Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 205, Issue 13

[Sidney Frissell]

What happened to the K4  “ Owner s manual” mentioned frequently in the op 
manual.?


Sent from my iPhone

> On May 19, 2021, at 2:09 PM, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:
> 
> Send Elecraft mailing list submissions to
>elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net
> 
> You can reach the person managing the list at
>elecraft-ow...@mailman.qth.net
> 
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of Elecraft digest..."
> 
> 
> Today's Topics:
> 
>   1. Re: Funny K4 Story (Bill Frantz)
>   2. Elecraft CW Net Report (kevinr)
>   3. New:  K4 software information page (Wayne Burdick)
>   4. K4 Operating Manual rev. C1 now available (Wayne Burdick)
>   5. K4 postings: Main Elecraft reflector vs. Elecraft-K4 at
>  groups.io (Wayne Burdick)
>   6. Got cable? (Christopher A Kantarjiev)
>   7. Re: K3s Windows sound problem in Windoze (W8JH)
>   8. Re: K4 postings: Main Elecraft reflector vs. Elecraft-K4 at
>  groups.io (Alan - G4GNX)
>   9. Re: K4 postings: Main Elecraft reflector vs. Elecraft-K4 at
>  groups.io [Clarification] (Wayne Burdick)
>  10. Re: Funny K4 Story (Tom Azlin W7SUA)
>  11. Re: Trade: KX1, with extras, for W2 Wattmeter with extras
>  (Dave Cole)
>  12. XG2 Manual (eric norris)
>  13. Re: XG2 Manual (Wes)
>  14. Re: XG2 Manual (Dick Dievendorff)
>  15. Re: Funny K4 Story (Jim Rhodes)
>  16. Re: Funny K4 Story (Tom Azlin W7SUA)
>  17. Re: XG2 Manual (Wes)
>  18. K3 Problem, VFO Noise While Rotating On 10 Meters (Randy)
>  19.  K3 Problem, VFO Noise While Rotating On 10 Meters (Paul Kirley)
>  20. Re: K3 Problem, VFO Noise While Rotating On 10 Meters (Randy)
>  21. Re: Funny K4 Story (Jim Rhodes)
>  22. [K4] First Impressions of K4 SN122 (LONG!) (Rick Miller - N1RM)
>  23. XG1 crystal? (Frank Krozel)
>  24. Re: [K4] First Impressions of K4 SN122 (LONG!) (Wayne Burdick)
> 
> 
> --
> 
> Message: 1
> Date: Sun, 16 May 2021 22:06:40 -0400
> From: Bill Frantz 
> To: Elecraft List 
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Funny K4 Story
> Message-ID:
>
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
> 
>> On 5/16/21 at 7:40 PM, n...@sonic.net (Alan Bloom) wrote:
>> 
>> I believe the SWR meter in the transceiver is at the input of 
>> the internal tuner, not the output.? Since it always reads 
>> close to 1:1 when the tuner is engaged you may not notice if 
>> the antenna has a high SWR.
> 
> On the assumption that the K4 antenna tuner has similar 
> capabilities to the one in the K3/K3S, it can tune anything. An 
> antenna lying on the ground is child's play for these tuners. 
> Tom said that he hooked up his spiffy new K4 and tuned the 
> antenna. No wonder he didn't see a bad SWR. :-)
> 
> 73 Bill AE6JV
> 
> ---
> Bill Frantz| Security is like Government  | Periwinkle
> (408)348-7900  | services. The market doesn't | 150 
> Rivermead Rd #235
> www.pwpconsult.com | want to pay for them.| 
> Peterborough, NH 03458
> 
> 
> 
> --
> 
> Message: 2
> Date: Sun, 16 May 2021 21:11:46 -0700
> From: kevinr 
> To: Elecraft Reflector 
> Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Report
> Message-ID: 
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
> 
> Good Evening,
> 
> ? Conditions approached poor from worse.? However, I was able to work a 
> few of you, especially on 20 meters.? Forty meters seemed barren.? RBN 
> did report my signal in Central Canada.? Thankfully, propagation reports 
> mirror my own.? One of these days propagation has to improve, it can't 
> get much worse.
> 
> ?? Spring weather reports were mild except for California where coastal 
> storms kept things cool and wet.? Here warm weather brings hatch after 
> hatch of biting flies.? I can gauge insect population by watching the 
> hummingbird feeder.? When there are few insects it's level drops much 
> faster.
> 
> 
> ? On 14050.5 kHz at 2200z:
> 
> K0DTJ - Brian - CA
> 
> K6XK - Roy - IA
> 
> KL7CW - Rick - AK
> 
> K4JPN - Steve - GA
> 
> AB9V - Mike - IN
> 
> 
> ? On 7047.5 kHz at z:
> 
> K0DTJ - Brian - CA
> 
> WM5F - Dwight - ID
> 
> 
> ?? Until next week 73,
> 
> ? Kevin.? KD5ONS
> 
> 
> -
> 
> 
> Each player gets six cards, except for the player on the dealer's right, 
> who gets seven, except on Thursdays when they get five.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> --
> 
> Message: 3
> Date: Mon, 17 May 2021 07:54:58 -0700
> From: Wayne Burdick 
> To: Elecraft Reflector 
> Subject: [Elecraft] New:  K4 software information page
> Message-ID: 
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
> 
> K4 software update is handled entirely at the radio itself. You can view the 
> 

Re: [Elecraft] Frequency Accuracy and stability

[Dave Hachadorian]

I tune to 10,000,002 and adjust REF CAL for 20 beats in 10 seconds, or as 
close to 20 as I can get, with the granularity of the ref cal steps.  In the 
last ARRL FMT, all of my measurements were within 1 Hz, using only a K3 
without even a TCXO.


Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Yuma, AZ

-Original Message- 
From: Louandzip via Elecraft

Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 3:54 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Frequency Accuracy and stability

I count beats.  One beat in 1 second and I'm off 1 Hz.  One beat in two 
seconds and I'm off 1/2 Hz.  Easiest done if the side tone and received 
signal are adjusted to be close in amplitude and there's little/no QSB. 
Zero beats, and the frequencies would be exactly the same, but the practical 
limitation is probably 1/4Hz in good conditions.  The only things required 
are a reference, like WWV, and my ear.


That is, after all, what the term zero beating means, adjust frequencies to 
be the same until the beats stop.


Lou W7HV



   On Wednesday, May 19, 2021, 3:30:49 PM MDT, Bob McGraw 
 wrote:


I ordered my K3S with "KTCX03-1-F TXCO 1ppm f/w correction to 0.5ppm".
K3S-F s/n 10163

I use CW mode and CWT mode and tune to each of the WWV frequencies.  By
pressing SPOT the radio resolves to the WWV frequency but will show any
error either + or - of the WWV frequency.   By tuning up about 25 Hz and
then pressing SPOT and then tuning down about 25 Hz and using SPOT one
can easily see the error amount.If all is correct, it will return to
the WWV frequency +/- 0.0 difference.

I check 4 or 5 WWV frequencies and note any discrepancy.  I then can
adjust the REF CAL up or down as needed and then re-check the WWV
frequencies as described above.

I find this method is preferable to the "zero beat" method and assures
the radio on all bands is +/- 2 Hz or better.   Good enough for me.

73

Bob, K4TAX


__
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 louand...@yahoo.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 k6ll.d...@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] Frequency Accuracy and stability

[Don Wilhelm]

Lou,

I find that viewing the output on an audio spectrum analyzer (I use 
Spectrogram) helps, one can see the beat to a lower frequency that 
normal hearing.  Just watch the amplitude of the signal - when the beat 
goes to as close to zero as you desire, you are "there".  I have found 
that I can easily get as close as 1 beat in 5 seconds, which is 1/5 Hz 
or .2 Hz in the final calibration.
There is a limit to the DAC steps that may keep you from getting to an 
absolute zero beat - this is not an analog thing, but then it is more 
stable than an analog VFO, so there is some tradeoff.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/19/2021 6:54 PM, Louandzip via Elecraft wrote:

I count beats.  One beat in 1 second and I'm off 1 Hz.  One beat in two seconds 
and I'm off 1/2 Hz.  Easiest done if the side tone and received signal are 
adjusted to be close in amplitude and there's little/no QSB.   Zero beats, and 
the frequencies would be exactly the same, but the practical limitation is 
probably 1/4Hz in good conditions.  The only things required are a reference, 
like WWV, and my ear.

That is, after all, what the term zero beating means, adjust frequencies to be 
the same until the beats stop.



__
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] Curious

[Don Wilhelm]

Ronnie,

Yes they do, but due to Covid-19 and short staffing, it may take a while.
If you did not direct your email to supp...@elecraft.com, it may take a 
while to get it from one email address to another until it finally hits 
support.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/19/2021 6:22 PM, Ronnie Hull wrote:

Does the Elecraft technical department ever answer emails?

W5SUM




__
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] Frequency Accuracy and stability

[Louandzip via Elecraft]

I count beats.  One beat in 1 second and I'm off 1 Hz.  One beat in two seconds 
and I'm off 1/2 Hz.  Easiest done if the side tone and received signal are 
adjusted to be close in amplitude and there's little/no QSB.   Zero beats, and 
the frequencies would be exactly the same, but the practical limitation is 
probably 1/4Hz in good conditions.  The only things required are a reference, 
like WWV, and my ear. 

That is, after all, what the term zero beating means, adjust frequencies to be 
the same until the beats stop. 

Lou W7HV



On Wednesday, May 19, 2021, 3:30:49 PM MDT, Bob McGraw 
 wrote:  
 
 I ordered my K3S with "KTCX03-1-F TXCO 1ppm f/w correction to 0.5ppm".   
K3S-F s/n 10163

I use CW mode and CWT mode and tune to each of the WWV frequencies.  By 
pressing SPOT the radio resolves to the WWV frequency but will show any 
error either + or - of the WWV frequency.   By tuning up about 25 Hz and 
then pressing SPOT and then tuning down about 25 Hz and using SPOT one 
can easily see the error amount.    If all is correct, it will return to 
the WWV frequency +/- 0.0 difference.

I check 4 or 5 WWV frequencies and note any discrepancy.  I then can 
adjust the REF CAL up or down as needed and then re-check the WWV 
frequencies as described above.

I find this method is preferable to the "zero beat" method and assures 
the radio on all bands is +/- 2 Hz or better.   Good enough for me.

73

Bob, K4TAX


__
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 louand...@yahoo.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] Curious

[Ronnie Hull]

Does the Elecraft technical department ever answer emails?

W5SUM

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

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

[Elecraft] Frequency Accuracy and stability

[Bob McGraw]

I ordered my K3S with "KTCX03-1-F TXCO 1ppm f/w correction to 0.5ppm".   
K3S-F s/n 10163


I use CW mode and CWT mode and tune to each of the WWV frequencies.  By 
pressing SPOT the radio resolves to the WWV frequency but will show any 
error either + or - of the WWV frequency.   By tuning up about 25 Hz and 
then pressing SPOT and then tuning down about 25 Hz and using SPOT one 
can easily see the error amount.    If all is correct, it will return to 
the WWV frequency +/- 0.0 difference.


I check 4 or 5 WWV frequencies and note any discrepancy.  I then can 
adjust the REF CAL up or down as needed and then re-check the WWV 
frequencies as described above.


I find this method is preferable to the "zero beat" method and assures 
the radio on all bands is +/- 2 Hz or better.   Good enough for me.


73

Bob, K4TAX


__
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] XG1 crystal?

[Frank Krozel]

Thanks Harlan!

-73-  FrankKG9H
kg9hfr...@gmail.com




> On May 19, 2021, at 3:48 PM, Harlan Sherriff  wrote:
> 
> Try:
> 
> https://kc9on.com/product/7-8mhz-hc49s-short-crystals/ 
> 
> 
> Harlan
> K4HES
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On May 19, 2021, at 3:39 PM, Frank Krozel  wrote:
>> 
>> Anyone know where I can get a new 7.040 Crystal for my XG1?
>> -73-  FrankKG9H
>> kg9hfr...@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 hsherr...@reagan.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] Funny K4 Story i.e. SWR

[Ray]

I Though it was 52 Ohms ?  

WA6VAB   Ray K3 #3824 

From: Bob McGraw
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 1:43 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; t...@w7sua.org
Subject: [Elecraft] Funny K4 Story i.e. SWR

Most all SWR meters relative instruments.  Meaning they provide an 
indication in terms of ratio of one value of voltage to another value of 
voltage.  Thus better described as VSWR indication.

As to measurement of power, most all are calibrated to operate in a 50 
ohm circuit.  Departure from 50 ohms, where one uses the power 
indication post tuner, will yield an error which is sometimes 
significant, in the power indication.

73

Bob, K4TAX

Message: 10
Date: Tue, 18 May 2021 08:44:01 -0700
From: Tom Azlin W7SUA
To:elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Funny K4 Story
Message-ID:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed

I have an external meter on each of my antenna feedlines so I know the
actual SWR for each antenna. Also see a difference in the reported power
out on my (still) K3 versus the power reported on the external SWR/PWR
meter.

Tom w7sua


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

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to wa6...@gmail.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] XG1 crystal?

[Harlan Sherriff via Elecraft]

Try:

https://kc9on.com/product/7-8mhz-hc49s-short-crystals/

Harlan
K4HES

Sent from my iPhone

> On May 19, 2021, at 3:39 PM, Frank Krozel  wrote:
> 
> Anyone know where I can get a new 7.040 Crystal for my XG1?
> -73-  FrankKG9H
> kg9hfr...@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 hsherr...@reagan.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] Funny K4 Story i.e. SWR

[Bob McGraw]

Most all SWR meters relative instruments.  Meaning they provide an 
indication in terms of ratio of one value of voltage to another value of 
voltage.  Thus better described as VSWR indication.


As to measurement of power, most all are calibrated to operate in a 50 
ohm circuit.  Departure from 50 ohms, where one uses the power 
indication post tuner, will yield an error which is sometimes 
significant, in the power indication.


73

Bob, K4TAX

Message: 10
Date: Tue, 18 May 2021 08:44:01 -0700
From: Tom Azlin W7SUA
To:elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Funny K4 Story
Message-ID:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed

I have an external meter on each of my antenna feedlines so I know the
actual SWR for each antenna. Also see a difference in the reported power
out on my (still) K3 versus the power reported on the external SWR/PWR
meter.

Tom w7sua


__
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] [K4] First Impressions of K4 SN122 (LONG!)

[Wayne Burdick]

[Re-posting my reply to the original post on groups.io]


> On May 19, 2021, at 12:03 AM, N1RM - Rick Miller  wrote:
> 
> I put SN122 through its initial paces today.  Here are some of observations:

Thanks, Rick. My comments below.


> 3. The BNC connectors protrude farther out the back panel than the K3, and 
> look a little strange to me. (But who really cares what the back panel looks 
> like!)

Unlike the K3, the five BNC connectors on K4 have bushings that are used to 
physically and electrically secure the connectors to the rear panel. This is 
part of the overall noise-reduction strategy. It also provides very rigid 
mounting for the RF board.


> 2. The interior is very interesting. Most parts appear to be very cleanly 
> integrated. The CPU has a bit of a "tacked on" appearance.  I applaud 
> Elecraft for not trying to design their own high performance processor board, 
> but the interface cabling looks a little ad hoc. It all works, but I have to 
> wonder how it would survive getting knocked around enroute to a Dxpediton.

Our goal here was to be able to adapt to future single-board-computer 
technology rather than be constrained to what's available today. Swapping 
boards would be a matter of adjusting mounting screw locations on the 
replaceable adapter bracket and at worst, replacing a couple of cables.

> 
> 3. The front headphone jack was completely dead on my radio, but the rear 
> headphone jack was fine. It was pretty easy to figure out how to release the 
> front panel (thanks to Wayne's excellent video on the 3D model of the K4). 
> The front headphone jack attaches to its circuit board with a socket that 
> plugs onto a 4-pin header. That connector was completely off the header

We're going to improve the mating connectors. Thanks for finding and reporting 
this.


> 
> 4. The pushbutton switches on the front panel are much more solid, with 
> better tactile feedback than the K3. I like them much better.

This is due to our use of real tact switches beneath the rubber in the K4. The 
K3 (and our other products with rubber switch matrices) uses carbon-dot 
contacts that rely on hysteresis in the rubber itself.


> 3. Tx audio compression seems to be very weak compared to the K3.  Even at 30 
> (max setting), it seemed to do less than a setting of 10 on the K3. It might 
> need some DSP attention.

Agreed. This is on our list.


> 
> 4. Most of the UI is absolutely great...
> 
> 5. The spectrum display system is a work of art...

> 6. Data and CW decoders can run simultaneously on the A and B VFO 
> frequencies...

Thanks for these observations :)

> 
> One weird thing:
> 1. I noticed very shortly after I turned the radio on for the first time (AF 
> gain at zero, no antenna connected) that I thought I had a ringing in my 
> ears.  When I turned off the radio it went away.  It wasn't loud, it just 
> felt like a very slight case of tinnitus. It was sort of like one of those 
> high pitched tones that you try to guess if it's there during a hearing test. 
> I noticed that it seemed to come and go as the display came up and went away. 
> (I resisted the urge to hold my finger up and down as it came and went :) 
> Then I noticed that it got fainter if I turned the display brightness down.  
> Just to be sure I wasn't imagining it, I hooked a microphone up to my PC and 
> Audacity, held it in front of the display, and then powered up the radio.  I 
> could see nothing in the time domain, but when I ran a spectrum on it, there 
> was a very distinct spike at 10 kHz. The spike disappeared with the radio 
> off. The "ham demographic" probably includes very few who could hear it, but 
 I'm one of them.  Just to put it in proper perspective, I'm that guy who 
during sound checks in church says "where is that squeal coming from?" and 
everyone else looks at me like I'm nuts.  It's just barely on the edge of being 
annoying, but there is hopefully something that can be done to mitigate it for 
those of us that can still hear weak 10 kHz audio. My guess is that it is a 
DC-DC boost converter somewhere in the display with a ringing inductor.

We'll definitely investigate whether it's a DC-DC converter on the front panel 
board or within the LCD itself. If there's a way to suppress the 10 kHz a bit, 
we'll find it. 


> 
> Bottom line:
> While very reminiscent of the K3, this is NOT a K3. It sounds better on Tx 
> and Rx and its UI is a whole new animal for Elecraft (in a good way!). It has 
> far more connectivity and control options than the K3, which means you will 
> have to invest some time to learn how the K4 thinks and acts.  I waited 
> exactly 2 years (to the day!) for this radio, and I can say that it was 
> certainly worth it for me.  Congratulations to Wayne and the whole Elecraft 
> team for getting this radio out under some really tough conditions.

Appreciate the feedback!

73,
Wayne
N6KR





__
Elecraft mailing list

[Elecraft] XG1 crystal?

[Frank Krozel]

Anyone know where I can get a new 7.040 Crystal for my XG1?
-73-  FrankKG9H
kg9hfr...@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 

[Elecraft] [K4] First Impressions of K4 SN122 (LONG!)

[Rick Miller - N1RM]

I put SN122 through its initial paces today.  Here are some of observations:
Appearance and general behavior:
1. This is a very good looking radio.  The front panel design looks great.
2. The rear panel has more room than the K3.
3. The BNC connectors protrude farther out the back panel than the K3, and
look a little strange to me. (But who really cares what the back panel looks
like!)
4. The touch screen is extremely easy to read in all lighting conditions
that I've used so far (it's gorgeous!).
5. The touch response is very good, though every once in a while it seems to
have to "think" a little before responding.

Build quality:

1. The cabinet fit and finish are as good as I've seen. It's very solid and
the finish is great.

2. The interior is very interesting. Most parts appear to be very cleanly
integrated. The CPU has a bit of a "tacked on" appearance.  I applaud
Elecraft for not trying to design their own high performance processor
board, but the interface cabling looks a little ad hoc. It all works, but I
have to wonder how it would survive getting knocked around enroute to a
Dxpediton.

3. The front headphone jack was completely dead on my radio, but the rear
headphone jack was fine. It was pretty easy to figure out how to release the
front panel (thanks to Wayne's excellent video on the 3D model of the K4).
The front headphone jack attaches to its circuit board with a socket that
plugs onto a 4-pin header. That connector was completely off the header.
When I connected it, I noticed that the insertion force was almost nil, so
it's likely that it came off during shipment.  I slightly bent a couple of
the header pins to provide a little more friction. When I got it back
together it worked fine.  I believe that it would be good to consider adding
more physical restraint to that connection.

4. The pushbutton switches on the front panel are much more solid, with
better tactile feedback than the K3. I like them much better.

Operating impressions:

1. Rx audio seems to be less fatiguing than the K3.

2. Tx audio reports were very good (from trusted critical sources).

3. Tx audio compression seems to be very weak compared to the K3.  Even at
30 (max setting), it seemed to do less than a setting of 10 on the K3. It
might need some DSP attention.

4. Most of the UI is absolutely great.  Things like setting EQ levels for Tx
and Rx using a touch screen were a real dream-come-true. There are multiple
ways to do many things, and there is a little bit of irregularity in the
ways to do things. However, overall I think it is very easy to use given the
complexity and huge variety of controls that are needed.

5. The spectrum display system is a work of art. I always found it necessary
to have an external monitor on the P3 to make it really effective. In most
cases, I feel that the spectrum display on the K4's built-in screen could
stand alone. However, I'm hanging on to my external monitor because the
ability to configure it independently of the built-in screen likely will
open up many valuable use-cases for display management.

6. Data and CW decoders can run simultaneously on the A and B VFO
frequencies. So this radio can actually copy two different QSOs at the same
time.  That's very cool.  Also the CW decoder seems to work better than the
K3's, though that's hard to quantify. One caveat - I believe using both
decoders is effectively a "multi-channel decoder" as defined by some contest
rules. You may want to check before enabling it during a contest to ensure
it doesn't put you into the Assisted category if you don't want to be there.

Station installation:

1. My goal was to disconnect my K3s/P3 pair, and then "drop in" the K4,
making note of the changes that needed to be made.  It turned out to be very
easy to get it going in my station.  Here's a quick summary of what I did:
  a. For CAT control, I moved the DE-9 from the P3 to the DE-9 on the K4,
removing the daisy chain cable between the radio and the P3.
  b. The K-Pod changed from its original custom cable to a standard USB
cable going to the back panel.
  c. The external monitor changed from a VGA connector on the P3 to an HDMI
connector on the K4 (fortunately my monitor has an HDMI port).
  d. I added a (shielded) Ethernet connection.
  e. I removed the IF plumbing for the P3.
Everything else was identical between the K3 and K4. That includes keying in
and out, accessory connector going to KPA/KAT500, custom TX inhibit input,
and Mortty FSK. Special shoutout to N6TV for the awesome Y-box!  Since I
used the RS-232 serial connection for control, I didn't have to change
ANYTHING in N1MM to take control of the K4.  It just worked! All I had to do
was select the different sound card instantiation that appeared in windows
to get data modes working. Actually, I also needed to select the correct
inputs on the K4 for the different modes and set levels. But the transition
from a fully integrated K3s/P3 to a fully integrated K4 was less than an
hour, including 

Re: [Elecraft] Funny K4 Story

[Jim Rhodes]

Well a meter calibrated for a 50 ohm system will give you a relative
indication, but accuracy will vary with the actual VSWR on the line. The
further off of 50 ohms the less accurate it will be.

On Tue, May 18, 2021 at 7:15 PM Tom Azlin W7SUA  wrote:

> I put my meters between my KAT500 and the antennas as wanted to see the
> actual feedline SWR. Both my K3 and my KPA500 let me know if the KAT500
> is not able to match ( and of course the LED display on the KAT500).
>
> 73, tom w7sua
>
>
>
> On 5/18/2021 4:45 PM, Jim Rhodes wrote:
> > With internal tuners on everything I have stopped using power/SWR meters
> > on my rigs. If you are matching your antenna before you get to the meter
> > the meter just won't tell you anything useful. I suppose I could put one
> > between the KPA500 and the KAT500 But I don't use it often and the KPA
> > has the barograph meters as well as the digital display anyway.
> >
> > On Tue, May 18, 2021 at 10:44 AM Tom Azlin W7SUA  > > wrote:
> >
> > I have an external meter on each of my antenna feedlines so I know
> the
> > actual SWR for each antenna. Also see a difference in the reported
> > power
> > out on my (still) K3 versus the power reported on the external
> SWR/PWR
> > meter.
> >
> > Tom w7sua
> >
> > On 5/16/2021 4:40 PM, Alan Bloom wrote:
> >  > I believe the SWR meter in the transceiver is at the input of the
> >  > internal tuner, not the output.  Since it always reads close to
> > 1:1 when
> >  > the tuner is engaged you may not notice if the antenna has a high
> > SWR.
> >  >
> >  > Alan N1AL
> >  >
> >  >
> >  > On 5/16/2021 5:10 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
> >  >> The K4 shows all four TX bar graphs simultaneously:  power, SWR,
> > ALC,
> >  >> and compression. In addition you can select numeric display of
> > power,
> >  >> SWR, supply voltage and current drain for the status area, which
> >  >> defaults to date/time.
> >  >>
> >  >> Wayne
> >  >> N6KR
> >  >>
> >  >> 
> >  >> elecraft.com 
> >  >>
> >  >>> On May 16, 2021, at 12:18 PM, Ray  > > wrote:
> >  >>>
> >  >>> My K3 has a SWR display next to the RF Power meter in the
> Display.
> >  >>> So it Sounds like the K4 Does Not have that type of Display ?
> >  >>>
> >  >>> WA6VAB  K3
> >  >>>
> >  >>>
> >   On May 16, 2021, at 11:04 AM, Tom Doligalski via Elecraft
> >   mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>>
> > wrote:
> >  
> >   ...
> >   I normally would have noticed the change in SWR, and realized
> > that I
> >   had an antenna problem. But, of course, I had tuned the K4 for
> > the
> >   first time on 80M when I received it!
> >  
> >   A learning moment (operator error?). Gonna try to check the
> > antennas
> >   out a bit more frequently!
> >  
> >   73, Tom W4KX
> >  
> >  >
> >  > __
> >  > 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 t...@w7sua.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  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 jimk...@gmail.com 
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Jim K0XU
> > j...@rhodesend.net 
>


-- 
Jim K0XU
j...@rhodesend.net
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

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

Re: [Elecraft] K3 Problem, VFO Noise While Rotating On 10 Meters

[Randy via Elecraft]

Hi Paul Thanks for the reply. I have the upgraded SYN-3A synthesizer and the 
rig came from the factory with the resistor and diode mod installed.  The clock 
rate is set to SP2. I should have mentioned that info in the original post. 73 
Randy In a message dated 5/19/2021 7:02:19 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
pokir...@gmail.com writes: 
Based on the description of your rig, you have the original synthesizer(s).  
The noise mod involved adding some resistors and diodes to the K3 main board at 
specific spots and making some firmware adjustments. On the assumption that you 
have the resistors and diodes already, per your description of your K3 vintage, 
here are the firmware comments from the mod instructions: 
**IMPORTANT: You must install the resistors and diodes 
as described above before changing the busclock rate. Failure to do so will 
result in erratic behavior of your K3.1. Download and install firmware revision 
3.24 or later. Refer to the K3 software page for instructions.2. IMPORTANT: 
Locate the CONFIG:VCO MD menu entry, and tap the 1 keypad switch until yousee 
SPI 2; this selects the new bus clock rate. (The default setting is SPI 
1.)* I will email you the mod instructions separately 
so that you can see where the resistors and diodes should be (although Elecraft 
may have relocated them in later production).  Then you can proceed with the 
CONFIG setting. 73, Paul W8TM  [Elecraft] K3 Problem, VFO Noise While Rotating 
On 10 MetersRandy w9zr at aol.comWed May 19 06:46:18 EDT 2021 When I tune the 
VFO knob on 10 meters I hear a scratching type noise.  This problem only occurs 
on 10.There was an Elecraft mod that addressed this issue for early serial 
number K3's but my K3 is a later  unit with the mod built in at the factory 
during production. Can anyone shed some light on this issue?  I assume that 
this is not normal operation. 73 Randy 
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

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

[Elecraft] K3 Problem, VFO Noise While Rotating On 10 Meters

[Paul Kirley]

Based on the description of your rig, you have the original synthesizer(s).  
The noise mod involved adding some resistors and diodes to the K3 main board at 
specific spots and making some firmware adjustments.

On the assumption that you have the resistors and diodes already, per your 
description of your K3 vintage, here are the firmware comments from the mod 
instructions:

**
IMPORTANT: You must install the resistors and diodes as described above before 
changing the bus
clock rate. Failure to do so will result in erratic behavior of your K3.
1. Download and install firmware revision 3.24 or later. Refer to the K3 
software page for instructions.
2. IMPORTANT: Locate the CONFIG:VCO MD menu entry, and tap the 1 keypad switch 
until you
see SPI 2; this selects the new bus clock rate. (The default setting is SPI 1.)
*

I will email you the mod instructions separately so that you can see where the 
resistors and diodes should be (although Elecraft may have relocated them in 
later production).  Then you can proceed with the CONFIG setting.

73, Paul W8TM


[Elecraft] K3 Problem, VFO Noise While Rotating On 10 Meters
Randy w9zr at aol.com
Wed May 19 06:46:18 EDT 2021

When I tune the VFO knob on 10 meters I hear a scratching type noise.  This 
problem only occurs on 10.
There was an Elecraft mod that addressed this issue for early serial number 
K3's but my K3 is a later  unit with the mod built in at the factory during 
production. Can anyone shed some light on this issue?  I assume that this is 
not normal operation. 73 Randy

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

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

[Elecraft] K3 Problem, VFO Noise While Rotating On 10 Meters

[Randy via Elecraft]

When I tune the VFO knob on 10 meters I hear a scratching type noise.  This 
problem only occurs on 10.

There was an Elecraft mod that addressed this issue for early serial number 
K3's but my K3 is a later  unit with the mod built in at the factory during 
production. Can anyone shed some light on this issue?  I assume that this is 
not normal operation. 73 Randy
__
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