Re: [Elecraft] To zero beat or not to zero beat

[F5vjc]

I wondered if someone (Mike W5JR) would mention the N1MM feature to
randomise spots frequencies on the Bandmap so that you DONT call on Zero
beat.

I use this feature and it works of course but you often wonder if this is
the best tactic especially if you feel you are not getting a response
within a couple of calls.

Given that some ops will be listening with a very narrow filter at least
some of the time, you may not be in their filter passband and so not heard
if calling off frequency.

Thoughts anyone?

73 F5VJC

On Fri, 22 Feb 2019 at 02:14, Bob McGraw K4TAX  wrote:

> Most of my CW work is on nets.   Otherwise, pse QNZ.   If one is not on
> frequency, one is not heard.
>
> 73
>
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>
>
> On 2/21/2019 6:54 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
> > On 2/21/2019 4:04 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote:
> >> And in a pileup the RX bandwidth is narrower.  At 50 Hz BW any 12 to
> >> 15 Hz away aren't heard.
> >
> > Not really, and for several reasons. First, many skilled CW ops use a
> > fairly wide bandwidth in a pileup so that they hear off-frequency
> > callers. Second, even at the 200 Hz IF setting and 250Hz roofing
> > filter I routinely use, the -6dB bandwidth is on the order of 250 Hz
> > (it's generally well known that the 250 Hz filter is closer to 350
> > Hz). Given that 6 dB is roughly one S-unit, the practical RX bandwidth
> > is more like 250 Hz for reasonably strong signals, and reasonably
> > strong signals farther off frequency are going to be heard. Third, in
> > a pileup, the WORST place to be is zero-beat, because that's where
> > most stations call, and everyone's TX blends into a big mush.
> >
> > You DO want to zero-beat the CQer if you're weak and there are no
> > other callers.
> >
> > 73, Jim K9YC
> >
> > __
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Re: [Elecraft] K3- To zero beat or not to zero beat

[Mike Flowers]

Perhaps what we are seeing here is the cumulative error of the transceivers in 
the chain. 

The DX tunes the rig to 14023 and calls CQ, but their transceiver is just a bit 
off frequency for one reason or another, so they are really on 14022.95.  

The spotting station’s transceiver is also a bit off frequency, so when the DX 
is tuned in, the spotter’s rig shows 14023.1 - and that’s what gets spotted if 
the frequency is acquired as data from the rig.  If the spot is generated by 
keyboard, then more errors are possible. 

So when you click the spot, you go to 14023.1 and are .15 off the DX frequency 
+\- whatever variable your rig might introduce. 

I don’t have the expectation that when in click on a spot that I will be 
exactly on the DX frequency.  I just like to land in the general neighborhood!

-- Mike Flowers, K6MKF, NCDXC - "It's about DX!"

> On Feb 21, 2019, at 8:42 PM, RVZ via Elecraft  
> wrote:
> 
> I have noticed the same problem on both my K3 and K3S.  I would think the 
> spots and the K3/K3S frequencies would be the same a lot more often than they 
> are.
> 73,Dick- K9OM
> 
> In a message dated 2/21/2019 7:09:19 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
> elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net writes:
> 
> Message: 18Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2019 16:44:12 -0500From: N4ZR 
> To: Elecraft List Subject: 
> [Elecraft] To zero beat or not to zero beatMessage-ID: 
> <66126e6e-9c59-6456-07fd-2f60844a6...@comcast.net>Content-Type: text/plain; 
> charset=utf-8; format=flowed
> Ever since I have owned my K3, I have noticed that most spots put the K3's 
> receiver above the actual frequency of the spotted station.? Initially, I 
> thought this might have to do with DX spots being rounded to the nearest 100 
> Hz, but then I realized that, if that were the case, X percent of spots 
> should be high, X low, and Y (whatever percent) effectively right on.
> I've checked the K3's calibration, and it appears to be right on at 10 and 15 
> MHz, tuning in CW mode to WWV's carrier at my preset beat note.? One 
> possibility that occurred to me is that perhaps the DX cluster convention is 
> always to round up, rather than up or down.
> Seems a little unlikely to me, but does anyone know the answer?? I'm 
> perfectly happy to keep jogging the main tuning knob a bit on most spots, but 
> thought I'd ask.
> -- 
> 73, Pete N4ZR
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[Elecraft] K3- To zero beat or not to zero beat

[RVZ via Elecraft]

I have noticed the same problem on both my K3 and K3S.  I would think the spots 
and the K3/K3S frequencies would be the same a lot more often than they are.
73,Dick- K9OM

In a message dated 2/21/2019 7:09:19 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net writes:

Message: 18Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2019 16:44:12 -0500From: N4ZR 
To: Elecraft List Subject: 
[Elecraft] To zero beat or not to zero beatMessage-ID: 
<66126e6e-9c59-6456-07fd-2f60844a6...@comcast.net>Content-Type: text/plain; 
charset=utf-8; format=flowed
Ever since I have owned my K3, I have noticed that most spots put the K3's 
receiver above the actual frequency of the spotted station.? Initially, I 
thought this might have to do with DX spots being rounded to the nearest 100 
Hz, but then I realized that, if that were the case, X percent of spots should 
be high, X low, and Y (whatever percent) effectively right on.
I've checked the K3's calibration, and it appears to be right on at 10 and 15 
MHz, tuning in CW mode to WWV's carrier at my preset beat note.? One 
possibility that occurred to me is that perhaps the DX cluster convention is 
always to round up, rather than up or down.
Seems a little unlikely to me, but does anyone know the answer?? I'm perfectly 
happy to keep jogging the main tuning knob a bit on most spots, but thought I'd 
ask.
-- 
73, Pete N4ZR
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[Elecraft] To zero beat or not to zero beat

[Ralph Parker]

>Ever since I have owned my K3, I have noticed that most spots put the 
K3's receiver above the actual frequency of the spotted station.


If you're talking about the spots in the bandmap, the difference is 
probably your BFO pitch offset.
Switch sidebands, and you'll see the mark on the other side of the 
spotted station.


The others are right about not zero-beating. It's a curse in a contest. 
I call them 'cluster clickers'.


VE7XF

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Re: [Elecraft] To zero beat or not to zero beat

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Most of my CW work is on nets.   Otherwise, pse QNZ.   If one is not on 
frequency, one is not heard.


73

Bob, K4TAX



On 2/21/2019 6:54 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

On 2/21/2019 4:04 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote:
And in a pileup the RX bandwidth is narrower.  At 50 Hz BW any 12 to 
15 Hz away aren't heard.


Not really, and for several reasons. First, many skilled CW ops use a 
fairly wide bandwidth in a pileup so that they hear off-frequency 
callers. Second, even at the 200 Hz IF setting and 250Hz roofing 
filter I routinely use, the -6dB bandwidth is on the order of 250 Hz 
(it's generally well known that the 250 Hz filter is closer to 350 
Hz). Given that 6 dB is roughly one S-unit, the practical RX bandwidth 
is more like 250 Hz for reasonably strong signals, and reasonably 
strong signals farther off frequency are going to be heard. Third, in 
a pileup, the WORST place to be is zero-beat, because that's where 
most stations call, and everyone's TX blends into a big mush.


You DO want to zero-beat the CQer if you're weak and there are no 
other callers.


73, Jim K9YC

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Re: [Elecraft] To zero beat or not to zero beat

[Jim Brown]

On 2/21/2019 4:04 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote:

And in a pileup the RX bandwidth is narrower.  At 50 Hz BW any 12 to 15 Hz away 
aren't heard.


Not really, and for several reasons. First, many skilled CW ops use a 
fairly wide bandwidth in a pileup so that they hear off-frequency 
callers. Second, even at the 200 Hz IF setting and 250Hz roofing filter 
I routinely use, the -6dB bandwidth is on the order of 250 Hz (it's 
generally well known that the 250 Hz filter is closer to 350 Hz). Given 
that 6 dB is roughly one S-unit, the practical RX bandwidth is more like 
250 Hz for reasonably strong signals, and reasonably strong signals 
farther off frequency are going to be heard. Third, in a pileup, the 
WORST place to be is zero-beat, because that's where most stations call, 
and everyone's TX blends into a big mush.


You DO want to zero-beat the CQer if you're weak and there are no other 
callers.


73, Jim K9YC

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Re: [Elecraft] To zero beat or not to zero beat

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

And in a pileup the RX bandwidth is narrower.  At 50 Hz BW any 12 to 15 Hz away 
aren't heard.  Yes a higher frequency tone will appear louder.  

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 21, 2019, at 5:12 PM, Mike - W5JR  wrote:
> 
> N1MM+ Logger, maybe others, have a feature that is selectable on/off 
> (defaults to on) that randomizes the actual frequency used to populate their 
> bandmap from incoming spots. 
> 
> As another poster mentions, in a contest, DON’T ZEROBEAT if you haven’t got 
> the absolute strongest signal. Much easier to be picked up if you’re 30-100 
> Hz off of zerobeat, preferably higher pitch. I likewise use the XIT. However, 
> if you’re tuned off one way to have a higher pitch, the station you’re 
> calling could be using the other sideband, and now you’re a lower pitch. Your 
> signal good go unnoticed. 
> 
> Operating as a Rover in the GQP each year, it’s amazing how many folks call 
> us over and over zerobeat, 10 deep. New county, wash, rinse, repeat. I can 
> see stations even a KHz away on the pan, out of the passband, calling me. 
> They’ll get worked before the others spread out. Ground Hog Day. 
> 
> tnx
> Mike / W5JR / GQP N4N
> Alpharetta GA
> 
> 
>> On Feb 21, 2019, at 5:33 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX  wrote:
>> 
>> I use the SPOT feature on my K3S to zero beat the carrier on WWV.   This 
>> gets me to +/- 1Hz. If it is more I'm inclined to tweak the reference such 
>> that it is accurate.
>> 
>> As to posting spots,  I usually post to the nearest 1 KHz.  Thus from 
>> experience, I have little confidence in the display accuracy of other 
>> radios. 
>> 
>> 73
>> Bob, K4TAX
>> 
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>> On Feb 21, 2019, at 3:44 PM, N4ZR  wrote:
>>> 
>>> Ever since I have owned my K3, I have noticed that most spots put the K3's 
>>> receiver above the actual frequency of the spotted station.  Initially, I 
>>> thought this might have to do with DX spots being rounded to the nearest 
>>> 100 Hz, but then I realized that, if that were the case, X percent of spots 
>>> should be high, X low, and Y (whatever percent) effectively right on.
>>> 
>>> I've checked the K3's calibration, and it appears to be right on at 10 and 
>>> 15 MHz, tuning in CW mode to WWV's carrier at my preset beat note.  One 
>>> possibility that occurred to me is that perhaps the DX cluster convention 
>>> is always to round up, rather than up or down.
>>> 
>>> Seems a little unlikely to me, but does anyone know the answer?  I'm 
>>> perfectly happy to keep jogging the main tuning knob a bit on most spots, 
>>> but thought I'd ask.
>>> 
>>> -- 
>>> 
>>> 73, Pete N4ZR
>>> Check out the Reverse Beacon Network
>>> at , now
>>> spotting RTTY activity worldwide.
>>> For spots, please use your favorite
>>> "retail" DX cluster.
>>> 
>>> __
>>> 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
>> 
>> 
>> __
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Re: [Elecraft] To zero beat or not to zero beat

[Mike - W5JR]

N1MM+ Logger, maybe others, have a feature that is selectable on/off (defaults 
to on) that randomizes the actual frequency used to populate their bandmap from 
incoming spots. 

As another poster mentions, in a contest, DON’T ZEROBEAT if you haven’t got the 
absolute strongest signal. Much easier to be picked up if you’re 30-100 Hz off 
of zerobeat, preferably higher pitch. I likewise use the XIT. However, if 
you’re tuned off one way to have a higher pitch, the station you’re calling 
could be using the other sideband, and now you’re a lower pitch. Your signal 
good go unnoticed. 

Operating as a Rover in the GQP each year, it’s amazing how many folks call us 
over and over zerobeat, 10 deep. New county, wash, rinse, repeat. I can see 
stations even a KHz away on the pan, out of the passband, calling me. They’ll 
get worked before the others spread out. Ground Hog Day. 

tnx
Mike / W5JR / GQP N4N
Alpharetta GA


> On Feb 21, 2019, at 5:33 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX  wrote:
> 
> I use the SPOT feature on my K3S to zero beat the carrier on WWV.   This gets 
> me to +/- 1Hz. If it is more I'm inclined to tweak the reference such that it 
> is accurate.
> 
> As to posting spots,  I usually post to the nearest 1 KHz.  Thus from 
> experience, I have little confidence in the display accuracy of other radios. 
> 
> 73
> Bob, K4TAX
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Feb 21, 2019, at 3:44 PM, N4ZR  wrote:
>> 
>> Ever since I have owned my K3, I have noticed that most spots put the K3's 
>> receiver above the actual frequency of the spotted station.  Initially, I 
>> thought this might have to do with DX spots being rounded to the nearest 100 
>> Hz, but then I realized that, if that were the case, X percent of spots 
>> should be high, X low, and Y (whatever percent) effectively right on.
>> 
>> I've checked the K3's calibration, and it appears to be right on at 10 and 
>> 15 MHz, tuning in CW mode to WWV's carrier at my preset beat note.  One 
>> possibility that occurred to me is that perhaps the DX cluster convention is 
>> always to round up, rather than up or down.
>> 
>> Seems a little unlikely to me, but does anyone know the answer?  I'm 
>> perfectly happy to keep jogging the main tuning knob a bit on most spots, 
>> but thought I'd ask.
>> 
>> -- 
>> 
>> 73, Pete N4ZR
>> Check out the Reverse Beacon Network
>> at , now
>> spotting RTTY activity worldwide.
>> For spots, please use your favorite
>> "retail" DX cluster.
>> 
>> __
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>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] To zero beat or not to zero beat

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I use the SPOT feature on my K3S to zero beat the carrier on WWV.   This gets 
me to +/- 1Hz. If it is more I'm inclined to tweak the reference such that it 
is accurate.

As to posting spots,  I usually post to the nearest 1 KHz.  Thus from 
experience, I have little confidence in the display accuracy of other radios. 

73
Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 21, 2019, at 3:44 PM, N4ZR  wrote:
> 
> Ever since I have owned my K3, I have noticed that most spots put the K3's 
> receiver above the actual frequency of the spotted station.  Initially, I 
> thought this might have to do with DX spots being rounded to the nearest 100 
> Hz, but then I realized that, if that were the case, X percent of spots 
> should be high, X low, and Y (whatever percent) effectively right on.
> 
> I've checked the K3's calibration, and it appears to be right on at 10 and 15 
> MHz, tuning in CW mode to WWV's carrier at my preset beat note.  One 
> possibility that occurred to me is that perhaps the DX cluster convention is 
> always to round up, rather than up or down.
> 
> Seems a little unlikely to me, but does anyone know the answer?  I'm 
> perfectly happy to keep jogging the main tuning knob a bit on most spots, but 
> thought I'd ask.
> 
> -- 
> 
> 73, Pete N4ZR
> Check out the Reverse Beacon Network
> at , now
> spotting RTTY activity worldwide.
> For spots, please use your favorite
> "retail" DX cluster.
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] To zero beat or not to zero beat

[Nr4c]

If I call you in a contest, you’ll prob hear me 13-29 Hz high/low. I “zero” 
beat to hear you best and set K3 XIT to 13/20 Hz offset. Hope you’ll hear me 
standout over the others who zero beat and all come back on same freq. 

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill


> On Feb 21, 2019, at 4:44 PM, N4ZR  wrote:
> 
> Ever since I have owned my K3, I have noticed that most spots put the K3's 
> receiver above the actual frequency of the spotted station.  Initially, I 
> thought this might have to do with DX spots being rounded to the nearest 100 
> Hz, but then I realized that, if that were the case, X percent of spots 
> should be high, X low, and Y (whatever percent) effectively right on.
> 
> I've checked the K3's calibration, and it appears to be right on at 10 and 15 
> MHz, tuning in CW mode to WWV's carrier at my preset beat note.  One 
> possibility that occurred to me is that perhaps the DX cluster convention is 
> always to round up, rather than up or down.
> 
> Seems a little unlikely to me, but does anyone know the answer?  I'm 
> perfectly happy to keep jogging the main tuning knob a bit on most spots, but 
> thought I'd ask.
> 
> -- 
> 
> 73, Pete N4ZR
> Check out the Reverse Beacon Network
> at , now
> spotting RTTY activity worldwide.
> For spots, please use your favorite
> "retail" DX cluster.
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question

[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft]

We're looking at this right now. It must have crept in  with a recent release.

I'll post here as soon as I have an update.

Regards,
Eric

Eric
/elecraft.com/

On 2/21/2019 9:33 AM, Peter Dougherty wrote:

This is exactly what happened to me. Very annoying. My KPA is in the shop 
repairing the blown final and I hope they can address this issue as well. My 
thinking is that if a tuned solution for a given frequency is already known 
then it should be set as soon as the radio QSYs there.

  - pjd

-Original Message-
From: Walter J. Legowski 
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2019 10:22 AM
To: Peter Dougherty ; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question

I experienced the same thing, especially on 20M.  The tuner is apparently ignoring some of the 
signals on the AUXBUS line.  I put a scope on that line.  I can see, some of the time, the 
amplifier responding to the signal with a "clunk" as the tuner relays adjust to the new 
segment.  The rest of the time, I see the signal, but no response from the amp.  If you attempt to 
transmit when the signal is ignored, you get chattering relays followed by "ATU Retune 
Complete" on the amp display.  I took a photo of the signal trace and sent it to Support 
yesterday.  They haven't gotten back to me yet.
  


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[Elecraft] To zero beat or not to zero beat

[N4ZR]

Ever since I have owned my K3, I have noticed that most spots put the 
K3's receiver above the actual frequency of the spotted station.  
Initially, I thought this might have to do with DX spots being rounded 
to the nearest 100 Hz, but then I realized that, if that were the case, 
X percent of spots should be high, X low, and Y (whatever percent) 
effectively right on.


I've checked the K3's calibration, and it appears to be right on at 10 
and 15 MHz, tuning in CW mode to WWV's carrier at my preset beat note.  
One possibility that occurred to me is that perhaps the DX cluster 
convention is always to round up, rather than up or down.


Seems a little unlikely to me, but does anyone know the answer?  I'm 
perfectly happy to keep jogging the main tuning knob a bit on most 
spots, but thought I'd ask.


--

73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network
at , now
spotting RTTY activity worldwide.
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question

[Walter J. Legowski]

Support got back to me.  The tuner firmware guy is looking into it. 
Stay tuned...


Walt, WA1KKM


On 2/21/19 5:33 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote:

This is exactly what happened to me. Very annoying. My KPA is in the shop 
repairing the blown final and I hope they can address this issue as well. My 
thinking is that if a tuned solution for a given frequency is already known 
then it should be set as soon as the radio QSYs there.

  - pjd

-Original Message-
From: Walter J. Legowski 
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2019 10:22 AM
To: Peter Dougherty ; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question

I experienced the same thing, especially on 20M.  The tuner is apparently ignoring some of the 
signals on the AUXBUS line.  I put a scope on that line.  I can see, some of the time, the 
amplifier responding to the signal with a "clunk" as the tuner relays adjust to the new 
segment.  The rest of the time, I see the signal, but no response from the amp.  If you attempt to 
transmit when the signal is ignored, you get chattering relays followed by "ATU Retune 
Complete" on the amp display.  I took a photo of the signal trace and sent it to Support 
yesterday.  They haven't gotten back to me yet.
  




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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question

[Dave]

My KPA1500 tuner responds to CAT commands from my Flex radio and doesn’t miss a 
beat. 

So CAT seems to be fine but AUX connection is “intermittent”?

Dave wo2x

Sent from my waxed string and tin cans. 

> On Feb 21, 2019, at 12:33 PM, Peter Dougherty  wrote:
> 
> This is exactly what happened to me. Very annoying. My KPA is in the shop 
> repairing the blown final and I hope they can address this issue as well. My 
> thinking is that if a tuned solution for a given frequency is already known 
> then it should be set as soon as the radio QSYs there.
> 
> - pjd
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Walter J. Legowski  
> Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2019 10:22 AM
> To: Peter Dougherty ; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question
> 
> I experienced the same thing, especially on 20M.  The tuner is apparently 
> ignoring some of the signals on the AUXBUS line.  I put a scope on that line. 
>  I can see, some of the time, the amplifier responding to the signal with a 
> "clunk" as the tuner relays adjust to the new segment.  The rest of the time, 
> I see the signal, but no response from the amp.  If you attempt to transmit 
> when the signal is ignored, you get chattering relays followed by "ATU Retune 
> Complete" on the amp display.  I took a photo of the signal trace and sent it 
> to Support yesterday.  They haven't gotten back to me yet.
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question

[Peter Dougherty]

This is exactly what happened to me. Very annoying. My KPA is in the shop 
repairing the blown final and I hope they can address this issue as well. My 
thinking is that if a tuned solution for a given frequency is already known 
then it should be set as soon as the radio QSYs there.

 - pjd

-Original Message-
From: Walter J. Legowski  
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2019 10:22 AM
To: Peter Dougherty ; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question

I experienced the same thing, especially on 20M.  The tuner is apparently 
ignoring some of the signals on the AUXBUS line.  I put a scope on that line.  
I can see, some of the time, the amplifier responding to the signal with a 
"clunk" as the tuner relays adjust to the new segment.  The rest of the time, I 
see the signal, but no response from the amp.  If you attempt to transmit when 
the signal is ignored, you get chattering relays followed by "ATU Retune 
Complete" on the amp display.  I took a photo of the signal trace and sent it 
to Support yesterday.  They haven't gotten back to me yet.
 

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question

[K9MA]

If HiSWR AUTOTUNE is enabled, this would be the expected behavior. 
However, ATU switching at the start of transmission sometimes happens 
even with it disabled.


Elecraft is working on the ATU firmware in relation to this issue. I 
noticed it some time ago. Even with the HiSWR AUTOTUNE turned off and 
AUXBUS frequency data from the K3, the ATU sometimes switches when 
transmission starts. I don't know quite what it sounds like on the other 
end, but I seem to get asked for repeats off when it happens. Although 
the K3 sends frequency data to the KPA1500 only once per second, that 
isn't the main problem, as the switching occurs even if tuning has 
stopped for longer than that.


Stay tuned.

73,
Scott K9MA

On 2/21/2019 09:36, Jim Miller wrote:

Things to check

Could be bad aux cable. Is it from Elecraft?

Do you have anything else connected to aux?

Are you sure connectors are fully engaged?

On Feb 21, 2019, at 10:21 AM, Walter J. Legowski  wrote:

I experienced the same thing, especially on 20M.  The tuner is apparently ignoring some of the 
signals on the AUXBUS line.  I put a scope on that line.  I can see, some of the time, the 
amplifier responding to the signal with a "clunk" as the tuner relays adjust to the new 
segment.  The rest of the time, I see the signal, but no response from the amp.  If you attempt to 
transmit when the signal is ignored, you get chattering relays followed by "ATU Retune 
Complete" on the amp display.  I took a photo of the signal trace and sent it to Support 
yesterday.  They haven't gotten back to me yet.

Walt, WA1KKM



On 2/21/19 3:36 AM, Peter Dougherty wrote:
Hi all,
Something I noticed this past weekend in the contest about the KPA1500,
especially on 80 and 160, where the internal tuner was needed on antennas
that were above ~1.5:1 SWR. When I changed frequencies into a range that
required retuning, I had to manually press the ATU control and initiate a
tune sequence, or else when I was auto-sending CW my call would get cut off
as the tuner set its needed values.
Since I'd memorized the entire band(s) ahead of time, is there a way for the
memorized tuning solutions to load on QSY, rather than on RF application? It
really slowed me down as I was S&Ping my way through the low bands on Friday
night.
  -
73 and Good DX
Peter, W2IRT
President, North Jersey DX Association
DXCC Card Checker
Letter O Manager, ARRL Incoming 2nd District QSL bureau



--
Scott  K9MA

k...@sdellington.us

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[Elecraft] KX2/KX3 and SideKar Plus

[Shel KF0UR]

Hi Joe,

Let us know if you have any question about the SideKar Plus.

It was specifically made to enhance your RTTY, PSK, and CW experience when
using the KX2 or KX3.

Plus the messaging and logging features are great when portable.  I used
them extensively for my 5300+ NPOTA portable QSOs.

73,

Shel KF0UR
QRPworks, LLC
www.QRPworks.com


---
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2019 16:23:36 -0500
From: "Joseph Trombino, Jr" 
To: Elecraft 
Subject: [Elecraft] KX2/KX3 and SideKar Plus

Howdy Gang.

Contemplating operating digital portable so am wondering if any Elecraft
folks are using the QRPworks SideKar Plus unit.

Comment, likes/dislikes are appreciated.

Any info most welcomed.

73, Joe W2KJ
I QRP, therefore I am
KX2/KX3

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question

[Jim Miller]

Things to check

Could be bad aux cable. Is it from Elecraft?

Do you have anything else connected to aux?

Are you sure connectors are fully engaged?

On Feb 21, 2019, at 10:21 AM, Walter J. Legowski  wrote:

I experienced the same thing, especially on 20M.  The tuner is apparently 
ignoring some of the signals on the AUXBUS line.  I put a scope on that line.  
I can see, some of the time, the amplifier responding to the signal with a 
"clunk" as the tuner relays adjust to the new segment.  The rest of the time, I 
see the signal, but no response from the amp.  If you attempt to transmit when 
the signal is ignored, you get chattering relays followed by "ATU Retune 
Complete" on the amp display.  I took a photo of the signal trace and sent it 
to Support yesterday.  They haven't gotten back to me yet.

Walt, WA1KKM


> On 2/21/19 3:36 AM, Peter Dougherty wrote:
> Hi all,
> Something I noticed this past weekend in the contest about the KPA1500,
> especially on 80 and 160, where the internal tuner was needed on antennas
> that were above ~1.5:1 SWR. When I changed frequencies into a range that
> required retuning, I had to manually press the ATU control and initiate a
> tune sequence, or else when I was auto-sending CW my call would get cut off
> as the tuner set its needed values.
> Since I'd memorized the entire band(s) ahead of time, is there a way for the
> memorized tuning solutions to load on QSY, rather than on RF application? It
> really slowed me down as I was S&Ping my way through the low bands on Friday
> night.
>  -
> 73 and Good DX
> Peter, W2IRT
> President, North Jersey DX Association
> DXCC Card Checker
> Letter O Manager, ARRL Incoming 2nd District QSL bureau
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 tuner question

[Walter J. Legowski]

I experienced the same thing, especially on 20M.  The tuner is 
apparently ignoring some of the signals on the AUXBUS line.  I put a 
scope on that line.  I can see, some of the time, the amplifier 
responding to the signal with a "clunk" as the tuner relays adjust to 
the new segment.  The rest of the time, I see the signal, but no 
response from the amp.  If you attempt to transmit when the signal is 
ignored, you get chattering relays followed by "ATU Retune Complete" on 
the amp display.  I took a photo of the signal trace and sent it to 
Support yesterday.  They haven't gotten back to me yet.


Walt, WA1KKM


On 2/21/19 3:36 AM, Peter Dougherty wrote:

Hi all,
Something I noticed this past weekend in the contest about the KPA1500,
especially on 80 and 160, where the internal tuner was needed on antennas
that were above ~1.5:1 SWR. When I changed frequencies into a range that
required retuning, I had to manually press the ATU control and initiate a
tune sequence, or else when I was auto-sending CW my call would get cut off
as the tuner set its needed values.

Since I'd memorized the entire band(s) ahead of time, is there a way for the
memorized tuning solutions to load on QSY, rather than on RF application? It
really slowed me down as I was S&Ping my way through the low bands on Friday
night.

  


-
73 and Good DX
Peter, W2IRT



President, North Jersey DX Association

DXCC Card Checker
Letter O Manager, ARRL Incoming 2nd District QSL bureau

  


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 XFIL Button

[Vic Rosenthal]

The XFIL button is my least favorite feature of the K3 user interface.
I always use the knob to change the bandwidth — except when I accidentally 
don’t hold the button long enough when activating or deactivating the APF, 
which I do a lot.

Victor 4X6GP 

> On 21 Feb 2019, at 13:40, Ed G  wrote:
> 
> Thanks Don.  I will have to experiement more using the DUAL PB. I have that 
> button set up for APF right now.
> --Ed—
> 
> 
> Sent from Mail for Windows 10
> 
> From: Don Wilhelm
> Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2019 6:00 PM
> To: Ed G; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 XFIL Button
> 
> Ed,
> 
> Keep in mind that the DSP provides the ultimate filter width, the one 
> situation you asked about - roofing filter wider than the DSP filter is 
> already present - just set the filter configuration to "lie" about the 
> actual filter width, and the roofing filter will be switched in at a DSP 
> width that is wider than the roofing filter.
> 
> The other (DSP filter wider than the roofing filter) does not make much 
> sense to me.  Yes, in the filter configuration, you can tell the K3 that 
> the (for example) 400Hz filter is really a 600 Hz filter, then you have 
> accomplished what you desire.
> 
> I do not have much use for the XFIL button and never use it. I let the 
> Width control (or HiCut/LoCUT for SSB) switch in whichever roofing 
> filter is appropriate and consistent with the DSP width I have selected 
> and it works well.
> 
> The DSP filter width is a "brick wall filter" and you will not be able 
> to hear signals outside that bandwidth.
> 
> Keep in mind the purpose of the roofing filters.  In a crowded band, the 
> roofing filters keep strong adjacent stations from activating the 
> Hardware AGC which is there to protect the ADC from overloading.  In 
> other words (again using the 400Hz roofing filter example), if you have 
> the DSP bandwidth set at 300Hz centered on [150Hz plus sidetone pitch = 
> 750 Hz], and you have a very strong signal at 850 Hz, you will not hear 
> the strong signal because of the DSP width, but it will activate the 
> hardware AGC causing the AGC to 'pump' and the receiver sensitivity will 
> be reduced as a result of that 'pumping' - even though you cannot hear 
> the signal.
> 
> As an alternative, you might want to try turning on DUAL PB in the menu 
> which will give you a wider passband that is attenuated from the narrow 
> filter peak (or focus).  I believe that will give you what you seek.
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
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[Elecraft] F/S RRC 1258Mk II control device and RRMinicbl

[cx7tt]

Selling Microbit device and cable for K3/0 Mini. Purchased new from Elecraft. 
See website for details. Shipping from Miami area. $267 includes shipping to 
CONUS.

Reason: Remote site switched to Win4K3 suite.

73
Tom
CX7TT/HP1XT
305-766-3728 cell
304-727-1927 Skype
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[Elecraft] F/S: K3/K3S, KX3, KX2 Accessories

[Robert S. McCuskey]

F/S: K3/K3S, KX3, KX2 Accessories: RemoteHams ORB Control Device for
computer remote control of K3 over the internet using RemoteHams software,
USB cable, manual, new $190, asking $125. ASUS Xonar U7, 192 kHz sound card
for use with KX3 and Win4K3 software based panadapter or with K3/K3S and
Telepost LP-PAN panadapter, driver CD, manual, new $170, asking $95.
Tigertronics Signalink USB sound card interface with plug and play jumper
module and cable for KX3/KX2, new $150, asking $90.   All lightly used, in
excellent condition, always in non-smoking environment, and  now excessive
to my needs, shipped USA,  PayPal preferred or USPS Money Order.

 

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 XFIL Button

[Ed G]

Thanks Don.  I will have to experiement more using the DUAL PB. I have that 
button set up for APF right now.
--Ed—


Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Don Wilhelm
Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2019 6:00 PM
To: Ed G; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 XFIL Button

Ed,

Keep in mind that the DSP provides the ultimate filter width, the one 
situation you asked about - roofing filter wider than the DSP filter is 
already present - just set the filter configuration to "lie" about the 
actual filter width, and the roofing filter will be switched in at a DSP 
width that is wider than the roofing filter.

The other (DSP filter wider than the roofing filter) does not make much 
sense to me.  Yes, in the filter configuration, you can tell the K3 that 
the (for example) 400Hz filter is really a 600 Hz filter, then you have 
accomplished what you desire.

I do not have much use for the XFIL button and never use it. I let the 
Width control (or HiCut/LoCUT for SSB) switch in whichever roofing 
filter is appropriate and consistent with the DSP width I have selected 
and it works well.

The DSP filter width is a "brick wall filter" and you will not be able 
to hear signals outside that bandwidth.

Keep in mind the purpose of the roofing filters.  In a crowded band, the 
roofing filters keep strong adjacent stations from activating the 
Hardware AGC which is there to protect the ADC from overloading.  In 
other words (again using the 400Hz roofing filter example), if you have 
the DSP bandwidth set at 300Hz centered on [150Hz plus sidetone pitch = 
750 Hz], and you have a very strong signal at 850 Hz, you will not hear 
the strong signal because of the DSP width, but it will activate the 
hardware AGC causing the AGC to 'pump' and the receiver sensitivity will 
be reduced as a result of that 'pumping' - even though you cannot hear 
the signal.

As an alternative, you might want to try turning on DUAL PB in the menu 
which will give you a wider passband that is attenuated from the narrow 
filter peak (or focus).  I believe that will give you what you seek.

73,
Don W3FPR


On 2/20/2019 5:15 PM, Ed G wrote:
> Seems like the K3 XFIL button essentially does the same thing as the DSP 
> width knob. That is, depending on how the user has set up the filter 
> configuration, both DSP and filter selected are pretty much automatic and 
> linked together. Adjusting the width knob will result in a particular crystal 
> filter being selected, and similarly, using the XFIL button to select a 
> filter will automatically adjust the DSP setting.
> 
> On occasion, I would like to be able to use a wider DSP setting with a 
> narrower crystal filter, or a narrower DSP setting with a wider crystal 
> filter.  



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