Re: [Elecraft] P3SVGA/K3 macro madness

[Dave Cole]

K2UF,
Looking at your cut, you left off the ";" at the end of the command.
 Each command needs the ";" at the end.
-- 
73's, and thanks,
Dave

For software/hardware reviews see:
http://www.nk7z.net

For MixW support see:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info

For SSTV help see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info



On Tue, 2016-03-01 at 17:44 -0800, Alan wrote:
> What version of P3 firmware is installed?  You need at least v. 1.57.
> 
> Alan N1AL
> 
> 
> On 03/01/2016 12:59 PM, Joe K2UF wrote:
> > Trying to use the commands in the P3 pgmrs ref.   If I enter a
> > command into
> > the P3 utility or the K3 utility app they work fine.  If I try to
> > place one
> > of the P3 commands (ie  #SPN000500 ) in one of the P3 slots using
> > the
> > attached keyboard it does not work.  I do not have a problem using
> > any of
> > the K3 commands.
> > 
> > Any ideas/help
> > 
> > Joe  K2UF
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto: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

[Elecraft] OT Astronaut Scott Kelly's Return Tonight

[David Ahrendts]

Undocking and de-orbit burn on the ISS tonight can be seen on NASA TV:  
http://www.nasa.gov/feature/march-1-4-tv-coverage-of-astronaut-scott-kellys-return-after-yearinspace
And when did NASA TV get sexy! Promotional transitions, teases, etc.Nice 
production.  Well, that just makes something fascinating even more interesting.

David A. KK6DA, LA



David Ahrendts   davidahren...@me.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] P3SVGA/K3 macro madness

[Alan]

What version of P3 firmware is installed?  You need at least v. 1.57.

Alan N1AL


On 03/01/2016 12:59 PM, Joe K2UF wrote:

Trying to use the commands in the P3 pgmrs ref.   If I enter a command into
the P3 utility or the K3 utility app they work fine.  If I try to place one
of the P3 commands (ie  #SPN000500 ) in one of the P3 slots using the
attached keyboard it does not work.  I do not have a problem using any of
the K3 commands.

Any ideas/help

Joe  K2UF

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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 power on sequence

[Bob N3MNT]

Hit send too soon.

See page 28 of PX3 manual there is an internal jumper that can be set to
have PX3 power up when power supply is turned on.



--
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-power-on-sequence-tp7614806p7614819.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] Correction to KPXA100 and KX3 problem

[Terry Brown]

Problem solved, and I don't know why.  I posted a few minutes ago saying the
blinking indicator was the PWR not SWR.  I looked at all my connections,
they were fine.  Pushed in all the connectors and all were tight.  I ran the
utility program for KXPA100 and no faults were found.  I then checked all
connections again, and everything now works.  I am puzzled, but I wanted to
get back to the group so no one else tried to help me now that the problem
is solved.  If someone has had a similar experience, I would like to know
what might have been going on.

Thanks and 73's

Terry, N7TB

-Original Message-
From: Dick Dievendorff [mailto:d...@elecraft.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2016 5:13 PM
To: 'Terry Brown'; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Correction to KPXA100 and KX3 problem

This indicates that the KXPA100 has started, but not yet completed an ATU
tuning cycle and would like some RF carrier to complete the tune.

73 de Dick, K6KR


-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Terry
Brown
Sent: Tuesday, March 1, 2016 17:04
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Correction to KPXA100 and KX3 problem

I gave some wrong information in my last post about my tuning problem.  The
blinking light is my Power indicator, not my SWR.  The 25 led is blinking
and I have no power output from the KX3 even if the power setting is 100W.

 

Thanks,

 

Terry

 

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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...@elecraft.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] Correction to KPXA100 and KX3 problem

[Dick Dievendorff]

This indicates that the KXPA100 has started, but not yet completed an ATU
tuning cycle and would like some RF carrier to complete the tune.

73 de Dick, K6KR


-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Terry
Brown
Sent: Tuesday, March 1, 2016 17:04
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Correction to KPXA100 and KX3 problem

I gave some wrong information in my last post about my tuning problem.  The
blinking light is my Power indicator, not my SWR.  The 25 led is blinking
and I have no power output from the KX3 even if the power setting is 100W.

 

Thanks,

 

Terry

 

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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...@elecraft.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] Correction to KPXA100 and KX3 problem

[Terry Brown]

I gave some wrong information in my last post about my tuning problem.  The
blinking light is my Power indicator, not my SWR.  The 25 led is blinking
and I have no power output from the KX3 even if the power setting is 100W.

 

Thanks,

 

Terry

 

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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] Icom 7300 is available

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

On 3/1/2016 4:52 PM, Barry N1EU wrote:

N5AC made some interesting comments on the topic:
https://community.flexradio.com/flexradio/topics/adc-overload-myths-debunked


N5AC is "talking his book" and totally out of touch with reality.
While he claims the issue of ADC overload is blown out of proportion
and cites mathematical models to support his claim, it doesn't always
work that way in the real world.  Put another way, the real world is
not always "neat" with a bunch of similar level signals across a wide
spectrum.  Try copying a -130 dBm signal among multiple -30 to -50 dBm
(S9+20 to S9+40 dB) amateur signals on 160 with a dozen AM signals also
present at -30 dBm to 0 dBm at the receiver input.  See the spectrum
analyzer plot from K8AQC showing fifteen AM signals stronger than -40
dBm and *five* stronger than -10 dBm: 
. 
 I doubt N5AC can show

that a Flex 6300, 6500, or even a 6700 (without the optional second
SCU) can *simultaneously* provide -130 dBm sensitivity and +100 dB
2 KHz IMDDR3 on 160 meters while running a second slice receiver
(panadapter) on 80 or 40 meters under those conditions in tests
certified by independent experts - yet those are the very conditions
he claims mathematically can't happen.

NC0B (in personal e-mail) has reported significant symptoms of ADC
overload with a non-Flex direct sampling SDR with a 250 MHz ADC on 160
meters at his *rural* Colorado location.  ARRL Labs shows the same
trade off between sensitivity and IMDDR3 with the both the Flex 6300
and Flex 6700 in the April 2015 QST review 
. 
 The

review shows a substantial reduction in sensitivity with the preamp
turned off and a substantial fall-off in dynamic range with the preamp
turned on.  ARRL does not even publish dynamic range at 2 KHz with the
highest gain preamp even though their measurements are made with only
two signals - not a dozen or more close in signals at the same high
level.

Sherwood shows the tradeoff between sensitivity and dynamic range in
his "Receiver Test Data" table .
It is most clear in the 100 KHz Blocking values where the Flex 6700
shows "A/D Limit varies with Preamp Gain" ... in other words, when the
preamp is on (as required for the -135 dBm sensitivity), the Blocking
values fall apart (vs. > 150 dB 100 KHz blocking range for the K3S).

The issue of ADC overload can't be simply dismissed by hand waving as
N5AC and others would like.  The current technology is not robust
enough to simultaneously provide -145 dB MDS, 100 dB+ 2 KHz IMDDR3
and 130 dB+ Blocking Dynamic range as the case for the K3S, K3 and
KX3.

ADC technology - instantaneous peak voltage handling - needs to improve
another 10 to 20 dB before direct sampling can be said to be completely
reliable in all conditions.  It may "work fine" in many locations where
antenna selectivity, external bandpass filters and even propagation
protect the ADC from overload.  However, direct sampling does not work
well in the presence of multiple, very strong, close in signals as
shown by both ARRL and NC0B testing - no matter how much the proponents
of direct sampling would like to make you believe.

73,

  ... Joe, W4TV


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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 power on sequence

[Bob N3MNT]

I too am a little confused as to "Complete power down".  If you do not shut
the KX3/KXPA100 down using the power off buttons ( band /autotune) but shut
down the external power source, the KX3 senses that and switches to internal
bat if installed.  This switches the power out to below 10W which sets PA
off.  When the KX3 is finally shut down it remembers it's last state and
comes up as PA off.  I have both KX3 and KXPA100 on same supply.  I turn on
supply then then KX3 which after boot sequence turns on KXPA100.  Not sure
if this will help, but I have seen what you are experiencing when the power
is accidentally shut down before shutting of KX3.  



--
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-power-on-sequence-tp7614806p7614813.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] Icom 7300 is available

[Barry LaZar]

Wayne,
If you remember Dayton, you saw some of what we do with the K line. 
If you really want to know how strong the KX3 and K3 address ham radio 
requirements, you really need  to see our little group contest in the 
low and high power categories and then switch to operate Field Day 3A 
QRP.


The majority of our group belong to the Potomac Valley Radio Club. 
What that means is there are at least a few of us who are serious; I 
can't be called serious as I never learned to touch type. My point is 
there is no other radio that I am aware of that can compete with the K 
line when you look at what beginning through advanced hams need/want.


Let me change theme. I found it interesting that Icom said that they 
were using direct sampling for the 7300. That statement contradicts what 
they appear to really be doing. It appears to me that they are 
digitizing a 36 KHz IF vice digitizing the spectrum as the Flex does. 
Flex runs a 200 MHz 16 bit A/D that they use to produce the data on 
which they operate. What I don't know from Icom is are they using a 16 
or 24 bit A/D as you guys do; I prefer the 24 bit architecture. And, I 
particularly prefer the KX3 architecture as you allowed me access the 
I&Q data so I could play off the radio, something my friends with K3s 
would have liked to have.


Vy 73,
Barry
K3NDM

-- Original Message --
From: "Wayne Burdick" 
To: "Barry LaZar" 
Cc: "Bill" ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: 3/1/2016 3:08:00 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Icom 7300 is available


Hi Barry,


 Interesting. I wonder how it will compare to my KX3.

 The only direct sampling complete rig that I was aware of was the 
Flex 6000 series. I also wonder if it will be as flexible in operation 
as a KX3. Ah technology, and so little time. ;-)


Since the 7300 uses direct sampling, it will have the same blocking 
dynamic range (BDR) problem as other radios in this class, especially 
multi-signal situations such as contesting. I also doubt it will beat 
the KX3 in close-spaced dynamic range, unless they used a very exotic, 
very expensive A-to-D converter. (Note that the only way the Flex 6700 
series can achieve good close-in dynamic range is by turning on the 
preamp. This overcomes the very poor preamp-off MDS, but at an even 
greater cost in BDR.)


Beyond that, the KX3:

 - is about 1/5th the size
 - is about 1/5th the weight
 - consumes probably 1/10th as much RX-mode current
 - has an internal battery
 - has an attached keyer paddle
 - has built-in stereo audio and CW/RTTY/PSK31 text decode with a PC
 - works with integrated peripherals (PX3 and KXPA100) that can be left 
at

   your fixed station when traveling

So if you're operating portable, it's an apples/oranges comparison.

73,
Wayne
N6KR





__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] KXPA100 and KX3 - strange behavior.\

[Terry Brown]

I just returned from running my KX3, PX3, and KXPA100 portable.  I setup the
three units at my home QTH anticipating a sked to Rarotonga, at 02Z and find
that my KPXA has the swr indictor blinking, and when I try to tune, it stays
at 1.6-1 and does not release the transmit, the red led remains on.  I am
not sure it is tuning at all.  I made the mistake of trying to tune with the
antenna connection not connected to my KX3.  It gave an SWR of 24-1 and
tried to tune, then I discovered my problem and turned things off.  I have
mistakenly tried to tune with an antenna unplugged with no problems.  Both
antennas were attached to the KXPA when I tried the initial tune.  When I
connected the RF IN to my KX3, then I had this problem.

 

Any clues to what is going on?  The SWR indicator continues to flash with no
RF to the AMP.

 

Thanks,

 

Terry

 

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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] Icom 7300 is available

[Johnny Siu]

Hello JOe,
Checking from websites in JA, street price in Akihabara, Tokyo is far cheaper 
for IC7300.
73
Johnny VR2XMC

  寄件人︰ "Joe Subich, W4TV" 
 收件人︰ elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
 傳送日期︰ 2016年03月2日 (週三) 5:18 AM
 主題︰ Re: [Elecraft] Icom 7300 is available
   

If one is not a backpacker or wants 100W output - perhaps for mobile
work - the "traditional knob" interface, built in tuner, support for
the AH-3/AH-4 tuners at the antenna, 100W, etc. make the IC-7300 quite
interesting.  IIRC, the 7300 will do PSK31/RTTY with an internal
decoder and attached keyboard.  Icom's claimed RMDDR and phase noise
specifications will, if accurate, put the 7300 in the top echelon of
Sherwood's test results.  The 7300 has what appears to be relatively
"tight" preselectors which should minimize the "composite signal level"
ADC overload (much more than the Flex-6300 with no preselectors) and
those with limited antennas (e.g. mobile, compromise wires, etc.) are
even less likely to see the strong signal composite overload than
someone with big antennas high in the air.

My disappointment is that after claiming the 7300 would be an "entry
level" rig, the price is well above that of Icom's other entry level
rigs (the IC-718 or IC-7100).  At the announced price, the 7300 should
have included a RX ANT Out/RX ANT In "loop," support for a second
antenna, and a video output to feed a larger display.

At its size and power level the 7300 is not the "backpacker's special"
nor was it intended to be.  To make that comparison is patently unfair.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV


On 3/1/2016 3:58 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
> YES!  In addition to being a great mobile and fixed station rig, it's a
> backpacker's dream! Last summer, I loaned my KX3/KXPA100 with a 20Ah
> LiFePO4 battery to AF6RT and W6JTI, who dragged it up a 2 mile trail
> with a 1,000 ft gain in elevation to light up a rare 6M grid. They were
> also dragging an antenna, coax, a computer, water, and lunch. At the end
> of the day, they still had power left in that battery.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
>
> On Tue,3/1/2016 12:08 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
>> Beyond that, the KX3:
>>
>>  - is about 1/5th the size
>>  - is about 1/5th the weight
>>  - consumes probably 1/10th as much RX-mode current
>>  - has an internal battery
>>  - has an attached keyer paddle
>>  - has built-in stereo audio and CW/RTTY/PSK31 text decode with a PC
>>  - works with integrated peripherals (PX3 and KXPA100) that can be
>> left at
>>    your fixed station when traveling
>>
>> So if you're operating portable, it's an apples/oranges comparison.
>
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto: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 li...@subich.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 vr2...@yahoo.com.hk


  
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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] Icom 7300 is available

[Szabó István]

This is argument to upgrade to *KSYN3AUPG. *And also describes why the K 
line is unbeatable.


73, István, ha4zd

On 3/1/2016 10:52 PM, Barry N1EU wrote:

My experience with direct sampling radios (ANAN-100D & Flex 6500 in the
shack alongside my K3s/P3) is that their front ends are plenty robust
enough for contesting and low band dx'ing.  N5AC made some interesting
comments on the topic:
https://community.flexradio.com/flexradio/topics/adc-overload-myths-debunked

73, Barry N1EU



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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] Icom 7300 is available

[Phil Hystad]

I will keep my KX3 then.  I like the idea it is 1/5th the size!  All the other 
good features are bonus cream on top.

But, since Icom America Headquarters is just a few blocks from my house 
(probably 15 minutes walking time) I will wait for a bit and then wander down 
to see if they have the 7300 alive and hooked up in their ham-shack.  They have 
a nice Stepper up about 75 feet for an antenna so it will be a nice test.  
Usually though, it takes a while for them to get new equipment in their shack.  
It took six months for the first 7800 to show up there after the first 
availability from retailers.

73, phil, K7PEH



> On Mar 1, 2016, at 12:08 PM, Wayne Burdick  wrote:
> Since the 7300 uses direct sampling, it will have the same blocking dynamic 
> range (BDR) problem as other radios in this class, especially multi-signal 
> situations such as contesting. I also doubt it will beat the KX3 in 
> close-spaced dynamic range, unless they used a very exotic, very expensive 
> A-to-D converter. (Note that the only way the Flex 6700 series can achieve 
> good close-in dynamic range is by turning on the preamp. This overcomes the 
> very poor preamp-off MDS, but at an even greater cost in BDR.)
> 
> Beyond that, the KX3:
> 
> - is about 1/5th the size
> - is about 1/5th the weight
> - consumes probably 1/10th as much RX-mode current
> - has an internal battery 
> - has an attached keyer paddle
> - has built-in stereo audio and CW/RTTY/PSK31 text decode with a PC
> - works with integrated peripherals (PX3 and KXPA100) that can be left at 
>   your fixed station when traveling 
> 
> So if you're operating portable, it's an apples/oranges comparison.
> 
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
> 
> 
> 
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to phys...@mac.com

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] KX3 power on sequence

[Don Wilhelm]

Ted,

I am not sure what you mean about a "complete power down".  If that 
involves turning off the power supply, then I cannot comment because my 
power supply is turned on 24/7.  I have never seen that situation.  My 
KX3 turns on the KXPA100, no intervention required.


Based on my experience, I would think that turning on the power supply 
first, then powering the KXPA100 and lastly the KX3 might prevent the 
problem.  In other words, if the KXPA100 is not powered on first, the 
KX3 will not recognize it when powered on, and may turn the PA Mode 
parameter to OFF.


As I said, I never touch the KXPA100, it turns on/off with the power to 
the KX3.


I have no answer on your PX3 question.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/1/2016 6:23 PM, Dauer, Edward wrote:

I have had similar experiences.  After a complete power down and later
power up, the KX3 does not know the KXPA100 amp is ready even after both
are powered on, which then requires entering the menu and returning the
right PA setting.  Reminiscent of the pre-fix days when turning on a K3
before applying power to the KAT500 would freeze the K3.

Does anyone know if there is a preferred power-up or power-down sequence
for the KX3 / KPA100 / that would avoid having to do that reset?  I think
this came up on the reflector once before but I don¹t recall . . .

On the other question, about the KX3 and the PX3, there is an option in
the PX3 that would bypass its power switch and have it come on as soon as
power is supplied, and a second option that does the same but leaves the
power switch operable so long as the power isn¹t removed.  Requires moving
a jumper -  p.22 of the Manual.




__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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 Soldering Iron

[Niel Skousen]

Good Afternoon,   My trusty Weller just bought the dust, and thru my over-sight 
I missed the Hakko-936 that was here last week.

Anybody have an extra Soldering Iron that they would like to sell ?Price is 
a factor right now, but I'd rather get something from a reasonably caring 
owner, that 'whatever' on that auction site...

Please reply off list

Niel
WA7SSA
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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 power on sequence

[Dauer, Edward]

I have had similar experiences.  After a complete power down and later
power up, the KX3 does not know the KXPA100 amp is ready even after both
are powered on, which then requires entering the menu and returning the
right PA setting.  Reminiscent of the pre-fix days when turning on a K3
before applying power to the KAT500 would freeze the K3.

Does anyone know if there is a preferred power-up or power-down sequence
for the KX3 / KPA100 / that would avoid having to do that reset?  I think
this came up on the reflector once before but I don¹t recall . . .

On the other question, about the KX3 and the PX3, there is an option in
the PX3 that would bypass its power switch and have it come on as soon as
power is supplied, and a second option that does the same but leaves the
power switch operable so long as the power isn¹t removed.  Requires moving
a jumper -  p.22 of the Manual.

Ted, KN1CBR

>--
>
>Message: 7
>Date: Mon, 29 Feb 2016 23:03:44 -0500
>From: sancho 
>To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dead PX3?
>Message-ID: <9f53c522-9ece-4f43-964b-865f973cb...@frawg.org>
>Content-Type: text/plain;  charset=us-ascii
>
>I have experienced similar issues only after a complete power down (KX3,
>PX3, KXPA100, computer, AND power supply). Both the PX3 and the KXPA100
>act like they have a mind of their own. The system slowly rights
>itself... first KXPA100 comes on and cycles with the KX3, then the PX3
>just starts working rando. Once all three are up and talking to each
>other, the system is good until the next time I do a complete power down
>and disconnect the antennas.
>
>Before you ask, I have tried to reseat all cables, I have checked to make
>sure PA is enabled in menu, and I have pushed the power on switch on the
>PX3. I have also switched to different USB dongles (I have 3 Elecraft
>KXUSB units).
>
>My solution is not to completely shut the station down unless I have to
>because of lightning.
>
>Jack KD4IZ
>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] Icom 7300 is available

[GRANT YOUNGMAN]

The real question is … does anyone actually care?  Maybe on an Icom list (?)


Grant NQ5T
K3 #2091, KX3 #8342





__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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] Icom 7300 is available

[lstavenhagen]

Well, that would be my point, of course :). With Elecraft rigs, "you get what
you pay for" means a completely different thing than it does with Elecraft's
competitors. IMHO, of course.

And honestly, now that I've put the new synth in my K3 and just bought a
K3S, I don't think there's a better performing pair of rigs I could buy at
any cost, really. And they even work well /P with a battery and my
buddipole, which is all the operating I'm able to do these days. So I kind
of don't really even have a choice in the matter, even if they weren't
already the best RX's you could buy

73,
LS
W5QD.



--
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Icom-7300-is-available-tp7614790p7614804.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] Icom 7300 is available

[Rick WA6NHC]

I submit that an 'entry level' rig is often a handed down or used rig.  
The 7300 is an 'economy' model direct conversion (which is not 
unattractive to some)... however...


The IC-7300 should have had VGA/HDMI output for a larger display option 
(ideally a Bluetooth link to extend the entire touch screen and a few 
knobs to an interactive tablet app, then store the rig elsewhere like 
under the back seat, trunk etc.).  When a rig has a video display (not 
just LED readouts) it is simply ignorant to ignore video output as a 
standard feature (or as an available option), even on an entry level 
rig.  Not everyone wants a tiny touch display that may quickly get 
covered in finger goo (mobile/portable environment is not nearly as 
clean as the average shack) and having a larger display makes it easier 
to actually see the scope etc. in a more comfortable operating position, 
no hunching down to see it on the table.


However, I will be watching it as a potential RV rig (where I don't 
expect stellar performance); my other choices (in order) are a basic 
K3/100 with tuner (less 'stuff' when compared to the home rig, secured 
during travel), the KW TS-480HX (already have one in the truck) and the 
KX3 with an amp and the '7300 (huge cost differences).  Even the 7300 
minimal scope is better than no P(X)3 so it's a matter of how much to 
spend to make a basic RV station. All can be managed by an external 
computer, mentioned only to dismiss it entirely in discussion.  In the 
RV world, size (storage space or station space) and weight (load limits, 
fuel use) are HUGE factors.  A case of oranges and grapefruit perhaps (a 
potential lemon tossed in)?


Further, the KW line and Elecraft menu/command structure is so simple, 
logical and similar, I don't have to 'switch gears' to use either; the 
Icom, is um, different.  Always has been, I've never 'liked' it, I just 
learned to adapt when I used one (Field day typically).


Rick wa6nhc

On 3/1/2016 1:18 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:


If one is not a backpacker or wants 100W output - perhaps for mobile
work - the "traditional knob" interface, built in tuner, support for
the AH-3/AH-4 tuners at the antenna, 100W, etc. make the IC-7300 quite
interesting.  IIRC, the 7300 will do PSK31/RTTY with an internal
decoder and attached keyboard.  Icom's claimed RMDDR and phase noise
specifications will, if accurate, put the 7300 in the top echelon of
Sherwood's test results.  The 7300 has what appears to be relatively
"tight" preselectors which should minimize the "composite signal level"
ADC overload (much more than the Flex-6300 with no preselectors) and
those with limited antennas (e.g. mobile, compromise wires, etc.) are
even less likely to see the strong signal composite overload than
someone with big antennas high in the air.

My disappointment is that after claiming the 7300 would be an "entry
level" rig, the price is well above that of Icom's other entry level
rigs (the IC-718 or IC-7100).  At the announced price, the 7300 should
have included a RX ANT Out/RX ANT In "loop," support for a second
antenna, and a video output to feed a larger display.

At its size and power level the 7300 is not the "backpacker's special"
nor was it intended to be.  To make that comparison is patently unfair.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 3/1/2016 3:58 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

YES!  In addition to being a great mobile and fixed station rig, it's a
backpacker's dream! Last summer, I loaned my KX3/KXPA100 with a 20Ah
LiFePO4 battery to AF6RT and W6JTI, who dragged it up a 2 mile trail
with a 1,000 ft gain in elevation to light up a rare 6M grid. They were
also dragging an antenna, coax, a computer, water, and lunch. At the end
of the day, they still had power left in that battery.

73, Jim K9YC

On Tue,3/1/2016 12:08 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

Beyond that, the KX3:

  - is about 1/5th the size
  - is about 1/5th the weight
  - consumes probably 1/10th as much RX-mode current
  - has an internal battery
  - has an attached keyer paddle
  - has built-in stereo audio and CW/RTTY/PSK31 text decode with a PC
  - works with integrated peripherals (PX3 and KXPA100) that can be
left at
your fixed station when traveling

So if you're operating portable, it's an apples/oranges comparison.


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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 li...@subich.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 wa6...@gmail.co

Re: [Elecraft] Icom 7300 is available

[Barry N1EU]

My experience with direct sampling radios (ANAN-100D & Flex 6500 in the
shack alongside my K3s/P3) is that their front ends are plenty robust
enough for contesting and low band dx'ing.  N5AC made some interesting
comments on the topic:
https://community.flexradio.com/flexradio/topics/adc-overload-myths-debunked

73, Barry N1EU


Message: 23
Date: Tue, 1 Mar 2016 12:08:00 -0800
From: Wayne Burdick 
To: Barry LaZar 
Cc: Bill , elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Icom 7300 is available
Message-ID: 
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii


Since the 7300 uses direct sampling, it will have the same blocking dynamic
range (BDR) problem as other radios in this class, especially multi-signal
situations such as contesting. I also doubt it will beat the KX3 in
close-spaced dynamic range, unless they used a very exotic, very expensive
A-to-D converter. (Note that the only way the Flex 6700 series can achieve
good close-in dynamic range is by turning on the preamp. This overcomes the
very poor preamp-off MDS, but at an even greater cost in BDR.)
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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] Icom 7300 is available

[Jim Brown]

On Tue,3/1/2016 1:29 PM, lstavenhagen wrote:

even my K2 runs circles around my 706MKIIG in terms of RX
performance.


That's a very unfair comparison -- the 706, like the Yaesu FT100D, 
FT847, and FT897, in all their incarnations combine a lousy receiver 
with el cheapo noise generators that have no business being used on the 
air.


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] Icom 7300 is available

[lstavenhagen]

I guess you get what you pay for. To my knowledge, only Elecraft is capable
of producing receivers that top the charts over at Sherwood engineering but
still cost only what their competitors' "entry level" rigs do. 

I don't think the Icom leopard is necessarily going to change its spots with
the 7300, it never has in the past.  Either the price is going to be really
high or the performance mediocre (or maybe both). I personally have always
been dismayed at how poor Icom's RX's have been even at the higher price
ranges; even my K2 runs circles around my 706MKIIG in terms of RX
performance.  

I think the highest bang/buck ratio is still held by Elecraft and I don't
see that changing for quite a while...

73,
LS
W5QD



--
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Icom-7300-is-available-tp7614790p7614800.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] Icom 7300 is available

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

If one is not a backpacker or wants 100W output - perhaps for mobile
work - the "traditional knob" interface, built in tuner, support for
the AH-3/AH-4 tuners at the antenna, 100W, etc. make the IC-7300 quite
interesting.  IIRC, the 7300 will do PSK31/RTTY with an internal
decoder and attached keyboard.  Icom's claimed RMDDR and phase noise
specifications will, if accurate, put the 7300 in the top echelon of
Sherwood's test results.  The 7300 has what appears to be relatively
"tight" preselectors which should minimize the "composite signal level"
ADC overload (much more than the Flex-6300 with no preselectors) and
those with limited antennas (e.g. mobile, compromise wires, etc.) are
even less likely to see the strong signal composite overload than
someone with big antennas high in the air.

My disappointment is that after claiming the 7300 would be an "entry
level" rig, the price is well above that of Icom's other entry level
rigs (the IC-718 or IC-7100).  At the announced price, the 7300 should
have included a RX ANT Out/RX ANT In "loop," support for a second
antenna, and a video output to feed a larger display.

At its size and power level the 7300 is not the "backpacker's special"
nor was it intended to be.  To make that comparison is patently unfair.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 3/1/2016 3:58 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

YES!  In addition to being a great mobile and fixed station rig, it's a
backpacker's dream! Last summer, I loaned my KX3/KXPA100 with a 20Ah
LiFePO4 battery to AF6RT and W6JTI, who dragged it up a 2 mile trail
with a 1,000 ft gain in elevation to light up a rare 6M grid. They were
also dragging an antenna, coax, a computer, water, and lunch. At the end
of the day, they still had power left in that battery.

73, Jim K9YC

On Tue,3/1/2016 12:08 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

Beyond that, the KX3:

  - is about 1/5th the size
  - is about 1/5th the weight
  - consumes probably 1/10th as much RX-mode current
  - has an internal battery
  - has an attached keyer paddle
  - has built-in stereo audio and CW/RTTY/PSK31 text decode with a PC
  - works with integrated peripherals (PX3 and KXPA100) that can be
left at
your fixed station when traveling

So if you're operating portable, it's an apples/oranges comparison.


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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 li...@subich.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 output power spikes

[Jim Brown]

On Tue,3/1/2016 12:54 PM, Bill Frantz wrote:
I have not noticed any RF noise on receive when I put it into "always 
on" mode. 


Hi Bill,

This is quite interesting to me. I run SO2R, so I would be concerned 
about noise in the second radio while transmitting on the first. Do you 
have a way to check this?  A second radio that can listen on other 
bands/antennas for weak signals while your tranmitting?


Thanks and 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] P3SVGA/K3 macro madness

[Joe K2UF]

Trying to use the commands in the P3 pgmrs ref.   If I enter a command into
the P3 utility or the K3 utility app they work fine.  If I try to place one
of the P3 commands (ie  #SPN000500 ) in one of the P3 slots using the
attached keyboard it does not work.  I do not have a problem using any of
the K3 commands.
 
Any ideas/help
 
Joe  K2UF
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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] Icom 7300 is available

[Jim Brown]

YES!  In addition to being a great mobile and fixed station rig, it's a 
backpacker's dream! Last summer, I loaned my KX3/KXPA100 with a 20Ah 
LiFePO4 battery to AF6RT and W6JTI, who dragged it up a 2 mile trail 
with a 1,000 ft gain in elevation to light up a rare 6M grid. They were 
also dragging an antenna, coax, a computer, water, and lunch. At the end 
of the day, they still had power left in that battery.


73, Jim K9YC

On Tue,3/1/2016 12:08 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

Beyond that, the KX3:

  - is about 1/5th the size
  - is about 1/5th the weight
  - consumes probably 1/10th as much RX-mode current
  - has an internal battery
  - has an attached keyer paddle
  - has built-in stereo audio and CW/RTTY/PSK31 text decode with a PC
  - works with integrated peripherals (PX3 and KXPA100) that can be left at
your fixed station when traveling

So if you're operating portable, it's an apples/oranges comparison.


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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 output power spikes

[Bill Frantz]

FWIW, I power my barefoot K3 with batteries and a solar charger. 
After our club county expedition for the California QSO Party 
(CQP) last year, I had a new appreciation for the way low power 
supply voltage could make a clean transmitter dirty.


To address this problem at home, I got a N8XJK Boost Regulator 
from TGE. This device boosts the battery voltage to the radio. 
Mine shows 13.9 volts, receive and 13.4 volts key down at 100W 
on 160M. I normally have it set up to only boost voltage when is 
senses RF output from the transmitter. (I need to talk on SSB 
before it cuts in.)


I have not noticed any RF noise on receive when I put it into 
"always on" mode. For a single radio setup, any RF noise it 
might make will be completely masked during transmit. We'll see 
how it works in multi-transmitter setups when I take to next 
year's CQP.


73 Bill AE6JV
---
Bill Frantz| Ham radio contesting is a| Periwinkle
(408)356-8506  | contact sport.   | 16345 
Englewood Ave
www.pwpconsult.com |  - Ken Widelitz K6LA / VY2TT | Los Gatos, 
CA 95032


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] Icom 7300 is available

[Wayne Burdick]

> 
> Beyond that, the KX3:
> 
> - has built-in stereo audio and CW/RTTY/PSK31 text decode with a PC

Typo. I meant "without" a PC. (But it will also work with one :)

Wayne


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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] Icom 7300 is available

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Barry,

> Interesting. I wonder how it will compare to my KX3.
> 
> The only direct sampling complete rig that I was aware of was the Flex 6000 
> series. I also wonder if it will be as flexible in operation as a KX3. Ah 
> technology, and so little time. ;-)

Since the 7300 uses direct sampling, it will have the same blocking dynamic 
range (BDR) problem as other radios in this class, especially multi-signal 
situations such as contesting. I also doubt it will beat the KX3 in 
close-spaced dynamic range, unless they used a very exotic, very expensive 
A-to-D converter. (Note that the only way the Flex 6700 series can achieve good 
close-in dynamic range is by turning on the preamp. This overcomes the very 
poor preamp-off MDS, but at an even greater cost in BDR.)

Beyond that, the KX3:

 - is about 1/5th the size
 - is about 1/5th the weight
 - consumes probably 1/10th as much RX-mode current
 - has an internal battery 
 - has an attached keyer paddle
 - has built-in stereo audio and CW/RTTY/PSK31 text decode with a PC
 - works with integrated peripherals (PX3 and KXPA100) that can be left at 
   your fixed station when traveling 

So if you're operating portable, it's an apples/oranges comparison.

73,
Wayne
N6KR



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3 output power spikes

[Jack Brindle]

If a power supply sags when lots of power is being drawn, it will affect 
whatever is trying to draw the power. For a transmitter / amplifier, that means 
the output power is most likely going to sag as well. The extent of the sag is 
directly related to how much the power supply sags, which, of course, depends 
on how well it is regulated. 

For the K3, we recommend well regulated power supplies with short supply leads. 
If the supply is rock solid and well regulated, you should see little voltage 
drop. Likewise, if you are using short, large wires from the supply to the K3, 
you will lose little power in that link. Remember that there is power loss in 
cable, and long skinny conductors will heat up and lose more power due to IIR 
losses than short fat wires. The K3 will try to correct power output 
variations, but if the supply / cabling problems won’t allow that, then it 
cannot. At the same time, it is quite possible the original poster needs to 
rework his power calibration (again). He had a major change in the components 
in his transceiver, and over time and use they will age and cause changes. For 
him, I suggest talking to customer support.

The second area is the KPA500. The HV supply is not heavily regulated, by 
design. It has a pair of very large capacitors on the supply, but when high 
power is being drawn, the output voltage will sag. This is quite normal. Thus 
at the start of a transmission the voltage will be high, as will transmitted 
output power, then will quickly sag to the nominal output value. This can also 
be affected by power cabling. Some operators may see more sag than they should 
due to long power cables. We usually see this with amplifiers plugged into 120V 
outlets. Make sure your 120V cable is large and as short as possible, AND make 
sure the 120V wall cabling is likewise large. I believe the NEC specifies 12 
gauge wire for outlets, my experience with that size is very good. If you can 
use a 240V supply for the KPA, then it is much better. As pointed out above, 
power losses in wire is I*I*R. Since current will be dropped in half when using 
240V over 120, the cable power losses will be one-quarter with 240 when 
compared to 120V.

Perhaps it might be time for some of us to perform their annual system check 
and maintenance, starting with the shack power supply? I’ll start this round 
with my own station today!

- Jack Brindle, W6FB


> On Mar 1, 2016, at 7:17 AM, Jim Sheldon  wrote:
> 
> Thanks David for posting this.  I noticed this from time to time with my old 
> K3 and now also with the new K3S.  I keep the KPA500 output set to around 
> 400-450 watts most of the time and notice spikes to 550 or so on the first or 
> second dit when sending CW at times.  I just built the kit and have done the 
> TX calibrations properly and they all passed via the Utility program.
> 
> I'm using the factory supplied #12 gauge power cable and the power supply is 
> a pretty well regulated MFJ 4245MV switcher (RFI quiet here).  This supply is 
> adjustable and evidently the meter isn't totally accurate or there is a 
> larger voltage drop in the cable than I thought there should be.  I checked 
> the K3S' meter display after receiving this email and it read 13.2 volts.  
> Keyed to 13.8 volts on the meter, but at 20 watts out, driving the amplifier, 
> it dropped to 12.6 volts while keyed.
> 
> In line with your findings, I set the MFJ supply to read 13.8 volts on the 
> K3S display and it now only drops to 13.3 volts under the 20 watt load.  The 
> occasional power spikes seem to have disappeared, so it's something everyone 
> should take a look at if they do experience the power spike problem.
> 
> Again, thanks for posting this David.
> 
> Jim - W0EB
> Park City, KS
> 
> -- Original Message --
> From: "David via Elecraft" 
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Sent: 3/1/2016 5:40:46 AM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 output power spikes
> 
>> My K3 s/n 4487 has exhibited similar behaviour since I built it in 2010.
>> Despite calls to Elecraft Support no solution was found despite Gary talking
>> me through various items until a month or so ago when the spike was causing
>> problems with my amp on 24 Mhz.  It was mentioned that the K3 must see 13
>> volts whenever it is transmitting and to check this on the front panel by
>> tapping the Display button. Mine showed 13.6 volts on receive and 12.6 volts
>> on Tx. Turned out my old power supply regulation was faulty. Anyway after a
>> power supply rebuild and further check it now shows 13.6 volts on receive
>> and 13.3 volts on Tx at 100 watts output. A further TX calibration completed
>> the process and so far no power spikes! So check your power supply is
>> supplying sufficient voltage on key down.
>> 
>> Dave G0AIX
>> 
>> 
> 
> 
> ---
> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
> 
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> 

Re: [Elecraft] Icom 7300 is available

[Barry LaZar]

Interesting. I wonder how it will compare to my KX3. The only direct 
sampling complete rig that I was aware of was the Flex 6000 series. I 
also wonder if it will be as flexible in operation as a KX3. Ah 
technology, and so little time. ;-)


73,
Barry
K3NDM

-- Original Message --
From: "Bill" 
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: 3/1/2016 2:02:32 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Icom 7300 is available

Most of the dealers are showing the 7300 as either in stock or soon to 
be in stock at $1499.  Unique, in that it is a direct sampling 
receiver, has a live scope, and depends upon a touch screen for 
control. Not really my cuppa, but it will be interesting to watch this 
rig make its debut.


Bill W2BLC K-Line
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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 k3...@comcast.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] Icom 7300 is available

[Bill]

Most of the dealers are showing the 7300 as either in stock or soon to 
be in stock at $1499.  Unique, in that it is a direct sampling receiver, 
has a live scope, and depends upon a touch screen for control. Not 
really my cuppa, but it will be interesting to watch this rig make its 
debut.


Bill W2BLC K-Line
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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 output power spikes

[lstavenhagen]

For what it's worth, I've found over the years that battery power is less
innocent than you'd think when powering electronics. Especially on a tired
or cheap battery with a high internal resistance - those can drop a
surprising amount of voltage under load with unexpected timing, etc. even
when fully charged and not heavily loaded. This can really wreak havoc with
things that need well-regulated steady power... 

So I'd agree that this should probably be trouble-shot on a good power
supply. The spiking behavior may not be something fully within Elecraft's
control...

73,
LS
W5QD



--
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-output-power-spikes-tp7614763p7614789.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] K3 output power spikes

[Guy Olinger K2AV]

Power supply stability. Built cheep, get worse with time, insufficient heat
dissipation due to endless complaints about fan noise, cut corners on
components, too small wire to rig, yada, yada, ad nauseum. Power supply
issues can cause rig overheating, spikes, slow power build up, unstable
power output, audio distortion, hum, frequency drift, broad signals, even
key clicks, various issues with following amplifiers, just to get started
on a long list.

Plus the still-valid old timers' warning: ALWAYS do the work to RULE
OUT external issues -- connectors, cabling, coax, antennas, programs, power
supplies, misunderstanding or ignorance of the manual, power spike
scrambling memory, braine pharte, BEFORE tearing apart or sending rig back
to factory, or deprecating the manufacturer on public media.

Sticking to that rule over a lifetime will save 90 per cent of angst and
trouble relating to station apparent rig malfunctions.

73, Guy K2AV

On Tuesday, March 1, 2016, Bill Hammond via Elecraft <
elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> wrote:

> Hi John,
> My power dances all over the place (my serial number is 00069).  .



-- 
Sent via Gmail Mobile on my iPhone
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3 output power spikes

[dave]

I thought that one of the features of the K3/K3s was that it was able 
to run, and run well, off of batteries. These power spikes makes it 
sound like that is not the case? Or am I missing something?


Batteries start out at 12.6v and go down from there. The K3/K3s needs 
to run well down to something like 10.5 to 11v. But if they need at 
least 13v to prevent power spikes . . . .


73 de dave
ab9ca/4



On 3/1/16 9:30 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Bill,

Is there any way that you can increase the power supply voltage to
13.0 volts or more during transmit?  If so, that should help.
Most of my experience with power control is with the K2 which starts
out at lower than the requested power after a band change or a change
in power level, but quickly builds up to the requested power.  The
result is a lack of power spikes.
I figured that the K3 power control is similar, and if so, I would not
expect power spikes at all.  Perhaps the power control loop should be
investigated for critical damping.  If power spikes occur, that is an
indication that the control loop is underdamped.

If the control loop damping is the problem, it is possible that this
is not a problem for all K3s - the loop gain will may vary depending
on the gain of the transmit RF stages, and while one K3 may have this
problem, another may not (that is the case with the K2).  The RF Gain
also varies from band to band, so there may be a difference in that
behavior depending on what band is used.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/1/2016 10:12 AM, Bill Hammond via Elecraft wrote:

Hi John,
My power dances all over the place (my serial number is 00069).
Just had a quick QSO with the KPA500 indicating 560 watts at the
beginning and then going down to 480 at the end.  That is typical.
My 12 volt supply drops to 12.2 on transmit, 13.3 on receive.  I
have a long 12 volt  cable from the supply so  “I" squared losses
are understandable in the cable. Driving power from the K3 is
variable per band but typically set to 25 watts or so.  The QSO
described above was on 17 Meters and the drive is 25 watts there for
~500 watts out or just below after stabilization.



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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 ho13d...@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 output power spikes

[Don Wilhelm]

Bill,

Is there any way that you can increase the power supply voltage to 13.0 
volts or more during transmit?  If so, that should help.
Most of my experience with power control is with the K2 which starts out 
at lower than the requested power after a band change or a change in 
power level, but quickly builds up to the requested power.  The result 
is a lack of power spikes.
I figured that the K3 power control is similar, and if so, I would not 
expect power spikes at all.  Perhaps the power control loop should be 
investigated for critical damping.  If power spikes occur, that is an 
indication that the control loop is underdamped.


If the control loop damping is the problem, it is possible that this is 
not a problem for all K3s - the loop gain will may vary depending on the 
gain of the transmit RF stages, and while one K3 may have this problem, 
another may not (that is the case with the K2).  The RF Gain also varies 
from band to band, so there may be a difference in that behavior 
depending on what band is used.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/1/2016 10:12 AM, Bill Hammond via Elecraft wrote:

Hi John,
My power dances all over the place (my serial number is 00069).  Just had a quick 
QSO with the KPA500 indicating 560 watts at the beginning and then going down to 480 
at the end.  That is typical.  My 12 volt supply drops to 12.2 on transmit, 13.3 on 
receive.  I have a long 12 volt  cable from the supply so  “I" squared losses 
are understandable in the cable. Driving power from the K3 is variable per band but 
typically set to 25 watts or so.  The QSO described above was on 17 Meters and the 
drive is 25 watts there for ~500 watts out or just below after stabilization.



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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 output power spikes

[Wes]

Not to worry, my K3S does it too :-(

On Mar 1, 2016, at 8:12 AM, Bill Hammond via Elecraft 
 wrote:

> Hi John,
> My power dances all over the place (my serial number is 00069).  Just had a 
> quick QSO with the KPA500 indicating 560 watts at the beginning and then 
> going down to 480 at the end.  That is typical.  My 12 volt supply drops to 
> 12.2 on transmit, 13.3 on receive.  I have a long 12 volt  cable from the 
> supply so  “I" squared losses are understandable in the cable. Driving power 
> from the K3 is variable per band but typically set to 25 watts or so.  The 
> QSO described above was on 17 Meters and the drive is 25 watts there for ~500 
> watts out or just below after stabilization. 
> 
> I remember the power fluctuation issue being discussed years ago on this 
> reflector and it was explained that the power control uses a sampling and 
> feedback loop that takes “time” to stabilize.  That said, I believe we are 
> both experiencing some power fluctuation over 10% in a short period of time.  
> Depending on the amplifiers we are using this could cause real downstream 
> issues, like distorted signals, spurs or alarm faulting of smart amplifiers. 
> 
> Could we have some aging component that is aggravating this issue?  Our K3’s 
> are among the oldest on the air. 
> 
> 73,
> Bill-AK5X
> 
> 
> 
>> On Feb 29, 2016, at 2:24 PM, John K1JD  wrote:
>> 
>> Hi All,
>> My K3 SN #071 was purchased new November 2007. It’s had a few mods/upgrades 
>> along the way and its firmware is current. 
>> 
>> Last Field Day 2015 at W5YA, the K3’s LPA failed after a close lightning 
>> strike. I was able to successfully repair the LPA replacing both discrete 
>> and SMD components. Performed a Pout calibration using the K3 Utility 
>> program afterward and it passed.
>> 
>> My 9500 amplifier (driven by the K3) has had a few instances of a high plate 
>> current faults since new in December 2010. These faults had been infrequent 
>> enough to ignore. More recently though the problems have been occurring more 
>> often. Swapping the tube did not help nor did careful inspection inside the 
>> amplifier reveal anything.
>> 
>> Evidence that the problem is related to the K3 and not the amplifier 
>> presented itself by accident a few days ago. I had the K3’s output set to 
>> 40w and the Alpha was off. I inadvertently bumped the key and noted an 
>> instantaneous output of 54w on the Powermaster II wattmeter. A few more 
>> dits, and the power output settled back to 40w. Hmmm… if the amplifier had 
>> been in line, the K3’s drive set for full legal limit and a first dit 
>> resulted in an additional 30% drive, a high plate current fault might 
>> certainly happen.
>> 
>> This morning I was using the KPA500 amp with my K3’s power set to 28 watts. 
>> After an early AM CW fix I left the station on, walked away and came back in 
>> a few hours hours. On first dit the KPA’s instantaneous power showed 650w on 
>> the Powermaster II and illuminated a red LED on the KPA500, then settled 
>> back down to <500w. 
>> 
>> OK, so it IS the K3 causing the problem BUT the power output spikes occur 
>> very infrequently. It’s difficult to nail down the cause or even the 
>> conditions under which the problem is most likely to occur. 
>> 
>> Reading the archives, others have had power spike issues over the years. Is 
>> there a known fix? I’ve looked briefly at Elecraft’s alerts and mods but 
>> nothing jumps out.
>> 
>> 73,
>> John K1JD
>> Santa Fe, NM
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> __
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto: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 wham...@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 w...@triconet.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] Tuneup, Rescue, build your K2, K1, KX1, others

[lstavenhagen]

Well you sure do beautiful work, my compliments. I had such a good time
building my first K2 and my K3, I'm sorely tempted to build another K2 for
the fun of it. And I'd imagine Elecraft is eventually going to start having
problems sourcing parts for it, so I should probably get on with it sooner
rather than later

73,
LS
W5QD



--
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Tuneup-Rescue-build-your-K2-K1-KX1-others-tp7614780p7614783.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] K3 output power spikes

[Jim Sheldon]

Thanks David for posting this.  I noticed this from time to time with my 
old K3 and now also with the new K3S.  I keep the KPA500 output set to 
around 400-450 watts most of the time and notice spikes to 550 or so on 
the first or second dit when sending CW at times.  I just built the kit 
and have done the TX calibrations properly and they all passed via the 
Utility program.


I'm using the factory supplied #12 gauge power cable and the power 
supply is a pretty well regulated MFJ 4245MV switcher (RFI quiet here).  
This supply is adjustable and evidently the meter isn't totally accurate 
or there is a larger voltage drop in the cable than I thought there 
should be.  I checked the K3S' meter display after receiving this email 
and it read 13.2 volts.  Keyed to 13.8 volts on the meter, but at 20 
watts out, driving the amplifier, it dropped to 12.6 volts while keyed.


In line with your findings, I set the MFJ supply to read 13.8 volts on 
the K3S display and it now only drops to 13.3 volts under the 20 watt 
load.  The occasional power spikes seem to have disappeared, so it's 
something everyone should take a look at if they do experience the power 
spike problem.


Again, thanks for posting this David.

Jim - W0EB
Park City, KS

-- Original Message --
From: "David via Elecraft" 
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: 3/1/2016 5:40:46 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 output power spikes

My K3 s/n 4487 has exhibited similar behaviour since I built it in 
2010.
Despite calls to Elecraft Support no solution was found despite Gary 
talking
me through various items until a month or so ago when the spike was 
causing
problems with my amp on 24 Mhz.  It was mentioned that the K3 must see 
13
volts whenever it is transmitting and to check this on the front panel 
by
tapping the Display button. Mine showed 13.6 volts on receive and 12.6 
volts
on Tx. Turned out my old power supply regulation was faulty. Anyway 
after a
power supply rebuild and further check it now shows 13.6 volts on 
receive
and 13.3 volts on Tx at 100 watts output. A further TX calibration 
completed

the process and so far no power spikes! So check your power supply is
supplying sufficient voltage on key down.

Dave G0AIX





---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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 output power spikes

[Bill Hammond via Elecraft]

Hi John,
My power dances all over the place (my serial number is 00069).  Just had a 
quick QSO with the KPA500 indicating 560 watts at the beginning and then going 
down to 480 at the end.  That is typical.  My 12 volt supply drops to 12.2 on 
transmit, 13.3 on receive.  I have a long 12 volt  cable from the supply so  
“I" squared losses are understandable in the cable. Driving power from the K3 
is variable per band but typically set to 25 watts or so.  The QSO described 
above was on 17 Meters and the drive is 25 watts there for ~500 watts out or 
just below after stabilization. 

I remember the power fluctuation issue being discussed years ago on this 
reflector and it was explained that the power control uses a sampling and 
feedback loop that takes “time” to stabilize.  That said, I believe we are both 
experiencing some power fluctuation over 10% in a short period of time.  
Depending on the amplifiers we are using this could cause real downstream 
issues, like distorted signals, spurs or alarm faulting of smart amplifiers. 

Could we have some aging component that is aggravating this issue?  Our K3’s 
are among the oldest on the air. 

73,
Bill-AK5X



> On Feb 29, 2016, at 2:24 PM, John K1JD  wrote:
> 
> Hi All,
> My K3 SN #071 was purchased new November 2007. It’s had a few mods/upgrades 
> along the way and its firmware is current. 
> 
> Last Field Day 2015 at W5YA, the K3’s LPA failed after a close lightning 
> strike. I was able to successfully repair the LPA replacing both discrete and 
> SMD components. Performed a Pout calibration using the K3 Utility program 
> afterward and it passed.
> 
> My 9500 amplifier (driven by the K3) has had a few instances of a high plate 
> current faults since new in December 2010. These faults had been infrequent 
> enough to ignore. More recently though the problems have been occurring more 
> often. Swapping the tube did not help nor did careful inspection inside the 
> amplifier reveal anything.
> 
> Evidence that the problem is related to the K3 and not the amplifier 
> presented itself by accident a few days ago. I had the K3’s output set to 40w 
> and the Alpha was off. I inadvertently bumped the key and noted an 
> instantaneous output of 54w on the Powermaster II wattmeter. A few more dits, 
> and the power output settled back to 40w. Hmmm… if the amplifier had been in 
> line, the K3’s drive set for full legal limit and a first dit resulted in an 
> additional 30% drive, a high plate current fault might certainly happen.
> 
> This morning I was using the KPA500 amp with my K3’s power set to 28 watts. 
> After an early AM CW fix I left the station on, walked away and came back in 
> a few hours hours. On first dit the KPA’s instantaneous power showed 650w on 
> the Powermaster II and illuminated a red LED on the KPA500, then settled back 
> down to <500w. 
> 
> OK, so it IS the K3 causing the problem BUT the power output spikes occur 
> very infrequently. It’s difficult to nail down the cause or even the 
> conditions under which the problem is most likely to occur. 
> 
> Reading the archives, others have had power spike issues over the years. Is 
> there a known fix? I’ve looked briefly at Elecraft’s alerts and mods but 
> nothing jumps out.
> 
> 73,
> John K1JD
> Santa Fe, NM
> 
> 
> 
> 
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto: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 wham...@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

[Elecraft] Tuneup, Rescue, build your K2, K1, KX1, others

[Alan D. Wilcox]

Hello,

Have you always wanted an Elecraft? A KX1, K1, K2, K3, whatever? 
Does your K2 need a tuneup?
I build and service them all!

See what my clients have said about my construction and service work at 
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/6768

Photos of the popular "Twins" -- the KPA100 and KAT100 in EC2 enclosure --  are 
at
http://wilcoxengineering.com/kpa100-in-ec2/

In addition to tuning your rig, I can also rescue a building project you might 
have started some time ago.

Cheers,
Alan

Alan D. Wilcox, W3DVX (K2-5373, K3-40)
570-478-0736 (cell, text)
Williamsport, PA 17701 

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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 output power spikes

[Nr4c]

I've noticed that the first time I TX with my KPA500 it will fault. Seems to 
settle down after that. May also spoke after band change. 

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill


> On Mar 1, 2016, at 12:23 AM, Vic Rosenthal  wrote:
> 
> Hi john,
> I think I've seen this myself. I would redo the power calibration with the K3 
> utility and a good dummy load. I'm interested in hearing people's responses 
> to your question.
> 
> Vic 4X6GP
> 
>> On 29 Feb 2016, at 10:24 PM, John K1JD  wrote:
>> 
>> Hi All,
>> My K3 SN #071 was purchased new November 2007. It’s had a few mods/upgrades 
>> along the way and its firmware is current. 
>> 
>> Last Field Day 2015 at W5YA, the K3’s LPA failed after a close lightning 
>> strike. I was able to successfully repair the LPA replacing both discrete 
>> and SMD components. Performed a Pout calibration using the K3 Utility 
>> program afterward and it passed.
>> 
>> My 9500 amplifier (driven by the K3) has had a few instances of a high plate 
>> current faults since new in December 2010. These faults had been infrequent 
>> enough to ignore. More recently though the problems have been occurring more 
>> often. Swapping the tube did not help nor did careful inspection inside the 
>> amplifier reveal anything.
>> 
>> Evidence that the problem is related to the K3 and not the amplifier 
>> presented itself by accident a few days ago. I had the K3’s output set to 
>> 40w and the Alpha was off. I inadvertently bumped the key and noted an 
>> instantaneous output of 54w on the Powermaster II wattmeter. A few more 
>> dits, and the power output settled back to 40w. Hmmm… if the amplifier had 
>> been in line, the K3’s drive set for full legal limit and a first dit 
>> resulted in an additional 30% drive, a high plate current fault might 
>> certainly happen.
>> 
>> This morning I was using the KPA500 amp with my K3’s power set to 28 watts. 
>> After an early AM CW fix I left the station on, walked away and came back in 
>> a few hours hours. On first dit the KPA’s instantaneous power showed 650w on 
>> the Powermaster II and illuminated a red LED on the KPA500, then settled 
>> back down to <500w. 
>> 
>> OK, so it IS the K3 causing the problem BUT the power output spikes occur 
>> very infrequently. It’s difficult to nail down the cause or even the 
>> conditions under which the problem is most likely to occur. 
>> 
>> Reading the archives, others have had power spike issues over the years. Is 
>> there a known fix? I’ve looked briefly at Elecraft’s alerts and mods but 
>> nothing jumps out.
>> 
>> 73,
>> John K1JD
>> Santa Fe,
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto: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 output power spikes

[David via Elecraft]

My K3 s/n 4487 has exhibited similar behaviour since I built it in 2010.
Despite calls to Elecraft Support no solution was found despite Gary talking
me through various items until a month or so ago when the spike was causing
problems with my amp on 24 Mhz.  It was mentioned that the K3 must see 13
volts whenever it is transmitting and to check this on the front panel by
tapping the Display button. Mine showed 13.6 volts on receive and 12.6 volts
on Tx. Turned out my old power supply regulation was faulty. Anyway after a
power supply rebuild and further check it now shows 13.6 volts on receive
and 13.3 volts on Tx at 100 watts output. A further TX calibration completed
the process and so far no power spikes! So check your power supply is
supplying sufficient voltage on key down.

Dave G0AIX



--
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-output-power-spikes-tp7614763p7614778.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