[Elecraft] KX3 Programming Passband and Passband offset ?

2019-04-28 Thread John Newgas
My KX3 is often operated remotely via a Raspberry Pi and VNC - mainly for 
digital working with JS8Call and WSJT-X. 
I’ve set up a set of programmed instructions that I run before each session to 
make sure that everything is set up correctly such as Data Mode A, Power 
Output, Microphone and Audio Settings.

I can see how to set the Bandwidth (Passband Tuning ) using the BW Command but  
I want to have a defined bandwidth of 500 to 2500 Hz,   Is the right way to use 
 BW 20 ; IS 1500 ;?  Or is there a better way to adjust the PassBand offset 
?

John G7LTQ



__
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

Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Programming Passband and Passband offset ?

2019-04-28 Thread Brian Waterworth
Hi John,

Would you elaborate as to why you want to have 500-2500hz as your audio
passband width?  I have my KX3 BW = 4.00 and run split mode with JS8Call
and WSJT-X.  That keeps my signal in the sweet spot and gives me a view to
other signals up past 2500Hz in case I want to try to work them.

regards,
Brian
VE3IBW

On Sun, Apr 28, 2019 at 6:41 AM John Newgas  wrote:

> My KX3 is often operated remotely via a Raspberry Pi and VNC - mainly for
> digital working with JS8Call and WSJT-X.
> I’ve set up a set of programmed instructions that I run before each
> session to make sure that everything is set up correctly such as Data Mode
> A, Power Output, Microphone and Audio Settings.
>
> I can see how to set the Bandwidth (Passband Tuning ) using the BW Command
> but  I want to have a defined bandwidth of 500 to 2500 Hz,   Is the right
> way to use
>  BW 20 ; IS 1500 ;?  Or is there a better way to adjust the PassBand
> offset ?
>
> John G7LTQ
>
>
>
> __
> 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
__
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

[Elecraft] KX3 VFO B knob software upgrade wish

2019-04-28 Thread Hans J Rasmusen OZ7BQ via Elecraft
When the next KX3 software update is planned, will you please consider the 
following items:
1) The VFO B knob is in the B position at start up. When tapping RIT ( or XIT) 
the VFO B knob switch to OFS, as it should. However  the VFO B knob remains in 
the OFS position when tapping RIT again to switch RIT off. Rotating the VFO B 
knob does not seem to have any effect.The VFO B knob should return to the B 
position, when RIT is switched off. This would be easier than tapping the VFO B 
knob.
Also you may notice that if the KX3 is switched off while the RIT is on, then 
the RIT icon will be on but inactive, when the KX3 next time is switched on, 
because the VFO B knob correctly is in the B position.

2) AF/RF and Keyer/Mic can be adjusted while transmitting. The PBT I/II for 
some reason can not. My logging program can do it, but it would be more 
convenient to be able do it manually while transmitting.
Minor items maybe, but useful.
73 and thanksOZ7BQ Hans Jørgen (Joe)


__
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

Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Programming Passband and Passband offset ?

2019-04-28 Thread John Newgas
Bottom end of the audio passband at 500 because all heartbeats etc. should 
normally be in 500-1000Hz range.  As to bandwidth, I am in a very noisy City 
environment in London.  My antenna is a 12m  end fed wire tied to the top of a 
wooden fence - and half of that length is shielded as it is between two houses.

A narrow bandwidth simply keeps the noise levels down, but will still capture 
virtually all the JS8Call traffic.  80m is unusable unless I can narrow the 
passband right down.

John G7LTQ

> On 28 Apr 2019, at 16:43, Brian Waterworth  wrote:
> 
> Hi John, 
> 
> Would you elaborate as to why you want to have 500-2500hz as your audio 
> passband width?  I have my KX3 BW = 4.00 and run split mode with JS8Call and 
> WSJT-X.  That keeps my signal in the sweet spot and gives me a view to other 
> signals up past 2500Hz in case I want to try to work them.
> 
> regards, 
> Brian
> VE3IBW
> 
> On Sun, Apr 28, 2019 at 6:41 AM John Newgas  > wrote:
> My KX3 is often operated remotely via a Raspberry Pi and VNC - mainly for 
> digital working with JS8Call and WSJT-X. 
> I’ve set up a set of programmed instructions that I run before each session 
> to make sure that everything is set up correctly such as Data Mode A, Power 
> Output, Microphone and Audio Settings.
> 
> I can see how to set the Bandwidth (Passband Tuning ) using the BW Command 
> but  I want to have a defined bandwidth of 500 to 2500 Hz,   Is the right way 
> to use 
>  BW 20 ; IS 1500 ;?  Or is there a better way to adjust the PassBand 
> offset ?
> 
> John G7LTQ
> 

__
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

[Elecraft] No VOX

2019-04-28 Thread Dick Frey
Rear panel mic input, electret mic. Mic+Lin on. VOM shows 8V across mic
element. Tried several mics.
VOX works on CW, not on SSB.   What am I missing? It used to work.
No biggie, I'm a CW guy but FD is coming up.
-- 
Dick - K4XU
__
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


Re: [Elecraft] K3S Audio buzz on transmit, especially AM

2019-04-28 Thread Fred Jensen
Ahh indeed.  Several hours at W7RN with a new router trying random 
things was less than productive.  A more structured, several step effort 
at home yielded the solution, which was primarily router pilot error.


73,
Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

On 4/27/2019 1:02 PM, Rick WA6NHC wrote:
What they are saying is that it is best to break things down into 
logical clear steps, isolating as much as possible to prove or 
eliminate cause and effect.  The issue are that some folks don't know 
enough to do this and some have issues trying to be logical; running 
in circles while others often seek the easy way(s) out. No slur is 
meant or intended, people have different abilities or we wouldn't need 
groups like this.


This is all best done while the XYL is at the spa or otherwise 
unavailable for a few hours.  ;-)




__
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

[Elecraft] New bug, popping on dah side

2019-04-28 Thread TJ Campie
I hooked up a new bug (begali intrepid) and am noticing popping when keying
dahs - I if I add a 4.7uF bypass across the key line it clears this up but
it’ll sometimes make it so there’s no dits. I can’t figure this one out -
is there something I need to do to make sure there’s no extra garbage when
I’m keying?  (Contacts are clean)

Thanks.

-- 
TJ Campie
Sent with Airmail
__
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

Re: [Elecraft] New bug, popping on dah side

2019-04-28 Thread John Oppenheimer
Nice!! A Begali Intrepid,

All bugs will have contact bounce. K3 does not handle them well at all,
same for KX3/2. K2 is much more tolerant. Though normally for the dot side.

I fixed it with a home-brew debouncer:
https://www.kn5l.net/debounce555/

Others cam be found on the WWW. It was fun designing and building one.

John KN5L

On 4/28/19 12:02 PM, TJ Campie wrote:
> I hooked up a new bug (begali intrepid) and am noticing popping when keying
> dahs - I if I add a 4.7uF bypass across the key line it clears this up but
> it???ll sometimes make it so there???s no dits. I can???t figure this one out 
> -
> is there something I need to do to make sure there???s no extra garbage when
> I???m keying?  (Contacts are clean)
__
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


Re: [Elecraft] New bug, popping on dah side

2019-04-28 Thread Jim - N4ST
TJ,
No callsign?
What rig are you using?  
Are you hearing the popping sound in the sidetone?
Definitely don't put a cap across the contacts.
You may need to diddle with your QSK settings.
Other users may be able to help you more if they know which rig.

_ 
73,
Jim - N4ST


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of TJ Campie
Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2019 13:03
To: Elecraft 
Subject: [Elecraft] New bug, popping on dah side

I hooked up a new bug (begali intrepid) and am noticing popping when keying 
dahs - I if I add a 4.7uF bypass across the key line it clears this up but 
it’ll sometimes make it so there’s no dits. I can’t figure this one out - is 
there something I need to do to make sure there’s no extra garbage when I’m 
keying?  (Contacts are clean)

Thanks.

--
TJ Campie
Sent with Airmail

__
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

Re: [Elecraft] New bug, popping on dah side

2019-04-28 Thread John Oppenheimer
TJ, your six miles line of sight, what to come by and borrow it for a
while to see if it's a fix?

John KN5L

On 4/28/19 12:11 PM, John Oppenheimer wrote:
> Nice!! A Begali Intrepid,
> 
> All bugs will have contact bounce. K3 does not handle them well at all,
> same for KX3/2. K2 is much more tolerant. Though normally for the dot side.
> 
> I fixed it with a home-brew debouncer:
> https://www.kn5l.net/debounce555/
> 
> Others cam be found on the WWW. It was fun designing and building one.
> 
> John KN5L
> 
> On 4/28/19 12:02 PM, TJ Campie wrote:
>> I hooked up a new bug (begali intrepid) and am noticing popping when keying
>> dahs - I if I add a 4.7uF bypass across the key line it clears this up but
>> it???ll sometimes make it so there???s no dits. I can???t figure this one 
>> out -
>> is there something I need to do to make sure there???s no extra garbage when
>> I???m keying?  (Contacts are clean)
__
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


Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Programming Passband and Passband offset ?

2019-04-28 Thread Brian Waterworth
Thank you for the additional details.  The commands you wrote about in this
thread should give you what you want.  Have you had a chance to try them
out yet to confirm?  I haven't tried myself, just read the programmer's ref
guide (E19) and drew it out on a piece of paper so I could see the
bandwidths and how they shift.  I always struggle with which way to shift.
Even wsjtx split mode gets me second guessing the direction of the shift.
Luckily the app knows what to do :-).

Is your motivation for reducing the noise above 2.5Khz due to unwanted AGC
action from these strong signals?  We can take this part of the
conversation off-list if you'd like.

regards,
Brian
VE3IBW

On Sun, Apr 28, 2019 at 11:58 AM John Newgas  wrote:

> Bottom end of the audio passband at 500 because all heartbeats etc. should
> normally be in 500-1000Hz range.  As to bandwidth, I am in a very noisy
> City environment in London.  My antenna is a 12m  end fed wire tied to the
> top of a wooden fence - and half of that length is shielded as it is
> between two houses.
>
> A narrow bandwidth simply keeps the noise levels down, but will still
> capture virtually all the JS8Call traffic.  80m is unusable unless I can
> narrow the passband right down.
>
> John G7LTQ
>
> > On 28 Apr 2019, at 16:43, Brian Waterworth 
> wrote:
> >
> > Hi John,
> >
> > Would you elaborate as to why you want to have 500-2500hz as your audio
> passband width?  I have my KX3 BW = 4.00 and run split mode with JS8Call
> and WSJT-X.  That keeps my signal in the sweet spot and gives me a view to
> other signals up past 2500Hz in case I want to try to work them.
> >
> > regards,
> > Brian
> > VE3IBW
> >
> > On Sun, Apr 28, 2019 at 6:41 AM John Newgas  g7...@newgas.net>> wrote:
> > My KX3 is often operated remotely via a Raspberry Pi and VNC - mainly
> for digital working with JS8Call and WSJT-X.
> > I’ve set up a set of programmed instructions that I run before each
> session to make sure that everything is set up correctly such as Data Mode
> A, Power Output, Microphone and Audio Settings.
> >
> > I can see how to set the Bandwidth (Passband Tuning ) using the BW
> Command but  I want to have a defined bandwidth of 500 to 2500 Hz,   Is the
> right way to use
> >  BW 20 ; IS 1500 ;?  Or is there a better way to adjust the PassBand
> offset ?
> >
> > John G7LTQ
> >
>
> __
> 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
__
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

Re: [Elecraft] New bug, popping on dah side

2019-04-28 Thread Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP
I have tried all kinds of debouncing circuits, but the one that has 
always worked best is simply a 12v reed relay with a 10uf capacitor 
across its coil -- not across the contacts!


I used an SPST reed relay I got at the now-defunct Radio Shack, but 
there are many such relays that are suitable. Reed relays are fast 
enough to follow the contact bounce of the bug, hence the 10uf across 
the coil.


This works fine with a 9v battery or from your usual 12v station PS.

73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
CWops no. 5
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
On 28/04/2019 20:11, John Oppenheimer wrote:

Nice!! A Begali Intrepid,

All bugs will have contact bounce. K3 does not handle them well at all,
same for KX3/2. K2 is much more tolerant. Though normally for the dot side.

I fixed it with a home-brew debouncer:
https://www.kn5l.net/debounce555/

Others cam be found on the WWW. It was fun designing and building one.

John KN5L

On 4/28/19 12:02 PM, TJ Campie wrote:

I hooked up a new bug (begali intrepid) and am noticing popping when keying
dahs - I if I add a 4.7uF bypass across the key line it clears this up but
it???ll sometimes make it so there???s no dits. I can???t figure this one out -
is there something I need to do to make sure there???s no extra garbage when
I???m keying?  (Contacts are clean)



__
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


Re: [Elecraft] No VOX

2019-04-28 Thread Jim Brown

So bias is obviously turned on. I'm guessing VOX Gain, Mic Gain.

Try putting the K3 into TX mode with the front panel button, talk, and 
set mic gain to get RF out, then stop TX and set VOX Gain (short push of 
Menu).


For max talk power, set TXEQ with the first three bands max cut, about 6 
dB cut of the 4th band, a few dB boost of the top two bands.


73, Jim K9YC

On 4/28/2019 9:23 AM, Dick Frey wrote:

Rear panel mic input, electret mic. Mic+Lin on. VOM shows 8V across mic
element. Tried several mics.
VOX works on CW, not on SSB.   What am I missing? It used to work.
No biggie, I'm a CW guy but FD is coming up.



__
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


Re: [Elecraft] No VOX

2019-04-28 Thread Jim Brown

Another thought, Dick.

We need to set Line In gain and Mic Gain separately. To do that, we must 
be set for Line In to set Line In gain. Check the manual -- I don't 
recall if the knob is adjusting Mic Gain in the Mic + Line position or 
if we must change to Mic In to set it.


73, Jim

On 4/28/2019 11:55 AM, Jim Brown wrote:

So bias is obviously turned on. I'm guessing VOX Gain, Mic Gain.



__
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


Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 input too high

2019-04-28 Thread Jack Brindle via Elecraft
Components fail for a reason, which almost always is because they have been 
over-stressed. Component manufacturers spend a lot of time analyzing their 
devices to determine their stress points, failure modes and safe usage areas. 
When we design equipment, we look at this information to make sure the 
component will perform exactly the way we need it to perform for the lifetime 
of the design, and that we do not stress the component so as to make sure that 
it remains in the safe zone. This is done for each and every component in the 
design. In some cases, such as high availability systems (think telephone 
switches and other mission-critical devices) the work is required by the 
customer in contracts, in others it is done to reduce the failure opportunities 
and thus the need for repairs. The arena of six-sigma design was created to 
directly address component design and reduce opportunities for failure.

When approaching a failure of this sort, you have to ask why the component 
failed. It didn’t fail on its own, there was some stress that caused it to 
fail. Resistor stresses are very well known. When they fail with an 
over-heating indication (burn marks, etc), then the over-stress has to be 
questioned. You can bet that it comes from having too much drive into the 
equipment. At that point, you then need to ask where that drive came from, then 
start looking at everything in the overall system for the reason. You will most 
likely be surprised where it comes from. The fact that this has happened twice 
is an excellent indicator that it is somewhere in the system that has yet to be 
properly investigated. I would encourage you to better look into the components 
to find out just what is going on. To put it another way, I have reviewed 
enough KPA500 log files for this scenario to have an excellent feel for where 
these problems arise. It is never the amplifier.

Good luck with your station. I hope you find the issue without too much 
difficulty.

73,
Jack, W6FB

> On Apr 27, 2019, at 5:48 PM, Dave  wrote:
> 
> Hi Jack,
> 
> No indication suggests the radio is putting out excessive power. To prove the 
> point I used two different radios (Flex 6600 and Anan 7000dle. Anan has PA 
> power calibrated.)
> 
> Flex Power Genius XL has lightning fast protection and never shows spikes. 
> Array Solutions Power Master II does not show spikes. It is NOT a spike issue 
> but rather the amp thinks input power is excessive. It thinks 10 watts is 79 
> and 21 watts is 191.
> 
> Something is amiss when using the amp on 80 meters with tuner in circuit. 
> Remote app says max power of 1620 but I run about 1250 max. All other bands 
> are resonant. 
> 
> Another symptom is when going from standby to operate the noise floor drops 3 
> dB on bands where the tuner is bypassed.
> 
> The 3 watt resistor was added after initial design of Rev C filter board. It 
> is in the circuit that feeds RF to the on board frequency counter. This is on 
> the input side of the filter board. Maximum power I run on any band is 35 
> watts.
> 
> I am sure when the log file is reviewed it will show it is not spikes.
> 
> Dave wo2x
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
>> On Apr 27, 2019, at 8:28 PM, Jack Brindle  wrote:
>> 
>> They are going to want to know what is going on with the input power. The 
>> burned resistor (twice!) is a very good indication that there is indeed too 
>> much power flowing into the KPA’s front end at times. It is quite possible 
>> for any transmitter to put out more power than spec at times, especially if 
>> it is not properly calibrated.
>> There are many rigs that as-designed have a bad tendency to overshoot 
>> drastically on key-down, then settle to the power they are supposed to be 
>> putting out. An analog wattmeter will not be fast enough to show the 
>> problem, but the amplifier’s input definitely sees it.
>> 
>> You need to get them to fix the KPA’s input circuit, but you should also 
>> investigate your transceiver to find out why it is overshooting at times. 
>> Perhaps it is in need of a fresh calibration or something else might be 
>> going on.
>> 
>> 73!
>> Jack, W6FB
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> On Apr 27, 2019, at 4:20 PM, Dave  wrote:
>>> 
>>> I can wait until tomorrow. Won’t bother them on Sunday. 
>>> 
>>> The symptom this time is different than last. Last time was amp acting like 
>>> tuner not tuned. This time showing excessive input power even though actual 
>>> power is fine. 
>>> 
>>> Let’s see what happens. 
>>> 
>>> Dave wo2x
>>> 
>>> Sent from my waxed string and tin cans. 
>>> 
 On Apr 27, 2019, at 7:17 PM, Don Wilhelm  wrote:
 
 Dave,
 
 Time to contact supp...@elecraft.com.
 Unfortunately, they are only open for the next 45 minutes (unless someone 
 is working late), so be patient while the support folks enjoy their 
 weekend.
 
 73,
 Don W3FPR
 
> On 4/27/2019 6:48 PM, rocke...@gmail.com wrote:
> The input too high only happens into a non-resonant l

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 input too high

2019-04-28 Thread Dave
I agree the root cause needs to be identified but my point is in standby power 
always reads correct. In operate on 80 with tuner in circuit everything is ok 
also until the failure.

Once something failed the amp is now reporting incorrectly that there is 
excessive input power. Wheter output power somehow is being coupled back into 
the input detection circuit or a failure of the circuit misreporting input 
power is still to be determined.

I find it near impossible that a Flex 6600 can have a forward spike of 191 
watts when output set to 22 watts and go undetected since the radio is new. I 
also find a totally different radio also shows forward power alarm of 188 watts 
when also set to 22 watts.

This is clearly a failure of the amplifier causing it to misreport input power 
when in operate. There is also the issue of excessive power flowing through th3 
3k Ohm 3 watt resistor that feeds the onboard frequency counter. Not sure why 
this is happening as I do not overdrive the amp and log files back that up.

I think that the reactance of my 80 meter antenna (optimized G5RV) may be too 
much for the amp & tuner. The remote app sjows max power of 1620 watts and I 
run 1250 PEP.

Maybe I should dump the KPA1500 and stick with the Power Genius XL, which by 
the way is working perfectly with an HF Auto in place of the KPA1500. No power 
spikes seen on the amp, tuner, or Power Master II.

I do appreciate you suggesting to check everything (radio, antenna, etc). Makes 
sense but this is a straight up amp failure. 

Now to determine what conditions caused the failure.

P.S. - I kmow about Six Sigma, having worked 17 years for Motorola.

Dave wo2x

Sent from my iPad

> On Apr 28, 2019, at 4:22 PM, Jack Brindle  wrote:
> 
> Components fail for a reason, which almost always is because they have been 
> over-stressed. Component manufacturers spend a lot of time analyzing their 
> devices to determine their stress points, failure modes and safe usage areas. 
> When we design equipment, we look at this information to make sure the 
> component will perform exactly the way we need it to perform for the lifetime 
> of the design, and that we do not stress the component so as to make sure 
> that it remains in the safe zone. This is done for each and every component 
> in the design. In some cases, such as high availability systems (think 
> telephone switches and other mission-critical devices) the work is required 
> by the customer in contracts, in others it is done to reduce the failure 
> opportunities and thus the need for repairs. The arena of six-sigma design 
> was created to directly address component design and reduce opportunities for 
> failure.
> 
> When approaching a failure of this sort, you have to ask why the component 
> failed. It didn’t fail on its own, there was some stress that caused it to 
> fail. Resistor stresses are very well known. When they fail with an 
> over-heating indication (burn marks, etc), then the over-stress has to be 
> questioned. You can bet that it comes from having too much drive into the 
> equipment. At that point, you then need to ask where that drive came from, 
> then start looking at everything in the overall system for the reason. You 
> will most likely be surprised where it comes from. The fact that this has 
> happened twice is an excellent indicator that it is somewhere in the system 
> that has yet to be properly investigated. I would encourage you to better 
> look into the components to find out just what is going on. To put it another 
> way, I have reviewed enough KPA500 log files for this scenario to have an 
> excellent feel for where these problems arise. It is never the amplifier.
> 
> Good luck with your station. I hope you find the issue without too much 
> difficulty.
> 
> 73,
> Jack, W6FB
> 
>> On Apr 27, 2019, at 5:48 PM, Dave  wrote:
>> 
>> Hi Jack,
>> 
>> No indication suggests the radio is putting out excessive power. To prove 
>> the point I used two different radios (Flex 6600 and Anan 7000dle. Anan has 
>> PA power calibrated.)
>> 
>> Flex Power Genius XL has lightning fast protection and never shows spikes. 
>> Array Solutions Power Master II does not show spikes. It is NOT a spike 
>> issue but rather the amp thinks input power is excessive. It thinks 10 watts 
>> is 79 and 21 watts is 191.
>> 
>> Something is amiss when using the amp on 80 meters with tuner in circuit. 
>> Remote app says max power of 1620 but I run about 1250 max. All other bands 
>> are resonant. 
>> 
>> Another symptom is when going from standby to operate the noise floor drops 
>> 3 dB on bands where the tuner is bypassed.
>> 
>> The 3 watt resistor was added after initial design of Rev C filter board. It 
>> is in the circuit that feeds RF to the on board frequency counter. This is 
>> on the input side of the filter board. Maximum power I run on any band is 35 
>> watts.
>> 
>> I am sure when the log file is reviewed it will show it is not spikes.
>> 
>> Dave wo2x
>> 

Re: [Elecraft] K2 VCO Alignment Issue

2019-04-28 Thread John Wingard
Don,

Finally got back to the K2 this afternoon. I have confirmed that T5 is on
the yellow core, with 16 turns through the center on the red and 4 turns on
the green. I mentioned earlier that I got all the toroids from the Toroid
Guy, so I felt confident that it was correctly wound. I checked all the
relay pins on K13, K14, and K15 and did not see any solder bridges on any
of them. Next, I pulled T5 and removed one turn and re-installed.
Unfortunately, nothing has changed. I'm still getting that same 8.37 V at
R30. Incidentally, I'm getting the 8.37 V on either side of R30. Is that
normal? I can also pull T5 and wind a new one with the parts that came with
the kit if you think that might help, but something tells me that the
problem lies elsewhere. I also thought about pulling C72 and replacing it
with another one, but unfortunately there was only one of that value in the
kit and I don't have anything like it it my parts stash. Any new thoughts?

de John, WB4GLJ



On Sat, Apr 27, 2019 at 6:00 PM Don Wilhelm  wrote:

> John,
>
> Both frequencies are too low.
> You have either too much capacitance or too much inductance in the VFO.
> Count the number of times the red wire goes through the center of the T5
> core - it should be 16.
>
> Check relays K13, K14 and K15 for solder bridges.
>
> Make sure the core of T5 is yellow.
> You might have to try removing a turn from T5 if you can find no other
> cause - there have been a few K2s in the long past where the
> permeability if the T5 core was higher than expected, and removing 1
> turn from T5 corrected things - I have not seen that recently, but I do
> mention it 'just in case'.
>
> If all else fails, you may have to "wind your way" through the relay
> connections for the VFO Range Select area using the Relay Table on the
> Schematic Key page as your guide for the paths through the relays.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 4/27/2019 5:37 PM, John Wingard wrote:
> > Hi Don,
> >
> > Thanks for the quick response. I did check C72 again. It is a 271
> > value. I then spread the red turns on T5 as far as I could. I'd say
> > they cover about 90+% of the toroid. I put the L30 slug at mid-point
> > of travel and measured voltage at R30 and it is still right at 8.37
> > V.  While there I checked the frequency at TP1 and it was 8247.90,
> > which is considerably lower than the 8913 that you expected.
> >
> > Next I went up to 7100 and measured the voltage at R30. Still right at
> > 8.37 V, no change. Frequency at TP1 @ 7100 was 11558.11.
> >
> > So, it appears that the frequency at 4000 is not within the expected
> > range, and likely not at 7100 as well. Hope this tells you something
> > because I'm stumped.
> > I've got some plans for this evening so I may not get back on it until
> > tomorrow afternoon, but if you've got any more things for me to try I
> > will do them then.
> >
> > John, WB4GLJ
> >
> > On Sat, Apr 27, 2019 at 1:57 PM Don Wilhelm  > > wrote:
> >
> > John,
> >
> > That high voltage is trying to reduce the capacity of the varactors.
> > Which means there is either too much capacity or too much
> > inductance in
> > the circuit.
> >
> > Check the value of C72 first - it should be marked "271". Then set
> > the
> > L30 slug to about mid-position and spread the red turns of T5
> > enough so
> > the starting and ending turns are adjacent.  What is the voltage when
> > tuned to 4000 kHz?  Measure the frequency at TP1 - it should be near
> > 8913 kHz.
> >
> > Then change to 40 meters - 7100 kHz - What is the R30 voltage and
> > what
> > is the VFO frequency measured at TP1.
> >
> > The answer to those questions will help in determining what to do
> > next.
> >
> > 73,
> > Don W3FPR
> >
> > On 4/27/2019 1:32 PM, John Wingard wrote:
> > > Working on my 2nd K2 (S/N 7869) and have run into a problem with
> > the VCO
> > > alignment. I'm getting a constant 8.37 V at R30  at 4.000 MHz..
> > I cannot
> > > change it with the full range of L30. Correct type inductor is
> > installed at
> > > L30.  Dropping the VFO down to 3.500 doesn't change it either. I
> > have gone
> > > back through the archives and read just about every post
> > concerning this
> > > problem but nothing I have tried has made any difference. I have
> > double
> > > checked all correct parts placements and orientations, re-flowed
> all
> > > connections in the quadrant of the board around the VCO section.
> > T5 is
> > > wound as per the manual (from the Toroid Guy) and installed
> > correctly. I
> > > have tried both spreading and compressing the turns on T5 with
> > no change
> > > either way.
> > >
> > > Regarding the thermistor board,  I have 4.18 V on pin 5 of U6.
> > >
> > > Test in the previous section were within specs:
> > >
> > > 4 MHz Oscillator Cal using CAL FCTR was 12099.61 a

Re: [Elecraft] No Pwr out 20M

2019-04-28 Thread Grant Youngman
Sounds like you might have inadvertently changed the antenna selection — e.g., 
ANT 2 when your antenna is on ANT 1.

Grant NQ5T
K3 #2091 KX3 #8342

> On Apr 28, 2019, at 8:01 PM, Jim Kennedy  wrote:
> 
> Hi all, I'm new to the list. Just turned on my K3 and noticed I have no power 
> out on 20 meters. I have performed all the normal trouble shooting stuff. The 
> transmitter is fine on all other bands and has normal 100w output on a Bird 
> 43 and Bird dummy load. It makes no difference if the rig is in bypass or 
> ATU. It flashes HI SWR. I also put it on one of my antennas on another band 
> and the tuner performed as it should. I suspect the ATU has gone wacky but 
> wanted to consult here just on the off chance I may have missed something. 
> Any input would be appreciated before I take a deep dive into the tuner. 
> Thanks in advance for any help. 
> 
> Jim 
> W7OUU 

__
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

[Elecraft] No Pwr out 20M

2019-04-28 Thread Jim Kennedy
Hi all, I'm new to the list. Just turned on my K3 and noticed I have no power 
out on 20 meters. I have performed all the normal trouble shooting stuff. The 
transmitter is fine on all other bands and has normal 100w output on a Bird 43 
and Bird dummy load. It makes no difference if the rig is in bypass or ATU. It 
flashes HI SWR. I also put it on one of my antennas on another band and the 
tuner performed as it should. I suspect the ATU has gone wacky but wanted to 
consult here just on the off chance I may have missed something. Any input 
would be appreciated before I take a deep dive into the tuner. Thanks in 
advance for any help. 

Jim 
W7OUU 
__
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


[Elecraft] K3S & K3s with newer I/O board

2019-04-28 Thread William Liporace

Hi Folks,
I am having an issue with the band data out from the K3s and K3S. Both 
have are basically new. The K3S was NEW in Aug 2018 and the K3s had the 
I/O board replaced at the same time. Both units have the same issue. 
They don't seem to be able to drive band data input of a couple of 
antenna switches. The one switch has a 1K input resistor. If I change 
them to a 100 ohm resistor, they work fine.


So my questions are:

Is this normal?Should the band data work on the newer gear?
What am I missing?
Can someone tell me what to do?

yes, I know about the 2.2K resistors, but should I need to?

TNX Will WC2L

--
William Liporace WC2L
http://www.wc2l.com or http://dxc.wc2l.com
AR-Cluster Node  telnet dxc.wc2l.com or 144.93 MHz
w...@wc2l.com

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

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html


Re: [Elecraft] K3S & K3s with newer I/O board

2019-04-28 Thread Jack Brindle via Elecraft
What are the values of the pulp resistors on the decoders, and what voltage do 
they pull up to? If 12V, the yes, you really need to worry about the 2.2K 
resistors and that 1K series.
Even at 5V you may have to do so. Work the problem out on paper - simple ohms 
law. Then determine if the low voltage that is presented to the decoder chip 
inputs is actually a low to those devices.

There are ways to make it work, just need to figure out where things are to 
start with.

73!
Jack, W6FB


> On Apr 28, 2019, at 5:14 PM, William Liporace  wrote:
> 
> Hi Folks,
> I am having an issue with the band data out from the K3s and K3S. Both have 
> are basically new. The K3S was NEW in Aug 2018 and the K3s had the I/O board 
> replaced at the same time. Both units have the same issue. They don't seem to 
> be able to drive band data input of a couple of antenna switches. The one 
> switch has a 1K input resistor. If I change them to a 100 ohm resistor, they 
> work fine.
> 
> So my questions are:
> 
> Is this normal?Should the band data work on the newer gear?
> What am I missing?
> Can someone tell me what to do?
> 
> yes, I know about the 2.2K resistors, but should I need to?
> 
> TNX Will WC2L
> 
> -- 
> William Liporace WC2L
> http://www.wc2l.com or http://dxc.wc2l.com
> AR-Cluster Node  telnet dxc.wc2l.com or 144.93 MHz
> w...@wc2l.com
> 
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

__
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


[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Report

2019-04-28 Thread kevinr

Good Evening,

   Both bands had a medium level of QSB; but copy was OK on each of 
them.  Mostly tales of yard work but Dave was doing antenna work.  He 
had a much better signal than he did last week.  I had frost last night 
while Roy had some snow.  I remember skiing in Wisconsin on May 5th so 
late winter storms are not unusual.



  On 14049.75 kHz at 2200z:

K4JPN - Steve - GA

K6XK - Roy - IA

AB9V - Mike - IN

K4TO - Dave - KY


  On 7047.75 kHz at z:

W6JHB - Jim - CA

K6PJV - Dale - CA


The trees on this side of the road must be getting old enough because 
there are a few Pileated woodpeckers on a scouting mission.  At first I 
thought I was seeing a crow in the front yard but they don't fly through 
fir trees.  Then I saw the wing patches and crest.  Females are not as 
gaudy as their mates.  I'll have to look for the pile of wood chips to 
see where they wound up.


   Until next week 73,

   Kevin.  KD5ONS

_



__
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

Re: [Elecraft] K3 - DVR installation question

2019-04-28 Thread Bill Frantz
I've found my DVR handy for calling into large DX pileups. It saves my voice.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 4/26/19 at 3:11 PM, k9...@live.com (Bill Johnson) wrote:

> I  rarely use my DVR as I don't contest.  When I have a mic or audio xmit 
> issue, it is super handy.   Just sayin'.

---
Bill Frantz|Security, like correctness, is| Periwinkle
(408)356-8506  |not an add-on feature. - Attr-| 16345 Englewood Ave
www.pwpconsult.com |ibuted to Andrew Tanenbaum| Los Gatos, CA 95032

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

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html