Re: [Elecraft] Balun on tuner input?
Ross Primrose N4RP wrote: On 12/9/2011 6:09 PM, Jim Brown wrote: If it is an automatic antenna tuner, that is less of a problem. Except that the automatic circuitry, and it's power supply must also be isolated from ground. That part of the design problem seems non-trivial. Seems fairly simple to me, use a transformer in the PS, and float the secondary side... Nope - there will be a large capacitance between the transformer windings. In parallel with this will be the capacitance between the entire RF sub-chassis and the outer metal case. If the choke balun is connected on the input side of the ATU, these quite large parallel capacitances will partially unbalance the output. Worse yet (as Alan points out), if you select a coaxial output with the SO-239 socket grounded to the case, the balun becomes short-circuited from end to end. Alpha are working on a very similar auto-ATU but their proposed schematic shows exactly how 'broken' this concept is: http://www.rfconcepts.com/PRODUCTS/New-Products/Alpha4040 Elecraft have done well to avoid this trap, and to decide that the KAT500 will be all-coaxial - because there simply isn't a one way fits all solution for a balanced ATU. Different user installations will require different solutions on different bands, so the optimum solution will always involve some customization, swapping or switching between 1:1 balun, 4:1 balun and 'no balun'. Please don't be confused by some ATU manufacturers' efforts to sell us a one way fits all balanced ATU. They're only doing that because a fully versatile engineered solution would be too complex and expensive. So Engineering steps back and Marketing takes over instead - bending *your* perceptions to fit what they have to sell. Again, Elecraft have done well to avoid this. Some time ago it was suggested that an all-coaxial KAT500 should also include programmable band-switched relay control outputs (rather like DIGOUT0 and DIGOUT1 on the K3) so that users have the option to configure their own custom relay switching if they need it. Did anything happen to that suggestion? -- 73 from Ian GM3SEK http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek __ 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] 70cm K3 option?
Gidday from vk, Any plans from Aptos to have a 70cm option for the K3? Cheers, Peter VK4EA __ 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] Rusting screws
just a thought, a highly polished stainless steel outer shell would be really nice to!! Ken..G0ORH / M3i Sent from my iPhone On 10 Dec 2011, at 01:33, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft e...@elecraft.com wrote: Hi Mike, We're going to look seriously at the SS screws for all products. We've actually been using the current black oxide steel type of screw for the external screws since we started the company with the K2. These are the same type of screw used by Alpha amps and a number of other ham manufacturers.( I just got off the phone earlier today with Alpha confirming this.) While receiving occasional reports of rust from tropical and extremely humid areas, most users have not reported any problems. As an example, I live 1 mile from the ocean here in CA, and the screws on my 12+ year old K2, my K3, KX1, K1 etc are all pristine. We created the K3 SS screwkit for the K3 as a special kit for dxpeditioners etc who were operating in extreme conditions. It consists of all of the exterior screws on the K3 (not just the 4-40 x 3/16 screws) and was bought by us in low volumes, hence the higher price. We're probably breaking even on these after kitting, order entry etc. We're certainly not getting rich selling the SS screw kits. :-) Also, the rust seen on extreme dxpeditions was restricted just to the exterior screws. We haven't seen any serious corrosion with the interior screws. That said, the screw corrosion thread here has prompted us to revisit this and to look at phasing in SS screws across the whole product line. It is certainly happening in more cases than we, our you, would like to see. We are actively looking at sources right now and I'll report back to the list as we get something defined, both for new kits and for mod kits to existing rigs. This is a pretty big project to change it all over. We'll make sure to keep the cost on the SS screw mod kits very low. Our goal is to make sure there is nothing standing in the way of the K2, and or other products, being perceived as high quality products. Also, in the near term, we'll replace any of the existing exterior screws with the same type at no cost for corrosion. Just email pa...@elecraft.com and let them know which screws you need and the qty etc. 73, Eric WA6HHQ www.elecraft.com On 12/9/2011 7:14 AM, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote: Thanks. I was curious if the screw kit Elecraft provides is just for cover screws. They are working on a SS kit for the KPA 500 too. The cost for 100 screws has shown there is no reason other than profit not to include SS hardware with the kits from the start. Mike W0MU W0MU-1 CC Cluster w0mu.net On 12/9/2011 5:28 AM, Phil Debbie Salas wrote: FWIW - I bought #4x1/4 SS black-oxide covered screws from McMaster Carr. Price is $3.91/100. Part number 96640A054. I use them on my K3 and KPA500. Phil - AD5X __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft 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] New K3 built - can I reset the 5w calibration?
Okay gents. I'm convinced. I do like a good exchange. 73, Mike NF4L __ 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] Aux cable for KPA500
Thanks for all the replies. Looks like I will order the aux cable. 73, John N1JM -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Aux-cable-for-KPA500-tp7078405p7081343.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] 4:1 balun
At 03:03 PM 12/9/2011 -0800, you wrote: In the 1960's one very popular and cheap H.F. antenna was the folded dipole. Often they were made from the ubiquitous 300 ohm twin lead used on TV antennas and fed with the same twin lead since the impedance of a folded dipole is close to 300 ohms. The first time I saw 4:1 baluns being sold to Hams was to make it easy to connect the 300 ohm feeder to such a folded dipole to the output of a rig designed to feed 50 ohms. As Hams migrated away from rigs with tunable output networks to rigs with fixed tuned outputs, MFJ and others produced a line of antenna tuners specifically designed to correct feed line mismatches since that could no longer be done at the rig. They included the popular 4:1 balun for those who were feeding various open wire lines (typically 300 to 600 ohms but which may have significant SWR - so the impedance might vary much more). It seems that many Hams considered the 4:1 ratio some sort of magic number, when all it was intended to do was provide a good transfer between 300 ohms and 50 ohms. Ron AC7AC Hi Back in late 50's early 60's I bought my first balun from Heathkit ... made from special Bifiler wound Airdux coils which could be connected in either 1:1 or 4:1 configuration. I still have that balun in its 5x9x9 aluminium case. I used it with my first Xmiter which was homebrew, 300 watts, and plate modulated AM. I used a folded dipole made of 300 ohm twinlead fed by the same twinlead and the balun in a 4:1 configuration. The dipole was strung between 70ft towers. It was a wonderful setup at a wonderful time (from a propagation point of view). The ZL's and VK's were like locals! es we used to chat about the best way to grow tomatoes hihi These days I still use a balanced feed system with either 300 or 450 ohm feed line ... but with fixed impedance output xmiters and vy much lower power. I no longer use fixed resonant folded dipoles ... but a nonresonant dipole that is useable on multiple bands with a matching unit at the shack. The matching unit I use is a link coupled L network .. often referred to as a Z-match. The system seems to be vy efficient as I have no problem working the world with 20 watts. SSB for local contacts and nets and CW/PSK for DX. No problems with RFI !! Back in the day .. my 300 watt AM xmiter was a TV killer but then no one in out neighborhood watched TV during the day (week-ends excluded) and the (1 station) shut down at midnight. I just had to stay up late and/or skip school hi hi. Jim, VE3CI -Original Message- I can attest to what Vic says. I have an 88-foot long doublet, hung about 45 feet up, fed with 85 feet of 600-ohm ladder line. At the shack end I have a 1:1 balun, and then about six feet of RG/8X running to the K3. The K3's tuner likes the combination. I tried replacing the 1:1 balun with a 4:1 from the same manufacturer. The K3 was quite unhappy with the change in components. The 4:1 went back on the shelf, the 1:1 went back inline. YMMV Jim / W6JHB __ 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] Rusting screws
Hi I have the stainless steel kit (tho' still not installed and I have no rust) but all these messages about rust led me to remember this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRKmkybIaqc hope you enjoy - and sorry for the OT... Eric will be closing it soon anyway :-) 73 John VE3NFK -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Rusting-screws-tp7073305p7081519.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] K1 Not Transmitting
I bought my K1, fully assembled, about a year ago. I've recently noticed that when I transmit that there are no emissions. The SWR is showing as 9.9 from the tuner (I can hear all the tuner relays latch and unlatch when doing the test). Can anyone help point me to what may be the problem? 73, Eric W4OTN __ 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] 4:1 balun
It seems that many Hams considered the 4:1 ratio some sort of magic number, when all it was intended to do was provide a good transfer between 300 ohms and 50 ohms. I just modeled a typical 20m folded twin-lead dipole using 4Nec2 and TLD software. Had never tried that one before. The antenna feed-point Z at a half-wave height (33 FT) above average ground computes to 291-j7.7. That's surprisingly close to 300 ohms resistive. With TLD software, I then coupled the feed-point with 300-ohm twin-lead line. Finally, I varied line length between 0 and 1/2 electrical wavelength and watched the resulting Z at the line input. Z always stays between 290 and 310 ohms with very little reactance. Total system loss never exceeds 0.25 dB. The 300-ohm VSWR stays near 1.05:1 and not surprisingly, the 50-ohm VSWR stays near 6:1. While a 4:1 balun can probably result in efficient transfer of power into the line from a modern 50-ohm output Z transceiver, I think a 6:1 ratio current balun would be a better choice under these circumstances, assuming one wanted to avoid an ATU at (or within) the rig altogether. No wonder this antenna was so popular. The antenna and line all use the same inexpensive 300-ohm twin lead material. The match at the antenna is so good that line VSWR (300) and loss is negligible. Paul, W9AC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K1 Not Transmitting
Eric, The first thing I would check is the coax. The 9.9 SWR indicates a likely short or open circuit in the feedline. Try connecting a dummy load with known good coax and see what happens. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/10/2011 9:54 AM, Eric Christensen wrote: I bought my K1, fully assembled, about a year ago. I've recently noticed that when I transmit that there are no emissions. The SWR is showing as 9.9 from the tuner (I can hear all the tuner relays latch and unlatch when doing the test). Can anyone help point me to what may be the problem? 73, Eric W4OTN __ 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] 4:1 balun
The down side of the 300 ohm twin lead folded dipole is that 300 ohm twin lead usually is made from small wire and not mechanically very strong, so it is not durable for fixed stations with varying weather conditions and the wire is too small for anything but low power. With either the 300 ohm twin lead or a folded dipole fabricated from #14 or heavier conductors a 4:1 balun is needed to tune well with a 50 ohm output or to transition to coax. Then it is about as good as a well made dipole. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart From: Paul Christensen w...@arrl.net To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 8:58 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 4:1 balun It seems that many Hams considered the 4:1 ratio some sort of magic number, when all it was intended to do was provide a good transfer between 300 ohms and 50 ohms. I just modeled a typical 20m folded twin-lead dipole using 4Nec2 and TLD software. Had never tried that one before. The antenna feed-point Z at a half-wave height (33 FT) above average ground computes to 291-j7.7. That's surprisingly close to 300 ohms resistive. With TLD software, I then coupled the feed-point with 300-ohm twin-lead line. Finally, I varied line length between 0 and 1/2 electrical wavelength and watched the resulting Z at the line input. Z always stays between 290 and 310 ohms with very little reactance. Total system loss never exceeds 0.25 dB. The 300-ohm VSWR stays near 1.05:1 and not surprisingly, the 50-ohm VSWR stays near 6:1. While a 4:1 balun can probably result in efficient transfer of power into the line from a modern 50-ohm output Z transceiver, I think a 6:1 ratio current balun would be a better choice under these circumstances, assuming one wanted to avoid an ATU at (or within) the rig altogether. No wonder this antenna was so popular. The antenna and line all use the same inexpensive 300-ohm twin lead material. The match at the antenna is so good that line VSWR (300) and loss is negligible. Paul, W9AC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ 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] KX3 AM reception
switchable low-pass filter components that optimize receive performance when you're listening in the AM broadcast band The info page states RX down to 1MHz. Is the above saying that actually it goes down to 560AM as in Commercial AM broadcast? Sorry if I missed something. TNX72/73,Phillip N8AYE -.-. --.- -.. . .--- -.-. - -.-- --- ..- __ 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] 4:1 balun
The down side of the 300 ohm twin lead folded dipole is that 300 ohm twin lead usually is made from small wire and not mechanically very strong, so it is not durable for fixed stations with varying weather conditions and the wire is too small for anything but low power. With either the 300 ohm twin lead or a folded dipole fabricated from #14 or heavier conductors a 4:1 balun is needed to tune well with a 50 ohm output or to transition to coax. Then it is about as good as a well made dipole. I think the mechanical issues can be managed. Generally, there's also less opportunity for water ingress than a coaxial line termination, unless more complex measures are taken for water-proofing. I've got new respect for the folded dipole (FD). The bandwidth of the FD is about 40% better between 2:1 VSWR points than a straight wire dipole. This is due primarily to an effectively larger radiating conductor size (rather than end stub effects), wire size remaining constant. For 80m-75m operating, the FD would be a good choice among the die-hard I only use resonant antenna ops. For K2 or K3 owners, any common ratio current balun ratio would work reasonably well if equipped with the internal ATU. If no ATU, then a 6:1 current balun would do the best job of transferring power into the line. The big drawback is that the FD won't work efficiently on even harmonics, even with a tuner at the shack end of the line. But for mono-band performance, cost, ease of construction, it seems tough to beat. Paul, W9AC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] 4:1 balun
Advice I read years back cautioned to stay away from the foam dielectric 300 Ohm ribbon lead. The solid dielectric handles more power and doesn't get water contamination in the dielectric. How does modeling with 450 Ohm window lead work out? That would suggest a 9:1 balun. The reason I ask is because I built a double Zepp type antenna in the early '90s and fed it with 300 Ohm ribbon lead from the doublet to the shack. There was a noteable performance increase when the wind took it down and I used 450 Ohm window lead instead. Also, the 450 Ohm window lead has proven very rugged for me. The doublet has been up at three different QTHs and is almost 20 years old. 73, de Nate N0NB -- 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 __ 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 Memory Editor running under Wine/Linux?
Any one successfully running the K3 Memory Editor under Wine in Linux? I installed winetricks (http://wiki.winehq.org/winetricks) and the Memory Editor program appears to function (Spreadsheet like user interface appears) but the Memory Editor program then never picks up my symbolic links to the com ports. The error message reports that The PortName cannot be empty when I attempt Read from K3. The drop down com port selector is blank even though my ~/.wine/dosdevices has the suggested symbolic links: lj@lian2:~./wine/dosdevices ls -al com1 lrwxrwxrwx 1 lj lj 2011-12-10 10:35 com1 - /dev/ttyS0 My attempts were made under Ubuntu Linux 10.04 and Wine 1.2.2. Thanks for any help. Larry W0AY __ 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] 4:1 balun
How does modeling with 450 Ohm window lead work out? That would suggest a 9:1 balun. Someone earlier (K2VCO, I believe) cautioned against falling into the trap of believing that the characteristic Z of the line is always the impedance actually present at the end of the line. The Z seen at the line end is determined by several factors, including the magnitude of the line-to-load (mis)match, type of feedline, and feedline length. For multi-band wire antennas, the line input Z can range from less than 10 ohms with some short antennas to over 5K ohm. These numbers appear at the line input. Just because it may be 450-ohm line does not mean that's the target Z to tune and match. The only time 450-ohm line presents a 450-ohm impedance at the line input regardless of distance, is when the characteristic Z of the line equals the load Z and line loss is small. In the case of the folded dipole for mono-band operation, the antenna feed-point Z can easily be made 300 ohms with little or no reactance with a bit of antenna length pruning and perhaps slight height change. Feeding it only with a 300-ohm characteristic Z line makes best sense, since the Z at the line input, regardless of line length is going to be near 300-ohms at the cut operating frequency, with little reactance. Paul, W9AC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] 4:1 balun
On Dec 10, 2011, at 12:38 PM, Paul Christensen wrote: I've got new respect for the folded dipole (FD). The bandwidth of the FD is about 40% better between 2:1 VSWR points than a straight wire dipole. Yes, and a 3-wire dipole nearly doubles the SWR bandwidth relative to a regular dipole. As you say, the antenna is not useable on even harmonics but for some, having to put up a separate 40-meter dipole is a small price to pay for being able to cover a large chunk of 80/75 meters without having to retune an antenna coupler. Bud, W2RU __ 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 Memory Editor running under Wine/Linux?
The .Net framework and Windows versions of the Elecraft Utilities discover Com ports through registry key/values defined for this purpose. Drivers install their names there in Windows. I'm away from my code, and don't recall the exact key but the key has HARDWARE and SERIALCOMM in it. Try this link for the technique http://eli.thegreenplace.net/2009/07/31/listing-all-serial-ports-on-windows-with-python/ Dick, K6KR On Dec 10, 2011, at 8:19, Larry J on Ubuntu 10.04 Desktop la...@foxgulch.com wrote: Any one successfully running the K3 Memory Editor under Wine in Linux? I installed winetricks (http://wiki.winehq.org/winetricks) and the Memory Editor program appears to function (Spreadsheet like user interface appears) but the Memory Editor program then never picks up my symbolic links to the com ports. The error message reports that The PortName cannot be empty when I attempt Read from K3. The drop down com port selector is blank even though my ~/.wine/dosdevices has the suggested symbolic links: lj@lian2:~./wine/dosdevices ls -al com1 lrwxrwxrwx 1 lj lj 2011-12-10 10:35 com1 - /dev/ttyS0 My attempts were made under Ubuntu Linux 10.04 and Wine 1.2.2. Thanks for any help. Larry W0AY __ 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] KX3 AM reception
The info page states RX down to 1MHz. Is the above saying that actually it goes down to 560AM as in Commercial AM broadcast? Yes. Probably down to 490 kHz, maybe even lower. Wayne N6KR Sorry if I missed something. TNX72/73,Phillip N8AYE -.-. --.- -.. . .--- -.-. - -.-- --- ..- __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] 4:1 balun
Hello I have used a center fed zepp for about 20 years. First, I built a classical tuner with separate coils, one for each band, adjustment with a variable capacitor and alligator clips on the coils ! Worked fine, but what a delight when changing bands... Later on I made a compact tuner, a T match type with a roller inductor. (Used 450 ohms twin-lead as a feeder) Did not work so well, but quite adapted to a lazy old man. And in 2010, in the April issue of QST I came across a description of an antenna system : a 4:1 balun, made of 50 ohm coax cable, connected to the rig through a tuner. I don't personnally approve of the system, but decided to have a go. So I made the balun with H100 cable, connected it to the K3 ATU and to my surprise it matches my rig from 160m to 10M, including the WARC bands. I know it's not technically reasonnable, but it suits me perfectly, and the K3 behaves OK ! Have a look at the article, gentlemen, it might interest you. Best 73 to all Jacques de F9OJ K3 # 2450 __ 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] Best place to buy small qty of parts?
My KAT100 is showing the symptoms of fried pin diodes (1N5711). I need two (or maybe 4, if the KPA100 was affected as well). I might as well have some in stock, too. Where can I order a small quantity of diodes (say, a dozen), that won't charge too much on shipping? Thanks, Wayne KF7QGA __ 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] Best place to buy small qty of parts?
I use Mouser (www.mouser.com) or Digi-Key (www.digikey.com). 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Wayne Conrad Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 11:51 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Best place to buy small qty of parts? My KAT100 is showing the symptoms of fried pin diodes (1N5711). I need two (or maybe 4, if the KPA100 was affected as well). I might as well have some in stock, too. Where can I order a small quantity of diodes (say, a dozen), that won't charge too much on shipping? Thanks, Wayne KF7QGA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Antennas
I get my elecraft mail in journal form so my response is delayed. I had to mention that people who make broad statements about feed lines and antennas should check the antenna book and handbook before producing the wrong information. Here is an example: The impedance of the feed line does not change the impedance of the antenna. A half wave length dipole at the proper height is still a 50 ohm feed regardless of whether it's fed with 50ohm line or 600 ohm line. Last time I checked a dipole (single wire 1/2 wavelength center fed) is 75 ohms. The part of the statement about impedance of the feed line is correct but with swr on the feedline the apparent impedance can can different Happy Holidays everyone. 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] Antennas
Good advice David, but the earth affects the impedance of a dipole. When fed at the center a dipole exhibits a 75-ohm impedance in free space. But, when brought close to the earth (which most HF antennas are, electrically) the impedance is lowered. At the typical heights most of us hang our HF wires - say 30 to 60 feet above the earth - the impedance is closer to 50 ohms, especially on the lower frequency bands. Of course, Dipole refers to the fact that the length of the radiator is such that a voltage loop (maxima) occurs exactly at each end, hence it has two poles. So a simple radiator is a dipole at only one frequency or, for practical use, one Ham band. You can feed a dipole at any point along its length. The impedance is lowest at the exact center (at the current loop) and will rise as the feed point is moved toward either end. Center feed is probably the most popular because its impedance happily coincides with the impedance of common coaxial line. At this QTH, I have a 130 foot end fed wire in Inverted L configuration because my shack had to go at one end of the only clear run for a wire. It is a dipole on 80 meters and does exhibit very high feed point impedance. That requires a matching network that can handle very high voltages but has the advantage that very little current flows into the antenna and so very little current flows into the ground system, resulting in very high overall efficiency. 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- I get my elecraft mail in journal form so my response is delayed. I had to mention that people who make broad statements about feed lines and antennas should check the antenna book and handbook before producing the wrong information. Here is an example: The impedance of the feed line does not change the impedance of the antenna. A half wave length dipole at the proper height is still a 50 ohm feed regardless of whether it's fed with 50ohm line or 600 ohm line. Last time I checked a dipole (single wire 1/2 wavelength center fed) is 75 ohms. The part of the statement about impedance of the feed line is correct but with swr on the feedline the apparent impedance can can different Happy Holidays everyone. 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] Antennas
A center fed half wave dipole is only 75 ohms in free space (I guess the ISS qualifies) or at a few specific heights (approximately .23, .46 and .74 wavelengths above ground). At other heights, it varies from as low as 45 ohms (over real ground) to as high as 100 ohms. That's why I specifically said at the PROPER HEIGHT is still a 50 ohm feed. My statement wasn't really a broad statement, was it? It was pretty specific. I have been reading the Handbook and the Antenna Book since the 10th edition came out in 1964. Ken WA8JXM I get my elecraft mail in journal form so my response is delayed. I had to mention that people who make broad statements about feed lines and antennas should check the antenna book and handbook before producing the wrong information. Here is an example: The impedance of the feed line does not change the impedance of the antenna. A half wave length dipole at the proper height is still a 50 ohm feed regardless of whether it's fed with 50ohm line or 600 ohm line. Last time I checked a dipole (single wire 1/2 wavelength center fed) is 75 ohms. The part of the statement about impedance of the feed line is correct but with swr on the feedline the apparent impedance can can different __ 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] Shack equipment noise
Wayne- I am a bit embarrassed about something that just happened in my shack because i think i just blew up my external 6m preamp. I was putting in line my six meter preamp and using a db15 Y connector with my Yaesu Quadra amp on the other connector. I was not transmitting and just getting it connected and then I heard a super loud pop. I disconnected eveything and then tested the transceiver and the amp. The K3 is fine but the amp was locked. I turned off the amp and restarted it and and it was fine. I reconnected the preamp and put the antenna in direct line with the K3 disconnecting it from the amp. The preamp when energizes reduces the signal strength. I think the pop came from the preamp. It is hard for me to isolate the noise source because I had my headset on. For sure it was working for about 20 seconds and then the pop occurred. It scared my dogs and myself it was so loud. I am not sure how I can test the preamp to see if it indeed blown. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks, Keith AG6AZ Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos __ 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] 4:1 balun
At 09:12 AM 12/10/2011 -0800, you wrote: The down side of the 300 ohm twin lead folded dipole is that 300 ohm twin lead usually is made from small wire and not mechanically very strong, so it is not durable for fixed stations with varying weather conditions and the wire is too small for anything but low power. With either the 300 ohm twin lead or a folded dipole fabricated from #14 or heavier conductors a 4:1 balun is needed to tune well with a 50 ohm output or to transition to coax. Then it is about as good as a well made dipole. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart Hi, No problem using good quality 300 TV twinlead with high power. Remember current is much reduced when feeding into a 300 ohm load vs a 75 ohm load. As I mentioned, I consistently used such an arrangement with a 4:1 balun feeding the folded dipole at 70 ft running with 300watts and fully plate modulated AM. In addition since the twinlead is operating with no standing waves there is no chance of magnified voltages and currents as a result of phase shifting. Never had a problem with RF power. Now to be fair TV twinlead was commonly available in at least 3 grades ... heavy, medium, or light. I am not sure what is available today in what is called TV twinlead. I understand it is possible to buy 300 ohm twinlead that is manufactured for power handling I don't know if anyone uses it for making folded dipoles (I suspect not). If one were to construct such a folded dipole for any HF band I can guarantee they will not have any power handling problems to today's legal power limit. I have also used TV twinlead to feed non-resonant doublets (100 inverted vee is a favourite) and used a 100watt AM transmitter (DX-100) with a balanced transmatch again, never had a power problem with the feed line. This arrangement is a bit tricky. Choosing a useable feed line length solves any power problems. However, you are correct about mechanical reliability. I did have to fix the antenna several times a year. At one time the cable manufacturers also made 75 ohm twinlead in both a lightweight and heavy duty version. The 75 ohm versions were more susceptible to current/heat damage due to the much greater current feeding an antenna with with a 75 ohm resonant impedance. The light weight version was only good for 25 to 50 watts but great for portable work as it was very light. It used to be the standard configuration for commercial portable radio service used by northern trappers es miners. Their radios only ran 3 to 5 watts. I used the heavy duty 75 ohm twinlead to feed a cubical quad for years ... again 100watts AM. Jim, VE3CI __ 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] FS K-1
For sale K-1 s/n 0930 excellent condition w/built in tuner. Too many radios. $400 + shipping. Will accept PayPal. Pics available. Off list markf1...@hotmail.com or n...@dfn.com Thanks Mark N5MF __ 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] K3/100 - High power problem
While checking a K3/100 #4114 on behalf of SK estate, I find that the power cannot be set higher than 12 watts. Operation was normal until I commenced a CAL procedure to correct a 2kHz difference between 'indicated' and transmitted frequency. Checked all the menu functions but can't find any reference to power limitation - searched the archives but no luck. Any help is appreciated. 73, Ken ZL1AIH. __ 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] Shack equipment noise
You could open it up and see if any 'spare' parts fall out, or if any of the components on the board look like they have let out their magic smoke. Missing/blackened traces on the PC board would also be a telltale sign. (I am assuming that any failure that actually created a loud noise ought to be visible.) Mark AD5SS On Sat, Dec 10, 2011 at 3:25 PM, Keith Heimbold ag...@hotmail.com wrote: Wayne- I am a bit embarrassed about something that just happened in my shack because i think i just blew up my external 6m preamp. I was putting in line my six meter preamp and using a db15 Y connector with my Yaesu Quadra amp on the other connector. I was not transmitting and just getting it connected and then I heard a super loud pop. I disconnected eveything and then tested the transceiver and the amp. The K3 is fine but the amp was locked. I turned off the amp and restarted it and and it was fine. I reconnected the preamp and put the antenna in direct line with the K3 disconnecting it from the amp. The preamp when energizes reduces the signal strength. I think the pop came from the preamp. It is hard for me to isolate the noise source because I had my headset on. For sure it was working for about 20 seconds and then the pop occurred. It scared my dogs and myself it was so loud. I am not sure how I can test the preamp to see if it indeed blown. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks, Keith AG6AZ __ 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] Shack equipment noise
Hi Mark, There is nothing physical like burn or open visible to the eye.I will probably try connecting it to an external power supply and see if that fixes the issue. Whatever happened it was loud. I wonder if the Y connectors are flawed because I was also going to hook up my LP Panadapter later that I just received. This is freaking me out a little. I love that rig. Thanks, Keith AG6AZ Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos On Dec 10, 2011, at 2:17 PM, Mark Bayern plcm...@gmail.com wrote: You could open it up and see if any 'spare' parts fall out, or if any of the components on the board look like they have let out their magic smoke. Missing/blackened traces on the PC board would also be a telltale sign. (I am assuming that any failure that actually created a loud noise ought to be visible.) Mark AD5SS On Sat, Dec 10, 2011 at 3:25 PM, Keith Heimbold ag...@hotmail.com wrote: Wayne- I am a bit embarrassed about something that just happened in my shack because i think i just blew up my external 6m preamp. I was putting in line my six meter preamp and using a db15 Y connector with my Yaesu Quadra amp on the other connector. I was not transmitting and just getting it connected and then I heard a super loud pop. I disconnected eveything and then tested the transceiver and the amp. The K3 is fine but the amp was locked. I turned off the amp and restarted it and and it was fine. I reconnected the preamp and put the antenna in direct line with the K3 disconnecting it from the amp. The preamp when energizes reduces the signal strength. I think the pop came from the preamp. It is hard for me to isolate the noise source because I had my headset on. For sure it was working for about 20 seconds and then the pop occurred. It scared my dogs and myself it was so loud. I am not sure how I can test the preamp to see if it indeed blown. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks, Keith AG6AZ __ 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] Shack equipment noise
Keith, please tell all of us your headphones were *not* plugged in when you had them on and were plugging and unplugging stuff ... we all want live Elecrafters. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012 - www.cqp.org On 12/10/2011 1:25 PM, Keith Heimbold wrote: I think the pop came from the preamp. It is hard for me to isolate the noise source because I had my headset on. __ 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] Shack equipment noise
Fred, I had them on. Bad idea. I will be more careful. Thanks, Keith Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos On Dec 10, 2011, at 2:38 PM, Fred Jensen k6...@foothill.net wrote: Keith, please tell all of us your headphones were *not* plugged in when you had them on and were plugging and unplugging stuff ... we all want live Elecrafters. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012 - www.cqp.org On 12/10/2011 1:25 PM, Keith Heimbold wrote: I think the pop came from the preamp. It is hard for me to isolate the noise source because I had my headset on. __ 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] Antennas
This particular technique using a half wave antenna as an end fed wire can be VERY dicey if you run high power, but as Ron says the efficiency rises as the ground losses fall. (Percentage wise) A way to get maximum use of a 100 watter or a QRP rig when your space available is small. Somewhere is this thread of discussions the balun is mentioned, especially the 4:1 one. IF you are using a 4:1 transformer type balun (the ones commonly wound on toroid forms) Losses MAY be high and also destructive to the balun if there is a large of amount of inductive or capacitive reactance the balun is dealing with! Do not assume the reactance is low unless you have measured it as such at the frequency of operation! Choke type baluns usually escape this destruction (burning up, overheating, core shattering, etc.) more easily than the transformer types! Don't forget one of the simplest networks there is, the L network, is also sometimes the most efficient yet devised. Most of the automatic type tuners are based on a multielement switching L network. 73 to all, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 2:43 PM To: 'David Robertson' ; 'Elecraft' Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Antennas Good advice David, but the earth affects the impedance of a dipole. When fed at the center a dipole exhibits a 75-ohm impedance in free space. But, when brought close to the earth (which most HF antennas are, electrically) the impedance is lowered. At the typical heights most of us hang our HF wires - say 30 to 60 feet above the earth - the impedance is closer to 50 ohms, especially on the lower frequency bands. Of course, Dipole refers to the fact that the length of the radiator is such that a voltage loop (maxima) occurs exactly at each end, hence it has two poles. So a simple radiator is a dipole at only one frequency or, for practical use, one Ham band. You can feed a dipole at any point along its length. The impedance is lowest at the exact center (at the current loop) and will rise as the feed point is moved toward either end. Center feed is probably the most popular because its impedance happily coincides with the impedance of common coaxial line. At this QTH, I have a 130 foot end fed wire in Inverted L configuration because my shack had to go at one end of the only clear run for a wire. It is a dipole on 80 meters and does exhibit very high feed point impedance. That requires a matching network that can handle very high voltages but has the advantage that very little current flows into the antenna and so very little current flows into the ground system, resulting in very high overall efficiency. 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- I get my elecraft mail in journal form so my response is delayed. I had to mention that people who make broad statements about feed lines and antennas should check the antenna book and handbook before producing the wrong information. Here is an example: The impedance of the feed line does not change the impedance of the antenna. A half wave length dipole at the proper height is still a 50 ohm feed regardless of whether it's fed with 50ohm line or 600 ohm line. Last time I checked a dipole (single wire 1/2 wavelength center fed) is 75 ohms. The part of the statement about impedance of the feed line is correct but with swr on the feedline the apparent impedance can can different Happy Holidays everyone. 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1873 / Virus Database: 2102/4672 - Release Date: 12/10/11 __ 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] K3/100 - High power problem
Make sure the KPA100 option is installed and enabled. That sounds like it is not (the basic K3 has a 10 watt transmitter). Suggest you look in the Owner's manual and perform the procedures to enable and then test and calibrate the KPA100. Likely that will point to the problem. Good luck! Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Robert Mccormack Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 2:09 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem While checking a K3/100 #4114 on behalf of SK estate, I find that the power cannot be set higher than 12 watts. Operation was normal until I commenced a CAL procedure to correct a 2kHz difference between 'indicated' and transmitted frequency. Checked all the menu functions but can't find any reference to power limitation - searched the archives but no luck. Any help is appreciated. 73, Ken ZL1AIH. __ 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] Shack equipment noise
I had to have them off for part of it but def had them on when I put on the preamp. Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos On Dec 10, 2011, at 2:38 PM, Fred Jensen k6...@foothill.net wrote: Keith, please tell all of us your headphones were *not* plugged in when you had them on and were plugging and unplugging stuff ... we all want live Elecrafters. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012 - www.cqp.org On 12/10/2011 1:25 PM, Keith Heimbold wrote: I think the pop came from the preamp. It is hard for me to isolate the noise source because I had my headset on. __ 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] Antennas
Ah, but Sandy, it's so reminiscent of the old shipboard installations! I can hang a neon or fluorescent lamp on the antenna where it exits the shack and it'll blink as I pound the key, just like Sparks did, Hi! But, yes, direct feed antennas that come into the shack require care to insulate and isolate the high RF voltages. And there are frequency/power/distance-from-human limits to observe to meet the RF exposure regulations. I use a big manual L-net tuner for my end fed wire. AFAIK, all Elecraft tuners use L-networks. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- This particular technique using a half wave antenna as an end fed wire can be VERY dicey if you run high power, but as Ron says the efficiency rises as the ground losses fall. (Percentage wise) A way to get maximum use of a 100 watter or a QRP rig when your space available is small. Somewhere is this thread of discussions the balun is mentioned, especially the 4:1 one. IF you are using a 4:1 transformer type balun (the ones commonly wound on toroid forms) Losses MAY be high and also destructive to the balun if there is a large of amount of inductive or capacitive reactance the balun is dealing with! Do not assume the reactance is low unless you have measured it as such at the frequency of operation! Choke type baluns usually escape this destruction (burning up, overheating, core shattering, etc.) more easily than the transformer types! Don't forget one of the simplest networks there is, the L network, is also sometimes the most efficient yet devised. Most of the automatic type tuners are based on a multielement switching L network. 73 to all, Sandy W5TVW __ 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] Shack equipment noise
I did deenergize the equipment during the install. Anyway, something is wrong and more troubleshooting is needed. Thanks, Keith Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos On Dec 10, 2011, at 2:38 PM, Fred Jensen k6...@foothill.net wrote: Keith, please tell all of us your headphones were *not* plugged in when you had them on and were plugging and unplugging stuff ... we all want live Elecrafters. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012 - www.cqp.org On 12/10/2011 1:25 PM, Keith Heimbold wrote: I think the pop came from the preamp. It is hard for me to isolate the noise source because I had my headset on. __ 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] Multiple ACC ports needed
Hi All, I never paid any attention to this in the past but am grateful that Keith brought up the question. I will order a cable myself as at the moment there is a new requirement for the ACC port at EI2CN. Thank you to both Joe and Keith. 73 Doug EI2CN -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Keith Heimbold Sent: 09 December 2011 21:30 To: Joe Subich, W4TV Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Multiple ACC ports needed Please disregard question. Sorry for inconvenience. Thanks, Keith AG6AZ Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos On Dec 9, 2011, at 1:23 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote: Check the reflector archives. This has been discussed many* times. The simple solution is an all 15 Y-cable: www.cablewholesale.com p/n 10H1-27708 It's still listed for $3.44 in single quantity with a notation in stock - Usually ships same day 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 12/9/2011 3:54 PM, Keith Heimbold wrote: All - I am a new K3 owner and I just noticed that my K3 needs to connect both the 6m preamp and my Quadra amplifier to the ACC port on the K3. Does anyone know of a device or cable that would allow me to bridge across multiple external devices. Any assistance would be much appreciated. Thanks, Keith AG6AZ Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KAT-500 (was: K3-Twin with Remoterig)
Just another old guy rememberance: Being 14 years-old and a fresh new Novice, I soldered at PL-259 on the end of the TV twinlead coming in from my 40m folded dipole and plugged into the DX-35. The hardy old 6146 loaded it just fine with the pi-net output circuit. A few years later I learned that was wrong. I worked a lot of 40m CW while it was wrong! Later I made two 8-element 2m yagi's using conduit and #8 aluminum ground wire, hooked it to twin lead and was given a Television 4:1 balun to use for matching the 20w. My two No. 47 pilot lamp SWR indicator indicated a pretty good match! I had under $100 in that 2m AM station which included antennas, 35-foot tower, ARC-1, power supply, and WWII tank radio mic. I had a lot of local ham help. My big DX was Flint, MI (35-miles away). 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-QRT, 1296-?, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.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] K3/100 - High power problem
Is the KPA100 turned on? Mike W0MU W0MU-1 CC Cluster w0mu.net On 12/10/2011 3:09 PM, Robert Mccormack wrote: While checking a K3/100 #4114 on behalf of SK estate, I find that the power cannot be set higher than 12 watts. Operation was normal until I commenced a CAL procedure to correct a 2kHz difference between 'indicated' and transmitted frequency. Checked all the menu functions but can't find any reference to power limitation - searched the archives but no luck. Any help is appreciated. 73, Ken ZL1AIH. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] 40ssb from 7181 to 7185
good eve.. I have noticed that only from 7.181 to approx 7.185 ish there is distortion of received and transmitted signals, sounds just like rf on both sides. this issue completely goes away either above or below these freqs and does not exsist on any other band. Any input would be appreciated.. My serial # 4750 qrp version. 73 Tom km4cu __ 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] KPA500 Heat Expansion Pop
Could we get more info on this possible fix, how much disassembly is required? Looks like the PA unit must come out? Joe N9VX -- I think I may have solved this problem. One of the other posts mentions that the Z-bracket screws are too long and you don't get a tight fit. I changed the five screws from 5/16 to 3/16 and did notice a better grip between the bracket and the PA assembly. I have run it all evening and haven't heard a click or a pop. I even ran the temp up and still nothing. Will it last? I don't know, but it seems to have fixed it. The guy who suggested this has submitted it to Elecraft for a change. Good luck and lets hear if any of you have the same result. __ 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] 4:1 balun
On 12/10/2011 2:35 PM, Jim Dunstan wrote: ... I don't know if anyone uses it for making folded dipoles (I suspect not). If one were to construct such a folded dipole for any HF band I can guarantee they will not have any power handling problems to today's legal power limit. In this weekend's ARRL 10m contest, one of the antennas I'm using is a vertical folded dipole fashioned from transmitting quality 300 Ohm window line and matched at the TX end via a 4:1 balun. I'm running only 100 watts for this contest, but it can handle full legal limit with ease. This antenna system provides a minimum VSWR of about 1.4:1 at resonance (28.5 MHz) due to the slight mismatch (75 vs 50 Ohms) and less than 1.7:1 at the 10 meter band band edges. 73, Gus Hansen KB0YH __ 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] 40ssb from 7181 to 7185
I presume you are talking about a K2, correct? If so, see http://www.elecraft.com/Apps/Alert11_WAOF.html On 12/10/2011 3:28 PM, tom martin wrote: good eve.. I have noticed that only from 7.181 to approx 7.185 ish there is distortion of received and transmitted signals, sounds just like rf on both sides. this issue completely goes away either above or below these freqs and does not exsist on any other band. Any input would be appreciated.. My serial # 4750 qrp version. 73 Tom km4cu __ 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 -- Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ __ 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] New K3 built - can I reset the 5w calibration?
I've been reading the comments about Bird43 accuracy for awhile, but the claim that the error is fixed amount for all levels of power measured on a given element just does not agree with my experience. (Just about) ALL of my RF power measurements have been using the Bird and what I see is a scaled error and not a fixed one. If the full scale reading is off 5% then the quarter power is likewise 5% off. In other words 100w measured with a 100E element at 432-MHz might actually be 95w. If I measure 50w with the same element the actual power will be about 47.5w. 25w will be about 24w. I'm not saying the accuracy tracts exactly linearly with power level but it seems approximately so. That being said, the accuracy for measurements at under 25% of the full power rating of the element is not of much value except as a relative number. I try to chose an element so the meter reads 70% full scale for best accuracy and resolution if I am trying to obtain absolute power measurements. If I want better accuracy I use calibrated attenuators with my HP432A microwave power meter (10-MHz-18-GHz) which measures -20 to +10 dBm. I have two high-power 20-dB coax attenuators: 100w NARDA (good to 4-GHz) and 10w Bird (good to 1-GHz). I measured the Bird on a steady 2m signal yesterday and it is exactly 20 dB within the 0.2 dB resolution of the HP meter. For measuring 300w on 1296 I have some 40 and 50-dB directional couplers from the cellular industry (rated for high power). That permits power measurements to be made with the HP power meter (300w = +55 dBm = -50 dB = +5 dBm) 2:1 SWR reflected power would be 30w (+ 45 dBm + -40dB = +5 dBm). But this also allows me to check the accuracy of the Bird power meter. I suspect this is good enough for ham radio purposes. 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-QRT, 1296-?, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.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 Memory Editor running under Wine/Linux?
* On 2011 10 Dec 12:20 -0600, Larry J on Ubuntu 10.04 Desktop wrote: lj@lian2:~./wine/dosdevices ls -al com1 lrwxrwxrwx 1 lj lj 2011-12-10 10:35 com1 - /dev/ttyS0 My attempts were made under Ubuntu Linux 10.04 and Wine 1.2.2. Thanks for any help. I've never had success with serial ports in Wine although it has been some time since I tried. Several months ago on another list someone reported the later beta releases of Wine will work with built-in serial ports such as yours, but not with USB to serial adapters that I use. You may wish to give the later Wine 1.3 releases a try: https://launchpad.net/~ubuntu-wine/+archive/ppa Unfortunately, I think the Wine developers main focus is on office apps and games, not hardware access such as serial ports. 73, de Nate N0NB -- 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 __ 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] K3/100 - High power problem
Hi All, Many thanks - yes PA NOR was and remains enabled but 12 watts is still maximum power available. This K3/100 was delivering 100 watts before I commenced the CAL procedure - the only reason I took the top cover off was to find the FL1 offset, so nothing has been disturbed. I've run out of ideas.G 73, Ken ZL1AIH --- On Sun, 11/12/11, Ron D'Eau Claire r...@cobi.biz wrote: From: Ron D'Eau Claire r...@cobi.biz Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem To: 'Robert Mccormack' zl1...@xtra.co.nz, elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Sunday, 11, December, 2011, 11:44 AM Make sure the KPA100 option is installed and enabled. That sounds like it is not (the basic K3 has a 10 watt transmitter). Suggest you look in the Owner's manual and perform the procedures to enable and then test and calibrate the KPA100. Likely that will point to the problem. Good luck! Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Robert Mccormack Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 2:09 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem While checking a K3/100 #4114 on behalf of SK estate, I find that the power cannot be set higher than 12 watts. Operation was normal until I commenced a CAL procedure to correct a 2kHz difference between 'indicated' and transmitted frequency. Checked all the menu functions but can't find any reference to power limitation - searched the archives but no luck. Any help is appreciated. 73, Ken ZL1AIH. __ 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] K3/100 - High power problem
Try running the TX Gain calibration again. Mike W0MU W0MU-1 CC Cluster w0mu.net On 12/10/2011 5:07 PM, Robert Mccormack wrote: Hi All, Many thanks - yes PA NOR was and remains enabled but 12 watts is still maximum power available. This K3/100 was delivering 100 watts before I commenced the CAL procedure - the only reason I took the top cover off was to find the FL1 offset, so nothing has been disturbed. I've run out of ideas.G 73, Ken ZL1AIH --- On Sun, 11/12/11, Ron D'Eau Clairer...@cobi.biz wrote: From: Ron D'Eau Clairer...@cobi.biz Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem To: 'Robert Mccormack'zl1...@xtra.co.nz, elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Sunday, 11, December, 2011, 11:44 AM Make sure the KPA100 option is installed and enabled. That sounds like it is not (the basic K3 has a 10 watt transmitter). Suggest you look in the Owner's manual and perform the procedures to enable and then test and calibrate the KPA100. Likely that will point to the problem. Good luck! Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Robert Mccormack Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 2:09 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem While checking a K3/100 #4114 on behalf of SK estate, I find that the power cannot be set higher than 12 watts. Operation was normal until I commenced a CAL procedure to correct a 2kHz difference between 'indicated' and transmitted frequency. Checked all the menu functions but can't find any reference to power limitation - searched the archives but no luck. Any help is appreciated. 73, Ken ZL1AIH. __ 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] KPA500 Heat Expansion Pop
I would be concerned that going from 5/16 inch to 3/16 inch may be too much of a difference to assure that the screws have enough thread engagement. I would think going to 1/4 inch would be a better choice. This sounds like a simple problem, and the real cause is that the holes were not tapped deep enough, or that the tap had become worn at and was not noticed in time - so several assemblies slipped through with inadequately tapped holes. This may be a problem for a few, and not a universal problem. Yes, the easiest disassembly is to remove the PA unit. Not a major chore, but yes, it is not trivial to get to those screws. Don W3FPR On 12/10/2011 6:35 PM, Joe Word wrote: Could we get more info on this possible fix, how much disassembly is required? Looks like the PA unit must come out? Joe N9VX -- I think I may have solved this problem. One of the other posts mentions that the Z-bracket screws are too long and you don't get a tight fit. I changed the five screws from 5/16 to 3/16 and did notice a better grip between the bracket and the PA assembly. I have run it all evening and haven't heard a click or a pop. I even ran the temp up and still nothing. Will it last? I don't know, but it seems to have fixed it. The guy who suggested this has submitted it to Elecraft for a change. Good luck and lets hear if any of you have the same result. __ 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] Let me build your K2
I have built more than 320 K2's to date. Let me build one for you. You will have a new K2 with the options you want. My prices are reasonable. Please respond off of the reflector. 73AlanW1HYV __ 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] KPA500 Heat Expansion Pop
I just built #570 last week and was concerned with how 'wobbly' the bracket was with the 5/16 screws not wanting to over-tighten the screws. But knowing it should not be that wobbly, I gave a little more torque while pressing down and they all fully tightened down nicely. 73, Mitch -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA500-Heat-Expansion-Pop-tp7082519p7082593.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] K2 hollow sound and low power output
I have a K2 No. 2005 (owned and built since new) with the outboard ATU/100 watt setup. I rearranged my shack and have been fighting RFI. I believe it had to do with the routing of the power cables. I think (hope that is!) have fixed it. A bad Anderson connector (internally loose) on the 100 watt side may have contributed to the problem. BUT... Strange things did (I assumed were RFI caused) happen such as the radio keying up itself and when I attempted to tune the radio using the tune button it frequently would try to tune using high power (well over 20 watts). A couple of things have now happened. Power output is drastically reduced (10 maybe 20 watts) with a long hello or whistle AND the K2 now has a distinctively hollow sound (same with headphones too). The background noise on an empty frequency sounds as if it is coming from the end of a 10 foot tube. SSB reception is somewhat distorted too. I tried a factory reset (4,5,6 and power on) with no result. Regards, Rick K4LX __ 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 hollow sound and low power output
Rick, Did you record ALL your menu settings (including the filter settings) before you did the Master Reset, and have you restored all of those menu settings after the reset? If the answer is NO, then you have some calibration and filter setting work ahead of you. Go to my website www.w3fpr.com and take a look at the K2 Dial Calibration article - those are the steps you must follow. But your situation is different than most, so before doing anything else, put the internal counter probe into TP2 and set the SSB FL1 filter to OP1 (it is currently at 2.20 which is the variable filter default) - then set the BFOs for LSB and USB FL1 to whatever frequencies produce the passband placement with the low frequency corner at approximately 300 Hz. Once that is done, start with the K2 Dial Calibration instructions using WWV (or other standard frequency station) to properly adjust C22 on the Control Board. After you get the filters and dial calibration correct, then we can talk about how to diagnose your other K2 ills. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/10/2011 7:56 PM, Rick Wheeler wrote: I have a K2 No. 2005 (owned and built since new) with the outboard ATU/100 watt setup. I rearranged my shack and have been fighting RFI. I believe it had to do with the routing of the power cables. I think (hope that is!) have fixed it. A bad Anderson connector (internally loose) on the 100 watt side may have contributed to the problem. BUT... Strange things did (I assumed were RFI caused) happen such as the radio keying up itself and when I attempted to tune the radio using the tune button it frequently would try to tune using high power (well over 20 watts). A couple of things have now happened. Power output is drastically reduced (10 maybe 20 watts) with a long hello or whistle AND the K2 now has a distinctively hollow sound (same with headphones too). The background noise on an empty frequency sounds as if it is coming from the end of a 10 foot tube. SSB reception is somewhat distorted too. I tried a factory reset (4,5,6 and power on) with no result. Regards, Rick K4LX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Elecraft SSB net announcement
The weekly Elecraft SSB net will meet tomorrow (12/11/11) at 1800Z on 14.3035 MHz +/- QRM. I will be net control from western Oregon, and we'll try relays to pull in the stations that I can't hear. See you there. 73, Phil, NS7P __ 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 hollow sound and low power output
Rick, It sounds to me that once you get over the menu setting situation and have all your proper options set into the menu, you should then look at the KPA100 wattmeter circuits to discover what the TUNE problems are - the resolution of that question may cure other problems. I am headed for California in the morning to visit with the XYL's family and to attend the Elecraft Christmas party. Pardon me if I do not respond to requests - this is vacation time for me, and I may or may not have my email with me. I will be back home Dec 21 and handle any requests at that time (and also write the bills from the vacation :-( . 73, Don W3FPR On 12/10/2011 7:56 PM, Rick Wheeler wrote: I have a K2 No. 2005 (owned and built since new) with the outboard ATU/100 watt setup. I rearranged my shack and have been fighting RFI. I believe it had to do with the routing of the power cables. I think (hope that is!) have fixed it. A bad Anderson connector (internally loose) on the 100 watt side may have contributed to the problem. BUT... Strange things did (I assumed were RFI caused) happen such as the radio keying up itself and when I attempted to tune the radio using the tune button it frequently would try to tune using high power (well over 20 watts). A couple of things have now happened. Power output is drastically reduced (10 maybe 20 watts) with a long hello or whistle AND the K2 now has a distinctively hollow sound (same with headphones too). The background noise on an empty frequency sounds as if it is coming from the end of a 10 foot tube. SSB reception is somewhat distorted too. I tried a factory reset (4,5,6 and power on) with no result. Regards, Rick K4LX __ 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] Shack equipment noise
May not have been your radio at all, but instead might have been a surge protected multiple AC outlet box. I have a few Tripp-Lite Isobar outlet boxes, and if they catch a surge, they will make a VERY loud bang! Fooled me for a while until I figured out what was happening. Sounds like some has let off a .22 rifle shot under the operating bench. Dissipating the energy from a big surge take some doing, and the result is often a very loud bang. Might that have been what you heard? - Jim, KL7CC Keith Heimbold wrote: Wayne- I am a bit embarrassed about something that just happened in my shack because i think i just blew up my external 6m preamp. I was putting in line my six meter preamp and using a db15 Y connector with my Yaesu Quadra amp on the other connector. I was not transmitting and just getting it connected and then I heard a super loud pop. I disconnected eveything and then tested the transceiver and the amp. The K3 is fine but the amp was locked. I turned off the amp and restarted it and and it was fine. I reconnected the preamp and put the antenna in direct line with the K3 disconnecting it from the amp. The preamp when energizes reduces the signal strength. I think the pop came from the preamp. It is hard for me to isolate the noise source because I had my headset on. For sure it was working for about 20 seconds and then the pop occurred. It scared my dogs and myself it was so loud. I am not sure how I can test the preamp to see if it indeed blown. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks, Keith AG6AZ Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] FS: K3-100 # 5662 with ATU, 400 Hz, USB and Heil mic - brand new on builder's desk @ $ 2, 300 shipped to CONUS
Local pick up outside Tucson AZ in Vail. I paid $ 2,600 and never took delivery. 73, Chris KF6VCI __ 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] NAQCC Sprint Tuesday night!
NAQCC Sprint Tuesday night! Our December sprint is this coming Tuesday evening local time (Dec 13, EST - 8:30-10:30PM, CST - 7:30-9:30PM, MST - 6:30-8:30PM, PST - 5:30-7:30PM), which translates as Wednesday Dec 14, 0130-0330Z in all cases. I will refer you to the proper URL: http://naqcc.info/sprint201112.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 and DX. A Certificate for top score in the GAIN antenna category. Finally there is one more award - a certificate to the highest score from a first-time participant. Prizes: A prize of a set of bug/paddle handles or a K1/K2 knob insert donated by master woodworker Gregg WB8LZG is awarded for each sprint to the winner of a random drawing among all participants. Previous winners are not eligible. 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. Added Note: Our NAQCC European Chapter Sprint will take place Wednesday, December 14 from 18:00 to 20:00 UTC. Full information on their website at: naqcc-eu.org/ If you are not already a member of NAQCC... membership is FREE! Now is your chance to join the largest QRP CW Club in the world!! We currently have 5,787 members in: All 50 States - 9 VE Provinces - 90 Countries. 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. Come join us and have a real good time! 72/73 de Dave VA3RJ NAQCC #0004 __ 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] Shack equipment noise
Thanks Jim. The preamp is still not functioning but that does describe the sound. Keith Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos On Dec 10, 2011, at 6:04 PM, Jim Wiley jwi...@alaska.net wrote: May not have been your radio at all, but instead might have been a surge protected multiple AC outlet box. I have a few Tripp-Lite Isobar outlet boxes, and if they catch a surge, they will make a VERY loud bang! Fooled me for a while until I figured out what was happening. Sounds like some has let off a .22 rifle shot under the operating bench. Dissipating the energy from a big surge take some doing, and the result is often a very loud bang. Might that have been what you heard? - Jim, KL7CC Keith Heimbold wrote: Wayne- I am a bit embarrassed about something that just happened in my shack because i think i just blew up my external 6m preamp. I was putting in line my six meter preamp and using a db15 Y connector with my Yaesu Quadra amp on the other connector. I was not transmitting and just getting it connected and then I heard a super loud pop. I disconnected eveything and then tested the transceiver and the amp. The K3 is fine but the amp was locked. I turned off the amp and restarted it and and it was fine. I reconnected the preamp and put the antenna in direct line with the K3 disconnecting it from the amp. The preamp when energizes reduces the signal strength. I think the pop came from the preamp. It is hard for me to isolate the noise source because I had my headset on. For sure it was working for about 20 seconds and then the pop occurred. It scared my dogs and myself it was so loud. I am not sure how I can test the preamp to see if it indeed blown. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks, Keith AG6AZ Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos __ 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] Shack equipment noise
If this is the case one would need to open the outlet box and replace the exploded MOVs. Or purchase a new outlet strip, open it up, and install an MOV across each pair of wires (three in all). Try Radio Shack. Cheers, Alan V31FA - Original Message - From: Jim Wiley jwi...@alaska.net To: Keith Heimbold ag...@hotmail.com Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 8:02 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Shack equipment noise May not have been your radio at all, but instead might have been a surge protected multiple AC outlet box. I have a few Tripp-Lite Isobar outlet boxes, and if they catch a surge, they will make a VERY loud bang! Fooled me for a while until I figured out what was happening. Sounds like some has let off a .22 rifle shot under the operating bench. Dissipating the energy from a big surge take some doing, and the result is often a very loud bang. Might that have been what you heard? - Jim, KL7CC Keith Heimbold wrote: Wayne- I am a bit embarrassed about something that just happened in my shack because i think i just blew up my external 6m preamp. I was putting in line my six meter preamp and using a db15 Y connector with my Yaesu Quadra amp on the other connector. I was not transmitting and just getting it connected and then I heard a super loud pop. I disconnected eveything and then tested the transceiver and the amp. The K3 is fine but the amp was locked. I turned off the amp and restarted it and and it was fine. I reconnected the preamp and put the antenna in direct line with the K3 disconnecting it from the amp. The preamp when energizes reduces the signal strength. I think the pop came from the preamp. It is hard for me to isolate the noise source because I had my headset on. For sure it was working for about 20 seconds and then the pop occurred. It scared my dogs and myself it was so loud. I am not sure how I can test the preamp to see if it indeed blown. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks, Keith AG6AZ Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] 240-Volt Operation of KPA500
How do I go about changing from 120-Volt to 240-Volt operation of my KPA500? I hate to ruin that really nice power cable by chopping off the plug and substituting a 15-Amp 240-Volt plug; but if that's the way to do it, I'll get another cable and that way I'll have both AC Voltage (USA) capabilites. Of course I understand about the fuses and properly setting the fuse assembly to reflect the input voltage! Any caveats from anybody who has already done this? 73, Bert N4CW __ 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] Shack equipment noise
The Radio Shack part number for the MOVs is: 276-0568. Three wires in the outlet strip. Solder an MOV across each pair of the three wires. Alan V31FA - Original Message - If this is the case one would need to open the outlet box and replace the exploded MOVs. Or purchase a new outlet strip, open it up, and install an MOV across each pair of wires (three in all). Try Radio Shack. Cheers, Alan V31FA - Original Message - From: Jim Wiley jwi...@alaska.net To: Keith Heimbold ag...@hotmail.com Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 8:02 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Shack equipment noise May not have been your radio at all, but instead might have been a surge protected multiple AC outlet box. I have a few Tripp-Lite Isobar outlet boxes, and if they catch a surge, they will make a VERY loud bang! Fooled me for a while until I figured out what was happening. Sounds like some has let off a .22 rifle shot under the operating bench. Dissipating the energy from a big surge take some doing, and the result is often a very loud bang. Might that have been what you heard? __ 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] Shack equipment noise
Thanks, Alan. Appreciate it greatly. Keith Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos On Dec 10, 2011, at 7:37 PM, Alan Slusher aslus...@caribsurf.com wrote: The Radio Shack part number for the MOVs is: 276-0568. Three wires in the outlet strip. Solder an MOV across each pair of the three wires. Alan V31FA - Original Message - If this is the case one would need to open the outlet box and replace the exploded MOVs. Or purchase a new outlet strip, open it up, and install an MOV across each pair of wires (three in all). Try Radio Shack. Cheers, Alan V31FA - Original Message - From: Jim Wiley jwi...@alaska.net To: Keith Heimbold ag...@hotmail.com Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 8:02 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Shack equipment noise May not have been your radio at all, but instead might have been a surge protected multiple AC outlet box. I have a few Tripp-Lite Isobar outlet boxes, and if they catch a surge, they will make a VERY loud bang! Fooled me for a while until I figured out what was happening. Sounds like some has let off a .22 rifle shot under the operating bench. Dissipating the energy from a big surge take some doing, and the result is often a very loud bang. Might that have been what you heard? __ 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] 240-Volt Operation of KPA500
You might be able to purchase a cord with the 240v USA end on it and the molded amp plug on the other end. There are numerous types of 220/240 outlets. The other option is buying the cord from Elecraft and cutting the end off. Mike W0MU W0MU-1 CC Cluster w0mu.net On 12/10/2011 8:36 PM, n...@aol.com wrote: How do I go about changing from 120-Volt to 240-Volt operation of my KPA500? I hate to ruin that really nice power cable by chopping off the plug and substituting a 15-Amp 240-Volt plug; but if that's the way to do it, I'll get another cable and that way I'll have both AC Voltage (USA) capabilites. Of course I understand about the fuses and properly setting the fuse assembly to reflect the input voltage! Any caveats from anybody who has already done this? 73, Bert N4CW __ 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] 240-Volt Operation of KPA500
Elecraft sells a power cord with the Schuko 240 volt connector if that's what you need. Also, note that the cord is a standard 3-wire type used on many computers and other electronics. I bet you can get one at just about any electrical supply to put whatever plug you need on. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- How do I go about changing from 120-Volt to 240-Volt operation of my KPA500? I hate to ruin that really nice power cable by chopping off the plug and substituting a 15-Amp 240-Volt plug; but if that's the way to do it, I'll get another cable and that way I'll have both AC Voltage (USA) capabilites. Of course I understand about the fuses and properly setting the fuse assembly to reflect the input voltage! Any caveats from anybody who has already done this? 73, Bert N4CW __ 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] K3/100 - High power problem
This is a bit more invasive, but a few earlier KPA100 modules had a problem with the interface connector to the main RF board that carriers the +13V to the KPA500 itself. The pin corroded and heated and, in a few cases, burned. I believe the current KPA500's have gold plated connectors. Of course, that removed all power from the 100 watt amp. I'd remove the KPA500 module and inspect the connector. You can reach the screws from the top (careful - don't drop the screws or lock washers - they can be a chore to retrieve if you don't have a small magnet). Pull the module off and look closely at the multipin connector to see if there's any sign of overheating or discoloration. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Robert Mccormack Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 4:07 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem Hi All, Many thanks - yes PA NOR was and remains enabled but 12 watts is still maximum power available. This K3/100 was delivering 100 watts before I commenced the CAL procedure - the only reason I took the top cover off was to find the FL1 offset, so nothing has been disturbed. I've run out of ideas.G 73, Ken ZL1AIH --- On Sun, 11/12/11, Ron D'Eau Claire r...@cobi.biz wrote: From: Ron D'Eau Claire r...@cobi.biz Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem To: 'Robert Mccormack' zl1...@xtra.co.nz, elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Sunday, 11, December, 2011, 11:44 AM Make sure the KPA100 option is installed and enabled. That sounds like it is not (the basic K3 has a 10 watt transmitter). Suggest you look in the Owner's manual and perform the procedures to enable and then test and calibrate the KPA100. Likely that will point to the problem. Good luck! Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Robert Mccormack Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 2:09 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem While checking a K3/100 #4114 on behalf of SK estate, I find that the power cannot be set higher than 12 watts. Operation was normal until I commenced a CAL procedure to correct a 2kHz difference between 'indicated' and transmitted frequency. Checked all the menu functions but can't find any reference to power limitation - searched the archives but no luck. Any help is appreciated. 73, Ken ZL1AIH. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Announcement
Good Evening, After a long string of sunny days winter has returned. As I was driving into town for supplies I first saw mist falling. Up here it had been fog while below it was clearer. When I was near the valley floor hoar frost was riming the fir trees. At the lowest elevations the fields were covered with frost. Tonight there will be some snow with dropping temperatures. Nothing like the single digit temperatures of the upper Midwest but my spate of fine weather has come to an end. However, propagation has gotten better over the last month. It is fun to see where I can hear. It is interesting to catch a new call from a new country with each spin of the dial. Now that the sunny weather has changed to grey and cold it is nice to have an indoor activity which allows me to visit so many places. Trying to explain ice and snow to someone from the tropics is always a treat. Discussing the many varieties of snow is simply not possible. Please join us tomorrow afternoon and evening. 1) Hail signs (first letter or two of the suffix of your call) 2) NCS help (as well as QSP/QNP relay help) Sunday 2300z (Sunday 3 PM PST) 14050 kHz Monday 0100z (Sunday 5 PM PST) 7045 kHz Stay well, Kevin. KD5ONS - Stay well, Kevin. KD5ONS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem
I think he means the KPA100. On 12/10/11 9:06 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: This is a bit more invasive, but a few earlier KPA100 modules had a problem with the interface connector to the main RF board that carriers the +13V to the KPA500 itself. The pin corroded and heated and, in a few cases, burned. I believe the current KPA500's have gold plated connectors. Of course, that removed all power from the 100 watt amp. I'd remove the KPA500 module and inspect the connector. You can reach the screws from the top (careful - don't drop the screws or lock washers - they can be a chore to retrieve if you don't have a small magnet). Pull the module off and look closely at the multipin connector to see if there's any sign of overheating or discoloration. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Robert Mccormack Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 4:07 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem Hi All, Many thanks - yes PA NOR was and remains enabled but 12 watts is still maximum power available. This K3/100 was delivering 100 watts before I commenced the CAL procedure - the only reason I took the top cover off was to find the FL1 offset, so nothing has been disturbed. I've run out of ideas.G 73, Ken ZL1AIH --- On Sun, 11/12/11, Ron D'Eau Clairer...@cobi.biz wrote: From: Ron D'Eau Clairer...@cobi.biz Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem To: 'Robert Mccormack'zl1...@xtra.co.nz, elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Sunday, 11, December, 2011, 11:44 AM Make sure the KPA100 option is installed and enabled. That sounds like it is not (the basic K3 has a 10 watt transmitter). Suggest you look in the Owner's manual and perform the procedures to enable and then test and calibrate the KPA100. Likely that will point to the problem. Good luck! Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Robert Mccormack Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 2:09 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem While checking a K3/100 #4114 on behalf of SK estate, I find that the power cannot be set higher than 12 watts. Operation was normal until I commenced a CAL procedure to correct a 2kHz difference between 'indicated' and transmitted frequency. Checked all the menu functions but can't find any reference to power limitation - searched the archives but no luck. Any help is appreciated. 73, Ken ZL1AIH. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] 240-Volt Operation of KPA500
Phil AD5X posted some info several months ago about a good inexpensive source of a 240 v cable.C13615P-6 power cord from www.cables.com $12.95 plus shipping. ..Tony K2SG -Original Message- How do I go about changing from 120-Volt to 240-Volt operation of my KPA500? I hate to ruin that really nice power cable by chopping off the plug and substituting a 15-Amp 240-Volt plug; but if that's the way to do it, I'll get another cable and that way I'll have both AC Voltage (USA) capabilites. Of course I understand about the fuses and properly setting the fuse assembly to reflect the input voltage! Any caveats from anybody who has already done this? 73, Bert N4CW __ 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] K3/100 - High power problem
AARGH Yes. I'm sitting here working on a KPA500 project. Sri about that. Ron -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Mike Fatchett W0MU Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 8:29 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem I think he means the KPA100. On 12/10/11 9:06 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: This is a bit more invasive, but a few earlier KPA100 modules had a problem with the interface connector to the main RF board that carriers the +13V to the KPA500 itself. The pin corroded and heated and, in a few cases, burned. I believe the current KPA500's have gold plated connectors. Of course, that removed all power from the 100 watt amp. I'd remove the KPA500 module and inspect the connector. You can reach the screws from the top (careful - don't drop the screws or lock washers - they can be a chore to retrieve if you don't have a small magnet). Pull the module off and look closely at the multipin connector to see if there's any sign of overheating or discoloration. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Robert Mccormack Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 4:07 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem Hi All, Many thanks - yes PA NOR was and remains enabled but 12 watts is still maximum power available. This K3/100 was delivering 100 watts before I commenced the CAL procedure - the only reason I took the top cover off was to find the FL1 offset, so nothing has been disturbed. I've run out of ideas.G 73, Ken ZL1AIH --- On Sun, 11/12/11, Ron D'Eau Clairer...@cobi.biz wrote: From: Ron D'Eau Clairer...@cobi.biz Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem To: 'Robert Mccormack'zl1...@xtra.co.nz, elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Sunday, 11, December, 2011, 11:44 AM Make sure the KPA100 option is installed and enabled. That sounds like it is not (the basic K3 has a 10 watt transmitter). Suggest you look in the Owner's manual and perform the procedures to enable and then test and calibrate the KPA100. Likely that will point to the problem. Good luck! Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Robert Mccormack Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 2:09 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem While checking a K3/100 #4114 on behalf of SK estate, I find that the power cannot be set higher than 12 watts. Operation was normal until I commenced a CAL procedure to correct a 2kHz difference between 'indicated' and transmitted frequency. Checked all the menu functions but can't find any reference to power limitation - searched the archives but no luck. Any help is appreciated. 73, Ken ZL1AIH. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft 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] Shack equipment noise
On 12/10/2011 6:02 PM, Jim Wiley wrote: I have a few Tripp-Lite Isobar outlet boxes, and if they catch a surge, they will make a VERY loud bang! That very loud bang is almost certainly the MOV failing (and they fail destructively). 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Balun on tuner input?
I followed the link, Ian. I think it's amazing that an *antenna tuner*: 1. has to be plugged in to AC power to work 2. has cooling fans 3. runs the Linux operating system I am just old enough to find that somewhere between humourous and preposterous. Al W6LX Alpha are working on a very similar auto-ATU but their proposed schematic shows exactly how 'broken' this concept is: http://www.rfconcepts.com/PRODUCTS/New-Products/Alpha4040 -- 73 from Ian GM3SEK __ 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] Balun on tuner input?
I think this design is summed up nicely by the term overkill. Matthew Pitts N8OHU Sent from my Wireless Device -Original Message- From: Al Lorona alor...@sbcglobal.net Sender: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net Date: Sat, 10 Dec 2011 20:46:11 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Balun on tuner input? I followed the link, Ian. I think it's amazing that an *antenna tuner*: 1. has to be plugged in to AC power to work 2. has cooling fans 3. runs the Linux operating system I am just old enough to find that somewhere between humourous and preposterous. Al W6LX Alpha are working on a very similar auto-ATU but their proposed schematic shows exactly how 'broken' this concept is: http://www.rfconcepts.com/PRODUCTS/New-Products/Alpha4040 -- 73 from Ian GM3SEK __ 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] K3/100 - High power problem solved
Hi Ron, Bingo! This K3/100 has gold-plated pins - no corrosion but I sprayed them with a little 'De-Oxit', re-seated the 100w module and now all is well.. I'll send the cigar by courier. 73 and thanks again, Ken ZL1AIH --- On Sun, 11/12/11, Ron D'Eau Claire r...@cobi.biz wrote: From: Ron D'Eau Claire r...@cobi.biz Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem To: 'Robert Mccormack' zl1...@xtra.co.nz, elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Sunday, 11, December, 2011, 5:06 PM This is a bit more invasive, but a few earlier KPA100 modules had a problem with the interface connector to the main RF board that carriers the +13V to the KPA500 itself. The pin corroded and heated and, in a few cases, burned. I believe the current KPA500's have gold plated connectors. Of course, that removed all power from the 100 watt amp. I'd remove the KPA500 module and inspect the connector. You can reach the screws from the top (careful - don't drop the screws or lock washers - they can be a chore to retrieve if you don't have a small magnet). Pull the module off and look closely at the multipin connector to see if there's any sign of overheating or discoloration. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Robert Mccormack Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 4:07 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem Hi All, Many thanks - yes PA NOR was and remains enabled but 12 watts is still maximum power available. This K3/100 was delivering 100 watts before I commenced the CAL procedure - the only reason I took the top cover off was to find the FL1 offset, so nothing has been disturbed. I've run out of ideas.G 73, Ken ZL1AIH --- On Sun, 11/12/11, Ron D'Eau Claire r...@cobi.biz wrote: From: Ron D'Eau Claire r...@cobi.biz Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem To: 'Robert Mccormack' zl1...@xtra.co.nz, elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Sunday, 11, December, 2011, 11:44 AM Make sure the KPA100 option is installed and enabled. That sounds like it is not (the basic K3 has a 10 watt transmitter). Suggest you look in the Owner's manual and perform the procedures to enable and then test and calibrate the KPA100. Likely that will point to the problem. Good luck! Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Robert Mccormack Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 2:09 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/100 - High power problem While checking a K3/100 #4114 on behalf of SK estate, I find that the power cannot be set higher than 12 watts. Operation was normal until I commenced a CAL procedure to correct a 2kHz difference between 'indicated' and transmitted frequency. Checked all the menu functions but can't find any reference to power limitation - searched the archives but no luck. Any help is appreciated. 73, Ken ZL1AIH. __ 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] 240-Volt Operation of KPA500
Back when they were still in beta I believe someone posted a source for that cord with the 15amp 240 volt plug. Check cables.com I know they have some 240 volt nema cables. Jim K0XU Sent from my Xoom tablet On Dec 10, 2011 9:37 PM, n...@aol.com wrote: How do I go about changing from 120-Volt to 240-Volt operation of my KPA500? I hate to ruin that really nice power cable by chopping off the plug and substituting a 15-Amp 240-Volt plug; but if that's the way to do it, I'll get another cable and that way I'll have both AC Voltage (USA) capabilites. Of course I understand about the fuses and properly setting the fuse assembly to reflect the input voltage! Any caveats from anybody who has already done this? 73, Bert N4CW __ 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] Shack equipment noise
Thanks for the information. I will make sure to do a full diagnostic tomorrow on the power supplies and strips. Keith Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos On Dec 10, 2011, at 8:42 PM, Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com wrote: On 12/10/2011 6:02 PM, Jim Wiley wrote: I have a few Tripp-Lite Isobar outlet boxes, and if they catch a surge, they will make a VERY loud bang! That very loud bang is almost certainly the MOV failing (and they fail destructively). 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
