[Elecraft] Sub RX Filters choice
Hi. My K3 has a standard 2.7 Khz ssb filter, a narrow 2.1 Khz ssb filter and a 400 hz cw filter. I am planning to purchase the sub RX KRX3 and would like some filter advice please. I am much more interested in CW. Do I have to match up all these filters on the Sub RX for diversity? I know the 2.7 Khz is standard but for diversity I seem to remember reading the same filters should be in place? I also seem to recall that the filters are not cascaded so in essence, only one filter is in line at a time. So if I purchase only the 400 hz filter for the sub RX, it diversity reception will work fine as long as the 400 hz filter is selected for CW or SSB will be fine between 2100 and 2700? What would happen if I engaged the 2.1 SSB filter in main RX and I don't have same filter in Sub RX. Thanks for your time. Gordon MM0GPZ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] SO2V?
Jim, I use SO2V in contests with my K3, both unassisted and assisted. My hot tip would be to familiarize yourself with the actions of the ` key and Ctrl+Shift+Up/Down arrow keys in N1MM Logger. My comments on using SO2V with N1MM Logger are at http://n1mm.hamdocs.com/tiki-index.php?page=SO2V#More_advice_on_using_SO2V_-_from_VE3KI. Also, look at http://n1mm.hamdocs.com/tiki-index.php?page=Supported+Radios#K3 for keystrokes and other information specific to the K3. If you are operating assisted (with the RBN, for example), the Available Mults and Qs window (http://n1mm.hamdocs.com/tiki-index.php?page=Available+Mults+and+Qs+Windowstructure=N1MM+Logger+Documentation) is useful. There are some mouse-click options in this window that are specific to SO2V, and even without the mouse this window is important for making decisions like when to use the second RX on the current band vs. switching to a new band. 73, Rich VE3KI Jim Miller wrote: I've been looking at the N1MM docs on SO2V wrt the K3. Anyone here contest in that fashion? FWIW, I'm mostly interested in CW and assisted with RBN spots. Any hot tips? jim __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] SO2V?
Hi, Jim - I do SO2V with my K3 and subRX, with N1MM and RBN spots quite often. My station is not competitive - single wire, KPA500. So, my strategies are to maximize my rate and a big part of that is avoiding calling when louder stations will likely beat me. The rates are pretty amazing - it is more like running but instead of hitting F1 you are clicking on spots. Here are some ideas: 1. I use VE7CC's AR software to create filters for RBN spots that limit what I see to nearby skimmers. In my case that means only those in MD, PA, VA and WV. That keeps my bandmap full without overloading things with spots I won't likely hear. 2. I created a macro to swap VFOA and VFOB, but you can also use ALT F10. 3. Learn how to use the `, \ and PAUSE keys - look here http://n1mm.hamdocs.com/tiki-index.php?page=SO2V . 4. Learn how to use the Available Mult/Q window - look here http://n1mm.hamdocs.com/tiki-index.php?page=Available+Mults+and+Qs+Window . Set that window to only show spots appropriate for the Contest Mode. Now, you are ready to go. I usually have 2 modes of operation: A. Left click on the first spot in the Available Mult/Q window. If that spot is ready to be worked, work it. If not, right click on the second spot in that window to fill VFO B - then work whichever one is ready first by using your favorite way in (2) or (3) to switch N1MM focus or swap VFOs. B. Left click on a bandmap spot. If that spot is ready to be worked, work it. If not, right click on some other spot in that window - then work whichever one is ready first. I like to either hop around the bandmap, or start from the highest freq and work down the band because most people seem to go the other way and I want to avoid getting in synch with someone else. (A) can be a killer strategy, it is amazing how often you get there before the CQ has even ended. But the big multis or the top Assisted stations are often using this strategy - so I sometimes switch to the 2nd spot in that window vs. the first. But if you are totally focused on that window you can often beat W3LPL, K3LR, AA3B, etc to the spot. That is almost worth the price of admission right there... On dead bands, or later in the day on Sunday, there is a feeding frenzy on new mults. Then I actually do a lot of old fashioned dial twisting on VFO B while listening to a spot pileup on VFO A - I can usually find a few new calls to work while either throwing my call into some poor fresh meat guy's unruly pileup, or just waiting for it to die down. Always stay around to hear the spotted station send his call - the RBN is pretty accurate, but not 100%. Especially on the 2nd day of a contest, there are always busted calls. The RBN will usually crash at least once in the big contests. Either have a backup cluster connection ready in the Packet/Telnet window, or use K1TTT's WinTelnetX software to mix RBN feeds with other cluster feeds. I used to do that, but the RBN reliability has gone way up - I haven't felt the need to do so recently. Hope that helps - 73, John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-SO2V-tp7567315p7567322.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] K-Line Faultless Operation ?
Phil, Have you loaded the latest KPA500 firmware? If not do so. The new amp firmware delays fault detection until the KAT500 has a chance to tune. You will still see a soft fault condition, but that will clear as the KAT500 tunes. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/17/2012 11:30 PM, Phil Hystad wrote: So, after adding the KAT500, I am enjoying the ever expanding K-Line: K3+P3+KPA500+KAT500 but I seem to be at fault more often lately. I mean, before I got the KAT500 I relied on my Palstar AT1KM manual tuner and could easily tune to close to 1:1 and always under 1.5:1 for every band and frequency of my operations 80 through 10. Antennas are 80-meter doublet fed with 450-ohm ladder line to 4:1 Balun to Coax for 80-40-30 and then a Traffie Hexbeam for 20-17-15-12-10 (no, usually do not need a tuner with the traffie but it does improve SWR). Using the manual tuner, it was very rare, maybe twice a month or so, that I would fault the KPA500 due to high SWR. Now, using the KAT500, faulting the KPA500 is a daily occurrence. I now almost expect that red fault light to come on the KPA500 and the amp switch into Standby mode. What am I doing wrong? Here is a typical scenario. I am operating on 3970 KHz with a 1.2:1 SWR using the KAT500 and the KPA500 in operation pushing about 475 watts or so. Then, I switch to 3569 KHz for some CW traffic net action and now with key-down (just a brief dit) I get two very closely related events. One, the KPA500 faults due to high SWR and, two, the KAT500 detects the new frequency and changes LC from memory. These two events are neck-and-neck within one or one-and-a-half seconds time. So, I know how to avoid this. I can put the amp in standby first. Or, I can force the KAT500 to retune which inhibits the amplifier. But, is it necessary to put the amp in standby? Is this what others do? Also, what good is the memory on the KAT500 if I can't make use of it. I am using all the standard recommended cabling for the KAT500 with a K3 and KPA500. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] [KX1] Alignment Question
Chris, Are you certain the dial calibration is really off on only 40 meters? The KX1 frequency is controlled by the data sent to the DDS by the firmware. If indeed the frequency is off by 685 Hz only on 40 meters, I would suspect the firmware. Replacement is the only fix - but you will have to enter new BFO and DDS menu parameters to get the dial calibration correct. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/18/2012 2:09 AM, Chris Johnson wrote: I took my XG3 to a friend who had a very expensive service monitor. To all of our surprise, the XG3 was only a few Hz off up to about 15m and then up past 6M it was still 10hz off. This was surprising! What a great tool. The reason I checked it was I was seeing an issue with my KX1 that I have never solved. Hooking up the KX1 to the same service monitor, I noticed that my KX1 is acceptably aligned within +/-10hz on 80m, 30m, 20m. On 40m, it is ~685hz above the dialed frequency.Does anyone have any tips on adjusting just 40m? It seems the calibration procedure would impact all bands. 685hz is pretty noticeable, or am I just expecting too much? Thx Chris K6OZY __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Sub RX Filters choice
Gordon I faced the same decision as you just a couple of weeks ago but note I'm not a big CW op by any means so my filter choices reflect that. In my main I have a 6Khz for AM, 2.8, 2.1,.400. 250Hz I do Digital also all are 8 pole filters. First be sure that you don't want any more filters in the main receiver as it's much more work to remove the sub-receiver to add filter to the main later. I decided for the sub to use 2 filters and they would cover everything with the DSP filtering they were the 2.8 and the 400 8 pole filters. So far it has worked out extremely well and I would not change anything nor add any other. filters for my operating needs. I do have 1 regret that when I ordered this K3 I had 1 already. I ordered it fully loaded all options except one the sub receiver that I should have done first off instead of waiting. 73, Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of mm0gpz Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2012 5:28 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Sub RX Filters choice Hi. My K3 has a standard 2.7 Khz ssb filter, a narrow 2.1 Khz ssb filter and a 400 hz cw filter. I am planning to purchase the sub RX KRX3 and would like some filter advice please. I am much more interested in CW. Do I have to match up all these filters on the Sub RX for diversity? I know the 2.7 Khz is standard but for diversity I seem to remember reading the same filters should be in place? I also seem to recall that the filters are not cascaded so in essence, only one filter is in line at a time. So if I purchase only the 400 hz filter for the sub RX, it diversity reception will work fine as long as the 400 hz filter is selected for CW or SSB will be fine between 2100 and 2700? What would happen if I engaged the 2.1 SSB filter in main RX and I don't have same filter in Sub RX. Thanks for your time. Gordon MM0GPZ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Sub RX Filters choice
Fred/Mike/Gary. Thanks for useful replies. Other than the 2.7 Khz, the 2100 and 400 are both 8 pole filters so no offset required, hopefully. Thanks for the tip re inserting any further filters in main RX prior to installing sub RX. I was considering a filter for RTTY contesting in the main RX and I intended to purchase a second 400 Khz filter for 2nd RX if it is required for diversity reception? Gary. I had just been looking at all the filter curves and trying to ascertain if the the 200 filter is actually narrower than the 250. It is shown on a different graph scale that makes it difficult to determine? It certainly looks narrower at the peak but I'm not sure the skirts are as tight? If the 200 is wide enough for RTTY (170 shift), then I suppose that is an option if it is in fact usefully narrower than the 250? I am considering when I am trying to run on RTTY and being squeezed out, would the 200 or 250 filter be useful in that scenario? I had also just been reading about your 700 Hz filter and wonded why is was so popular. I will do a bit more reading on that now. 73 Gordon MM0GPZ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] 10 Watt DX
I have been following this thread and decided it was time I included my comments. First of all, I operate only CW only QRP and never more that 5 Watts. About a year and one half ago I built a K2 and put up a 135 foot OCF dipole antenna. Since then, I have worked 168 countries CW, QRP. This includes South Shetland Island the other day. With my K2 and more recently my KX3, I have worked France, Brazil and Hawaai with 100 milliWatts. The Hawaai QSO equates to 50,000 miles per Watt. I have worked Japan with 1 Watt and Australia with 3 Watts. All it takes is patience and determination and of course great rigs such as the Elecrafts. I encourage any one who hasn't done so to put your high power amps aside, try QRP and discover the fun you are missing. 73 Tony Castellano W1ZMB tcaste...@optonline.net Hopewell Junction, NY RV-6 N401TC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 VFO tuning noise on 10m RF gain
Hi, I have a recent K3 (SN 6527, FW 4.51) and I see fairly strong VFO tuning noise on 10m. More specifically this is centered around 28.004 MHz and spreads around for about +- 3 kHz. With the preamp on this can reach S3 on the meter while tuning (well above the noise level with antenna on). Not that it is going to prevent me from working there since it only comes while tuning but it is annoying. There might also be other spots on the band but I work CW only, so the above is something I run into frequently. Any ideas how to fix this? Another small problem that I have is that the RF gain behaves in a bit unpredictable way when turned all the way down. When I start turning it down, I see the normal behavior, the S-meter starts going up. When I reach a position (about 10% of minimum), I see the S-meter drop down and it seems like the RF gain is going up again. Is this a problem with RF gain calibration (googling around suggests this)? And if it is, what could have caused it to go out of whack? (this was a factory assembled K3 that I bought about 6 months ago). I probably need a signal source to recalibrate? Other than these two issues, what a great radio! Really enjoying it! Thanks, Jussi Eloranta (AA6KJ) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] 10 Watt DX
I agree with Tony. I've earned QRP DXCC, QRP WAC, all states except ID and MT, and through patience and careful timing I've worked all the big DXpeditions over the last couple years. My main antenna is a 44' doublet in my attic. I generally use 3 watts. I credit Elecraft's introduction of the KX3 *without* concurrently offering the 100 watt amplifier with exposing many new folks to the world of QRP. It's great to hear so much exuberance being expressed for QRP. I hope it sticks after the 100 watt amp hits the market. 73, Stan WB2LQF On Tue, Dec 18, 2012 at 11:01 AM, Tony Castellano wrote: I have been following this thread and decided it was time I included my comments. First of all, I operate only CW only QRP and never more that 5 Watts. About a year and one half ago I built a K2 and put up a 135 foot OCF dipole antenna. Since then, I have worked 168 countries CW, QRP. This includes South Shetland Island the other day. With my K2 and more recently my KX3, I have worked France, Brazil and Hawaai with 100 milliWatts. The Hawaai QSO equates to 50,000 miles per Watt. I have worked Japan with 1 Watt and Australia with 3 Watts. All it takes is patience and determination and of course great rigs such as the Elecrafts. I encourage any one who hasn't done so to put your high power amps aside, try QRP and discover the fun you are missing. 73 Tony Castellano W1ZMB tcaste...@optonline.net Hopewell Junction, NY RV-6 N401TC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] SO2V?
Great tips, John and Rich! I've used SO2V quite a bit but can't add anything to what you said, except: The one thing that would make it PERFECT would be for the P3 to have a VFO B tracking mode. Because sometimes there's life in between the spots, and even if not it's good to know what the neighborhood's like. Swapping VFOs to run on B and S+P on A makes the audio come out wrong -- you can't quickly cut your S+P audio and put the run frequency in both ears, which you need when a weak one calls you. Unless there's a trick I've missed. 73, Carl WS7L __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 KPA 500 question
I finally succumbed to temptation and ordered a KPA 500 which will arrive tomorrow. This may be a question that can't be answered on this reflector but I thought I would try. I have an HF 2500 Commander, the Palstar version, which I have been using with the k3 and other radios. I am not sure about how I will integrate the KPA 500 into the station. I have been switching between three different radios and the Commander amplifier using a coax switch to switch the output of the various radios to the input of the Commander. I have been thinking about pulling the output of the k3, running it through the KPA 500 and then running the output of the KPA 500 to the coax switch. With that arrangement the switching would be exactly the same as before. However, I am a little concerned about running 500 Watts into the input Of the Commander even when that amplifier is turned off. I am wondering whether that might damage the input circuits Of the Commander. Does anyone have any suggestions. I should mention That the Commander works just fine with all of the radios but I wanted to complete the K line and experience integrated, completely automatic operation. The lower power from the KPA 500 should not make any significant difference for most contacts. I would appreciate any thoughts on the subject. Bruce-W8FU __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KXPA100
So sorry, I forgot to delete the main body of the email in the responce. Damn! PJH, N7PXY __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] SO2V?
The RBN will usually crash at least once in the big contests. Either have a backup cluster connection ready in the Packet/Telnet window, or use K1TTT's WinTelnetX software to mix RBN feeds with other cluster feeds. I used to do that, but the RBN reliability has gone way up - I haven't felt the need to do so recently. Hope that helps - 73, John K3TN John, I do not understand why do you need WinTelnetX while VE7CC inself easily combine as many clusters as one may need. 73, Igor UA9CDC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] 10 Watt DX
I agree with both Stan and Tony. Elecraft's introduction of the KX3 ahead of the 100 watt amp introduced a lot of folks to QRP. I worked All States QRP on the K2 and managed 45 DX entities with it. Ever since getting the KX3 in August ( and since I had to sell 3 radios to get it), I strived to get QRP DXCC. I finally got my certificate in the mail. Thanks to my Elecraft rigs - I now have two certificates on the wall for QRP operation. I can't believe there are already over 3000 KX3s now operating. QRP Is loads of fun. Just try the twice a year NAQCC milliwatt sprints. It takes a little patience and operating smarts but DXCC at 5 watts is very doable even with simple wire antennas - mine is a ZS6BKW. Ariel NY4G K2 7205 KX3 1211 Sent from my iPad On Dec 18, 2012, at 11:40 AM, stan levandowski sjl...@optonline.net wrote: I agree with Tony. I've earned QRP DXCC, QRP WAC, all states except ID and MT, and through patience and careful timing I've worked all the big DXpeditions over the last couple years. My main antenna is a 44' doublet in my attic. I generally use 3 watts. I credit Elecraft's introduction of the KX3 *without* concurrently offering the 100 watt amplifier with exposing many new folks to the world of QRP. It's great to hear so much exuberance being expressed for QRP. I hope it sticks after the 100 watt amp hits the market. 73, Stan WB2LQF On Tue, Dec 18, 2012 at 11:01 AM, Tony Castellano wrote: I have been following this thread and decided it was time I included my comments. First of all, I operate only CW only QRP and never more that 5 Watts. About a year and one half ago I built a K2 and put up a 135 foot OCF dipole antenna. Since then, I have worked 168 countries CW, QRP. This includes South Shetland Island the other day. With my K2 and more recently my KX3, I have worked France, Brazil and Hawaai with 100 milliWatts. The Hawaai QSO equates to 50,000 miles per Watt. I have worked Japan with 1 Watt and Australia with 3 Watts. All it takes is patience and determination and of course great rigs such as the Elecrafts. I encourage any one who hasn't done so to put your high power amps aside, try QRP and discover the fun you are missing. 73 Tony Castellano W1ZMB tcaste...@optonline.net Hopewell Junction, NY RV-6 N401TC __ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] SO2V?
Yes, Igor - good point. You really don't need WinTelnetX anymore unless you have other streams to consolidate. 73 John K3TN. -Original Message- From: Igor Sokolov ua9...@gmail.com To: John K3TN jpescat...@aol.com; elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tue, Dec 18, 2012 12:56 pm Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] SO2V? The RBN will usually crash at least once in the big contests. Either have a backup cluster connection ready in the Packet/Telnet window, or use K1TTT's WinTelnetX software to mix RBN feeds with other cluster feeds. I used to do that, but the RBN reliability has gone way up - I haven't felt the need to do so recently. Hope that helps - 73, John K3TN John, I do not understand why do you need WinTelnetX while VE7CC inself asily combine as many clusters as one may need. 73, Igor UA9CDC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 guestion
Better hold off until the VFO tunning noise is fixed, or you will be quite surprized and once you hear it you won't be able to ignore it. Adi M0THX On Dec 17, 2012, at 7:47 AM, WN8HGZ wrote: Wayne and Elecraft team . I have been holding off purchasing kx3 until most of the bugs both software and hardware have been worked out. Could some from elecraft give a written summary of what's been fixed and maybe what might be left. There has been so much traffic on this problem and that problem not sure what's fact and fiction. Thank you Brian Mcinerney WB8IDY Sent from my iPad Brian Mc Inerney __ Elecraft mailing list Home:http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:mailto: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 KPA 500 question
bruce , I also have two amps...which I flip between using two topten a/b switches. works like a charm... used to be a TT titan and a Hercules... now an ACOM and the kpa500 easy to automate or just put a little toggle led array see bottom center of pix https://picasaweb.google.com/Bill.SteffeySr/NY9HIllinois?authkey=Gv1sRgCKON572GnoqrVA#5159160399932323138 bill At 12:44 PM 12/18/2012, Bruce McLaughlin wrote: I finally succumbed to temptation and ordered a KPA 500 which will arrive to __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 guestion
How come I don't hear this VFO tuning noise on my KX3? As far as I know, I do not have this problem. phil, K7PEH On Dec 18, 2012, at 10:12 AM, Adi Andrei e.adi.and...@gmail.com wrote: Better hold off until the VFO tunning noise is fixed, or you will be quite surprized and once you hear it you won't be able to ignore it. Adi M0THX On Dec 17, 2012, at 7:47 AM, WN8HGZ wrote: Wayne and Elecraft team . I have been holding off purchasing kx3 until most of the bugs both software and hardware have been worked out. Could some from elecraft give a written summary of what's been fixed and maybe what might be left. There has been so much traffic on this problem and that problem not sure what's fact and fiction. Thank you Brian Mcinerney WB8IDY Sent from my iPad Brian Mc Inerney __ Elecraft mailing list Home:http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:mailto: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] KX3 guestion
Probably for the same reason I don't here it. At my location the atmospheric noise exceeds the VFO noise. When I go out to the state park near here then I can hear it a little but with VFO NR on it doesn't bother me.My IC706MkIIG and FT-817 don't have any tuning noise but they can't pull the weak ones out of the noise like the KX3 can. 73 de AF9W Bob Stephens On Dec 18, 2012, at 11:31 AM, Phil Hystad wrote: How come I don't hear this VFO tuning noise on my KX3? As far as I know, I do not have this problem. phil, K7PEH On Dec 18, 2012, at 10:12 AM, Adi Andrei e.adi.and...@gmail.com wrote: Better hold off until the VFO tunning noise is fixed, or you will be quite surprized and once you hear it you won't be able to ignore it. Adi M0THX On Dec 17, 2012, at 7:47 AM, WN8HGZ wrote: Wayne and Elecraft team . I have been holding off purchasing kx3 until most of the bugs both software and hardware have been worked out. Could some from elecraft give a written summary of what's been fixed and maybe what might be left. There has been so much traffic on this problem and that problem not sure what's fact and fiction. Thank you Brian Mcinerney WB8IDY Sent from my iPad Brian Mc Inerney __ Elecraft mailing list Home:http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:mailto: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] KX3 guestion
OK, I probably wouldn't notice it then unless I was on 10 meters where it is very quiet usually. Maybe I will look for it this afternoon -- is it just white noise when you turn the VFO ?? phil On Dec 18, 2012, at 10:36 AM, Bob Stephens a...@bobandgloria.com wrote: Probably for the same reason I don't here it. At my location the atmospheric noise exceeds the VFO noise. When I go out to the state park near here then I can hear it a little but with VFO NR on it doesn't bother me.My IC706MkIIG and FT-817 don't have any tuning noise but they can't pull the weak ones out of the noise like the KX3 can. 73 de AF9W Bob Stephens On Dec 18, 2012, at 11:31 AM, Phil Hystad wrote: How come I don't hear this VFO tuning noise on my KX3? As far as I know, I do not have this problem. phil, K7PEH On Dec 18, 2012, at 10:12 AM, Adi Andrei e.adi.and...@gmail.com wrote: Better hold off until the VFO tunning noise is fixed, or you will be quite surprized and once you hear it you won't be able to ignore it. Adi M0THX On Dec 17, 2012, at 7:47 AM, WN8HGZ wrote: Wayne and Elecraft team . I have been holding off purchasing kx3 until most of the bugs both software and hardware have been worked out. Could some from elecraft give a written summary of what's been fixed and maybe what might be left. There has been so much traffic on this problem and that problem not sure what's fact and fiction. Thank you Brian Mcinerney WB8IDY Sent from my iPad Brian Mc Inerney __ Elecraft mailing list Home:http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:mailto: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] K3 VFO tuning noise
I notice noise when tuning near 28.004 when on a dummy load. When on an antenna, the background noise at S1 level masks it. 73, Red __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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: SPKR+PH - not sticky
I use headphones on SSB most of the time through the front PHONES jack. I have the SPKR+PH option set to 'no'. MCU 4.6 installed. Not always, but too often when I have been listening through the speaker and decide to plug in the headphones I get audio in both headphones and speaker. If I go back to CONFIG: SPKR+PH and toggle between 'yes' and 'no', the problem is cured for that session. I have no identified any other actions that precede the event but I'm certain it shouldn't be happening. Any others with this experience or a fix for the problem? God Bless 73! Jack - WE5ST God Bless 73! Jack - WE5ST __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 KPA 500 question
This will depend on the input relay or other switching circuit used in the Commander. Some QSK circuits use a small reed relay in the input and a vacuum relay for the output. In that case it's possible that 500-600w from the KPA500 will be too much for it. Others use a pair of vacuum relays, which would not be a problem. It may also use a single large open-frame relay, which would also be OK (although not QSK). Or it might have a PIN diode switch, in which case it would depend on the details of the circuit. I think the best thing for you to do is to call Command Technologies and ask them about your particular model and serial number. On 12/18/2012 9:44 AM, Bruce McLaughlin wrote: I finally succumbed to temptation and ordered a KPA 500 which will arrive tomorrow. This may be a question that can't be answered on this reflector but I thought I would try. I have an HF 2500 Commander, the Palstar version, which I have been using with the k3 and other radios. I am not sure about how I will integrate the KPA 500 into the station. I have been switching between three different radios and the Commander amplifier using a coax switch to switch the output of the various radios to the input of the Commander. I have been thinking about pulling the output of the k3, running it through the KPA 500 and then running the output of the KPA 500 to the coax switch. With that arrangement the switching would be exactly the same as before. However, I am a little concerned about running 500 Watts into the input Of the Commander even when that amplifier is turned off. I am wondering whether that might damage the input circuits Of the Commander. Does anyone have any suggestions. I should mention That the Commander works just fine with all of the radios but I wanted to complete the K line and experience integrated, completely automatic operation. The lower power from the KPA 500 should not make any significant difference for most contacts. I would appreciate any thoughts on the subject. Bruce-W8FU __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KX3 guestion
Wow, I wonder if this only a issue with certain units. I have a KX3 and I love it. Yes, I can hear artifacts and some other weird stuff (has a result of its SDR design) but that has not prevented me from hearing any signal clearly and working lots of DX even with 5 or 10 watts. I'm really glad I got it...the K3 will leave my shack before the KX3 does, if I have to decide. 73, Robert-KP4Y Adi Andrei e.adi.and...@gmail.com wrote: Better hold off until the VFO tunning noise is fixed, or you will be quite surprized and once you hear it you won't be able to ignore it. Adi M0THX On Dec 17, 2012, at 7:47 AM, WN8HGZ wrote: Wayne and Elecraft team . I have been holding off purchasing kx3 until most of the bugs both software and hardware have been worked out. Could some from elecraft give a written summary of what's been fixed and maybe what might be left. There has been so much traffic on this problem and that problem not sure what's fact and fiction. Thank you Brian Mcinerney WB8IDY Sent from my iPad Brian Mc Inerney __ Elecraft mailing list Home:http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by:http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list:http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 VFO tuning noise
I am pretty sure that I would never be bothered by a noise that is easily masked by an S1 noise level. On Dec 18, 2012, at 10:59 AM, WO0W w...@acegroup.cc wrote: I notice noise when tuning near 28.004 when on a dummy load. When on an antenna, the background noise at S1 level masks it. 73, Red __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 guestion
Phil, Same experience as you on this side. 73, Robert-KP4Y Phil Hystad phys...@mac.com wrote: How come I don't hear this VFO tuning noise on my KX3? As far as I know, I do not have this problem. phil, K7PEH On Dec 18, 2012, at 10:12 AM, Adi Andrei e.adi.and...@gmail.com wrote: Better hold off until the VFO tunning noise is fixed, or you will be quite surprized and once you hear it you won't be able to ignore it. Adi M0THX On Dec 17, 2012, at 7:47 AM, WN8HGZ wrote: Wayne and Elecraft team . I have been holding off purchasing kx3 until most of the bugs both software and hardware have been worked out. Could some from elecraft give a written summary of what's been fixed and maybe what might be left. There has been so much traffic on this problem and that problem not sure what's fact and fiction. Thank you Brian Mcinerney WB8IDY Sent from my iPad Brian Mc Inerney __ Elecraft mailing list Home:http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:mailto: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] [K3] SO2V?
Jonh, VE7CC can consolidate as many streams as you wish. You can start several instances of VE7CC with different filter connected to different clusters and all the streams will be combined in the main window (and also fed to your logging program). IMHO VE7CC is much more versatile in many respects and has got excellent user interface. I always use in with my K3 and KX3 in and out of contests. 73, Igor UA9CDC - Original Message - From: jpescat...@aol.com To: ua9...@gmail.com ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 12:11 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] SO2V? Yes, Igor - good point. You really don't need WinTelnetX anymore unless you have other streams to consolidate. 73 John K3TN. -Original Message- From: Igor Sokolov ua9...@gmail.com To: John K3TN jpescat...@aol.com; elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tue, Dec 18, 2012 12:56 pm Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] SO2V? The RBN will usually crash at least once in the big contests. Either have a backup cluster connection ready in the Packet/Telnet window, or use K1TTT's WinTelnetX software to mix RBN feeds with other cluster feeds. I used to do that, but the RBN reliability has gone way up - I haven't felt the need to do so recently. Hope that helps - 73, John K3TN John, I do not understand why do you need WinTelnetX while VE7CC inself easily combine as many clusters as one may need. 73, Igor UA9CDC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] [KX1] Alignment Question
I guess using the word Dial may be misleading. I am simply trying to say that on 40m the frequency that is being transmitted on is 685 hz higher than what is on the display. This is only on 40m. The other 3 bands are pretty accurate. The BFO and DDS menu options are set to 0. On Dec 18, 2012, at 6:03 AM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Chris, Are you certain the dial calibration is really off on only 40 meters? The KX1 frequency is controlled by the data sent to the DDS by the firmware. If indeed the frequency is off by 685 Hz only on 40 meters, I would suspect the firmware. Replacement is the only fix - but you will have to enter new BFO and DDS menu parameters to get the dial calibration correct. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/18/2012 2:09 AM, Chris Johnson wrote: I took my XG3 to a friend who had a very expensive service monitor. To all of our surprise, the XG3 was only a few Hz off up to about 15m and then up past 6M it was still 10hz off. This was surprising! What a great tool. The reason I checked it was I was seeing an issue with my KX1 that I have never solved. Hooking up the KX1 to the same service monitor, I noticed that my KX1 is acceptably aligned within +/-10hz on 80m, 30m, 20m. On 40m, it is ~685hz above the dialed frequency.Does anyone have any tips on adjusting just 40m? It seems the calibration procedure would impact all bands. 685hz is pretty noticeable, or am I just expecting too much? Thx Chris K6OZY __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 VFO tuning noise
So - I got curious and tested my rig for the noise on ten meters. It is so faint that I had to use phones to be sure it was actually there. I agree with Phil, this will never bother me. Perhaps this varies from one rig to another? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] [KX1] Alignment Question
Chris, There is one thing that might produce the condition you state, and that is if you have 40 meters set for USB. Tap the band button and see if there is a u in the left of the display when the 7 digit is displayed. The KX1 firmware controls both the transmit and receive frequencies. The receive frequency is offset by whatever you set into the sidetone pitch, and the frequency indicated on the dial should be the transmit frequency. So, if the transmit frequency is indeed off, it must be due to the firmware. That has nothing to do with the BFO and DDS settings on the KX1. Are you certain the receiver you are using to listen to the KX1 is in CW mode? If it is in SSB mode, its dial indication may be shifted by the amount that receiver has set in its sidetone pitch parameter. I know Yaesu changes the displayed frequency when going from SSB to CW, and they shift the transmit frequency when in CW mode. Elecraft does it differently and always displays the transmit frequency, but shifts the frequency for receive. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/18/2012 2:39 PM, Chris Johnson wrote: I guess using the word Dial may be misleading. I am simply trying to say that on 40m the frequency that is being transmitted on is 685 hz higher than what is on the display. This is only on 40m. The other 3 bands are pretty accurate. The BFO and DDS menu options are set to 0. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 KPA 500 question
If you are 20db over S9 with the KPA500, you can be 25 to 27db over S9 with the Commander in line. The path is clear... Sent from my iPad Chuck, KE9UW (Jack for BMW motorcycles) On Dec 18, 2012, at 11:45 AM, Bruce McLaughlin bmcla...@bex.net wrote: I finally succumbed to temptation and ordered a KPA 500 which will arrive tomorrow. This may be a question that can't be answered on this reflector but I thought I would try. I have an HF 2500 Commander, the Palstar version, which I have been using with the k3 and other radios. I am not sure about how I will integrate the KPA 500 into the station. I have been switching between three different radios and the Commander amplifier using a coax switch to switch the output of the various radios to the input of the Commander. I have been thinking about pulling the output of the k3, running it through the KPA 500 and then running the output of the KPA 500 to the coax switch. With that arrangement the switching would be exactly the same as before. However, I am a little concerned about running 500 Watts into the input Of the Commander even when that amplifier is turned off. I am wondering whether that might damage the input circuits Of the Commander. Does anyone have any suggestions. I should mention That the Commander works just fine with all of the radios but I wanted to complete the K line and experience integrated, completely automatic operation. The lower power from the KPA 500 should not make any significant difference for most contacts. I would appreciate any thoughts on the subject. Bruce-W8FU __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 KPA 500 question
I agree, the path is clear -- it is obvious --- sell the Commander as 5 to 7 dB is not worth having extra stuff around to fool with. As said by a person with a growing interest and desire for QRP contacts. 73, phil, K7PEH On Dec 18, 2012, at 12:28 PM, hawley, charles j jr c-haw...@illinois.edu wrote: If you are 20db over S9 with the KPA500, you can be 25 to 27db over S9 with the Commander in line. The path is clear... Sent from my iPad Chuck, KE9UW (Jack for BMW motorcycles) On Dec 18, 2012, at 11:45 AM, Bruce McLaughlin bmcla...@bex.net wrote: I finally succumbed to temptation and ordered a KPA 500 which will arrive tomorrow. This may be a question that can't be answered on this reflector but I thought I would try. I have an HF 2500 Commander, the Palstar version, which I have been using with the k3 and other radios. I am not sure about how I will integrate the KPA 500 into the station. I have been switching between three different radios and the Commander amplifier using a coax switch to switch the output of the various radios to the input of the Commander. I have been thinking about pulling the output of the k3, running it through the KPA 500 and then running the output of the KPA 500 to the coax switch. With that arrangement the switching would be exactly the same as before. However, I am a little concerned about running 500 Watts into the input Of the Commander even when that amplifier is turned off. I am wondering whether that might damage the input circuits Of the Commander. Does anyone have any suggestions. I should mention That the Commander works just fine with all of the radios but I wanted to complete the K line and experience integrated, completely automatic operation. The lower power from the KPA 500 should not make any significant difference for most contacts. I would appreciate any thoughts on the subject. Bruce-W8FU __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 KPA 500 question
Sure could have used the extra 5-7 db when chasing the recent ZL9 Dxpedition on RTTY from the East Coast. 73 DE Brian/K3KO On 12/18/2012 20:31, Phil Hystad wrote: I agree, the path is clear -- it is obvious --- sell the Commander as 5 to 7 dB is not worth having extra stuff around to fool with. As said by a person with a growing interest and desire for QRP contacts. 73, phil, K7PEH On Dec 18, 2012, at 12:28 PM, hawley, charles j jr c-haw...@illinois.edu wrote: If you are 20db over S9 with the KPA500, you can be 25 to 27db over S9 with the Commander in line. The path is clear... Sent from my iPad Chuck, KE9UW (Jack for BMW motorcycles) - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2637/5468 - Release Date: 12/18/12 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 guestion
The noise sounds like scratching. As if there was something rubbing on the VFO knob. Put the radio on a dummy load, tune to 10M, make sure menu item VFO NR is off, and then tune the dial with the audio level up. On the couple of bands where I have heard the noise, i.e. 10M, I turned on VFO NR and its not a problem anymore. Bob AF9W On Dec 18, 2012, at 11:46 AM, Phil Hystad wrote: OK, I probably wouldn't notice it then unless I was on 10 meters where it is very quiet usually. Maybe I will look for it this afternoon -- is it just white noise when you turn the VFO ?? phil On Dec 18, 2012, at 10:36 AM, Bob Stephens a...@bobandgloria.com wrote: Probably for the same reason I don't here it. At my location the atmospheric noise exceeds the VFO noise. When I go out to the state park near here then I can hear it a little but with VFO NR on it doesn't bother me.My IC706MkIIG and FT-817 don't have any tuning noise but they can't pull the weak ones out of the noise like the KX3 can. 73 de AF9W Bob Stephens On Dec 18, 2012, at 11:31 AM, Phil Hystad wrote: How come I don't hear this VFO tuning noise on my KX3? As far as I know, I do not have this problem. phil, K7PEH On Dec 18, 2012, at 10:12 AM, Adi Andrei e.adi.and...@gmail.com wrote: Better hold off until the VFO tunning noise is fixed, or you will be quite surprized and once you hear it you won't be able to ignore it. Adi M0THX On Dec 17, 2012, at 7:47 AM, WN8HGZ wrote: Wayne and Elecraft team . I have been holding off purchasing kx3 until most of the bugs both software and hardware have been worked out. Could some from elecraft give a written summary of what's been fixed and maybe what might be left. There has been so much traffic on this problem and that problem not sure what's fact and fiction. Thank you Brian Mcinerney WB8IDY Sent from my iPad Brian Mc Inerney __ Elecraft mailing list Home:http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:mailto: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
[Elecraft] KX3 CW
Is it possible to program/set up the KX3 so I can send CW while listening to either LSB or USB? Please advise! tnxThis IS completely, simply possible, on the KX1... -maybe simple because it's a CW-only rig?73, Steve K7E __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 VFO tuning noise
On 12/18/2012 12:11 PM, Bill Clarke wrote: So - I got curious and tested my rig for the noise on ten meters. It is so faint that I had to use phones to be sure it was actually there. I agree with Phil, this will never bother me. Perhaps this varies from one rig to another? On mine I can definitely hear it even with the band noise present (I always use phones and work with fairly weak signals lurking in the noise). When browsing the band quickly, it is possible to miss a weak station because of this. I have a decent antenna hooked up to it - an inverted V, which is abt 50 feet up from the center, so there is significant band noise present. I have the preamp on pretty much at all times on 10m. I wonder if there are some factors in the assembly process that could affect this (routing of cables etc.) ? I think I have also noticed that the amplitude of the tuning noise varies (not related to the noise level of the band) but I still have to verify this observation (this could still be my imagination). As for the question about the RF gain - I probably need to calibrate RF gain again. It would be great to know how it got messed up - it could have been from the very beginning - I might have just missed it. Jussi (AA6KJ) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 CW
This is high on the firmware list for the KX3. 73, Wayne N6KR On Dec 18, 2012, at 12:50 PM, Steve Saslow wrote: Is it possible to program/set up the KX3 so I can send CW while listening to either LSB or USB? Please advise! tnxThis IS completely, simply possible, on the KX1... -maybe simple because it's a CW-only rig?73, Steve K7E __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 VFO tuning noise
I've had the KX3 for a couple of months now and have heard the noise for the first time just recently. At the time I had no antenna connected to the unit whilst charging the batteries and turned the knob and there it was. It was barely above the noise level of the rig itself (which is awful quiet). Later that evening the noise was gone - I simply could not hear it no matter what I did, 10m through LF. Next day I could hear it again. The noise came and went with temperature. We're into summer here and during the middle of the day when it's stinking hot it's there, morning and evening when it's cooler it's gone. Kind of feels like a bit of DC shift in the direct conversion mixers with temperature that results in a low frequency artefact when the digital VFO makes a step change in frequency. In normal use, with an antenna, I can't hear it under any circumstances. It's of no consequence (to me). Regards, Peter VK4JD. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 CW
Steve, Not yet. That is coming - it is one of the things on Wayne's to-do list. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/18/2012 3:50 PM, Steve Saslow wrote: Is it possible to program/set up the KX3 so I can send CW while listening to either LSB or USB? Please advise! tnxThis IS completely, simply possible, on the KX1... -maybe simple because it's a CW-only rig?73, Steve K7E __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 CW
Actually, if you just want to listen to SSB and send CW, there are a couple of ways to achieve that even without Wayne's upcoming CW-in-SSB enhancement 1) set split mode on the KX3, with SSB on the RX VFO, and CW on the TX VFO 2) set the radio to CW mode, and open up the bandwidth of the PBT to let the SSB signal through. Tune off frequency by 600Hz or so to make the SSB sound clear (can use also use RIT if you want). You may need to select CW-R if you are wanting the opposite sideband. Of course, none of this is as convenient as the CW-in-SSB feature will be, but it does allow you to participate in those cross mode situations like you often get with CW practice nets for example. 73, Matt VK2RQ On 19/12/2012, at 8:15 AM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Steve, Not yet. That is coming - it is one of the things on Wayne's to-do list. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/18/2012 3:50 PM, Steve Saslow wrote: Is it possible to program/set up the KX3 so I can send CW while listening to either LSB or USB? Please advise! tnxThis IS completely, simply possible, on the KX1... -maybe simple because it's a CW-only rig?73, Steve K7E __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 VFO tuning noise
What about hearing tuning noise in the main RX when the sub-RX is tuned? In my case it is not discrete signals, rather an increase in the noise, and is clearly audible over band noise on 10. 73, Pete N4ZR Check out the Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com. For spots, please go to your favorite ARC V6 or VE7CC DX cluster node. On 12/18/2012 3:53 PM, Jussi Eloranta wrote: On 12/18/2012 12:11 PM, Bill Clarke wrote: So - I got curious and tested my rig for the noise on ten meters. It is so faint that I had to use phones to be sure it was actually there. I agree with Phil, this will never bother me. Perhaps this varies from one rig to another? On mine I can definitely hear it even with the band noise present (I always use phones and work with fairly weak signals lurking in the noise). When browsing the band quickly, it is possible to miss a weak station because of this. I have a decent antenna hooked up to it - an inverted V, which is abt 50 feet up from the center, so there is significant band noise present. I have the preamp on pretty much at all times on 10m. I wonder if there are some factors in the assembly process that could affect this (routing of cables etc.) ? I think I have also noticed that the amplitude of the tuning noise varies (not related to the noise level of the band) but I still have to verify this observation (this could still be my imagination). As for the question about the RF gain - I probably need to calibrate RF gain again. It would be great to know how it got messed up - it could have been from the very beginning - I might have just missed it. Jussi (AA6KJ) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 KPA 500 question
I disconnected my Alpha 87A when I got the KPA500. Working DX doesn't seem any more difficult after learning to watch the pile-up with the P3, but I don't use SSB, where one might notice a difference. 73, Tom Amateur Radio Operator N5GE ARRL Lifetime Member QCWA Lifetime Member On Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:31:11 -0800, Phil Hystad phys...@mac.com wrote: I agree, the path is clear -- it is obvious --- sell the Commander as 5 to 7 dB is not worth having extra stuff around to fool with. As said by a person with a growing interest and desire for QRP contacts. 73, phil, K7PEH On Dec 18, 2012, at 12:28 PM, hawley, charles j jr c-haw...@illinois.edu wrote: If you are 20db over S9 with the KPA500, you can be 25 to 27db over S9 with the Commander in line. The path is clear... Sent from my iPad Chuck, KE9UW (Jack for BMW motorcycles) On Dec 18, 2012, at 11:45 AM, Bruce McLaughlin bmcla...@bex.net wrote: I finally succumbed to temptation and ordered a KPA 500 which will arrive tomorrow. This may be a question that can't be answered on this reflector but I thought I would try. I have an HF 2500 Commander, the Palstar version, which I have been using with the k3 and other radios. I am not sure about how I will integrate the KPA 500 into the station. I have been switching between three different radios and the Commander amplifier using a coax switch to switch the output of the various radios to the input of the Commander. I have been thinking about pulling the output of the k3, running it through the KPA 500 and then running the output of the KPA 500 to the coax switch. With that arrangement the switching would be exactly the same as before. However, I am a little concerned about running 500 Watts into the input Of the Commander even when that amplifier is turned off. I am wondering whether that might damage the input circuits Of the Commander. Does anyone have any suggestions. I should mention That the Commander works just fine with all of the radios but I wanted to complete the K line and experience integrated, completely automatic operation. The lower power from the KPA 500 should not make any significant difference for most contacts. I would appreciate any thoughts on the subject. Bruce-W8FU __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 73, Tom Amateur Radio Operator N5GE ARRL Lifetime Member QCWA Lifetime Member __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 KPA 500 question
I hate to be a contrarian, but the path is not quite so clear. That 5 to 7 dB can be the difference between making a contact or not making a contact, especially on the low bands. We're not always talking about the difference between S9, plus 20 or 25, but the difference between S0 or S.5, or being an S unit above the noise. I currently don't have anything bigger than my KPA500 and I'm very happy with it, but anyone who says that 600 watts is always enough power doesn't try to work tough DX on 80 or 160m. A serious 160 op will tell you that 600 watts is often about 6 dB too little, sometimes more... 73, Scott, N9AA On 12/18/12 3:31 PM, Phil Hystad wrote: I agree, the path is clear -- it is obvious --- sell the Commander as 5 to 7 dB is not worth having extra stuff around to fool with. As said by a person with a growing interest and desire for QRP contacts. 73, phil, K7PEH On Dec 18, 2012, at 12:28 PM, hawley, charles j jr c-haw...@illinois.edu wrote: If you are 20db over S9 with the KPA500, you can be 25 to 27db over S9 with the Commander in line. The path is clear... Sent from my iPad Chuck, KE9UW (Jack for BMW motorcycles) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 KPA 500 question
I totally agree ... there is nothing clear about that path at all. 5 db is a HUGE difference if you're anywhere near the noise level on the other end, and it is a major difference if you're competing against other weak stations for a contact. Under the right circumstances even 2 db can make a significant difference. I urge anyone who doesn't believe me to check out: http://www.ab7e.com/weak_signal/mdd.html QRP is fun and I've done a lot of it myself, but saying that 5 to 7 db is not worth having in general is just nonsense. 73, Dave AB7E On 12/18/2012 3:14 PM, Scott Manthe wrote: I hate to be a contrarian, but the path is not quite so clear. That 5 to 7 dB can be the difference between making a contact or not making a contact, especially on the low bands. We're not always talking about the difference between S9, plus 20 or 25, but the difference between S0 or S.5, or being an S unit above the noise. I currently don't have anything bigger than my KPA500 and I'm very happy with it, but anyone who says that 600 watts is always enough power doesn't try to work tough DX on 80 or 160m. A serious 160 op will tell you that 600 watts is often about 6 dB too little, sometimes more... 73, Scott, N9AA On 12/18/12 3:31 PM, Phil Hystad wrote: I agree, the path is clear -- it is obvious --- sell the Commander as 5 to 7 dB is not worth having extra stuff around to fool with. As said by a person with a growing interest and desire for QRP contacts. 73, phil, K7PEH On Dec 18, 2012, at 12:28 PM, hawley, charles j jr c-haw...@illinois.edu wrote: If you are 20db over S9 with the KPA500, you can be 25 to 27db over S9 with the Commander in line. The path is clear... Sent from my iPad Chuck, KE9UW (Jack for BMW motorcycles) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 VFO tuning noise...an observation...
Hi Group, FWIW, I have an observation about the KX3 VFO tuning noise. I assembled my #2511 (absent any options) from the kit. Over a month of use, I noticed the raspy VFO tuning noise only on 10m, in quiet band conditions. I couldn't hear it anywhere else. I later received the internal ATU, battery charger and the filter module options and installed these all together in one session. After adding these modules, I have noticable tuning noise on all bands 17m and above. It is reduced but not eliminated by the VFO NR menu setting. On 20m, I can hear the artefact, but it is less noticable and has a different quality: softer and more like a pulsing shift in amplitude of the background band noise as the VFO is turned. None of this stops me enjoying my KX3, but for some reason, the artefact became noticable on my KX3 only after installation of my options. This is a cosmetic issue, without any functional impairment, but it's un-attractive and I'm hoping a fix might be found some day. 73, John VK7JB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 VFO tuning noise...an observation...
John, Did you try setting RX SHFT to 8.0 on affected bands? Wayne N6KR On Dec 18, 2012, at 3:05 PM, zen...@netspace.net.au wrote: Hi Group, FWIW, I have an observation about the KX3 VFO tuning noise. I assembled my #2511 (absent any options) from the kit. Over a month of use, I noticed the raspy VFO tuning noise only on 10m, in quiet band conditions. I couldn't hear it anywhere else. I later received the internal ATU, battery charger and the filter module options and installed these all together in one session. After adding these modules, I have noticable tuning noise on all bands 17m and above. It is reduced but not eliminated by the VFO NR menu setting. On 20m, I can hear the artefact, but it is less noticable and has a different quality: softer and more like a pulsing shift in amplitude of the background band noise as the VFO is turned. None of this stops me enjoying my KX3, but for some reason, the artefact became noticable on my KX3 only after installation of my options. This is a cosmetic issue, without any functional impairment, but it's un-attractive and I'm hoping a fix might be found some day. 73, John VK7JB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 VFO tuning noise...an observation...
Try turning VFO NR to ON. Dave K9SW On Dec 18, 2012, at 5:05 PM, zen...@netspace.net.au wrote: Hi Group, FWIW, I have an observation about the KX3 VFO tuning noise. I assembled my #2511 (absent any options) from the kit. Over a month of use, I noticed the raspy VFO tuning noise only on 10m, in quiet band conditions. I couldn't hear it anywhere else. I later received the internal ATU, battery charger and the filter module options and installed these all together in one session. After adding these modules, I have noticable tuning noise on all bands 17m and above. It is reduced but not eliminated by the VFO NR menu setting. On 20m, I can hear the artefact, but it is less noticable and has a different quality: softer and more like a pulsing shift in amplitude of the background band noise as the VFO is turned. None of this stops me enjoying my KX3, but for some reason, the artefact became noticable on my KX3 only after installation of my options. This is a cosmetic issue, without any functional impairment, but it's un-attractive and I'm hoping a fix might be found some day. 73, John VK7JB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 KPA 500 question
Ok...I was a little hasty I think. I've never been a contester and didn't consider HAVING to make the contact in adverse conditions. Sent from my iPad Chuck, KE9UW (Jack for BMW motorcycles) On Dec 18, 2012, at 5:05 PM, David Gilbert xda...@cis-broadband.com wrote: I totally agree ... there is nothing clear about that path at all. 5 db is a HUGE difference if you're anywhere near the noise level on the other end, and it is a major difference if you're competing against other weak stations for a contact. Under the right circumstances even 2 db can make a significant difference. I urge anyone who doesn't believe me to check out: http://www.ab7e.com/weak_signal/mdd.html QRP is fun and I've done a lot of it myself, but saying that 5 to 7 db is not worth having in general is just nonsense. 73, Dave AB7E On 12/18/2012 3:14 PM, Scott Manthe wrote: I hate to be a contrarian, but the path is not quite so clear. That 5 to 7 dB can be the difference between making a contact or not making a contact, especially on the low bands. We're not always talking about the difference between S9, plus 20 or 25, but the difference between S0 or S.5, or being an S unit above the noise. I currently don't have anything bigger than my KPA500 and I'm very happy with it, but anyone who says that 600 watts is always enough power doesn't try to work tough DX on 80 or 160m. A serious 160 op will tell you that 600 watts is often about 6 dB too little, sometimes more... 73, Scott, N9AA On 12/18/12 3:31 PM, Phil Hystad wrote: I agree, the path is clear -- it is obvious --- sell the Commander as 5 to 7 dB is not worth having extra stuff around to fool with. As said by a person with a growing interest and desire for QRP contacts. 73, phil, K7PEH On Dec 18, 2012, at 12:28 PM, hawley, charles j jr c-haw...@illinois.edu wrote: If you are 20db over S9 with the KPA500, you can be 25 to 27db over S9 with the Commander in line. The path is clear... Sent from my iPad Chuck, KE9UW (Jack for BMW motorcycles) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 Feature Christmas Wish
I think the K2 has a very nice feature that allows hooking up any number and type of keys - paddles, straight keys, bugs - so that one can switch among them at any time without going through any menu settings. This is made possible by a simple circuit using just two diodes shown in the K2 Owner's manual (Revision G, May 29, 2007) on page 99. This doesn't seem to work on my KX3, and as far as I know, there is no similar feature in the KX3. As a 100% CW operator who enjoys switching among different keys while on the air - even during a QSO - I think there should be. As a relatively new (very pleased) owner of a KX3, I'd like to know if I'm just overlooking something, and if not, I'd like to see that feature added. I would imagine it could be something done through a firmware revision. Or as an alternative, is there a plug available to plug in an external paddle to the jack designed for the KXPD3 so I could hook my Begali and Bencher paddles there, and a straight key and bug to the main key jack on the side of the rig. Thanks for any forthcoming help with this. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all from: * John K3WWP - 100% CW / QRP - Proudly promoting Morse Code: * * On the air with my KX3 #2325, K2 #6418, KX-1 #02101 * * As NAQCC VP - # 0002 FC # 1 - http://naqcc.info/ * * As FISTS Keynote QRP Columnist - # 2002 - http://www.fists.org/ * * With my CW-QRP site - http://home.windstream.net/johnshan/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 Digital Voice Recorder (DVR) ready for test -- need a few volunteers
Hi all, If you'd like to put the KX3's DVR function through its paces, please email me directly and I'll send you the field-test firmware release (rev 1.31). I'll take the first 20 or so. Assuming testing by this group and our regular field testers goes well, the new firmware will be available on our website tomorrow as a beta release. 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
Re: [Elecraft] Sub RX Filters choice
Gordon, I am going to give you a slightly different answer than I have seen posted on the reflector. If diversity mode is your main consideration, then ideally, you need to have matched filters The 5 pole filters can be matched at extra cost from Elecraft, but the 9 pole Inrad filters supposedly have zero offset and do not have to be matched. The matching problem becomes less important at wider filter bandwidths, so since you have the 2.7 kHz filter in the main already, you can get another 2.7 for the subRX and average the offsets. It is not the ideal, but it will work fine for diversity reception. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/18/2012 6:28 AM, mm0gpz wrote: Hi. My K3 has a standard 2.7 Khz ssb filter, a narrow 2.1 Khz ssb filter and a 400 hz cw filter. I am planning to purchase the sub RX KRX3 and would like some filter advice please. I am much more interested in CW. Do I have to match up all these filters on the Sub RX for diversity? I know the 2.7 Khz is standard but for diversity I seem to remember reading the same filters should be in place? I also seem to recall that the filters are not cascaded so in essence, only one filter is in line at a time. So if I purchase only the 400 hz filter for the sub RX, it diversity reception will work fine as long as the 400 hz filter is selected for CW or SSB will be fine between 2100 and 2700? What would happen if I engaged the 2.1 SSB filter in main RX and I don't have same filter in Sub RX. Thanks for your time. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 Feature Christmas Wish
John, There is not an equivalent to the K2 diode hookup in the KX3. Your various paddles will work fine if simply wired in parallel. The problem is the straight key and the bug. However, there are 2 paddle inputs to the KX3 - one for the 3.5mm jack and another for the 4 pin connector intended for the KXPD1. Either can be set to hand in the menu to handle a bug or straight key. I do not have the Mouser/Digikey part number for the 2x2 header that will plug into the KX3 in place of the KXPD3, but I do recall someone who published a part number on this reflector. A search of the archives may reveal than number. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/18/2012 7:23 PM, K3WWP wrote: I think the K2 has a very nice feature that allows hooking up any number and type of keys - paddles, straight keys, bugs - so that one can switch among them at any time without going through any menu settings. This is made possible by a simple circuit using just two diodes shown in the K2 Owner's manual (Revision G, May 29, 2007) on page 99. This doesn't seem to work on my KX3, and as far as I know, there is no similar feature in the KX3. As a 100% CW operator who enjoys switching among different keys while on the air - even during a QSO - I think there should be. As a relatively new (very pleased) owner of a KX3, I'd like to know if I'm just overlooking something, and if not, I'd like to see that feature added. I would imagine it could be something done through a firmware revision. Or as an alternative, is there a plug available to plug in an external paddle to the jack designed for the KXPD3 so I could hook my Begali and Bencher paddles there, and a straight key and bug to the main key jack on the side of the rig. Thanks for any forthcoming help with this. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all from: __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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: SPKR+PH - not sticky
Almost the same problem here. The difference is that toggling SPKR+PH on and off has no effect. I'm also sure the MCU isn't the reason, as this popped up well after changing to 4.6, but I suppose there could be different reasons for you and I. I have convinced myself that the headphone jack up front is the problem. As usual, dissassembling stuff is a problem with bad fingers. The present quick fix is to put a small book over the speaker ... klutzy but works quite well. Paul WB2ABD I use headphones on SSB most of the time through the front PHONES jack. I have the SPKR+PH option set to 'no'. MCU 4.6 installed. Not always, but too often when I have been listening through the speaker and decide to plug in the headphones I get audio in both headphones and speaker. If I go back to CONFIG: SPKR+PH and toggle between 'yes' and 'no', the problem is cured for that session. I have no identified any other actions that precede the event but I'm certain it shouldn't be happening. Any others with this experience or a fix for the problem? ? God Bless??73! Jack - WE5ST __ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 7814 (20121218) __ The message was checked by ESET Smart Security. http://www.eset.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] KX3 VFO tuning noise...an observation...
Hi Wayne and group, Thanks for replies and suggestions. Sorry, I forgot to mention: the VFO NR menu item does reduce the amplitude of the artefact, but doesn't eliminate it. The RX SHIFT to 8.0 is effective too, but with that selected, I give up the dual rx feature. I'm not complaining about this, just offering an observation. It really is a matter of auditory cosmesis and I've been spoilt because my K3 and K2 and K1 have not the slightest VFO noise. Cheers, John VK7JB - Original Message - From: Wayne Burdick To: Cc:Elecraft Group Sent:Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:11:54 -0800 Subject:Re: [Elecraft] KX3 VFO tuning noise...an observation... John, Did you try setting RX SHFT to 8.0 on affected bands? Wayne N6KR On Dec 18, 2012, at 3:05 PM, zendoc@netspace.netau wrote: Hi Group, FWIW, I have an observation about the KX3 VFO tuning noise. I assembled my #2511 (absent any options) from the kit. Over a month of use, I noticed the raspy VFO tuning noise only on 10m, in quiet band conditions. I couldn't hear it anywhere else. I later received the internal ATU, battery charger and the filter module options and installed these all together in one session. After adding these modules, I have noticable tuning noise on all bands 17m and above. It is reduced but not eliminated by the VFO NR menu setting. On 20m, I can hear the artefact, but it is less noticable and has a different quality: softer and more like a pulsing shift in amplitude of the background band noise as the VFO is turned. None of this stops me enjoying my KX3, but for some reason, the artefact became noticable on my KX3 only after installation of my options. This is a cosmetic issue, without any functional impairment, but it's un-attractive and I'm hoping a fix might be found some day. 73, John VK7JB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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: SPKR+PH - not sticky
Gotta like low tech! Works without software and shielded cables. On Dec 18, 2012, at 7:13 PM, PTA_ABD wb2...@roadrunner.com wrote: Almost the same problem here. The difference is that toggling SPKR+PH on and off has no effect. I'm also sure the MCU isn't the reason, as this popped up well after changing to 4.6, but I suppose there could be different reasons for you and I. I have convinced myself that the headphone jack up front is the problem. As usual, dissassembling stuff is a problem with bad fingers. The present quick fix is to put a small book over the speaker ... klutzy but works quite well. Paul WB2ABD I use headphones on SSB most of the time through the front PHONES jack. I have the SPKR+PH option set to 'no'. MCU 4.6 installed. Not always, but too often when I have been listening through the speaker and decide to plug in the headphones I get audio in both headphones and speaker. If I go back to CONFIG: SPKR+PH and toggle between 'yes' and 'no', the problem is cured for that session. I have no identified any other actions that precede the event but I'm certain it shouldn't be happening. Any others with this experience or a fix for the problem? ? God Bless??73! Jack - WE5ST __ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 7814 (20121218) __ The message was checked by ESET Smart Security. http://www.eset.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K144XV?
Is the optional 5V signal on the ANT3 center pin intended to be a T/R signal to a remote amp/preamp? I'm just trying to learn a bit about 2m stuff. What sort of external amps/preamps have folks found useful? Are the preamps/amps mast mounted, combined or separate? Thanks jim __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Wall wart for KX3
KX3 gurus: Has anyone found a wall wart they like for the KX3? Like most hams, I have a big box of wall warts, and have tried several different 12 V adaptors with the KX3. They all worked ok for general operation, but I noted that when I added the KXBC3 battery charger option to the KX3, I really needed an honest 13.8 V or higher to fully charge the internal batteries. Most of the warts I tried had outputs less than 13V, and the few that I found that could supply 13.8 V under load had voltages above 15 V with no load. I didn't want to take a chance with these by exceeding the KX3 upper voltage speceven for the short time that it would take for the adaptor voltage to drop. My KX3 current drain numbers are (all at 13.8 V): receive, with backlight: 0.190 A receive while charging batteries: 0.400 A transmit, 5W: 1.04 A transmit, 10W: 1.91 A So, I guess the ideal adaptor would be capable of 2A at 13.8 V to support running the radio with no (or fully discharged) batteries at full power, and would not exceed 15 V with no load. While I'm wishing, it would also be smalland lightweight. Any suggestions? thanks, 73 ed N9EP __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Wall wart for KX3
Ed, I for one would not trust any radio to a wall-wart power supply unless it stated on the label that it was regulated. In most cases, the open circuit voltage will soar, and the KX3 maximum voltage is 15 volts. Under the supply's rated load, the voltage will normally reduce to the voltage on the label, but there is usually a wide swing between no-load and full-load voltages. I would suggest a real power supply which is rated at 4 amps or more for the KX3. My own KX3 runs off an Astron 30 amp supply and is fused for 10 amps to protect the wire from any fault. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/18/2012 9:17 PM, Ed Picha wrote: KX3 gurus: Has anyone found a wall wart they like for the KX3? Like most hams, I have a big box of wall warts, and have tried several different 12 V adaptors with the KX3. They all worked ok for general operation, but I noted that when I added the KXBC3 battery charger option to the KX3, I really needed an honest 13.8 V or higher to fully charge the internal batteries. Most of the warts I tried had outputs less than 13V, and the few that I found that could supply 13.8 V under load had voltages above 15 V with no load. I didn't want to take a chance with these by exceeding the KX3 upper voltage speceven for the short time that it would take for the adaptor voltage to drop. My KX3 current drain numbers are (all at 13.8 V): receive, with backlight: 0.190 A receive while charging batteries: 0.400 A transmit, 5W: 1.04 A transmit, 10W: 1.91 A So, I guess the ideal adaptor would be capable of 2A at 13.8 V to support running the radio with no (or fully discharged) batteries at full power, and would not exceed 15 V with no load. While I'm wishing, it would also be smalland lightweight. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] P3 -- Span slow to update
Paul: Just updated my P3 and K3 to latest FW after both in storage after a move. P3 MCU from 1.0 to 1.20. Have SVGA option installed, but before attaching monitor, noted slowdown of P3 display update. I've confirmed Nate's feedback that it drops to a crawl at about 150 ms and basically freezes by the time update down to less than 50 ms. (gets slower as rate decreases). When P3 is at slow update, a power cycle clears the problem and the rate previously selected is now functional. Is there a configuration parameter that conflicts? BTW, serial connection baud rate is 38.4 kbps at both P3 and K3. May also want to revert to MCU 1.09 if that is available. 73 Dan AC6DM Paul, On a whim I decided to load P3 FW 1.20 earlier this evening and note that the span adjustment still is much slower than it was in 1.09. I'd like to switch back, but I must have deleted 1.09. I don't see it anywhere on the FTP server so I guess I'm out of luck. Bummer. 73, de Nate, N0NB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/P3-Span-slow-to-update-tp7537386p7567379.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] Wall wart for KX3
Enercell wallwart from Radio Shack is what I use and have been happy with it. http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3875404numProdsPerPage=60 73, Christian AK4VV On Dec 18, 2012 9:17 PM, Ed Picha n...@comcast.net wrote: KX3 gurus: Has anyone found a wall wart they like for the KX3? Like most hams, I have a big box of wall warts, and have tried several different 12 V adaptors with the KX3. They all worked ok for general operation, but I noted that when I added the KXBC3 battery charger option to the KX3, I really needed an honest 13.8 V or higher to fully charge the internal batteries. Most of the warts I tried had outputs less than 13V, and the few that I found that could supply 13.8 V under load had voltages above 15 V with no load. I didn't want to take a chance with these by exceeding the KX3 upper voltage speceven for the short time that it would take for the adaptor voltage to drop. My KX3 current drain numbers are (all at 13.8 V): receive, with backlight: 0.190 A receive while charging batteries: 0.400 A transmit, 5W: 1.04 A transmit, 10W: 1.91 A So, I guess the ideal adaptor would be capable of 2A at 13.8 V to support running the radio with no (or fully discharged) batteries at full power, and would not exceed 15 V with no load. While I'm wishing, it would also be smalland lightweight. Any suggestions? thanks, 73 ed N9EP __**__**__ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/**mailman/listinfo/elecrafthttp://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.**htmhttp://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:elecr...@mailman.qth.**net 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] Wall wart for KX3
Agree. And an Astron RS-35M does the heavy lifting in my shack. But a little wallwart can go a long ways when the Astron isn't in reach. 73, Christian AK4VV On Dec 18, 2012 9:33 PM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Ed, I for one would not trust any radio to a wall-wart power supply unless it stated on the label that it was regulated. In most cases, the open circuit voltage will soar, and the KX3 maximum voltage is 15 volts. Under the supply's rated load, the voltage will normally reduce to the voltage on the label, but there is usually a wide swing between no-load and full-load voltages. I would suggest a real power supply which is rated at 4 amps or more for the KX3. My own KX3 runs off an Astron 30 amp supply and is fused for 10 amps to protect the wire from any fault. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/18/2012 9:17 PM, Ed Picha wrote: KX3 gurus: Has anyone found a wall wart they like for the KX3? Like most hams, I have a big box of wall warts, and have tried several different 12 V adaptors with the KX3. They all worked ok for general operation, but I noted that when I added the KXBC3 battery charger option to the KX3, I really needed an honest 13.8 V or higher to fully charge the internal batteries. Most of the warts I tried had outputs less than 13V, and the few that I found that could supply 13.8 V under load had voltages above 15 V with no load. I didn't want to take a chance with these by exceeding the KX3 upper voltage speceven for the short time that it would take for the adaptor voltage to drop. My KX3 current drain numbers are (all at 13.8 V): receive, with backlight: 0.190 A receive while charging batteries: 0.400 A transmit, 5W: 1.04 A transmit, 10W: 1.91 A So, I guess the ideal adaptor would be capable of 2A at 13.8 V to support running the radio with no (or fully discharged) batteries at full power, and would not exceed 15 V with no load. While I'm wishing, it would also be smalland lightweight. __**__**__ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/**mailman/listinfo/elecrafthttp://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.**htmhttp://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:elecr...@mailman.qth.**net 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] [KX1] Alignment Question
Hi Don, I am using my elmer's very expensive service monitor to watch the frequency that the KX1 is generating. I set the VFO to a given frequency, type that same frequency into the service monitor, then start a solid tune on the KX1. There is a BNC cable connected between both devices. The service monitor then shows on its spectrum display the exact frequency the KX1 is generating and also shows how many Hz it is deviating from the frequency entered. Are you saying that BFO / DDS settings are only dealing with the RX portion of the KX1? I understand you thinking this because the offset is ~ 600hz, the standard offset for CW. This is not the case, and only happens on 40m. TX deviation on 80m, 30m, and 20m is only off by a few hz. If this is controlled by the firmware, how can this be calibrated? I picked up a second KX1 off eBay this week for an emergency radio and will also check its alignment. Thx Chris K6OZY On Dec 18, 2012, at 1:26 PM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Chris, There is one thing that might produce the condition you state, and that is if you have 40 meters set for USB. Tap the band button and see if there is a u in the left of the display when the 7 digit is displayed. The KX1 firmware controls both the transmit and receive frequencies. The receive frequency is offset by whatever you set into the sidetone pitch, and the frequency indicated on the dial should be the transmit frequency. So, if the transmit frequency is indeed off, it must be due to the firmware. That has nothing to do with the BFO and DDS settings on the KX1. Are you certain the receiver you are using to listen to the KX1 is in CW mode? If it is in SSB mode, its dial indication may be shifted by the amount that receiver has set in its sidetone pitch parameter. I know Yaesu changes the displayed frequency when going from SSB to CW, and they shift the transmit frequency when in CW mode. Elecraft does it differently and always displays the transmit frequency, but shifts the frequency for receive. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/18/2012 2:39 PM, Chris Johnson wrote: I guess using the word Dial may be misleading. I am simply trying to say that on 40m the frequency that is being transmitted on is 685 hz higher than what is on the display. This is only on 40m. The other 3 bands are pretty accurate. The BFO and DDS menu options are set to 0. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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: SPKR+PH - not sticky
On 12/18/2012 5:13 PM, PTA_ABD wrote: Almost the same problem here. The difference is that toggling SPKR+PH on and off has no effect. I'm also sure the MCU isn't the reason, as this popped up well after changing to 4.6, but I suppose there could be different reasons for you and I. FWIW: K3 S/N 642 [i.e. old, at least in K3 Years]. SPKR+PH assigned to PF1 [HOLD RIT]. The only macro I have assigned anywhere. It has never failed to work, except before I stuck the K3 down so I could really push the buttons. Quite a few other button pushing problems went away after I anchored the K3 to the shelf. Note to self: Lightweight is often good, sometimes, not so much]. Full Disclosure: My Heil ProSet connects on the back connectors. I have never used the front panel connectors, don't know if they even work. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2013 Cal QSO Party 5-6 Oct 2013 - www.cqp.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Wall wart for KX3
I have been using the Jameco's #319920, 15V regulated wall-wart from http://www.jameco.com for my Small Wonder Labs PSK-20 as recommended by the kit's designer. I have not noticed any noise from the wall wart on 20 meters, the only band supported by the PSK-20. The wall wart is rated at 18 watts. The PSK-20 has a 5 watt transmitter, so I don't know if it will run a KX3 at full power. Because the rated voltage of the wall wart is the same as the KX3's maximum voltage, I would feel safer putting a diode in series with it to drop the voltage below the KX3's maximum. A single diode should give about 14.3 to 14.5 volts, within the KX3's specification and above the 13.8 volts needed for battery charging. Cheers - Bill, AE6JV On 12/18/12 at 6:17 PM, n...@comcast.net (Ed Picha) wrote: Has anyone found a wall wart they like for the KX3? --- Bill Frantz| gets() remains as a monument | Periwinkle (408)356-8506 | to C's continuing support of | 16345 Englewood Ave www.pwpconsult.com | buffer overruns. | Los Gatos, CA 95032 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] [KX1] Alignment Question
Chris, Let me be specific and succinct. There are only 2 conditions that would cause that behavior. 1 - The KX1 is set to receive upper sideband on 40 meters. 2 - the firmware is sending incorrect data to the DDS. Re-read my last email. I do not question the accuracy of the service monitor, but I do question whether the KX1 is set for USB on 40 meters. If the KX1 is indeed set for NOR (CW) mode, then there is a fault with the firmware. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/18/2012 10:44 PM, Chris Johnson wrote: Hi Don, I am using my elmer's very expensive service monitor to watch the frequency that the KX1 is generating. I set the VFO to a given frequency, type that same frequency into the service monitor, then start a solid tune on the KX1. There is a BNC cable connected between both devices. The service monitor then shows on its spectrum display the exact frequency the KX1 is generating and also shows how many Hz it is deviating from the frequency entered. Are you saying that BFO / DDS settings are only dealing with the RX portion of the KX1? I understand you thinking this because the offset is ~ 600hz, the standard offset for CW. This is not the case, and only happens on 40m. TX deviation on 80m, 30m, and 20m is only off by a few hz. If this is controlled by the firmware, how can this be calibrated? I picked up a second KX1 off eBay this week for an emergency radio and will also check its alignment. Thx Chris K6OZY On Dec 18, 2012, at 1:26 PM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Chris, There is one thing that might produce the condition you state, and that is if you have 40 meters set for USB. Tap the band button and see if there is a u in the left of the display when the 7 digit is displayed. The KX1 firmware controls both the transmit and receive frequencies. The receive frequency is offset by whatever you set into the sidetone pitch, and the frequency indicated on the dial should be the transmit frequency. So, if the transmit frequency is indeed off, it must be due to the firmware. That has nothing to do with the BFO and DDS settings on the KX1. Are you certain the receiver you are using to listen to the KX1 is in CW mode? If it is in SSB mode, its dial indication may be shifted by the amount that receiver has set in its sidetone pitch parameter. I know Yaesu changes the displayed frequency when going from SSB to CW, and they shift the transmit frequency when in CW mode. Elecraft does it differently and always displays the transmit frequency, but shifts the frequency for receive. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/18/2012 2:39 PM, Chris Johnson wrote: I guess using the word Dial may be misleading. I am simply trying to say that on 40m the frequency that is being transmitted on is 685 hz higher than what is on the display. This is only on 40m. The other 3 bands are pretty accurate. The BFO and DDS menu options are set to 0. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] K144XV?
Could be used for TR signal to a mast preamp or an external amp, but most of those I have seen need 12V by deafult. I suspect the 5V is more useful for transverter TR switching for simplified connections (fewer wires). You could have the transverters mounted on a tower making this method more attractive. Several transverters support this method of switching. They in turn usually have external PTT. By the time you get a chain of VHF+ equipment hooked up on towers and such, you are probably looking at a sequencer and/or careful use of indicator contacts on TR relays for positive switchover control vs a pure timing based operation (hoping the relay switches in time, every time). -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K144XV-tp7567376p7567386.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] Wall wart for KX3
On 12/18/2012 06:17 PM, Ed Picha wrote: Has anyone found a wall wart they like for the KX3? Like most hams, I have a big box of wall warts, and have tried several different 12 V adaptors with the KX3. They all worked ok for general operation, but I noted that when I added the KXBC3 battery charger option to the KX3, I really needed an honest 13.8 V or higher to fully charge the internal batteries. Most of the warts I tried had outputs less than 13V, and the few that I found that could supply 13.8 V under load had voltages above 15 V with no load. I didn't want to take a chance with these by exceeding the KX3 upper voltage speceven for the short time that it would take for the adaptor voltage to drop. I had great luck with an old Toshiba laptop's power supply, that I bought cheaply at a surplus shop (Halted Electronics). It was from a time before laptop power supplies became smart, so there's only 2 leads coming out of it: the DC power. I cut off the old Toshiba connector and just connected the bare wires to the supplied Elecraft connector that also has bare wires, after testing it for polarity. The power supply gives a rock solid 15VDC, and it's rated up to 3A. My KX3 has no trouble at all when transmitting at the full 12W power level. However, I don't have the KXBC3 option, so don't know how it performs with that. The model number on it is Toshiba PA2450U. It is small and lightweight. It plugs into a 2-prong outlet, not a 3-prong, so I'm assuming it's not grounded. The only problem is that it might cause interference/noise. However, I couldn't notice any. Where I'm at, there's a constant buzzing noise all over 40 meters, but the noise blanker feature of the KX3 seems to solve that. It's not caused by this power supply, though: I unplugged it, but the noise remained. Josh K6JSH __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Wall wart for KX3
I got a PS for a Respirator from MPJ. A 12v 4.16 amp unit. Runs the K2. and KX3 It's quite, RF wise. Take a look at their web site and you will see 16 volt units available. http://www.mpja.com/Desktop-Power-Supplies/products/475/ Ciao de w7kxb-Bill . . Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2012 20:17:55 -0600 From: n...@comcast.net To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Wall wart for KX3 KX3 gurus: Has anyone found a wall wart they like for the KX3? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
