[Elecraft] K3s/KPA500 communication issue?
Occasionally it seems my K3s doesn't know the STBY/OPER state of my KPA500. I also have a KAT500 for my Carolina Windom. Here's the first scenario: K3 in CW mode. I put the KPA in STBY and hit TUNE on the KAT and on the K3. When the tune is complete, I send one dash and note the 100W LED on the KPA. So far, so good. Next I put the KPA in OPER mode. The K3 power level is already set to about 10W, sufficient for about 250W on the KPA. Now I send a dash. Occasionally the KPA power indicator shoots up to 700W, and the KPA faults. When I clear the fault, the KPA is in STBY, and if I send a dash, I see the 100W LED come on. if I then put the KPA in OPER and send a dash, USUALLY I get the expected 250W output, but occasionally it shoots up to 700W and faults again. Now for the second scenario. With the KPA in OPER and outputting 250W, I switch it to STBY, then send a dash. I expect to see the 100W LED, but it does not light. If I look at the K3 RF bar graph, it shows 10W, not 100W. If I slightly turn the K3 PWR knob, it shows about 10W, not 100W. Until recently, the K3 ALWAYS switched back to my normal setting of 100W when the KPA is in STBY. The fact that it occasionally remains at 10W seems to indicate that it doesn't know the KPA is in STBY. Furthermore, the first scenario, where the KPA output shoots to 700W and it faults, seems to indicate that the K3 is sending it 100 watts -- another indication that the K3 doesn't know the KPA is in OPER, and thus doesn't reduce its output power to 10W. Is there any way to diagnose this problem, and more importantly, to fix it? Thanks for any and all guidance. -- 73, Mike N4CF Louisa County, VA USA Elecraft K3s / P3 / KPA500 / KAT500 Carolina Windom up 45' http://n4cf.mdodd.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] improper TX data mode
I cannot operate FT8 on 80 60 40 30 or 12m. It works fine on the other bands. Data mode (usb) is selected on all. However, on the P3, the filter window is displayed improperly on the bands that don't work -- it is centered on the display and is actually LSB because I can ALT the mode and copy FT8 but not send. Properly, it is on the high side of center on the bands that do work. Any ideas on what I have fat-fingered? -- 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 transverter connector question
Tuning on my K3 stops at exactly 30.000MHz. Chris Cox, N0UK chr...@chris.org > On Nov 13, 2020, at 8:08 AM, Chris Cox, N0UK wrote: > > Hi, Martin. > > Thank you - that is great to hear. I will give that a try and see. I didn’t > realize that I could actually tune above 30MHz directly, although I had not > even tried. > > VY 73! > > Chris Cox, N0UK > chr...@chris.org > > > >> On Nov 13, 2020, at 3:02 AM, Martin wrote: >> >> Chris, >> i'm using a 22MHz I/F for my 432MHz Transverter ( 102.5MHz *4 + 22=432MHz.) >> With the signal on 432, i transmit into a 13cm transverter for QO-100. I >> didn't change anything on my K3 other than buying the Transverter/RX-Antenna >> Board. So , no, it is not required to wideband the K3. >> OTOH, i found there is no 'general coverage' . The specifications drop when >> you move too far off and at a certain point, transmit fails. I suspect this >> also happens to the receive parameters, but you should give it a try. IIRC , >> it IS possible to tune above 30MHz, so you should try a I/F 28-32MHz with >> your 116MHz crystal and see how you get away. >> >> If you modify your transverter anyway , You may want to try a cheap >> solution: Buy a Si5351A Clock Breakout Board or similar. It can be >> programmed to output the frequency you need and i think is even more stable >> than the original crystal which drifts a lot. >> With a miniature computer like a arduino nano or attiny, you can build a >> clock source you can switch 116 / 118 Mhz . Or any other frequency. >> >> Am 13.11.20 um 09:05 schrieb elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net: >>> Message: 21 >>> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2020 16:08:33 -0600 (CST) >>> From: Chris Cox >>> To:elecraft...@groups.io,elecraft@mailman.qth.net >>> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 transverter connector question >>> Message-ID: >>> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=US-ASCII >>> Good day. >>> I am considering recrystalling my 2m transverter with a 118MHz rock >>> replacing the existing 116MHz crystal, thereby permitting full two metre >>> band coverage with a 26-30MHz I/F. >>> Does the K3 need to be widebanded to enable low-level 26-28MHz RF on the >>> transverter transmit port or is the low-level output available by default? >>> -- Chris Cox, N0UK, G4JEC chr...@chris.org >> >> -- >> 73, Martin DM4iM >> __ >> 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 chr...@chris.org > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to chr...@chris.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA 1500 efficiency
I would be concerned about reducing voltage for SSB and TX IMD. The NXP 1K50H devices are only biased at 1 amp each which is a bit low for optimal IMD as it is. SSB IMD could be improved by increasing bias to 2 amps per device. Since the bias is only present during TX the waste heat increase would be negligible. The FLex Power Genius XL uses same RF devices and they use 2 amps per device @ 52 volts on SSB. IMD at that spec on PG. L is very acceptable. I am sure there is a reason I am overlooking for the Elecraft engineers to adjust bias to 1 amp per device. Dave wo2x Sent from my waxed string and tin cans. > On Nov 13, 2020, at 10:28 AM, Roy wrote: > > Yes, I read the same. Lowering the PA voltage might be a bit difficult... > > 73, RoyK6XK > >> On 11/13/2020 8:27 AM, Howard Sherer wrote: >> Reading the display on the KPA 1500 at various RF output levels shows an >> efficiency as follows on 40M into a dummyload: >> >> >> 300W 23% >> 500W 27% >> 1000W 42% >> 1300W 48% >> 1500W 52% >> 1600W 54% >> >> Have other owners seen results like this? Do you think a firmware and menu >> item could be developed to increase the amps efficiency at lower power >> levels by lowering the voltage to the PA? >> __ >> > > __ > 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 rocke...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Remote Power Switch
DLI does sell a rackmount PDU with 80-240 VAC capability and C-13/C-19 connectors, making it truly universal. I use several of them at my remote sites. HOWEVER… You need to order it directly from the factory and request the firmware version that has the *PWM turned off*. Otherwise it’s a pretty bad RFI generator. The versions available online almost certainly have the PWM enabled and you probably will not be happy with the results. Also: It does not ship with a power cord :-) https://dlidirect.com/products/new-updated-rack-pdu-with-wifi Detailed RFI report at: http://wb9jps.com/Gary_Johnson/RFI_files/DLI_Ethernet_Power_Switch.pdf 73, Gary NA6O >A friend in Europe is setting up a K3 and KPA500 for remote operation. Does >anyone know of a suitable 240 V EU > remote power switch? > >73, >Scott K9MA >This might be a source >https://www.digital-loggers.com/lpc.html >Paul Gacek __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Seeking reviewers for the updated K4 Programmer's Reference
The K4 Programmer's Reference is now at a point where we'd like to get additional input. This document is intended for application developers, as well as for K4 users who wish to create their own macros (strings of commands) for assignment to switches on the radio itself or on a K-Pod. We'll be sending a link to the programmer's reference to our developer's list later today. But we'd like to open up this round of review to others who are likely users of K4 remote control commands. The K4 executes a large superset of the commands supported by the K3 and P3. The current implementation has already been tested with many popular software applications. Thanks to the K4's internal computing horsepower, multiple clients can control a single K4 simultaneously, each running different apps. 73, Wayne N6KR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KX3 2m sensitivity issues
All: I completed the builds of two Elecraft KX3 kits with all the bells and whistles including 2m. I have run receive sensitivity tests using the XG3 and XG3 and XG50, and there are no appreciable differences on any of the bands. However, the 2m Wx radio sensitivity differs by 1.5 S units between the two, same parameters set. The preamp is on and set to 20dB on both. Any ideas? I have gotten nothing substantive from Elecraft on this issue. I'm wondering if it is because it is FM mode and the sig gens are CW (or square wave). Haven't gotten on 2m yet. Any pointers would be appreciated. I'm perplexed to say the least. de Rich, WK2A -- *Richard S. Penc* *(402) 953-5043 (h), (402) 699-9800 (m)* "It does not make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do. We hire smart people to tell us what to do." Steve Jobs __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA 1500 efficiency
Yes, I read the same. Lowering the PA voltage might be a bit difficult... 73, Roy K6XK On 11/13/2020 8:27 AM, Howard Sherer wrote: Reading the display on the KPA 1500 at various RF output levels shows an efficiency as follows on 40M into a dummyload: 300W 23% 500W 27% 1000W 42% 1300W 48% 1500W 52% 1600W 54% Have other owners seen results like this? Do you think a firmware and menu item could be developed to increase the amps efficiency at lower power levels by lowering the voltage to the PA? __ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KPA 1500 efficiency
Reading the display on the KPA 1500 at various RF output levels shows an efficiency as follows on 40M into a dummyload: 300W 23% 500W 27% 1000W 42% 1300W 48% 1500W 52% 1600W 54% Have other owners seen results like this? Do you think a firmware and menu item could be developed to increase the amps efficiency at lower power levels by lowering the voltage to the PA? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 transverter connector question
Hi, Martin. Thank you - that is great to hear. I will give that a try and see. I didn’t realize that I could actually tune above 30MHz directly, although I had not even tried. VY 73! Chris Cox, N0UK chr...@chris.org > On Nov 13, 2020, at 3:02 AM, Martin wrote: > > Chris, > i'm using a 22MHz I/F for my 432MHz Transverter ( 102.5MHz *4 + 22=432MHz.) > With the signal on 432, i transmit into a 13cm transverter for QO-100. I > didn't change anything on my K3 other than buying the Transverter/RX-Antenna > Board. So , no, it is not required to wideband the K3. > OTOH, i found there is no 'general coverage' . The specifications drop when > you move too far off and at a certain point, transmit fails. I suspect this > also happens to the receive parameters, but you should give it a try. IIRC , > it IS possible to tune above 30MHz, so you should try a I/F 28-32MHz with > your 116MHz crystal and see how you get away. > > If you modify your transverter anyway , You may want to try a cheap solution: > Buy a Si5351A Clock Breakout Board or similar. It can be programmed to output > the frequency you need and i think is even more stable than the original > crystal which drifts a lot. > With a miniature computer like a arduino nano or attiny, you can build a > clock source you can switch 116 / 118 Mhz . Or any other frequency. > > Am 13.11.20 um 09:05 schrieb elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net: >> Message: 21 >> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2020 16:08:33 -0600 (CST) >> From: Chris Cox >> To:elecraft...@groups.io,elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 transverter connector question >> Message-ID: >> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=US-ASCII >> Good day. >> I am considering recrystalling my 2m transverter with a 118MHz rock >> replacing the existing 116MHz crystal, thereby permitting full two metre >> band coverage with a 26-30MHz I/F. >> Does the K3 need to be widebanded to enable low-level 26-28MHz RF on the >> transverter transmit port or is the low-level output available by default? >> -- Chris Cox, N0UK, G4JEC chr...@chris.org > > -- > 73, Martin DM4iM > __ > 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 chr...@chris.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 transverter connector question
Chris, i'm using a 22MHz I/F for my 432MHz Transverter ( 102.5MHz *4 + 22=432MHz.) With the signal on 432, i transmit into a 13cm transverter for QO-100. I didn't change anything on my K3 other than buying the Transverter/RX-Antenna Board. So , no, it is not required to wideband the K3. OTOH, i found there is no 'general coverage' . The specifications drop when you move too far off and at a certain point, transmit fails. I suspect this also happens to the receive parameters, but you should give it a try. IIRC , it IS possible to tune above 30MHz, so you should try a I/F 28-32MHz with your 116MHz crystal and see how you get away. If you modify your transverter anyway , You may want to try a cheap solution: Buy a Si5351A Clock Breakout Board or similar. It can be programmed to output the frequency you need and i think is even more stable than the original crystal which drifts a lot. With a miniature computer like a arduino nano or attiny, you can build a clock source you can switch 116 / 118 Mhz . Or any other frequency. Am 13.11.20 um 09:05 schrieb elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net: Message: 21 Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2020 16:08:33 -0600 (CST) From: Chris Cox To:elecraft...@groups.io,elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K3 transverter connector question Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=US-ASCII Good day. I am considering recrystalling my 2m transverter with a 118MHz rock replacing the existing 116MHz crystal, thereby permitting full two metre band coverage with a 26-30MHz I/F. Does the K3 need to be widebanded to enable low-level 26-28MHz RF on the transverter transmit port or is the low-level output available by default? -- Chris Cox, N0UK, G4JEC chr...@chris.org -- 73, Martin DM4iM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT question about receiving loop antenna -- SOLVED
The problem was that the supply voltage was slightly high, causing increased gain in the preamp which allowed it to break into oscillation. A 10 ohm resistor fixed it. Thanks to those that responded! 73, Victor, 4X6GP Rehovot, Israel Formerly K2VCO CWops no. 5 http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ On 12/11/2020 16:16, Victor Rosenthal wrote: I have an RF Pro 1b receiving loop antenna which I use for diversity reception on my K3. It used to be sold by Pixel Technologies, and now it is handled by DX Engineering. If there is someone else who has this same antenna, please contact me off list. My antenna seems to be producing a strong (-50 dBm) spurious signal that starts around 7400 kHz and drifts down. It is frequency modulated at the line frequency. I have replaced the preamp and I still have the problem. I am pretty certain that it is not an external signal, but I would like someone else to check theirs for the same issue as a sanity check. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
