Re: [Elecraft] Wire antenna ends and spools?

[Todd KH2TJ]

Have a look-see here at this excellent kite supply store in Colorado.  
Mini-winders and reel-spools.  Great store!

https://intothewind.com/kites/accessories/kite-line-reels.html

https://intothewind.com/stunt-kites/stunt-kite-line/innova-mini-winder.html

73, Todd KH2TJ

[https://intothewind.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/c35d1108d16979d8e8e4f3d67fa5a816/1/5/1568_1.jpg]
Innova Kite Line 
Mini-Winder
Fast, pocket card winders
intothewind.com

[https://intothewind.com/pub/static/version1590646682/frontend/bs_cogito/bs_cogito2/en_US/images/no-image.jpg]
Kite Line + Reels - Line + Accessories - Kites - Buy at Into The Wind 
Kites
Choose a lightweight, inexpensive, easy-to-hold handle or spool for a kid’s 
kite or upgrade to a hardwood spool or our favorite hoop spools that make it 
simple to let line out and reel it in quickly.
intothewind.com


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Re: [Elecraft] Wire antenna ends and spools?

[Skip Jensen]

A Rule I learned while working on Apollo at NASA MSC:  "Regardless of 
how large you make the MTBF of each part ... put enough of them on the 
rocket and something will always be broken."


Everyone today seems to want 5 decimal places of precision for the 
length of the wire.  Your "long mathematical equation" works just fine. 😉


73,

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

On 10/6/2021 2:00 PM, Bob McGraw wrote:
For years I've carried and used a 50 ft spool of #22 insulated 
stranded hookup wire.  I un-spool the length I guess-ta-mate to be the 
required amount, put a 1/2 hitch at the spool the wire comes on, and 
toss the spool end into the nearest tree, allowing the spool to hang 
down from a limb.  The other end connects to a specially designed 
banana jack on the camper.  When finished operating, just turn the end 
loose, the spool drops down, back off the 1/2 hitch and wind the wire 
on the original spool.    No insulators, rope, heaving lines, 
launchers,  or other things required.


I also carry a 100 ft spool of #22 in case I wish to put up a longer 
wire.  In that case I may use the 50 ft spool as a ground radial of 
what ever length I may think needed.   Some may ask "how long is the 
wire antenna?".   The answer is a very complex mathematical equation; 
" long enough to go from my termination point on the camper to the 
desired tree limb".


My viewpoint...more parts = more issues.

73

Bob, K4TAX



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[Elecraft] Wire antenna ends and spools?

[Bob McGraw]

For years I've carried and used a 50 ft spool of #22 insulated stranded 
hookup wire.  I un-spool the length I guess-ta-mate to be the required 
amount, put a 1/2 hitch at the spool the wire comes on, and toss the 
spool end into the nearest tree, allowing the spool to hang down from a 
limb.  The other end connects to a specially designed banana jack on the 
camper.  When finished operating, just turn the end loose, the spool 
drops down, back off the 1/2 hitch and wind the wire on the original 
spool.    No insulators, rope, heaving lines, launchers,  or other 
things required.


I also carry a 100 ft spool of #22 in case I wish to put up a longer 
wire.  In that case I may use the 50 ft spool as a ground radial of what 
ever length I may think needed.   Some may ask "how long is the wire 
antenna?".   The answer is a very complex mathematical equation; " long 
enough to go from my termination point on the camper to the desired tree 
limb".


My viewpoint...more parts = more issues.

73

Bob, K4TAX

Message: 1
Date: Tue, 5 Oct 2021 15:59:45 -0700
From: Walter Underwood
To: Elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Wire antenna ends and spools?
Message-ID:
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset=us-ascii

I looped the wire and taped it with electrical tape.

For winding, I use the SOTAbeams midi winders. They are the same length as my 
KX3. I tried camping clothesline reels, but they would bind and it just took 
too danged long to wind them up.

https://www.sotabeams.co.uk/midi-winders/  


For rope into trees, arborist throw line is great. It is lightweight and 
specifically designed to not get stuck in trees.

wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/  (my blog)


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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 beta 2.04

[Dick Dievendorff]

The Windows PC utility is built for x64 (which runs on both Windows 32- and
64-bit, Windows XP and later). 

Only the Mac and Linux versions of the Utility require 64-bit OS. 

I'll ask our webmaster to update the web page accordingly.

73 de Dick, K6KR


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Mike Cox
Sent: Wednesday, October 6, 2021 13:20
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 beta 2.04

It looks like the utility is for 64 bit Windows only...

On 10/6/2021 11:27 AM, Andy Durbin wrote:
> https://elecraft.com/pages/kat500-fully-automatic-tuner-firmware-and-u
> tility
>
> New KAT500 firmware and also a new Utility version.   Quite a few issues
fixed that are not mentioned in the release notes.
>
> I'd like to thank Dick, K6KR, for his patience as we worked though my
defect reports and enhancement suggestions.  I learned a lot from our
discussions as this firmware update slowly matured.
>
> All of my alpha testing was with a Kenwood TS-590S.  Hopefully owners of
other rigs will try this beta and report any issues.
>
> 73,
> Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 beta 2.04

[Mike Cox]

It looks like the utility is for 64 bit Windows only...

On 10/6/2021 11:27 AM, Andy Durbin wrote:

https://elecraft.com/pages/kat500-fully-automatic-tuner-firmware-and-utility

New KAT500 firmware and also a new Utility version.   Quite a few issues fixed 
that are not mentioned in the release notes.

I'd like to thank Dick, K6KR, for his patience as we worked though my defect 
reports and enhancement suggestions.  I learned a lot from our discussions as 
this firmware update slowly matured.

All of my alpha testing was with a Kenwood TS-590S.  Hopefully owners of other 
rigs will try this beta and report any issues.

73,
Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] KXBC3 charger question

[Howard Hoyt]

Great thread,

All who are interested in the KX series Elecraft gear should subscribe 
to the elecraft...@groups.io group where KX series gear is discussed 
exclusively.  When Wayne isn't debugging K4 firmware he also often posts 
there!


Cheers & 73,
Howie / WA4PSC

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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 beta 2.04

[Ed Pflueger]

I downloaded the Utility and Beta firmware and all is OK as far as I can
tell.

Ed.. AB4IQ

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Andy Durbin
Sent: Wednesday, October 6, 2021 12:48 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 beta 2.04

"Could you note some of the 'fixes' that are not noted in the release
notes?"

I don't have a complete summary in one place.  I'll try to put one together
later.  A few that come to mind are:

Does not fault when tuning with low power Less likely to end a full tune
sequence with a poor match Antenna selection logic fixed in BYP mode

"Second, this firmware is marked 'Beta'.  I typically don't install stuff
until it is the production version.  So are the changes/enhancements
significant enough and the Beta is tested well enough such that I should go
ahead and install the firmware the next time I'm at the ham station in
November (I operate remotely)?  The currently installed firmware is 01.75. "

I don't load alpha or beta software unless I expect to gain something from
it.  If you have no problems with your current installation, and don't need
any of the new features, why take the risk.

"Third, am I correct that the I can use an earlier version of the KAT500
utility to install the new firmware and that older utility software will
'play nice' with the new firmware?  The currently installed KAT500 Utility
is v1.16.7.25 that has a 2016 copyright date. ""

The old utility has features that are no longer supported in the new
firmware.  The new firmware has features that are not supported by the
older utility.  However, basic functionality such as displaying and editing
the tuning solution should still be compatible.

73,
Andy, k3wyc


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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 beta 2.04

[Andy Durbin]

"Could you note some of the ‘fixes’ that are not noted in the release notes?"

I don't have a complete summary in one place.  I'll try to put one together 
later.  A few that come to mind are:

Does not fault when tuning with low power
Less likely to end a full tune sequence with a poor match
Antenna selection logic fixed in BYP mode

"Second, this firmware is marked ‘Beta’.  I typically don’t install stuff until 
it is the production version.  So are the changes/enhancements significant 
enough and the Beta is tested well enough such that I should go ahead and 
install the firmware the next time I’m at the ham station in November (I 
operate remotely)?  The currently installed firmware is 01.75. "

I don't load alpha or beta software unless I expect to gain something from it.  
If you have no problems with your current installation, and don't need any of 
the new features, why take the risk.

"Third, am I correct that the I can use an earlier version of the KAT500 
utility to install the new firmware and that older utility software will ‘play 
nice’ with the new firmware?  The currently installed KAT500 Utility is 
v1.16.7.25 that has a 2016 copyright date. ""

The old utility has features that are no longer supported in the new firmware.  
The new firmware has features that are not supported by the  older utility.  
However, basic functionality such as displaying and editing the tuning solution 
should still be compatible.

73,
Andy, k3wyc


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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 beta 2.04

[Barry Baines via Elecraft]

Andy:

> On Oct 6, 2021, at 11:27 AM, Andy Durbin  wrote:
> 
> https://elecraft.com/pages/kat500-fully-automatic-tuner-firmware-and-utility
> 
> New KAT500 firmware and also a new Utility version.   Quite a few issues 
> fixed that are not mentioned in the release notes.

Could you note some of the ‘fixes’ that are not noted in the release notes?

Second, this firmware is marked ‘Beta’.  I typically don’t install stuff until 
it is the production version.  So are the changes/enhancements significant 
enough and the Beta is tested well enough such that I should go ahead and 
install the firmware the next time I’m at the ham station in November (I 
operate remotely)?  The currently installed firmware is 01.75.  

Third, am I correct that the I can use an earlier version of the KAT500 utility 
to install the new firmware and that older utility software will ‘play nice’ 
with the new firmware?  The currently installed KAT500 Utility is v1.16.7.25 
that has a 2016 copyright date.  

Thanks,

Barry Baines, WD4ASW/1
(Currently in Roslindale, MA)

> 
> I'd like to thank Dick, K6KR, for his patience as we worked though my defect 
> reports and enhancement suggestions.  I learned a lot from our discussions as 
> this firmware update slowly matured.
> 
> All of my alpha testing was with a Kenwood TS-590S.  Hopefully owners of 
> other rigs will try this beta and report any issues.
> 
> 73,
> Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 firmware Beta 02.04, KAT500 Utility, and programming reference updated.

[Andy Durbin]

Link to updated command reference:

https://ftp.elecraft.com/KAT500/Manuals%20Downloads/

Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 firmware Beta 02.04, KAT500 Utility, and programming reference updated.

[Andy Durbin]

Dick,

Don't know how I missed this.  Sorry for the duplicated notification.

73,
Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 beta 2.04

[Andy Durbin]

"Tried the new version of the Utility.   'Invalid handle' error when 'Copy New 
Files from Elecraft' is clicked.  Unzipped the new beta firmware into my beta 
directory, and when I tried loading the beta firmware I got 'Cannot start a 
busy state machine' error."

All my testing was done with alpha loads sent to me by email.  I copied them to 
a local directory, pointed the KAT utility to that directory, and then loaded.  
Never saw the issue you report.

Utility is a standalone exe.  If you don't like the new one simply run the 
earlier version.  I don't remember what the last officially released version 
was but I have several versions filed away.

73,
Andy, k3wyc

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Re: [Elecraft] Charger question

[Howard Zehr]

Skip
There is a a discussion on the Elecraft .io forum where a popular power supply 
manufacturer describes the difference between a Power Suppy and Charger.  The 
manufacturer pointed out that using a power supply to charge lithium batteries 
is risky, because current is usually not regulated and voltage regulation might 
not be tight enough.
 
As an engineer friend reminded me, charging lithium battery banks requires 
tight contrrol of both voltage and current. The 14.8V lipo pack that was 
discussed would normally be charged with 16.8V (4 x 4.2V) at 500ma to 2A, 
depending on the battery manufacturere specifications.

73 Howard K4LXY


Howard Zehr
K4LXY
Radio blog:  https://k4lxycw.wixsite.com/blog/blog

Photo gallery: www.howardzehr.com







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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 beta 2.04

[Mike Flowers]

Do you know how I can revert to the previous KAT500 Utility?

Thanks.

- 73 and good DX de Mike, K6MKF, NCDXC Vice-President 2021-2022


> -Original Message-
> From: Mike Flowers 
> Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2021 08:55
> To: 'Andy Durbin' ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KAT500 beta 2.04
> 
> Hi Andy,
> 
> Tried the new version of the Utility.   'Invalid handle' error when 'Copy
> New Files from Elecraft' is clicked.
> 
> Unzipped the new beta firmware into my beta directory, and when I tried
> loading the beta firmware I got 'Cannot start a busy state machine' error.
> 
> I'll stick with v 01.75 for now ...
> 
> - 73 and good DX de Mike, K6MKF, NCDXC Vice-President 2021-2022
> 
> 
> > -Original Message-
> > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  > boun...@mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of Andy Durbin
> > Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2021 08:28
> > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> > Subject: [Elecraft] KAT500 beta 2.04
> >
> >
>
https://elecraft.com/pages/kat500-fully-automatic-tuner-firmware-and-utility
> >
> > New KAT500 firmware and also a new Utility version.   Quite a few issues
> fixed
> > that are not mentioned in the release notes.
> >
> > I'd like to thank Dick, K6KR, for his patience as we worked though my
> defect
> > reports and enhancement suggestions.  I learned a lot from our
> > discussions
> as
> > this firmware update slowly matured.
> >
> > All of my alpha testing was with a Kenwood TS-590S.  Hopefully owners
> > of other rigs will try this beta and report any issues.
> >
> > 73,
> > Andy, k3wyc
> > __
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> > delivered to mike.flow...@gmail.com


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Re: [Elecraft] KXBC3 charger question

[Walter Underwood]

Nice analysis. For Eneloop Pro batteries, with 2550 mAh capacity,
that would be 21% of capacity for the clock plus 15% for self-discharge.

Of course, whenever the KX3 is connected to “shore power”, that is 
used instead of the battery.

wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)

> On Oct 6, 2021, at 9:00 AM, Jon Poland  wrote:
> 
> I opened my KX3 and measured the current draw on my internal Eneloop
> batteries while the radio is off.  That current is 60 microamps.  At that
> rate, my 2000mAh batteries will  completely drain in roughly 3 years, 9
> months.
> 
> Looking at it from a different angle:  After 1 year, a fully charged set of
> batteries will have drained to ~60-65% capacity, ~10% from internal
> leakage + ~27% from the KX3 load.
> 
> Jon N0WL
> 
> On Mon, Oct 4, 2021 at 10:16 PM Eddy - k6sdw  wrote:
> 
>> I have a KX3 with the KXBC3 Nimh charger and Nimh batteries installed. My
>> question is: What's the current drain on the NICADS when I store the KX3
>> for long periods of time? The KX3 is primarily used for portable operation
>> and when I put the KX3 on the bench the batteries are dead needing
>> recharging. I wonder if I should pull on AA battery out during storage?
>> 
>> Many thanks
>> 
>> GL/73
>> 
>> Ed/k6sdw
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Re: [Elecraft] KXBC3 charger question

[Jon Poland]

I opened my KX3 and measured the current draw on my internal Eneloop
batteries while the radio is off.  That current is 60 microamps.  At that
rate, my 2000mAh batteries will  completely drain in roughly 3 years, 9
months.

Looking at it from a different angle:  After 1 year, a fully charged set of
batteries will have drained to ~60-65% capacity, ~10% from internal
leakage + ~27% from the KX3 load.

Jon N0WL

On Mon, Oct 4, 2021 at 10:16 PM Eddy - k6sdw  wrote:

>  I have a KX3 with the KXBC3 Nimh charger and Nimh batteries installed. My
> question is: What's the current drain on the NICADS when I store the KX3
> for long periods of time? The KX3 is primarily used for portable operation
> and when I put the KX3 on the bench the batteries are dead needing
> recharging. I wonder if I should pull on AA battery out during storage?
>
> Many thanks
>
> GL/73
>
> Ed/k6sdw
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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 beta 2.04

[Mike Flowers]

Hi Andy,

Tried the new version of the Utility.   'Invalid handle' error when 'Copy
New Files from Elecraft' is clicked.

Unzipped the new beta firmware into my beta directory, and when I tried
loading the beta firmware I got 'Cannot start a busy state machine' error.

I'll stick with v 01.75 for now ... 

- 73 and good DX de Mike, K6MKF, NCDXC Vice-President 2021-2022


> -Original Message-
> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  boun...@mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of Andy Durbin
> Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2021 08:28
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] KAT500 beta 2.04
> 
>
https://elecraft.com/pages/kat500-fully-automatic-tuner-firmware-and-utility
> 
> New KAT500 firmware and also a new Utility version.   Quite a few issues
fixed
> that are not mentioned in the release notes.
> 
> I'd like to thank Dick, K6KR, for his patience as we worked though my
defect
> reports and enhancement suggestions.  I learned a lot from our discussions
as
> this firmware update slowly matured.
> 
> All of my alpha testing was with a Kenwood TS-590S.  Hopefully owners of
> other rigs will try this beta and report any issues.
> 
> 73,
> Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] Wire antenna ends and spools?

[Walter Underwood]

I tried the Coghlan’s laundry reels and switched to the SOTAbeams midi winders. 
The laundry reels were slow and took a lot of winding. The quality control is a 
little iffy, too. Sometimes you get one that binds, sometimes they are smooth. 
And if you drop them just right, they pop open.

wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)

> On Oct 6, 2021, at 4:14 AM, steve WB3LGC  wrote:
> 
> https://www.amazon.com/Coghlans-Camp-Laundry-Reel-21-Foot/dp/B001QBZM4Q/ref=sr_1_14_mod_primary_new?dchild=1&keywords=clothesline+camping&qid=1633518594&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sr=8-14
> 
> works for me.  I use two with 60+ feet of teflon.  The wire can be wrapped 
> around the cleat and tied at the other end of the reel.  I have used them for 
> many years.
> 
> 73, steve WB3LGC
> 
> 
> On 10/5/21 6:33 PM, Julia Tuttle wrote:
>> Hi folks,
>> 
>> I'm putting together the Elecraft Standard Wire Antenna(tm), two 25-foot
>> pieces of 26-gauge wire with relatively slippery insulation.
>> 
>> I've got banana plugs on the near (radio) ends of the wires, and I've
>> temporarily got the two lengths coiled and held with velcro cable ties, but
>> I'm wondering if anyone has ideas on:
>> 
>> 1. What to put on the far (tree/wherever) ends so I can tie a rope to them
>> without the slippery insulation just slipping out of the knot. My
>> girlfriend suggests a ring terminal, which seems reasonable -- any other
>> ideas?
>> 2. How to coil them more securely. W3ATB suggests a chalk line reel (
>> https://w3atb.com/wire-antenna-winder/) but I'm not a fan of the
>> termination there.
>> 
>> Thanks and 73,
>> 
>> Julie
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 and Expert 1.3

[John Bohnovic]

I have an SPE 2K FA that I drive with K3. I get around the noisy relay
problem by using a QSK 2500 which has relays that are very quiet compared
to the relays in the SPE amp.

The QSK 2500 developed a problem and I sent it back for repair. The
repaired unit was promptly repaired and I was NOT billed for it.

I highly recommend the QSK 2500.

I also have a KPA 1500. Since I live in Florida I try to keep the heat
generated by my amps to a minimum. I run the SPE 2K FA during the summer
because it runs more efficiently when I don’t need full legal limit when
I’m rag chewing. In October I switch over to the KPA 1500 and back to the
SPE in March or April.

Being able to run the SPE at a lower voltage when running less power is a
big plus for me.

73..de John/K4WJ

On Tue, Oct 5, 2021 at 8:15 PM Bob McGraw  wrote:

> I'm really surprised that hams would expect ALC to be used to control
> power in any manner.  Yes, it can control power to some small limit.
> It is intended to, in general,  prevent amplifier damage in the event of
> a load failure or minor exciter spike or moment of excessive drive.
> But to expect one to dump the transceiver output into the input of an
> amp and expect to have ALC control the power.that's old ham
> lore.  Not very smart operation either.
>
> In the past I've used the ALC output of my KPA500 back to my K3S with
> ALC active.   Used correctly and monitored on the K3S, you'd never know
> that ALC was in the control path.On the other hand, for those that
> must make that DX contact, set all knobs to the right and let the ALC
> handle the rest, that really makes a mess on the band.   Sounds like
> crap too.
>
> Although the KPA500 is a bit less power than the Expert 1.3, there is no
> relay clicking when running full QSK and no fan noise.  I'm through with
> big noisy amp relays and with wind tunnel cooling systems.
>
> 73
>
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>
> On 10/5/2021 5:58 PM, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:
> > Message: 1
> > Date: Mon,  4 Oct 2021 16:15:02 -0400
> > From: Bill Frantz
> > To: Mike March
> > Cc:elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and Expert 1.3
> > Message-ID:
> >
>   >
> >
> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
> >
> > I have used an Expert 1.3K amp for several years with my
> > upgraded K3. The short form is it works well. I got it when my
> > wife won a $1000 off certificate. I knew this amp was a popular
> > choice of many DXpeditions, and so worked well with the K3s they
> > used and was reasonably reliable. When I got my amp, I also
> > ordered a custom cable for the K3 which was delivered in the
> > same shipment as the amp.
> >
> > I am careful to not depend on the ALC to control exciter power,
> > but instead set the output power on the K3 to the right level to
> > get the output power I want from the amp. I believe this
> > procedure will result in a cleaner signal.
> >
> > I am thinking about replacing it with an Elecraft amp for two reasons:
> >
> > Full break in CW produces a lot of relay clicking. The
> > Elecraft amps use
> > PIN diodes.
> >
> > The level of integration between the exciter (K3) and the amp
> > is much
> > better. I can have my K3 operate at 100W when the amp is
> > offline and at
> > whatever drives the amp to the right power level when the amp
> > is online
> > with automatic switching.
> >
> > Cheers - Bill, AE6jV
> >
>
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[Elecraft] KAT500 beta 2.04

[Andy Durbin]

https://elecraft.com/pages/kat500-fully-automatic-tuner-firmware-and-utility

New KAT500 firmware and also a new Utility version.   Quite a few issues fixed 
that are not mentioned in the release notes.

I'd like to thank Dick, K6KR, for his patience as we worked though my defect 
reports and enhancement suggestions.  I learned a lot from our discussions as 
this firmware update slowly matured.

All of my alpha testing was with a Kenwood TS-590S.  Hopefully owners of other 
rigs will try this beta and report any issues.

73,
Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] Wire antenna ends and spools?

[Gwen Patton]

I usually use a fisherman's knot called a Uni knot. I use it with 24ga
silicone insulated stranded copper wire for my QRP antennas. I tie the end
to a small insulator, then tie paracord or some other thin, strong line to
the other end of the insulator. I like to use very brightly colored wire
and line, so bystanders can see them. Prevents tripping hazard. My favorite
line is glow in the dark paracord. It will glow faintly but visibly in the
dark.

This knot is also known as the Duncan loop. It can tie to a ring, to an
insulator, splice two lines if doubled, and can tie together different
materials. Here's a different video showing how to tie the Uni/Duncan knot
from a different angle, and how to use it to splice two lines together.

https://youtu.be/myMSMYy_iYU

Some think it looks like a noose, but that's a very different knot.

73,
Gwen, NG3P

On Tue, Oct 5, 2021, 6:34 PM Julia Tuttle  wrote:

> Hi folks,
>
> I'm putting together the Elecraft Standard Wire Antenna(tm), two 25-foot
> pieces of 26-gauge wire with relatively slippery insulation.
>
> I've got banana plugs on the near (radio) ends of the wires, and I've
> temporarily got the two lengths coiled and held with velcro cable ties, but
> I'm wondering if anyone has ideas on:
>
> 1. What to put on the far (tree/wherever) ends so I can tie a rope to them
> without the slippery insulation just slipping out of the knot. My
> girlfriend suggests a ring terminal, which seems reasonable -- any other
> ideas?
> 2. How to coil them more securely. W3ATB suggests a chalk line reel (
> https://w3atb.com/wire-antenna-winder/) but I'm not a fan of the
> termination there.
>
> Thanks and 73,
>
> Julie
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 lithium ion polymer internal battery

[Rob Walker via Elecraft]

This question relates to the wiring inside the KX3 and not about battery 
technology… I did not write the question well.

I have received back a lot of good advice on batteries, all correct and thanks, 
 yet I do want to know about the KX3 wiring if you can help me please.

For interest only, the battery I have made is not a LiPo (never used even in my 
RC gliders, as they do catch fire) it is a lithium Ion.  The polymer part 
refers to it not being an 18650 cell (as used in laptops, power tools and 
automobiles) but instead the flat 3.7v cells as found in tablets and phones.  I 
may well have used the wrong terminology. 

Anyway, can anyone help me with the wiring.   Can I attach the battery to pins 
number 1 and 3 of the 10pin P3 connector ? 

I have asked Elecraft direct and while waiting on their reply thought I would 
post here.  Hope you can help 

Thanks to all who have responded and 73

Kind Regards,


Rob Walker
M5REW



On 4 Oct 2021, at 18:09, Rob Walker  wrote:



I have made myself a 14.8v lithium ion polymer battery, with battery 
management system and audible alarm, that fits inside the KX3. 

Ideally I would like to leave it in the KX3 to charge and charge it by 
connecting a 15v (max 15.5v) PSU to the DC connector of the KX3.

If I connected my battery to pins 1 and 3 of the 10pin P3 connector would this 
battery power the KX3 and charge when connected to an external 15v PSU…. 
Without damaging the KX3 of course ?


Kind Regards,


Rob Walker


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Re: [Elecraft] Wire antenna ends and spools?

[Daniel Brown]

In the past, I have sourced a few of the spools used for retailing fly-fishing 
line from my neighborhood Orvis. Just asked the sales guy nicely, as we were 
finishing up with other purchases. 

The spools worked nicely with Poly-Steath wire. 

--
Dan Brown

> On Oct 6, 2021, at 00:50, Eric Norris  wrote:
> 
> Use a fly fishing knot on those slippery wires to tie them to a small
> insulator.  My late friend Neal WA6OCP (SK) used to buy these perfect
> spools he called "offshore fishing line spools."   They were maybe 8" in
> diameter, but very thin--perfect for winding up slick, slinky wire for
> temporary QRP antennas.  I have no idea where he got them
> 
> 
> 73 Eric WD6DBM
> 
>> On Tue, Oct 5, 2021, 3:34 PM Julia Tuttle  wrote:
>> 
>> Hi folks,
>> 
>> I'm putting together the Elecraft Standard Wire Antenna(tm), two 25-foot
>> pieces of 26-gauge wire with relatively slippery insulation.
>> 
>> I've got banana plugs on the near (radio) ends of the wires, and I've
>> temporarily got the two lengths coiled and held with velcro cable ties, but
>> I'm wondering if anyone has ideas on:
>> 
>> 1. What to put on the far (tree/wherever) ends so I can tie a rope to them
>> without the slippery insulation just slipping out of the knot. My
>> girlfriend suggests a ring terminal, which seems reasonable -- any other
>> ideas?
>> 2. How to coil them more securely. W3ATB suggests a chalk line reel (
>> https://w3atb.com/wire-antenna-winder/) but I'm not a fan of the
>> termination there.
>> 
>> Thanks and 73,
>> 
>> Julie
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Re: [Elecraft] Wire antenna ends and spools?

[steve WB3LGC]

http://seller.sug.my/product/plastic-fishing-line-spool-hp/ ???

On 10/6/21 12:46 AM, Eric Norris wrote:

he called "offshore fishing line spools."

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Re: [Elecraft] Wire antenna ends and spools?

[steve WB3LGC]

https://www.amazon.com/Coghlans-Camp-Laundry-Reel-21-Foot/dp/B001QBZM4Q/ref=sr_1_14_mod_primary_new?dchild=1&keywords=clothesline+camping&qid=1633518594&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sr=8-14

works for me.  I use two with 60+ feet of teflon.  The wire can be 
wrapped around the cleat and tied at the other end of the reel.  I have 
used them for many years.


73, steve WB3LGC


On 10/5/21 6:33 PM, Julia Tuttle wrote:

Hi folks,

I'm putting together the Elecraft Standard Wire Antenna(tm), two 25-foot
pieces of 26-gauge wire with relatively slippery insulation.

I've got banana plugs on the near (radio) ends of the wires, and I've
temporarily got the two lengths coiled and held with velcro cable ties, but
I'm wondering if anyone has ideas on:

1. What to put on the far (tree/wherever) ends so I can tie a rope to them
without the slippery insulation just slipping out of the knot. My
girlfriend suggests a ring terminal, which seems reasonable -- any other
ideas?
2. How to coil them more securely. W3ATB suggests a chalk line reel (
https://w3atb.com/wire-antenna-winder/) but I'm not a fan of the
termination there.

Thanks and 73,

Julie
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