lot messier if the utilities were combined.

The perceived and real complexity,  potential for customer confusion and
support workload, and test matrix issues then became the dominating issues.
Help text would have to be less specific, referring to "the appropriate
serial connector on your Elecraft device" instead of "the upper DB-9
connector on the back panel of your KPA500".  

Using multiple functions concurrently (K3 terminal tab and KPA operate page)
would require a very different user interface.  It's difficult to make a
major course change when you have a number of existing products, a fair
sized customer base, and the task list is never empty. I can't stop
everything and start over to redesign for single utility (with multiple
independent windows).  

With the full array of products supported, the tab list and help text could
get pretty hefty. The Utility could easily become quite cluttered.  What
would a first-time Elecraft customer with his brand new XG3, think of all
this?  It could easily be overwhelming.

I sometimes have several products in early development stages at the same
time.  For a while I had K3, P3, W2, K144XV utilities "in the field", in use
by customers.  I was supporting a KPA field test group (with its evolving
utility) and a separate XG3 test group (with its evolving utility).  And in
the midst of this several-month period, I had to continue to make K3 and P3
Utility changes without disclosing to K3 and P3 customers that there was
such a thing as an XG3.  You can do this sort of thing with a larger
development team with things like "source code forks" and separate source
code "trees". But then when it's time to bring them all together you have a
potential for major disruption of what used to work separately.

It just seemed like the potential problems overtook the potential
advantages. 

But I do spend a lot of time resolving changes between the source code bases
for all these utilities.  I'm actively working on techniques to make that
easier. But that’s a programmer productivity issue affecting mostly me.

73 de Dick, K6KR



-Original Message-
From: Rob May [mailto:roblitesp...@hotmail.com] 
Sent: Sunday, May 15, 2011 7:40 AM
To: die...@comcast.net; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA500 Utility


Dick,
Thanks for explaining the thinking in choosing to do separate utilities.  My
comment about cluttering up the desktop with Elecraft icons was tongue in
cheek.  Half the desktop is taken up with radio related programs!  Sorry if
I came off more serious that I really meant to be.  Thanks for the great job
you do.
Rob
NV5E


> From: die...@comcast.net
> To: roblitesp...@hotmail.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA500 Utility
> Date: Sun, 15 May 2011 07:32:14 -0700
>
> Rob:
>
> There are separate utilities for the K3, W2, P3, K144XV, KPA500 and XG3.
> Yes, a couple more of them are on the radar.
>
> We considered putting these all into one larger software offering, but 
> I couldn't think of a way to keep it simple and focused.
>
> If I made one utility that could communicate with just one device at a 
> time, then users of the K3 and KPA500 who might want both utilities 
> running concurrently (say for the K3's terminal page and the KPA500 
> operate page) would have to choose which tab they're viewing.
>
> We'd also need quite an array of serial port choices to satisfy users 
> who have multiple serial ports connected to different devices.
>
> If you're on the "save configuration" tab page, would it be the K3 or 
> the KPA500's configuration you're saving?
>
> I fear that new users of just one Elecraft product (say just a P3) 
> would be find a uber-utility confusing. Confusing means "$upport calls".
>
> The utilities progress at different times and in different ways. The 
> KPA Utility's "operate" page requires a very internal different 
> technique than anything in the K3 Utility. I'm making large changes 
> right now to just the KPA Utility to more smoothly handle the 
> transitions between "not communicating" to "back panel power switch 
> on, front panel switch off" to "front panel po

Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 High Reflected Power Fault

[Jim Brown]

On 5/15/2011 8:11 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
> Did you try reducing the drive a bit?

I had a beta version here for test during a RTTY contest with orders to 
run it with all the lights lit. It occasionally saw SWR on the order of 
2:1 and faulted. I simply dropped the drive a dB or so and it purred 
along nicely.

> Also: Is there any reason why the LDG tuner can't find a little better
> match?

That was my major complaint with the LDG 1000 tuner that I had bought 
new, and is why I quickly sold it.

73, Jim K9YC
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[Elecraft] K3 internal ATU

[Jim Sheldon]

Seeing the threads on the KPA500 and auto tuner problems, I've noticed a 
possible anomaly in the K3's internal auto tuner.  I have a very close to 
resonant inverted L for 160 meters and a 3 wire fan dipole for 40, 30 and 17 
meters.  40 and 17 are resonant exactly where I want them, but due to a 
malfunction in MY math, I got the 30 meter set about a foot too short. 

On 160, I started noticing that the K3 would not tune even close to under 2:1 
near the resonant frequency of the L on the first pass.  If I hit tune again 
and sometimes needed to do it a third time, it would bring it down to 1:0 on 
the display and as long as I retuned every time I moved 10 KHz or so, it would 
tune 1:0 on the first pass.  This shows up on all bands in varying degrees if I 
happen to leave the tuner in auto rather than bypass on antennas that are 
actually resonant at or near the frequency I'm trying to tune.  If I bypass the 
tuner, I usually see 1.1:1 or 1.2:1 swr with the PA not complaining at all.  Is 
this supposed to be this way or is it an anomaly in the tuning algorithm?

It's doing the same thing now on the 30 meter band but that may be expected due 
to the fact that the set of wires for 30 is actually resonant up around 10.5 
MHz so I'm not at issue with that.

Jim - W0EB
K3 #5027
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 High Reflected Power Fault

[Nels Anderson]

I tried lowering the drive to 1 watt (using the tune function) and that 
still triggers the fault.

I suspect I'll only have the LDG tuner until the KAT500 comes out! It 
more or less gets the job done but I think it could do better and I'm 
not eager to got back to the manual tuner I have.

73 Nels K1UR

On 5/15/2011 11:37 AM, Jim Brown wrote:
> On 5/15/2011 8:11 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
>> Did you try reducing the drive a bit?
> I had a beta version here for test during a RTTY contest with orders to
> run it with all the lights lit. It occasionally saw SWR on the order of
> 2:1 and faulted. I simply dropped the drive a dB or so and it purred
> along nicely.
>
>> Also: Is there any reason why the LDG tuner can't find a little better
>> match?
> That was my major complaint with the LDG 1000 tuner that I had bought
> new, and is why I quickly sold it.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] Monitor output...

[Alan Bloom]

> According to N1AL, here are 468 active FFT bins.

It's a little more complicated than that.  The FFT is actually 1024
points.  The digital filter rolls off the edges, so the outer 20% of the
points are thrown away.  The remaining 800 or so are then interpolated
to obtain the 468 display points.

I think we'll probably go with a 2048-point FFT for the external display
to take advantage of the additional resolution.

Alan N1AL


On Sun, 2011-05-15 at 08:25 -0700, Jim Brown wrote:
> On 5/15/2011 12:44 AM, Ian White GM3SEK wrote:
> > I came to the P3 from an SDR-IQ using a 15in second monitor [1], linked
> > to the K3 and N1MMLogger through LP-Bridge. For the moment, the much
> > tighter integration between the P3 and the K3 (particularly the tracking
> > cursors on*both*  VFOs) overrides the need to peer at a small screen
> > that is lacking in detail.
> 
> Before going too far down the trail about lacking detail, it's important 
> to realize that  resolution is also limited by the FFT parameters used 
> to process the complex IF signal and convert it to the frequency 
> display. According to N1AL, here are 468 active FFT bins.  I haven't 
> seen numbers for the frequency and time resolution of the FFT process, 
> but the upper limit of frequency resolution is (F2-F1)/468.
> 
> FWIW, I'm quite happy with the P3 display, and only wish it were smaller 
> (that is, less depth front to rear) with a swiveling bracket to mount it 
> to the underside of a shelf above my rig.
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] Monitor output...

[Phil Hystad]

I am not sure I understand the feature being described.  Are you planning on a 
video output direct to a monitor or are you planning on some kind of interface 
to a computer for display to a monitor via an application program (I am not 
sure of the performance demands for this though).

73, phil, K7PEH


On May 15, 2011, at 9:05 AM, Alan Bloom wrote:

>> According to N1AL, here are 468 active FFT bins.
> 
> It's a little more complicated than that.  The FFT is actually 1024
> points.  The digital filter rolls off the edges, so the outer 20% of the
> points are thrown away.  The remaining 800 or so are then interpolated
> to obtain the 468 display points.
> 
> I think we'll probably go with a 2048-point FFT for the external display
> to take advantage of the additional resolution.
> 
> Alan N1AL
> 
> 
> On Sun, 2011-05-15 at 08:25 -0700, Jim Brown wrote:
>> On 5/15/2011 12:44 AM, Ian White GM3SEK wrote:
>>> I came to the P3 from an SDR-IQ using a 15in second monitor [1], linked
>>> to the K3 and N1MMLogger through LP-Bridge. For the moment, the much
>>> tighter integration between the P3 and the K3 (particularly the tracking
>>> cursors on*both*  VFOs) overrides the need to peer at a small screen
>>> that is lacking in detail.
>> 
>> Before going too far down the trail about lacking detail, it's important 
>> to realize that  resolution is also limited by the FFT parameters used 
>> to process the complex IF signal and convert it to the frequency 
>> display. According to N1AL, here are 468 active FFT bins.  I haven't 
>> seen numbers for the frequency and time resolution of the FFT process, 
>> but the upper limit of frequency resolution is (F2-F1)/468.
>> 
>> FWIW, I'm quite happy with the P3 display, and only wish it were smaller 
>> (that is, less depth front to rear) with a swiveling bracket to mount it 
>> to the underside of a shelf above my rig.
>> 
>> 73, Jim K9YC
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> 
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[Elecraft] [K2] Rework Eliminator(TM) K2 Internal Mic Adaptor

[Gary Hvizdak]

We expect to sell out of K2 Internal Mic Adaptors sometime in the next three
to six months.  The exact date will depend on demand, and it could be sooner
or later.

At the moment we are not limiting sales, but as our inventory gets critical,
we will likely limit sales to one per customer.

For product details, please visit http://www.unpcbs.com/

73,
Gary  KI4GGX

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Utility

[K2GN]

Having spent 30+ years in data process it is common to keep your hardware
supporting software separated. A utility for each is the way to go. Hard
drive storage is cheap, It's just a matter of organize your support software
and accessing it when needed.
There's no need to clutter a desktop with everything. These utilities are
not part of our day to day operation. I prefer not to have combined
software.


de K2GN - Larry - http://k2gn.com
K-Line - K3 S/N - 3278  P3 S/N - 51 KPA500(Tomorrow delivery) W2s


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Utility

[Phil Hystad]

But, then again, it is easy to view the K-line as one system and thus having 
one software
application to manage your K-line makes sense.  I am also a computer programmer 
with
40+ years in the industry and I would prefer one application.  I do understand 
the need
to support those who do not have all the pieces but this too can be done with a 
single 
application.

Soon, there will be a software driven antenna tuner to add to the mix.  I am 
thinking
that one application could be beneficial as a user.  It is easily to lose track 
of close to
a half-dozen different little apps -- especially when you do not use them all 
that much.

My two-bit comment,

73, phil, K7PEH


On May 15, 2011, at 9:47 AM, K2GN wrote:

> Having spent 30+ years in data process it is common to keep your hardware
> supporting software separated. A utility for each is the way to go. Hard
> drive storage is cheap, It's just a matter of organize your support software
> and accessing it when needed.
> There's no need to clutter a desktop with everything. These utilities are
> not part of our day to day operation. I prefer not to have combined
> software.
> 
> 
> de K2GN - Larry - http://k2gn.com
> K-Line - K3 S/N - 3278  P3 S/N - 51 KPA500(Tomorrow delivery) W2s
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Utility

[Gary Gregory]

The utility is just that...a utilitynot run very often and useful for
updating FW but for day to day operation is not really useful at all.

Sometimes the desires of some are not in tune with the desires of others?

One folder, several utilities is fine with me.

But then I use my K-Line daily and detest the thought of having to use
software other than for a logging program.

YMMV

Gary

On 16 May 2011 03:06, Phil Hystad  wrote:

> But, then again, it is easy to view the K-line as one system and thus
> having one software
> application to manage your K-line makes sense.  I am also a computer
> programmer with
> 40+ years in the industry and I would prefer one application.  I do
> understand the need
> to support those who do not have all the pieces but this too can be done
> with a single
> application.
>
> Soon, there will be a software driven antenna tuner to add to the mix.  I
> am thinking
> that one application could be beneficial as a user.  It is easily to lose
> track of close to
> a half-dozen different little apps -- especially when you do not use them
> all that much.
>
> My two-bit comment,
>
> 73, phil, K7PEH
>
>
> On May 15, 2011, at 9:47 AM, K2GN wrote:
>
> > Having spent 30+ years in data process it is common to keep your hardware
> > supporting software separated. A utility for each is the way to go. Hard
> > drive storage is cheap, It's just a matter of organize your support
> software
> > and accessing it when needed.
> > There's no need to clutter a desktop with everything. These utilities are
> > not part of our day to day operation. I prefer not to have combined
> > software.
> >
> >
> > de K2GN - Larry - http://k2gn.com
> > K-Line - K3 S/N - 3278  P3 S/N - 51 KPA500(Tomorrow delivery) W2s
> >
> >
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-- 

VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
Elecraft Equipment
K3 #679, KPA-500 #018
Living the dream!!!
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[Elecraft] Test

[Jack Regan]

 

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[Elecraft] NET

[Phil LaMarche]

What's the new frequency please?

 

Philip LaMarche

 

LaMarche Enterprises, Inc

 

  p...@lamarcheenterprises.com

  www.LaMarcheEnterprises.com  

 

727-944-3226

727-937-8834 Fax

727-510-5038 Cell 

   www.w9dvm.com

 K3 #1605

KPA 500 #029

 

 CCA 98-00827

CRA 1701

W9DVM

 

 

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Re: [Elecraft] NET

[Matt Zilmer]

14.3035 for the SSB net @ 1800Z..

matt

On Sun, 15 May 2011 13:45:41 -0400, you wrote:

>What's the new frequency please?
>
> 
>
>Philip LaMarche
>
> 
>
>LaMarche Enterprises, Inc
>
> 
>
>  p...@lamarcheenterprises.com
>
>  www.LaMarcheEnterprises.com  
>
> 
>
>727-944-3226
>
>727-937-8834 Fax
>
>727-510-5038 Cell 
>
>   www.w9dvm.com
>
> K3 #1605
>
>KPA 500 #029
>
> 
>
> CCA 98-00827
>
>CRA 1701
>
>W9DVM
>
> 
>
> 
>
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Re: [Elecraft] NET

[Kevin Rock]

I have not changed net frequencies.  Of which net are you referring?
73,
   Kevin.  KD5ONS



On Sun, 15 May 2011 10:45:41 -0700, Phil LaMarche   
wrote:

> What's the new frequency please?
>
>
> Philip LaMarche
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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft] KX-1 Ideal Antenna

[Michael Babineau]

>Well, lots of suggestions for trap dipoles, multiple insulators with jumpers, 
>etc etc. 

>But I get excellent results with my simple antenna. I posted about this 4 or 5 
>years ago. I went to Radio Shack and bought a 50 ft roll of loudspeaker wire. 
>I un-zipped it. Turns out actual length of each leg is >51 ft 8 in, but I 
>doubt the length is critical. One leg goes as high in the air as I can get it 
>with available supports. Sloper or inverted L or whatever. Other leg lies on 
>the ground. Direction doesn't seem to matter. >ATU loads it just fine on all 
>three bands and has given me many nice QSOs including some trans-continental 
>and transatlantic.

>73
>Ray K2HYD
>KX-1 #608

I have also had pretty good luck with an end-fed 51 foot wire erected as an 
inverted-vee.  I have worked this again 5 radials each 16 feet long
and it will match and work fine on 40m / 30m /20m with my KX1 internal tuner. I 
don't have 80m in my KX1 so I can't comment on that band. 

I also use  a homebrew G5RV JR (51 feet) feed with 14 ft of TV twinlead 
attached to about 30 feet of RG-6 (with ten turns
of the coax wound on a 6" form to create a choke balun).   I also sometimes use 
a "clip-lead" dipole for 40m/30m/20m or a 44 ft  doublet (aka 
Norcal doublet) and have had great luck with all of these.  

It would be a  challenge to find an antenna that will also match on 80m as the 
KX1 internal tuner is really not well suited for matching on 80m
due to its limited range of switched inductance. 

If a 51 foot end-fed wire doesn't give a good match on 80m then one could add 
some additional inductance via a home-brew coil
inserted in series to help the tuner out.  It also might worth trying  a W3EDP 
or alternately an 86 foot end-fed wire worked against
some ground radials.  This is a good length for multi-band operation as it is 
not  a multiple of a half-wave on any amateur
HF band. 

Michael VE3WMB 



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[Elecraft] Thanks everyone!

[Phil LaMarche]

 

 

Philip LaMarche

 

LaMarche Enterprises, Inc

 

  p...@lamarcheenterprises.com

  www.LaMarcheEnterprises.com  

 

727-944-3226

727-937-8834 Fax

727-510-5038 Cell 

   www.w9dvm.com

K3 # 1605

KPA500 # 029

 

 CCA 98-00827

CRA 1701

W9DVM

 

 

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Re: [Elecraft] NET

[Sam Morgan]

14.303 now
moved due to another QSO
Very good signals from Oregon today
I normally have to strain to hear him
and usually need to be relayed into the net


GB & 73
K5OAI
Sam Morgan

On 5/15/2011 12:45 PM, Phil LaMarche wrote:
> What's the new frequency please?
>
>
>
> Philip LaMarche
>
>
>
> LaMarche Enterprises, Inc
>
>
>
>     p...@lamarcheenterprises.com
>
>     www.LaMarcheEnterprises.com
>
>
>
> 727-944-3226
>
> 727-937-8834 Fax
>
> 727-510-5038 Cell
>
>  www.w9dvm.com
>
>   K3 #1605
>
> KPA 500 #029
>
>
>
>   CCA 98-00827
>
> CRA 1701
>
> W9DVM
>
>
>
>
>
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
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[Elecraft] OT:extreme pixel ghosting on TV

[Fred Atchley]

As of last week I changed my email address to ae...@cox.net

 

This change was necessary because my previous internet provider used
frequencies for the control link to their DSL box which directly relate to
ham frequencies. The result was extreme pixel ghosting when I transmitted. 

 

I tried toroids on the lines, high-pass filters in the TV circuit, different
antennas and shielded feed lines. None of the old "fixes" worked. Then my
son, KJ6JUS, researched the problem and came across the link below. Wow,
enlightenment. Apparently ATT U-verse utilizes ADSL (asymmetric digital
subscriber line) or one of its flavors for link control. The frequencies
utilized by these range from 1.1 to 30 MHz! I switched to Cox and the
problem went away. 

 

Here is the thread on ATT U-verse / Ham interference in case any of you are
experiencing the same problem:

 

http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/r21536214-Ham-Radio-and-ATT-UVerse-IPT
VInternetPhone-Problems 

 

I'm not much on complaining, but this problem opens Pandora's Box. Hams will
be blamed for something we have no control over. Is there a "proper way" to
file a complaint with the FCC?

 

73, Fred Atchley, AE6IC, K3 2241

 

"Do, or do not.there is no try" ~ Yoda

 

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Re: [Elecraft] Monitor output...

[n5ge]

>From what I'm reading here there will be no computer in the formula.
Am I right Alan?

73,
Tom
Amateur Radio Operator N5GE


On Sun, 15 May 2011 09:24:17 -0700, Phil Hystad  wrote:

>I am not sure I understand the feature being described.  Are you planning on a 
>video output direct to a monitor or are you planning on some kind of interface 
>to a computer for display to a monitor via an application program (I am not 
>sure of the performance demands for this though).
>
>73, phil, K7PEH
>
[snip]

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 High Reflected Power Fault

[n5ge]

Sounds to like your LDG Tuner can't match the load...

73,
Tom
Amateur Radio Operator N5GE


On Sun, 15 May 2011 11:00:57 -0400, Nels Anderson  wrote:

>Been enjoying KPA500 #32 for a couple of days now. Haven't yet made a 
>lot of QSOs with it, but the extra power on RTTY and to bust a couple 
>SSB pile-ups has been welcome.
>
>However, the amp does not like my 40m setup. As soon as I transmit it 
>instantly goes into high reflected power fault and shuts down. My 
>antenna is a 120 foot center fed wire using 1 inch ladder line and an 
>LDG 1 kw auto tuner. SWR on 40m is under 2:1 and the K3 and other rigs 
>I've used it with have always been happy with the antenna arrangement.
>
>In experimenting I used the K3 tune function and reduced the power in 
>steps to see if I could reach a low enough power level that it would 
>operate, but even at 1 watt of drive the amp still instantly went into 
>fault.
>
>On 80m it did the same thing the first time I tried it, but then I 
>manually tweaked the antenna tuner, got a lower SWR reading and then the 
>amp worked. On the higher bands that I've tried there has been no problem.
>
>So, any idea what is causing this?
>
>73 Nels K1UR
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Monitor output...

[Alan Bloom]

Right, no computer will be required.  You'll just plug a VGA monitor
into the connector on the back of the P3.

Alan N1AL


On Sun, 2011-05-15 at 13:29 -0500, n...@n5ge.com wrote:
> 
> >From what I'm reading here there will be no computer in the formula.
> Am I right Alan?
> 
> 73,
> Tom
> Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
> 
> 
> On Sun, 15 May 2011 09:24:17 -0700, Phil Hystad  wrote:
> 
> >I am not sure I understand the feature being described.  Are you planning on 
> >a video output direct to a monitor or are you planning on some kind of 
> >interface to a computer for display to a monitor via an application program 
> >(I am not sure of the performance demands for this though).
> >
> >73, phil, K7PEH
> >
> [snip]
> 
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[Elecraft] Elecraft SSB Net results (5-15-11)

[Phillip Shepard]

We started the net this week on 14.303 MHz, fitting in between nets at .300
and .306. Propagation was mixed with a lot of QSB. We had 27 participants
over the 21 minute net. The discussions were on cabling options for the
KPA500. See you next week.
Here is the list of participants.

Station NameQTH Rig S/N

WB6CLZ  MikeCA  K3  4522
KE4WY   Jim KY  K3  4864
K1ZWLarry   NC  K3  5185
K8DJC   Nelson  OH  K3  560
W0RSR   MikeCO  K2  5767
K1NGZ   MikeAZ  TS430S
K4TMCaryVA  K3  3448
K5OAI   Sam TX  K3  4123
W5ETJ   GaryTX  K3  3227
N6JWJohnCA  K3  936 (also K2 #3290)
AC0NM   Glenn   UT  K3  2843
W2RWA   DickNY  K3  2603
W8OV/m  DaveTX  FT100D
NJ6GDennis  CA  K2  5345
K1URNelsMA  K3  1157
W9DVM   PhilFL  K3  1605
W0FMTerry   MO  K3  474
KO5YKen NM  K2  7095
KC5RY   George  TX  K3  5208
N1JMJohnAZ  K3  2555
NT5QDon NM  K3  4179
K6LMP   Lew CA  K3  3805
K4GCJ   Gerry   NC  K3  1597
W7NMD   Palmer  AR  K3  3779
W6NIA   MattCA  K3  24
K6SBA   David   CA  K3  565
NS7PPhilOR  K3  1826

73,

Phil, NS7P

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[Elecraft] Gray KPA500 to match K2??

[Fred Bennett N9TA]

   Hi Gang

 

I never got around to buying the K3..truth is I like the K2 just fine!

Is there any possibility I could get the KPA500 painted to match the K2??

 

 73.de.Fred  N9TA

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Re: [Elecraft] Monitor output...

[Alexander Sack]

On Sun, May 15, 2011 at 3:04 PM, Alan Bloom  wrote:
> Right, no computer will be required.  You'll just plug a VGA monitor
> into the connector on the back of the P3.

Since we are in question answering mode, will you be able to switch
between just monitor, just P3, and both?

-aps
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[Elecraft] NAQCC Sprint Wednesday night!

[NAQCC]

NAQCC Sprint Wednesday night!

Our May sprint is this coming Wednesday evening local time (8:30-10:30 p.m. 
E.D.T.), which is Thursday, May 19, 0030-0230z.

I will refer you to the proper URL:

http://naqcc.info/sprint201105.html

There you will find all the details as to time, frequencies and other important 
information.

Certificates: SWA (simple wire antennas) certificates by call area, VE, DX, and 
if anyone has a 160M gain antenna, a certificate in the GAIN category as well.

Prizes: Too many to list!  Full details at naqcc.info/main_giveaways.html

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

-

For those on the other side of the Atlantic, the next European Chapter sprint 
will be held on the 8th of June, 2011. The European Sprints bring the fun and 
excitement of the US sprints to those unable to take part due to the barriers 
of distance and time zone. Most of the rules for the US sprints apply, the main 
difference being the time at which they are held. For more details (including 
times, exchange and frequency) please see the rules on the website: 
http://naqcc-eu.org/

Those outside of Europe are also very welcome to participate. We have already 
seen the first transatlantic QSOs, proving just how effective the CW/QRP 
combination is over a long distance.

-

If you are not already a member of NAQCC... membership is FREE!  Just sign up 
on the NAQCC website (http://naqcc.info/) and you will receive a handsome 
certificate, with your membership number which is good for life, plus a starter 
kit.

Come join us and have a real good time!

72/73 de Dave VA3RJ
NAQCC #0004

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[Elecraft] KX1 - We need to develop the ideal antenna

[Mike Morrow]

Bob/AB5N wrote:

> I guess I have come to the conclusion that nobody has really run the gamut
> trying antenna designs for the KX-1.

And I guess I'd contest that statement.  Testing portable HF antennas for
field and backpack use has been my principal ham interest for more than 30
years (but for general HF use, not just for the KX1).

> Its requirements are unique (the tuner etc).

I don't see anything unique about the KX1 application that doesn't apply
to any other HF rig.  I usually operate a K1 with the KAT1 auto tuner, but 
sometimes I go over to the dark side and use a mobile general coverage HF
transceiver.  I use the same antenna for either, out in the field.

> OK, I'll "run the gamut"... with my goal being to fulfill the above
> criteria.

Thanks.  I have a write-up for a very simple design that meets all your
criteria, plus is inexpensive and quick to home brew.


Erik/K7TV wrote:

> ...I have settled on a dipole with jumpers, and this is the best configuration
> yet.  KK5F beat me to suggesting it here, but I am chiming in because the 
> subject
> is interesting, and details are worth discussing.

As long as the antenna may be quickly accessed to alter the jumpers around the
insulators, and as long as some sort of support can be found or erected for the
ends and center, it is inarguably the very best approach for a dipole antenna.
The "insulator+jumper" approach used on my multi-band dipole performs better 
than
my permanently-installed home trap dipole.

> 1. My insulators are rectangular pieces of Lexan sheet, cut to about
> 0.25" x 0.5" x 1.75".

The insulator in my design is a 1.25-inch piece of 3/8-inch-OD PVC tubing,
with .125-inch holes drilled through it .25 inches from the ends.  Only a
drill and a tubing cutter are required to completely fabricate one in a
matter of minutes.  The 2.5-inch jumper around an insulator is permanently
affixed (soldered) on the down-leg side of the insulator, and utilzes a
1.5-inch alligator clip on the other end to close the jumper around the
insulator.  I've never suffered a failure of any PVC insulator, which are
now 15 years old.

> 2. The wire I use is the extremely lightweight copperclad available
> from The Wireman...

My dipole assembly has been in service for 15 years, but I have used many
wire antennas in my experiments.  The ***ONLY*** wire that I've ever used
that NEVER failed anywhere or anyhow is Flexweave-tm, also available from
Wireman (items 542 through 549) and other sources.  It'll cost at least
$.21/foot (100 feet or more), but it is worth several times that, IMHO.
I use 14 ga. Flexweave, which consists of 168 fine strands that create a
wire that is extrememly flexible, durable, and a real joy to work. 

> 3. My feedline is RG-58 from my Buddipole, which includes a lightweight
> balun using beads.

I prefer RG-8X, which is negligibly larger in diameter.  I've used a balun
in earlier designs, and found it to be superflous for all practical purposes
in a temporary field installation.  I do use a balun on my home dipole.

> 4. The configuration is inverted-vee, supported at up to 22 ft or so.

I tie the ends of my dipole off somewhere around eight feet above ground,
and use a set of dome tent replacement support rods to push the center
insulator up about nine feet above ground.  It still works well, even this
low.

> 5. I store the antenna with feedline detached on two "Halo Winder"
> type spools designed for kite string.

I connect the jumpers around the 12 insulators, disconnect the coax at the
center conductor (which has a SO-239 connector), and roll the antenna up in
a one-foot diameter coil.  I do the same for the coax.  The 14 ga. Flexweave
is resistant to unspiraling into a complex jumble the way all other antenna
wire does when such a roll-up is attempted.  It's all a very small volume
and weight for the backpack, and no sharp edges on anything!
 
> ...it turned out the wire had broken right at a solder joint.

Flexweave-tm will eliminate that possibility of failure.  In fact, if some
Flexweave-type of wire is not used, failure due to wire fatigue is a 
certainty...probably sooner than later...with such wire antennas.

If anyone is interested in a detailed description with photos of my seven-band
(10 through 40 meters) dipole, I can send a pdf file on request.  It claims
no innovation and may be freely distributed, if desired.  I have just revised
it to clarify some of the text and to add discussion of extending it for 80/75
and 60 meters.  If any of the 60 or so list members that have received earlier
versions over the past decade want the update (Revision 3), just let me know.

73,
Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] Monitor output...

[Alan Bloom]

That would certainly seem reasonable.

Alan N1AL


On Sun, 2011-05-15 at 18:05 -0400, Alexander Sack wrote:
> On Sun, May 15, 2011 at 3:04 PM, Alan Bloom  wrote:
> > Right, no computer will be required.  You'll just plug a VGA monitor
> > into the connector on the back of the P3.
> 
> Since we are in question answering mode, will you be able to switch
> between just monitor, just P3, and both?
> 
> -aps
> 


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[Elecraft] K3 Utility Linux version unable to access ftp.elecraft.com

[Nate Bargmann]

I have just installed the latest Linux version of the K3 utility and
when trying to check the available K3 firmware version, I get the last
two lines of output immediately upon clicking the Check Versions Now
button.

19:17:33 Elecraft K3 Utility for Linux Version 1.4.1.8
19:17:34 K3 MCU version 04.22. RS232 speed 38400 bps.
19:24:44 Connecting to ftp.elecraft.com. Please be patient, this takes a
few seconds.
19:24:44 Unable to connect to Elecraft server. Error: 127

I opened Wireshark and never saw even a DNS query from the utility let
alone any FTP network activity.  As you can see, the error message pops
up less than a second after the connecting message.  Successive tries
fail to connect as well.

How best can I help troubleshoot this?  I am using Debian Sid and have
not noted any network issues with any other application.  Running ldd
shows no missing library dependencies.

73, de Nate >>

-- 

"The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all
possible worlds.  The pessimist fears this is true."

Ham radio, Linux, bikes, and more: http://www.n0nb.us
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 High Reflected Power Fault

[Dennis Moore]

Sounds similar to what my barefoot K2/100 was doing with an LDG tuner to 
a multiband ladderline-fed doublet. It would tune up alright but as soon 
as I started talking on 17m the tuner would go crazy. I replaced the 
first few feet of feedline with dual coax, grounded the shields. That 
moved the open twinlead a few more feet away from the rig, and it 
presented a slightly different impedance to the tuner. No more problems.

I don't know what configuration you have between the 
tuner/balun/feedline but you might start there.

73, Dennis NJ6G

On 5/15/2011 11:41 AM, n...@n5ge.com wrote:
> Sounds to like your LDG Tuner can't match the load...
>
> 73,
> Tom
> Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
>
>
> On Sun, 15 May 2011 11:00:57 -0400, Nels Anderson  wrote:
>
>> Been enjoying KPA500 #32 for a couple of days now. Haven't yet made a
>> lot of QSOs with it, but the extra power on RTTY and to bust a couple
>> SSB pile-ups has been welcome.
>>
>> However, the amp does not like my 40m setup. As soon as I transmit it
>> instantly goes into high reflected power fault and shuts down. My
>> antenna is a 120 foot center fed wire using 1 inch ladder line and an
>> LDG 1 kw auto tuner. SWR on 40m is under 2:1 and the K3 and other rigs
>> I've used it with have always been happy with the antenna arrangement.
>>
>> In experimenting I used the K3 tune function and reduced the power in
>> steps to see if I could reach a low enough power level that it would
>> operate, but even at 1 watt of drive the amp still instantly went into
>> fault.
>>
>> On 80m it did the same thing the first time I tried it, but then I
>> manually tweaked the antenna tuner, got a lower SWR reading and then the
>> amp worked. On the higher bands that I've tried there has been no problem.
>>
>> So, any idea what is causing this?
>>
>> 73 Nels K1UR

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[Elecraft] K3?

[N9TZL]

Hello:
I am considering the purchase of  a K3 for the purpose of 6M, VHF, UHF and 
eventually Microwave contesting. Obviously this will result in using 
transverters with all the associated cabling to achieve this.

I would appreciate hearing how you accomplished this, and why you picked the K3.
Thanks to any and all who would email me directly or post to the reflector.

73, Dennis N9TZL
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 High Reflected Power Fault

[Mike WA8BXN]

 
If a tuner gets you to a good match at low power where there is a balun
involved, but you run into problems at high power, I would first suspect
that the balun is getting saturated. Using a balun between an antenna and
the tuner many times is not a good thing to do. Using a balanced line tuner
is really the best thing to do. Changing the length of feedline from antenna
to balun does change the impedance that the balun or tuner has to deal with.
And that chance can help at a specific frequency that has problems. 
 
Using a single antenna on multiple bands is very attractive. Unfortunately
it is sometimes not an easy thing to do efficiently. In most cases antennas
are always a tradeoff. There are so many constraints we deal with. Lot sizes
 deed restrictions, supports available, how much we can spend. You want a
great antenna system and unlimited budget? I'm sure someone can sell you the
land needed, someone can clear it, someone can put up multiple support
structures and good antennas for the bands of interest. 
 
Most often what we wind up with is a compromise in one way or another. In
many cases that compromise, with careful study and understanding, can result
in a quite respectable antenna. The other trade off to consider is the time
spent in getting the best antenna versus getting on the air a lot with a
variety of antennas (or maybe just one). 
 
I must confess that I probably spend more time brooding over what could be a
better antenna than getting on the air and making contacts with the fairly
decent antennas that I do have here. 
 
73 - Mike WA8BXN 
 
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[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Report for May 15th & 16th, 2011

[Kevin Rock]

Good Evening,
The two nets were plagued with QRM.  Mostly tuners with one tester.  I  
sometimes wonder about people.  Twenty meters was clear and I was able to  
land two stations in Connecticut.  One of them was Bill, K1EV.  I asked  
him to call the net and he got Dave, W8OV, who had just awoken.  Must have  
been busy contesting this weekend :)
Forty meters had its normal loud noise level but I was able to work a  
few stations.  I need to determine when 40 opens up because z is not  
the best time for it.  I am happy I got a relay station on twenty meters  
so maybe I'll cease operations on forty until autumn and concentrate on  
twenty meters with until then.

On to the lists =>

   On 14050 kHz at 2200z:
NO8V - John - MI - K3 - 820
W0CZ - Ken - ND - K3 - 457
K4JPN - Steve - GA - K2 - 1422
K0DTJ - Brian - CA - K3 - 4113
K1THP - Dave - CT - K3 - 686
NK6A - Don - CA - K3 - 4569
K1EV - Bill - CT - K2 - 2152
W8OV - Dave - TX - K3 - 3139

   On 7045 kHz at z:
K6DGW - Fred - CA - K3 - 642
K6PJV - Dale - CA - K3 - 1183
K0DTJ - Brian - CA - K3 - 4113
NY6G - Stan - CA

Weather reports were of impending spring.  Wonder when it will truly  
come to the entire continent?  It was very rainy here today but I was told  
of thunder and lightning in California.  That is something I rarely see  
because our rainstorms are mostly slow and steady downpours often lasting  
for days on end without a break.  What is so strange is the humidity  
rarely gets very high in Oregon.  Compared to what I grew up with the 75  
to 80% peaks are nothing.  But after a summer in Houston where I  
experienced 100% humidity even the Midwest seems mild!
Until next week stay well,
   73,
  Kevin.  KD5ONS  (Net Control Operator 5th Class)

-
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Utility Linux version unable to access ftp.elecraft.com

[Jessie Oberreuter]

  It hasn't worked for me either -- just been too busy to let anyone 
know.  Downloading the files manually works.
  Two other minor observations.  1st, a 64-bit build should probably be 
made available one of these days.  I chose to down-grade my machine 
instead -- it was easier than installing 32-bit versions of all of the 
libraries :).
  Second, with some trickery, I have been able to reload the K3 using a 
terminal server (essentially a set of serial ports that you can "telnet" 
to) instead of a serial port that's directly attached to the computer the 
utility is running on, but it's too finicky to trust -- probably a timing 
issue with the protocol.  Sokay ... I can swap cables occasionally to do 
upgrades, and the unix "Unified I/O System" really isn't that unified, so 
I don't blame anyone for not supporting this; I'm just one of those people 
who can't seem to do anything the normal way...


On Sun, 15 May 2011, Nate Bargmann wrote:

> I have just installed the latest Linux version of the K3 utility and
> when trying to check the available K3 firmware version, I get the last
> two lines of output immediately upon clicking the Check Versions Now
> button.
>
> 19:17:33 Elecraft K3 Utility for Linux Version 1.4.1.8
> 19:17:34 K3 MCU version 04.22. RS232 speed 38400 bps.
> 19:24:44 Connecting to ftp.elecraft.com. Please be patient, this takes a
> few seconds.
> 19:24:44 Unable to connect to Elecraft server. Error: 127
>
> I opened Wireshark and never saw even a DNS query from the utility let
> alone any FTP network activity.  As you can see, the error message pops
> up less than a second after the connecting message.  Successive tries
> fail to connect as well.
>
> How best can I help troubleshoot this?  I am using Debian Sid and have
> not noted any network issues with any other application.  Running ldd
> shows no missing library dependencies.
>
> 73, de Nate >>
>
> -- 
>
> "The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all
> possible worlds.  The pessimist fears this is true."
>
> Ham radio, Linux, bikes, and more: http://www.n0nb.us
> __
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>
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