Re: [Elecraft] KX3 on SSB Mobile
Hi Ted, I'm using the KX3 in a mobile - CW and SSB. For CW, I think QRP is working FB. For SSB, I would recommend the KXPA100. I've worked SSB using 5-10W, but it's difficult and can be frustrating, at least with the small car I have. My XYL and I drove all over the upper mid-western US last month, using the KX3 in a Honda Civic. The antenna on the car is a Hustler 22" base mast, and I switched resonators around as needed (mostly 20m). Worked about 150 stations on SSB and about 30 on CW (stationary mobile). Had a lot of fun working W1AW centennial stations, etc. Even broke a few pileups, one to the UK while in Flagstaff, AZ. using 40W. Timing is everything. :) Grounding is very important in a mobile. In a mobile setting you're at a disadvantage anyway, but solid chassis grounding makes this a lot less worse. I don't know if you're in an RV or a Volkswagen. In this case, size can matter And the installation details may vary according to the type of vehicle. See this page for more information about using the KX3 in a mobile: http://www.elecraft.com/K2_Manual_Download_Page.htm#KX3 (fifth line item down, including K0BG's web site). I wrote the first guide listed, but K0BG has more experience in general mobile ops and installations. I had a real blast working stations while mobile. It is still a Great Memory(tm) for me. For SSB, I use ALC metering to indicate optimal mic audio drive, as described in the KX3 manual. You're pretty safe adding a few clicks of compression - say 10 to 15 if using the MH3 mic. Setting TX EQ up helps boost useful talk power as well, and there are many articles on how to do that with the MH3 or any other mic or headset / mic. Note that I am an Elecraft employee, but I will tell you that the manual I wrote was written before that time. 73! matt W6NIA On Fri, 31 Oct 2014 03:26:36 +, you wrote: >After a half-century of CW only I am about, at last, to try SSB. The rig is a >KX3 operating from my car, into a Hustler mast with 15 and 20 meter >resonators. For the moment the power supply is the car's cigar lighter; and >the headset is Elecraft's standard-issue Heil, which I own but have never >used. So, I am looking for suggestions and advice. > >One specific question: I do not have a 'scope or any other equipment with >which to look at the transmitted waveform. I expect to do some practical >experimentation; but are there good starting points for the mic and audio >settings, and whatever else, in order to get the most effective and cleanest >signal? > >Another: Is SSB mobile on HF with 5 or 10 watts going to be practical, or >will it just be frustrating? The plan - now that my life affords the time for >it - is to put some rare counties in CO, NM, AZ and WY on the air. > >Suggestions, ideas, comments, imperatives, opinions - all are most welcome. > >Tnx, > >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 mzil...@roadrunner.com Matt Zilmer, W6NIA -- "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." -A. Lincoln __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 cw settings
Question about k3 cw settings. When I narrow the bandwidth down and narrower filters kick in, I find the audio to be squeezed and difficult to hear cw signals, where as wider bandwidth makes it easier to hear but too many signals in the band pass, especially duringn contests like the upcoming sweepstakes. Are there specific settings that you might suggest for better clarity on the k3 either on the k3 itself or via the utility? Thanks, Barry k6st -- 73, Barry K6ST https://twitter.com/barrybettman http://www.linkedin.com/in/barrybettman __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] diagram needed
I unhooked my complete Elecraft K-Line and moved it. Now I can not find any diagram to help me set it back up. Must be getting old I cant remember how I took it apart. Does anyone have a diagram of what hooks up to what connector on the k3 kpa500 kat500 and p3? Thanks My email address is kc6...@gmail.com Thank you Gerald - KC6CNN - Gerald K2 # 5486 K3 # 6254 KX3 # 757 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/diagram-needed-tp7594312.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] KX3 on SSB Mobile
Like any great station, most of the budget should go into the antenna. The Hustler will load and it might even radiate, but the resonators have low Q and are not very efficient. I just gave mine away last week, I now use a Tarheel (screwdriver) on my truck. If your budget insists on that choice, at least make double sure that is it as high as you can safely afford with everything bonded well to (and ON) the vehicle for the best efficiency. If you get a screwdriver antenna, same rules but get the coil as high as you can and use a capacity hat instead of a tall whip. Next you'll want to pay attention to how you power the radio. Cigar lighters are notorious for noise because they are not well grounded and often have other devices (noise makers) on the same circuit. Find a better power source, preferably connection directly to the battery (automotive self-resetting circuit breakers at the battery, fuses near the radio; BOTH leads to the battery AND both fused). The battery will act as a HUGE capacitor, keeping a lot of noise out of the rig. Once that is taken care of, you can set up your transmitter audio as you've been instructed and there are plenty of 'scopes out there to get accurate reports. I might also cut the lows in the TX EQ which helps add more 'punch' but don't overdo that or it sounds like crap (pinched noise while breathing helium). Don't forget that since it is a wider signal, SSB won't have near the energy you're used to (you'll need more power than you do on CW). So it can be done. The question (for you): is the time and frustration worth the fewer contacts you'll make (compared to a 100 watt mobile). For me, life is too short for QRP but some folks thrive on it. I'd seriously consider adding the KXPA with tuner into the mix. Then you can consider one of the other larger amps... ;o) 73 es GL, Rick, WA6NHC iPad = small keypad = typos = sorry ;-) > On Oct 30, 2014, at 8:26 PM, Dauer, Edward wrote: > > After a half-century of CW only I am about, at last, to try SSB. The rig is > a KX3 operating from my car, into a Hustler mast with 15 and 20 meter > resonators. For the moment the power supply is the car's cigar lighter; and > the headset is Elecraft's standard-issue Heil, which I own but have never > used. So, I am looking for suggestions and advice. > > One specific question: I do not have a 'scope or any other equipment with > which to look at the transmitted waveform. I expect to do some practical > experimentation; but are there good starting points for the mic and audio > settings, and whatever else, in order to get the most effective and cleanest > signal? > > Another: Is SSB mobile on HF with 5 or 10 watts going to be practical, or > will it just be frustrating? The plan - now that my life affords the time for > it - is to put some rare counties in CO, NM, AZ and WY on the air. > > Suggestions, ideas, comments, imperatives, opinions - all are most welcome. > > Tnx, > > 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 happymooseph...@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 on SSB Mobile
You should be able to get out OK on those antennas and bands. I managed a few QSOs with 10W, a K3, and a screwdriver antenna. Do carefully check for engine noise getting into the radio, both via RF and via the power supply. Follow the instructions on page 15 of the manual to set up your microphone. I set my KX3 according to the manual with about 3 bars of compression for DX/contest work. Also follow Jim Brown, K9YC/s advice: Also, the most important thing for any SSB station with a weak signal is to use about 10 dB of compression on peaks, use TXEQ to turn the three bottom octaves all the way down (-16 dB), turn the fourth octave down 3-6 dB).Some mics benefit from a 3 dB boost on the highest band (3.2 kHz). This advice is good for ALL competitive operation. And always be careful not to over drive the radio. Use just enough to get full modulation, and no more. 73 Bill AE6JV On 10/31/14 at 8:26 PM, eda...@law.du.edu (Dauer, Edward) wrote: After a half-century of CW only I am about, at last, to try SSB. The rig is a KX3 operating from my car, into a Hustler mast with 15 and 20 meter resonators. For the moment the power supply is the car's cigar lighter; and the headset is Elecraft's standard-issue Heil, which I own but have never used. So, I am looking for suggestions and advice. One specific question: I do not have a 'scope or any other equipment with which to look at the transmitted waveform. I expect to do some practical experimentation; but are there good starting points for the mic and audio settings, and whatever else, in order to get the most effective and cleanest signal? Another: Is SSB mobile on HF with 5 or 10 watts going to be practical, or will it just be frustrating? The plan - now that my life affords the time for it - is to put some rare counties in CO, NM, AZ and WY on the air. Suggestions, ideas, comments, imperatives, opinions - all are most welcome. Tnx, 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 fra...@pwpconsult.com --- Bill Frantz|"After all, if the conventional wisdom was working, the 408-356-8506 | rate of systems being compromised would be going down, www.pwpconsult.com | wouldn't it?" -- Marcus Ranum __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] K2/10w for sale: Reduced
Have reduced my K2/10w kit to $625 shipped. Mike Pierce KD8DVV H. Michael Pierce __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 on SSB Mobile
After a half-century of CW only I am about, at last, to try SSB. The rig is a KX3 operating from my car, into a Hustler mast with 15 and 20 meter resonators. For the moment the power supply is the car's cigar lighter; and the headset is Elecraft's standard-issue Heil, which I own but have never used. So, I am looking for suggestions and advice. One specific question: I do not have a 'scope or any other equipment with which to look at the transmitted waveform. I expect to do some practical experimentation; but are there good starting points for the mic and audio settings, and whatever else, in order to get the most effective and cleanest signal? Another: Is SSB mobile on HF with 5 or 10 watts going to be practical, or will it just be frustrating? The plan - now that my life affords the time for it - is to put some rare counties in CO, NM, AZ and WY on the air. Suggestions, ideas, comments, imperatives, opinions - all are most welcome. Tnx, 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] Plasma TVs discontinued
I've had a Pioneer plasma for the past 12 years without any trace of noise. Admittedly all my receiving antennas are sited over 300 feet from the house. 73, Tom G3OLB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Now which mic can I use.
Joseph, As far as I know nothing wrong with the hand mic for the K3. I didn't need it as my K3 was destined for home use and not going mobile or portable. I had my Heil mic from when I got it for my FT-847 in 1998. All I needed was the proper mic cord to interface the K3 and that was the one labeled for Kenwood by Heil. This is an old model and the label and has worn off. It may have been HM-10. It is a mic that can be held in the hand or set in a separate desk cradle-stand. I think this model is discontinued. I use a separate headset made by Sony which has nice soft cushions that surround the ear (and enclose my hearing aids), so I have not gone to using a headset-mic combo. Most of my contesting is CW or digital so this is sufficient. For my KX3 I chose the Elecraft MH3 since I DO intend to use it mobile and portable. I get great on-air reports with both radios and mics. Some may note the high mic gain setting for FM with the KX3 and that results from on-air reports of low audio level on 2m FM. Firmware may have subsequently "fixed" this. Side comment to the bad SSB usage with splatter, etc. It's what you get if you provide a mic gain control. I call it the "CB syndromn". Biggest error of CB mfr's was including a mic gain control on those radios. 73, Ed - KL7UW Note: I receive the digest version only twice per day - thus the delay in my replies. From: "Joseph Betros" To: Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Now which mic can I use. Message-ID: <001201cff294$eccec850$c66c58f0$@com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" What is wrong with the Elecraft mic that comes from Elecraft? -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Edward R Cole Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2014 2:23 AM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Now which mic can I use. On my K3 I use a 15 year old Heil HM05 which was used with my FT-847 before buying the K3. The Red Kenwood mic cable was purchased as it has pin-compatible connector for the K3. I bought the MH3 for my KX3. I get great audio quality reports with both mics on both SSB and FM. K3 settings MIC=20, CMP=20 (Heil desk mic) KX3 settings MIC=25, CMP=11; for FM MIC=65 (MH3) 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com "Kits made by KL7UW" Dubus Mag business: dubus...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] ExtRef input impedance?
Thanks! jim ab3cv On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 2:02 PM, Rich, AC7MA wrote: > Jim, > > That is correct, it should be about 50 ohms. > > 73, > Rich AC7MA > > > On 10/30/2014 06:40 AM, Jim Miller wrote: > >> I can't find any specs or schematics for my ExtRef board that show the >> input impedance. >> >> Is it 50ohms (nominally)? >> >> 73 >> >> jim ab3cv >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto: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 rich.ac...@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 j...@jtmiller.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] [K3] ExtRef input impedance?
Jim, That is correct, it should be about 50 ohms. 73, Rich AC7MA On 10/30/2014 06:40 AM, Jim Miller wrote: I can't find any specs or schematics for my ExtRef board that show the input impedance. Is it 50ohms (nominally)? 73 jim ab3cv __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 rich.ac...@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] Soldering SMD
I'm not intending to start a long thread here so please reply via private emailif you have the time. Here's my question for the experts: Although lead free solder is not recommended for radios, particularlywhere there are multi-strand wires subject to movement or large solderjoints, ... is there any blind side to using it to tack down small SMDcomponents on to G10 board that will not move ? The issue I am reading about, and I do not know if its really an issue,is that solder with AG content is less caustic on SMD components andwill leave a more reliable joint. Inquiring minds, Doug W5JV ZUI ZEW < See my "For Sale or Trade List" at: << http://www.w5jv.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] WTB: Elecraft K1
G’day After my earlier ad for a basic Elecraft K1 (no extras) two-bander covering 40m and 20m, it was suggested to me off-list that I was cutting down my options and it would be better simply asking if there was anyone who had had a Elecraft K1 of any kind for sale. I think the writer had a point. Please email me direct if you have a K1 that you are interested in selling. Thank you! Vy 73 Steve, VK6VZ (Glen Forrest, Western Australia) --- This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. http://www.avast.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] ExtRef input impedance?
I can't find any specs or schematics for my ExtRef board that show the input impedance. Is it 50ohms (nominally)? 73 jim ab3cv __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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
