Re: [Elecraft] P3 TX Monitor with Two Sensors?

[Alan Bloom]

Yes, you could use an 8-pole double-throw relay to switch between the 
two sensors.


The P3 and W2 use the same information from the sensors and the same 
control lines.


Alan N1AL


On 01/13/2017 04:59 AM, Jean-François Ménard wrote:

Hi, thanks for the information. I just sent an email to Elecraft
support to let me know if I should check something prior the
utilization of the couplers I already have.

I really like to manual switch idea…. But I still wondering fi I
could use the AUX behind the K-Pod to manually switch between the 2
couplers already have, by creating a small circuit using a relay. It
could be a good way to maximise the use of the K-Pod too?!?!

Also, the information given by the P3 compared with the W2….. major
difference ??? more accurate ??? What are the major goals to use
antenna couplers with P3 instead of a W2 ???

Thanks for the information.

73 de Jeff | VA2SS

__ Jeff | VA2SS Jean-François
Ménard


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Re: [Elecraft] P3 TX Monitor with Two Sensors?

[Alan Bloom]

On 01/12/2017 04:44 PM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft wrote:

I was curious if anyone has been using the P3 TX Monitor with 2 sensors

If so how are you switching between the two sensors


I use this 4-port manual LAN switch, which can support up to 4 sensors:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AUB3SSA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It was $10 when I bought it but the price has gone up.  If you search 
Amazon for "8P8C Manual switch" you'll see some other possibilities. 
For example, here's a two-port device for $6.55 with free shipping:


https://www.amazon.com/Network-Telephone-Manual-Sharing-Switch/dp/B0051MOUSK/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1484288975&sr=1-1&keywords=8P8C+Manual+switch

Alan
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 on the air!

[Alan Bloom]

On 01/09/2017 07:13 PM, K9ZTV wrote:

Hi Ron ...

We customized the head-panel of Tom Hammond's (N0SS) casket to
incorporate his picture, call sign, tower, K2, and K3.  Most anything
is possible these days.  What you suggest is definitely doable.  The
difficulty lies in helping some people understand what the word
"appropriate" means.


I was once listening to a ham yakking on a local repeater when I figured 
out from his conversation that he was operating from a funeral 
procession.  I guess he couldn't tear himself away from ham radio long 
enough to pay his respects to the dear departed.


What is that line from the Radio Amateur's Code?

"The Radio Amateur is balanced.  Radio is a hobby, never interfering 
with duties owed to family, job, school or community."


:=)

Alan N1AL
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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Support

[Alan Bloom]

Hams have been complaining about appliance operators at least since I 
got into ham radio in 1968 and probably a long time before that.  In the 
early days of radio, you *had* to build your own station because 
ready-built equipment was not available (unless you were one of the 1% 
and could pay someone to do it for you).


In those days, you could build something close to state-or-the-art on 
your kitchen table.  But building a spark transmitter or a 2-tube MOPA 
rig was far simpler than building a state-of-the-art multi-band 
synthesized radio would be today.


I think you can make a good argument that the little projects that hams 
do build today - for example some Arduino gizmo with a dozen parts - is 
of similar complexity to the all-homebrew stations of old.


Alan N1AL


On 01/09/2017 04:29 PM, Kevin wrote:

I don't either. I read every single post in this thread and I didn't
think anybody was trying to start a holy war.

To the guys who built all your gear from through hole parts...good for
ya. Those days are gone. There will be no more rigs like the K2 when the
parts are unobtainable. Better get you heads around SMT.

To all the guys who just want to operate...good for you. You are at
distinct disadvantage when it comes to how the radio works. Quality time
with ALL the manuals, including the assembly manuals, can help.

To all the guys who like and do both...I'm one of you. K2/100 #4684 was
my main rig for years. I will NEVER sell it.




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Re: [Elecraft] Dummy loads for dummies

[Alan Bloom]

I once made a dummy load with a 50W, 50-ohm wire-wound resistor.  The 
inductance was tuned out with a variable capacitor in series.  As I 
recall it worked reasonably well on 160 and 80 meters, but the bandwidth 
was too narrow to be useful on the high bands.


Alan N1AL


On 12/27/2016 02:31 PM, Wes Stewart wrote:

Paul,

You've got a lot of hand wringing comments about how those are probably
wire wound resistors.  They probably are but in practice it might not
matter.  It all depends on what exactly you are trying to accomplish.
You don't say what your usage is or how much power your TX is putting out.

Wes  N7WS

 On 12/27/2016 7:43 AM, Paul C wrote:

I made my own dummy load last night from two 100 ohm resistors wired
in parallel.  They are rated for 10 watts each and look like little
bricks.  I measured the resistance at 51 ohms.  Do you think this is
close enough or should I reduce it to 50?

Paul KG5KXG


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Re: [Elecraft] IMD and CW

[Alan Bloom]

Apparently you can't.  I must have been thinking of the weight adjustment.

Alan N1AL


On 12/23/2016 09:22 PM, Jan Erik Holm wrote:

On 2016-12-23 19:11, Alan Bloom wrote:


You could always compensate for it by adjusting the K3 for softer
key shaping.

Alan N1AL


How do you do that ?

/ 73 Jim


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Re: [Elecraft] IMD and CW

[Alan Bloom]

I believe the K3/K3S use a raised sinusoid key shaping.  It is a good 
compromise to reduce the bandwidth without excessive ringing/backwave.


In the bad old days, CW key shaping was typically a simple R-C filter on 
the key line.  That resulted in an exponential rise and fall, which 
resulted in more key clicks for a given rise/fall time than a raised 
sinusoid.


Alan N1AL


On 12/23/2016 01:30 PM, K9MA wrote:

On 12/23/2016 12:11, Alan Bloom wrote:

For a CW signal, the nonlinearity of a typical power amplifier should
have the effect of shortening the rise and fall times.  That does
indeed widen the transmitted bandwidth.  But intuitively, it seems
like the distortion would have to be really bad to shorten the
rise/fall times by much.  You could always compensate for it by
adjusting the K3 for softer key shaping.

Alan N1AL

I think it's a little more complicated than that:  The K3 shapes the CW
waveform very carefully, to minimize bandwidth.  (I think it's
equivalent to passing the signal through a narrow bandpass filter.)
Obviously, any distortion downstream is going to compromise that careful
shaping.  However, based on my intuition and Vic's results, I suspect it
would take a truly terrible amount of distortion to significantly
increase the CW bandwidth.  Given that the K3 is so much cleaner than
many other popular radios, I doubt we need to worry.

73,

Scott K9MA


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Re: [Elecraft] IMD and CW

[Alan Bloom]

For a CW signal, the nonlinearity of a typical power amplifier should 
have the effect of shortening the rise and fall times.  That does indeed 
widen the transmitted bandwidth.  But intuitively, it seems like the 
distortion would have to be really bad to shorten the rise/fall times by 
much.  You could always compensate for it by adjusting the K3 for softer 
key shaping.


Alan N1AL



On 12/22/2016 10:22 PM, Vic Rosenthal wrote:

I didn't exactly do this, but I did investigate the effects of distortion on CW 
signals. I disconnected my P3 from the K3 and set the IF to 7 MHz. so it would 
act like a standalone spectrum analyzer.
I was interested in whether a class-C amplifier I had built would sharpen the 
keying enough to create noticeable clicks. The amplifier used minimal fixed 
bias to allow a small amount of resting plate current in transmit mode, with 
full class-C operating bias provided by a grid resistor.
I noted a broadening of the base of the signal on the P3, indicating that the 
signal was not as clean as the K3 alone.  But listening with another receiver 
on either side of the S9+30 dB signal didn't reveal audible clicks. I also 
asked other operators to listen and there were no reports of clicks.
I am sure that attempting to use that amplifier (a pair of 813s) on SSB would 
have gotten me ridden out of town on a rail!

Vic 4X6GP


On 22 Dec 2016, at 23:10, K9MA  wrote:


On 12/22/2016 11:40, Jim Brown wrote:
IMD also affects CW. What we call CW is not "continuous wave," it is a 
continuous wave that is 100% modulated by a rectangular wave. That rectangular wave is 
rich in harmonics, and excites IMD. We hear it as clicks.

It would be interesting to see how much IMD it takes to significantly increase key clicks 
of a "clean" keyed CW signal, like that of the K3.  I'd expect the effect to be 
small, compared to that on an SSB signal for the same level of IMD, but I could be wrong. 
 I suppose a simple test would be to have a local friend with a P3 watch the signal as I 
turned down the supply voltage on my K3.  Has anyone tried anything like that?

73,

Scott  K9MA


--
Scott  K9MA

k...@sdellington.us

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Re: [Elecraft] Posting serial numbers

[Alan Bloom]

On 12/18/2016 01:13 PM, Kevin - K4VD wrote:


I don't know what someone could do with the serial number of a radio but
who knows these days. That and your date of birth might get all your bank
accounts hacked. (just kidding)


It's probably not a good idea to use your rig's serial number as a 
password to your on-line bank account.  :=)


Alan N1AL

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[Elecraft] Posting serial numbers

[Alan Bloom]

 Forwarded Message 
Subject: [Elecraft] P3 For Sale
Date: Sun, 18 Dec 2016 13:10:36 -0500
From: Joe Word 
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net

> For Sale  Serial number 36xx. ...

I've noticed that people almost never list a full serial number when 
posting something for sale.  I'm curious why that is?  Is there some bad 
thing a nefarious person could do if they knew the serial number?


Alan N1AL

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Re: [Elecraft] P3 and Centering the Display

[Alan Bloom]

On 12/07/2016 05:11 PM, Alan Bloom wrote:

I think all you have to do is QSY, switch to tracking mode to center the
display and then switch back to fixed mode.


I should have actually tried it before I opened my big mouth. :=) That 
works when sending commands manually but not in a macro.


The problem seems to be that the K3 is not done processing the QSY 
command before the P3 fixed-tune commands occur.  It is as though the 
fixed-tune commands happened before the QSY rather than after.


I confirmed that by putting a loong string of semicolons 
after the FA command to add a delay.  About 225 semicolons seems to work 
reliably on my unit.  With these two macros:


FA700 <225 total semicolons> ;;;#FXT0;#FXT1;
FA729 <225 total semicolons> ;;;#FXT0;#FXT1;

I can switch back and forth between the two frequencies in fixed-tune 
mode and the display remains centered about the VFO A frequency.


Admittedly that is not a very elegant solution and is not necessarily 
guaranteed to always work.  Another work-around is to leave out the 
extra semicolons and just manually send the macro twice.  The fraction 
of a second pause between button presses is enough to allow the K3 time 
to respond.


Alan N1AL




Alan N1AL


On 12/07/2016 04:34 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:

I think [but don't fully understand the original question either] that
he is in Fixed Tune mode and wants to stay there, but when he executes
the as-yet-undetermined macro, he wants the desired frequency in the
center of the screen, presumably with the edges at CF+/-[SPAN/2].

Eric, Wayne, and the E-crowd could solve all of this if they just
devised a procedural programming language for the K3/P3, wrote a
compiler and linker, and provided a set of thoroughly debugged DLL's. It
can't involve more than a few lines of code.  Since Elecraft software
utilities are free, this would be a good deal, no?  Christmas is coming
... [:-))

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Sparks NV DM09dn

- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the Cal QSO Party 7-8 Oct 2017
- www.cqp.org

On 12/7/2016 4:17 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

I guess I don't understand what you want to accomplish.
If you want the VFO A to be in the center of the display, simply change
the mode from FIXED to TRACKING.  That will keep the VFO frequency
centered - no macros required.

73,
Don W3FPR


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Re: [Elecraft] P3 and Centering the Display

[Alan Bloom]

I think all you have to do is QSY, switch to tracking mode to center the 
display and then switch back to fixed mode.


Alan N1AL


On 12/07/2016 04:34 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:

I think [but don't fully understand the original question either] that
he is in Fixed Tune mode and wants to stay there, but when he executes
the as-yet-undetermined macro, he wants the desired frequency in the
center of the screen, presumably with the edges at CF+/-[SPAN/2].

Eric, Wayne, and the E-crowd could solve all of this if they just
devised a procedural programming language for the K3/P3, wrote a
compiler and linker, and provided a set of thoroughly debugged DLL's. It
can't involve more than a few lines of code.  Since Elecraft software
utilities are free, this would be a good deal, no?  Christmas is coming
... [:-))

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Sparks NV DM09dn

- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the Cal QSO Party 7-8 Oct 2017
- www.cqp.org

On 12/7/2016 4:17 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

I guess I don't understand what you want to accomplish.
If you want the VFO A to be in the center of the display, simply change
the mode from FIXED to TRACKING.  That will keep the VFO frequency
centered - no macros required.

73,
Don W3FPR


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Re: [Elecraft] Keyboards for P3/SVGA

[Alan Bloom]

Here's a list of keyboards that are known to work with the PX3:

http://www.elecraft.com/manual/px3_keyboard_list_A3.pdf

I think most "plain Jane" keyboards will work.  It says:

   Note: Most "PC BIOS compatible" keyboards will work.  In other
   words, the keyboard must be able to be recognized by the PC
   BIOS.  This rules out Bluetooth and multimedia style keyboards,
   those with mice, touchpads, and multimedia functions.

I believe that keyboards that work with the PX3 should work with the 
P3/SVGA also.


Alan N1AL


On 11/20/2016 09:23 AM, Dauer, Edward wrote:

Some time ago there was a discussion about the fact that some
standard computer keyboards do not play well with the P3/SVGA and
possibly not with the PX3 either.  I am about to buy one.  Anyone
have advice about a readily available make & model that does work
well?

Thanks in advance,

Ted, KN1CBR

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Re: [Elecraft] TxMon and K3 (tuner bypassed) SWR missmatch

[Alan Bloom]

The SWR is the same anywhere on the feedline, assuming the loss is low. 
If changing the feedline length a few feet causes a significant change 
in SWR reading, then either the directional coupler in the SWR meter 
isn't doing a good job, or (more likely) there is feedline radiation. 
In the latter case, the feedline is effectively part of the antenna; 
that's why changing the length changes the SWR.


Feedline radiation is more common than most people think.  See the 
article in November QST.


Alan N1AL


On 11/04/2016 10:52 PM, Matt Zilmer wrote:

It also depends on the line loss per unit length.  A high-loss feedline
will be more forgiving as measured, but less energy is transferred to
the load.  If a line is very low-loss per length, you can tune out the
reactance or mismatch (by transformation or direct compensation) without
losing much energy.  High loss feedline just burns up the energy in the
feedline and the load can't radiate very much.  In this case, a good SWR
"match" won't help get a lot of signal on the air.  This is one reason
that source-end SWR isn't a good measure of radiation efficiency (not
considering the actual antenna).  I can get 1:1 on a good 50 ohm load,
just like anyone else, and no one can hear my 1kW transmitter.

The SWR varies along the length of all feedlines, but at low SWRs it
doesn't make much difference on energy transferred from source to the
load.  In most cases 2:1 is perfectly acceptable to the transmitter's
protection circuitry.

Vic is also correct about diodes; their I-V curve is nonlinear. Ar low
power levels, this can matter a lot on precision of the SWR measurement.

73,

matt W6NIA


On 11/4/2016 9:10 PM, Vic Rosenthal 4X6GP wrote:

I have always understood that the SWR on a line will be almost the
same wherever it is measured (it will increase slightly as you
approach the load due to losses). It is the impedance of the load as
transformed by the line that changes.

One thing that I've noticed is that SWR meters often differ when the
SWR is low, because the amount of reflected power is very small, and
diodes are often nonlinear dealing with small signals. The difference
between an SWR of 1.1:1 and 1.2:1 is a very tiny amount of reflacted
power.

73,
Vic, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/

On 5 Nov 2016 04:43, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

How much coax is between the K3 and P3 monitor? Only a few feet will
create
a growing error as the SWR increases, since the standing waves on the
coaxial line produce different readings at different points along the
line.

If you want to compare the SWR meters in the K3 and P3, be sure the P3
sensor is mounted directly on the K3 without a length of coax in
between.
Even so, the K3 SWR sensor will be "looking" at the P3 sensor through
the
KAT3. Although it is bypassed, the older KAT3 ATUs still routed RF
through
them on its way to the K3 rear-panel ANT connector.

Even so, as Fred pointed out, there will be differences since SWR
meters are
no "precision" devices because they don't have to be. The K3 is quite
happy
at load SWRs up to 2 or 2.5:1 and even above that the amplifier will
protect
itself.

73, Ron AC7AC


On 11/4/2016 6:59 PM, dm...@nexicom.net wrote:


I recently installed the TX monitor in my P3 and have a discrepancy
with the SWR reading between it and the K3

with a dummy load connected the P3 and K3 read 1.12 and 1.0
respectively   a level of error that is to me quite acceptable.

however  when connected to an antenna  I will see the SWR on the K3
often close to 1:1   when the P3 will show up to a 1:2.   as the SWR
climbs above 1:2 on the P3  the K3 reading will track it fairly
closely but about a level of 1 below.  example
K3 1:1  P3 1:2,
K3 1:1.5  P3 1:2.5
K3 1:2   P3 1:3   and so on

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Re: [Elecraft] Paper Tape CW sender

[Alan Bloom]

When I worked at W1AW back in the mid-70s, we were still using paper 
tape to send CW, but it was 5-hole tape, the same as used for RTTY.  A 
converter box made by Frederick Electronics converted the RTTY Baudot 
code to Morse.


However, we did have an old 2-hole CW tape machine that was used for the 
frequency-measuring tests because you could send long dashes with it by 
manually covering up the "off" hole at the end of a dot or dash.  I 
don't remember what brand of machine it was.


You might consider donating your "find" to the ARRL museum.  I believe 
Bob Allison WB1GCM of the ARRL lab is the curator.  860-594-0210


Alan N1AL


On 10/30/2016 01:54 PM, Don Hall wrote:

Shades of yore!! I learned enough code to pass my Class C code test
given by an ex-Merchant Marineoperator in 1948 by using one of these
belonging to my dad W5RLM(SK).Shows my longevity(age!!)73  Don
K5AQW5OBS courtesy of the paper tape machine

On Sunday, October 30, 2016 8:34 AM, Kenneth Christiansen
 wrote:


Hi to the group.

My silent key friend's XYL has a paper tape morse code device and we
would like to donate it to a museum. It is in a nice looking wood
box. It has one paper tape, a hand crank on the side of the box and
should be saved as an important piece of history. His XYL and I are
both 74 years old so it will just be a matter of time before this
ends up in a land fill if we don't find a home for it.

She sent me two pictures of it so if anyone is interested I can
E-Mail the pictures. She will donate the piece and I will pay
shipping if we can find a home for it.

73

Ken Christiansen.  W0CZ w0cz at i29 dot net.Or I am good in
QRZ.COM.



Sent from my iPad
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Camping radio ops: then and now

[Alan Bloom]

On 10/04/2016 09:36 AM, Wayne Burdick n...@elecraft.com [KX3] wrote:

My first attempt to operate from a campsite was in 1972, when I was 14. My dad 
chuckled as I hefted my box of gear into the camper. At the time I had no 
battery powered radios. The receiver was a Heathkit HR-10B. The transmitter was 
a 3-tube, 10-watt, WW2 CW monstrosity I borrowed from someone in the El Cajon 
ARC. I also didn't have an antenna tuner, so I brought a full-size 40-m dipole 
with #18 wire and 100' of RG58. Keyer was a Heath HD-10.

Our campsite in Utah didn't have an electrical outlet. Fortunately I had a very 
long extension cord that I routed through the window of the  men's room, two 
campsites down. I had to apologize to hostile strangers as I wove the cord 
through bushes and around cars.

Getting the heavy dipole up into the ponderosas required rope, rocks, and a few 
swear words I hadn't used in front of my parents prior to that time.

Finally, I was on the air. Unfortunately the band wasn't particularly open that 
day, and I think I ended up making three contacts. Still, I got The Bug.

These days, I use a KX2, two lengths of #26 wire, an earbud/mic, and a KXPD2 
paddle. Total station weight: 2 lbs, counting the CS40 bag. Setup time: 2 or 3 
minutes, depending on how many times it takes to hit just the right branch with 
a 1 ounce stainless steel weight. Or 1 minute if I'm using a whip.

It's been a wild journey that I suppose could be graphed in terms of miles per 
watt per pound over 40 years.

I bet there a few other variations on this theme

73,
Wayne
N6KR




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Re: [Elecraft] Anti-static Pads

[Alan Bloom]

On 09/19/2016 08:32 PM, Richard Fjeld wrote:

I stand corrected.  I didn't realize the resistance was that great.

I need to think of a simple way to determine conductivity rather than
measuring the resistance.


Here are the results of some anti-static mat testing that I did a few 
years ago.  If you scroll down to the bottom, there is a description of 
the test procedure.


http://www.mail-archive.com/elecraft%40mailman.qth.net/msg94407.html

Alan N1AL
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Re: [Elecraft] Skimmer and the K3S

[Alan Bloom]

Excellent explanation Don.  Just one thing:

> Connect the K3 IF output to both the P and the LP-Pan (use a BNC T
> adapter).

No adapter is required.  The P3 has an internal 3 dB splitter and an IF 
OUT connector that can be connected to LP-PAN.  Just make sure the 
rear-panel switch is in the "ON" (up) position.


Alan N1AL




On 09/02/2016 04:09 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Pete,

I think you are mixing too many things together, and they are not
necessarily related.
Let me try to 'unravel the ball of twine' for you.

The birdies/mirror images you encountered are not the fault of LP-Pan,
but instead related to either your soundcard cables or the capability of
the Panadapter display software that you were using.

Since you now have the P3 and are apparently happy with it for the
Panadapter display,  I suggest you continue to use it.

BUT,  you cannot display Skimmer on the P3.

So 'what to do'? - I would suggest that you use the LP-Pan hardware.
Connect the K3 IF output to both the P and the LP-Pan (use a BNC T
adapter).

Connect the LP-Pan I/Q outputs to your computer soundcard and load
Skimmer on your computer.Configure CW Skimmer to use that soundcard
and it will display whatever is within it's "hearing range".  The
document at http://www.dxatlas.com/CwSkimmer/Files/Skimmerintro.pdf may
be helpful with your setup.
Note carefully, you do not have to run NaP3 or other panadapter
applications - CW Skimmer is independent of those.

If you need to run other PC applications (loggers and other rig control
applications) that each want to use the COM port connection to your K3
(in addition to CW Skimmer) - only one application can talk with the K3
at the same time.  Enter LP-Bridge or Com-O-Com which create virtual
ports on your PC.  IMHO LP-Bridge is a good choice for use with the K3,
but all your applications that want to talk with the K3 will talk
instead to their own LP-Bridge virtual ports - only LP-Bridge connects
directly to the K3.

Hopefully that helps.

73,
Don W3FPR


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Re: [Elecraft] OT:. G5RV's

[Alan Bloom]

> It's a pity that too many newcomers, as well as many oldsters, are
> enamored by this piece of wire.

The G4RV is definitely a compromise antenna.  However its advantage is 
that is has low-enough SWR to be easily matched by most tuners on a 
number of bands.


> ... the horrific losses that could be incurred even
> with high quality tuners,

It's true that tuner losses are the manufacturers' dirty little secret. 
Loss is rarely specified, partly because it can be pretty bad, and 
partly because it is hard to measure, but also because it is not 
constant - it depends on the particular impedance being matched.


One exception is the old Drake tuners.  Their Pi-L topology makes the 
loss almost independent of the load impedance.  If you can get it to 
match, you know that almost all the power is going into the feed line. 
For example, the MN-2700 that I designed when I was at Drake was 
specified at 0.5 dB maximum insertion loss and I did a lot of testing 
and tweaking to achieve that on all bands.


Alan N1AL
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Re: [Elecraft] Is there a 1500w amp from Elecraft in our future??

[Alan Bloom]

If Elecraft were going to re-brand and re-sell an amplifier from someone 
else, which one should they choose, and why?


Alan N1AL


On 07/29/2016 05:34 PM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote:

This rumor or a close cousin bubbles up out of the stinky mud every now and
then. Don't believe anything until you hear it from the principal owners.
Back to sleep.

73, Guy K2AV

On Friday, July 29, 2016, Jerry  wrote:


Greetings all,



I heard a rumor this afternoon that Elecraft is going to be marketing a
1500
watt amp at approx $6000.00 very soon. The rumor mill continues with the
story that Elecraft is going to buy the amp. From a "unknown" European
company and stick Elecraft's name on the product.



Sounds kinda far-fetch to me, but you never know..



Is this a very belated "April Fools" joke??



Best regards,



Jerry, W1IE



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Re: [Elecraft] Linear PS Recommendations

[Alan Bloom]

> If Alan is reading this, I'm wondering if I missed where that
> 'strategically placed diode' is located?

One way to do it is just to put a pair of back-to-back diodes in 
parallel with the inputs.  That protects against over-voltage of either 
polarity.


One thing I always like to do when constructing a homebrew project is to 
paste a copy of the schematic inside the top cover.  That way I can 
never lose the schematic.  :=)


Here's an image of such a schematic of a 723-based, 10A, 7-15V bench 
supply that I built many years ago:


http://n1al.net/music/N1AL_10A.gif

It is very conservatively rated at 10A.  I probably could have designed 
it for a comfortable 15A, but the markings on the meter I wanted to use 
for an ammeter wouldn't easily accommodate that.  For a similar reason, 
I put a 5V zener in series with the voltmeter so it would read 5-15.


One issue with the 723 is that it needs a higher-voltage supply than the 
pass transistors.  If you make the unregulated input voltage high enough 
to avoid dropout, the pass transistors are dissipating more power than 
they need to.  So in this design I used a separate supply for the 723. 
One issue with doing that is if the transistor supply fails (it is 
separately fused) the 723 tries to supply all the output current.  In 
this case the 723 supply is derived from 65V (since that was the 
available winding on the transformer I used) with a dropping resistor 
and shunt zener.  The dropping resistor limits the current to a safe value.


This supply has fold-back current limiting.  The 22k resistor from pin 2 
causes the current limit to drop from 14A or so at 13.8V output to about 
11A at 7V output and 7A with a short circuit.  That's a good idea for a 
variable-voltage supply since pass transistor dissipation increases at 
lower output voltages.  But even for a fixed-voltage supply it's nice 
that the supply recovers automatically from a shorted output.  If you 
use a crowbar-type current limit, you have to cycle power to get it to 
turn on again.


Alan N1AL



On 07/22/2016 11:46 PM, Richard Fjeld wrote:

Hello David, (and Alan), and thanks to John for the link showing the
added parts.

David, your PS sounds very similar to the one I built, also in the
70's.  Mine has four 3055's on very large heat sinks that are overkill,
but I didn't know what to expect.  It was at a time when we were going
from high voltage PS for tubes to Low voltage PS for solid state.  I had
not seen a low voltage supply to power a 100 watt rig yet.  So I went
heavy duty.  My diodes for the full wave bridge I made were stud mounted
on 1/4 inch aluminum pieces for heat sinking, and mounted on wood to
insulate them from each other. There were no full wave bridges in a
package yet.

I'm curious how your supply trips out, and if you used a relay?   It
seems to me that I did that, and when the 723 clamps down, the relay
drops to open the primary.  I have not had the time to review the
schematic diagram, but as I recall, if a pass transistor shorts out, the
crowbar may try to shunt the unregulated voltage, but the situation is
not going to be good.  That is why I like the device ad5x is showing on
his website.  It will protect the radio from over-voltage by blowing a
fuse in the DC line.

If Alan is reading this, I'm wondering if I missed where that
'strategically placed diode' is located?

Dick, n0ce


On 7/22/2016 10:16 AM, David Anderson via Elecraft wrote:

I have a couple of homebuilt DC regulated supplies that I built a
great many years ago, the first is a simple 3A 13.5V one that was the
very first supply I ever built and it used a 723 with a single 2N3055
series pass transistor. I remember I bought a lovely oil filled mains
transformer for it, but accidentally wired up the 120V windings in
parallel instead of series for our 240V mains and watched it start to
bulge when I switched it on. (after I put a bigger fuse in it).  I
ended up using another transformer and the power supply is still in
daily use, built in the early 70's.

I later built a 25 Amp version with 4 3055s and a 723 with overvoltage
trip, and also short circuit protection. It can be shorted out and
with barely a spark it trips out and has to be reset before it comes
on again. No fuses to blow and replace, no destroyed series pass
transistors. I built it in a chassis that was lying around and 35
years later it is still in daily use and still not got a proper cover
made for the chassis.  I checked the output the other day on my scope
to see if there was any hum or ripple and on full load I had 10mV p-p
of noise. Regulation still excellent.

Nothing much wrong with the humble 723.

I have seen some truly awful "commercial" supplies with no short
circuit protection, that blow the series pass transistors like fuses,
or worse make them into short circuits that apply the full unregulated
supply on to the load.

73 from Da

Re: [Elecraft] Linear PS Recommendations

[Alan Bloom]

The 723 regulator has some known reliability issues, but with proper 
design they can be mitigated.  In particular the differential voltage on 
the error amplifier inputs is only rated for 5v.  If one input is 
connected to the 7.15V reference, then if the power supply output is 
shorted the voltage rating is exceeded.  The solution is a 
strategically-placed diode.


Alan N1AL


On 07/22/2016 12:14 AM, Richard Fjeld wrote:

I was glad that I caught Jim's remark about blowing the 723 by being
connected to a battery with the PS off.  And also Myron's answer.

Back in the tube TV days, I purchased a bare circuit board at Radio
Shack, (I think). The board was similar to an Astron circuit board, but
simpler.  I rewound a heavy transformer from a color TV and made my
first 13.8 Volt power supply to use for a Heathkit HW-104.  Years later,
the 723 went bad.  It may have been due to the stated reason, I can't
remember now.  I did some repair work on it and still have it.

Someone on the reflector provided the following link one time, which I
think is a good idea for an extra measure of over-voltage protection or
accidental reversal in polarity. I remember discussion about a reversal
that happened to someone on the reflector not long ago.

I hope the link still works on here.  If it doesn't, it is on ad5x dot
com website. Look for a Vprotect pdf file.
http://ad5x.com/images/Articles/Vprotect.pdf

Dick, n0ce



On 7/21/2016 7:41 AM, Myron Schaffer wrote:

Jim and Clay,

It used to be that waythe RS linear models could not tolerate
external voltage present when unpowered, not anymore. Astron has
incorporated back-voltage protection through incorporation of some
diodes installed in key locations to prevent this.

You can verify if your supply has this modification by looking at the
circuit board and see a 1N4001 type diode soldered across 2-pins
(can't remember which ones off the top of my head) of the IC voltage
regulator LM-723 chip and others hung in various places to protect
the pass transistor as well. Usually soldered to the solder side of
the circuit board so they are easy to spot. I can't remember is there
were some small capacitors added as well.

Any newer (like newer than 1990) linear Astron will have these
installed.

Myron WVØH
Printed on Recycled Data


-

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Re: [Elecraft] OT: RF noise in solar photovoltaic system

[Alan Bloom]

In case anyone's interested, I decided not to go with Solar City.  I 
think they would have done a fine job of installing a standard, 
off-the-shelf solar system with a 20-year warranty that would have 
worked fine as far as providing solar power.  I was planning to buy it 
outright rather than lease and I'm convinced that the investment would 
have paid for itself in reduced electricity costs.


But I was worried about RF interference from the inverter, basically a 
3000-watt switching power supply attached to the side of my house.  So 
instead I have decided to go with a local company that is willing to 
work with me on RFI issues, even though their price is higher.  Rather 
than one big inverter, their system uses "micro-inverters" mounted on 
each solar panel.  They did some research and found that it is possible 
to get extension cables to go between each micro-inverter and its panel 
and between each micro-inverter and the power bus.  The extra length can 
accommodate a common-mode choke by wrapping several turns of the cable 
through a ferrite core.


So the plan is to install the system without chokes and see if there is 
any interference.  If so, then I will buy the extra cables and ferrite 
cores and install the chokes.  For testing purposes I can just 
temporarily disconnect all the panels but one and then apply whatever 
works with one to them all.


Alan N1AL


On 07/18/2016 07:32 PM, Alan Bloom wrote:

I am now leaning on going with a local company rather than Solar City.
They quoted a higher price for a lower-power system, but because of some
convoluted accounting it will actually end up costing me less.  And they
are at least willing to talk about adding some common-mode chokes. Their
system uses micro-inverters on each panel, which potentially should
cause less interference because all the switching  electronics is
localized with short connections.  Only 240 VAC 60 Hz comes out of the
panels.

Alan N1AL


On 07/18/2016 06:49 PM, John Kaufmann wrote:

My advice on Solar City is to avoid them at all costs.  Their systems,
manufactured by SolarEdge, generate horrendous broadband RF noise

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Re: [Elecraft] OT: RF noise in solar photovoltaic system

[Alan Bloom]

I am now leaning on going with a local company rather than Solar City. 
They quoted a higher price for a lower-power system, but because of some 
convoluted accounting it will actually end up costing me less.  And they 
are at least willing to talk about adding some common-mode chokes. 
Their system uses micro-inverters on each panel, which potentially 
should cause less interference because all the switching  electronics is 
localized with short connections.  Only 240 VAC 60 Hz comes out of the 
panels.


Alan N1AL


On 07/18/2016 06:49 PM, John Kaufmann wrote:

My advice on Solar City is to avoid them at all costs.  Their systems,
manufactured by SolarEdge, generate horrendous broadband RF noise

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Re: [Elecraft] OT: RF noise in solar photovoltaic system

[Alan Bloom]

On 07/18/2016 01:42 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

> Make sure they are quoting *everything.*  When I looked into solar a
> few years ago, the quote specifically excluded building permit(s).

Good point.  The contract states, "SolarCity will obtain any necessary 
permits, at SolarCity's cost."  So I think I'm covered there.


Alan N1AL
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Re: [Elecraft] OT: RF noise in solar photovoltaic system

[Alan Bloom]

Thanks for the pointer.  I was already aware that their "0% down" lease 
arrangement is not a very good deal, so I am looking at buying the 
system outright.  I figure it should save about $1000/year in 
electricity bills and they are quoting me $17.5 k for the system. 
That's a 5.7% return on investment, or 8.3% ROI after the federal tax 
credit.


http://energy.gov/savings/residential-renewable-energy-tax-credit

Alan N1AL


On 07/18/2016 05:54 AM, Wes Stewart wrote:

I would not be interested in working with Solar City.

http://watchdog.org/191409/congress-probes-solarcity/

On 7/18/2016 12:05 AM, Alan Bloom wrote:

I am contemplating having a solar photovoltaic power system installed
on my roof.



Solar City is not interested in working with me on this -



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[Elecraft] OT: RF noise in solar photovoltaic system

[Alan Bloom]

I am contemplating having a solar photovoltaic power system installed on 
my roof.  There was an article by K1KP in April 2016 QST about the hoops 
he had to jump through to reduce the noise level from his system low 
enough that he could operate the HF bands.


My system should be less troublesome than his since it would not have 
power optimizers (basically switching power supplies) on each solar 
panel.  The panels have no electronics in them.  So I think all I need 
to worry about is the noise from the inverter (the device that converts 
DC from the panels to 240 VAC to connect to the electric company).


The inverter already includes an AC line filter, so hopefully that 
should reduce differential-mode noise into the power line.  So I think 
I'm talking about common-mode chokes on both sides of the inverter - the 
side that connects to the electric utility and the side that connects to 
the panels up on the roof.


Solar City is not interested in working with me on this - they just want 
to do a standard installation like they have done thousands of times 
before.  However, I see in their plans that they connect to the meter 
main breaker box with 3/4-inch EMT (electrometallic tubing) and also use 
3/4 EMT for the solar panel connections.  You can buy snap-on ferrite 
chokes, FairRite P/N 0431177081, which have a 1-inch ID, so it should be 
possible to simply snap them on over the EMT.  These chokes are 
basically the same as the ones used in the article (type 31, 2" OD, 1" 
ID, 1.5" L) except that they are snap-on types.


My question is, how many chokes do I need?  K1KP used 30 (!) in series 
on the power-line side of his inverter.  That seems excessive.  The 
FairRite data sheet says the impedance is about 80 ohms at 2 MHz, rising 
to 240 ohms at 30 MHz.  I'm thinking a half-dozen or so of these on each 
side would be reasonable.  Does anyone have any experience with this 
kind of thing?


Alan N1AL
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Re: [Elecraft] Help sell me on the K3S

[Alan Bloom]

On 07/17/2016 12:30 PM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote:


If one can hear why an R390
is a great RX of the era, a low end Icom will not satisfy. For someone
who can hear R390 tubes getting soupy, a Flex 6700, an Icom 7851 and a
K3 do things right that CAN be heard if you know what to listen for.

Flex 6700  $7499
Icom 7851  $13099
Field upgradeable basic K3S/10 kit $2099


Collins R390A $1500

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Collins-Designed-R-390A-Made-by-Electronic-Assistance-Corporation-/252419777443?hash=item3ac56423a3:g:h9cAAOSwuhhXWhyB

:=)

Alan N1AL


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Re: [Elecraft] Sloping Terrain vs Feedline Losses

[Alan Bloom]

On 07/15/2016 11:02 AM, Jim Brown wrote:


There are exceptions to every generalization, even when the
generalization is good most of the time.


"All generalizations are wrong."

Alan N1AL

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Re: [Elecraft] [K3] funcube on K3 IF output

[Alan Bloom]

On 07/06/2016 11:22 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:



Is there anyway to prevent the frequency changing when tuning on the
K3 VFO? I noted this is possible when using a P3, does this use
software built into the P3 or does it send commands back to the K3?


It uses capabilities built into the P3.  Specifically, in "fix tune"
mode, the P3 changes its center frequency to compensate for changes
in the K3 VFO frequency.

With the SDR software that implemented a fix tune mode, the FCD+ could
do the same thing.  *However* the SDR software would need to know the
the K3's VFO A frequency, mode and IF Offset (IF; and IS; commands),
calculate the IF frequency that corresponded to the desired "fixed
frequency" *and* compensate every time the K3 VFO, mode and/or filter
shift/width changed.


*and* compensate in real time for the latency of the communications 
between the P3 and K3.  It was a major development effort to get it to 
work smoothly.


Alan N1AL




73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 7/6/2016 11:36 AM, graham.wo...@mypostoffice.co.uk wrote:

Hi All

I have been trying the Funcube PRO + dongle connected to the IF
output on the K3. It works fine, displaying sigs in a 180khz passband
centered on 8215  EG setting the FCD to 8215 khz & tuning the K3 to
10100 (A RTTY WX stn) this stn is still visible on the FCD display
with the K3 is tuned to 10180 khz. Is there anyway to prevent the
frequency changing when tuning on the K3 VFO? I noted this is
possible when using a P3, does this use software built into the P3 or
does it send commands back to the K3?

Gray G3VIP

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Re: [Elecraft] New second hand P3 question

[Alan Bloom]

It's unclear what you mean by "unclear".  :=)

Perhaps averaging is turned on.  You can turn it off by HOLDing the 
AVERAGE key twice.  You might also try switching between tracking and 
fixed-tune modes.  These can be changed via the FixTrack menu selection.


Alan N1AL



On 07/05/2016 08:15 AM, William Lagerberg wrote:

Hi Group,

I have a P3 connected with VGA and TXmon to my K3.

Before this P3 i used a SDR-IQ connected to a computer and if-out to
the SDR-IQ, because of the computer noise and the slow starting of
windows etc etc, i wanted a P3 this is now perfect.

It works nice, but my waterfall display is very unclear it not like i
was used to, is there a way to change that ??? It’s unclear on the P3
and on the VGA monitor which is 21” so it should be ok.

Next to that is it so that i was used to when i turn my dial of my K3
that the display changes immediately (i was able to tune in to a
station with the display) with the P3 there is really a noticeable
time between turning and moving of the display.  Is this normal or
should i change some settings in the P3 or the K3.

All software is the latest of elecraft.

William Pe1bsb



--



Pe1bsb

William lagerberg Stommeerkade 65 1431 EL  Aalsmeer

E  will...@zendamateur.nl

—---





This email may contain confidential and privileged material for the
sole use of the intended recepient. Any review or distribution by
others is strictly prohibited.
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Re: [Elecraft] Panadapters for a MM station using 4 K3s

[Alan Bloom]

The P3 does have a noise blanker, which works well on impulse-type 
noise.  It allows you to see more-or-less the same signals that the K3 
sees when its own noise blanker is turned on.


Alan N1AL


On 07/04/2016 08:46 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

John,

NaP3 can play through the computer speakers to act as a 2nd receiver
(but there will be latency dependent on the computer). That is where the
NaP3 NB is useful.

I do not understand that a NB function would be valuable on the spectrum
display.  I want to see the noise sources that may interfere with my
reception just the same as I want to see the signals on the band.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/4/2016 11:31 AM, John Stengrevics wrote:

Don,

LP-PAN advertises noise reduction.  Does the P3 do similar?

John
WA1EAZ

Sent from my iPhone


On Jul 4, 2016, at 11:27 AM, Don Wilhelm  wrote:

Bill,

The least frustration route is to use the P3 with the SVGA option
(and perhaps the TXMON option).

Certainly the LP-Pan/NaP3 or Win4K3 route will be less expensive, but
requires getting the applications working right on the computer.

So the tradeoff is between using the hardware solution of the P3 vs.
using LP-Pan/NaP3 which involves computer setup of the soundcard and
all the attendant frustration that comes with getting everything to
play together.

If I had a MM station, I would go for the P3, but if you have enough
patience to work with the LP-Pan?NaP3 solution, the end result will
be similar.

73,
Don W3FPR


On 7/4/2016 8:25 AM, Bill OMara via Elecraft wrote:
I'm looking for some input on the best and most cost effective way
to add
panadapters to my MM contest station with four K3's.

I currently have one of the four station outfitted with a LP PAN2
and NaP3
SW and it works fine with the internal sound card with 48Khz bandwidth.


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Re: [Elecraft] Bought a second hand P3 with 2 KW TX sensor question

[Alan Bloom]

The 2kW monitor works pretty well at 100 watts.  The 200W sensor might 
have a little better accuracy at 100W and works much better for QRP.


If by "images" you mean seeing the same signal on either side of center 
of the pandapter display, that doesn't happen with the P3.  Unlike SDR 
receivers and panadapters that use an analog I/Q downconverter, the 
digital downconverter in the P3 is "perfect" in that respect.


Alan N1AL


On 07/01/2016 11:59 PM, will...@zendamateur.nl wrote:

Hi group,



I have a K3 100 Watt and i bought a P32 with VGA and TXmon, the TX Monitor
is 2 Kw.



I was thinking because of the fact that I am only working with 100 watt
would it be worth reducing the sensor to 200 Watt ??



1 I don't know if it is possible.

2 I don't know if I see beter images then ??

3 or should I just leave it as it is ??



I did not yet connect the TXmon just trying to learn the possibilities of
the P3



Regards William



K2, KX3, K3, P3,

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Re: [Elecraft] CW Setup

[Alan Bloom]

> Zero right-handed responders paddled
> left for the same [or any] reasons.

Here's one.  In college I was rooming with a left-handed ham about the 
time I was switching from a straight key.  So I learned on his 
left-handed bug.  To this day I can send with either hand on a bug or keyer.


Alan N1AL


On 06/28/2016 04:52 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:

This seems to be very common among left-handed operators, I'm one, and
my left-handed Elmer explained I would learn to send right-handed so I
could write legibly in my log ... logs were a Big Deal in the earlier
50's when he was teaching me code in his dining room.  The importance of
logs has declined over the years, but the pattern seems to persist.

Some years back we conducted a survey of paddlers on this list.  The
survey sample was self-selected, woefully too small, and the statistical
validity of the results is approaching "none."  However, just about 50%
of the responding left-handers paddled right, for various reasons,
writing in the log was a big one.  Zero right-handed responders paddled
left for the same [or any] reasons.

One reason cited by southpaws for paddling north was that most of the
owners of stations where they guest op are northpaws.  Being able to
paddle right can be an advantage there.  It is for me at W7RN.  I've
paddled with either hand for years and have two paddles, and many others
do too.  Do what works for you, there is no "right" way to send Morse
code.  The goal is to enjoy doing it.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the Cal QSO Party 1-2 Oct 2016
- www.cqp.org

On 6/28/2016 3:40 PM, Bill Frantz wrote:

Nick, KZ2V, a super CW op, told me that he learned to operate paddles
left handed (he is right handed) so he could write with his right hand.
I watched him operate during Field Day, and he did indeed use the paddle
left handed when the N1MN macros weren't up to what he needed to send.


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Re: [Elecraft] P3/TX Mon Coupler Switching Idea

[Alan Bloom]

> I am thinking of getting a 2nd DCHF Coupler for my P3 TX Monitor
> Setup. This way I could Monitor 2 Outputs from the same P3. ...
> Does anyone know of a switch that could handle this job.

Here's the one I use.  It allows switching up to four 8P8C (RJ-45) 
connectors.  $10 from Amazon:


https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AUB3SSA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Alan N1AL

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Re: [Elecraft] My K3, P3 and Expert Linear

[Alan Bloom]

The Y splitter should go on the RS-232 input to the P3, not the K3. That 
is, it should connect to the "PC" connector on the P3.


Alan N1AL


On 06/13/2016 08:55 AM, William Levy wrote:

Gentlemen,

My K3 powers on the P3 and the Expert 1.3.
Out the back of my K3 the 15 pin and 9 pin go to the Expert, the 9 pin
Serial is split and goes to the P3.

When the P3 is OFF the K3 and Expert talk beautifully together. When the P3
is on the band data gets lost on the way to the Expert and the P3 works
fine.

So my question is how do I get the Serial Data on the 9 pin K3 to talk
correctly to both Expert and P3?
At the moment the Y splitter is not doing the job.

Perhaps there is a trick I don't know or a box I need to add to the station.

Thoughts?

Sincerely,

Bill N2WL
Meeker CO

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Re: [Elecraft] Question re TXMON

[Alan Bloom]

The waveform display in the P3 TX monitor auto-ranges to keep the 
modulation peaks within the display limits.  However, if the forward 
power gets high enough to over-range the ADC, then the waveform will be 
clipped.  With the 200W HF sensor, I believe the clipping level is about 
240-250 watts, depending on the calibration.


With 100W out of the K3 and assuming 100% efficiency in the tuner, the 
SWR would have to get up to about 7.7:1 to cause clipping of the 
displayed waveform.


Alan N1AL



On 06/07/2016 01:23 PM, Bob Novas wrote:

I wondered if a high SWR affects the waveform that the P3 displays -
wouldn't the voltages be higher at high SWR?  would that put the txmonitor
into a non -linear region?


-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Alan
Bloom
Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2016 3:29 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Question re TXMON

There is no reason to disconnect the P3 from the sensor.  The sensor can't
damage the P3.

I suppose there might be a danger of damaging the sensor if you are

running

high power into a very high SWR, but if it is in a range that the K3 ATU

can tune, I

can't imagine there would be a problem.

Alan N1AL


On 06/07/2016 10:37 AM, Steve via Elecraft wrote:

I have recently added P3 to my K3 and (surprise!) I love it.  My
(previously owned) P3 came with TXMON. TXMON works fine with dummy
load, but  often shows very high SWR readings when K3 ATU is used with

non-

resonant  antenna.

I understand that the TXMON "looks at" antenna and doesn't know what
ATU is doing. My question is, "Is there any problem or danger to leave
the TXMON connected when using ATU on non-resonant part of antenna
bandwidth? My reason to  ask is that tab to release TXMON sensor plug
is right up against top
RS232 plug  and I need to disconnect that plug in order to disconnect
TXMON sensor  cable.

TNX ES 73 de W3UEC (Steve)


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Re: [Elecraft] Question re TXMON

[Alan Bloom]

There is no reason to disconnect the P3 from the sensor.  The sensor 
can't damage the P3.


I suppose there might be a danger of damaging the sensor if you are 
running high power into a very high SWR, but if it is in a range that 
the K3 ATU can tune, I can't imagine there would be a problem.


Alan N1AL


On 06/07/2016 10:37 AM, Steve via Elecraft wrote:

I have recently added P3 to my K3 and (surprise!) I love it.  My
(previously owned) P3 came with TXMON. TXMON works fine with dummy load, but  
often
shows very high SWR readings when K3 ATU is used with non-resonant  antenna.
I understand that the TXMON "looks at" antenna and doesn't know what  ATU is
doing. My question is, "Is there any problem or danger to leave the TXMON
connected when using ATU on non-resonant part of antenna bandwidth? My
reason to  ask is that tab to release TXMON sensor plug is right up against top
RS232 plug  and I need to disconnect that plug in order to disconnect TXMON
sensor  cable.

TNX ES 73 de W3UEC (Steve)


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Re: [Elecraft] potencia

[Alan Bloom]

Me parece que tal vez en en menu CONFIG la entrada "KPA3" esta 
equivocada.  Debe de ser "nor" y no "Byp".


(Y "TECH MD" debe de ser "On" para verla.)

Alan N1AL


On 04/29/2016 02:57 PM, faber mosquera alvarez wrote:

hola todos

actualice la version de mi K3 y quedo con una programación que no me deja subir 
de 12 watt la potencia

que puedo hacer

gracias

Faber Mosquera
hk6f

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Re: [Elecraft] Sherwood's receiver performance table updated

[Alan Bloom]

On 04/25/2016 10:26 PM, Walter Underwood wrote:

Are you confusing a direct conversion receiver with a direct sampling
receiver? A super-het (K3) or direct conversion (KX3) receiver is a
heterodyne system. A direct sampling receiver is not.


It kind-of is.  There has to be some kind of digital local oscillator in 
the electronics following the ADC which is used to heterodyne the signal 
down to baseband or a lower-frequency "IF".  True, it's all done with 
ones and zeros but it performs the same function as an analog local 
oscillator and mixer.


Alan N1AL


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Re: [Elecraft] P3 SVGA questions

[Alan Bloom]

On 04/22/2016 12:08 PM, Mike Dodd wrote:


1. I found some 6" LCD monitors commonly used with Raspberry Pi devices.
If a monitor is specified as VGA, will the P3 SVGA option drive it OK?
The user manual seems to imply that it will, with the various display
resolutions, but I'd like to be sure before I order either one.


It should work as long as it has one of the P3/SVGA's supported screen 
resolutions:


- 1024 x 768
- 1280 x 1024
- 1440 x 900
- 1920 x 1080


2. The user manual says I can switch the SVGA output on and off. If the
SVGA is on, is the P3's internal display turned off, or is there a way I
can turn it off?


You can turn the display brightness to zero with the "LCD Brt" menu item.

Alan N1AL

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Re: [Elecraft] K-Pod Question

[Alan Bloom]

Engineer:  "If it ain't broke I haven't messed with it enough yet."

Alan N1AL



On 04/21/2016 11:22 AM, Clay Autery wrote:

Yup...  that's what I'd do...

__
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MONTAC Enterprises
(318) 518-1389

On 4/21/2016 10:35 AM, Terry Schieler wrote:

Yes, I too was disappointed to learn that the K-Pod will not be available as a 
kit.  Some of you who are similarly disappointed might consider my plan to 
alleviate the pain:
As soon as my K-Pod arrives, I plan to take it completely apart and then put it 
all back together again.  That should do me.   ;o)

73, Terry  W0FM

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Re: [Elecraft] Velleman AS9 mat for KX3

[Alan Bloom]

I'm suspicious.  Why are some resistances specified "+/-"?  I'm pretty 
sure it doesn't have a negative resistance.  And the units of volume 
resistivity are ohm-cm (or ohm-m), not ohm/cm.


The fact that it doesn't specify compliance to any industry standard 
also is a concern.  An anti-static mat should comply with "ANSI/ESD 
S4.1" or "ANSI/ESD S20.20".  Those standards specify measuring the 
resistance between two weighted, circular electrodes of a certain size 
and spaced a certain distance apart on the mat.  The resistance should 
measure between 1 Mohm and 1 Gohm, depending on the relative humidity.


Here are the results of some testing I did on anti-static mats a few 
years ago, along with a recommendation for one mat I found that did 
measure within spec:


http://www.mail-archive.com/elecraft%40mailman.qth.net/msg94407.html

The bottom line is, many so-called "anti-static" mats don't do the job. 
 And the problem is, there is no easy way to tell.  Just because you 
managed to build something without damaging any parts doesn't prove the 
mat is working correctly.  This is one area where it doesn't pay to go 
cheap.


Alan N1AL



On 04/17/2016 01:24 PM, Bruce Nourish wrote:

Hi folks,

I'm adding a 2m unit to my factory built KX3, and wanted to check if the
specs on this mat were adequate:

http://www.velleman.eu/products/view/?country=be&lang=en&id=382422

surface resistance: ± 10^8 - 10^10 Ω/sq
volume resistance: < 10^10 Ω/cm
RTT (point to point): ± 10^8 - 10^10 Ω

It includes a wrist strap with a 1 MΩ resistor. The numbers look to be in
the ball park of the examples given in the KX3 manual, but I wanted to
check before I started poking around the guts of my very expensive toy.

Bruce

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Re: [Elecraft] New Elecraft Product: K-Pod Control Panel for K3S and K3 Transceivers

[Alan Bloom]

I think they are using pin 6, the one with the 10K resistor, to get +5V 
to the pod.  So it probably will involve bridging the 10K resistor with 
a smaller value.


Alan N1AL


On 04/15/2016 06:58 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

On 4/15/2016 9:31 AM, j...@kk9a.com wrote:

How involved is the radio modification? I can see this as a
convenient way to use RIT and activate the CW/SSB keyer memories.


 From looking at the K3 schematic it looks like not much more than
removing a resistor and adding a jumper or perhaps changing a diode.
There are two +5V lines on the RJ-12 jack but one has a 10K current
limiting resistor and the other a diode/120 Ohm resistor.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 4/15/2016 9:31 AM, j...@kk9a.com wrote:

I think that most contest station use a considerable amount of cables in
back of the rig. I have a Y on my ACC for a MicroHAM device and a Band
Decoder and am considering adding another Y for amp control. It think
that
it is great if the K-Pod can be run off of a single cable connected
underneath the K3S. How involved is the radio modification? I can see
this
as a convenient way to use RIT and activate the CW/SSB keyer memories.

John KK9A


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Re: [Elecraft] New Elecraft Product: K-Pod Control Panel for K3S and K3 Transceivers

[Alan Bloom]

I was agitating to call it the "K-NOB" but got voted down.  :=)

Alan N1AL


On 04/14/2016 05:10 AM, Barry wrote:

Is this the forerunner to the K-Watch?  :-)

Barry W2UP



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Re: [Elecraft] [k3] Isotropic Antenna

[Alan Bloom]

Years ago, a local ham who was acting as an Isotron distributor brought 
the 80 meter version to the club's Field Day.  I discovered I got out a 
lot better by unscrewing the shield of the coax connector and just using 
the feedline as an antenna.  :=)


Alan N1AL


On 04/09/2016 07:17 AM, Doug Person via Elecraft wrote:
The issue was June 1998.  The article was focused on how to construct 
one.  73 (Wayne Green) wasn't interested in all the tables of 
performance data.

...


On 4/8/2016 10:13 PM, Walter Underwood wrote:
The archives for 73 Magazine are online, so if you remember when, 
folks could read the article.


https://archive.org/details/73-magazine 



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

On Apr 8, 2016, at 8:05 PM, Doug Person via Elecraft 
 wrote:


...
They resonate, have good SWR bandwidth and generally radiate 5 watts 
of the 100 watts that goes into them. A "magnetic loop" blows it 
away.  I sold the sample Isotron I bought at a hamfest for $5. 
(Bottom line - they are, as we say in the software business, crapware)



On 4/7/2016 5:12 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
This so-called "antenna" is at best dumb, and at worst a rip-off. 

...
On Thu,4/7/2016 2:41 AM, Petr, OK1RP/M0SIS wrote:

I am sure that David talked about an Isotron antennas like this:
https://www.isotronantennas.com/

I intensively tested/used this antenna in 90's on 40m (product 
from Sigi,

DK9FN) and I have to say it is a nightmare in overall. From my own
experiences the performance of this toy was highly dependent to the
grounding availability, bandwidth was very small and tunning was 
influenced

by ground only but also by closed objects a lot.




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Re: [Elecraft] P3TXMON question?

[Alan Bloom]

The narrow bar is PEP (peak envelope power) with a long time constant. 
The solid bar is effectively also PEP, but with a shorter time constant 
so you can see what the modulation/keying is doing.


By the way, in the radio industry, the term "peak" is used in more than 
one sense, which can be confusing.  PEP is the peak of the transmitted 
power, which is computed from the RMS value of the RF voltage, not the 
peak value.


For example, on an oscilloscope display you see the peaks of the sine 
waves, which are sqrt(2) = 1.414 times the RMS voltage.  To use an 
oscilloscope to measure RF power (PEP or average) you have to divide the 
peak voltage by sqrt(2) before using the formula P = E^2 / R.


Alan N1AL


On 08/21/2015 08:43 AM, Chester Alderman wrote:

Mke

I am not absolutely sure about this, but on page 29 of the Rev. E, July
14,2015 'High Performance Panadapter' manual, in the second column it states
"The power output bar graph shows both the current power with the moving bar
and the peak power achieved with a narrow bar." The insinuation is the
'moving bar' indicates RMS power and then states that the single narrow bar
indicates 'peak' power?  Hopefully Elecraft will soon clarify this for us.

73,
Tom - W4BQF


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Re: [Elecraft] P3 TX Mon question

[Alan Bloom]

OK, what I did was change it so that, when a K3 is connected, the P3 TX 
monitor will only go into transmit mode when commanded to do so by the 
K3, even if RF power is present on the coax.  That should eliminate the 
false tripping.


It will be in the next beta release, which should be Real Soon Now.  :=)

Alan N1AL


On 08/12/2015 01:03 PM, W4CCS wrote:

Guy:

I agree and hold out hope Elecraft will do something.. If the sensitivity is
set low for QRP operators, seems they would not need the 2KW sensor.

Maybe have an option in the setup.. Like I stated earlier, it is very
annoying and quite sure I'm not the only one with this concern..

W4CCS

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Guy
Olinger K2AV
Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2015 3:46 PM
To: n...@sonic.net
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] P3 TX Mon question

It would appear that the display needs an option to gate the display with
the equivent of local TX asserted so it only responds to its own transmitted
signal.  An option because others might want to know that their TX signal
was coming back at them on another coax.

Or perhaps set an adjustable gating power level defaulted to one watt.

73, Guy K2AV

On Wednesday, August 12, 2015, Alan  wrote:


The transmit sensor in the P3 TX monitor trips at only a few tenths of
a watt (a few watts with the 2 kW coupler).  It was made sensitive so
it would work with QRP.

Alan N1AL


On 08/12/2015 08:25 AM, W4CCS wrote:


The radio with the TX Mon is on 6 meters only. The HF antennas are
about
200 feet away and about 150 feet high. That equates to around 90 feet
Above the six meter antenna.. Thought that would be adequate.

This never happens on the Power Master meter or on the LP-100.. Only
the TX Mon.

W4CCS

-Original Message-
From: Joe Subich, W4TV [mailto:li...@subich.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2015 10:51 AM
To: W4CCS; Elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] P3 TX Mon question


Almost certainly "inter station coupling" particularly if the two
antennas were close together and/or the (two radio) antenna switch
lacks sufficient isolation.

73,

  ... Joe, W4TV


On 8/12/2015 10:09 AM, W4CCS wrote:


Sorry, I did not answer your question..

Yes, the VSWR is showing high and all reflected..

CCS

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf
Of Joe Subich, W4TV
Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2015 9:30 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] P3 TX Mon question


As N1AL indicated, the TX MON goes to maximum gain at low signal levels.
You're probably seeing inter station coupling - hopefully at low levels.

Is the SWR very high - all "reflected"?

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 8/12/2015 9:20 AM, W4CCS wrote:


I have two K3's and two P3's but only one has the TX Mon option..
When I transmit with the K3 that does NOT have the TX Mon
installed, the P3 that does have it reacts showing VSWR and one
sweep of the transmit


envelope..


This seems very strange.. The only thing in common between the two
is the MicroHam router program..  Suggestions..??



Clyde Scott - W4CCS

Moultrie, GA - EM81cg



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Re: [Elecraft] Multiple sensors with P3 transmit monitor

[Alan Bloom]

Thanks.  Be sure to let us know what you come up with.

Alan


On 08/01/2015 11:09 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt, II wrote:

I'm working on something that is a little more 21st century-ish... something
that is auto switching basis a little programming...  about $20 worth of
stuff and it's god to go.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ

Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch - K9ZC
Staunton, Illinois

Owner - Operator
Villa Grand Piton - J68HZ
Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I.
Rent it: www.VillaGrandPiton.com

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Alan
Bloom
Sent: Saturday, August 01, 2015 11:33 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; elecraft...@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Elecraft] Multiple sensors with P3 transmit monitor

On 07/25/2015 07:11 PM, Alan Bloom wrote:

On 07/25/2015 01:01 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt, II wrote:

I suppose the next thing we'll need is an outboard box to switch 3 P3TX
sensors automatically keyed off the ACC connector (amp off HF, amp on
HF, 2 meter).  H. I wonder if anyone else has thought about this?

You can buy manual RJ-45 switches on Amazon.  I just ordered one to try
out.  10 bucks plus shipping:

http://www.amazon.com/Network-Output-Manual-Sharing-Switch/dp/B00AUB3SSA/

This is a little box that has 4 pushbutton switches on the front that
select one of four one RJ-45 connectors.  I received the unit a few days
ago and finally got around to trying it.  It is quite small - about 4.7
x 3.3 x 1.1 inches (11.9 x 8.4 x 2.8 cm).

I have it connected with short Ethernet LAN cables to three sensors:
200W HF, 2000W HF and VHF.  The fourth position is "off".  It makes it
quick and easy to select and de-select sensors for my testing.  The P3
TX monitor automatically senses which type of sensor is connected and
changes scale factors and calibration values as required.

I took it apart to examine the innards.  Each of the four pushbuttons is
ganged to two 4PST switches, so all 8 lines of the RJ-45 connectors are
switched.  It appears well-constructed with a good-quality PC board.
The chassis is thin sheet metal, but perfectly adequate for the purpose.
   One odd feature is that the pushbuttons are labeled D through A, left
to right.  They did that so the connectors on the rear panel come out in
the more-logical A-D order.

By the way, it should also work fine with a W2 if you want to be able to
use more than two sensors.

Alan N1AL



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[Elecraft] Multiple sensors with P3 transmit monitor

[Alan Bloom]

On 07/25/2015 07:11 PM, Alan Bloom wrote:

On 07/25/2015 01:01 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt, II wrote:

I suppose the next thing we'll need is an outboard box to switch 3 P3TX
sensors automatically keyed off the ACC connector (amp off HF, amp on
HF, 2 meter).  H. I wonder if anyone else has thought about this?


You can buy manual RJ-45 switches on Amazon.  I just ordered one to try
out.  10 bucks plus shipping:

http://www.amazon.com/Network-Output-Manual-Sharing-Switch/dp/B00AUB3SSA/


This is a little box that has 4 pushbutton switches on the front that 
select one of four one RJ-45 connectors.  I received the unit a few days 
ago and finally got around to trying it.  It is quite small - about 4.7 
x 3.3 x 1.1 inches (11.9 x 8.4 x 2.8 cm).


I have it connected with short Ethernet LAN cables to three sensors: 
200W HF, 2000W HF and VHF.  The fourth position is "off".  It makes it 
quick and easy to select and de-select sensors for my testing.  The P3 
TX monitor automatically senses which type of sensor is connected and 
changes scale factors and calibration values as required.


I took it apart to examine the innards.  Each of the four pushbuttons is 
ganged to two 4PST switches, so all 8 lines of the RJ-45 connectors are 
switched.  It appears well-constructed with a good-quality PC board. 
The chassis is thin sheet metal, but perfectly adequate for the purpose. 
 One odd feature is that the pushbuttons are labeled D through A, left 
to right.  They did that so the connectors on the rear panel come out in 
the more-logical A-D order.


By the way, it should also work fine with a W2 if you want to be able to 
use more than two sensors.


Alan N1AL
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Measurements with new K3SYNA Boards

[Alan Bloom]

On 07/27/2015 10:46 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

On Mon,7/27/2015 10:28 PM, Phil Wheeler wrote:

Oh oh, Jim: We need a P3A :-) Good you took this on.


Perhaps P3 firmware can be re-written to allow display of greater
dynamic range to the extent that electronics headroom supports it?


The limit is the 32-bit arithmetic in the DSP firmware.  32 bits gives 
you 96 dB less some headroom to allow for the averaging function.  I 
tried floating-point arithmetic but it increased the computation time by 
more than an order of magnitude.


As you said, you can see the improved phase noise performance of the new 
synthesizer by simply cranking up the reference level and allowing the 
carrier to go off the top of the screen.  Perhaps someone will do that 
when upgrading to the new synthesizer and post before and after plots. 
(Didn't somebody already do that?)


Alan N1AL

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Re: [Elecraft] P3TXMON

[Alan Bloom]

On 07/25/2015 01:01 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt, II wrote:

I suppose the next thing we'll need is an outboard box to switch 3 P3TX
sensors automatically keyed off the ACC connector (amp off HF, amp on HF, 2
meter).  H. I wonder if anyone else has thought about this?


You can buy manual RJ-45 switches on Amazon.  I just ordered one to try 
out.  10 bucks plus shipping:


http://www.amazon.com/Network-Output-Manual-Sharing-Switch/dp/B00AUB3SSA/

If you wanted it to switch automatically you could probably modify one 
of these boxes with your own relays and decoder circuit, or just build 
one from scratch.


There are 8 pins on the connectors.  Power and ground (pins 1 and 3) 
don't need to be switched: just wire all in parallel.  VSCL (pin 4) is 
not used in the P3 and can be left disconnected.


So for each sensor you'd need one 5PST relay to switch SCALE, SENSE, 
VREF, VFWD and VREV (pins 5, 7, 8, 6 and 2 respectively.


Alan N1AL

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Re: [Elecraft] P3TX questions

[Alan Bloom]

On 05/15/2015 12:34 PM, Jeff Stai wrote:

1. What about digital modes like RTTY and PSK at least? How will they
display? For these modes determination of good TX quality will be huge.


The P3 screen shows the modulation envelope, so flat-topping of a PSK31 
signal, for example, should be obvious.  RTTY is constant-envelope 
modulation so you shouldn't see any amplitude changes.



2. Distance from the sensor. In the FAQ the distance supported is 5'6" but
longer is hinted as being possible. What are the considerations for a
longer run (say 20 feet)? For example, bigger conductors, or shielding,
or...?


I'd say go ahead and try it.  I haven't tested longer cables but I can't 
think of any reason they wouldn't work.  All the input pins on the RJ-45 
have pi-type R-C filter networks.



3. Switching sensors. I see that mechanical RJ45 switches are available for
low prices, what are the considerations for using a switch? Also, is it
strictly necessary to switch all 8 lines?


I suppose you could just leave the +5V (pin 1) and ground (pin 3) lines 
connected to both sensors all the time, but a mechanical LAN switch 
probably switches all 8 wires anyway so it's a moot point.



4. Meter display. This might be my favorite feature to have power/SWR right
there at the P3, but the meter display to my eye is at least twice as tall
as it needs to be. For digital contesting especially I live and die by the
waterfall and hate to give up any real estate. Will the meter display
height be adjustable? (I'd be happy with just the numbers down in a corner,
like:


We're still tweaking the design so a shorter meter face is a 
possibility.  You can also gain some display space by turning off the 
function key labels with the LABELS key or changing to a smaller type 
font with the "Font" menu selection.


Alan N1AL


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Re: [Elecraft] P3 for Alan: VFO A Cursor color in FixTrack Mode - for Alan

[Alan Bloom]

Hi guys,

It wouldn't be hard to add an option to change the color of the VFO A 
cursor.  But I want to make sure I understand the problem.


By the way, I also have typical male red-green color blindness but I 
have no trouble distinguishing the VFO A and VFO B cursors.  There are 
several types of red-green color blindness, so perhaps that's the 
difference.


The VFO A cursor is green, the spectrum trace is yellow and the 
background color is dark blue.  If the yellow trace and green cursor are 
too similar I would think the problem is not being able to see the trace 
in the cursor area, rather than not being able to see the cursor 
(against the dark-blue background).  So I'm confused about that one.


Anyway, is the solution to make the VFO A cursor bright white?  I think 
it would look nicer to make it gray, but then it might look too similar 
to the yellow trace for those who are totally color-blind.


Alan N1AL


On 01/04/2015 01:39 AM, Vic Rosenthal 4X6GP/K2VCO wrote:
I have a similar, but different, problem. I see more colors than Fred, 
but I am red/green colorblind and my problem is telling the difference 
between the VFO A and VFO B cursors. So Fred's solution would work for 
me too.


On 4 Jan 2015 03:12, Fred Jensen wrote:

ALAN:  Thank you for the monochrome WF option.

I don't want to get too greedy, and I may be the only Elecraft customer
with this problem, but during a contest [like RTTY RU on now], my wife
tells me the VFO A cursor is green.  The spectrum in which it is
embedded is yellow.  They look similar to me, not exactly, but the
cursor doesn't stand out.  I generally go for signals in the WF using
the cursor, which works just fine unless the band is totally full of
signals.  Then, I can't find the cursor in the spectrum display.

If there's any chance for an option for a bright white VFO A cursor on
the To-Do list, I'd appreciate it.  If not, I'll adapt.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
- www.cqp.org





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Re: [Elecraft] P3

[Alan Bloom]

I believe the IC-7600 does not have an IF output connector, so it won't 
work with an external panadapter.


Alan N1AL


On 08/03/2014 10:22 AM, anel...@min.midco.net wrote:

Has anyone hooked the P3 to an Icom  IC-7600?
I also have the K3 and would like to share it on the IC-7600

73

Arlon Nelson W0TUP
North Dakota

My designated driver is 12BY7A
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Re: [Elecraft] Unhook *ALL* connections before Lightning storm

[Alan Bloom]

On 07/15/2014 06:35 AM, John K9UWA wrote:

Do TV Stations and Radio Stations and Cellphone towers disconnect all
their equipment everytime there is a storm in the area?

Obviously the answer is NO they don't disconnect and they don't even turn
their equipment off. Yet is survives direct lightening hits on their towers and
equipment.


I volunteer for KBBF-FM, the local bilingual community broadcast station 
here in northern California.  The antenna is on top of Mount Saint 
Helena, north of Santa Rosa.  Compared to some areas of the country, 
lightning is not common here.


However, about three years ago the electrical pole that feeds the 
transmitter shack was hit by lightning.  The pole exploded and ended up 
in pieces on the ground:


http://kbbf-fm.org/images/DamagedPoleM.jpg

The electrical service entrance meter was blown off the wall.  We found 
it lying in the grass about 30 feet (10 meters) away from the building. 
 The main transmitter was fried and had to be removed for repair.  The 
950 MHz STL (Studio to Transmitter Link) antenna was also damaged beyond 
repair but, surprisingly, the STL receiver itself survived.


After repairing the electrical wiring inside the building we were able 
to get back on the air using the backup transmitter, the backup STL 
system and the emergency generator.


I think the moral is that it is pretty much impossible to absolutely 
protect against a direct lightning strike.  If I lived in an area where 
thunderstorms were common I would make my station as lightning-hardened 
as possible and ALSO disconnect everything when a storm is imminent.


Alan N1AL
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Re: [Elecraft] K3/P3 tuning oddities

[Alan Bloom]

Don,

> ... as I tuned the P3 waterfall started
> shifting as I tuned. I have the P3 setup to be fix track

Check the FixMode menu selection.  It sounds like it might be set to 
"Slide".


Alan N1AL


On 06/30/2014 11:40 AM, ac2ev wrote:

Saturday and Sunday my K3 and P3 did a couple odd things.

First at around 14.268KHz as I tuned the P3 waterfall started
shifting as I tuned. I have the P3 setup to be fix track? Where the
green column moves rather the the whole display. When it got to
14.268 it acted like it switched modes but it was constantly shifting
right as I tuned. I couldn't "catch up" to area if activity. If I
went high or low enough below this frequency everything went back to
normal. Tried power off/power on no change. I'll try and see if it
does it tonight.

The second thing that happened was on 40m I picked up a QSO and the
P3 and K3 showed I was tuning up and down but that station would not
go away. So I don't think the K3 was actually changing frequency. I
tried switching to VFO B, same station. I don't have a sub receiver.
Powering off and on seemed to fix it.

There was a third anomaly that looked like a 15KHz wide signal on the
P3 but I couldn't tune to it. It may be related to problem 1 above.

Of note: the problem existed before and after I updated to latest
firmware. Yes I updated my firmware in the middle of fieldday.
Operating 1D so no other transmitters in immediate area.

73 AC2EV - Don
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Re: [Elecraft] (no subject)

[Alan Bloom]

Try a parameter initialization.  While holding the LABELS key, tap the 
POWER switch, which will turn the P3 on if it was off.  After about 2 
seconds you should see "CONFIGURATION RESET" on the screen and you can 
release the LABELS key.


Alan N1AL


On 06/24/2014 08:33 PM, Hisashi T Fujinaka wrote:

Well that was pleasant. I was making a band change (chasing W1AW/3 and
W1AW/9) and my P3 with P3SVGA went into a screen that said something
like "Ready to load Firmware." I tried to load the firmware but at the
power-cycle I got the screen:

=

  FATAL ERROR  
In: ddc_set_coef()
span=0

Press any active key to escape

=

I tried again, and the same screen appeared.

None of the keys did a thing. So I power cycled again and saw the same
screen. I thought removing the P3SVGA might help but reloading and
resetting gave the same error.

What next?

Thanks.


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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] PX3

[Alan Bloom]

On 06/11/2014 08:56 AM, Nr4c wrote:

Q). Is the USB connector there or just a 'labeled' slot in the case as in the 
original P3?

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill

It's actually there.  I'm not sure what functionality will be supported 
in firmware at first shipment.


Alan N1AL

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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] PX3

[Alan Bloom]

On 06/10/2014 12:38 PM, Eric Ross wrote:

So  how are they different other than cosmetic attributes?


The input to the P3 is an IF signal, 8.215 MHz in the case of the K3. 
The input to the PX3 is an I/Q baseband signal so that it can work with 
the KX3.


Within the limitations imposed by that, we tried to make the 
functionality of the PX3 as identical to the P3 as possible.


Alan N1AL

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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] PX3

[Alan Bloom]

Perhaps the confusion is based on the fact that the USB connector, which 
is part of the SVGA option in the P3, is standard in the PX3.


Alan N1AL


On 06/10/2014 07:57 PM, Clay Jackson wrote:

Wow!  It looked smaller; but I guess that was an illusion :-)

I forget who I talked to; but, whoever it was said the PS3VGA was already in
it as a "standard".

No worries!

Clay
N7QNM


-Original Message-
From: Wayne Burdick [mailto:n...@elecraft.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2014 11:44 AM
To: Clay Jackson
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] PX3

The PX3 uses exactly the same LCD as the P3. Same size. No wonder it
looked/acted like your P3 :)

The P3SVGA is a planned option, but yes, it would be built-in. No prediction
on when that will be available.

Wayne
N6KR


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Re: [Elecraft] Why is KX3 phase noise so much less than the K3 ?

[Alan Bloom]

On 06/08/2014 09:21 PM, Chris Johnson wrote:

Pardon my ignorance, but can I get some clarification on a few
things?

1)  Is phase noise the measurement of the instability of an DDS?


Yes.  To oversimplify a bit, if the frequency/phase of the oscillator is 
varying back and forth at a 20 kHz rate then there will be phase noise 
at a 20 kHz offset from the carrier.



If so, does this mean a cheap part is being used?


Not necessarily.  Phase noise can creep in at many places in a frequency 
synthesizer.  You have to get the entire design exactly right to have a 
clean signal that has low phase noise and low spurs at all frequency 
offsets.



Does a GPSDO or a OCXO reduce phase noise?


Maybe.  Normally it would only improve the phase noise within the loop 
bandwidth of a PLL-type synthesizer.  With a DDS-type oscillator it 
would depend on whether the phase noise from the clock or the DDS itself 
dominates (at any given offset).



2)  How does this impact TX only, and why does it create such an
issue to nearby listeners?


If the same local oscillator is used for both the receiver and the 
transmitter, then the phase noise will be the same.  In both cases it 
causes the oscillator spectrum to "spread out".  In the transmit case, 
that can cause interference on nearby frequencies.  In a receiver, it 
causes "reciprocal mixing" which makes it sound like nearby strong 
transmitters have excessive phase noise even if they don't.



3) Does phase noise go down if you use a faster master clock?  The
Flex 6700 uses a 983.04mhz vs a 122.99Mhz clock in the 6300.


Maybe.  Every time you divide an oscillator's frequency you potentially 
reduce the phase noise by up to 6 dB per octave (division by 2). 
However, that only helps if the high-frequency oscillator has good phase 
noise to begin with and the dividing process introduces no phase noise 
of its own.



4) Do low phase noise radios allow in-band use, such as someone on CW
on 20M and someone up on voice on 20M?


That's the goal.  Almost all the early synthesized transceivers of 30-40 
years ago had horrible phase noise.  Hams soon discovered that they were 
useless in multi-transmitter environments like Field Day.  It was a 
problem both on receive and transmit.  People resorted to using old 
non-synthesized tube rigs like Drake and Collins.


>  What is considered a low value?

It's a matter of opinion.  The top receivers in Sherwood's chart are on 
the order of 140-ish dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset.


http://www.sherweng.com/table.html

Alan N1AL
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 MARS mod, showing a virus

[Alan Bloom]

> Whose antivirus software does one use these days?

I'll keep this short since it's off-topic.

I have used Trend Micro Titanium anti-virus for years.  I like it 
because it has a small footprint:  it doesn't hog computer resources and 
doesn't keep getting in your face like Norton and some of the others. 
I've never had it flag a good file as bad, but of course there is no way 
of knowing if it is trading off security for convenience.


It's also cheap.

Alan N1AL

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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 on a Bicycle?

[Alan Bloom]

There was a fellow who came up to the Elecraft booth at the Dayton 
Hamvention with a KX3 mounted on the handlebars of his road bike.  I'm 
not sure what bands he was operating on, but he said that he found that 
the bicycle frame was not a sufficient counterpoise; he had to use a 
trailing wire.  Obviously pace-lining would not be a good idea with that 
arrangement.  :=)


The antenna was a Buddistick as I recall, mounted on the rear rack.

Alan N1AL


On 06/03/2014 09:59 AM, Dauer, Edward wrote:

Has anyone tried using a KX3 on 6 or 10 on a road bike?

I don't mean to ask whether I should buy a KX3 for the purpose, which a
while ago led to a long debate here about the compatibility of Elecraft
gear and motorcycles.  I already own one (i.e. a KX3 and a bicycle).  And
the traffic risk from distracted bicycling is very low here in the Denver
area, where we are blessed with extensive bike paths that almost nowhere
intersect with streets and roads.

Practical questions such as mounting, antennas, whether the bicycle frame
(it's chrome-moly steel) is a sufficient counterpoise for a quarter-wave
whip, best VOX headsets to fit under a helmet and how to make one work
best with a KX3, etc.

Any experience out there?  Thanks,

Ted, KN1CBR

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[Elecraft] P3 beta firmware 01.29

[Alan Bloom]

This version is a slight modification of 01.28, which added the noise 
blanker.  The only changes are to the cursors in DATA A mode and another 
minor bug fix involving the FN1 label.  It can be uploaded from the P3 
beta web site:


ftp://ftp.elecraft.com/P3/firmware/beta/p3m0129.zip

Un-zip the file into the directory that P3 Utility uses for firmware.  
Make sure you have the most recent version of P3 Utility (1.13.1.23).  
The p3fwnotes.rtf file lists the new features and bug fixes since the 
last official release.


Below is some text I will be submitting for the P3 Owner's Manual to 
explain the new noise blanker feature.


Alan N1AL

=

Noise Blanker

The noise blanker in the P3 reduces the effect of impulse-type noise on 
the display.  It has little or no effect on other types of noise such as 
thermal noise and static crashes but can dramatically reduce impulse 
noise from sources such as the AC power line and the ignition systems of 
motor vehicles.


The noise blanker is turned on or off using the menu entry "NB En" which 
can be assigned to a function key for easy access.  You can adjust the 
aggressiveness of the noise blanker algorithm with the menu entry "NB 
Level".  The higher the setting the more completely it blanks the noise 
but also the more likely it will cause distortion of desired signals. 
Use the lowest setting that effectively blanks the noise.  A value of 
about 10 or 11  is a good starting point for experimentation.  Note that 
the REF LVL and SCALE settings have no effect on the noise blanker.


If there are one or more very strong signals within the P3 displayed 
frequency range, the noise blanker has a hard time detecting the 
difference between the unwanted pulses and the wanted signals.  The 
solution is to narrow the span and/or offset the center frequency 
(perhaps using fixed-tune mode) to place the strong signals well outside 
the P3's display range.


=
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Re: [Elecraft] Computers in the Stone Age

[Alan Bloom]

"Computers in the Stone Age":  I wonder what Fred Flintstone's computer 
looked like?  :=)


> The IBM PC, which I bought in 1982 plus or minus a couple of years,
> cost me $5,000 in the dollars of the day.

It's interesting that the latest, greatest, bleeding-edge PC always 
seems to cost about $4000-$5000.  Then a year later you can buy the same 
thing for $1000.  And a couple years after that it goes on the scrap 
heap because it no longer has enough memory / hard disc space / 
processor speed to run current software.


Alan N1AL
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Re: [Elecraft] XG50 - Frequency Instability

[Alan Bloom]

50-60 kHz instability of a 49 MHz source is over 1000 ppm, two or three 
orders of magnitude greater than would be expected, even with air 
conditioning blowing across the oscillator.  There must be something 
wrong with the XG50, or perhaps some problem with the frequency measurement.


Alan N1AL


On 05/22/2014 07:31 AM, kj...@kj7rt.com wrote:

I am trying to use my XG50 to run the Extended Temperature Compensation
Procedure on my KX3. This is the first time I have attempted to use the
XG50 since building it. I have completed the 8 hour burn-in.

When I first connect the XG-50 to my HP frequency counter, I get a
reading of something like 49.379990. Then after running for several
minutes it starts dropping in frequency to something more like
49.32. It is still wildly fluctuating. If I connect the 10MHz output
of my Trimble Thunderbolt GPSDO to the counter it stays quite stable
just below 10 MHz.

I re-soldered all the XG50 components and tried with both a metered
home-brew power supply and a 12v SLA battery with the same result
although re-soldering made a significant but not permanent improvement.

My lab is in my photographic darkroom which has an ambient temperature
of about 68 degrees F and the AC does blow across the work area.


Thanks,

Gary Marklund
KJ7RT
Sun City, AZ
USA

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Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft_K3] Re: P3 adding rf protection diodes question

[Alan Bloom]

BNC connectors are designed in such a way that the shield always 
connects before the center conductor when you plug it in.  The only way 
to get a static discharge into a female BNC is to somehow touch the 
center conductor (with your finger or whatever) without touching the 
shell.  You would need to use a tool to do that unless you have REALLY 
skinny fingers.  :=)


Alan N1AL


On 05/20/2014 11:31 AM, Fred Townsend fptowns...@earthlink.net 
[Elecraft_K3] wrote:



Alan, thank you for the good information on how to setup the P3 as a
"poor ham's spectrum analyzer". However I must disagree with your first
statement. Diodes for ESD protection are needed in normal use with the
K3. When ESD occures it is frequently at connector interfaces because
the two mating bodies may be at different potentials. Good design
practice for ESD is to protect connector interfaces if the user will be
mateing and un-mateing. This is clearly the case with the K3/P3
combination. Diodes are soo cheap when applied in the SMD process it
seems like a no brainer to include ESD protection. Defeat Murphies law.

73

Fred, AE6QL


-Original Message-----
    From: "Alan Bloom a...@elecraft.com [Elecraft_K3]"
Sent: May 20, 2014 10:42 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net, elecraft...@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Elecraft_K3] Re: [Elecraft] P3 adding rf protection diodes
question

The diodes are not needed in the normal situation where the P3 is
connected to the K3 IF output.

You can use the P3 as a kind of "poor ham's spectrum analyzer" by going
into the menu and setting "Xcvr Sel" to the last item in the list,
labeled "0 Hz". Now the frequency displayed is the actual RF frequency
of the IF input, not the K3 frequency. The "XCVR" RS-232 connector
should be disconnected from the K3 in this case. Tune the frequency
with the CENTER control. (Make sure the "CenterEn" menu item is "ON".)

If you do that you should add the back-to-back diodes in parallel with
the input BNC connector. Standard 1N4148 or similar switching diodes
are
fine. If you don't want to modify the P3 you can do what I did: Add
the back-to-back diodes to a male BNC connector and connect that to a
BNC "T" plugged into the P3 IF IN.

There may be some slight degradation of dynamic range. The third-order
intercept of the P3'! s preamplifier is about +9 dBm (0.6 Vrms). If
you're worried about it you can use two diodes in series in each leg (4
diodes total) to reduce the distortion contribution from the diodes.

Alan N1AL

On 05/19/2014 06:38 AM, Sam Morgan wrote:
 > It was mentioned to put a couple of diodes across the P3's input to
 > protect it. Do the diodes need to be 1n34a's or would 1n4148's be
ok for
 > that application?
 >
 > I had tried repeatedly to ask Don W3FPR this question off list via
 > direct email, but I guess all my efforts have ended up in his spam
 > folder?? :-(



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Re: [Elecraft] P3 adding rf protection diodes question

[Alan Bloom]

The diodes are not needed in the normal situation where the P3 is 
connected to the K3 IF output.


You can use the P3 as a kind of "poor ham's spectrum analyzer" by going 
into the menu and setting "Xcvr Sel" to the last item in the list, 
labeled "0 Hz".  Now the frequency displayed is the actual RF frequency 
of the IF input, not the K3 frequency.  The "XCVR" RS-232 connector 
should be disconnected from the K3 in this case.  Tune the frequency 
with the CENTER control.  (Make sure the "CenterEn" menu item is "ON".)


If you do that you should add the back-to-back diodes in parallel with 
the input BNC connector. Standard 1N4148 or similar switching diodes are 
fine.  If you don't want to modify the P3 you can do what I did:  Add 
the back-to-back diodes to a male BNC connector and connect that to a 
BNC "T" plugged into the P3 IF IN.


There may be some slight degradation of dynamic range.  The third-order 
intercept of the P3's preamplifier is about +9 dBm (0.6 Vrms).  If 
you're worried about it you can use two diodes in series in each leg (4 
diodes total) to reduce the distortion contribution from the diodes.


Alan N1AL


On 05/19/2014 06:38 AM, Sam Morgan wrote:

It was mentioned to put a couple of diodes across the P3's input to
protect it. Do the diodes need to be 1n34a's or would 1n4148's be ok for
that application?

I had tried repeatedly to ask Don W3FPR this question off list via
direct email, but I guess all my efforts have ended up in his spam
folder?? :-(

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Re: [Elecraft] MDS practical measuring?

[Alan Bloom]

I have always disliked the term "Minimum Discernable Signal (MDS), 
because it really is a misnomer.  Obviously different people can discern 
a signal at different levels, and what does it mean to "discern" a 
signal anyway?


The technical definition of MDS is simply the effective noise level in 
the receiver.  It is typically measured by injecting a low-level CW 
carrier.  When the signal plus noise is 3 dB (twice the power) compared 
to the noise alone, then the signal level equals the noise level, which 
is the MDS.


A receiver's MDS is a strong function of bandwidth.  If you increase the 
bandwidth by 10x, the MDS goes up (gets worse) by 10 dB.  The standard 
bandwidth for receiver testing is 500 Hz.


Since an SSB receiver is nothing more than a frequency translator from 
radio to audio frequencies, you can measure the signal to noise level at 
the audio output.  However, theoretically you need a true RMS voltmeter 
to do an accurate measurement.  A typical multimeter reads the average 
voltage of the rectified AC waveform, which is a little different from 
the RMS value.  The error is small, however.  You can correct for it by 
adjusting the signal generator for a 3.2 dB increase (1.445 voltage 
ratio) instead of 3.0 dB.


A bigger source of possible error is the automatic gain control in the 
receiver.  Disable it if possible to make sure it doesn't affect the 
measurement.


Recent editions of the ARRL Handbook (2012 or later) have a thorough 
explanation of how to measure MDS, in Section 25.5 "Receiver Measurements."


Alan N1AL (author of Chapter 25)


On 05/04/2014 05:34 AM, Brian Alsop wrote:

It was time to drag out the test gear and give my older K3 a going over.

One thing of interest was Minimum Detectible Signal.

There is a WIKI definition for it but the equation doesn't help me a bit.

I just thought I'd attach a calibrated signal generator and keep
reducing the level (for a 500 Hz bandwidth) until I couldn't hear it.
That doesn't seems subjective since the signal generator is a constant
tone and not information to decode.

Then I tried looking at Spectrogram and defining a minimum S/N ratio
which would define MDS.  The MDS values derived this way were much lower
for a 6 dB S/N ratio.  In fact, I couldn't hear the signal at this S/N
ratio!  The integration time constant used for averaging clearly was
helping with detection.  So what time constant would be appropriate for
normal CW?

How indeed is MDS measured quantitively?

73 de Brian/K3KO


-
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2012.0.2247 / Virus Database: 3722/6937 - Release Date: 05/03/14

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Re: [Elecraft] QRQ CW

[Alan Bloom]

On 05/01/2014 09:41 AM, Brian Alsop wrote:

I wonder where Dave got this idea from. I'd like to suggest it is
wishful thinking.



On 5/1/2014 16:22, Jim Brown wrote:

On 5/1/2014 9:15 AM, dave wrote:

But I suspect that the winners do not regularly run high speed.


I agree with Dave that it can be counterproductive to run high speed in 
a contest.  You lose too many contacts with stations who can't copy that 
fast.


I used to be able to copy 50 wpm pretty consistently in my head and I 
have a 40 wpm W1AW code proficiency certificate.  But it makes no sense 
to go that fast in a contest unless you are content to work only other 
QRQ stations.


I think around 30 wpm or so is reasonable.  Even operators who can't go 
quite that fast can probably get your callsign after listening for a 
minute.  Then when they call you at 18 or 20 wpm you can slow down to 
work them and then speed up again.


Years ago Chuck W1WPR, the chief op at W1AW, was listening to a QSO on 
40 meters where they were motoring along at 70 wpm or so (obviously 
using keyboards to send).  So Chuck recorded them on the reel-to-reel 
tape recorder and later played it back at half speed to see what they 
were saying.  He said that during the entire QSO neither one of them 
ever got the other station's call correct.  :=)


Alan N1AL
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Re: [Elecraft] [P3] How to measure bandwidth of RX signal

[Alan Bloom]

> I believe that the P3 is tapped prior to any BW restrictions,

Correct.  I think the best way to measure an SSB signal's bandwidth on 
the P3 is to turn on peak hold.  After a few seconds the spectrum 
display will show a pretty accurate picture of the spectral shape of the 
signal


Alan N1AL



On 04/28/2014 07:08 AM, David Cole wrote:

Hi,

All the ESSB talk got me wondering about how accurate the P3 might be
for measuring bandwidth.  Could someone review my method for this
outlined below and comment please:

1.  Use ATT if needed to avoid very strong signals
2.  Set bandwidth to 4 KHz.  See note below.
3.  Adjust Span on P3 5 KHz per side
4.  Shaded area above waterfall indicates K3 bandwidth

Watch P3.  Can one trust the waterfall display to show actual bandwidth?
If so, how accurate would it be?

Note:
I believe that the P3 is tapped prior to any BW restrictions, (of merit
to this exercise), so I understand that step 2 is just for my ears only,
and does not affect BW display on the P3.  Is that a correct assumption?


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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Beta software Bug?

[Alan Bloom]

On 04/26/2014 06:42 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:


I agree here ... FSK D, AFSK A, and PSK D should show 400, 400 and 100
Hz, while only DATA A should show the full 2.7 or 2.8 KHz.


Yes, that's how it works.

Alan N1AL

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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Beta software Bug?

[Alan Bloom]

One change in the beta firmware is to make the width of the transmit 
cursor in "Data A" mode equal to 2.7 kHz.  The reason is that in Data A 
mode there is no way for the firmware to know what the actual bandwidth 
is - it can be whatever is coming out the PC's sound card.  So rather 
than assume narrow-FSK as in the old firmware, the new firmware makes 
the cursor width equal to the SSB bandwidth.


Alan N1AL


On 04/25/2014 05:37 PM, Harry_Yingst via Elecraft wrote:

I am new to having a P3 (with SVGA).

I loaded the new beta and now there is a red background while in data mode
Is that the Transmit cursor (I do not recall seeing it before)?


I noticed on the VGA monitor the Red will go from Low intensity Red to High
intensity Red when you change the Waterfall Colors form Default to Grey
scale.





--
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/P3-Beta-software-Bug-tp7587926.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Serious Errors in the Manual

[Alan Bloom]

The term "ground" has always been used to refer to the common tie point 
in a circuit.  For example the shape on the schematic with the three 
little horizontal lines is referred to as a "ground" symbol.


But that has caused no end of confusion.  Contrary to widely-held 
belief, in 99% of cases it is not necessary to tie the "ground" point to 
earth for proper operation.


You often hear people say that a low-pass TVI filter must be grounded 
for proper operation.  If by "grounded" they mean tied to the chassis of 
the transmitter, then that is correct.  But if by "grounded" they mean 
connected to earth, then it is absolutely not true.


People often blame TVI on inadequate earth ground. Nothing could be 
farther from the truth.  A connection to earth ground could make the TVI 
worse, better, or (most likely) no change, depending on the particular 
installation, but if you have a TVI problem it is almost certainly not 
due to lack of an earth ground.


Alan N1AL


On 04/25/2014 02:16 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Jim is quite correct that a radial or a counterpoise should not be
referred to as 'ground'.  To do so further confuses the use of "ground"
by many hams.
At least the English use words to differentiate between "earth" and
"ground" (but there is still the lack of differentiation for
counterpoises and radials).

One needs to consider AC grounds, Lightning grounds, and RF Grounds
separately.  The only two that have a relationship with driven ground
rods are the AC Ground and Lightning Ground.  RF ground (and RF return
path with respect to the antenna) is an entirely different
consideration, and IMHO should not be called "ground" because it rarely
is a "ground".

There is further confusion about what a "ground" is.  Driven stakes do
not constitute an RF ground as one example, and a simple driven stake is
not adequate for lightning protection even though it may provide some
ESD protection.

Yes, I have given this "rant" several times on this reflector and
elsewhere.  Do you have your driven ground rods connected to the utility
entrance ground rod with a large conductor (#6 or larger)? If not, you
may have created a safety hazard instead of any protection.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/25/2014 4:53 PM, Mike Morrow wrote:

These paragraphs demand a serious and immediate rewrite.

There's no chance that you are being just a little pedantic, perhaps?




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Re: [Elecraft] P3 beta software with noise blanker

[Alan Bloom]

On 04/25/2014 06:28 AM, d...@lightstream.net wrote:

Will you also be implementing this on the SVGA side as well?



It's on the list.

Alan N1AL

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[Elecraft] P3 beta software with noise blanker

[Alan Bloom]

New P3 beta software, version 01.28, is now uploaded to the Elecraft web 
site:


http://www.elecraft.com/software/P3/elecraft_p3_software.htm

This requires K3 firmware version 4.25 or later and if you have the SVGA 
option, SVGA firmware version 1.16 or later.  As always, beta test 
firmware may have new issues that we haven't caught during field 
testing. Please report them to k3supp...@elecraft.com.


This version has a number of enhancements and bug fixes as described in 
the p3fwnotes.rtf file.  The major new feature is noise blanking.  Below 
is some explanatory text that I will be submitting to add to the P3 
Owner's Manual.


Enjoy!

Alan N1AL

=

Noise Blanker

The noise blanker in the P3 reduces the effect of impulse-type noise on 
the display.  It has little or no effect on other types of noise such as 
thermal noise and static crashes but can dramatically reduce impulse 
noise from sources such as the AC power line and the ignition systems of 
motor vehicles.


The noise blanker is turned on or off using the menu entry "NB En", 
which can be assigned to a function key for easy access.  You can adjust 
the aggressiveness of the noise blanker algorithm with the menu entry 
"NB Level".  The higher the setting the more completely it blanks the 
noise but also the more likely it will cause distortion of desired 
signals. Use the lowest setting that effectively blanks the noise.  A 
value of about 10 or 11  is a good starting point for experimentation.  
Note that the REF LVL and SCALE settings have no effect on the noise 
blanker.


If there are one or more very strong signals within the P3 displayed 
frequency range, the noise blanker has a hard time detecting the 
difference between the unwanted pulses and the wanted signals.  The 
solution is to narrow the span and/or offset the center frequency 
(perhaps using fixed-tune mode) to place the strong signals well outside 
the P3's display range.


===

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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft UPS deliveries

[Alan Bloom]

On 04/23/2014 08:36 AM, Larry Phipps wrote:

I do a lot of shipping, and here is what I have found...

For most domestic orders we ship using Priority Mail. They deliver 6
days a week to almost everywhere, including PO boxes.


But not everywhere.  For example they won't deliver to my house.

About a year ago, after decades of delivering to my house without 
problems, they suddenly claimed to have found a regulation that says 
that if your house is more than 1/2 mile from the public roadway they 
don't have to deliver.


So to save the driver less than 5 minutes of his time, I have to make a 
1-1/2 hour round trip to the post office to pick up my package.


UPS, FedEx, Ontrac and other delivery services deliver to my house.  But 
not the post office.


Can you tell I am not a big fan of the USPS?

Alan N1AL
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Re: [Elecraft] Just built my new P3

[Alan Bloom]

They are just test LEDs for troubleshooting.  If both are blinking, 
that's normal.  If only one is blinking, there likely is a problem with 
the graphics controller.  If neither is blinking the CPU is dead.


Alan N1AL

On 04/17/2014 09:38 PM, Slava Baytalskiy wrote:

Hey guys!
What are these red LEDs that are flashing inside my new P3?
Just noticed it when looking at the back of the unit through that clear square plastic 
window that's covering that empty "future" port of some kind.
I see one toward the back of the unit and two other alternating ones toward the 
front panel.

Thanks in advance!
Slava B
W2RMS

On Apr 18, 2014, at 12:29 AM, Slava Baytalskiy  wrote:


Well, i guess i'm one step closer to completing my K-Line...
Just built my new P3 that i received today (SN 3157).
Very nice!
Its no LP-Pan/NaP3, i tell you that, but it doesn't require a computer, so 
that's the major advantage.
I've gotten pretty used to using the NaP3 on my Mac, click/drag and such.
I guess i'll get used to the P3 just the same.

Gonna start saving my pennies for the amp now...
Hopefully by Dayton i'll be good to go.
So much more stuff that i wanna get from Elecraft (W2, XG3).

Slava B
W2RMS


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Re: [Elecraft] Anti Static Mats

[Alan Bloom]

On 04/13/2014 04:54 PM, Fred Townsend wrote:

> The argument has been made that when a high voltage charge it
> is discharged through the mat that the discharge must not be
> too fast nor too slow. It must be just right. To Goldilocks
> and her followers I say no it’s not so.

Not "just right" but within an acceptable range.

> A RC of 47 ohms and 1500 pf is often used to model the human body.

The human body model I am familiar with is 100 pf / 1500 ohms 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_body_model .  If the human body is 
charged to 10kV, then when when you touch something grounded a current 
of 6.7A flows for 150 ns.  That's too short a time to injure you but 
definitely enough to wake you up.  If you are holding an electronic 
device and touch it to something grounded then that current will flow 
through the device.


That's why you really don't want to use a metal plate in place of an 
anti-static mat.  The mat has a high resistance in order to limit the 
current from an electro-static discharge.


Even if the metal plate is not grounded directly it still has some 
capacitance to ground.  Assuming, let's say, 10 pF then you still get 
6.7A but it flows for only 15 ns.  That's still more than enough to 
destroy a sensitive electronic device.


So you don't want the mat resistance to be too low.

If the mat resistance is too high, then it can't perform its other task 
of equalizing the voltage on all the devices placed on the mat (and the 
body of the operator, connected through the wrist strap).


So yes, the mat resistance needs to be within a certain range.  That is 
why industry standards have been created to specify that.


Alan N1AL
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Re: [Elecraft] [P3] fatal error

[Alan Bloom]

Try doing the Parameter Initialization (see Troubleshooting section of 
P3 Owner's Manual.)  Basically you hold the LABELS key while turning on 
the power with the POWER key.


Alan N1AL


On 04/10/2014 07:27 AM, George Dubovsky wrote:

OK, I just spent 2 hours as W1AW/4 on 40 cw and everything was working
fine. I changed bands and the P3 displayed:

FATAL ERROR
In: ddc_set_coef()
span=0

Press any active key to escape

But all keys are dead, so no escape from the black screen of death. Power
down/up does no change the message. Does anyone know what I'm up against
here? Oh, this P3 has the SVGA board installed which I am not using.

73,

geo - n4ua
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Re: [Elecraft] Anti Static Mats

[Alan Bloom]

The human body can store quite a bit of charge.  When you lay a part on 
a conductive surface, charge flows between your body and the surface, 
through the part.


That's why (if you don't have an anti-static mat and wrist strap) you 
should always touch the chassis, PC board, whatever with your other hand 
before placing a part on it.


Alan N1AL


On 04/07/2014 09:47 PM, Fred Townsend wrote:

That would mean the part was charged. How would that happen?


-Original Message-

From: "Lawrence D. Lopez" 
Sent: Apr 7, 2014 5:23 AM
To: Alan Bloom 
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Anti Static Mats

if you put a sensitive part
on a something that conducts
well then you get a static
discharge and damage.
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Re: [Elecraft] Anti Static Mats

[Alan Bloom]

On 04/06/2014 09:24 PM, Fred Townsend wrote:


...I flipped over a new mat. It clearly said antistatic but the

> older mats didn’t have any labels and they looked different.
> I took an ohmmeter, stabbing the probes in about an inch apart.
> No reading.

You can't measure the mat resistance with an ohm meter.  Or to be more 
accurate, if you get a reading on the meter, then the resistance is way 
too low.  The resistance between a pair of meter probes would typically 
be in the range of 100's of megohms or more, which is too high to 
measure with a multimeter.


At the bottom of this message is a description of the test procedure I used:

http://www.mail-archive.com/elecraft%40mailman.qth.net/msg94407.html

Alan N1AL
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Re: [Elecraft] Anti Static Mats

[Alan Bloom]

On 04/06/2014 01:10 PM, Sam Morgan wrote:

Due to the recent subject of Anti Static mats, I did a little googling
and thought I'd share my findings.

...

maybe Alan or someone more knowledgeable than I can let us know if the
Sierra is really up to the standards we need met?


From my 2010 posting
http://www.mail-archive.com/elecraft%40mailman.qth.net/msg94407.html

   "So my recommendation is to buy a mat such as the Desco model that
   has a data sheet that specifies that it meets ANSI/ESD S4.1 or
   ANSI/ESD S20.20."

I recommend against using a mat that has no specifications other than 
asserting it is an "anti-static mat."  I found that the two I bought and 
tested both had too high a resistance to do any good.


===

On 04/06/2014 02:20 PM, Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT wrote:
> One thing worth noting: 1000x lower resistance isn't necessarily
> better,

Right, you don't want the mat to be too low a resistance either.  Do not 
substitute a metal sheet for an anti-static mat.  That just makes it 
even more likely you will zap something.


===

On 04/06/2014 01:43 PM, Larry Lopez wrote:
> They made me take an ESD course at work and well I have a few
> comments I feel forced to make.

Larry had a number of good points, for example:

> When you have a discharge you might have failures months or years
> later.  It may be damaged and it may work fine.
>
> For a while.

Exactly right.  ESD is insidious.  People think that if you didn't feel 
a "zap" when you touch something that there was no electro-static 
discharge.  But a discharge that you can't feel can still be enough to 
damage a sensitive part.


===

On 04/06/2014 12:10 PM, Fred Townsend wrote:
...
> As a consultant I have done ESD audits of factories. If they know
> the audit is coming all the wrist straps are in place. Surprise
> audits are another thing. I find the straps and footwear to be
> rarely used. How can they get away with that? The answer is they
> have good work habits that avoid ESD problems rather than bleeding
> off static build up.

I think in many cases they actually are not getting away with it as well 
as they think.  Part failures happen for a reason.  If the reason can't 
be found it could well have been ESD.


Some factories do in fact strictly enforce static-safe procedures. 
HP/Agilent "got religion" on this many years ago, at least here in 
Sonoma County CA.


> Here are a few everyday hints the pros use.
> 1. Wear cotton!
... [etc. etc.]

All those suggestions can help, but they are not foolproof.  It requires 
constant vigilance to make sure you don't make a mistake.  Rather than 
go to all that trouble, why not just use the anti-static mat and wrist 
strap and be done with it?  If the wrist strap is too awkward, an ankle 
strap is a good alternative.


Alan N1AL
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Kits & ESD protection

[Alan Bloom]

On 04/05/2014 05:22 PM, cjac...@gmail.com wrote:


I usually work on a very good antistatic which is silicone rubber as
well so hot solder won't affect it, but I do not wear a strap. I just
put my hands, the boards, etc. on the mat when I work.


It is possible to be static-safe without a mat or strap, but you have to 
be VERY careful about touching things in the right order.  One mistake 
is all it takes.


So I recommend that everyone use an anti-static mat and wrist strap when 
working on electronic circuitry.  However, it has to be a good-quality 
mat.  Some inexpensive so-called "anti-static" mats in fact do not work 
correctly.  I posted about this several years ago.  See:


http://www.mail-archive.com/elecraft%40mailman.qth.net/msg94407.html

In that posting I give details of some testing I did and recommendations 
for how to choose a suitable mat.


Alan N1AL
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Re: [Elecraft] PX3

[Alan Bloom]

Yes, the I/Q signal from the KX3 goes through an analog buffer directly 
into a two-channel analog to digital converter.  All processing is then 
done digitally by the DSP.  Correcting the frequency response is a 
simple matter of multiplying the frequency points by the correct number 
before they are displayed.  It's a good example of something that would 
be complicated using analog circuitry but is trivial with a DSP.


Alan N1AL



On 04/05/2014 04:13 PM, Barry LaZar wrote:

I was hoping to get a hint from the manual as well as answer a few other
questions, But it isn't on line yet.

The I&Q data coming out of the KX3 is analog. It could be that they are,
in fact, feeding an A/D converter directly. The rest would be just some
software and a look up table. I guess I agree with you that would be the
way to go. It's straight forward.

73,
Barry
K3NDM



On 4/5/2014 7:35 PM, Walter Underwood wrote:

I bet they digitize it as early as possible, then use an FIR filter to
reshape it. Or scale the values after they FFT, since that is already
in the frequency domain. The scale values would be a vector of
constants, so it would be really fast and wouldn't even add delay (the
bane of FIR filters).

wunder
K6WRU
On Apr 5, 2014, at 6:26 PM, Barry LaZar  wrote:


Yep. That what I was questioning. I, too, remembered those words. I
also know it will take more than just inserting an amplifier with
inverse gain characteristics. I know it can be done. However, that
doesn't sate my curiosity as to how they did it. I just hope the
solution isn't proprietary.

73,
Barry
K3NDM

On 4/5/2014 7:14 PM, Walter Underwood wrote:

Yes. I posted the text from the manual two days ago in the KX3 list.

"The RX I/Q outputs from a receiver are not “flat” over an infinite
frequency range; the signal-conversion process results in some slope
(decrease in gain) as you move farther from the center frequency. In
the case of the KX3, the signal will be reduced by about 2.5 dB at
+/- 24 kHz, 4 dB at +/- 48 kHz, and 7 dB at +/- 96 kHz. The spectrum
amplitude on the display, including the apparent noise floor of the
receiver, will “roll off” by these amounts."  (page 26)

I would not be surprised if they corrected for this in the PX3.

wunder
K6WRU

On Apr 5, 2014, at 1:55 PM, Barry LaZar  wrote:


Good question. I have run at 192 KHz. with the sound card I have, a
Steinberg UR22. The display I see using NaP3 shows a non-flat
response. In fact, there are some words about this in the KX3 manual.

73,
Barry
K3NDM



On 4/5/2014 1:07 PM, Uwe Hermanns wrote:

Hi,

is the frequency responce of the KX3-IQ really flat over 250 kHz?

73 de Uwe, DL4AC
-- Weitergeleitete Nachricht --
Von: "Allen Patterson" 
Datum: 05.04.2014 19:03
Betreff: [Elecraft] PX3
An: "Elecraft@mailman.qth.net" 
Cc:

When is the PX3 going to be available for shipping?

You mentioned several software-firmware updates for the PX3 that are
planned.
What is the general schedule for each of these updates after initial
product shipment?
When is the manual for the PX3 going to be available?

73

Allen Patterson, KC7SYR
all...@cryptosafe.com
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--
Walter Underwood
wun...@wunderwood.org



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Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics

[Alan Bloom]

On 04/03/2014 05:44 AM, Mike Harris wrote:


This must be a fairly recent thing, wanting all front panels to be the
same except for the name.


I actually prefer a metal chassis to a plastic one.  The K3 looks like 
it was constructed rather than popped out of a mold.


But I guess I'm in the minority...

Alan N1AL
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 No Longer Matching K3 Signal Level

[Alan Bloom]

The P3 reads the K3 preamp and attenuator settings and adjusts its gain 
accordingly for accurate amplitude display.  The K3 can be set to either 
take ATT/PRE into account to keep the S meter reading the same, or not, 
depending on the SMTR MD menu setting.  If set to NOR, that can be one 
reason (among several) for differences in K3/P3 S-meter readings.


Alan N1AL


On 04/01/2014 11:19 AM, Phil Wheeler wrote:

How are Pre and ATT set? As I recall mine matches only with ATT on and
Pre off, but I've not looked lately.

Phil W7OX

On 4/1/14, 11:54 AM, Bud Governale wrote:

My P3 always matched S meter signal level to the K3.

This morning with the S0 on the K3 ( with antenna disconnected) the P3 is
displaying a level about 7 db below the S0 level.

With antenna connected the K3 shows S7 while the P3 level on the
screen is
slightly below S0.

What happened and how do I fix this?

73,

Bud W3LL
w...@arrl.net


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Re: [Elecraft] P3 No Longer Matching K3 Signal Level

[Alan Bloom]

There's an explanation of the reasons for this in the P3 Owner's Manual 
in the "How to set up and Interpret the P3 Display" section.  Start 
reading where it says, "You would expect the S meter on the K3 and the 
signal on the P3 display to indicate the same level..."


Alan N1AL


On 04/01/2014 10:54 AM, Bud Governale wrote:

My P3 always matched S meter signal level to the K3.

This morning with the S0 on the K3 ( with antenna disconnected) the P3 is
displaying a level about 7 db below the S0 level.

With antenna connected the K3 shows S7 while the P3 level on the screen is
slightly below S0.

What happened and how do I fix this?

73,

Bud W3LL
w...@arrl.net
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 display issue

[Alan Bloom]

Russ,

That's pretty bizarre.  Try doing a parameter initialization as 
described in the Troubleshooting section of the manual.


Alan N1AL


On 03/30/2014 05:10 AM, Russ wrote:

I don't know what happened but my P3 suddenly has no spectrum display
and the waterfall is solid pink at all span settings. I tried to reset
the reference level but the only setting option available is "nan".

The P3 still tracks the K3 VFO. I tried to reset the scale, power cycled
the P3, checked the rear cables, reloaded the current firmware and
adjusted the RF gain on the K3 with no change. I have been running
firmware 1.26 for some time with no problems.

Serial number is 682 with no VGA adapter.  Any suggestions?

Thanks.
Russ- KG7VQ
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Clicking

[Alan Bloom]

The relay bypasses the P3's preamp when the signal level starts to 
overload the front end.  On 40 meters strong SW broadcast signals (that 
you can't see on the screen) can cause that to happen.


Alan N1AL


On 03/22/2014 06:04 AM, John_N1JM wrote:

On further investigation it appears to only happen on 40 meters and I
discovered I had the preamp on. Once I turned the preamp off the clicking
seems to have disappeared. If this has something to do with high signal
level, I'm only listening to -110dbm noise.

73, John N1JM


John_N1JM wrote

Normally when you change bands with the K3 the P3 will click(relay?) once
and the scope level will drop down a little. Recently I hear the click
happen ever once in awhile just sitting there no band change. Is there
something failing?

73, John N1JM






-
73, John N1JM
K3 #5986
P3 #1752
KPA500 #596
KX3 #926
XG3
XG1


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Re: [Elecraft] P3-switching between 2 K-3s

[Alan Bloom]

> I use a Y connector on the RS232 out from K-3. One side goes to
> the switch box, the other goes to computer for N1MM control.

I'm amazed that works at all, for two reasons.  One is, what do you do 
with the RX line to the K3?  It can't just connect in parallel to the TX 
lines from both the P3 and the computer because they would conflict with 
each other.


Also, the computer should connect to the "PC" serial port of the P3, not 
the "XCVR" port.


I've never tried using a single P3 with two K3s, but the way to hook up 
the serial ports would be:


- PC RS-232 connects to P3's "PC" connector.
- Switch box's common port connects to P3's "XCVR" connector and the 
other two ports to the two K3s.


You might have to cycle power on the K3 and/or P3 to get them to connect 
properly when you switch K3s.


Alan N1AL


On 03/08/2014 06:55 AM, Art KZ5D wrote:

Hi all,


Trying to maximize the use of my one P3 by switching between 2 K-3s.  I use 2 
separate switch boxes-one for the RS232 serial cable and one for the if cable. 
I use a Y connector onthe RS232 out from K-3. One side goes to the switch box, 
the other goes to computer for N1MM control.


All works fine EXCEPT I am unable to select Fixed Tune mode in the P3. It works 
fine using Tracking mode, but I prefer Fixed Tune mode.




Any suggestions?


73,


Art KZ5D
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Re: [Elecraft] Connecting P3 to a K3

[Alan Bloom]

An RS-232 Y cable is needed for a device like a SteppIR antenna, which 
receives but does not transmit data on the RS-232.  The Y goes in the 
connection between the P3 and the computer.


Alan N1AL


On 03/05/2014 06:11 AM, Dick Dievendorff wrote:

Rich:

The picture you seek is on page 13 of the P3 owners manual, available from our 
manuals page.

http://www.elecraft.com/K2_Manual_Download_Page.htm#p3

There is an RS232 (serial) connection from Host PC to P3, then P3 to K3.  Also 
a coaxial BNC cable from K3 IF out to P3, and the P3 needs power, which can be 
obtained from the K3.  The P3 comes from Elecraft with a short serial cable, 
coax IF cable, and power cable for the K3 back panel RCA 12V connector.

A Y is typically used for the 15 pin ACC cable.  The P3 is not connected to a 
15 pin ACC cable.

73 de Dick, K6KR



On Mar 5, 2014, at 5:37, Richard Thorne  wrote:

I just ordered a P3.

I believe I need to order the y cable as well but I'm not sure.

I've down loaded the manual and I can't find the wiring diagram between the P3 
and K3, specifically the nice picture of the back of the units showing how 
everything is connected.

I am already using one y cable so my Microham keyer and KAT-500 can share the 
accessory jack.  I'm also already using the RS-232 port for my Microham keyer.

Do I need another Y cable?

Thanks in advance.

Rich - N5ZC



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Re: [Elecraft] K3 DSP bypass

[Alan Bloom]

On 03/03/2014 08:55 PM, Gary Gregory wrote:

Maybe Elecraft will offer different color faceplates for the K3?


Hey, we're not appliance operators!  What ever happened to homebrewing? 
 Your local Ace Hardware has Rustoleum in dozens of designer colors.


:=)

Alan N1AL

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Re: [Elecraft] P3 feature request

[Alan Bloom]

If you enable the menu entry "WfallMkrs" the markers appear on the 
waterfall.


Alan N1AL


On 02/19/2014 12:22 PM, Gary Smith wrote:

I would find it helpful if the P3 markers A, B & center could be made
to extend below the signal line & into the waterfall; it would help
to center on the precise desired location to QSY to rather than
guesstimate with the markers being obscured by the spectrum trace on
top.

Thank you,

Gary
KA1J


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Re: [Elecraft] [K3] 12v outlet only puting out 11 volts

[Alan Bloom]

The P3 should work fine with 11V.  When I tested mine it worked down to 
about 6V or so, although that is not guaranteed.


It is normal for the K3 power connector to show a voltage drop compared 
to the 12V input connector, although 1.5V drop seems kind of high. 
Could some of that drop be in the power cable?


Alan N1AL


On 02/17/2014 08:20 AM, mike wrote:

Unable to run P3/VGA from K3 12v output for K3 serial number #5981. Only
seeing 11 volts when the K3 sees 12.5 volts.



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Re: [Elecraft] Application to capture SVGA screen (P3) info in a file format?

[Alan Bloom]

P3 Utility automatically copies the BMP screen image to the Windows 
clipboard.  So you can just open your favorite graphics software and 
paste it in.  I generally just use the "Paint" program that comes free 
with Windows.  From Paint you can save it in PNG, JPEG, GIF or TIFF format.


Alan N1AL


On 01/23/2014 04:38 PM, Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT wrote:

For those who are Windows-based, IrfanView is a shareware viewer that
also does a very good job of manipulating images (crop, resize, format
changes).

It'll read something like a .bmp (uncompressed bitmap, huge) and turn it
into a 64 color .GIF or .PNG or .JPG that is suitable for E-Mail or Web.

You can find it at IrfanView.com.

73 -- Lynn

On 1/23/2014 4:28 PM, Sam Morgan wrote:

mine P3 saves as .bmp
both using the P3 utility or using the P3's SVGA Ubmp

On 1/23/2014 2:54 PM, Bill Hammond wrote:

Hi Jim, Expanding a bit on Joe's and Jim's response, the utility
saves the images as .PNG if you want perhaps a .JPG image view the
image in your computers preview software and then "save as" what file
format you want. For example the Apple will view the .PNG images from
the P3 utility and let you save it as .TIFF, .PDF or .JPG.  If you
have a version of Photoshop it will allow you to save the image in a
mind blowing number of formats and various versions of those
formats.

Hope this helps, 73, Bill-AK5X





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Re: [Elecraft] OT: 2 port 50 ohm RX splitters

[Alan Bloom]

More information is needed:  Do you want a packaged device with 
connectors?  What type of connectors?  Do you want a simple resistive 
splitter or a hybrid with good port isolation?  What frequency range?


Mini-Circuits has a broad range of different types of splitters and they 
are happy to sell in single quantities:


http://www.minicircuits.com

Alan N1AL


On 12/31/2013 09:04 PM, als...@nc.rr.com wrote:

A while back there were some postings on recommended commercial 50 ohm two port 
splitters for receiver use.

Can't find the postings.  Cheaper is better.  Loss for my application is 
relatively unimportant since they will be signal generator driven and followed 
by step attenuators.  Simple HB designs may also be of interest.  Kits would be 
ideal.

Of course the K3 has one built in to route the main RX antenna to both the main 
and sub rx.

73 de Brian/K3KO

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Re: [Elecraft] Shipping a K3

[Alan Bloom]

Don,

On 12/31/2013 12:16 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Alan,

Don't spread that news to my post office!  My carrier has to travel 3/4
mile on a private road to get to the mailbox,


They used to deliver to my house up to a year or so ago.  I assume the 
postal service, like a lot of businesses these days, has reduced staff 
but not the workload so employees no longer have time for frivolous 
activities like literally going the extra mile for customers.



Of course, UPS and FedEx also deliver to the door too - we have a
sufficiently large area for them to turn even a large truck around with
ease.


I also have a large paved area to turn around in.

Alan N1AL

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Re: [Elecraft] Shipping a K3

[Alan Bloom]

I've had a lot of trouble with the postal service.  They now refuse to 
deliver packages to my house.  They apparently found a rule that says if 
your house is more than 1/2 mile from the public roadway, they don't 
have to deliver parcels.  So to save the driver 5 minutes delivering to 
my house I have to make a 1-1/2 hour round trip to the post office to 
pick up my package.


FedEx, UPS, OnTrack and all other delivery companies do deliver to my 
house.  But not the postal service.


My experience is that USPS is a big, bureaucratic, semi-governmental 
organization that doesn't care about its customers.


Alan N1AL


On 12/31/2013 10:12 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

USPS Priority Mail is definitely a bargain coupled with 2 to 3 day
delivery.
I ship most of my repair work via USPS Priority Mail.  It is just a bit
more than USP Ground, but much less than UPS 2nd day or 3 Day Select.
Delivery is dependable unless there is a local problem at the receiving
end.  I have shipped over 500 completed repairs that way.

Only one caveat - if the package is large (more than 12 inches in any
one dimension), there is a large parcel surcharge, and it varies by
size.  If the package is more than 14 inches in any dimension, I usually
opt for UPS Ground which is usually a lower cost.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/31/2013 12:51 PM, k6xt wrote:

Still, USPS beats em all on pricing. I just sold a K3 to a buyer who
wanted USPS. No problema. I prepaid via internet, just dropped the box
off at the nearest PO, got there OK.


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