Re: [Elecraft] K3/KX3 Operating Tip: APF (audio peaking filter) for weak-signal CW work
Wayne Burdick wrote: > on the K3, it's labeled "DUAL PB" (hold). The K3 actually provides two >different special filter functions; use the DUAL PB menu entry to set >up the switch for APF. On the K3, it would be really helpful to have an option to reconfigure that button on the K3 as "tap = APF" so that we don't have to lose "hold = DUAL PB". "Tap = APF" would also bring the K3 into line with the KX3. Obviously APF and DUAL PB cannot both be selected at the same time, but it would still be helpful to have either one available QUICKLY on the same button. No XFIL users would be inconvenienced by making this a configuration option. -- 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3/KX3 Operating Tip: APF (audio peaking filter) for weak-signal CW work
> "Ian" == Ian White GM3SEK writes: Ian> Wayne Burdick wrote: >> on the K3, it's labeled "DUAL PB" (hold). The K3 actually provides two >> different special filter functions; use the DUAL PB menu entry to set >> up the switch for APF. Ian> On the K3, it would be really helpful to have an option to reconfigure Ian> that button on the K3 as "tap = APF" so that we don't have to lose "hold Ian> = DUAL PB". Ian> "Tap = APF" would also bring the K3 into line with the KX3. Ian> Obviously APF and DUAL PB cannot both be selected at the same time, but Ian> it would still be helpful to have either one available QUICKLY on the Ian> same button. Ian> No XFIL users would be inconvenienced by making this a configuration Ian> option. I'd hate to lose the possiblity to quickly tighten the filters with one tap (think digimodes, where you switch from looking at a 3 kHz waterfall down to a single psk signal with just 3 presses of that button). What about long hold (more than 3 seconds)? I think long hold is already used somewhere else in the firmware, so the function to recognize it is already there. Pf -- Pierfrancesco Caci, ik5pvx __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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/KX3 Operating Tip: APF (audio peaking, filter) for weak-signal CW work
I find the K3 APF invaluable for weak signal work on the microwaves. In the microwave NAC contest last night I worked three stations over 600km on 2.3 and 3.4GHz by aircraft reflection, and the APF really helped pull the weak signals out of the noise. I generally use 1kHz width for CW and my ears for the rest of the filtering, but the APF makes a really big difference on those signals that seem just too weak to copy. The only disadvantage is the hold rather than tap to switch it on/off - I often find I end up having to reset the filter width when I try to cancel the APF . -- 73 John G3XDY K3 #0689 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] "random wire" and the KX3 ATU
I would be in real trouble if I could not use wire antennas. All of my antennas are in my attic. They consist of a full wave 40M loop fed thru the little Elecraft balun via a short run of 450 ohm ladder line, a 65' marconi (end fed "random" wire) in an "inverted U" configuration fed thru a Balun Designs UNUN , and a 5 band vertical dipole that is center loaded. The ATU in my K3 does an excellent job of matching this variety of antennas. I get great signal reports, particularly off of the "inverted U" on 40,75, and 80 meters and find myself busting DX pileups with a barefoot K3/100. It is quite interesting to switch between the antennas and note the performance under varying band conditions. 73s Jim, W4ATK On Jun 26, 2012, at 9:55 PM, Jeff Herr wrote: > I know folks who have had bad experiences using a "random" wire with an ATU. > > Although I ordered a buddipole with the kx3 I still am interested in getting > A 74 foot length of wire up in the pine trees (I will have a counterpoise) > while up in the > Lassen national forest.we go there a lot. > > When I mention this I am met with much skepticism. > > Am I way off base? Is this beyond the capabilities of the tuner? > Is there a descriptive spec for the tuner that describes the range of it > matching capability? > > WW6L > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: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/KX3 Operating Tip: APF (audio peaking filter) for weak-signal CW work
Pierfrancesco Caci wrote: > >I'd hate to lose the possiblity to quickly tighten the filters with one >tap (think digimodes, where you switch from looking at a 3 kHz >waterfall down to a single psk signal with just 3 presses of that >button). What about long hold (more than 3 seconds)? I think long hold >is already used somewhere else in the firmware, so the function to >recognize it is already there. > A three-level button function including 'Long hold' is not user-friendly. 'Long hold' is slw (by definition!) which means that one group of users is sure to get a raw deal. Also, inexperienced users can easily get lost in the deeper levels. 'Choose two out of three for Tap and Hold' is far more user-friendly. As I already said, anyone who regularly uses XFIL could simply stay with the default. G3XDY has also identified a serious problem about the XFIL button when attempting to turn the APF off. With the bandwidth already cranked down to your narrowest CW filter, hear what happens if you don't hold the XFIL/APF button for long enough. A fraction of a second's error blows the bandwidth wide open! When you're wearing headphones and listening really hard for a weak signal, that blast of noise is extremely unpleasant. And the point is: it's fixable. -- 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] New Elecraft K2/100 FOR SALE
My K2/100 kit was purchased new in Jan. 2012. I am the original owner. It has just been completed and is in mint condition. The S/N is 7274. It has been aligned, calibrated and tested by Don Wilhelm-W3FPR.It includes the following options; KPA100 (100 watt amplifier), KSB2 (SSB), K160RX (160m), KNB2 (Noise blanker), KDSP2 (DSP with clock and calendar), HM2 (Hand Microphone), DC Power Cord, all manuals, and original QRP top panel with speaker. $1700 value. Photo available via email. Free shipping in the continental USA with insurance. USPS Money Order. Phone number; (269)624-9011. Best Offer. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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/KX3 Operating Tip: APF (audio peaking filter) for weak-signal CW work
> And the point is: it's fixable. It is not fixable to your definition without changing both the front panel (engraving) and keytops (legend). Moving XFIL to HOLD would be extremely inconvenient for users of that function (it is very difficult to do multiple HOLD gestures) and the current assignments are not cumbersome. One can also assign a PF Key (I use PF 2) to toggle the function of DUAL PB=HOLD between Dual PB and APF as needed. The current implementation is quite usable given the limited number of individual controls (number of buttons) available on the front panel. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 6/27/2012 8:52 AM, Ian White GM3SEK wrote: > Pierfrancesco Caci wrote: >> >> I'd hate to lose the possiblity to quickly tighten the filters with one >> tap (think digimodes, where you switch from looking at a 3 kHz >> waterfall down to a single psk signal with just 3 presses of that >> button). What about long hold (more than 3 seconds)? I think long hold >> is already used somewhere else in the firmware, so the function to >> recognize it is already there. >> > > A three-level button function including 'Long hold' is not > user-friendly. 'Long hold' is slw (by definition!) which means that > one group of users is sure to get a raw deal. Also, inexperienced users > can easily get lost in the deeper levels. > > 'Choose two out of three for Tap and Hold' is far more user-friendly. > > As I already said, anyone who regularly uses XFIL could simply stay with > the default. > > G3XDY has also identified a serious problem about the XFIL button when > attempting to turn the APF off. With the bandwidth already cranked down > to your narrowest CW filter, hear what happens if you don't hold the > XFIL/APF button for long enough. A fraction of a second's error blows > the bandwidth wide open! When you're wearing headphones and listening > really hard for a weak signal, that blast of noise is extremely > unpleasant. > > And the point is: it's fixable. > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] XG3 for sale
I am selling my XG3 for $145 including shipping. It is virtually new. I don't need two of them. 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] K3/KX3 Operating Tip: APF (audio peaking filter) for weak-signal CW work
Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: > > And the point is: it's fixable. > >It is not fixable to your definition without changing both the front >panel (engraving) and keytops (legend). Moving XFIL to HOLD would be >extremely inconvenient for users of that function (it is very difficult >to do multiple HOLD gestures) and the current assignments are not >cumbersome. > Who said any of that that? Not I. I was only suggesting ONE new option. The existing options are: 1. Tap = XFIL, Hold = DUAL PB (the current default, and no reason to change that status) 2. Tap = XFIL, Hold = APF (the only current alternative) My simple suggestion, for those who use APF a lot but don't use XFIL, was: 3. Tap = APF, Hold = DUAL PB -- 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] XG3 Sold
Sorry it is sold. Alan __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 A/B receiver test
Last night I was listening to the K2 upstairs with a end fed ParZ ant. hung out the 2nd story into a nearby tree. I decided to do a A/B test with the Yaesu FT-450D. The K2 had a much lower noise floor and sounded better on SSB. The S meters were about the same with the K2 being about 1/2 unit higher on most sigs. ( I know that does not tell me much) On CW I could hear all the signals on the FT-450D that I heard on the K2 but the noise was higher on the FT-450D. I looked for a weak signal that I could only hear on the K2 but ran out of time. Im not sure where the 450D stands as far as receiver performance? My question to the group is does this seem about right, or should my K2 be blowing the 450D out of the water. 73 Don K4YND -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-A-B-receiver-test-tp7558254.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] K2 A/B receiver test
Don, I don't think your A/B test tells you much of anything. What were you expecting, that the K2 was more sensitive? What do you mean when you say " but the noise was higher on the FT-450D." We see these kinds of reports all the time from hams (that a particular receiver is "quieter" than another). Rick K2XT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] N6KR spring cleaning -- parts and other electronics stuff free to good home
Hi all, My prototyping is so specific to Elecraft products that part of my generic parts collection has been gathering dust in the attic. And my wife and kids wanted the attic space for thier stuff :) Having cleaned out the attic, I now have several boxes full of very useful parts of every description, cable and wire, hardware, even some test equipment and power supplies, that I'd like to give away. This is a great collection of stuff for any home-builder. Parts include everything from transistors and ICs to small passives to air-variable capacitors. There are some "excess" Elecraft goodies, too, including some prototype mini-modules and a few surprise mystery units. Trust me, it'll be like Christmas. Worst case: you keep half of it, and the rest goes to your local E-flea market. I'm looking for someone within driving distance of Belmont, CA, who would like to take the entire lot. It'll fit in a car trunk. If you're interested, please email me directly. Thanks for the bandwidth. 73, Wayne N6KR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] "random wire" and the KX3 ATU
Hello everyone. I've seen a lot of traffic on the "random wire" topic. Does anyone have a link to a website or an excellent design for a "random wire" that will at least do all bands 40m up (40-10)? Please drop me an email if you have any information on a good wire design. Thanks, Scott - n0nuf __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 A/B receiver test
Good point. I guess I am looking for assurance that my K2 receiver is preforming about how it should with my limited kit experience. I figure if it hears as well or better than the FT-450D,then I have it aligned pretty well. Thanks Don -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-A-B-receiver-test-tp7558254p7558259.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] N6KR spring cleaning -- parts and other electronics stuff free to good home
Found a volunteer close by. Thanks to all the rest who responded, even though I couldn't accommodate your ideas (pack up the stuff and ship it, photograph and list the cool stuff, wait until you swing by on your Thanksgiving visit to the Bay Area, etc.). 73, Wayne N6KR I wrote: > I'm looking for someone within driving distance of Belmont, CA, who > would like to take the entire lot. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 A/B receiver test
> I figure if it hears as well or better than the FT-450D,then I have it > aligned pretty well. I think most K2 owners would agree that the performance of the K2 is defined more by what it DOESN'T hear than what it does! (IMD, crud, splatter, crossmod). Rick K2XT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 - Presentation
I will be making a presentation on the KX3 at our local hamfest on July 14th. I found one ppt presentation on the Elecraft website but wonder if anyone has done a more extensive one addressing some of the features in more detail? I will try to do a live demo using ham antennas installed at the hamfest site (Gov't Emergency Response Center), but may have to run extensive coax to reach the meeting room from the small office that the ham gear is installed. If wx is nice we may opt to use someone's HF mobile antenna outside. Have no idea how many will attend the presentation but could be upwards of 50 (the hamfest historically shows 75-100 total attendance). I am doing this because my first look at the K3 was at the same hamfest several years ago when it was newly introduced. That impression stuck such that I returned to look at it when considering a good radio to serve as IF for VHF transverters in my eme station. I bought K3/4340 in spring 2010. 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 "Kits made by KL7UW" http://www.kl7uw.com/kits.htm == __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] "random wire" and the KX3 ATU
Scott ... I suggest that you download the KXAT1 manual from the Elecraft Website pages 9-11 have some great suggestions for random wire antenna lengths and wire types, etc. I followed those suggestions when I first got my KX1 ... I think my random wire is about 28 feet long. Using a bnc to dual binding post adapter with the random wire and a counterpoise I've had great success with the KX1 on 40M, 30M, and 20M. and now I'm using the same setup with my KX3, and in addition to 23, 30, and 40 I've also had success on 17M.. My biggest problem seems to be finding a suitable tree to support the wire and to avoid getting things in a tangle when I'm setting up... so when I can I take along my own wire support ... a tripod (which I have as a keyboard amplifier stand, but is very similar to the tripods sold by buddipole and yagi in a bag folks)... and a telescoping painter pole that extends to 16 feet ... with that setup I can get it up about 22 feet in just a few minutes. I recently drove up the mountainside near my home and set it up for a couple hours ... and posted a few pictures here: http://www.udxa.org/gallery/show_thumbs.php?id=28... feel free to check them out. It sets up in minutes ... and it works. I personally think the random wire has an advantage over things like Buddipoles and Mini Yagis because you don't have to recongifure the antenna every time you want to change bands... 73, Don, N5LZ - Original Message - From: "Scott Graham" To: Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2012 1:15 PM Subject: [Elecraft] "random wire" and the KX3 ATU > Hello everyone. > > I've seen a lot of traffic on the "random wire" topic. Does anyone > have a link to a website or an excellent design for a "random wire" > that will at least do all bands 40m up (40-10)? Please drop me an > email if you have any information on a good wire design. > > Thanks, > Scott - n0nuf > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: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] "random wire" and the KX3 ATU
Hi Scott --- A true random wire antenna is the length of wire you can fit between your end supports. You insulate the ends, and a wire goes from the near end of the random wire to the tuner. A ground on the tuner will be useful. Now, if you want to pick a length for all the wire you will be using (but it will then not be "random") try to avoid any length that will be a half wave or multiple of a half wave on any frequency of interest. Here is one web site that addresses the issue: http://www.hamuniverse.com/randomwireantennalengths.html A Google search for random length antenna will reveal many other sources of information. 73 - Mike WA8BXN ---Original Message--- From: Scott Graham Date: 6/27/2012 3:28:52 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] "random wire" and the KX3 ATU Hello everyone. I've seen a lot of traffic on the "random wire" topic. Does anyone have a link to a website or an excellent design for a "random wire" that will at least do all bands 40m up (40-10)? Please drop me an email if you have any information on a good wire design. Thanks, Scott - n0nuf __ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] P3 TX Audio
*I have seen the P3 a number of times enter a state where it is showing Tx audio without any changes being made to cabling or settings. Whilst there is a way to monitor one transmission by disconnecting the IF lead, what I am seeing appears for one over then stops and may not appear again for a day or so then suddenly it returns. I am wondering if there is a fault slowly developing. If anyone can shed some light on what is happening i would appreciate it. I am not a particular fan of the P3 or pan adapters but as I have one I would like to ensure that it is functioning as it should. Regards Gary * -- Gary VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile Elecraft Equipment K3 #679,P3 #1629, KPA-500 #018 KAT-500#?? Living the dream!!! __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] "random wire" and the KX3 ATU
Thanks everyone for setting me straight... In this case, 'random' truly means random... In the 10 years I have been away from Ham Radio I have become, well, less than fluent with antennas. hihi. So, using the K3/100 with the built in AT, how would you construct an antenna using a short piece of coax from the radio to a "coax/ladder line" interface (or some PL-259 adapter capable of 100W+) , then 450 ohm ladder line some 40-50' to where you would attach the 'antenna' and 'radial' leads? Or is there a better design? I am looking for a reliable 40m and up antenna that I can use in an attic or hidden on top of a house. I think 75-80' total circumference/length would be pushing it. I have to fold the current 40m part of my dipole around the attic with no bends greater than 90 deg. I am currently using a homebrew 'fan' dipole. 47' RG8U to a 1:1 balun. Then the 40m ( 63' ? / 2 ) of 10ga wire off each lug. Also have 20m leads coming off the balun as well. RX is ok on this dual band ant, but nothing to hop around about. Very noisy as well. The K3 tuner tunes it ok on most frequencies. Need something better. Anyone have ideas/suggestions? I was looking at the random wire with about 75' on the red and 40' or so on the black. Wondered if I would get better performance out of the random wire? Again, any better thoughts or ideas? Thanks in advance and thanks to those who responded previously. Scott - n0nuf __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] "random wire" and the KX3 ATU
Scott, if you want the magic antenna that is easy to build, easy to install and cheap, give up now. Any conductor will radiate to some extent and the excellent antenna tuner in the K3 will load almost anything but there are reasons why contesters buy acres of land and spend tens of thousand or more on the antenna farm. There Are reasons why we have libraries of many books that we have read several times. You can't cheat the laws of Physics! Sent from my iPhone On Jun 27, 2012, at 16:24, Scott Graham wrote: > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Fwd: Re: P3 TX Audio
Gary, The tx if is visible on the P3 when K3 baud rate is other than 38400 baud, the K3>P3 sync feature will restore 38400 after that over. Usually it requires a manual change of setting in K3 config and/or pf1 assignment to show this feature whilst rs232 is still connected, but using a baud rate mismatch to show. cheers Adrian On 27/06/2012 20:56, Gary Gregory wrote: > *I have seen the P3 a number of times enter a state where it is showing Tx > audio without any changes being made to cabling or settings. Whilst there > is a way to monitor one transmission by disconnecting the IF lead, what I > am seeing appears for one over then stops and may not appear again for a > day or so then suddenly it returns. > > I am wondering if there is a fault slowly developing. > > If anyone can shed some light on what is happening i would appreciate it. > > I am not a particular fan of the P3 or pan adapters but as I have one I > would like to ensure that it is functioning as it should. > > Regards > Gary > * __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] "random wire" and the KX3 ATU
Hi Scott, Any indoor (or laying on the roof) antenna is going to pick up lots of noise from all the electrical stuff in the house. What you want to do will have a unique solution depending on just what your physical environment is, so what has worked for someone else may or may not work well for you. If at all possible, get your wire outside the house. You will get less noise and your transmission will be less likely to affect anything in the house. Perhaps you could describe more clearly the size of your lot and house, what trees and other supports there may be in the yard and why you think you have to have an inside antenna. With more information we can better suggest things or comment on what you are thinking of trying. Some have been creative in finding antennas, like using the gutter system as an antenna. Others hide verticals in flag poles. Outside wire antennas are really easy to make next to invisible. Another possibility to consider is using a mobile antenna on your car parked halfway down your drive with coax running to the house. A lot of people run HF mobile and get a lot of contacts. 73 - Mike WA8BXN __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] "random wire" and the KX3 ATU
I think it was Eric who wrote a bit ago that an 84 foot wire could be matched on 160 to 10 meters. If I select that length for my KX3 kit, will I need a separate Counterpoise for each of these bands? 73 Gary KJ7RT Sent from my iPad On Jun 27, 2012, at 13:10, Mike WA8BXN wrote: > Hi Scott --- > > A true random wire antenna is the length of wire you can fit between your > end supports. You insulate the ends, and a wire goes from the near end of > the random wire to the tuner. A ground on the tuner will be useful. > Now, if you want to pick a length for all the wire you will be using (but it > will then not be "random") try to avoid any length that will be a half wave > or multiple of a half wave on any frequency of interest. Here is one web > site that addresses the issue: > http://www.hamuniverse.com/randomwireantennalengths.html > > A Google search for random length antenna will reveal many other sources of > information. > > 73 - Mike WA8BXN > > > > > > ---Original Message--- > > From: Scott Graham > Date: 6/27/2012 3:28:52 PM > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: [Elecraft] "random wire" and the KX3 ATU > > Hello everyone. > > I've seen a lot of traffic on the "random wire" topic. Does anyone > have a link to a website or an excellent design for a "random wire" > that will at least do all bands 40m up (40-10)? Please drop me an > email if you have any information on a good wire design. > > Thanks, > Scott - n0nuf > __ > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: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] "random wire" and the KX3 ATU
On 6/27/2012 4:33 PM, Gary Marklund wrote: > will I need a separate Counterpoise for each of these bands? No, but in general, more is better, and it's better if it's not laying on the ground. It simply becomes the other half of the antenna that you're loading -- think of it as providing a return for the current. When someone said "you want a ground on the KX3," what he SHOULD have said is that you need some sort of return for the antenna current. Radials are one form of return, a counterpoise is another. A counterpoise is simply another conductor connected to the chassis of the antenna tuner (or transmitter). 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] "random wire" and the KX3 ATU
Gary and all, That length is close to the W3EDP antenna length - as I recall, it is 86 feet for the radiator and 17 feet for the counterpoise wire. 80 through 10 meters is good, and the KX3 tuner will match it easily. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/27/2012 7:33 PM, Gary Marklund wrote: > I think it was Eric who wrote a bit ago that an 84 foot wire could be matched > on 160 to 10 meters. If I select that length for my KX3 kit, will I need a > separate Counterpoise for each of these bands? > > 73 > Gary > KJ7RT > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] N6KR spring cleaning -- parts and other electronics stuff free to good home
Hey, what a deal! Stuff is probably all gone by now and besides, it would be silly to drive from the Seattle area down to Belmont for Wayne's stuff. Let me see, the truck gets 15 mpg and the trip is about 900 miles each way, and so let's say a total of 2000 miles and an average price of gas of $3.80 means the trip costs only about $500 in gas. Of course, I will not drive there non-stop so add another $250 for motel and meals. And, since I might make use of the city while there with a nice Italian dinner somewhere on North Beach area maybe another $500 for hotel and meals for SF. So, Wayne, is the stuff close to being worth about $1250 or so? 73, phil, K7PEH On Jun 27, 2012, at 12:01 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > Hi all, > > My prototyping is so specific to Elecraft products that part of my > generic parts collection has been gathering dust in the attic. And my > wife and kids wanted the attic space for thier stuff :) > > Having cleaned out the attic, I now have several boxes full of very > useful parts of every description, cable and wire, hardware, even some > test equipment and power supplies, that I'd like to give away. This is > a great collection of stuff for any home-builder. Parts include > everything from transistors and ICs to small passives to air-variable > capacitors. There are some "excess" Elecraft goodies, too, including > some prototype mini-modules and a few surprise mystery units. > > Trust me, it'll be like Christmas. Worst case: you keep half of it, > and the rest goes to your local E-flea market. > > I'm looking for someone within driving distance of Belmont, CA, who > would like to take the entire lot. It'll fit in a car trunk. If you're > interested, please email me directly. > > Thanks for the bandwidth. > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: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] N6KR spring cleaning -- parts and other electronics stuff free to good home
Well, all I want is the KPA1500 prototype... does that count as a "surprise mystery unit?" On 6/27/2012 12:01 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > Hi all, > > My prototyping is so specific to Elecraft products that part of my > generic parts collection has been gathering dust in the attic. And my > wife and kids wanted the attic space for thier stuff :) > > Having cleaned out the attic, I now have several boxes full of very > useful parts of every description, cable and wire, hardware, even some > test equipment and power supplies, that I'd like to give away. This is > a great collection of stuff for any home-builder. Parts include > everything from transistors and ICs to small passives to air-variable > capacitors. There are some "excess" Elecraft goodies, too, including > some prototype mini-modules and a few surprise mystery units. > > Trust me, it'll be like Christmas. Worst case: you keep half of it, > and the rest goes to your local E-flea market. > > I'm looking for someone within driving distance of Belmont, CA, who > would like to take the entire lot. It'll fit in a car trunk. If you're > interested, please email me directly. > > Thanks for the bandwidth. > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR -- 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] "random wire" and the KX3 ATU
On Wed, Jun 27, 2012 at 2:15 PM, Scott Graham wrote: > ...an excellent design for a "random wire"...? > === Scott, for years my main shack antenna was a wire running out the window to a tree in my yard, a total of 200 feet. It is fed by a unun which in turn is fed by about 25' of coax. The unun is on the windowsill of the second-floor shack, and the antenna wire comes right inside. The cold side of the unun is connected to a 4-wire counterpoise that has lengths corresponding roughly to 1/4 wave on 40, 20 and 10 meters. This mess runs out the window and is arrayed on the garage roof. Between the unun and the radio is a common mode choke that I got from radioworks.com. I have zero problem with RF in the shack with 100W. When I went to 500W I had to tweak the counterpoise a few times to get RF down to zero on 12 Meters. The tuner in the K3 matches this antenna to 1.2:1 or better on all bands 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10. I have worked 280 countries with this antenna. Its main drawback is that it is noisy on reception. When I finally got a hexbeam (a compact 2-el yagi) mounted on my chimney at 20', it was an improvement not so much for the modest amount of gain it offered, but for the reduced noise. This is the second antenna setup I have had along these lines. Both have been extremely successful, especially when you consider the cost (just a few bucks), the unobtrusiveness, the ease of setup, and the ease of maintenance, tuning etc. If you try one and have questions, email me. Best of luck! 73, Tony KT0NY -- http://www.isb.edu/faculty/facultydir.aspx?ddlFaculty=352 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] "random wire" and the KX3 ATU
Thanks, Don. I have a 400' reel of The Wireman's #543 to cut up, so this looks like a good place to start. Should be east to launch as well. 73 Gary KJ7RT Sent from my iPad On Jun 27, 2012, at 17:07, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Gary and all, > > That length is close to the W3EDP antenna length - as I recall, it is 86 feet > for the radiator and 17 feet for the counterpoise wire. 80 through 10 meters > is good, and the KX3 tuner will match it easily. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 6/27/2012 7:33 PM, Gary Marklund wrote: >> I think it was Eric who wrote a bit ago that an 84 foot wire could be >> matched on 160 to 10 meters. If I select that length for my KX3 kit, will I >> need a separate Counterpoise for each of these bands? >> >> 73 >> Gary >> KJ7RT >> > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] "random wire" and the KX3 ATU
Gary Marklund wrote: > I think it was Eric who wrote a bit ago that an 84 foot wire could > be matched on 160 to 10 meters. At Field Day, just playing around, we used the KXAT3 to match a 20- meter 2-element beam (fed with coax) on 80-6 meters. Not efficient on any bands but 30/20/17, but nice to know you can do it in a pinch. W __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
