Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[Bill Johnson]

I had an issue with my K3s. It required a bunch of communications and sending 
my equipment in and then to see it fail.  Never, ever did I lose confidence 
that Elecraft wouldn't make it right... guess what? They did.  Personal 
communications, listening to my expertise when diagnosing (a biggie, since my 
experience tells me that most tech support treats me like an idiot) and all is 
working just super. Oh, I do have lots of experience with this Co.  I will sign 
with my very old outdated credentials.  

72 & 73,
Bill
K9YEQ, FT'er for K2, KX1, KX3, KXPA100,  KAT500, W2, etc. 

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Edward R Cole
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2017 1:27 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

I can relate to Andy's frustration and bad luck.  I fortunately have had good 
luck with my Elecraft purchases and any difficulties were result of inadequate 
knowledge or lack of reading over the manual sufficiently.

I recently installed the KXAT100 in my KXPA100 prior to taking a month-long 
trip out of Alaska to pick up our recently purchased 5th-wheel travel trailer 
in Seattle.  I tested it with the KX3 remote control on my bench but after 
install in the truck it would not work properly (Not power-on from the KX3 
menu).  I discovered that the power-pole connector had to be in the proper jack 
(not the auxiliary power-pole jack) for that to function.

I used it mainly on 6m with a base-loaded whip.

I have one of the beta-test 2M transverter modules and it partially failed in 
power output.  Elecraft got that repaired for me.  I ran 120w 2m-SSB on the 
trip driving a 2w/25w driver PA for the TE1410 final amp.  It only required 
0.8w drive to produce 10w drive into the final, but I worked a VE7 outside the 
Vancouver area into northern WA while mobile.  KX3-2M receives quite well even 
in marginal mobile conditions.

I recently traded my DEMI 222-28 transverter for a new 30w FM mobile as there 
is no CW/SSB activity up here.  The new Bridgecom BCM-220 looked like a nice 
substitute and I excitedly set it up upon arrival, but it would not transmit.  
After much head scratching I decided maybe a call was needed to their "tech 
dept".  I actually got the CEO of the company and after a couple questions 
determined I was trying 
to transmit out of the band.   Well the VFO indicated in band so I 
was confused.  He then walked me thru checking if duplex offset was in 
play...and it was.  I didn't program that?  He explained they pre-program the 
radio with that and a couple repeater frequencies (apparently to aid the new 
operator in setting up repeater use).  I had never experienced a new radio with 
any programing so didn't look for any.  Radio worked fine once I reset offset 
to zero - which was a big "duh" moment for me!  I can say I was impressed with 
Bridgecom's response (so maybe they learned from watching Elecraft?).

This is still unusual in my experience with OEM's.  I spent 30 years working as 
two-way radio tech with a lot of the "other" kind of tech help.

I tried to emulate Elecraft in my small kit making business; I recently closed 
the doors and no longer build kits on contract.  At
72 I am finally retired.

73, Ed - KL7UW
   http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
   dubus...@gmail.com 

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Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[Bill Johnson]

Mine as well including all coax and power supplies.  500 watts or QRPp right 
from the crematorium.  Will this stuff incinerate?

73,
Bill
K9YEQ

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Clay Autery
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2017 12:20 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

I'm taking mine with me when I go!!!  

__
Clay Autery, KY5G

On 6/13/2017 12:08 PM, rich hurd WC3T wrote:
> short of my QSYing to another plane of existence

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Re: [Elecraft] [DETECTED AS SPAM] Re: Seeking input on KPA1500 station configurations

[Merv Schweigert via Elecraft]

It says 300 watts CW and emphasizes, "for a short time"



Here is a link to the JC-4s I have on order, it is rated 1 kw ssb.

http://www.stockcorner.nl/index.php/jc-4-automatic-antenna-tuner-1kw

KV4TT - Mike

On Jun 13, 2017 1:50 PM, "Ken G Kopp"  wrote:


Hi Mike!

I used to use an AH-4.  Check the power handling capability of the unit.
I think you'll find it's incapable of handling the KPA500, let alone the
KPA1500.

73!

Ken - K0PP

On Jun 13, 2017 11:43, "Michael Zabel"  wrote:


Hello group,

This is my first post here, but have been reading the mail for a while.
I currently do not have any Elecraft gear, but have built a K2, and owned
KX1 and KX3.

I am considering upgrading my station in the near future and am interested
in the control possibilities of the KPA 1500.

I currently use an AH-4 for remote tuning of a non resonant vertical
dipole
that I use on the upper bands, and have on order a Stockcorner JC-4s
kilowatt remote tuner to replace the AH-4.

To the topic here, I am interested in the mention of a connection for the
AH-4 on the KPA 1500 and and what it's use would be given the mismatch of
the power ratings of the two devices?

Now on to the station setup I can imagine...

It would be useful in my station setup if the KPA 1500 could sense a
frequency change and initiate a 10-20 watt tune cycle with the JC-4s
before
going back to online status. Ideally the KPA 1500 could do this without
communication with the exciter making that interface universal.

Alternately, with the K3(s), any tune initiation from the transceiver
could
cause the KPA 1500 to initiate a tune cycle with the JC-4s with the KPA
1500 in bypass.

Or even more ideally, Elecraft comes out with a fully integrated remote
tuner to match the KPA 1500 for those of us who need the wider matching
range in our urban antenna restricted situations.

A wide range tuner in the shack would also work, but then you would only
want to do that with some very low loss coax like 7/8 Heliax.

Thanks for the opportunity to give input and for the example you set as a
company.

73 de KV4TT - Mike




On Jun 8, 2017 7:25 PM, "Wayne Burdick"  wrote:


The KPA1500 has very flexible I/O, and plenty of space for adding new
control features in firmware. I/O ports include Ethernet, USB, RS-232,

K3

Accessory connector (including Icom band voltages), AH-4, CI-V, keying
input (PTT), ALC out, and remote power-on.

In order to prioritize our efforts towards the facilitation of remote
control and interfacing, we’d like to hear from those considering how

they

might integrate a KPA1500 into their station. Please describe both
third-party and home-built gear that you might be using. In what

situations

could the KPA1500 itself simplify setup or operation?

I can’t promise we’ll be able to respond to every question or

suggestion,

but we’ll keep all of your input for our internal discussions.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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Re: [Elecraft] Seeking input on KPA1500 station configurations

[Michael Zabel]

This would be a great help!

I just know myself, and sooner or later I will TX full power into the
untuned antenna/tuner.

Though the rigs rx performance is far from ideal, the current setup has me
pretty spoiled. The Icom trx will initiate a tune of the AH-4 at low power
if I have changed frequency more than 1 %.

The JC-4s I have on order works on the AH-4 protocol too.

Just looking to add an amp to the station when I upgrade and the Elecraft's
have my eye.

KV4TT-Mike

On Jun 13, 2017 2:21 PM, "Dick Dievendorff"  wrote:

Mike:  The "Tune" connector on the back of the KPA1500, like the KAT500,
can be used with an ICOM transceiver to cause a transceiver TUNE button
press to start a tune cycle for the KPA1500's ATU.  No AH-4 is involved,
the AH-4 is designed for the 100-watt category.   The ICOM transceiver
sends and receives the same signals as it would with an AH-4.  But it's the
Elecraft ATU, not the ICOM AH-4.

If you want to use a remote tuner, it should be capable of handing the
amplified output, the ATU tuning negotiation should be between the exciter
and remote ATU (which could well be the AH-4 protocol), and the KPA1500 can
be used in its ATU bypassed configuration.

We will be on the lookout for ways for the KPA1500 to help with this, like
bypassing the amplifier when ATU tuning.

73 de Dick, K6KR



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-bounces@
mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Michael Zabel
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2017 10:43
To: Elecraft Reflector 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Seeking input on KPA1500 station configurations

Hello group,

This is my first post here, but have been reading the mail for a while.
I currently do not have any Elecraft gear, but have built a K2, and owned
KX1 and KX3.

I am considering upgrading my station in the near future and am interested
in the control possibilities of the KPA 1500.

I currently use an AH-4 for remote tuning of a non resonant vertical dipole
that I use on the upper bands, and have on order a Stockcorner JC-4s
kilowatt remote tuner to replace the AH-4.

To the topic here, I am interested in the mention of a connection for the
AH-4 on the KPA 1500 and and what it's use would be given the mismatch of
the power ratings of the two devices?

Now on to the station setup I can imagine...

It would be useful in my station setup if the KPA 1500 could sense a
frequency change and initiate a 10-20 watt tune cycle with the JC-4s before
going back to online status. Ideally the KPA 1500 could do this without
communication with the exciter making that interface universal.

Alternately, with the K3(s), any tune initiation from the transceiver could
cause the KPA 1500 to initiate a tune cycle with the JC-4s with the KPA
1500 in bypass.

Or even more ideally, Elecraft comes out with a fully integrated remote
tuner to match the KPA 1500 for those of us who need the wider matching
range in our urban antenna restricted situations.

A wide range tuner in the shack would also work, but then you would only
want to do that with some very low loss coax like 7/8 Heliax.

Thanks for the opportunity to give input and for the example you set as a
company.

73 de KV4TT - Mike




On Jun 8, 2017 7:25 PM, "Wayne Burdick"  wrote:

> The KPA1500 has very flexible I/O, and plenty of space for adding new
> control features in firmware. I/O ports include Ethernet, USB, RS-232,
> K3 Accessory connector (including Icom band voltages), AH-4, CI-V,
> keying input (PTT), ALC out, and remote power-on.
>
> In order to prioritize our efforts towards the facilitation of remote
> control and interfacing, we’d like to hear from those considering how
> they might integrate a KPA1500 into their station. Please describe
> both third-party and home-built gear that you might be using. In what
> situations could the KPA1500 itself simplify setup or operation?
>
> I can’t promise we’ll be able to respond to every question or
> suggestion, but we’ll keep all of your input for our internal discussions.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Seeking input on KPA1500 station configurations

[Michael Zabel]

I originally ordered the 1kw tuner with the KPA 500 in mind.then the
surprise announcement of the KPA 1500, and talk of flexibility of control
options.

Stock corner also has a 5kw tuner, but at 3200 Euros!!

KV4TT- Mike
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Re: [Elecraft] Seeking input on KPA1500 station configurations

[Bob Wilson, N6TV]

Wayne,

Sorry for the delayed response.  What seems to be missing from the KPA1500,
compared to the Alpha 87A, is a keying OUTPUT on an RCA phono jack.  If
it's too late to add another jack to the KPA1500, perhaps the REM jack
could be reprogrammed via firmware to do this function, instead of remote
power on?  Note that it also has to work when the amplifier is OFF.

From the Alpha 87A manual:

"KEY OUT – Provides a pull-down to ground (through 47 ohm resistor) which
follows the line connected to the RELAY jack when the amplifier is ON and
in OPERATE condition. When the 87A is in STANDBY or OFF, KEY OUT is
directly connected to the RELAY jack by a closed relay contact in the
amplifier. Useful for special T/R hook-ups when amplifier is used with
exciters having poor T/R sequencing."


Some folks have to send keying input to the amplifier, and let the
amplifier key the radio, to prevent hot switching.  It may also be useful
in SO2R lockout systems.

In my shack, I currently wire two of these connectors in parallel (from two
amps) into a simple RCA Y-cable to a pre-amplifier's power disconnect line
on a Pixel Loop.  Grounding this line on either amplifier will then remove
power from the antenna-mounted pre-amp whenever I transmit.  The power
coupler is a Clifton Labs Z1203B which is 100% compatible with the Pixel
Loop, but it operates silently at QSK speeds (unlike the original Pixel
power coupler which has a noisy relay).

73,
Bob, N6TV

On Thu, Jun 8, 2017 at 4:23 PM, Wayne Burdick  wrote:

> The KPA1500 has very flexible I/O, and plenty of space for adding new
> control features in firmware. I/O ports include Ethernet, USB, RS-232, K3
> Accessory connector (including Icom band voltages), AH-4, CI-V, keying
> input (PTT), ALC out, and remote power-on.
>
> In order to prioritize our efforts towards the facilitation of remote
> control and interfacing, we’d like to hear from those considering how they
> might integrate a KPA1500 into their station. Please describe both
> third-party and home-built gear that you might be using. In what situations
> could the KPA1500 itself simplify setup or operation?
>
> I can’t promise we’ll be able to respond to every question or suggestion,
> but we’ll keep all of your input for our internal discussions.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[Edward R Cole]

I can relate to Andy's frustration and bad luck.  I fortunately have 
had good luck with my Elecraft purchases and any difficulties were 
result of inadequate knowledge or lack of reading over the manual sufficiently.


I recently installed the KXAT100 in my KXPA100 prior to taking a 
month-long trip out of Alaska to pick up our recently purchased 
5th-wheel travel trailer in Seattle.  I tested it with the KX3 remote 
control on my bench but after install in the truck it would not work 
properly (Not power-on from the KX3 menu).  I discovered that the 
power-pole connector had to be in the proper jack (not the auxiliary 
power-pole jack) for that to function.


I used it mainly on 6m with a base-loaded whip.

I have one of the beta-test 2M transverter modules and it partially 
failed in power output.  Elecraft got that repaired for me.  I ran 
120w 2m-SSB on the trip driving a 2w/25w driver PA for the TE1410 
final amp.  It only required 0.8w drive to produce 10w drive into the 
final, but I worked a VE7 outside the Vancouver area into northern WA 
while mobile.  KX3-2M receives quite well even in marginal mobile conditions.


I recently traded my DEMI 222-28 transverter for a new 30w FM mobile 
as there is no CW/SSB activity up here.  The new Bridgecom BCM-220 
looked like a nice substitute and I excitedly set it up upon arrival, 
but it would not transmit.  After much head scratching I decided 
maybe a call was needed to their "tech dept".  I actually got the CEO 
of the company and after a couple questions determined I was trying 
to transmit out of the band.   Well the VFO indicated in band so I 
was confused.  He then walked me thru checking if duplex offset was 
in play...and it was.  I didn't program that?  He explained they 
pre-program the radio with that and a couple repeater frequencies 
(apparently to aid the new operator in setting up repeater use).  I 
had never experienced a new radio with any programing so didn't look 
for any.  Radio worked fine once I reset offset to zero - which was a 
big "duh" moment for me!  I can say I was impressed with Bridgecom's 
response (so maybe they learned from watching Elecraft?).


This is still unusual in my experience with OEM's.  I spent 30 years 
working as two-way radio tech with a lot of the "other" kind of tech help.


I tried to emulate Elecraft in my small kit making business; I 
recently closed the doors and no longer build kits on contract.  At 
72 I am finally retired.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Satisfaction with Elecraft

[Charlie T, K3ICH]

Isn't it time we changed the word "frustration" to "satisfaction" ?

Charlie k3ICH



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Gary Smith
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2017 1:25 PM
To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

Andy,

Just to be another to chime in on the
bandwagon, This is the kind of response that Elecraft has been doing since I
first bought my K3 kit in 98 I think it was.

I now have a fully loaded K3s, a backup K3, fully loaded P3 and a K-Pod. My
amplifier is an Alpha 77SX but I am seriously considering going for the
upcoming Elecraft SS 1500W amp. The only thing that could pry the 77SX out
of my fingers would be a full limit Elecraft amp. I have come to equate
Elecraft with integrity and quality.

You will enjoy your radios and you will have fun discovering all the hidden
nuggets your radios have waiting for you to uncover.

73,

Gary
KA1J


> Wayne,
> 
> Thanks for the quick response and action!
> 
> I look forward to having a great field day.
> 
> 
> 
> -
> NB8F - Andy
> Elecraft K3S / KX2
> User since June 2017
> Ham since March 2015
> --
> View this message in context:
> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Frustration-with-Elecraft-tp76316
> 98p7631707.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at 
> Nabble.com.
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> 



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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 158, Issue 14

[Pentti A J Pajunen]

Hi Ya OTs & other CW improvers. No absolute truth in learnig the Morse 
(rather Veil) code.


1. Rag chewing with highest speed you can read in your head
2. Take a buzzer (may be your rig monitoring, not transmitting), some 
journal and start sending the code as fast U can


Sending the code is as good as anything else "schooling" Ur brain. 
K-radios have exellent keyers and sending monitors for practising.


I love HAM radio and Competition dancing (with my XYL). The more I can 
practise the more I can reach in CW and the more I can "see" as an 
adjudicator in dancing competitions. Both hobbies are the best U can do 
fully clothed - in publick.


73 & CU, don't give up!
Penna OH2G, OH2CG



elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net kirjoitti 12.06.2017 klo 18:04:

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Today's Topics:

1. Re: OT Learning Morse anew (Rod Hardman(VA3ON))
2. Re: mic (Brian Denley)
3. Re: 6m off-frequency (Mike Rhodes)
4. Re: mic - David Clark (John Severyn)
5. Re: mic (Dwight Anderson)
6. Re: mic - David Clark (Randy Farmer)
7. Re: mic (Dwayne Rohmer)
8. Re: 6m off-frequency (Ron D'Eau Claire)
9.  mic (j...@kk9a.com)
   10. Re: mic (Walter Underwood)
   11. Re: mic - David Clark (Wes Stewart)
   12. Re: OT Learning Morse anew (Erik Basilier)
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   14. Re: 6m off-frequency (Richard Lamont)
   15. NoGaQRP Rig Stands (Richard Thorne)
   16. Re: OT Learning Morse anew (Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP)
   17. Re: OT Learning Morse anew (Kevin - K4VD)
   18. Re: MH3 rattle? (ke9uw)
   19. Re: OT Learning Morse anew (Scott Manthe)
   20. Flash mob experiment, right now, 28.050 +/- 5? (Wayne Burdick)
   21. Re: Flash mob experiment, right now, 28.050 +/- 5?
   (kg9hfr...@gmail.com)
   22. Re: Flash mob experiment, right now, 28.050 +/- 5?
   (kg9hfr...@gmail.com)
   23. Re: mic (Jim Brown)
   24. Re: Flash mob experiment, right now, 28.050 +/- 5? (Wayne Burdick)


--

Message: 1
Date: Sun, 11 Jun 2017 20:52:01 -0400
From: "Rod Hardman(VA3ON)" 
To: Jim Sr Sturges 
Cc: Elecraft Reflector 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT Learning Morse anew
Message-ID: <502f7363-5b34-4fa9-a7a2-350ea5c0f...@crrl.ca>
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset=us-ascii

Jim
I'll endorse your experience with the installation PAE's excellent heatsink for 
the KX2.
I jumped into that operation with a Swiss Army knife and a set of forceps at 
the hotel while at Dayton hamvention.
Holding on the two washers, nut and bolt simultaneously in a confined space is playing 
"Twister" with your fingers!
That said, I love the kit - combined with the Lexan cover, the kit is both 
functional and attractive.
Fun to get an installation challenge from time to time!!
/Rod VA3ON

On Jun 11, 2017, at 18:25, Jim Sr Sturges  wrote:

I think I learned code all wrong. Can't ever seem to get my speed up.

Surely some of the astute among you _know_ The Perfect Method, and I hope
you will share?

To complete the OT-ness of this msg, I recently completed the QRP Labs
Ultimate WSPR/QRSS kit and re-learned the joys of soldering iron burns,
again. Certainly nothing wrong with Hans' excellent kits, and the price is
amazing for the functionality, design, and quality.

Then I installed the PAE heat sink end panels on my KX2. The latter is not
for the faint of heart! I STRONGLY recommend the somewhat buried hint in
PAE's instructions to remove the AT board before attaching the PA
transistors to the heat sink. Tried it the other way and re-discovered that
my micromanipulation skills are right up there with my CW -- maybe better,
which is damned depressing.

So, any help mastering Morse?

Thanks in advance and 73,

Jim N3SZ



--
73&CU Penna, OH2G, OF2CG
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Re: [Elecraft] Seeking input on KPA1500 station configurations

[Michael Zabel]

Here is a link to the JC-4s I have on order, it is rated 1 kw ssb.

http://www.stockcorner.nl/index.php/jc-4-automatic-antenna-tuner-1kw

KV4TT - Mike

On Jun 13, 2017 1:50 PM, "Ken G Kopp"  wrote:

> Hi Mike!
>
> I used to use an AH-4.  Check the power handling capability of the unit.
> I think you'll find it's incapable of handling the KPA500, let alone the
> KPA1500.
>
> 73!
>
> Ken - K0PP
>
> On Jun 13, 2017 11:43, "Michael Zabel"  wrote:
>
>> Hello group,
>>
>> This is my first post here, but have been reading the mail for a while.
>> I currently do not have any Elecraft gear, but have built a K2, and owned
>> KX1 and KX3.
>>
>> I am considering upgrading my station in the near future and am interested
>> in the control possibilities of the KPA 1500.
>>
>> I currently use an AH-4 for remote tuning of a non resonant vertical
>> dipole
>> that I use on the upper bands, and have on order a Stockcorner JC-4s
>> kilowatt remote tuner to replace the AH-4.
>>
>> To the topic here, I am interested in the mention of a connection for the
>> AH-4 on the KPA 1500 and and what it's use would be given the mismatch of
>> the power ratings of the two devices?
>>
>> Now on to the station setup I can imagine...
>>
>> It would be useful in my station setup if the KPA 1500 could sense a
>> frequency change and initiate a 10-20 watt tune cycle with the JC-4s
>> before
>> going back to online status. Ideally the KPA 1500 could do this without
>> communication with the exciter making that interface universal.
>>
>> Alternately, with the K3(s), any tune initiation from the transceiver
>> could
>> cause the KPA 1500 to initiate a tune cycle with the JC-4s with the KPA
>> 1500 in bypass.
>>
>> Or even more ideally, Elecraft comes out with a fully integrated remote
>> tuner to match the KPA 1500 for those of us who need the wider matching
>> range in our urban antenna restricted situations.
>>
>> A wide range tuner in the shack would also work, but then you would only
>> want to do that with some very low loss coax like 7/8 Heliax.
>>
>> Thanks for the opportunity to give input and for the example you set as a
>> company.
>>
>> 73 de KV4TT - Mike
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Jun 8, 2017 7:25 PM, "Wayne Burdick"  wrote:
>>
>> > The KPA1500 has very flexible I/O, and plenty of space for adding new
>> > control features in firmware. I/O ports include Ethernet, USB, RS-232,
>> K3
>> > Accessory connector (including Icom band voltages), AH-4, CI-V, keying
>> > input (PTT), ALC out, and remote power-on.
>> >
>> > In order to prioritize our efforts towards the facilitation of remote
>> > control and interfacing, we’d like to hear from those considering how
>> they
>> > might integrate a KPA1500 into their station. Please describe both
>> > third-party and home-built gear that you might be using. In what
>> situations
>> > could the KPA1500 itself simplify setup or operation?
>> >
>> > I can’t promise we’ll be able to respond to every question or
>> suggestion,
>> > but we’ll keep all of your input for our internal discussions.
>> >
>> > 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
>> >
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>> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> > Message delivered to kv...@arrl.net
>> __
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>> Message delivered to kengk...@gmail.com
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[NB8F]

Dan, I just want to say that I 100% agree. I was weary of posting my thoughts
because of what happens on most boards.  I was surprised to see Wayne
respond directly and too me, made a big difference.  The fact that, while
many supported Elecraft (rightfully so), none of them said I was wrong or
wanted to pick a fight.   I am sure I will be an Elecraft owner for a long
time to come.  In this particular instance I am satisfied with the response
and action that was taken. 

I also want to say thanks to many of you who reached out to me directly to
help in any way possible. It's nice to see a community that is so
responsive, it helps solidify that I made the right decision on my new radio
purchases. 



Dan Cross wrote
> Here here! I just wanted to mention that I think it speaks well of both
> Elecraft and the Elecraft community that someone can come onto the mailing
> list, mention a problem and give some feedback, get a good solid response
> from an officer of the company AND not get torn up in the process by a
> heckling peanut gallery. So many times I see communities where folks will
> take honest feedback as criticism and react poorly when that clearly
> wasn't
> the intent; it's heartening to see that the Elecraft community is more
> accepting of well-intentioned, well-written and honest feedback, and that
> makes me proud and happy to be an Elecraft owner.  73,
> 
> - Dan C.
>   AC2OI





-
NB8F - Andy
Elecraft K3S / KX2
User since June 2017
Ham since March 2015
--
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[Elecraft] Icon AH-4

[Ken G Kopp]

Icom manual says can handle 120W maximum.

73

Ken - K0PP
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Re: [Elecraft] Seeking input on KPA1500 station configurations

[Ken G Kopp]

Hi Mike!

I used to use an AH-4.  Check the power handling capability of the unit.  I
think you'll find it's incapable of handling the KPA500, let alone the
KPA1500.

73!

Ken - K0PP

On Jun 13, 2017 11:43, "Michael Zabel"  wrote:

> Hello group,
>
> This is my first post here, but have been reading the mail for a while.
> I currently do not have any Elecraft gear, but have built a K2, and owned
> KX1 and KX3.
>
> I am considering upgrading my station in the near future and am interested
> in the control possibilities of the KPA 1500.
>
> I currently use an AH-4 for remote tuning of a non resonant vertical dipole
> that I use on the upper bands, and have on order a Stockcorner JC-4s
> kilowatt remote tuner to replace the AH-4.
>
> To the topic here, I am interested in the mention of a connection for the
> AH-4 on the KPA 1500 and and what it's use would be given the mismatch of
> the power ratings of the two devices?
>
> Now on to the station setup I can imagine...
>
> It would be useful in my station setup if the KPA 1500 could sense a
> frequency change and initiate a 10-20 watt tune cycle with the JC-4s before
> going back to online status. Ideally the KPA 1500 could do this without
> communication with the exciter making that interface universal.
>
> Alternately, with the K3(s), any tune initiation from the transceiver could
> cause the KPA 1500 to initiate a tune cycle with the JC-4s with the KPA
> 1500 in bypass.
>
> Or even more ideally, Elecraft comes out with a fully integrated remote
> tuner to match the KPA 1500 for those of us who need the wider matching
> range in our urban antenna restricted situations.
>
> A wide range tuner in the shack would also work, but then you would only
> want to do that with some very low loss coax like 7/8 Heliax.
>
> Thanks for the opportunity to give input and for the example you set as a
> company.
>
> 73 de KV4TT - Mike
>
>
>
>
> On Jun 8, 2017 7:25 PM, "Wayne Burdick"  wrote:
>
> > The KPA1500 has very flexible I/O, and plenty of space for adding new
> > control features in firmware. I/O ports include Ethernet, USB, RS-232, K3
> > Accessory connector (including Icom band voltages), AH-4, CI-V, keying
> > input (PTT), ALC out, and remote power-on.
> >
> > In order to prioritize our efforts towards the facilitation of remote
> > control and interfacing, we’d like to hear from those considering how
> they
> > might integrate a KPA1500 into their station. Please describe both
> > third-party and home-built gear that you might be using. In what
> situations
> > could the KPA1500 itself simplify setup or operation?
> >
> > I can’t promise we’ll be able to respond to every question or suggestion,
> > but we’ll keep all of your input for our internal discussions.
> >
> > 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 kv...@arrl.net
> __
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Re: [Elecraft] Seeking input on KPA1500 station configurations

[Michael Zabel]

Hello group,

This is my first post here, but have been reading the mail for a while.
I currently do not have any Elecraft gear, but have built a K2, and owned
KX1 and KX3.

I am considering upgrading my station in the near future and am interested
in the control possibilities of the KPA 1500.

I currently use an AH-4 for remote tuning of a non resonant vertical dipole
that I use on the upper bands, and have on order a Stockcorner JC-4s
kilowatt remote tuner to replace the AH-4.

To the topic here, I am interested in the mention of a connection for the
AH-4 on the KPA 1500 and and what it's use would be given the mismatch of
the power ratings of the two devices?

Now on to the station setup I can imagine...

It would be useful in my station setup if the KPA 1500 could sense a
frequency change and initiate a 10-20 watt tune cycle with the JC-4s before
going back to online status. Ideally the KPA 1500 could do this without
communication with the exciter making that interface universal.

Alternately, with the K3(s), any tune initiation from the transceiver could
cause the KPA 1500 to initiate a tune cycle with the JC-4s with the KPA
1500 in bypass.

Or even more ideally, Elecraft comes out with a fully integrated remote
tuner to match the KPA 1500 for those of us who need the wider matching
range in our urban antenna restricted situations.

A wide range tuner in the shack would also work, but then you would only
want to do that with some very low loss coax like 7/8 Heliax.

Thanks for the opportunity to give input and for the example you set as a
company.

73 de KV4TT - Mike




On Jun 8, 2017 7:25 PM, "Wayne Burdick"  wrote:

> The KPA1500 has very flexible I/O, and plenty of space for adding new
> control features in firmware. I/O ports include Ethernet, USB, RS-232, K3
> Accessory connector (including Icom band voltages), AH-4, CI-V, keying
> input (PTT), ALC out, and remote power-on.
>
> In order to prioritize our efforts towards the facilitation of remote
> control and interfacing, we’d like to hear from those considering how they
> might integrate a KPA1500 into their station. Please describe both
> third-party and home-built gear that you might be using. In what situations
> could the KPA1500 itself simplify setup or operation?
>
> I can’t promise we’ll be able to respond to every question or suggestion,
> but we’ll keep all of your input for our internal discussions.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
> __
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Re: [Elecraft] OT Learning Morse anew

[Robert Allbright]

That's the best way Kev
73
Rob
G3RCE

On Jun 12, 2017 1:19 PM, "Kevin - K4VD"  wrote:

​I learned code by memorizing 5 wpm and then getting on the air and having
as many contacts as I could. Nothing fancy, no coddling. Just do it.

73,
Kev
​
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Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[Gary Smith]

Andy,

Just to be another to chime in on the 
bandwagon, This is the kind of response 
that Elecraft has been doing since I first 
bought my K3 kit in 98 I think it was.

I now have a fully loaded K3s, a backup 
K3, fully loaded P3 and a K-Pod. My 
amplifier is an Alpha 77SX but I am 
seriously considering going for the 
upcoming Elecraft SS 1500W amp. The only 
thing that could pry the 77SX out of my 
fingers would be a full limit Elecraft 
amp. I have come to equate Elecraft with 
integrity and quality.

You will enjoy your radios and you will 
have fun discovering all the hidden 
nuggets your radios have waiting for you 
to uncover.

73,

Gary
KA1J


> Wayne,
> 
> Thanks for the quick response and action!
> 
> I look forward to having a great field day.
> 
> 
> 
> -
> NB8F - Andy
> Elecraft K3S / KX2
> User since June 2017
> Ham since March 2015
> --
> View this message in context:
> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Frustration-with-Elecraft-tp76316
> 98p7631707.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at
> Nabble.com.
> __
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> Message delivered to g...@ka1j.com
> 



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[Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[John Dolan]

One of the main reasons I purchased my K3s and KX 3 rigs was that I could
expect support AFTER the sale if ever I need it. I am so glad that I am a
member of the Elecraft community!

73 and Thanks!  WB4YAL John

*Many of life's problems can be solved by simply deciding what we can do
without. -JohnDolan  *
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Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[Clay Autery]

I'm taking mine with me when I go!!!  

__
Clay Autery, KY5G

On 6/13/2017 12:08 PM, rich hurd WC3T wrote:
> short of my QSYing to another plane of existence

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Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[rich hurd WC3T]

At the risk of pushing this careening thread closer to the cliff of
moderation (yes, I too am a list moderator and applaud their efforts) I
have to say that following this encounter has cemented my somewhat tenuous
relationship with Elecraft into a rather unbreakable bond.

I'm the proud 2nd owner of a KX3 station (PX3, KXPA100) and I also have the
odd smattering of other rigs floating around.  To see how you guys have
stepped up in this matter has reinforced for me the determination that I
shan't ever be disposing of my Elecraft gear for any reason whatever (short
of my QSYing to another plane of existence), and your equipment will be at
the top of any list for future purchases.

Bravo Wayne and team, and thank you.

On Tue, Jun 13, 2017 at 12:37 PM, Wayne Burdick  wrote:

> Jim Brown  wrote:
>
>
> >
> > Elecraft is 30 miles down the road from me, and many of those who work
> there are my neighbors (Elecraft also employs designers and support people
> who are not within driving distance)
>
> That’s an important point for me, Jim. Most of our engineers work from
> home, including me. This reduces both stress and our carbon footprint. And
> consuming less fuel is philosophically in line with the company’s QRP roots
> :)
>
> We appreciate all of your hard-nosed engineering input over the years, too.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
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>



-- 
73 (or 72 for the QRP folks),
Rich Hurd / WC3T
DMR ID: 3142737
Northampton County RACES
EPA-ARRL Public Information Officer for Scouting
Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75.288988  (40°45.68' N 75°17.33' W) Grid:
*FN20is*
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Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[Rod Hardman(VA3ON)]

Dan - well said, very true.

Andrew - WELCOME to the Elecraft community! 
Like your club, I have good friends who are longtime Elecraft customers, so at 
Dayton I finally took the plunge and bought a KX2. (Eric filled out my order 
form himself - what a great experience)
It's an amazing unit and as mentioned here I bought a radio and got a whole 
bunch more. 
Wayne, Eric, the other Elecraft folks and the whole crew here too, nicely done!
/rod. VA3ON


On Jun 13, 2017, at 12:17, Dan Cross  wrote:

On Tue, Jun 13, 2017 at 11:46 AM, G4GNX  wrote:

> THIS is why I'm proud to own Elecraft equipment and will continue to do so.
> 

Here here! I just wanted to mention that I think it speaks well of both
Elecraft and the Elecraft community that someone can come onto the mailing
list, mention a problem and give some feedback, get a good solid response
from an officer of the company AND not get torn up in the process by a
heckling peanut gallery. So many times I see communities where folks will
take honest feedback as criticism and react poorly when that clearly wasn't
the intent; it's heartening to see that the Elecraft community is more
accepting of well-intentioned, well-written and honest feedback, and that
makes me proud and happy to be an Elecraft owner.  73,

   - Dan C.
 AC2OI
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Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[George Thornton]

I want to strongly echo others' statements of confidence and support for 
Elecraft's quality, integrity and follow through.

I started with Elecraft by building a K2 (great kit building experience) and 
later K3/P3 with all the bells and whistles.

These guys make excellent products and they provide top notch service.  They 
stand by their customers and their products.

Electronic equipment is complex and sensitive and occasionally components 
malfunction or become damaged.  These things are easily corrected.





From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Wayne Burdick
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2017 8:43 AM
To: NB8F 
Cc: Elecraft Reflector 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

Hi Andy,

Just checked with Mike in sales. Looks like your KX2 has shipped.

Have fun in Field Day--

Wayne
N6KR


> On Jun 13, 2017, at 8:32 AM, NB8F  
> wrote:
>
> Wayne,
> Thank you for the response. My thought that this was all a rarity and I
> appreciate you reaching out, I also felt this might be the best way (after
> my existing tickets / emails), to get this highlighted. Please keep me
> posted on the progress, again, communication goes a long way. As a Director
> of Engineering myself, understand that things can be missed and I understand
> the development / engineering process in which you work through.
>
> Thanks again and I look forward to a long relationship with Elecraft.
>
>
>
>
> -
> NB8F - Andy
> Elecraft K3S / KX2



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Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[Wayne Burdick]

Jim Brown  wrote:


> 
> Elecraft is 30 miles down the road from me, and many of those who work there 
> are my neighbors (Elecraft also employs designers and support people who are 
> not within driving distance)

That’s an important point for me, Jim. Most of our engineers work from home, 
including me. This reduces both stress and our carbon footprint. And consuming 
less fuel is philosophically in line with the company’s QRP roots :)

We appreciate all of your hard-nosed engineering input over the years, too.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


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Re: [Elecraft] OT Learning Morse anew

[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft]

Hi Jim,

No need to apologize. All of the thread's posts are good info - We just try to 
keep the volume of responses to OT threads down to 5-10 to keep list email 
volume under control for our other readers.


73,
Eric
/elecraft.com/

On 6/13/2017 9:34 AM, Jim Sr Sturges wrote:
My apologies for opening what became an overwhelmingly nice, polite, friendly, 
and educational thread for me and perhaps a few others. This is a place where 
exposing ignorance is rewarded with gold-plated knowledge and bonhomie. I'm 
not really sorry but good form dictates that response. My replies here are SK.


73
On Tue, Jun 13, 2017 at 12:28 PM Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft 
mailto:e...@elecraft.com>> wrote:


In the interest of releiving email overload for our readers, lets close
this OT
thread at this time.   Its well past the single day posting limit.

73,
Eric
List Moderator
/elecraft.com/ 

On 6/12/2017 9:14 PM, Doug Smith wrote:
> I was one of the last Radio Officers to sail an all CW ship.  It was the
SS Tampa Bay, call sign KNJA.  We worked our way up and down the South
American coasts from ports in the US gulf coast.
>
> I mainly worked WLO on 16 and 22 MHz. We typically hummed along around
30 WPM due to the requirement for perfect copy in both directions. I once
made a mistake -- spelled a guys name wrong by one letter (Johnson vs.
Johnsen or some such thing) and I really caught hell from The Old Man.
That didn't happen again!
>
> One day I was just doing a poor job of sending and had to keep
correcting myself. After all the traffic was sent I apologized to the
shore station op. He said, "Are you kidding? You have the best fist I've
copied all day." Nice guy, made me feel much better about my sloppy
sending. I have little doubt he was a Ham.
>
> You can see a pic of a typical shipboard radio room of that era at:
> http://www.w7kf.com/Articles/Rigs/ITTMackay3020A.html
>
> Fond memories...
>
> 73,
> Doug, W7KF
>
>
>> On Jun 12, 2017, at 5:33 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire mailto:r...@cobi.biz>> wrote:
>>
>> I've seen commercial ship/shore traffic running very slow due to a
shipboard
>> operator who was not proficient at CW. The shore station had to run 
equally
>> slow, no matter how painful.
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--
Jim Sturges, N3SZ
Amateur Radio operators do it with frequency.


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Re: [Elecraft] OT Learning Morse anew

[Jim Sr Sturges]

My apologies for opening what became an overwhelmingly nice, polite,
friendly, and educational thread for me and perhaps a few others. This is a
place where exposing ignorance is rewarded with gold-plated knowledge and
bonhomie. I'm not really sorry but good form dictates that response. My
replies here are SK.

73
On Tue, Jun 13, 2017 at 12:28 PM Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft <
e...@elecraft.com> wrote:

> In the interest of releiving email overload for our readers, lets close
> this OT
> thread at this time.   Its well past the single day posting limit.
>
> 73,
> Eric
> List Moderator
> /elecraft.com/
>
> On 6/12/2017 9:14 PM, Doug Smith wrote:
> > I was one of the last Radio Officers to sail an all CW ship.  It was the
> SS Tampa Bay, call sign KNJA.  We worked our way up and down the South
> American coasts from ports in the US gulf coast.
> >
> > I mainly worked WLO on 16 and 22 MHz. We typically hummed along around
> 30 WPM due to the requirement for perfect copy in both directions. I once
> made a mistake -- spelled a guys name wrong by one letter (Johnson vs.
> Johnsen or some such thing) and I really caught hell from The Old Man. That
> didn't happen again!
> >
> > One day I was just doing a poor job of sending and had to keep
> correcting myself. After all the traffic was sent I apologized to the shore
> station op. He said, "Are you kidding? You have the best fist I've copied
> all day." Nice guy, made me feel much better about my sloppy sending. I
> have little doubt he was a Ham.
> >
> > You can see a pic of a typical shipboard radio room of that era at:
> >http://www.w7kf.com/Articles/Rigs/ITTMackay3020A.html
> >
> > Fond memories...
> >
> > 73,
> > Doug, W7KF
> >
> >
> >> On Jun 12, 2017, at 5:33 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire  wrote:
> >>
> >> I've seen commercial ship/shore traffic running very slow due to a
> shipboard
> >> operator who was not proficient at CW. The shore station had to run
> equally
> >> slow, no matter how painful.
> > __
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto: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 eric.swa...@elecraft.com
>
> __
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>
-- 
Jim Sturges, N3SZ
Amateur Radio operators do it with frequency.
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Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[Jim Brown]

Elecraft is 30 miles down the road from me, and many of those who work 
there are my neighbors (Elecraft also employs designers and support 
people who are not within driving distance).  In my 60+ years as a ham 
and working engineer, I've encountered NO other companies whose OWNERS 
monitor their email support reflector, UNDERSTAND the questions, 
comments, and ideas expressed there, and DO something positive in 
response. EVERY company and person makes mistakes or has bad days. What 
they do in response is a large part of what separates the great 
companies from the others.


Old timers can testify that one of the major JA radio companies (starts 
with a Y) took three models to correct AWFUL key clicks in their 
flagship (expensive) radio, and to get that fix, you had to sell the old 
one and buy the new one. And they didn't learn from it -- much later, 
very different designs of their flagship models (twice the cost of a 
K3S) had very bad clicks and took years to fix with a firmware update.  
And they didn't do that until I published a detailed analysis of ARRL 
Lab test data showing how bad they were. With that update, they're 
better, but still not great. But, thanks to limitations of the design, 
that's the best they can do without starting over. :)


73, Jim K9YC

On Tue,6/13/2017 8:46 AM, G4GNX wrote:
THIS is why I'm proud to own Elecraft equipment and will continue to 
do so.


73,

Alan. G4GNX

-Original Message- From: Wayne Burdick
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2017 4:09 PM
To: Andrew Holman
Cc: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

Hi Andrew,

I’m the CTO of Elecraft and principal designer of our transceivers. 
I’ll try to address your issues:

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Re: [Elecraft] OT Learning Morse anew

[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft]

In the interest of releiving email overload for our readers, lets close this OT 
thread at this time.   Its well past the single day posting limit.


73,
Eric
List Moderator
/elecraft.com/

On 6/12/2017 9:14 PM, Doug Smith wrote:

I was one of the last Radio Officers to sail an all CW ship.  It was the SS 
Tampa Bay, call sign KNJA.  We worked our way up and down the South American 
coasts from ports in the US gulf coast.

I mainly worked WLO on 16 and 22 MHz. We typically hummed along around 30 WPM 
due to the requirement for perfect copy in both directions. I once made a 
mistake -- spelled a guys name wrong by one letter (Johnson vs. Johnsen or some 
such thing) and I really caught hell from The Old Man. That didn't happen again!

One day I was just doing a poor job of sending and had to keep correcting myself. After 
all the traffic was sent I apologized to the shore station op. He said, "Are you 
kidding? You have the best fist I've copied all day." Nice guy, made me feel much 
better about my sloppy sending. I have little doubt he was a Ham.

You can see a pic of a typical shipboard radio room of that era at:
   http://www.w7kf.com/Articles/Rigs/ITTMackay3020A.html

Fond memories...

73,
Doug, W7KF



On Jun 12, 2017, at 5:33 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire  wrote:

I've seen commercial ship/shore traffic running very slow due to a shipboard
operator who was not proficient at CW. The shore station had to run equally
slow, no matter how painful.

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Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[Dan Cross]

On Tue, Jun 13, 2017 at 11:46 AM, G4GNX  wrote:

> THIS is why I'm proud to own Elecraft equipment and will continue to do so.
>

Here here! I just wanted to mention that I think it speaks well of both
Elecraft and the Elecraft community that someone can come onto the mailing
list, mention a problem and give some feedback, get a good solid response
from an officer of the company AND not get torn up in the process by a
heckling peanut gallery. So many times I see communities where folks will
take honest feedback as criticism and react poorly when that clearly wasn't
the intent; it's heartening to see that the Elecraft community is more
accepting of well-intentioned, well-written and honest feedback, and that
makes me proud and happy to be an Elecraft owner.  73,

- Dan C.
  AC2OI
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Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[NB8F]

Wayne,

Thanks for the quick response and action!

I look forward to having a great field day.



-
NB8F - Andy
Elecraft K3S / KX2
User since June 2017
Ham since March 2015
--
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Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[G4GNX]

THIS is why I'm proud to own Elecraft equipment and will continue to do so.

73,

Alan. G4GNX

-Original Message- 
From: Wayne Burdick

Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2017 4:09 PM
To: Andrew Holman
Cc: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

Hi Andrew,

I’m the CTO of Elecraft and principal designer of our transceivers. I’ll try 
to address your issues: 


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Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Andy,

Just checked with Mike in sales. Looks like your KX2 has shipped.

Have fun in Field Day--

Wayne
N6KR


> On Jun 13, 2017, at 8:32 AM, NB8F  wrote:
> 
> Wayne,
> Thank you for the response. My thought that this was all a rarity and I
> appreciate you reaching out, I also felt this might be the best way (after
> my existing tickets / emails), to get this highlighted.  Please keep me
> posted on the progress, again, communication goes a long way.  As a Director
> of Engineering myself, understand that things can be missed and I understand
> the development / engineering process in which you work through.
> 
> Thanks again and I look forward to a long relationship with Elecraft.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -
> NB8F - Andy
> Elecraft K3S / KX2



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Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[Buddy Brannan]

Howdy Andy,

The response below, from an officer of the company and its chief product 
designer, is really what makes Elecraft stand head and shoulders above any 
other of the major manufacturers in the ham radio world...this response right 
here. 

You got a response from the CTO of the company. He and Eric, you know, "the 
other guy that isn't Wayne", are in close, direct, and personal contact with 
us, their customer base. 

Wayne took ownership of your problems. He didn't make excuses. He gave reasons 
and facts, he was polite, and he pledged to fix the problems with your 
equipment and your interactions. 

You can count on support like that from hre on out with all of your Elecraft 
gear. 

I've been an Elecraft owner since 2003, when I got my K2/100 through some 
interesting (and very special, to me anyway) circumstances. Have also owned a 
KX1, now belongs to a friend but kept my sanity through an international 
adoption and being locked in an apartment in Ukraine. Bought one of the first 
500 KX3's back in 2012, to celebrate 25 years of ham radio. Any time I've had a 
problem, I've had a great community of support, not just from Elecraft, but 
from all the folks on this list. Problems have been pretty rare, by the way, 
but always got help with them. 

So, yeah, you've bought some radio gear, but you've bought a bunch more than 
that, if you ask me (which you didn't). And, once all the kinks get ironed out, 
you're going to have years and years of fun with this stuff, and no mistake. 

Vy 73,

--
Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV - Erie, PA
Phone: 814-860-3194 
Mobile: 814-431-0962
Email: bu...@brannan.name




> On Jun 13, 2017, at 11:09 AM, Wayne Burdick  wrote:
> 
> Hi Andrew,
> 
> I’m the CTO of Elecraft and principal designer of our transceivers. I’ll try 
> to address your issues. 
> 
> During the few weeks since Dayton, about half of our customer support staff 
> has been on unexpected leave (parent illness, etc.). We brought a very senior 
> tech to help, but it’s been a bit of a fire drill. We also have two of our 
> sales staff on leave, which has resulted in unexpectedly long response times 
> to phone calls and email. 
> 
> This situation is of course temporary. Meanwhile, I’m even taking some of the 
> overload myself, as you can see :) 
> 
> 
>> Before Dayton, in order to replace my FT-857D I decided to buy a KX2 for
>> Field Day.  I purchased and waited for it to ship, which took about 8 days
>> (approximately).  I did not have it in time for Dayton, which I was OK
>> with. When asked if I could take advantage of any Dayton deals, I was told
>> "No".  OK, no problem.
> 
> Usually the radios ship more quickly than this, but we do take some with us 
> to Dayton each year for walk-up sales. Since you fell into a certifiable gray 
> area with respect to Dayton timing, we should have credited you back the show 
> special on your KX2. I’ll make sure this happens.
> 
> 
>> When I went to Hamvention this year, I asked someone at the booth to "take
>> my money" and convince me to buy an Elecraft radio
>> I was a little bummed that someone didn't feel the need to really sell me
>> on the radio (they barely spoke to me)
> 
> Wow. You must have come to the booth when everyone on our regular sales 
> staff, including myself, were on a lunch break. I did in-depth demonstrations 
> of the KX2 and KX3 hundreds of times, even to the point of taking the KX2 
> outside (twice) to do on-air demos using the radio hand-held with a whip. 
> 
> I’ll make sure that our regular crew and temporary subs don't miss such an 
> opportunity again. Normally we engage potential customers to the point that, 
> by the time they’ve decided yea or nay, we know their favorite bands, modes, 
> other hobbies, and the names of their pets.
> 
> 
>> A few days after Dayton I get my KX2 and begin using it.  I am mostly a CW
>> op and noticed that after a while the radio would "stick" on CW.  It would
>> let out long tones etc., I did not see the error to start, but after a day
>> or so I saw a temp warning.  I reached out to Elecraft, they said they
>> would fix the radio anytime I sent it back.  I asked if I could wait until
>> after Field Day since this was purchased for that specific reason.  They
>> were more than happy to oblige.
> 
> Well, bummer. It’s very rare for any of our radios to have an out-of-the-box 
> issue like this. Sorry you’ve encountered such a problem right before FD!
> 
> 
>> During this time I decided I was going to buy a K3S. ...RF/SQL Pot just was 
>> not working.  We tried all kinds of things to fix
>> this, to no availcame to the conclusion that one of the pots had a 
>> missing solder.
> 
> Also extremely rare. I’ll talk to CS and get the info back to our 
> manufacturing department. They do 100% visual inspection with very 
> sophisticated optical gear, but apparently they missed this one.
> 
> 
>> I go about soldering the bad pot for RF/SQL and the K3S is back in 
>> business
> 
> Thank you v

Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[NB8F]

Wayne,
Thank you for the response. My thought that this was all a rarity and I
appreciate you reaching out, I also felt this might be the best way (after
my existing tickets / emails), to get this highlighted.  Please keep me
posted on the progress, again, communication goes a long way.  As a Director
of Engineering myself, understand that things can be missed and I understand
the development / engineering process in which you work through.

Thanks again and I look forward to a long relationship with Elecraft.




-
NB8F - Andy
Elecraft K3S / KX2
User since June 2017
Ham since March 2015
--
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Frustration-with-Elecraft-tp7631698p7631703.html
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[Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[James Wilson]

​I ordered  my first K3-100 in 2009 from the factory
( When I decided to buy it, I was eager to have it):-)​

Since then, I have assembled kits for another K3-100, two P3's,
two KPA500's, a KAT500 and a signal generator boards.

All assembled without a hitch. None. Zero. Nada.

Sorry about your experience. Mine has been perfection.

Jim - W4RKS
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Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I'm not aware of any electronics company that doesn't, from time to 
time, sell and ship a product with faults.  For what it's worth, that's 
why the company provides a warranty.  Otherwise, no warranty would be 
needed if they are "perfect" 100% of the time. Won't happen!


Seems some folks are just luckier than others in that they always get 
the ones which are defective.  Bummer!  The best part is that the 
company is responsive and in a very timely manner as many are not.


I am very pleased with the build quality, physical quality / appearance 
and performance of my K3S, which is now on the desk for almost 2 years.  
One fellows KX3 at Field Day two years ago inspired me to look at and 
move to Elecraft.  Glad I did and haven't looked back, nor at any other 
brand / model.


73

Bob, K4TAX

S/N 10163



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Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Andrew,

I’m the CTO of Elecraft and principal designer of our transceivers. I’ll try to 
address your issues. 

During the few weeks since Dayton, about half of our customer support staff has 
been on unexpected leave (parent illness, etc.). We brought a very senior tech 
to help, but it’s been a bit of a fire drill. We also have two of our sales 
staff on leave, which has resulted in unexpectedly long response times to phone 
calls and email. 

This situation is of course temporary. Meanwhile, I’m even taking some of the 
overload myself, as you can see :) 


> Before Dayton, in order to replace my FT-857D I decided to buy a KX2 for
> Field Day.  I purchased and waited for it to ship, which took about 8 days
> (approximately).  I did not have it in time for Dayton, which I was OK
> with. When asked if I could take advantage of any Dayton deals, I was told
> "No".  OK, no problem.

Usually the radios ship more quickly than this, but we do take some with us to 
Dayton each year for walk-up sales. Since you fell into a certifiable gray area 
with respect to Dayton timing, we should have credited you back the show 
special on your KX2. I’ll make sure this happens.


> When I went to Hamvention this year, I asked someone at the booth to "take
> my money" and convince me to buy an Elecraft radio
> I was a little bummed that someone didn't feel the need to really sell me
> on the radio (they barely spoke to me)

Wow. You must have come to the booth when everyone on our regular sales staff, 
including myself, were on a lunch break. I did in-depth demonstrations of the 
KX2 and KX3 hundreds of times, even to the point of taking the KX2 outside 
(twice) to do on-air demos using the radio hand-held with a whip. 

I’ll make sure that our regular crew and temporary subs don't miss such an 
opportunity again. Normally we engage potential customers to the point that, by 
the time they’ve decided yea or nay, we know their favorite bands, modes, other 
hobbies, and the names of their pets.


> A few days after Dayton I get my KX2 and begin using it.  I am mostly a CW
> op and noticed that after a while the radio would "stick" on CW.  It would
> let out long tones etc., I did not see the error to start, but after a day
> or so I saw a temp warning.  I reached out to Elecraft, they said they
> would fix the radio anytime I sent it back.  I asked if I could wait until
> after Field Day since this was purchased for that specific reason.  They
> were more than happy to oblige.

Well, bummer. It’s very rare for any of our radios to have an out-of-the-box 
issue like this. Sorry you’ve encountered such a problem right before FD!


> During this time I decided I was going to buy a K3S. ...RF/SQL Pot just was 
> not working.  We tried all kinds of things to fix
> this, to no availcame to the conclusion that one of the pots had a 
> missing solder.

Also extremely rare. I’ll talk to CS and get the info back to our manufacturing 
department. They do 100% visual inspection with very sophisticated optical 
gear, but apparently they missed this one.


> I go about soldering the bad pot for RF/SQL and the K3S is back in 
> business

Thank you very much for correcting this problem yourself. We greatly appreciate 
it when customers take our “hands-on...” slogan literally.


> Days go by and it is now Monday.  I reach out to Elecraft to see if my KX2
> had shipped as I had not seen a tracking number.  The response was a
> bummer.  The KX2 didn't ship and they need to see if there is a hold on
> KX2's being shipped.  

I’ll be investigating this as soon as I finish typing. As I mentioned above, 
there was a bit of a personnel shortage recently.


> K3S is working, KX2 still needs to be replaced, but I am thousands into the
> Elecraft brand and both radios have had problems with quality control.

Fortunately rare. But thank you for bringing it to my attention.


> NOTE: Notice I didn't even complain about the artifact on the LCD screen
> during boot, which is yet a whole separate issue, which probably should be
> fixed as well.

In theory, the LCD controller IC powers up in an unknown (scrambled) state. But 
some of the controllers seem to reset to all segments off, while others don’t. 
This may be something we can fix in firmware, and it’s on my task list.

Thanks for your patience, and let me know if anything further comes up.

73,
Wayne, N6KR
CTO, Elecraft, Inc.




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Re: [Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[NB8F]

Just to update the links for the videos as I noticed they were incorrect.

K3S - RF/SQL Issue
https://youtu.be/zeDqqZSKcFA

KX2 - Temp issue
https://youtu.be/6r15pqwk8OQ



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[Elecraft] Frustration with Elecraft

[Andrew Holman]

I want to share a couple things that have happened over the last couple
weeks for transparency, this is not to "slam" Elecraft in anyway, but what
I am hoping is a call for improvement on their end.

I have been a Flex user for about a year and have only been a ham for about
2 years.  Most of the guys/gals in my club use Elecraft K3 or K3S
transceivers, while I liked the Flex I knew that I would have a wide range
of support for Elecraft from the local club.

Before Dayton, in order to replace my FT-857D I decided to buy a KX2 for
Field Day.  I purchased and waited for it to ship, which took about 8 days
(approximately).  I did not have it in time for Dayton, which I was OK
with. When asked if I could take advantage of any Dayton deals, I was told
"No".  OK, no problem.

When I went to Hamvention this year, I asked someone at the booth to "take
my money" and convince me to buy an Elecraft radio.  Depending on how you
look at the situation, I can see both sides of this.  Some may say
"Elecraft doesn't want to take your money, the rig speaks for itself!"
others may say "What fools, the guy was willing to buy your radio!"  For me
I was a little bummed that someone didn't feel the need to really sell me
on the radio (they barely spoke to me) someone who specifically asked them
to talk them away from Flex.

A few days after Dayton I get my KX2 and begin using it.  I am mostly a CW
op and noticed that after a while the radio would "stick" on CW.  It would
let out long tones etc., I did not see the error to start, but after a day
or so I saw a temp warning.  I reached out to Elecraft, they said they
would fix the radio anytime I sent it back.  I asked if I could wait until
after Field Day since this was purchased for that specific reason.  They
were more than happy to oblige.

During this time I decided I was going to buy a K3S. I sold my Flex,
Maestro, FT-857D etc., and purchased the K3S kit and P3 Kit.  Some HAM's
from the club and I put the radio together but it wouldn't work properly.
The RF/SQL Pot just was not working.  We tried all kinds of things to fix
this, to no avail.

I reached out to Elecraft the next day, advised them that now, both of my
radios are having problems.  I spoke to David who was extremely helpful.
After a good hour and ripping the thing apart again, we came to the
conclusion that one of the pots had a missing solder.

During the call I was advised that my new KX2 was going to be shipped and
that the old one could be put in the box with a return label at no cost to
me.  This was on a Wednesday.  I was told the new radio was being broken in
and would be shipped on Thursday.  I go about soldering the bad pot for
RF/SQL and the K3S is back in business. Good for me, bad QA I suppose on
the Elecraft side as this is not something you assemble in the kit. I
believe the label on the bag said "Tested", if that was the case, I am not
sure how since that pot clearly did not work.

Days go by and it is now Monday.  I reach out to Elecraft to see if my KX2
had shipped as I had not seen a tracking number.  The response was a
bummer.  The KX2 didn't ship and they need to see if there is a hold on
KX2's being shipped.  I still replied back nicely saying, I hope not as it
was being checked last week for shipment.  A little communication goes a
looong way.

K3S is working, KX2 still needs to be replaced, but I am thousands into the
Elecraft brand and both radios have had problems with quality control.

I am NOT posting this to be a slam at Elecraft as I know they have a great
reputation for quality radios and customer service. For me, in particular,
other than David, I guess I am the abnormal one of the bunch in that I had
two radios that were defective and Customer Service (as it pertains to
shipping, satisfaction etc.,) has been mediocre.

I sure hope things take a better turn for me and for those who purchase
after me.

To help others diagnose potential issues with their radio I am posting the
videos here for review, which have been seen by Elecraft.

KX2 - CW Temperature
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=6r15pqwk8OQ

K3S - RF/SQL
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=zeDqqZSKcFA

Picture (not great) of the missing solder.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/hymwomrsn9byfll/IMG_20170607_14426.jpg?dl=0

NOTE: Notice I didn't even complain about the artifact on the LCD screen
during boot, which is yet a whole separate issue, which probably should be
fixed as well.


Thanks and Good DX!

Andy / NB8F

-- 
--
NB8F
Andy Holman
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[Elecraft] Kx2

[Evan brendel]

Hello all. I have a kx2 I bought in April. Haven't used it much and I'm wanting 
to buy more parts for my harley. I'm going to sell the kx2 and figure I'd list 
it here first. I ordered it new and I am the original owner and have all 
paperwork and boxes. Comes with 2 of the factory kxbt2 battery's and the 
charger, kxat2-f tuner, hand mic, super antenna mo1dxr 10-80 meter kit, around 
25 foot coax, and a alpha moto 6-40 meter mobile antenna if desired. I'm asking 
1000 plus shipping for all, and it's all in good shape. I would be happy to 
send any pictures or answer any questions. I am located in Cairo Missouri.

Thanks,
Evan Brendel
Kc0ntc.

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