Re: [Elecraft] Field Day tips
On 6/16/2014 8:36 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: Here are our annual tips for getting the most out of your Elecraft rig at field day: I'll add some more tips about QRP on Field Day. I've done three QRP Field Days, and one of them our group won for 1A battery. The same group came in second when we tried 2A with a second station on SSB part time. 1) Use the most efficient antennas that you can. A wire thrown over a tree and a radial laying on the ground will get you on the air, but a resonant dipole high in those trees can easily be 3-6 dB better. And even more radials with that wire in the tree, and picking them up off the ground, will add a few dB to your signal. 2) Use the most efficient feedline that you can. If you're only putting out 5W, don't burn 2W in RG58. Use RG8, RG11, RG213. 3) Get your antennas as high as you can. On 80M, 10 ft more height for a dipole is worth about 1 dB, 5 ft for a 40M dipole. 4) Don't waste your time with SSB on FD. CW can be reasonably competitive QRP, and a lot of fun. SSB only be described as a struggle, and is definitely not fun. Been there, done that, burned the Tee shirt. :) The combination of #1, #2, and #3 can easily make a 10-15 dB difference in your signal. 13 dB is the difference between 5W and 100W. And here are some tips to help you avoid RF noise problems on Field Day. If you can't hear 'em, you can't work 'em. http://nccc.cc/pdf/CQP-RFI2013-2.pdf 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Which way to steer a new ham K2-KX3
On 6/16/2014 3:44 PM, Gerald Manthey wrote: This group is a bunch of middle aged business owners who were feed with a silver spoon. I brought up used equipment and was told they buy only the best. Then we all walked out to the parking lot and my Toyota truck was surrounded by $50,000 trucks. Hihi. Okay they got the money but was wanting to teach a more hands on ham. I would recommend the K-line to this group. If they want some of the building experience, they will enjoy building them as kits. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Which way to steer a new ham K2-KX3
Also, the K2 is a great radio with 1999 technology. The KX3 is a great radio
with 2012 technology. Because a lot of that technology is computers (DSP), that
decade-plus allows some big advances.
On the other hand, I've seen some used K2's at very attractive prices. A used
K2 might be the best deal in ham radio.
wunder
K6WRU
On Jun 16, 2014, at 8:04 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
> Gerald Manthey wrote:
>
>> middle aged business owners fed with a silver spoon$50,000
>> trucks50 foot tower
>
> I'm thinking KX3 :)
>
>
>
> Seriously, if they really want to build, and that's the most important thing,
> then K2-them. But the KX3 has a number of bands and operating modes the K3
> doesn't, and that breadth may be important to someone who wants to dabble in
> both the legacy and newer aspects of the hobby.
>
> If they're really anxious to make a big splash, go for the gold ring, and
> {insert your metaphor here}, you might tell them about the K3 as well. They
> can start with a K3/10 without frills, and add widgets to match their
> evolving interests. The K-Line is unmatched as a contesting and DX station,
> should that be where their fancy trucks take them.
>
>
>
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
> __
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--
Walter Underwood
wun...@wunderwood.org
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Re: [Elecraft] Which way to steer a new ham K2-KX3 [TYPO]
>> But the KX3 has a number of bands and operating modes the K3 doesn't… Sorry, that's "K2". 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Field Day tips
Hi all, Here are our annual tips for getting the most out of your Elecraft rig at field day: 1. QRP/BATTERY OPERATION: To conserve battery power, use 5.0 watts or less when running from a 12-V source, and 3.0 watts or less when running from an 8-10 V source (including internal batteries). To reduce supply current in receive mode, use headphones rather than the internal speaker, and if lighting conditions permit, turn off the LCD backlight. The KX3 automatically switches its 10-W power amplifier to a more efficient setting at reduced supply voltages. You can tell when this power-saving mode is in effect because of a decimal point after the 'W' in the power value (e.g., "5.0 W."). 2. ANTENNA SPACING: If you're using more than one transmitter, try to keep the antennas as far apart as possible, and/or perpendicular to each other. If two stations unavoidably have their antennas in each other's near fields, you can dig into a pretty deep bag of tricks at the receive end, including: reducing preamp gain (or turning the preamp off), turning on the attenuator, narrowing the filter bandwidth, turning the noise blanker off, and (in the case of the KX3) setting MENU:RX SHFT to 8.0 rather than NOR. All of these settings are per-band. 3. OSCILLATOR ISOLATION (KX3-specific): The KX3, like other radios with a quadrature direct-conversion architecture, uses a VFO (local oscillator) running at or very close to the operating frequency. If you have another radio on the same band as the KX3, and the antennas are close together, the other radio may be able to hear the KX3's oscillator when they're both tuned to the same frequency. To prevent this, the KX3 includes an isolation amplifier that keeps the oscillator from radiating back through the mixer. Normally this amplifier is turned off to save about 15 mA of receive-mode current drain. To turn on the isolation amp, set MENU:RX ISO to ON. This has no effect on receive performance. Above all, have fun! 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Which way to steer a new ham K2-KX3
Gerald Manthey wrote:
> middle aged business owners fed with a silver spoon$50,000
> trucks50 foot tower
I'm thinking KX3 :)
Seriously, if they really want to build, and that's the most important thing,
then K2-them. But the KX3 has a number of bands and operating modes the K3
doesn't, and that breadth may be important to someone who wants to dabble in
both the legacy and newer aspects of the hobby.
If they're really anxious to make a big splash, go for the gold ring, and
{insert your metaphor here}, you might tell them about the K3 as well. They can
start with a K3/10 without frills, and add widgets to match their evolving
interests. The K-Line is unmatched as a contesting and DX station, should that
be where their fancy trucks take them.
Wayne
N6KR
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Re: [Elecraft] K3/0 mini observations
Hi Oliver, > The mini is used in tilted postion like the KX3. So I would have expected the > same display like in the KX3 to be used… We switched to the KX3 display very early in production. Contact customer support for a replacement (or we can do it for you, no charge). > The manual gives a lot of hints concerning remote use itself but lacks > completely concerning the hardware of the mini itself. A significant update of the manual is pending. We were all a bit rushed getting the product into field test. We'll send you a copy of the latest when it comes out. Thanks for the feedback! 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] A product that would revolutionize ham radio
Interesting idea but I can't understand how using coaxial cable for a well matched system be just as effective. I operate my KX3 (and, before that my KX1) in portable situations with compromise antennas and everything works nicely with today's available resources and products. I just got myself a Buddistick antenna to play around with. I have had it for two weeks but haven't had the chance yet to put it into operation but it is just one of a number of good portable antenna situations. Other pretty descent solutions besides the Buddipole (dipole arrangement) and the new SteppIR CrankIR antenna include just plain wire in the tree or whatever. All my portable work is QRP but all of these solutions are pretty good for the HOA resident too operating at 100 watts or even higher (although, some of these antennas, such as the Buddistick, are limited in total power handling. 73, phil, K7PEH On Jun 16, 2014, at 11:21 AM, Vic Rosenthal wrote: > I am presenting the idea below in the hope that some manufacturer will > embrace it. No royalties will be demanded! :-) > > One of the biggest problems facing today's hams contemplating HF operation is > the prohibition of antennas by HOA's, etc. One way of dealing with this is a > with temporary antenna that can be set up only when operating. But there are > lots of compromises -- in efficiency, flexibility, wasted time -- that this > entails. > > Many hams also would like to operate from temporary locations -- > mountaintops, building roofs, beaches, campsites, cruise ships, rowboats, > etc. There are many approaches to this, but they generally require setup of > several station components which may or may not be practical, and which takes > time that might not be available. > > I propose a device that I call a Universal Amateur Station (UAS) that will > make it possible to operate an /effective/ station in the greatest possible > number of environments with an absolute minimum amount of setup. > > Picture a folding tripod with a vertical whip on top and a box at the point > where the legs meet the vertical part. The tripod will comprise an off-center > fed vertical antenna, with the legs working against the vertical part. The > box will contain a transceiver capable of QRP to 100 watts output, internal > batteries for 5-watt operation, an automatic antenna matching device, and a > wireless link controller. > > I am thinking of a package the size of an airline-approved carry-on. It > should be practical with some ingenuity to make such a thing with an antenna > that can extend to about 17 feet (5m), but it should also be possible to use > in smaller configurations if space isn't available. It should be easier to > set up than the usual tent. > > There will also be a control head which will contain a built-in paddle and > microphone. > > The HOA-oppressed ham can simply unfold the unit in his backyard, on an > accessible roof, etc. and sit in any comfortable location within range and > operate. > > In a hotel? Unfold it on your balcony. Driving around and see a nice spot? > Place it on the roof of the vehicle and connect it to the battery for a full > 100 watts. Camping? Set it up outside your tent or on a nearby hill. A small > notebook computer would be the only accessory needed for an instant FD > station or DXpedition. Of course you would not need it for casual operation. > The possible uses in an emergency can easily be imagined. > > If you have seen the mechanical ingenuity demonstrated by the makers of > camping and hiking gear, you can see that it is possible to make something > like this remarkably small and light. > > Why is this better than, for example, a KX3 and Buddipole? For one thing, > there is no feedline or fiddling with the antenna necessary. The integrated > transmitter/tuner/antenna is more efficient. The lack of a feedline makes it > possible to place it on the roof of a building that you don't own and operate > from inside. > > -- > Vic > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to phys...@mac.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] A product that would revolutionize ham radio
On Mon, Jun 16, 2014 at 5:37 PM, K8JHR wrote: > I would NOT want an all in one solution == If some manufacturer thought this was a good idea, I suppose they could do some market research. One data point would be to survey how many KX3 owners have rigged theirs up with a whip and made it into a porta-station -- not many, I suspect. There may be some HF operators who would like such a thing, but the majority of licensees are Technicians, who have had such a gadget for more than 40 years. And by the way, the HT did revolutionize ham radio, in a certain sense. As an HF operator, my preference is to have an efficient enough antenna to make contacts easy and solid, rather than to be able to cart it all around in one piece, or strap it to my belt. Tony KT0NY __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Which way to steer a new ham K2-KX3
If you steer them to a kit that they won't build, or won't successfully build, then none of them will be on the air a year from now On 6/16/2014 5:36 PM, K8JHR wrote: Having an expensive station does not, itself, make a good operator, any more than owning a super sports car makes one a good driver. I wonder how many of these big dollar suits will be on the air a year from now... __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Which way to steer a new ham K2-KX3
Big money business types usually like to be told what to buy, and will spend a lot on a single recommendation (as they often do in business) and totally miss the fun learning about radios, antennas, towers, and accessory OPTIONS and CHOICES. Some guys rush through the process of building a station, which I feel is a big part of the hobby. Some guys figure they are better hams because they wrote a big check. My personal ham hero is the regular guy working man with 300 confirmed entities, running barefoot with a $1000 radio, and a couple of well made and thoughtfully designed home made antennas. He has researched and agonized over every aspect of his station, and never makes an unjustified purchase., He develops good operating skills, and can whip the pants off a lot of other guys running big power into big beams on tall towers. Having an expensive station does not, itself, make a good operator, any more than owning a super sports car makes one a good driver. I wonder how many of these big dollar suits will be on the air a year from now... Just MY take. -- JHR --- On 6/16/2014 6:44 PM, Gerald Manthey wrote: Yeah Don That is what I was just thinking. This group is a bunch of middle aged business owners who were feed with a silver spoon. I brought up used equipment and was told they buy only the best. Then we all walked out to the parking lot and my Toyota truck was surrounded by $50,000 trucks. Hihi. Okay they got the money but was wanting to teach a more hands on ham. We start antennas this week so hopefully they will want to make them. One guy already had a company come out and install a 50 foot tower on his farm/ranch. Thanks Gerald. On Jun 16, 2014 5:34 PM, "Don Wilhelm" wrote: Gerald, I believe the KX3 is the better general choice for new hams. They can get it in kit form so they can have the pride of making it themselves, even though there is no soldering. For those who are experienced with soldering as well as properly following written instructions, and really want to solder their kit together from thru-hole components, the K2 is an excellent choice. Yes, the price difference is minimal and the extra features offered by the KX3 (data modes, FM, AM, dual receive, etc.) make it more flexible than the K2. If the new ham wants only a basic CW QRP transceiver, then the K2 price is much lower. The other point to be made is that the cost of expanding the K2 to a 100 watt transceiver is less than a KX3 with the KXPA3 and KXAT3. For a 100 watt transceiver, the basic K3/100 and KX3 with KXPA100 are priced within the same ballpark, so you may want to add the K3 to your list of suggestions. New hams may not have resonant antennas, so an antenna tuner may be an asset. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/16/2014 5:53 PM, KC6CNN wrote: I have been training new hams to pass their test and get licensed. During one of the classes we looked at my rigs K3, KX3, K2, Drake TR-4. I was telling them how proud they would feel having built their own rigs and that the K2 was a good radio. It is hard to push the K2 to them when the price difference is so minimal between the K2 and the KX3. The KX3 also has so many more features that it is hard to get them to put that a side for the pride in making it themselves. What would you guys suggest? Features verses the pride in making it yourself. Price difference is minimal. Thanks Gerald - KC6CNN __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to jricha...@k8jhr.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Which way to steer a new ham K2-KX3
Monday June 16 @ 17:53:27 EDT Gerald (KC6CNN) wrote ... "It is hard to push the K2 ... when the price difference is so minimal ... What would you guys suggest?" --- - - - --- IMHO the only thing that matters is what the buyer wants. If building appeals to them more than operating, then they'll be drawn to the K2 without your prodding. If they do choose the K2, please be sure to invite them to visit http://www.unpcbs.com/ to learn about Rework Eliminator(TM) aftermarket K2 accessories, and the Option-Ready alternate K2 assembly method they make possible. --- - - - --- While I'm writing, (and kind of on the subject of the KX3) I'd like to invite everyone to check out a website I've been creating for Fred Meier, VE7FMN. It describes his Cooler KX(TM) line of "painstakingly designed and meticulously crafted" aftermarket KX3 heatsinks. I've only been working on the site for a little more than a week, so it is still very much a work in progress. In particular, I expect to have a new ordering webpage up within about 36 hours. If you want to order one of Fred's heatsinks, you might wish to wait until the new ordering webpage goes live, as it will dramatically simplify the ordering process and offer several new optional accessories. Best of all the short wait for the new page won't delay delivery of your heatsink, since the next batch just "went to paint" today (a two week process), and won't ship until early July. If you email me off Reflector, I will let you know the moment the new ordering page goes live. 73, Gary KI4GGX webmaster http://www.unpcbs.com/ webmaster http://www.ve7fmn.ca/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Which way to steer a new ham K2-KX3
I started with (and still am using) a K3/10 (gets to 12 watts out) and have found it a lot of fun doing DX. Once I get to my new QTH in a condo in Chicago and figure out what I can do as far as an antenna, I will put my K3/10 back on the air. So that is a possible rig for a new ham. 73 de Dave KJ6CBS On Monday, June 16, 2014 3:57 PM, K8JHR wrote: Excellent and well phrased question. It succinctly expresses my own observations. - K8JHR On 6/16/2014 5:53 PM, KC6CNN wrote: > I have been training new hams to pass their test and get licensed. > During one of the classes we looked at my rigs K3, KX3, K2, Drake TR-4. > I was telling them how proud they would feel having built their own rigs and > that the K2 was a good radio. It is hard to push the K2 to them when the > price difference is so minimal between the K2 and the KX3. The KX3 also has > so many more features that it is hard to get them to put that a side for the > pride in making it themselves. > What would you guys suggest? > Features verses the pride in making it yourself. Price difference is > minimal. _ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to mooo1...@yahoo.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Which way to steer a new ham K2-KX3
KX3. Building a K2 is not for everyone. If they have built kits before, or have interest, then maybe the K2. But the K1 might be a good starter. NOT the KX1 as a starter, though: It's very dense. 73, Phil W7OX On 6/16/14, 2:53 PM, KC6CNN wrote: I have been training new hams to pass their test and get licensed. During one of the classes we looked at my rigs K3, KX3, K2, Drake TR-4. I was telling them how proud they would feel having built their own rigs and that the K2 was a good radio. It is hard to push the K2 to them when the price difference is so minimal between the K2 and the KX3. The KX3 also has so many more features that it is hard to get them to put that a side for the pride in making it themselves. What would you guys suggest? Features verses the pride in making it yourself. Price difference is minimal. Thanks Gerald - KC6CNN - KC6CNN - Gerald K2 # 5486 K3 # 6254 KX3 # 757 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Which-way-to-steer-a-new-ham-K2-KX3-tp7590275.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 Message delivered to w...@socal.rr.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Which way to steer a new ham K2-KX3
Don't get me wrong, I love my KX3 for the portability. That's why I chose it over the K3. It sounds like they have the budget for a full K-line -- that will get them on the air. Get them excited about building antennas. or show them the cool kit options. Simple stuff to start, maybe station accessories to whet their appetites. Talk about some of the really cool tiny stuff that can talk half-way around the world. Find out where their skills lie, and talk about homebrewing that way. I don't do much with hardware, but I've done more than my share of homebrewing in software. 73 -- Lynn On 6/16/2014 3:44 PM, Gerald Manthey wrote: Then we all walked out to the parking lot and my Toyota truck was surrounded by $50,000 trucks. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Which way to steer a new ham K2-KX3
Excellent and well phrased question. It succinctly expresses my own observations. - K8JHR On 6/16/2014 5:53 PM, KC6CNN wrote: I have been training new hams to pass their test and get licensed. During one of the classes we looked at my rigs K3, KX3, K2, Drake TR-4. I was telling them how proud they would feel having built their own rigs and that the K2 was a good radio. It is hard to push the K2 to them when the price difference is so minimal between the K2 and the KX3. The KX3 also has so many more features that it is hard to get them to put that a side for the pride in making it themselves. What would you guys suggest? Features verses the pride in making it yourself. Price difference is minimal. _ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Which way to steer a new ham K2-KX3
Yeah Don That is what I was just thinking. This group is a bunch of middle aged business owners who were feed with a silver spoon. I brought up used equipment and was told they buy only the best. Then we all walked out to the parking lot and my Toyota truck was surrounded by $50,000 trucks. Hihi. Okay they got the money but was wanting to teach a more hands on ham. We start antennas this week so hopefully they will want to make them. One guy already had a company come out and install a 50 foot tower on his farm/ranch. Thanks Gerald. On Jun 16, 2014 5:34 PM, "Don Wilhelm" wrote: > Gerald, > > I believe the KX3 is the better general choice for new hams. They can get > it in kit form so they can have the pride of making it themselves, even > though there is no soldering. > > For those who are experienced with soldering as well as properly following > written instructions, and really want to solder their kit together from > thru-hole components, the K2 is an excellent choice. > > Yes, the price difference is minimal and the extra features offered by the > KX3 (data modes, FM, AM, dual receive, etc.) make it more flexible than the > K2. > > If the new ham wants only a basic CW QRP transceiver, then the K2 price is > much lower. > > The other point to be made is that the cost of expanding the K2 to a 100 > watt transceiver is less than a KX3 with the KXPA3 and KXAT3. > For a 100 watt transceiver, the basic K3/100 and KX3 with KXPA100 are > priced within the same ballpark, so you may want to add the K3 to your list > of suggestions. > > New hams may not have resonant antennas, so an antenna tuner may be an > asset. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 6/16/2014 5:53 PM, KC6CNN wrote: > >> I have been training new hams to pass their test and get licensed. >> During one of the classes we looked at my rigs K3, KX3, K2, Drake TR-4. >> I was telling them how proud they would feel having built their own rigs >> and >> that the K2 was a good radio. It is hard to push the K2 to them when the >> price difference is so minimal between the K2 and the KX3. The KX3 also >> has >> so many more features that it is hard to get them to put that a side for >> the >> pride in making it themselves. >> What would you guys suggest? >> Features verses the pride in making it yourself. Price difference is >> minimal. >> Thanks >> Gerald - KC6CNN >> >> > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] A product that would revolutionize ham radio
Interesting question... although, I have all that now, with my portable tripod mounted antenna (it can be configured as either an OCF vertical dipole or as a vertical ground plane on several bands) and my transceiver with internal ATU. The only difference is my kit needs a transmission line - WHICH I WANT TO KEEP, because that enables me to operate away from the antenna, keeping RF off the rig, and out of my head. Remember exposure to high levels of RF can be dangerous... A transmission line allows me to operate from inside my camper, or tent, or under an awning outside the camper, but out of the sun, or within a park pavilion, while the antenna resides outside, a safe distance away.It also allows me to place the antenna away from the operating position, perhaps at the fringe of the forest, where it is less conspicuous, and gives substantial flexibility in setting up a temporary operating position. My tripod mounted antenna can become either an OCF dipole or ground plane within a couple of minutes. I can substitute that for a low dipole or end-fed half wave or some other design in the same time. I would NOT want an all in one solution and I want the flexibility in mixing and matching different antennas with different radios, and would feel constrained if limited to one, built in radio/antenna product, where I could not mix and match rigs, antennas, and other components at will. Neat idea... but it does not appeal to me. Thanks for posting something interesting and off the usual trail - it is a good question, even if it does not appeal tome. Maybe someone will make a mint on it! I like business success stories! Happy days, OM. -- JHR On 6/16/2014 2:21 PM, Vic Rosenthal wrote:> I am presenting the idea below in the hope that some manufacturer will > embrace it. No royalties will be demanded! :-) > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Which way to steer a new ham K2-KX3
Gerald, I believe the KX3 is the better general choice for new hams. They can get it in kit form so they can have the pride of making it themselves, even though there is no soldering. For those who are experienced with soldering as well as properly following written instructions, and really want to solder their kit together from thru-hole components, the K2 is an excellent choice. Yes, the price difference is minimal and the extra features offered by the KX3 (data modes, FM, AM, dual receive, etc.) make it more flexible than the K2. If the new ham wants only a basic CW QRP transceiver, then the K2 price is much lower. The other point to be made is that the cost of expanding the K2 to a 100 watt transceiver is less than a KX3 with the KXPA3 and KXAT3. For a 100 watt transceiver, the basic K3/100 and KX3 with KXPA100 are priced within the same ballpark, so you may want to add the K3 to your list of suggestions. New hams may not have resonant antennas, so an antenna tuner may be an asset. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/16/2014 5:53 PM, KC6CNN wrote: I have been training new hams to pass their test and get licensed. During one of the classes we looked at my rigs K3, KX3, K2, Drake TR-4. I was telling them how proud they would feel having built their own rigs and that the K2 was a good radio. It is hard to push the K2 to them when the price difference is so minimal between the K2 and the KX3. The KX3 also has so many more features that it is hard to get them to put that a side for the pride in making it themselves. What would you guys suggest? Features verses the pride in making it yourself. Price difference is minimal. Thanks Gerald - KC6CNN __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3/0 mini observations
On 6/16/2014 3:51 PM, Oliver Dröse wrote:
...
Display
The mini is used in tilted postion like the KX3. So I would have
expected the same display like in the KX3 to be used, i.e. with a "6
o'clock" viewing angle. Sorrily it's not, it has the original K3
display ("12 o'clock") so you cannot see anything when the mini is on
the table, it's not readable! That's a big big minus! :-( You have to
put it almost vertical (difficult as it has it's center of gravity too
high, so it easily tilts over the front then) which is impossible with
the bail supplied/mounted, it's too short. :-(
According to the Elecraft product description,
Replacing the full-size K3/0
, the
K3/0-Mini consists of a K3 front panel, only, so it's highly portable.
The K3/0-Mini is perfect for home and travel use due to its small
size. It fully duplicates all K3 controls, displays and menus for a
realistic remote K3 experience.
Given that it fully duplicates the menus, you should be able to go to
the main menu, choose LCD ADJ, and set the display viewing angle over a
wide range. For the K3 on a shelf, a value of 20 is good for eye-level
viewing (straight on). Higher numbered values (up to 100) make viewing
good with the rig tilted up, but I don't know if the range is wide
enough to handle the unit laying flat. Worth a try.
Gus Hansen
KB0YH
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Re: [Elecraft] Which way to steer a new ham K2-KX3
On Mon 16 Jun KC6CNN wrote: > What would you guys suggest? I know at least one person who's got a K2 kit still in its box even though he bought it years ago. I'd guess you don't want that happening. How about getting them hooked on (or at least figuring out whether they get anything from) building their own rigs by having them to build something that's almost disposable (say a RockMite or something equally small and inexpensive) first? When that works you can raise the bar a bit... -- ... 73, Rick, M0LEP (KX3 #3281) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Which way to steer a new ham K2-KX3
I have been training new hams to pass their test and get licensed. During one of the classes we looked at my rigs K3, KX3, K2, Drake TR-4. I was telling them how proud they would feel having built their own rigs and that the K2 was a good radio. It is hard to push the K2 to them when the price difference is so minimal between the K2 and the KX3. The KX3 also has so many more features that it is hard to get them to put that a side for the pride in making it themselves. What would you guys suggest? Features verses the pride in making it yourself. Price difference is minimal. Thanks Gerald - KC6CNN - KC6CNN - Gerald K2 # 5486 K3 # 6254 KX3 # 757 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Which-way-to-steer-a-new-ham-K2-KX3-tp7590275.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K3/0 mini observations
Hi,
having used the K3/0 mini for a few weeks now here are some
observations, maybe they can be taken into account to make the product
even better.
Display
The mini is used in tilted postion like the KX3. So I would have
expected the same display like in the KX3 to be used, i.e. with a "6
o'clock" viewing angle. Sorrily it's not, it has the original K3 display
("12 o'clock") so you cannot see anything when the mini is on the table,
it's not readable! That's a big big minus! :-( You have to put it almost
vertical (difficult as it has it's center of gravity too high, so it
easily tilts over the front then) which is impossible with the bail
supplied/mounted, it's too short. :-(
Documentation
The manual gives a lot of hints concerning remote use itself but lacks
completely concerning the hardware of the mini itself. :-( There is a
3,5 mm jack on the back for PTT. Is it mono or stereo? Likewise for the
headset connection, no info. I suppose it's stereo for mic as well as
headset but would be good to have the info documented. Is there any bias
on the 3,5 mm mic input? I suppose yes as when I connect sound from the
computer to do digimodes it stops after 2 seconds, i.e. seems
conflicting with the bias so putting the circuit down. So it must be
isolated if used with hardware not expecting bias! Besides this it seems
the headset connection is hard-wired against the mic socket and speaker
meaning when-ever you plug in a mic into the 3,5 mm socket the 8pol
round socket for the hand mic is automatically disabled, no software
choice. Same for the headset socket, as soon as you plug in phones the
internal speaker is switched off. Even configuring it through the menu
(SPKR + PH = YES) just on the K3/0 mini itself (without a connection to
the remote K3) does not change the behaviour. That's a pity as it would
be good to still have "local" audio when a cable is plugged in,
otherwise a little difficult to tune in RTTY stations. ;-)
There is a wiring diagram for the connection from the K3/0 mini to the
RemoteRig boxes but no info on what signals are on which pins (yes, you
can reverse-engineer it from the RR boxes). Also no info that you do not
have to use an external power supply for the mini when used with the RR
boxes, they obviously *do* supply the voltage through the backside
connector to the mini (found out by "mistake", hi).
All the documentation issues are not that big a deal for somebody
knowing how electronics work and can be guessed (as I did) but I am sure
for other guys they might be a problem. And it's sure not what we are
used to from Elecraft.
The display on the other hand *is* a big problem/design error. How are
other guys using the mini? Cannot imagine nobody else has trouble with it?
That's it for the moment. Maybe additional findings in the future.
Besides the things noted I really love the mini + remote K3, cannot
imagine to go back to my old Icom remote station (with separated front
panel, too). ;-)
73, Olli - DH8BQA
--
Contest, DX & radio projects: http://www.dh8bqa.de
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Re: [Elecraft] Questions regarding my new KX3.
>> The KX3 doesn't have sufficient filtering for transmit at 472 kHz, nor much >> gain at this frequency in the PA. I would suggest using an external >> transverter for this band. For receive-only use, you could add a 500-kHz >> low-pass filter to eliminate any images due to local oscillator harmonics. > > RR, so usable only in receiving mode and with external filter but no luck for > TX without external transverter. Correct. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Questions regarding my new KX3.
Sorry for too early sending of my previous message. I continue Envoyé de mon iPhone > Le 16 juin 2014 à 23:08, "Jack.f6ajw" a écrit : > > Thank you for your responses, Wayne ; comments on your text. > > Envoyé de mon iPhone > >> Le 16 juin 2014 à 20:37, Wayne Burdick a écrit : >> >> "Jack.f6ajw" wrote: >> >>> I have some questions regarding my new KX3 (I love it!). >>> >>> 1) how could I use my KX3 on 472 kHz (new band freshly opened in France) in >>> transmit mode even at low power like on a TS-590? >> >> The KX3 doesn't have sufficient filtering for transmit at 472 kHz, nor much >> gain at this frequency in the PA. I would suggest using an external >> transverter for this band. For receive-only use, you could add a 500-kHz >> low-pass filter to eliminate any images due to local oscillator harmonics. > > RR, so usable only in receiving mode and with external filter but no luck for > TX without external transverter. >> >> >>> 2) regarding the 2 meter option for KX3 (which will be available in >>> September, as far as I know), I would like to use it with DB6NT Microwave >>> transverters which could be controlled in TX mode thanks to a + TX voltage >>> of 5 to 12 V on the inner conductor of SMA antenna with a very low current >>> (to the base of a low-power switchîng transistor). My FT-817 was modified >>> this way on BNC output injecting +5V TX through a 4.7kR and a 1nF in order >>> to prevent DC to enter receiver. >> >> Yes, the KX3-2M (and -4M) module will include a switchable DC voltage at the >> antenna. > > Very good! 4m version will be interesting for Hams in some coutries in Europe > which have 4m allocation. Except IC-7000 and may be FT-847, no dedicated 4m > transceiver is available so congrats for that! >> >> >>> 3) same question regarding BNC output as 28 or 50 MHz could be also used as >>> IF for 70 / 23 cm transverters . >> >> Sorry, there's no provision for DC at the BNC output of the KX3. May be available in the future? 73's Jacques F6AJW/Paris >> >> 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Questions regarding my new KX3.
Thank you for your responses, Wayne ; comments on your text. Envoyé de mon iPhone > Le 16 juin 2014 à 20:37, Wayne Burdick a écrit : > > "Jack.f6ajw" wrote: > >> I have some questions regarding my new KX3 (I love it!). >> >> 1) how could I use my KX3 on 472 kHz (new band freshly opened in France) in >> transmit mode even at low power like on a TS-590? > > The KX3 doesn't have sufficient filtering for transmit at 472 kHz, nor much > gain at this frequency in the PA. I would suggest using an external > transverter for this band. For receive-only use, you could add a 500-kHz > low-pass filter to eliminate any images due to local oscillator harmonics. RR, so usable only in receiving mode and with external filter but no luck for TX without external transverter. > > >> 2) regarding the 2 meter option for KX3 (which will be available in >> September, as far as I know), I would like to use it with DB6NT Microwave >> transverters which could be controlled in TX mode thanks to a + TX voltage >> of 5 to 12 V on the inner conductor of SMA antenna with a very low current >> (to the base of a low-power switchîng transistor). My FT-817 was modified >> this way on BNC output injecting +5V TX through a 4.7kR and a 1nF in order >> to prevent DC to enter receiver. > > Yes, the KX3-2M (and -4M) module will include a switchable DC voltage at the > antenna. Very good! 4m version will be interesting for Hams in euro pin some cou tries which have 4m allocation. Except IC-7000 and may be FT-847, no dedicated 4m transceiver is available so congrats > > >> 3) same question regarding BNC output as 28 or 50 MHz could be also used as >> IF for 70 / 23 cm transverters . > > Sorry, there's no provision for DC at the BNC output of the KX3. > > 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] PR6-10 Poser, Cont'd
If you have the KAT3 installed remember to set DIGIOUT1 control line for each antenna port, 1 and 2. Regards, Mike VP8NO __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Questions regarding my new KX3.
"Jack.f6ajw" wrote: > I have some questions regarding my new KX3 (I love it!). > > 1) how could I use my KX3 on 472 kHz (new band freshly opened in France) in > transmit mode even at low power like on a TS-590? The KX3 doesn't have sufficient filtering for transmit at 472 kHz, nor much gain at this frequency in the PA. I would suggest using an external transverter for this band. For receive-only use, you could add a 500-kHz low-pass filter to eliminate any images due to local oscillator harmonics. > 2) regarding the 2 meter option for KX3 (which will be available in > September, as far as I know), I would like to use it with DB6NT Microwave > transverters which could be controlled in TX mode thanks to a + TX voltage of > 5 to 12 V on the inner conductor of SMA antenna with a very low current (to > the base of a low-power switchîng transistor). My FT-817 was modified this > way on BNC output injecting +5V TX through a 4.7kR and a 1nF in order to > prevent DC to enter receiver. Yes, the KX3-2M (and -4M) module will include a switchable DC voltage at the antenna. > 3) same question regarding BNC output as 28 or 50 MHz could be also used as > IF for 70 / 23 cm transverters . Sorry, there's no provision for DC at the BNC output of the KX3. 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] A product that would revolutionize ham radio
I am presenting the idea below in the hope that some manufacturer will embrace it. No royalties will be demanded! :-) One of the biggest problems facing today's hams contemplating HF operation is the prohibition of antennas by HOA's, etc. One way of dealing with this is a with temporary antenna that can be set up only when operating. But there are lots of compromises -- in efficiency, flexibility, wasted time -- that this entails. Many hams also would like to operate from temporary locations -- mountaintops, building roofs, beaches, campsites, cruise ships, rowboats, etc. There are many approaches to this, but they generally require setup of several station components which may or may not be practical, and which takes time that might not be available. I propose a device that I call a Universal Amateur Station (UAS) that will make it possible to operate an /effective/ station in the greatest possible number of environments with an absolute minimum amount of setup. Picture a folding tripod with a vertical whip on top and a box at the point where the legs meet the vertical part. The tripod will comprise an off-center fed vertical antenna, with the legs working against the vertical part. The box will contain a transceiver capable of QRP to 100 watts output, internal batteries for 5-watt operation, an automatic antenna matching device, and a wireless link controller. I am thinking of a package the size of an airline-approved carry-on. It should be practical with some ingenuity to make such a thing with an antenna that can extend to about 17 feet (5m), but it should also be possible to use in smaller configurations if space isn't available. It should be easier to set up than the usual tent. There will also be a control head which will contain a built-in paddle and microphone. The HOA-oppressed ham can simply unfold the unit in his backyard, on an accessible roof, etc. and sit in any comfortable location within range and operate. In a hotel? Unfold it on your balcony. Driving around and see a nice spot? Place it on the roof of the vehicle and connect it to the battery for a full 100 watts. Camping? Set it up outside your tent or on a nearby hill. A small notebook computer would be the only accessory needed for an instant FD station or DXpedition. Of course you would not need it for casual operation. The possible uses in an emergency can easily be imagined. If you have seen the mechanical ingenuity demonstrated by the makers of camping and hiking gear, you can see that it is possible to make something like this remarkably small and light. Why is this better than, for example, a KX3 and Buddipole? For one thing, there is no feedline or fiddling with the antenna necessary. The integrated transmitter/tuner/antenna is more efficient. The lack of a feedline makes it possible to place it on the roof of a building that you don't own and operate from inside. -- Vic __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Extra TMP cable
I assume you also have the KAT3. The sub-rx can either be hooked up to the KAT3 or the AUX RF(bnc) connector, but not both. When done, there is a TMP cable that is connected to the KAT3 or AUX RF and one of the two is not connected to the sub-rx. You might have missed the step where you attached that "extra" cable to its chassis connector. See Fig. 4 on page 43 in the owners manual. Unless you plan to have a receive-only antenna, the dotted line is normally not attached to your sub-rx. Eric WB7SDE On Mon, Jun 16, 2014, at 11:11 AM, N1IX wrote: > I just completed assembling a K3 with the sub-receiver option. > > I have an extra 12" TMP cable and I can't figure out where it goes. > > The K3 and sub-rx seem to work correctly. > > > > Dave N1IX > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to e...@evross.com -- Eric Ross __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Extra TMP cable
I just completed assembling a K3 with the sub-receiver option. I have an extra 12" TMP cable and I can't figure out where it goes. The K3 and sub-rx seem to work correctly. Dave N1IX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] PR6-10 Poser, Cont'd
Ed, You may have too many variables to determine what is causing the problem. Try a few things first to isolate where it is failing. First connect a BNC jumper between RX ANT OUT and RX ANT IN. Does the K3 hear a signal at the same strength with RX ANT set on as it does with it set off? It should. If not, there is a problem with the K3 RX ANT, contact support. Then connect the PR6-10 to the RX ANT jacks on the K3 and connect it for power at all times (no selection from pin 11 - install jumper P2 in PR6-10) - when you select RX ANT, the signal strength should increase. If it does not, you may have a faulty PR6-10, contact support. Lastly, remove jumper P2 from the PR6-10 and connect using ACC pin 11 - connect only the PR6-10 to the ACC connector. Does it work as expected? If not, check the menu settings for DIGIOUT1. Should the menu settings be correct and it still does not work, measure the voltage on the white wire with the preamp selected and not selected. It should be zero when selected and greater than 3 volts when the preamp is not selected. If all the above work as expected, start putting the rest of the cabling in place - one cable at a time. Stop if the preamp stops working because you just installed the cable that makes it fail. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/16/2014 1:03 PM, Dauer, Edward wrote: Thanks Mike, Fred, and others . . . I will try the pin 11 mod though I fear that's not the problem, for three reasons. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Questions regarding my new KX3.
HI All Elecraft users! I have some questions regarding my new KX3 (I love it!). 1) how could I use my KX3 on 472 kHz (new band freshly opened in France) in transmit mode even at low power like on a TS-590? 2) regarding the 2 meter option for KX3 (which will be available in September, as far as I know), I would like to use it with DB6NT Microwave transverters which could be controlled in TX mode thanks to a + TX voltage of 5 to 12 V on the inner conductor of SMA antenna with a very low current (to the base of a low-power switchîng transistor). My FT-817 was modified this way on BNC output injecting +5V TX through a 4.7kR and a 1nF in order to prevent DC to enter receiver. 3) same question regarding BNC output as 28 or 50 MHz could be also used as IF for 70 / 23 cm transverters . Sorry if these questions have been already aśked on this reflector as I am newly on it. Thanks in anticipation for your responses. Jacques F6AJW/ Paris Envoyé de mon iPhone __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] PR6-10 Poser, Cont'd
Have you tried it in manual mode where power is applied at all times so you know the pre amp is working as expected? On 6/16/2014 11:03 AM, Dauer, Edward wrote: Thanks Mike, Fred, and others . . . I will try the pin 11 mod though I fear that's not the problem, for three reasons. Fred points out that pin 11 would keep the preamp on rather than off; second, having used a KAT (and a KPA) with the K3 since the KAT first came out, I've worked through the cabling business and had it all solved so far as the KAT is concerned. And most convincing, one of my attempts was done with the K3 a cappella, so to speak -- I disconnected everything except the power supply and the antenna and the PR6-10, connecting only the unique 15-pin cable that was supplied with the PR6-10-- with the same result. Fred's book (2d Ed.) shows the block diagram of the PR6 (same as the 6-10, I assume) and the KVX3, but the examples use a separate antenna in ANT 2 for the preamped band. I have but one coax line coming into the shack for every band -- the antenna switch is remote, out where the antennas are. (Reduces the number of holes you have to drill in the house.) That feed line is in the K3 at ANT 1, and ANT 1 is selected. The plan was to keep just one feed line and select the preamp in for ten meters and out for everything else. Am I trying to do something that's not possible? Nothing I've seen in the Elecraft papers says anything about not using ANT 1 for everything including what the preamp is supposed to be preamping . . . Any further ideas? Tnx! Ted, KN1CBR Hi Ted, If you are using a KPA500 and a PR6 you will have to remove pin 11 from the cable that goes to the KPA500. It has popped up on this reflector once or twice but it is not mentioned in either the PR6 or the KPA500 instructions. If you wonder if this will work just pull the 15 pin cable off of the KPA500 and you'll see that the PR6 works as you would expect it to work. 73, Mike K2MK Dauer, Edward wrote I need to ask for help configuring a PR6-10 on the K3. Installed OK, removed the internal jumper per instructions and am using the control line on a Y splitter to allow the KPA and KAT to connect to the K3 as well. Physically, all seems fine, and the K3, P3, KPA and KAT work just as they always did. Then to operate the pre-amp I configured digout1 to ?on? for 28 Mhz on the K3, per instructions. OK so far. The PR6-10 manual says ?Tap RX ANT to enable preamplifier.? When I do so the noise level goes way down and the signals disappear, as if there were no antenna connected to the receiver. Removing the power plug from the preamp made no difference in either mode ? RX ANT on or off. I recall when building the K3 that there were elections to be made about antenna configurations when installing the sub receiver and/or the KXV3. I also remember that there are a myriad of ways the antennas can be routed via the configuration menus. I have a feeling that the elections and internal configurations I originally made in the K3 are not compatible with getting the PR6-10 to work simply by pressing RX ANT, but I can?t reason my way through it all. Ted, KN1CBR -- __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to w...@w0mu.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Cases for sale
While cleaning the garage I found these that may be of interest here. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00281H304/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 $40 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002EPMTT4/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 $50 Both are like new... 73 Greg AB7R __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] PR6-10 Poser, Cont'd
I just hooked mine up this weekend. I was using Ant2, but I don't see that being a significant difference. Initially, I was seeing the same symptom but it went away. I am thinking that a power cycle might have enabled something, but I am only guessing. I was doing some contesting on 6M(local) this weekend and it worked like a champ. I also have the sub, and it was also on Ant2 at the time. Eric WB7SDE On Mon, Jun 16, 2014, at 10:03 AM, Dauer, Edward wrote: > Thanks Mike, Fred, and others . . . > > I will try the pin 11 mod though I fear that's not the problem, for three > reasons. Fred points out that pin 11 would keep the preamp on rather > than > off; second, having used a KAT (and a KPA) with the K3 since the KAT > first > came out, I've worked through the cabling business and had it all solved > so far as the KAT is concerned. And most convincing, one of my attempts > was done with the K3 a cappella, so to speak -- I disconnected everything > except the power supply and the antenna and the PR6-10, connecting only > the unique 15-pin cable that was supplied with the PR6-10-- with the same > result. > > Fred's book (2d Ed.) shows the block diagram of the PR6 (same as the > 6-10, > I assume) and the KVX3, but the examples use a separate antenna in ANT 2 > for the preamped band. I have but one coax line coming into the shack > for > every band -- the antenna switch is remote, out where the antennas are. > (Reduces the number of holes you have to drill in the house.) That feed > line is in the K3 at ANT 1, and ANT 1 is selected. The plan was to keep > just one feed line and select the preamp in for ten meters and out for > everything else. > > Am I trying to do something that's not possible? Nothing I've seen in > the > Elecraft papers says anything about not using ANT 1 for everything > including what the preamp is supposed to be preamping . . . > > Any further ideas? > > Tnx! > > Ted, KN1CBR > > > >Hi Ted, > > > >If you are using a KPA500 and a PR6 you will have to remove pin 11 from > >the > >cable that goes to the KPA500. It has popped up on this reflector once or > >twice but it is not mentioned in either the PR6 or the KPA500 > >instructions. > >If you wonder if this will work just pull the 15 pin cable off of the > >KPA500 > >and you'll see that the PR6 works as you would expect it to work. > > > >73, > >Mike K2MK > > > > > >Dauer, Edward wrote > >> I need to ask for help configuring a PR6-10 on the K3. Installed OK, > >> removed the internal jumper per instructions and am using the control > >>line > >> on a Y splitter to allow the KPA and KAT to connect to the K3 as well. > >> Physically, all seems fine, and the K3, P3, KPA and KAT work just as > >>they > >> always did. > >> > >> Then to operate the pre-amp I configured digout1 to ?on? for 28 Mhz on > >>the > >> K3, per instructions. OK so far. > >> > >> > >> The PR6-10 manual says ?Tap RX ANT to enable preamplifier.? When I do > >>so > >> the noise level goes way down and the signals disappear, as if there > >>were > >> no antenna connected to the receiver. Removing the power plug from the > >> preamp made no difference in either mode ? RX ANT on or off. > >> > >> > >> I recall when building the K3 that there were elections to be made about > >> antenna configurations when installing the sub receiver and/or > >> the KXV3. I also remember that there are a myriad of ways the antennas > >> can be routed via the configuration menus. I have a feeling that the > >> elections and internal configurations I originally made in the K3 are > >>not > >> compatible with getting the PR6-10 to work simply by pressing RX ANT, > >>but > >> I can?t reason my way through it all. > >> > >> > >> Ted, KN1CBR > > > > > > > > > > > >-- > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to e...@evross.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] PR6-10 Poser, Cont'd
Thanks Mike, Fred, and others . . . I will try the pin 11 mod though I fear that's not the problem, for three reasons. Fred points out that pin 11 would keep the preamp on rather than off; second, having used a KAT (and a KPA) with the K3 since the KAT first came out, I've worked through the cabling business and had it all solved so far as the KAT is concerned. And most convincing, one of my attempts was done with the K3 a cappella, so to speak -- I disconnected everything except the power supply and the antenna and the PR6-10, connecting only the unique 15-pin cable that was supplied with the PR6-10-- with the same result. Fred's book (2d Ed.) shows the block diagram of the PR6 (same as the 6-10, I assume) and the KVX3, but the examples use a separate antenna in ANT 2 for the preamped band. I have but one coax line coming into the shack for every band -- the antenna switch is remote, out where the antennas are. (Reduces the number of holes you have to drill in the house.) That feed line is in the K3 at ANT 1, and ANT 1 is selected. The plan was to keep just one feed line and select the preamp in for ten meters and out for everything else. Am I trying to do something that's not possible? Nothing I've seen in the Elecraft papers says anything about not using ANT 1 for everything including what the preamp is supposed to be preamping . . . Any further ideas? Tnx! Ted, KN1CBR >Hi Ted, > >If you are using a KPA500 and a PR6 you will have to remove pin 11 from >the >cable that goes to the KPA500. It has popped up on this reflector once or >twice but it is not mentioned in either the PR6 or the KPA500 >instructions. >If you wonder if this will work just pull the 15 pin cable off of the >KPA500 >and you'll see that the PR6 works as you would expect it to work. > >73, >Mike K2MK > > >Dauer, Edward wrote >> I need to ask for help configuring a PR6-10 on the K3. Installed OK, >> removed the internal jumper per instructions and am using the control >>line >> on a Y splitter to allow the KPA and KAT to connect to the K3 as well. >> Physically, all seems fine, and the K3, P3, KPA and KAT work just as >>they >> always did. >> >> Then to operate the pre-amp I configured digout1 to ?on? for 28 Mhz on >>the >> K3, per instructions. OK so far. >> >> >> The PR6-10 manual says ?Tap RX ANT to enable preamplifier.? When I do >>so >> the noise level goes way down and the signals disappear, as if there >>were >> no antenna connected to the receiver. Removing the power plug from the >> preamp made no difference in either mode ? RX ANT on or off. >> >> >> I recall when building the K3 that there were elections to be made about >> antenna configurations when installing the sub receiver and/or >> the KXV3. I also remember that there are a myriad of ways the antennas >> can be routed via the configuration menus. I have a feeling that the >> elections and internal configurations I originally made in the K3 are >>not >> compatible with getting the PR6-10 to work simply by pressing RX ANT, >>but >> I can?t reason my way through it all. >> >> >> Ted, KN1CBR > > > > > >-- __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KX3 For Sale
I have a KX3 in excellent condition with many of the options for sale. Please contact me off of this list at n...@comcast.net or see ad # 1137096 on QTH.com Tnx es 73, Dave N8AG __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
