Re: [Elecraft] Ouch
Evangelists often do not read the fine print... Scott, N9AA On 6/30/14, 1:55 AM, K8JHR wrote: I am thinking Don did not catch the use of a bias Tee type DC injector in the story... JHR === On 6/30/2014 1:36 AM, Michael Eberle wrote: Anderson Power Poles on the antenna jack? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] OT: Radials for Verticals
There is more bad information out there on verticals than any other topic in hamdom (with the possible exception of mag loops). I suggest you buy ON4UN's book on low-band dxing. and treat the chapter on verticals as gospel.. This much I know--I used an HF2V for 20 years with 6 ground radials and got very familiar with what it could do. I then added 60 radials, and the difference was astonishing. 73 Eric WD6DBM Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] OT: Radials for Verticals
There is more bad information out there on verticals than any other topic in hamdom (with the possible exception of mag loops). I suggest you buy ON4UN's book on low-band dxing. and treat the chapter on verticals as gospel.. This much I know--I used an HF2V for 20 years with 6 ground radials and got very familiar with what it could do. I then added 60 radials, and the difference was astonishing. 73 Eric WD6DBM Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Radials for vertical
Doug, I am using a Butternut HF2V vertical on 80 and 40 meters. The HF2V is a base loaded ground mounted antenna. The HF2V is sitting atop 24 radials separated 15 degrees apart from each other. Half of the radials are 66 feet long; the remaining 12 radials are each 32 feet long. I used a sidewalk grass edger and removed the sidewalk guide to cut slots 2 inches deep into the ground. I had a fishtail dandelion cutter that I used to push 1100 feet of #10 copper wire down into the slots. I used a chalk line to guide the edger. It worked like a dream come true. The HF2V is sited on 2 acres in the open with no bends in the radials. The radials are connected to two 8 foot long copper coated ground rods bonded together. They are bonded to the base of the HF2V just above the fiberglass rod insulator. The rods and antenna are bonded together with a short piece of #6 stranded copper wire. The hardest job for me, now nearing 80 years old, was driving in the ground rods. I used a fence post driver until the bottom of its tube touched the ground, and then finished with an 8 pound sledgehammer. I guess pneumatic and even electrical impact drivers are now available for that job. But, I was lucky in that no rocks were in the way of the ground rods driven into fertile central Ohio farmland. The results were amazing. SWR of 1.0:1 at 3585 KHz; SWR 1.2:1 at 7045KHz. Bandwidth on 80 M between 2.0:1 points is 73 KHz; on 40 meters - a bandwidth of 96 KHz. I also have a Cushcraft R8 vertical with no radials except those a part of the antenna. The base of the R8 is 12 feet above ground with a SWR of 1.8:1 at 7045 KHz. It has a bandwidth of 14 KHz between 2.0:1 SWR points. The HF2V puts the R8 to shame. The HF2V has proved to be my long haul antenna to work into JA, UA0, YB, 3W2, E21, FR, FO, etc. from central Ohio. I didn't skimp on wire. I don't know how symmetry of the radials affects performance. My radials are perfectly symmetrical laid out using a rafter framing square and chalk line. I used the center of the tops of ground rods that extend two inches above ground as the focus. Yes, the wire was somewhat pricey, but it paid off for me. The aluminum wire that you have should work just fine placed in the ground in your grassy meadow. I can't comment on 43 foot verticals as I have no experience with them. I found that the more wire in the ground, the better the antenna operation. You will be pleasantly pleased. Good luck with it. 73 John W8UL On 6/29/2014 3:07 PM, Doug Person via Elecraft wrote: Most people would think we're well into Summer. Not here in the High Rockies. Summer here has just begun. Time to mend some fences. Now the point: I just pulled about a mile of #11 soft drawn aluminum wire - mostly in 50' to 100' lengths. Normally its electrified and the cattle won't touch it. But last year the charger died and the cattle just shredded the wire to get into my grassy meadow. So now I have all this aluminum wire that I would hate to throw away. So I'm thinking of making a really good ground plane and putting up a vertical of some kind. I have enough scrap tubing to make about 38' or so. I was thinking of putting a remote tuner at the base of the vertical as the length of coax to reach it will probably be at least 150'. So I'd be interested in comments on how to configure the radials in terms of length and number. I know there's some guys on this reflector that real know a lot about this sort of thing. Thanks 73, Doug -- K0DXV __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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...@insight.rr.com - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2014.0.4592 / Virus Database: 3986/7764 - Release Date: 06/29/14 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Radials for vertical
Hi Doug, The single best source of information on radials that I have found is that published by Rudy, N6LF. Here is a link: http://www.antennasbyn6lf.com/design_of_radial_ground_systems Scroll down the page and check out the seven part article that he published in QEX magazine and the six radial experiments that he conducted. It’s wonderful stuff. 73, Mike K2MK Elecraft mailing list wrote Most people would think we're well into Summer. Not here in the High Rockies. Summer here has just begun. Time to mend some fences. Now the point: I just pulled about a mile of #11 soft drawn aluminum wire - mostly in 50' to 100' lengths. Normally its electrified and the cattle won't touch it. But last year the charger died and the cattle just shredded the wire to get into my grassy meadow. So now I have all this aluminum wire that I would hate to throw away. So I'm thinking of making a really good ground plane and putting up a vertical of some kind. I have enough scrap tubing to make about 38' or so. I was thinking of putting a remote tuner at the base of the vertical as the length of coax to reach it will probably be at least 150'. So I'd be interested in comments on how to configure the radials in terms of length and number. I know there's some guys on this reflector that real know a lot about this sort of thing. Thanks 73, Doug -- K0DXV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Radials-for-vertical-tp7590705p7590725.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
Re: [Elecraft] Radials for vertical
Here is your definitive work on verticals and radials... http://www.antennasbyn6lf.com/ I visited his home a few months ago. He currently has 6, (they look to be 125 to 150 feet tall), verticals up for testing, and 640 work. If you look in the archives on the right of his page, you will find his many articles. -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see; http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info for Dopplergram information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info for MM-SSTV see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Radials for vertical
Wow... Great minds think alike... I just got your email on Rudy... :) -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see; http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info for Dopplergram information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info for MM-SSTV see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info On Mon, 2014-06-30 at 06:17 -0700, Mike K2MK wrote: Hi Doug, The single best source of information on radials that I have found is that published by Rudy, N6LF. Here is a link: http://www.antennasbyn6lf.com/design_of_radial_ground_systems Scroll down the page and check out the seven part article that he published in QEX magazine and the six radial experiments that he conducted. It’s wonderful stuff. 73, Mike K2MK Elecraft mailing list wrote Most people would think we're well into Summer. Not here in the High Rockies. Summer here has just begun. Time to mend some fences. Now the point: I just pulled about a mile of #11 soft drawn aluminum wire - mostly in 50' to 100' lengths. Normally its electrified and the cattle won't touch it. But last year the charger died and the cattle just shredded the wire to get into my grassy meadow. So now I have all this aluminum wire that I would hate to throw away. So I'm thinking of making a really good ground plane and putting up a vertical of some kind. I have enough scrap tubing to make about 38' or so. I was thinking of putting a remote tuner at the base of the vertical as the length of coax to reach it will probably be at least 150'. So I'd be interested in comments on how to configure the radials in terms of length and number. I know there's some guys on this reflector that real know a lot about this sort of thing. Thanks 73, Doug -- K0DXV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Radials-for-vertical-tp7590705p7590725.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 d...@nk7z.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Ouch
I really was thinking of the main power connectors, but brain was sleep deprived after Field Day - However: On the power source to the Bias Tee - of course! If the bias tee was installed backwards in-line with the antenna, I would suggest that some thought be given to the gender of the connectors so it cannot be reversed. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/30/2014 1:36 AM, Michael Eberle wrote: Anderson Power Poles on the antenna jack? On 6/29/2014 11:19 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: 'Closing the barn door after the horse is gone' is not really helpful, but I would advocate the use of Anderson Power Pole connectors with fuses right at the power supply end of the power cord as prevention for the future. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/29/2014 11:23 PM, Mike Lewis wrote: Unfortunately this year in my excitement I carelessly installed the DC block at the radio end BACKWARDS, sending the 13.8v from my 30 switched supply right into the antenna jack. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 w3...@embarqmail.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] P3 problem - was Problem retrieving FW
Thanks to Dick for pointing me to manual FW loading. This worked very well and I now have both my K3 and P3's FW updated. The reason I felt this was necessary: Our Field Day was one typhoon after another with multiple heavy downpours and thunder/lightning. Through multiple shutdowns, our FD team faced this adversity well and we made the best of it - and had fun. We did however sustain some minor damage thought to be due to lightning bursts. Our digital station consists of my K3 / P3 with TXBPF filters, LDG 200 tuner, and an early model MH Microkeyer. The pre-FD checks were perfect. However, just before tee-time, when we turned everything on, we noticed that the computer was not seeing audio and the P3 showed no signal activity even though the radio was fine and signals were multiple. Despite all attempts, we were left with trying a FW update. I took the K3 / P3 home and did this. However, the P3 still does not see signals. I put my signal generator on the K3 at 50 uV and still no signal seen. Taking just the K3 back to the FD site, I hooked things up without the P3, hoping the audio issue would be corrected. No dice. The Microkeyer appears to be damaged as well. The audio was redirected directly from the computer to the radio, bypassing the Microkeyer, and that worked fine. Bottom line is I need to get my P3 fixed and maybe I can get an out-of-production Microkeyer fixed as well. Ideas ? 73, Jamie WB4YDL Sent from my iPad __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Ouch
I did a similar thing with my TS-850. It smoked a lot of relays in the antenna tuner. I had them replaced, but have not powered it up since It was returned. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman K5EWJ Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart On Sunday, June 29, 2014 10:24 PM, Mike Lewis mlewi...@gmail.com wrote: So about 20 minutes prior to starting another successful Field Day with my trusty K3 I powered it up for the first time after connecting everything had just started some tests when my buddy starting yelling that I was letting some of the magic smoke out of the radio. Sure enough, there was smoke coming out of the back of the radio. I dived over and pulled the power. To make a long story short, I was running an S9 31' vertical antenna base tuned with an SG-231 autotuner, with the auto tuner powered over the coax using DC blocks. The exact same config as I ran with last year with wonderful results. Unfortunately this year in my excitement I carelessly installed the DC block at the radio end BACKWARDS, sending the 13.8v from my 30 switched supply right into the antenna jack. After the incident I powered back up with my finger on the off switch to try to assess the level of damage. The radio puts out some power, but the SWR is infinite even into a dummy load. I am not sure of the status of the receiver input chain as I didn't want to put it back onto a real antenna. So I am just wondering before I open it up what kind of damage I might find and what kind of options I might have for repair. Has anyone heard of this sort of a bonehead mistake? Any ideas on what I might have fried? Given this is a mechanical assembly only kit is there any chance any of the parts are going to be user serviceable? I love the radio and I'm hoping it is at least salvageable. Thanks for any insights, Mike/KE0MF __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 wrco...@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
[Elecraft] KX3 one touch message buttons.
I tried the one button messages for FD, not a huge change or time saver but it was very nice to have. Thanks for adding it as an option for those that want to use it (just in time for FD too!!). Mike Sullivan 73 WM0CW .. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Radials for Verticals
Thanks for all the advice guys. The situation requires that the radials be placed at least slightly below the surface. I'm always faced with the fact that my land is surrounded by open range which means that hundreds of head of cattle roam freely. If my new fence charger fails then the cows will break the fence to get to the lush grass and hay storage reserved for my horses. So, in order for the radials to not get tangled in the legs of my 1200lb kids as well as the elk, moose and deer that constantly move through my land, elevated radials would need to something like 20' in the air (moose are really big). Getting them underground enough so a horse with steel horseshoes won't inadvertently dig one up while engaging in typical horse play (horsing around is a phrase with real meaning around here). My soil is about 10-14 of old forest loam (what we call here duff) on top of a rocky layer followed by a substantial layer of clay. An old chainsaw chain on a small saw will cut a groove through it like the proverbial knife through butter. That should make getting it down about 6 a simple task. Soil conductivity changes dramatically depending on the season. Moisture is held in the soil for many days after a rainstorm. But by the dry season in August, its dry as dust. Winter here starts in October and lasts to April during which the ground is frozen solid to several feet. So I guess my biggest concern is that the wire will corrode rapidly as K9HZ has suggested in a direct email. I have numerous lengths of old aluminum lying on the ground at my antenna site. There does not appear to be the slightest bit of visible corrosion. But perhaps being literally under ground as opposed to lying on the ground makes a big difference. So thanks for the reading links and suggestions. I'll have to give this some serious time to study before deciding what to do. I might turn it into a very large loop antenna at about 40 to 50'. Having been attached to plastic insulators on 5' fence posts for the last 10 years, it shows absolutely no corrosion. So I know it can stand up to the weather just fine. 73 and much thanks for the responses. Doug -- K0DXV (Western slope of the Rockies at 8200+ feet) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Radials for Verticals
Why not use a vertical dipole? Gap sells them for single bands, or get a multi-band Gap. The Gap Challenger I have works really well on 40 and 20. I would think a single band vertical dipole would do wonders, and no radials... -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see; http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info for Dopplergram information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info for MM-SSTV see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info On Mon, 2014-06-30 at 10:37 -0600, Doug Person via Elecraft wrote: Thanks for all the advice guys. The situation requires that the radials be placed at least slightly below the surface. I'm always faced with the fact that my land is surrounded by open range which means that hundreds of head of cattle roam freely. If my new fence charger fails then the cows will break the fence to get to the lush grass and hay storage reserved for my horses. So, in order for the radials to not get tangled in the legs of my 1200lb kids as well as the elk, moose and deer that constantly move through my land, elevated radials would need to something like 20' in the air (moose are really big). Getting them underground enough so a horse with steel horseshoes won't inadvertently dig one up while engaging in typical horse play (horsing around is a phrase with real meaning around here). My soil is about 10-14 of old forest loam (what we call here duff) on top of a rocky layer followed by a substantial layer of clay. An old chainsaw chain on a small saw will cut a groove through it like the proverbial knife through butter. That should make getting it down about 6 a simple task. Soil conductivity changes dramatically depending on the season. Moisture is held in the soil for many days after a rainstorm. But by the dry season in August, its dry as dust. Winter here starts in October and lasts to April during which the ground is frozen solid to several feet. So I guess my biggest concern is that the wire will corrode rapidly as K9HZ has suggested in a direct email. I have numerous lengths of old aluminum lying on the ground at my antenna site. There does not appear to be the slightest bit of visible corrosion. But perhaps being literally under ground as opposed to lying on the ground makes a big difference. So thanks for the reading links and suggestions. I'll have to give this some serious time to study before deciding what to do. I might turn it into a very large loop antenna at about 40 to 50'. Having been attached to plastic insulators on 5' fence posts for the last 10 years, it shows absolutely no corrosion. So I know it can stand up to the weather just fine. 73 and much thanks for the responses. Doug -- K0DXV (Western slope of the Rockies at 8200+ feet) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 d...@nk7z.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Radials for Verticals
On 6/30/2014 9:37 AM, Doug Person via Elecraft wrote: Getting them underground enough so a horse with steel horseshoes won't inadvertently dig one up while engaging in typical horse play (horsing around is a phrase with real meaning around here). We refer to that as a fruitcake attack. Never know what provokes it but something gets into their heads. I've come to the conclusion that there's quite a bit of extra room in their heads. :-)) So I guess my biggest concern is that the wire will corrode rapidly as K9HZ has suggested in a direct email. I have numerous lengths of old aluminum lying on the ground at my antenna site. There does not appear to be the slightest bit of visible corrosion. But perhaps being literally under ground as opposed to lying on the ground makes a big difference. I think that will depend on the pH of your soil. I had some buried #12 Al wire that traversed a flower bed with a couple of Camellias which like acidic soil. The wire corroded badly in the bed from the fertilizer but the rest was as good as when I buried it when I finally pulled it up. I might turn it into a very large loop antenna at about 40 to 50'. My guess is that you'll be happier with the loop than a non-resonant vertical. Loops are usually quieter than verticals too, although that may not be a problem for you. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 one touch message buttons.
I am using KX3 with computer logger called TR4W. I have put couple of macros into F1 and F2 an these activate two SSB messages. Works pretty well and I do not use no buttons on the radio at all. Logger also does band changes, PTT and CW through just one USB port. 73, Igor UA9CDC - Original Message - From: Sullivan, Mike C mike.c.sulli...@lmco.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, June 30, 2014 10:28 PM Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 one touch message buttons. I tried the one button messages for FD, not a huge change or time saver but it was very nice to have. Thanks for adding it as an option for those that want to use it (just in time for FD too!!). Mike Sullivan 73 WM0CW .. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 ua9...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 one touch message buttons.
On 6/30/2014 10:49 AM, Igor Sokolov wrote: I am using KX3 with computer logger called TR4W. I have put couple of macros into F1 and F2 an these activate two SSB messages. Works pretty well and I do not use no buttons on the radio at all. Logger also does band changes, PTT and CW through just one USB port. Another excellent way to do messages for contests is to feed the mic input with the output of your computer sound card and use your contest logger to play the messages. I made up a cable with a 15dB attenuator to make that connection (two resistors inside the connector shells). I do some QRP CW contesting (560 Qs over the weekend single-op, SO2R at home). I did that with a pair of K3s and the YCCC SO2R box. To contest with my KX3, I use a K1EL Winkey USB that is controlled by my Contest Logger (I use N1MM, but most contest loggers support WinKey). All it takes is an RCA to 1/8-in cable, with the keying line wired to tip and sleeve. I plug my paddle into the WinKey to send fills. I'm pleased to see one-touch message buttons, but I'll use them for casual DXing, not for contests. Like Igor, I want a contest logger to keep the log for me, check for dupes, etc. 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
[Elecraft] K3 50MHz tx distortion
My SSB signal on 50 MHz is excessively wide and causing problems for other users therefore I am seeking any assistance in curing the problem. Adjusting the mic gain or the comp level has no effect on signal width. The power supply voltage is stable and only varies by 100mV from standby to full output. Examining the signal using the internal 2 tone test revealed severe IMD at full output but dramatically cleaned up when the power was reduced to 50W ( -3dB from peak). I would appreciate any guidance on where to look next or if anyone has experience of this what effected a cure. 73 Peter G3SMT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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/P3 tuning oddities
Saturday and Sunday my K3 and P3 did a couple odd things. First at around 14.268KHz as I tuned the P3 waterfall started shifting as I tuned. I have the P3 setup to be fix track? Where the green column moves rather the the whole display. When it got to 14.268 it acted like it switched modes but it was constantly shifting right as I tuned. I couldn't catch up to area if activity. If I went high or low enough below this frequency everything went back to normal. Tried power off/power on no change. I'll try and see if it does it tonight. The second thing that happened was on 40m I picked up a QSO and the P3 and K3 showed I was tuning up and down but that station would not go away. So I don't think the K3 was actually changing frequency. I tried switching to VFO B, same station. I don't have a sub receiver. Powering off and on seemed to fix it. There was a third anomaly that looked like a 15KHz wide signal on the P3 but I couldn't tune to it. It may be related to problem 1 above. Of note: the problem existed before and after I updated to latest firmware. Yes I updated my firmware in the middle of fieldday. Operating 1D so no other transmitters in immediate area. 73 AC2EV - Don __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Possible phase noise question...
Hi, I have a friend who lives about 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile from me. He is running a 706 MK2G, at around 10 watts. In the past, while using a Pro III, when he came on, I was able to copy and see signals using JT65, and work stations right next to him. After getting the K3, I believe I was able to do this as well, or better... Suddenly his signal is sprayed across the entire audio spectrum to the point, I can't even tell what frequency he is on... I get a solid white block using WSJTx. He and I enlisted a third friend, to insure it was not just me that is seeing him as very wide. The third friend lives about 4 to 5 miles from both of us, and is line of site to my friend with teh 706 MK2G. When the 706 MK2G lets loose, I see the spray, but my friend does not... He sees a nice tight signal. It looks and sounds like phase noise... However... If he just does a Key down for CW at 50 watts, I can copy stations right next to him... It is as if his sound card, (Signal Link with internal sound card), is adding a low level hiss to the audio, I see it due to proximity, and my friend does not again, because he is much further away... This has started suddenly, and the owner of the 706 can not pin a change to it... We swapped in a different 706MK2G, and the same problem still happens... Has anyone heard of this happening with a SignalLink sound card before? -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see; http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info for Dopplergram information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info for MM-SSTV see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Possible phase noise question...
No. Can you swap to a different Signalink USB? Phil W7OX On 6/30/14, 12:45 PM, David Cole wrote: Hi, I have a friend who lives about 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile from me. He is running a 706 MK2G, at around 10 watts. In the past, while using a Pro III, when he came on, I was able to copy and see signals using JT65, and work stations right next to him. After getting the K3, I believe I was able to do this as well, or better... Suddenly his signal is sprayed across the entire audio spectrum to the point, I can't even tell what frequency he is on... I get a solid white block using WSJTx. He and I enlisted a third friend, to insure it was not just me that is seeing him as very wide. The third friend lives about 4 to 5 miles from both of us, and is line of site to my friend with teh 706 MK2G. When the 706 MK2G lets loose, I see the spray, but my friend does not... He sees a nice tight signal. It looks and sounds like phase noise... However... If he just does a Key down for CW at 50 watts, I can copy stations right next to him... It is as if his sound card, (Signal Link with internal sound card), is adding a low level hiss to the audio, I see it due to proximity, and my friend does not again, because he is much further away... This has started suddenly, and the owner of the 706 can not pin a change to it... We swapped in a different 706MK2G, and the same problem still happens... Has anyone heard of this happening with a SignalLink sound card before? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] KX3 FAST-PLAY field-test firmware now available (rev. 2.11)
Hi to the group. I updated my KX3 to this FAST-PLAY firmware just hours before field day started. I made 118 QRP battery contacts using the Fast-Play feature and had no troubles with the download or the firmware. I was able to leave most of the cables between my computer and the KX3 disconnected. I did use the KX3 to USB interface so the N3FJP software could log my frequency for each contact. I found by using FAST-PLAY on the KX3 that I did not have to touch the mouse as N3FJP just kept doing what I wanted and the KX3 was handy beside the computer. A touch of 2 buttons completed most contacts. The built in paddle was used about twice during the entire contest. Once again thanks Wayne as I considered this a wonderful improvement to the firmware. Sent from my iPad On Jun 27, 2014, at 2:05 PM, Wayne Burdick n...@elecraft.com wrote: Several KX3 users have now tested the new fast-play feature (see operating details below), so we're making the firmware available for those who don't mind working with a field-test release. It'll be a great feature for Field Day, but you'll want to get it downloaded and tested before hand. The rev. 2.11 firmware can be found on this page: ftp://ftp.elecraft.com/KX3/firmware/beta/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Possible phase noise question...
I might be able too... I have a 4th friend with one! :) -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see; http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info for Dopplergram information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info for MM-SSTV see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info On Mon, 2014-06-30 at 13:39 -0700, Phil Wheeler wrote: No. Can you swap to a different Signalink USB? Phil W7OX On 6/30/14, 12:45 PM, David Cole wrote: Hi, I have a friend who lives about 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile from me. He is running a 706 MK2G, at around 10 watts. In the past, while using a Pro III, when he came on, I was able to copy and see signals using JT65, and work stations right next to him. After getting the K3, I believe I was able to do this as well, or better... Suddenly his signal is sprayed across the entire audio spectrum to the point, I can't even tell what frequency he is on... I get a solid white block using WSJTx. He and I enlisted a third friend, to insure it was not just me that is seeing him as very wide. The third friend lives about 4 to 5 miles from both of us, and is line of site to my friend with teh 706 MK2G. When the 706 MK2G lets loose, I see the spray, but my friend does not... He sees a nice tight signal. It looks and sounds like phase noise... However... If he just does a Key down for CW at 50 watts, I can copy stations right next to him... It is as if his sound card, (Signal Link with internal sound card), is adding a low level hiss to the audio, I see it due to proximity, and my friend does not again, because he is much further away... This has started suddenly, and the owner of the 706 can not pin a change to it... We swapped in a different 706MK2G, and the same problem still happens... Has anyone heard of this happening with a SignalLink sound card before? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 d...@nk7z.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Radials for Verticals
The soil property that relates to electrical conductivity is cation exchange capacity or CEC. A web app that can help you estimate conductivity is Web Soil Survey located at http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm After finding your location, navigate to chemical properties and look for conductivity. Bill AF4B On Monday, June 30, 2014 11:52 AM, Fred Jensen k6...@foothill.net wrote: On 6/30/2014 9:37 AM, Doug Person via Elecraft wrote: Getting them underground enough so a horse with steel horseshoes won't inadvertently dig one up while engaging in typical horse play (horsing around is a phrase with real meaning around here). We refer to that as a fruitcake attack. Never know what provokes it but something gets into their heads. I've come to the conclusion that there's quite a bit of extra room in their heads. :-)) So I guess my biggest concern is that the wire will corrode rapidly as K9HZ has suggested in a direct email. I have numerous lengths of old aluminum lying on the ground at my antenna site. There does not appear to be the slightest bit of visible corrosion. But perhaps being literally under ground as opposed to lying on the ground makes a big difference. I think that will depend on the pH of your soil. I had some buried #12 Al wire that traversed a flower bed with a couple of Camellias which like acidic soil. The wire corroded badly in the bed from the fertilizer but the rest was as good as when I buried it when I finally pulled it up. I might turn it into a very large loop antenna at about 40 to 50'. My guess is that you'll be happier with the loop than a non-resonant vertical. Loops are usually quieter than verticals too, although that may not be a problem for you. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - 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 Message delivered to a...@att.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Possible phase noise question...
Has anyone heard of this happening with a SignalLink sound card before? Yes. Did your friend change computers, connect Signalink to a different port, add (or remove) an externally powered hub? Signalink has documented design issues - it lacks the V/2 regulator for the codec as recommended by the chip vendor, has a severe lack of bypasses on the 5V bus, insufficient filtering on the USB power (which becomes the 5V bus) and no regulation. If the computer's USB power becomes noisy/unstable, that noise is imposed directly on the audio output of the codec *and* is further modulated on the audio via bias to the op-amp audio stages. See documentation of the defects (and modifications to fix some of the shortcomings - including schematics) here: http://www.frenning.dk/OZ1PIF_HOMEPAGE/SignaLinkUSB-mods.html If one wants a higher performance interface at a lower cost that will do everything that a Signalink will do and is willing to melt a little solder see: http://www.g4ilo.com/usblink.html 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-06-30 3:45 PM, David Cole wrote: Hi, I have a friend who lives about 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile from me. He is running a 706 MK2G, at around 10 watts. In the past, while using a Pro III, when he came on, I was able to copy and see signals using JT65, and work stations right next to him. After getting the K3, I believe I was able to do this as well, or better... Suddenly his signal is sprayed across the entire audio spectrum to the point, I can't even tell what frequency he is on... I get a solid white block using WSJTx. He and I enlisted a third friend, to insure it was not just me that is seeing him as very wide. The third friend lives about 4 to 5 miles from both of us, and is line of site to my friend with teh 706 MK2G. When the 706 MK2G lets loose, I see the spray, but my friend does not... He sees a nice tight signal. It looks and sounds like phase noise... However... If he just does a Key down for CW at 50 watts, I can copy stations right next to him... It is as if his sound card, (Signal Link with internal sound card), is adding a low level hiss to the audio, I see it due to proximity, and my friend does not again, because he is much further away... This has started suddenly, and the owner of the 706 can not pin a change to it... We swapped in a different 706MK2G, and the same problem still happens... Has anyone heard of this happening with a SignalLink sound card before? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Possible phase noise question...
Joe, Thank you so very much, yes he did change computers... :) Also, the additional information will help in solving this... I'll pass all of this on to him! Joe, you are a bottomless pit of handy things to know, thank you again! -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see; http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info for Dopplergram information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info for MM-SSTV see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info On Mon, 2014-06-30 at 19:04 -0400, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: Has anyone heard of this happening with a SignalLink sound card before? Yes. Did your friend change computers, connect Signalink to a different port, add (or remove) an externally powered hub? Signalink has documented design issues - it lacks the V/2 regulator for the codec as recommended by the chip vendor, has a severe lack of bypasses on the 5V bus, insufficient filtering on the USB power (which becomes the 5V bus) and no regulation. If the computer's USB power becomes noisy/unstable, that noise is imposed directly on the audio output of the codec *and* is further modulated on the audio via bias to the op-amp audio stages. See documentation of the defects (and modifications to fix some of the shortcomings - including schematics) here: http://www.frenning.dk/OZ1PIF_HOMEPAGE/SignaLinkUSB-mods.html If one wants a higher performance interface at a lower cost that will do everything that a Signalink will do and is willing to melt a little solder see: http://www.g4ilo.com/usblink.html 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-06-30 3:45 PM, David Cole wrote: Hi, I have a friend who lives about 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile from me. He is running a 706 MK2G, at around 10 watts. In the past, while using a Pro III, when he came on, I was able to copy and see signals using JT65, and work stations right next to him. After getting the K3, I believe I was able to do this as well, or better... Suddenly his signal is sprayed across the entire audio spectrum to the point, I can't even tell what frequency he is on... I get a solid white block using WSJTx. He and I enlisted a third friend, to insure it was not just me that is seeing him as very wide. The third friend lives about 4 to 5 miles from both of us, and is line of site to my friend with teh 706 MK2G. When the 706 MK2G lets loose, I see the spray, but my friend does not... He sees a nice tight signal. It looks and sounds like phase noise... However... If he just does a Key down for CW at 50 watts, I can copy stations right next to him... It is as if his sound card, (Signal Link with internal sound card), is adding a low level hiss to the audio, I see it due to proximity, and my friend does not again, because he is much further away... This has started suddenly, and the owner of the 706 can not pin a change to it... We swapped in a different 706MK2G, and the same problem still happens... Has anyone heard of this happening with a SignalLink sound card before? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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/P3 tuning oddities
Don, ... as I tuned the P3 waterfall started shifting as I tuned. I have the P3 setup to be fix track Check the FixMode menu selection. It sounds like it might be set to Slide. Alan N1AL On 06/30/2014 11:40 AM, ac2ev wrote: Saturday and Sunday my K3 and P3 did a couple odd things. First at around 14.268KHz as I tuned the P3 waterfall started shifting as I tuned. I have the P3 setup to be fix track? Where the green column moves rather the the whole display. When it got to 14.268 it acted like it switched modes but it was constantly shifting right as I tuned. I couldn't catch up to area if activity. If I went high or low enough below this frequency everything went back to normal. Tried power off/power on no change. I'll try and see if it does it tonight. The second thing that happened was on 40m I picked up a QSO and the P3 and K3 showed I was tuning up and down but that station would not go away. So I don't think the K3 was actually changing frequency. I tried switching to VFO B, same station. I don't have a sub receiver. Powering off and on seemed to fix it. There was a third anomaly that looked like a 15KHz wide signal on the P3 but I couldn't tune to it. It may be related to problem 1 above. Of note: the problem existed before and after I updated to latest firmware. Yes I updated my firmware in the middle of fieldday. Operating 1D so no other transmitters in immediate area. 73 AC2EV - Don __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 n...@sonic.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Logging software advice
For logging, I have been running Logic 9 on an HP Windows 7 laptop. A few days ago the four year old laptop died (hard disk failure). I was using an Elecraft RS232 to USB adapter cable for the computer to K3 link. So, I am looking for a new setup for the K3 (and maybe KX3 too). I have run out of interest in Windows PCs and have been converting to Apple devices over the last year and a half. I’d like to use an iPAD for the logging and perhaps rig control computer. I have downloaded both RumLog and HamLog to play with. I used HamLog’s Field Day log this past weekend and liked it. My questions are around the computer/rig interface. Is there any reasonable way to use the RS232/USB cable with the iPad? It looks like both RumLog and HamLog work with the Pignology Piglet to network between the computer and rig. Reading the Piglet manual shows a way to use a Piglet generated network to talk to the rig. Can this setup also connect simultaneously to my home WiFi for other internet based functions? Is there any other issue that I should be concerned about with this setup? Thanks in advance, 73, Phil, NS7P __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 50MHz tx distortion
Perhaps you accidentally turned on ESSB? Tap the Config menu, and find TX ESSB. It should be set at 'OFF 3.0'. Pressing '1' turns it on and off. Keith KB9WMJ - Original Message - From: Peter Torry peter.to...@talktalk.net To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, June 30, 2014 1:21 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 50MHz tx distortion My SSB signal on 50 MHz is excessively wide and causing problems for other users therefore I am seeking any assistance in curing the problem. Adjusting the mic gain or the comp level has no effect on signal width. The power supply voltage is stable and only varies by 100mV from standby to full output. Examining the signal using the internal 2 tone test revealed severe IMD at full output but dramatically cleaned up when the power was reduced to 50W ( -3dB from peak). I would appreciate any guidance on where to look next or if anyone has experience of this what effected a cure. 73 Peter G3SMT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Possible phase noise question...
If fact, the circuitry for that very nice homebrew solution is for VOX. If you have a modern radio like the K2/KX3/K3, it most probably has a VOX circuit already built in, so the melting solder part reduces to simply putting the right connectors on the end of some cables. 73, Matt VK2RQ On 1 Jul 2014, at 9:04 am, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote: Has anyone heard of this happening with a SignalLink sound card before? Yes. Did your friend change computers, connect Signalink to a different port, add (or remove) an externally powered hub? Signalink has documented design issues - it lacks the V/2 regulator for the codec as recommended by the chip vendor, has a severe lack of bypasses on the 5V bus, insufficient filtering on the USB power (which becomes the 5V bus) and no regulation. If the computer's USB power becomes noisy/unstable, that noise is imposed directly on the audio output of the codec *and* is further modulated on the audio via bias to the op-amp audio stages. See documentation of the defects (and modifications to fix some of the shortcomings - including schematics) here: http://www.frenning.dk/OZ1PIF_HOMEPAGE/SignaLinkUSB-mods.html If one wants a higher performance interface at a lower cost that will do everything that a Signalink will do and is willing to melt a little solder see: http://www.g4ilo.com/usblink.html 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-06-30 3:45 PM, David Cole wrote: Hi, I have a friend who lives about 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile from me. He is running a 706 MK2G, at around 10 watts. In the past, while using a Pro III, when he came on, I was able to copy and see signals using JT65, and work stations right next to him. After getting the K3, I believe I was able to do this as well, or better... Suddenly his signal is sprayed across the entire audio spectrum to the point, I can't even tell what frequency he is on... I get a solid white block using WSJTx. He and I enlisted a third friend, to insure it was not just me that is seeing him as very wide. The third friend lives about 4 to 5 miles from both of us, and is line of site to my friend with teh 706 MK2G. When the 706 MK2G lets loose, I see the spray, but my friend does not... He sees a nice tight signal. It looks and sounds like phase noise... However... If he just does a Key down for CW at 50 watts, I can copy stations right next to him... It is as if his sound card, (Signal Link with internal sound card), is adding a low level hiss to the audio, I see it due to proximity, and my friend does not again, because he is much further away... This has started suddenly, and the owner of the 706 can not pin a change to it... We swapped in a different 706MK2G, and the same problem still happens... Has anyone heard of this happening with a SignalLink sound card before? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 matt.vk...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Ouch - An Update
So brought the K3 in to work this morning to our lab area where we have static benches, blowers, wrist straps etc. and opened it up. Sure enough, the T4 transformer was pretty crispy looking. My boss who is also an avid ham (dream job setup :) ) then sprang into action. He removed the transformer, counted the turns, removed the old wire, found some new magnet wire of the proper gauge, rewound the toroid, and replaced both it and the straight through portion (which had gotten pretty hot from the proximity to the core.) Prior to stripping the burned turns off of T4 we looked at it under a microscope and saw that the windings had burned open in one place, effectively acting as a fuse of sorts. There didn't seem tpo be any other parts, connectors, or board traces that looked to have been stressed. I brought the radio home and hooked it up to a dummy load and a reasonably accurate external wattmeter. It seems to be fine, both on receive and transmit. I was hoping there was a built in SWR bridge cal procedure, but I didn't see anything like that in the manual. The SWR values reported though seem to match the LP-100A I am using externally pretty closely. I did try to follow the Wattmeter calibration and ran into some confusion on the procedure as written in the manual. I think I was able to puzzle it all out except for one item - how do you change the config menu item from CONFIG:WTMR LP to CONFIG:WTMR HP? It doesn't seem to change just by having the tune power changed to 50 watts, so I am at a loss on how to change it. So perhaps my K3 is now alright again, although I would appreciate any other comments on other things to check or calibrate. And thanks to all on the list who helped me out. After this the next project is to fuse the DC supply cables to my DC blocks with some rationally small value of fast blow fuse :) de Mike/KE0MF __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Ouch - An Update
On Mon, Jun 30, 2014 at 9:40 PM, Mike Lewis mlewi...@gmail.com wrote: My boss... then sprang into action. He removed the transformer, counted the turns, removed the old wire, found some new magnet wire. == Mike, you have the right job, or at least the right boss! 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] Ouch - An Update
I'd suggest to replace the toroid core, as the high temperatures to which it was subjected may have altered the characteristics of the material. 73, Matt VK2RQ On 1 Jul 2014, at 12:40 pm, Mike Lewis mlewi...@gmail.com wrote: So brought the K3 in to work this morning to our lab area where we have static benches, blowers, wrist straps etc. and opened it up. Sure enough, the T4 transformer was pretty crispy looking. My boss who is also an avid ham (dream job setup :) ) then sprang into action. He removed the transformer, counted the turns, removed the old wire, found some new magnet wire of the proper gauge, rewound the toroid, and replaced both it and the straight through portion (which had gotten pretty hot from the proximity to the core.) Prior to stripping the burned turns off of T4 we looked at it under a microscope and saw that the windings had burned open in one place, effectively acting as a fuse of sorts. There didn't seem tpo be any other parts, connectors, or board traces that looked to have been stressed. I brought the radio home and hooked it up to a dummy load and a reasonably accurate external wattmeter. It seems to be fine, both on receive and transmit. I was hoping there was a built in SWR bridge cal procedure, but I didn't see anything like that in the manual. The SWR values reported though seem to match the LP-100A I am using externally pretty closely. I did try to follow the Wattmeter calibration and ran into some confusion on the procedure as written in the manual. I think I was able to puzzle it all out except for one item - how do you change the config menu item from CONFIG:WTMR LP to CONFIG:WTMR HP? It doesn't seem to change just by having the tune power changed to 50 watts, so I am at a loss on how to change it. So perhaps my K3 is now alright again, although I would appreciate any other comments on other things to check or calibrate. And thanks to all on the list who helped me out. After this the next project is to fuse the DC supply cables to my DC blocks with some rationally small value of fast blow fuse :) de Mike/KE0MF __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 matt.vk...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Radials for Verticals
Well, the point was having all this aluminum wire that I didn't want to throw away. A vertical dipole is very much on the agenda for things to try this Summer. In this case, I am experimenting: how well does a 38' vertical fed with a remote tuner work with 30 to 40 radials buried 3 inches beneath the top soil? The radiator is already put together from scrapes of mill tubing - not exactly a work of art - but effective none the less. I have a Hy-Gain AV-620 mounted at a high point in the meadow elevated to about 6'. I wouldn't consider it a remarkable performer. But it has fine SWR bandwidth on all bands 20 through 6 and is very capable of making plenty of Qs. I did have a GAP Titan when I lived in suburban Charlotte, NC many years ago, hidden in the trees and painted flat black. It was completely invisible even to my next door neighbors. I would define it as a versatile antenna giving reasonable, usable performance on 80 through 10. If you have a little copse of trees any of these no-radial wonders can get you on the air. Flat black paint does an amazing job of making them disappear - especially in pine trees. I guess its possible the aluminum wire may not last long in the ground. Another aspect of the experiment. 73, Doug -- K0DXV On 6/30/2014 10:40 AM, David Cole wrote: Why not use a vertical dipole? Gap sells them for single bands, or get a multi-band Gap. The Gap Challenger I have works really well on 40 and 20. I would think a single band vertical dipole would do wonders, and no radials... __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Ouch - An Update
On 6/30/2014 7:56 PM, Matt VK2RQ wrote: I'd suggest to replace the toroid core, as the high temperatures to which it was subjected may have altered the characteristics of the material. Ferrite materials have to get pretty hot for that to happen. My guess is that the thermal mass might be large enough that the wire fried before that point. It might be worth asking Elecraft, but I'd take the approach that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. :) 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] Radials for Verticals
Hi Fred, Horses, especially my mare (16.2), have huge heads and tiny brains. I am always confounded by what she chooses to define as scary. It is the gelding, however, that appears to be in charge of play time. They are often a riot to watch when they seem to get a grass high on the sweet, rich meadow grass. I have so much wire that a set of radials AND a large loop are very possible. It's just a matter of what time I feel like spending on them. Just finding out how aluminum works as radiator in a wire antenna will be interesting. I don't have any idea what the pH is like in the loamy, old forest floor of the meadow. Never been touched by fertilizer of any kind. So we'll have to see whether the aluminum turns to powder or not. 73, Doug -- K0DXV On 6/30/2014 10:52 AM, Fred Jensen wrote: On 6/30/2014 9:37 AM, Doug Person via Elecraft wrote: Getting them underground enough so a horse with steel horseshoes won't inadvertently dig one up while engaging in typical horse play (horsing around is a phrase with real meaning around here). We refer to that as a fruitcake attack. Never know what provokes it but something gets into their heads. I've come to the conclusion that there's quite a bit of extra room in their heads. :-)) So I guess my biggest concern is that the wire will corrode rapidly as K9HZ has suggested in a direct email. I have numerous lengths of old aluminum lying on the ground at my antenna site. There does not appear to be the slightest bit of visible corrosion. But perhaps being literally under ground as opposed to lying on the ground makes a big difference. I think that will depend on the pH of your soil. I had some buried #12 Al wire that traversed a flower bed with a couple of Camellias which like acidic soil. The wire corroded badly in the bed from the fertilizer but the rest was as good as when I buried it when I finally pulled it up. I might turn it into a very large loop antenna at about 40 to 50'. My guess is that you'll be happier with the loop than a non-resonant vertical. Loops are usually quieter than verticals too, although that may not be a problem for you. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - 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 Message delivered to k0...@aol.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] Ouch - An Update
Congrats Mike, Bob, N6CM On Mon, Jun 30, 2014 at 8:55 PM, Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com wrote: On 6/30/2014 7:56 PM, Matt VK2RQ wrote: I'd suggest to replace the toroid core, as the high temperatures to which it was subjected may have altered the characteristics of the material. Ferrite materials have to get pretty hot for that to happen. My guess is that the thermal mass might be large enough that the wire fried before that point. It might be worth asking Elecraft, but I'd take the approach that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. :) 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 rfri...@usa.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Radials for Verticals
On 6/30/2014 8:49 PM, Doug Person via Elecraft wrote: A vertical dipole is very much on the agenda for things to try this Summer. As others have noted, N6LF's website is a goldmine for understanding radials, the performance of verticals, and other antenna issues. The ON4UN book is also worthwhile. You might also want to study some of the antenna planning presentations on my website. k9yc.com/publish.htm In addition to the obvious ones on vertical antenna height and a comparison of vertical and horizontal antennas at various heights, and with various ground quality, there's also one about getting on 160M from a relatively small lot, which is mostly about radial and counterpoise systems. 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] Ouch - An Update
On Mon, 30 Jun 2014 20:40:45 -0600, Mike Lewis wrote: He removed the transformer, counted the turns, removed the old wire, found some new magnet wire of the proper gauge, rewound the toroid, and replaced both it and the straight through portion (which had gotten pretty hot from the proximity to the core.) From experience, I can tell you that it is likely that the toroid was ruined by the heat. Once you heat it, the value changes, permanently, even if you replace the wire. I cooked a few in antenna tuners back in the 80s, before I learned the cause. I'd recommend you order a replacement (probably not expensive) and replace it at your earliest convenience. Also check with Elecraft about what other parts you should check. Be sure to tell them what happened, so they can accurately estimate what issues you could have caused. Gary - AG0N __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Possible phase noise question...
Here is a bit more info on the issue... If my friend moves his frequency just out of the radio passband, as shown on the P3, the problem go away... The base noise level drops back down to normal... Only when his signal is within the passband as shown on the P3 does the base noise level rise... I also narrowed the filter down to eliminate his signal, and as soon as his signal movers out of the pass band, the problem ends... Is it just that the K3 is not dealing with his signal levels? This happens when he is running 5 Watts, and he is 1/2 mile from me... -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see; http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info for Dopplergram information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info for MM-SSTV see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info On Mon, 2014-06-30 at 13:39 -0700, Phil Wheeler wrote: No. Can you swap to a different Signalink USB? Phil W7OX On 6/30/14, 12:45 PM, David Cole wrote: Hi, I have a friend who lives about 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile from me. He is running a 706 MK2G, at around 10 watts. In the past, while using a Pro III, when he came on, I was able to copy and see signals using JT65, and work stations right next to him. After getting the K3, I believe I was able to do this as well, or better... Suddenly his signal is sprayed across the entire audio spectrum to the point, I can't even tell what frequency he is on... I get a solid white block using WSJTx. He and I enlisted a third friend, to insure it was not just me that is seeing him as very wide. The third friend lives about 4 to 5 miles from both of us, and is line of site to my friend with teh 706 MK2G. When the 706 MK2G lets loose, I see the spray, but my friend does not... He sees a nice tight signal. It looks and sounds like phase noise... However... If he just does a Key down for CW at 50 watts, I can copy stations right next to him... It is as if his sound card, (Signal Link with internal sound card), is adding a low level hiss to the audio, I see it due to proximity, and my friend does not again, because he is much further away... This has started suddenly, and the owner of the 706 can not pin a change to it... We swapped in a different 706MK2G, and the same problem still happens... Has anyone heard of this happening with a SignalLink sound card before? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 d...@nk7z.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Logging software advice
Hi Phil, The Piglet creates a wireless network out of the box. It is possible to reconfigure the Piglet to join a home wireless network or a hotspot network created by a mobile device. When using it with iOS it's also possible to reconfigure the Piglet to create an ad-hoc wireless network allowing for simultaneous Wi-Fi and 3G/4G connectivity for rig control and callsign lookups. This reconfiguration can be done with a null modem adapter or cable. 73, Nick N3WG On Mon, Jun 30, 2014 at 5:21 PM, Phil Shepard ph...@riousa.com wrote: For logging, I have been running Logic 9 on an HP Windows 7 laptop. A few days ago the four year old laptop died (hard disk failure). I was using an Elecraft RS232 to USB adapter cable for the computer to K3 link. So, I am looking for a new setup for the K3 (and maybe KX3 too). I have run out of interest in Windows PCs and have been converting to Apple devices over the last year and a half. I’d like to use an iPAD for the logging and perhaps rig control computer. I have downloaded both RumLog and HamLog to play with. I used HamLog’s Field Day log this past weekend and liked it. My questions are around the computer/rig interface. Is there any reasonable way to use the RS232/USB cable with the iPad? It looks like both RumLog and HamLog work with the Pignology Piglet to network between the computer and rig. Reading the Piglet manual shows a way to use a Piglet generated network to talk to the rig. Can this setup also connect simultaneously to my home WiFi for other internet based functions? Is there any other issue that I should be concerned about with this setup? Thanks in advance, 73, Phil, NS7P __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to nwgar...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
