Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Service

[Bill Davis via Elecraft]

 This is my first post since I became an Elecraft owner back in 2009. I made 
the move to Elecraft after visiting with Gene Zimmerman the then QST VHF editor 
at the Elk Grove IL Central States VHF convention. Gene was a friend and was 
"over the moon" with his K3 and I had been looking for several months. I liked 
that it was American made, plugin boards that should assist in making the radio 
more maintainable and the history of the company. Then there was the 
performance! K3 SR #3460 arrived shortly after that followed some years later 
by K3s SR#10644.
  I have been a ham for 63years and was very late joining into the solid state 
world when it came to my ham gear. I had a TS-700 from Kenwood that was solid 
as a brick! That rig is 46years old and still works like the first day it was 
purchased back in 1976. I bought my first Icom in 1991 followed over the years 
by 3 other Icoms rigs. Every single Icom I ever had , had issues. Always 
fixable except for a mysterious 2m SSB distortion issue in a IC-746Pro that 
haunted me from the first 2m SSB QSO I had with it to when I gave up on it 9yrs 
later.
  I was convinced that Elecraft was "THE ANSWER". How naïve I was. I expected a 
longer run for the K3 in years and the same with the K3s. Software upgradeable, 
never obsolete, a "new" radio every update! But technology marched on and 
"everyone" wanted the latest bells and whistles even if the bottom line 
performance improvements were minimal.
   How can we be to a point where a $4,000 radio should be considered a toss 
and replace? Do the K3 and K3s really contain components that are truly 
unobtainable? If that is the case, why would we expect the K4 to be any more 
maintainable? Did Icom, Kenwood and the rest stockpile more of the non-run of 
the mill components where they could be more maintained for a longer period of 
time? 
   IF SOMEWHERE the parts are out there, it looks to me like an independent 
shop repairing Elecraft gear could fly. It sounds like depending upon Elecraft 
to keep us on the air is close to a thing of the past. Looking at my Elecraft 
"investments", much smaller than many, that is a very hard pill to swallow.
73  Bill K0AWU (Weak signal VHF and above for 63 years)
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[Elecraft] Trouble downloading firmware update

[Bill Davis via Elecraft]

"FtpFindFile completed with error 0x2EE2: The operation timed out"
Any ideas ?? A friend update his K3 no issues at the same time this morning.
Bill K0AWU
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[Elecraft] K3 10watt TX Fail

[Bill Davis via Elecraft]

  Ser # 3XXX ... 10w K3.  During normal operations Wed with <1w @14Mhz running 
to my 6m transverer I lost all power output. I assumed a transverter issue. OK, 
I'll drive my 6m PA with the K3 (1.5watts) instead of using my 6m transverter 
(it hears better). 

Yesterday tried a 222 schedule. <1watt 28Mhz  NO output. 

I returned to 6m ... now no output!!! DEAD. Still hears.
 All other transverters are ok since they operate at mw level and are feed from 
tranvserter output on the K3 at 28MHz (driving 144Mhz tranverter for IF use for 
902, 1296, 10GHz.
  Assumption .. 10watt PA board failure ... Turned on the KXP100 to try HF and 
sure enough, no drive, so no power out.
TODAY:  

 I reloaded backup config file using K3 utility .. no difference as expected.
  Ok I'll do a TX calibration ... 1Mw test went beautifully UNTIL50Mhz  NO 
output ... never a bit of power... failed .
  I think I recall, that means the K3 "mother board" ??

  ARGH ... not looking good here :-(

  Reactions  73 Bill K0AWU
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S audio board for K3 upgrade?

[Bill Davis via Elecraft]

  I am not much of a "poster", but this thread has had my close attention. I 
guess even though I have been hamming for over 60yrs, I had somehow grown to 
believe that speakers for voice communication or CW, for that matter, were very 
NON- critical. In recent years I have come to a very much DIFFERENT opinion.
  For close to 10yrs my 2m SSB rig was an Icom 746Pro. I loved the audio out of 
that rig. It had a 2m SSB only TX issue that Icom could not resolve after 
multiple trips back for repair. I sold it and bought a Kenwood TS2000. Swapped 
the rigs out and was dismayed at how horrible the rec audio sounded out of the 
2000. That was with the same Motorola 2way speaker that I had used for years 
with the 746Pro! I mean horrible! I have quite a collection of the Motorola 
speakers and trying them one at a time, I found one that I could live with, not 
quite as good as the Pro but ok. Boy that 2000 was fussy about speakers.
  Fall of 2009 when I added a K3 to the operating position, I found a similar 
"fussyness", when it came to speaker selection. I was NOT satisfied with the 
Motorola speaker that I had used happily with a IC-735 for many years. Speaker 
selection seem "critical" just like the 2000. That coupled with how one sets 
the Shift/ Width/Hi-Low cut make huge differences in the way the radio sounds 
(obvious). Huge variability with the Shift/ Width/Hi-Low combined with mode and 
filter. WE HAVE CONTROL of these variables, they are not predetermined. I can 
make the K3 unpleasant to listen to with some combinations, no question. 

  Last month a K3s entered the picture and again I was trying about every 
speaker I had. Trying to find one that sounded as good as the K3 / Motorola 
speaker combo. None of my Motorola speakers came close. In the end I found a 
speaker from a failed power speaker system that I had relegated to the garage. 
I very much like the sound of that speaker and the K3s.
  I use RX equalization AFTER I find a speaker that I can live with. I know 
that in this time of my life, my ears are not what they were  decades ago. I 
suspect that not only do I have known losses, but I may have certain frequency 
ranges that may be ANNOYING as well.
I know back in my HiFi / Stereo days with vacuum tube amplifiers, speaker 
selection was pretty simple for me. When I transitioned to solid state amps, 
not so much.  

To anyone who dislikes the sound of your K3 or K3s, my experience is try LOTs 
of different speakers. I saw huge differences, not subtle, but HUGE. I'll bet 
you can find one that will work satisfactorily. These solid state AF amplifiers 
just may be more fussy about that transducer that is attached than what some of 
us would expect. 

73 Bill K0AWU

  

  From: ke9uw 
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
 Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2016 8:30 AM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3S audio board for K3 upgrade?
   
I had a 480 and did not care for the sort of pinched up audio compared to say
the 850. 
I am using a couple of 6 by 9 speakers in enclosures on the K3, one on each
side of the stereo and the sound is just fine. As they say, opinions vary
and have so many variables like speakers, what/how/where you operate,
physical hearing anomalies, etc. that audio reviews are just about useless.



-
Chuck, KE9UW
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Re: [Elecraft] ARRL 10-m contest

[Bill Davis via Elecraft]

 After reading Burt N4CW comment ... I have a 3 muffin fan laying on top of my 
KXPA100. I use a series resistor in the 12v source and the fan runs at reduced 
speed all the time. Receiver noise  masks the fan noise and I can run RTTY , 
PSK etc non stop with a cool to touch heat sink. I have been very active 
chasing the ARRL Centennial stations, so considerable RTTY and a bit of PSK31. 

  Been a ham 59years and the this was first 10m SSB contest I ever participated 
in. Also first time I ever used the N1MM logger+. I had a good time using 
non-resonate 80m and 40m dipoles and the KXPA100 driven by my K3/10. 

  73  Bill  K0AWU
  From: Bert via Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
 Sent: Monday, December 15, 2014 1:35 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ARRL 10-m contest
   
I used my KX3 and KXPA100 for the 14 hours I was on. I recently had gone  
through the rx sideband nulling procedure and really enjoyed single-signal  
reception. The amp got pretty hot...it definitely needs external cooling of 
some  sort. I didn't take any PA temp readings, but the heatsink was  
uncomfortable to touch during long spells of running at 100W output.
 
The KX3 is an outstanding performer, even if QSK isn't as quiet as the K3  
with FW 5.01 :~)
 
73, Bert, N4CW
 
 
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[Elecraft] K3 - PSK31 Data Mode

[Bill Davis via Elecraft]

  Since we are talking about the data modes. W1AW/4 was on 15m PSK31 this 
morning. Nice signal here in MN. I had good copy and was on his freq using 31 
bps PSK D and I called and called. Much of the time no other callers. I called 
maybe 20min and gave up. I came back maybe 35min later called a couple times .. 
no answer. SO I went to USB, loaded Multi PSK  bang one call QSO. 


  I see when I am in Data PSK mode the K3 shows USB ... if I go to ALT it shows 
LSB and REV, so looks good to me. 


  Any experience out there that might have some guesses as to what was going 
on? Just seemed odd.

73  Bill  K0AWU
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Re: [Elecraft] K3/10 with a KXPA100

[Bill Davis via Elecraft]

I use  the KXPA100 and tuner with my K3/10 ... happy, ATU software is still 
being fine tuned.

73  Bill  K0AWU




 From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2014 9:53 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/10 with a KXPA100
 

The KXPA100 can be driven from most any QRP rig, so the answer is 
definitely 'Yes'.
Right now there is not a cable to fully integrate the K3 and the 
KXPA100, but my guess is that there may be in the future.
In the meantime, the KXPA100 can be used in its RF sensing mode with 
most any transceiver including the K3.

73,
Don W3FPR


On 5/21/2014 9:51 AM, Joshua Gould wrote:
 Greetings,

 I have a silly question (I guess the silliest one is the one not asked,
 though...) I'm planning on starting with a KX3, and then adding in the
 KXPA100 and KXAT100 at a later date.  If I already have the KXPA100 and
 KXAT100 and I decide to get a K3/10 later down the line, can I drive the
 KXPA100 from the K3?

 My brain is saying yes, it would just be a matter of the right cables
 hooked to the right spots to do so, but there is nothing in either manual
 about doing such a thing.



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[Elecraft] RF into K3 via serial port?

[Bill Davis]

  In my transition to Win7, I added a 2 port serial PCI card (NewEgg purchase 
-- Sunix 5037A) to my Dell PC. I was going to use one of these 2 ports to 
communicate with my K3 Utility terminal program. Very handy CW / RTTY 
application. Shortly after installation I made a nice contact on 30m RTTY and 
then moved to 80m RTTY. SURPRISE!!  During TX the K3 hung in TX and only a 
couple of characters (if that) were ever transmitted. I was attempting to run 
about 70watts or so. Only by reducing power to a few watts would the RTTY 
transmission seemingly be successful.

  The 80m antenna is resonate and very low SWR even without the KXPA100 tuner. 
(My K3/10 is for VHF/UHF/Microwave IF use mostly, hence the external PA/Tuner).

  So RF is getting back into the K3 .. odd ... nothing is hot in the shack at 
all. My workaround is to use the new serial ports for other 
hardware/applications and use the one serial port in the Dell Dimension 4700 
for the K3 / terminal program. Things are happy that way.

  I may investigate and try a ferrite core on the serial cable. But I will need 
to get an HF core since all of mine are for higher freq use. I just thought 
this was really odd. My serial cable is homebrew minimum conductor cable and 
I don't recall if it is shielded or not.


  Anyone else had any similar experiences??

73 Bill  K0AWU
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Re: [Elecraft] Panadapter KX3

[Bill Davis]

  I use a Softrock receiver connected to the IF port on my K3 and have for 
4yrs. I use Rocky software and agree it is the best weak signal display out 
there. I operate mostly VHF/UHF/microwave weak signal. If interested in more 
... see my web pages. QRZ contains a web page link. My only problem NOW is 
Windows 7 96Khz Rocky operation. Works great on XP, but  7 is another thing... 
48KHz only so far.


73  Bill  K0AWU
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[Elecraft] K3 - CW VOX configuration possibility?

[Bill Davis]

    I'm curious if anyone has an idea if/how the VOX function could be 
automatically DISABLED when using JUST the TRANSVERTER bands? I use my K3/10 
with transverters for 50MHz-10GHz. When using the transverters,  I must NOT use 
VOX because this would bypass the TX sequencer which could cause major mayhem. 
My transverters use 14 or 28MHz IF from the K3. I now just have to be VERY SURE 
that the VOX is disabled prior to transverter use. No big deal to do, but could 
be VERY EASY to forget in my advancing age :-)  bad error  bad day ...


   This has never been a problem until now because after 5yrs I now have a HF 
PA (KXPA-100) for my 10W K3 and I am having a blast on HF with the best radio I 
have ever owned. It seemed a shame to have the K3 use limited to 50MHz-10GHz.

  My KXPA100 observations after 4days. Happy in general when used with the 
K3/10. At times the ATU tuning with non-resonate antennas can be fussy. 
Occasional Faults that often can be remedied by reducing  drive and trying 
again. (Why reducing power when tuning with the preset Tune power from the K3 
does not make sense, maybe just need to try multiple times?) One ODD 
observation is that I see a K3 SWR as high as 1:3 on some bands/frequencies. 
The PA SWR indicates a better match to the antenna than the SWR being presented 
to the K3 by the KXPA-100. I tried running with the 3db internal pad in the 
KXPA-100 expecting a better match to the K3 but the pad seemed to make no 
difference in match. ODD to me. With the pad I expected a 50ohm match.


73 Bill   K0AWU
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[Elecraft] M1-M4 issues on Beta K3 software

[Bill Davis]

  Maybe it is just me?? I had M1-M4 (Message buttons) programed for single 
button band selection. After installing the Beta Firmware 4.58 all my 
transverter frequencies above 6meters (222.1, 902.1, 10368.1) are messed up. 
Even reloading good config does not resolve the single tap band change problem.

  Looks similar to what Geoff G3UCK was reporting Band select is ok as far 
as I can tell.

Bill  K0AWU  EN37ed
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[Elecraft] What made you decide on purchasing an Elecrafttransceiver?

[Bill Davis Jr]

   The reasons I initially selected the K3 to adorn my shack were:



(1) A rig designed with no compromises for transverter use -- coded output 
for transverter selection and control
   
(2) Performance and at affordable price!
 
(3) IF output to drive my Softrock Panadapter when used with transverters

(4) 10w version -- ideal for transverter use

(5) Outstanding recommendations from other VHF/UHF K3 users 

(6) American made and modular design allowing the best repair-ability of 
any rig on the market

(7) Custom configuration at time of purchase and the ability to add 
hardware upgrades later

(8) Compact size 

  AFTER SELECTION, reasons I'm even more sold

(1) Beautiful interface with PowerSDR IF (ver 1.19.3.5) allowing point and 
click operation without compromise when desired. 

(2) Factory Support   -- WOW

(3) The desire of Wayne and crew to design software based upon the NEEDs 
of the user 

(4) The  encouragement of us users to suggest and request features to be 
incorporated in future hardware and software

(5) The darn Koolaid tastes SO GOOD

   Biggest problem:

(1) How will I avoid purchasing a second one? I would love to RETURN to HF 
with this wonderful rig at 100w or better. 

  ( I would love to find a good external HF amplifier with ATU to use 
with the K3/10 160-6m. )

THANKS ELECRAFT

  73  Bill  K0AWU EN37ed   
  
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 with microwave transverter - Frequency display

[Bill Davis Jr]

   I too would like to see this readout change. I am in agreement with the 
less certain digit. I use transverters with my K3 on 6,2,222,902,1296 and 
10Ghz at this time.

73  Bill  K0AWU  EN37ed

---

 Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2011 01:48:01 -0800
 From: m.j.wil...@rl.ac.uk
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 with microwave transverter - Frequency display
 
 
 The K3 displays the frequency for bands above 1 GHz by missing the most
 significant digit. I would rather it missed the least significant one. Then
 1296 would read 1296 rather than 296. This is I feel justified on the
 grounds that, for non-GPS locked systems, by the time one is over 1GHz the
 last 100Hz or so of resolution it is a bit less certain. 
 
 Secondly, I seem to be having trouble with direct frequency entry on 2320.
 The IF is 144MHz via an XV144 but if I try to enter 2320.200 I can't. I can
 enter 144.300 on 2m so I think this is a problem only over 1 GHz.
 
 Mike
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 View this message in context: 
 http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-with-microwave-transverter-Frequency-display-tp5952398p5952398.html
 Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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[Elecraft] Slow learner - K3

[Bill Davis Jr]

  I've had my K3/10 for 15months. It is used mostly for my VHF/UHF/Microwave 
IF, but a bit of QRP HF operations as well. I broke down and bought a 500hz CW 
filter as my Christmas. I think it will be more convenient than depending upon 
the DSP filter for very weak sigs. The in PBT feature is working nice. Now I 
had only used the K3 utility for uploading the latest and greatest from the 
mother ship. I used it for filter setup and went back to play with the K3 on 
CW with the new filter.

  Hu . never played with K3 CW decode... wow, that works pretty 
well never played with K3 Utility Terminal ... WOW that works VERY well 
Sure had a nice 45min ragchew on 40m with mostly K3 CW decode and keyboard CW.  
All there, just never thought about trying to use it. WELL DONE Elecraft gang!! 
That weak stuff at 10Ghz won't be copied by the K3 CW decode software, but the 
keyboard CW and memories are useful.

  56yrs in the hobby and still lots of fun.

  73  Bill  K0AWU EN37ed (Minnesota)
  
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[Elecraft] K3 500hz CW filter

[Bill Davis Jr]

  Anyone have a K3 500hz CW filter 5pole filter that is surplus to your needs? 
If so, price and availability. (Minnesota)

Thanks 73  Bill  K0AWU
  
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 RFI Susceptibility

[Bill Davis Jr]

From: cqbi...@msn.com
To: sdell...@facstaff.wisc.edu
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 RFI Susceptibility
Date: Wed, 22 Dec 2010 10:13:49 -0600








   I have had similar issues with my K3/10, but I was asking for trouble. I 
have an involved external sequence switcher and band decoder for all the 
VHF/UHF/Microwave transverters. Involved is an unshielded wire that runs 
between my sequencer switcher and the PTT circuit, accessed at a mike cable 
extension on the K3. The TX function for the K3 is operated by the sequencer. 
On 6m when running the 250w, the amp  RF gets into the keying circuit. With a 
bit of lead dressing I have been able to avoid the problem, but I need to do 
something a bit more evolved for the problem.

73  Bill  K0AWU  (EN37ed Minnesota)

--

 Date: Wed, 22 Dec 2010 09:33:51 -0600
 From: sdell...@facstaff.wisc.edu
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 RFI Susceptibility
 
 While using my shunt-fed tower and amplifier on 80 and 160 CW, the K3 keying 
 became erratic.  The problem went away when I unplugged the spare headset 
 from the rear panel jacks.   The front panel jacks aren't a problem, no doubt 
 because their shields go right to the chassis.  If you use the rear panel 
 ones at high power, it would be wise to wrap the cord around a ferrite core.  
 I didn't have any trouble with the other rear panel cables, but I put cores 
 on them anyway.
 
 My shack is a high-RF environment on those bands, as it's only about 10 
 meters from the tower, but it's probably not the worst the K3 is likely to 
 see.  (Field Day, expeditions?)  I've had to take measures to keep RF out of 
 other equipment, though not the 60 pound behemoth next to the K3.  
 
 I haven't looked into it, but maybe there's an easy way to ground those rear 
 panel jacks more directly to the chassis.  (This is a classic cause of RF 
 susceptibility.)  If not, a few ferrite cores is a small investment.

 73,
 
 Scott

 Scott Ellington
 Madison, Wisconsin
 USA

  
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Re: [Elecraft] LP Pan versus P3 Panadapters

[Bill Davis Jr]

Hello all -- K0AWU here 

I am reading this thread with great interest.  I apologize to those that have 
seen similar messages from me on this subject in the past. I had SO HOPED that 
with such a large number of P3s now in the field I would have seen reports on 
weak sig detection from some of the EME or weak sig VHF/UHF/Microwave operators.

 I use the Softrock SDR based panadapter (with buffer amp) for detection of 
weak microwave signals. Seeing sigs too weak to work allows optimizing 
beam/dish headings and elevations often enough to allow communications. Power 
SDR here does NOT allow that but VE3NA's Rocky slow waterfall does 
exceptionally well with beaconing CW signal detection and display. Rocky 
however requires more CPU time than PSDR.

Normal operations here will be with the displayed bandwidth to me around 40Khz 
or more. (96Khz sample rate)

 Rocky allows me to see 2 or 3 db below what I can hear and 5db or so too weak 
to work, plus I don't have to be concerned about having the K3 on frequency. As 
you can imagine, at 10,368.100 MHz or even 1296.100 MHz we aren't always 
starting within 500Hz of ON frequency. The ability to read the sig strength 
relative to the noise floor is of great value in that it allows real sig levels 
to be recorded and exchanged.

Google my call for links to my SDR/K3 webpages if you are interested in more 
info.

 I too have a shack computer, 5yr old Dell DIM4700 Pentium 4 at 2.8GHz with 3GB 
of RAM. I can run the SDR1000, Rocky or PSDR for K3 panadapter and logging 
programs plus several other applications with few issues. So I had a shack 
computer already. (M Audio Delta 44 sound card)

I am not promoting an SDR based panadapter over a P3. I just am VERY interested 
if the P3 can see deeper Somewhere someone knows or is finding out  
RIGHT??

73  Bill  K0AWU  En37ed

 
 Bill,
 
I can tell you that just last night, on 160 meters, I copied 2 very weak
 stations perfectly Q5 that did not show on the P3 waterfall.  Now, Its
 entirely possible its my adjustment skills but I dont think so.  Yes..the K3
 IF Mod was factory installed.  This has happened more than once.  For
 some reason I was expecting the P3 to show these very weak signals better
 than I could find them myself while tuning but no amount of adjustment so
 far will do this.  I may be expecting too much?
 Just so you know what anothers experience has been so far.
 73
 
 (K0AWU email follows)
 
 
   I too would like to see details of the improvement over LPan etc. I am a
 long time user of SDR/computer panadapters for use in detecting very weak
 signals at UHF/VHF/microwave. I use a Softrock on the K3 IF port since I got
 my K3 a year ago.  I have yet to see one report regarding weak sig detection
 with the P3 after many requests to the initial testers of the P3. ANYONE out
 there looking for weak weak sigs with a P3??
 
 73  Bill K0AWU  EN37ed
 

  
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Re: [Elecraft] LP Pan versus P3 Panadapters

[Bill Davis Jr]

  I too would like to see details of the improvement over LPan etc. I am a long 
time user of SDR/computer panadapters for use in detecting very weak signals at 
UHF/VHF/microwave. I use a Softrock on the K3 IF port since I got my K3 a year 
ago.  I have yet to see one report regarding weak sig detection with the P3 
after many requests to the initial testers of the P3. ANYONE out there looking 
for weak weak sigs with a P3??

73  Bill K0AWU  EN37ed

---

 From: pmar...@yahoo.com
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Date: Mon, 13 Sep 2010 20:00:52 -0400
 Subject: [Elecraft] LP Pan versus P3 Panadapters
 
   
 To All,
 
 Can you please provide comments on the LP Pan versus the P3 Panadapter on the 
 K3.
 
 The LP Pan seems to have a lot more features compared to the P3 and the cost 
 is so much less.
 
 I understand that the LP Pan requires a PC but you get a bigger screen when 
 using a PC.
 
 What makes the P3 better then the LP Pan for the K3, if it is ?
 
 Thank you

  
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 or KRX3

[Bill Davis Jr]

  Many are using the SoftRock II Specials that Tony sold for IF Panadapter use. 
They ARE STILL AVAILABLE but are now sold by a different person
with Tony's blessings 

http://www.w6dvc.com/

  I have used a Softrock and a Clifton Labs Z10 buffer from the very 
beginning and am very happy with the results. I use PowerSDR IF v1.19.3.5 for 
point and click operation and am happy with the results for the most part. 
Rocky software is much better than PSDR for weak sig detection, but you loose 
the Point and Click control of the K3. So for the stuff below the noise I stop 
PSDR and activate Rocky. Since most of my opeartions are weak signal I run 
Rocky and operate the K3 in a normal manner. For CW Rocky is fantastic. With 
96Khz soundcard setup max resolution is about 15Khz for full width on my 
monitor.

  If I want FULL SDR operation, I turn on the SDR1000. It doesn't get turned on 
that much. (Anyone want to buy a 100w/ATU Flex 1000? ) The K3
is what is running here full time.

  I am curious about the P3, but I can't yet justify the expenditure given the 
performance of my SoftRock/ Clifton labs/ homemade PC Box panadapter. The SR 
and buffer are hidden from view behind the K3 and are in operation all the time 
I have the K3 on. (Usually 14-16hrs a day). I operate VHF/UHF/Microwave weak 
signal and a some of HF. My panadapter allows me to look at a 96Khz window 
regardless of the band of operation which I can live with very easily. If I 
want greater resolution I can change that window with both software packages. 
For receive only operation with the SDR, the software setup is NOT that big of 
a deal. The SoftRock gang on the Yahoo group are as helpful as any you will 
ever meet and will get you going. For about $50 you are set.  Don't like it? 
You can sell the combo in a heartbeat on the Yahoo group. 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/softrock40/

  I can use PowerSDR to provide monitoring of two additional frequencies of the 
band I am operating as long as I'm not changing frequencies as I monitor. With 
Rocky one additional freq. During VHF contesting I often operate on one freq 
while monitoring a rover freq with the panadapter
receiver to keep track of his availability. Be aware ... if I change freq on 
the K3 I have to reset SDR receiver freq. But I have a second freq option.

http://www.qth.net/k0awu/K3System.html

  Its all a matter of what you want. I have a PC running all the time and a PC 
based panadapter is no big deal. The K3 never leaves the radio
bench and I like the large panadapter at the logging computer. 

 If you JUST want to see the activity, I see no problem. If you want a
 single source integrated hardware/software companion to your K3, the P3
 is of course the only option.

  So ... that's my take.

73 and good DX  Bill  K0AWU  EN37ed


  

 Date: Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:24:50 -0400
 From: w3...@embarqmail.com
 To: lesch...@gmail.com
 CC: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] P3 or KRX3
 
 Bob,
 
 You are partially correct.  To be specific, LP-PAN is a glorified 
 Softrock plus Clifton Labs Z1 with transformer coupling to the 
 soundcard, all dressed up in an enclosure.  If you compare the price of 
 all those pieces (particularly the enclosure), the price of the LP-PAN 
 is not out of line, in fact it is quite inexpensive.  These days, it is 
 not unusual for the cost of an enclosure to exceed the price of the 
 electronics inside it - just look at the prices for some of the 
 enclosures at DigiKey or Mouser - if it is not plastic, it is 
 expensive.  I mounted mine in an Elecraft EC2 enclosure ($69.95) and 
 used the rest of the space for some antenna/transceiver switches and a 
 K3 breakout box, so the total cost of my LP-PAN equivalent exceeds the 
 cost of LP-PAN.
 
 Actually, Tony does not currently have the Softrock 6.2 receiver for the 
 K3 IF available, so the relative price of that is a moot point.
 
 73,
 Don W3FPR
 
 Bob wrote:
  Is the LP-Pan nothing more than a glorified Softrock type of receiver which
  can be bought for $10?

  
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[Elecraft] K144XV with external 10 GHz Transvert er‏

[Bill Davis Jr]

The leading 10 is dropped after a brief display of 10368 then reverts to
 368.100.00 with a external xverter fro the calling freq, should be the 
same with the internal K144XV. 10Ghz IS FUN!!

73  Bill  K0AWU  
EN37ed
  
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Re: [Elecraft] VHF Diversity

[Bill Davis Jr]

 K3 Fellows take a listen to these! Very neat setup and great recordings.

 Graham, Thanks for the link. VERY interesting recordings and system. You have 
much to be studied on your website. The recordings are very well done and it 
sounds like you have a wonderfully quiet 6m location.

TNX and 73   Bill  K0AWU  EN37ed
  
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Re: [Elecraft] my K3 F/D experience

[Bill Davis Jr]

  My FD experience was a bit different. I operated some with my K3/10 1D 
from the home QTH with the old dipoles up on 75/40/20m. I wanted to play SSB 
QRP and see what kind of fun I could have. I used HamRadio Deluxe, PSDR for 
interface then spotted and pounced. I only ran for a couple 2 or 3 hrs and very 
casually. I had about an equal number of QSOs on 20 and 40 with just a handful 
on 75, since the operations were mostly mid afternoon Saturday. It seemed that 
the 20m QSOs were easier than 40m, with seems counter intuitive. 

  I use a Softrock on the IF to drive PSDR and I chose mostly the stronger 
stations to pounce on, but not all, by any means. One really neat 75m QSO was 
working W0CIA who was running an 817 at 3w from the top of a fire tower 
somewhere here in northern MN.

  Lots of positive comments on the good signal for the 10-12watts. I ran with 
the Elecraft hand mike and the compression set at 16. I only recently started 
using compression at all, and it makes a very big difference. Been hamming 
55yrs and never used compression on any of my previous gear. Old dogs can learn 
new tricks.

  The local club had a Field Day station I visited over the weekend, I ran a 
bit of 40m with a Kenwood 450. Very smooth little rig to operate, but it seemed 
I had to call more than at home QRP. Lots more adjacent frequency QRM and I 
sure missed the Softrock panadapter.

  My K3/10 spends most of its life as my 6m - 10Ghz IF rig.

  Bill  K0AWU  K3-3xxx
  
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[Elecraft] P3 weak sig detection / 2m internal transverter

[Bill Davis Jr]

Question#1

  This may be a question for Dick Divendorf or P3 beta testers.

  I use a K3/10 as my IF for VHF/UHF and Microwave operations. I am always 
looking for WEAK signals. My K3 has a SoftRock driven by a buffer amp on the IF 
port for a Panadapter and it works very well. I can see signals too weak to 
work by about 5db using Rocky software spectrum display. Rocky's slow 
waterfall is slightly better in detecting weak signals, 
but to what degree in db, I have not determined.

  For me, other software like PowerSDR does not display the really weak signals 
as well.

  My question, is there anything in the P3's operation that would offer any 
better weak signal detection? Any direct observations between the P3 and other 
panadapter systems with the K3.

  


Question#2

  Anyone out there have any weak signal experience with the 2m internal 
transverter yet. It's tempting, but I need very low level 144Mhz (a few 
milliwatts) to drive the high band transverters as well 10watts or so for 2m 
drive for 2m amplifiers.
I am doing that with an external DEM 2m transverter at the moment. I may need 
more flexibility of levels than may be easily obtained with the internal 
xverter.

 For you weak signal types... EME etc ... how is the internal xverter stacking 
up? 

THANKS and 73  Bill  K0AWU  EN37ed 

  
  
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[Elecraft] K3 output buffer modification‏

[Bill Davis Jr]

  I have a K3 that has the higher gain IF output (#3460). I follow the IF 
output with the Cliffton Labs buffer and then a SoftRock SDR for a panadaptor. 
I use Rocky SDR software by VE3NEA for my weak signal panadapter. Power SDR for 
non weak sig conditions. (mostly HF)

  Since my interest is VHF-Microwave, the K3 is preceded by transverters for 
all bands 6meters and above. I DO NOT have QRM issues at these frequencies 
(except perhaps 6m during Es season) and as a result I run my noise floor at 
28Mhz on the K3 at about S2 for all the transverters. I feel that a little bit 
of IF gain helps with detecting weak siganls on the panadapter. 

  I can see signals on Rocky (CW sigs are easier) that I can not copy. It is 
this weak signal spotting that is why I want the panadapter. When I compare 
this panadaptor to a very optimized SoftRock 28Mhz IF paanadapter system, I am 
giving up at worst a couple db.

  I CONTINUE to be very happy with this combo. VERY weak SSB signals are hard 
to see in the noise HF or VHF. 

73  Bill  K0AWU  EN37ed
  
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[Elecraft] K3 needs survey -- firmware and appli cation software‏

[Bill Davis Jr]

USB CW for both Rx and Rec when using VHF/UHF/Microwave transverters where USB 
CW is the STANDARD


Thanks, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year all

Bill  K0AWU  EN37ed K3 # 3460  (K3 use 160m - 10Ghz)
  
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[Elecraft] K3 - PowerSDR-IF communication issue?

[Bill Davis Jr]

  Hope someone can help. Downloaded PSDR-IF 1.19.02 last night to use with my 
K3 and my Softrock on the IF with a Clifton Labs buffer. No problem with using 
the panadapter centered on the IF. But when I selected the K3 IF setting in 
PSDR and hooked up the serial cable I expected to be able to do some K3 control 
via PSDR and that does not happen. The serial cable works fine with the K3 
Utility. I'm guessing I have made a dumb error some where. Correct Com port (1) 
and only serial cable hooked to computer when I was trying it.

  Ideas?  From PSDR-IF documentation it sounded like once the IF/K3 option 
was selected it should have been close to plug and play. My serial cable is 2 
conductor and ground. Again works fine with K3 Utility and I have Upgraded 
FirmWare etc with no issues.

  Thanks .. Bill  K0AWU  EN37ed  K3# 3460
  
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[Elecraft] K3-Ham Radio Deluxe question

[Bill Davis Jr]

  Started using HRD 4.1 build 2321 and with my K3. When trying to use it with 
the 10Ghz transverter the frequency display on HRD is bogus and freq control 
fails. So does HRD have an upper feq limit. Worked ok on 1296Mhz, one digit 
less.

  Thanks

Thanks  Bill  K0AWU  EN37ed
  
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[Elecraft] K3 SHUTs OFF

[Bill Davis Jr]

  I have had this occur on 6m with external PA. I could not run over 200w 
output on WSJT, I found that RF was getting in via the mike cord I unpluged 
the mike since I was running WSJT and no farther problem. Interesting

Bill  K0AWU  EN37ed  K3 #3460 
  
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[Elecraft] More on K# Shuts Off

[Bill Davis Jr]

  In my case, it may be a more complex issue. The K3 PTT is keyed by my station 
sequencer. (VHF/UHF/Microwave preamp and hot switch protection). When running
WSJT or Digipan the Sequencer is keyed by a OptoIsolator that is turned on by 
the Com port from WSJT or Digipan. This turn-on is not as hard as a normal 
switch or relay. I can force the K3 to stay in TX by doing a hard key of the 
sequencer.

  It is ODD since I never hear the Sequencer chatter, it seems only the K3 TX 
is dropping out. The K3 PTT is a RELAY contact in the sequencer. The K3 PTT is 
via the rear panel 15pin connector... about a 30 cable to the sequencer. I 
have yet to try a ferrite core on the cable.  

  Unplugging the MH2 Elecraft mike solves the problem, so that is fine with 
me for the moment.

   Sure having fun with the K3 80/40/30m QRP, 50/222/902/1296/10Ghz via 
transverters  Very Happy.

73  Bill  K0AWU  EN37ed  K3 #3460
  
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[Elecraft] Transverter settings and UPdate

[Bill Davis Jr]

  I have never done a K3 software before having only had my K3 since the end of 
August. When I do the update will ALL of my transverter power, IF freq, offset 
etc settings be lost??  Lots of rig setup that I would have to carefully 
document and then RESET after every update if so  ARGH

  Aside  Ran considerable 6m and 222Mhz WSJT meteor scatter weekend before 
last for the first time with the K3 ... Yes Yes in SSB mode ... I am aware I 
have the Data modes available, very happy with the way things ran. Also had a 
nice 902Mhz FM QSO over a 155mile path the first day I had the K3 FM filter 
installed. Good UHF tropo a couple days in a row last week

  Thanks for any insight on the UPDATE ...

73  Bill  K0AWU  K3 #3460
  
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[Elecraft] K3 Rear panel audio input problem with - JT65A 441

[Bill Davis Jr]

   Lance's post was of great interest. I too operate considerable EME (2meters) 
via WSJT and have just put
my K3 on the air. Yesterday for the first time I attempted to get WSJT running 
with the K3. The attempt was
not successful.   

  For whatever reason, the K3 rear panel audio input is very insensitive ... to 
the point of almost being dead. I can barely hear audio through the input, 
monitoring with a second rig. I have verified the same result with a second 
audio source, the audio output on my CW keyer. I use a Delta 44 sound card for 
WSJT and have had no problem with
rear panel audio on my Icom 735, 746Pro or 820H on WSJT or my keyer. The output
level of the Delta 44 was set to +4 and the entire range of the audio
slider was attempted. Again ... all works fine on the Icoms  The Icoms 
require the audio gain on the Delta 44 to be up maybe about 1/6th of the way.

 
I have selected MIC+LIN  ON, LINE IN for gain control and I am using
UpperSideBand as it is standard with all WSJT VHF operations. I know the
rear panel Mic jack works fine, so I am considering using a pad between
the sound card and just using it.

  I found that the rear panel audio output requires gain a setting of around 40 
to drive WSJT normally. This is with the Delta 44 audio gain control at 
maximum. It works, but I was surprised at the required gain settings. When 
using the headphone output to drive the sound card, the levels were very 
similar. So maybe all is ok, it just require considerable more gain than the 
default. 
 
  I am using no additional interface in my tests since the K3 have transformer 
isolation. 

  Any insight into what should be a no brainer??

Bill  K0AWU  EN37ed  K3 #3460

 






 I have the standard 2.7 kHz filter, and set the audio just like I do for 
 USB voice.  I make sure to have the ALC fill the 5 bars on the meter, and I 
 use 20 dB 
 of compression to make sure that all the tones come up to the proper power 
 levels.  I 
 use the LINE IN on the rear panel for my incoming JT65A tones from the 
 computer.
 
 I find the K3 a great rig for JT65A because I can make a flat bandwidth 300 
 Hz to 
 2200 Hz, and decode callers over that entire frequency range.  I usually run 
 JT65A 
 with the NB on the first setting (IF NAR 1), DSP OFF and the AGC off.  
 
 GL and VY 73, Lance

  
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[Elecraft] K3 SSB-CW feature fails

[Bill Davis Jr]

  For whatever reason, I can't get the SSB-CW feature to work with my K3. 
Sidetone works in rec, but as soon as I go to TX, no sidetone (or CW signal 
audio). I am using original Elecraft K3 software as supplied 9/8/2009 Ser #3460

TNX Bill K0AWU
  
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[Elecraft] SSB+CW better understood, but answer is a bummer

[Bill Davis Jr]

Thanks guys  I'm sure NOT Being in VOX is the problem .. RATS ... I use 
a
sequencer to activate the K3 PTT and DO NOT use VOX. It is a feature
that I was counting on to simplify things too. Almost all of my K3
applications are VHF/UHF and microwave where CW on USB is STANDARD, CW
reverse is close but I still have to retune when I change from
USB to CW. I didn't want to be forced to retune the frequency.



Thanks again for all assistance



73 and good DX



Bill   K0AWU  (54yrs on the air - Weak signal VHF/UHF and Microwave activity)   
  
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[Elecraft] WTB K3 FM filter

[Bill Davis Jr]

Ouch, this slipped by me in my
move to the K3 IF for the VHF-Microwave station. I use FM frequently on
10Ghz rainscatter when signals are strong. So I am looking for a K3 FM
filter (KFL3B-FM  13 kHz FM filter ),  anyone have one surplus to your needs 
that would be for sale?



Thanks   Bill  K0AWU  EN37ed  
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[Elecraft] K3 Web Traffic Complexity

[Bill Davis Jr]

  The recent posts regarding the CQ contest and K3s being used by various BIG 
contest stations have been interesting reading.

  My K3 still sets aside waiting on me to get my VHF/UHF/Microwave station 
integration hardware completed. A 3 week illness and a 10day trip that could 
not have been avoided has really slowed things down. But I'm getting closer. 
The station is being completely rebuilt around the K3 with auto switching for 
transverter RF switching and sequencing based upon the transverter selected on 
the K3. 

  Hanging on the IF output already is a buffer amp and a SoftRock receiver 
providing a panadapter display. Rocky software is used for the panadapter and 
ALL tuning etc will be done with the K3. The Rocky display allows watching 
the band selected via waterfall or spectrum display. The freq display is 
relative to center of the IF freq. The SoftRock is working beautifully on the 
HF bands as is the K3. If I wish I can monitor a second frequency via the 
SoftRock using Rocky or with PowerSDR 2 other frequencies. (On the band 
selected on the K3) The real test will be weak sig detection at or below the 
noise. I have been VERY successful doing this with an old SoftRock 28Mhz V7 
receiver augmented with a 2m receive converter and 28Mhz buffer amp with the 
various transverters.

  I feel quite comfortable with the K3 (10w) on the HF bands. No question, lots 
of functions to set and fuss with, but successful operation does not require 
being a master of ALL the various functions. Helpful to be filling to  
master the ones we need however! Hi Hi

  I am frustrated with the amount of Elecraft traffic on the reflector that 
often masks the meaningful traffic for everyday operators. I too have a 
FlexRadio that I am redy to part with. I am not an operator that requires the 
latest software download either with the Flex of the K3. My K3 software leaves 
a bit to be desired in the NB area and glad to see that addressed. So I'm sure  
downloads in the future will be forthcoming. I am interested in USING the radio 
and not necessarily fussing with software.

  Kudos to Elecraft support!! A phone call a couple weeks ago to determine if 
my K3 had the mod for the higher gain for the IF output or not was met with ... 
got a screwdriver handy? ... 3min later I knew that my K3 was higher gain and 
that allowed correct gain to be selected for the panadapter buffer amp 
construction. THANKS GUYS

  Looking forward to using the K3 on more than HF soon.

73  Bill   K0AWU  EN37ed  weak signal operations 50Mhz and up for over 50yrs  
K3 ser# 3460
  
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[Elecraft] K3, KXV3A - DEM transverters

[Bill Davis Jr]

 My first Elecraft is on order (K3). I plan a complete station rebuild around 
the K3/10 as an IF rig for 2,222,902,1296 and 10Ghz. I wish to use my current 
DEM (25w) 2m xverter with the KXV3A split RxTx @ about 10watts, for driving a 
2m amplifier as well as a much lower power for the IF for the DEM 902, 1296, 
10Ghz xverters. I have IF / Sequencer switching already for these bands using a 
single IF rig.

 For design purposes .. any suggestions or concerns? I will be building a 
decoder to identify the transverter band for IF control logic. 

 Direct email preferred ...

Thanks Bill  K0AWU EN37ed
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