Re: [Elecraft] Considering a KPA-500
IGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Fri, 24 Apr 2015 19:03:36 -0400, you wrote: On 4/24/2015 6:50 PM, Chuck Smallhouse wrote: Now if you want to cash in your 401K , SPE/Expert also offers the 2K-FA, which will be at least an S unit stronger than the KPA500 ! REPLY: If you are into that price range, you might consider the ACOM 2000A which I consider the best amp on the market. Unlike the others mentioned it is 1500 watts, no duty cycle limit. It is tube type. I've had Alpha, Command, ICOM, a superb homebrew and others and the ACOM beats them all. Opinions will vary of course, but if I could have only one amp it would be a 2000A. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] 50 Ohm Load - source?
I can just picture the conversation: Support Tech: What are you using for a dummy load? Ham: A pencil lead. Support Tech: silence Made my day. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Fw: Don't have a 50W dummy load
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Wed, 25 Mar 2015 12:05:18 -0700, you wrote: The key word is Resistive. REPLY: I have used light bulbs in the olden days, although not for the K3 cal procedure. The trick is to insert a variable cap in series to tune out the reactance. Works well, but has to be retuned for each band of course, and the resistance varies with brightness. Because of the variation, do not use with an automatic antenna tuner or the tuner will constantly seek a correct tune. A real dummy load is better. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] VFO problem
I think you are on to something, Matt. On a hunch, I performed a percussive reset as NASA calls it. I lifted the front on the K3 about an inch and dropped it. The problem went away for now. When it comes back, I will do as you suggest. Many thanks to all who replied. Bill W6WRT ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Sat, 14 Feb 2015 08:27:01 -0800, you wrote: I would suggest it's worth the time to swap the VFO A and VFO B encoder boards. It could be the encoder itself or its contacts to the front panel board, either of them. If you take this course, you might want to check the encoder board contacts on each of them, and also take a look at the contacts on the front panel board. There may be some corrosion, dust, etc. on the contacts. 73, matt W6NIA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] VFO problem
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Sat, 14 Feb 2015 13:05:45 -0900, you wrote: Rules for troubleshooting: what are the symptoms (what is not working), check power inputs; check configurations (settings); look-feel-sniff; measure for required output - then get out the manual/schematic/tools. An old tech once advised me that most problems were simple ones - so do not go off looking for complicated one's before doing simple tests. (that drop test works) Use of freeze-spray does the same thing. So does wiggling and probing. REPLY: The best TV tech I ever knew (and I knew a lot) gave me the best advice I ever got about troubleshooting: Forget your meters and generators and stuff. The best troubleshooting tools you have are you own two eyes. There were times I did not follow his advice, to my regret. I would waste time with scope and meter and when I finally found the problem, it was obvious if I had just looked carefully first. Joe Tolemeo was his name, probably RIP now, but the best ever. Thanks, Joe. Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] VFO problem
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Fri, 13 Feb 2015 23:55:13 -0600, Dave wrote: Sounds to me that you have something grabbing big chunks of CPU time. What all is plugged into the K3? Clear everything out. See if that helps. If so, then replug things until the behavior returns. 73 de dave ab9ca/4 REPLY: Even with the computer turned off and the P3 also off, the problem is still there. In fact it is getting worse. I tried it just now and even when turning the VFO knob slowly, the frequency display is mostly frozen, just moving a little intermittently. There is nothing else connected to the K3. Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] VFO problem
My K3 has developed a problem with the VFO. It is, of course, just barely out of warranty. :-) When I turn the VFO knob very slowly, the frequency display follows normally, but when I turn it a little faster, the frequency display freezes and intermittently unfreezes but immediately freezes again as long as I'm turning the knob rapidly. Behavior is the same regardless of what VFO speed I have chosen. Any ideas? Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Lids running RTTY on the JT65 Frequency
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Mon, 05 Jan 2015 12:36:09 -0700, you wrote: I agree with both of you. If you want to use (and brag about) modes where you (your computer) work signals inaudible to human beings then you should not complain when those same human beings don't know your computer is using the frequency. Wes N7WS REPLY: Best summation so far. Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Warm climate for a vacation/DX holiday
Since warm is in the eye of the beholder, I'd suggest either Keguelen or South Sandwich Island, which by pure coincidence happen to be the last two I need for Top of the Honor Roll. You're welcome. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] fldigi and K3 frequency readout
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Tue, 16 Dec 2014 07:36:16 + (UTC), you wrote: Bill, all you need to do is once you change to digital is hold the mode /alt down until it read rev over the top ofthe digital and that will switch to the other SSB mode. Not hard once you done it a few times. Good Luck.Bill W0WFH REPLY: That's not the problem but thanks for trying. The problem is that when the K3 is in either USB or LSB in data-a mode, the dial freq+audio offset shown in fldigi is incorrect. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] fldigi and K3 frequency readout
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Tue, 16 Dec 2014 10:09:11 -0500, you wrote: Bill, I don't think there is an Elecraft fix for that. Other digital applications get it correct while others do not. Some are not even aware that the K3 has a DATA mode with sub-modes and force USB or LSB. It is not likely an Fldigi problem - because Fldigi uses other applications (e.g. Hamlib or RigCat) for transceiver control. My guess is that the problem may be with how the DXLab bridge handles the K3 frequency and offsets when in DATA mode. 73, Don W3FPR REPLY: I suspect your diagnosis is right, Don. I was just hoping. Thanks. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] fldigi and K3 frequency readout
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Tue, 16 Dec 2014 10:32:18 -0500, W4TV wrote: . the developers of fldigi simply do not care about the transceiver control details (it's not just the K3). REPLY: That's about what I thought. Is there another program similar to fldigi that does it right? Ham Radio Deluxe maybe? I know it isn't free but I would pay the price to have it work right. HRD does offer a free trial, maybe I'll try it. I do like the way fldigi integrates with DXLab. Save a Q in fldigi and it is transferred to DXKeeper with no fuss. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] fldigi and K3 frequency readout
Just learning how to use fldigi with my K3. Got everything working, almost. I'm using fldigi with the bridge to DXLab. As long as I have the K3 in USB mode, the frequency readout in fldigi is correct, both the dial freq and the dial+audio freq. But when I change the K3 to data-a mode, the dial+audio readout is wrong, showing only the dial freq. Also, if I have the K3 in data-a mode and I change modes in fldigi, the K3 goes back to USB. I could just leave the K3 in USB mode all the time, but that means changing the mic input back and forth from line in each time I change modes. I hope I made that clear. Is there a fix for this? 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] SignaLink and K3
I am installing a new SignaLink USB device and have it all working fine except for low output from the K3. I can only get about 10 watts out even with the Windows volume controls set as the factory suggests, and with fldigi output set to maximum. The K3 line in gain is also set to max. I know there is a jumper in the SignaLink USB to increase drive but before I do that I'm wondering if what I'm seeing is normal. The SignaLink USB manual says the default drive setting is OK for most radios, so I'm wondering if the K3 is an exception or if I should keep fiddling with the configuration. All comments welcome. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Being cautious around Li-Ion Batteries
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Wed, 10 Dec 2014 19:20:35 -0600, you wrote: Glad you weren't hurt - whew! It might be a good idea to report your experience to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. REPLY: I was just about to suggest that myself. Please don't let this go unreported. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT - 30.53 KHz carrier pulses on 40 meters
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Tue, 9 Dec 2014 11:53:31 -0700 (MST), you wrote: I have eliminated all sources from inside the house/shack. I turned off the AC mains and ran the K3/P3 on battery. The signals were still there, a strong S6. I will have to devise a way to sniff a round the neighborhood. I have only found the pulses on 40 meters, but there are nine of them within 7.0 to 7.3 MHz. Only two are in the first 48 KHz of the band. I guess I can live with losing 7.007 and 7.037 MHz, it's just a bit irritating! ..mike AI6II REPLY: I had something very similar several years ago. Turned out to be a battery charger for a golf cart about a hundred yards from my house. I found it by snooping around with a portable short wave radio. When I contacted the maker of the charger they were very cooperative and fixed it promptly. Fortunately the homeowner was also cooperative and didn't mind me snooping around his house. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] R
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On 12/2/2014 6:02 PM, Jim Wiley wrote: Oh dear! After reading this, I immediately checked all my spare fuses, and every one was shorted. I guess a trip to the local electronics store is in order. Back in the old days, I used to have a flashbulb tester. Maybe I can make a modified version of that device to test fuses. ;-) - Jim, KL7CC REPLY: No need for a trip to the store. You can clear a shorted fuse by connecting a battery across it. Works every time. You're welcome. :-) 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] k3 with acom2000
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Wed, 12 Nov 2014 16:11:40 -0600, you wrote: i am considering purchasing an ACOM 2000A amplifier to use with my K3. all comments/suggestions regarding usage, installation, cabling, options, etc. are welcome. thanks buddy spiegel, w3bs REPLY: I've been using that combination for about two months now and couldn't be more pleased. The only issue at all is the digital connections between the radio, the amp and the PC. I put together a short tutorial which I think explains it better than the ACOM manual does. It is copied below. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me directly. You won't be disappointed. 73, Bill W6WRT dez...@outlook.com +++ When operating an ACOM 2000A with an Elecraft K3, there are two possible modes of frequency control. Each mode requires a different cable. When a PC is NOT connected: Use a cable like that shown in figure 7.6 of the ACOM 2000A manual. You should set the K3 AUTOINF menu option to nor, the default. In this mode the 2000A will poll the K3 for band data and will change bands accordingly. The K3 will also send band data when you manually change bands on the K3. When a PC IS connected: Use the cable shown in figure 7.2 in the 2000A manual. You should set the K3 AUTOINF menu option to nor, the default. Note that this cable does NOT have the TXD wire going to the ACOM 2000A, but it does have the TXD wire running between the legs of the Y connector. This cable can be either a single cable terminating in two DB-9 connectors or it can be a single cable with a Y adaptor connected at the DB-9 end. In either case, it must be the electrical equivalent of figure 7.2. In this mode, the ACOM 2000A gets band data information ONLY from the logging program, not from the K3. If you close the logging program, the ACOM 2000A will NOT follow band changes from the K3. You can still do band changes by sending a dit as explained in the ACOM 2000A manual. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] ACOM 2000A and Elecraft K3
I think I have figured out the connection issues when using a K3 with an ACOM 2000A. I wrote up the following mini-tutorial to try to clarify what is, to me, a confusing situation. Please read it and let me know if I have made any errors and whether you find it helpful. If you find it helpful, feel free to copy and distribute any way you wish. Thank you, 73, Bill W6WRT +++ When operating an ACOM 2000A with an Elecraft K3, there are two possible modes of frequency control. Each mode requires a different cable. When a PC is NOT connected: Use a cable like that shown in figure 7.6 of the ACOM 2000A manual. You should set the K3 AUTOINF menu option to 1. In this mode the 2000A will poll the K3 for band data and will change bands accordingly. The K3 will also send band data when you manually change bands on the K3. When a PC IS connected: Use the cable shown in figure 7.2 in the 2000A manual. You should set the K3 AUTOINF menu option to nor. Note that this cable does NOT have the TXD wire going to the ACOM 2000A, but it does have the TXD wire running between the legs of the Y connector. This cable can be either a single cable terminating in two DB-9 connectors or it can be a single cable with a Y adaptor connected at the DB-9 end. In either case, it must be the electrical equivalent of figure 7.2. In this mode, the ACOM 2000A gets band data information ONLY from the logging program, not from the K3. If you close the logging program, the ACOM 2000A will NOT follow band changes from the K3. You can still do band changes by sending a dit as explained in the ACOM 2000A manual. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] ACOM 2000A and Elecraft K3
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Mon, 27 Oct 2014 22:10:10 +0200, you wrote: Bill, According to your description, AUTOINF=NOR is the right setting in both cases. Either the ACOM 2000A, or PC will poll the K3, hence no need AUTOINF to be changed. 73, Val LZ1VB REPLY: Thank you, Val. I had tried it both ways and I thought the correct setting was =1 but apparently I was mistaken. I will make the change. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] End Fed Half Wave
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Mon, 22 Sep 2014 16:21:09 -0700, k9yc wrote: Not necessarily the best way, but here's a really good feeding method if you have a suitable sky hook! Also look at N6LF's ideas, on his website. Google to find it. http://k9yc.com/VerticalDipole.pdf 73, Jim K9YC REPLY: Very clever, just might try this myself. This is basically a variation on the ancient coaxial sleeve antenna, with a choke substituting for the separate sleeve. Nice! 50+ years ago I used the original coaxial sleeve antenna on six meters when I had a Tech license and it worked well. Thanks for the idea. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A
I'm not a computer expert so maybe this is a simplistic question. In the future, wouldn't it be better to abandon serial ports and go to USB for data communicating between radio/computer/amplifier and other equipment? With USB, isn't it possible to write drivers that can work with multiple equipment connections and avoid the collision problem? Or is it not that simple? Is there a better solution? 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Mon, 15 Sep 2014 14:38:19 -0400, w4tv wrote: It when the amplifier designer insists on polling without providing the necessary hardware support that problems start. REPLY: Makes sense. So, would it be better for an amplifier to have two ports: 1. A receive-only port for band changes 2. A send-only port for monitoring such as temperature, power output, SWR and whatever else is desired. When you're paying many thousand $$$ for an amp, the cost of an extra port seems negligible. Or is there a better way? 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Audible hum from Astron linear power supply. Fixable?
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Sun, 14 Sep 2014 18:42:35 -0400 (EDT), Dale wrote: A stack of about a year's worth of QST magazines placed atop the power supply does the job here. I believe other magazines would also work. 73, Dale WA8SRA REPLY: One must be careful which year QST one uses. Years ago QST had a smaller format and would probably require a year and a half. :-) 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Sat, 13 Sep 2014 12:36:40 +0600, UA9CDC wrote: I do not have ACOM2000 but I use the same arrangement with Expert 1-KFA and K3. Logging program polls the radio and the amp only listens for K3 response to learn the operating freq. When you terminate logger there is no polling anymore. Therefore the system does not work as expected. This is normal. REPLY: So the K3 does not send data unless polled? OK, now things make more sense. This explains why, if you're not using the Y connector to your computer, your data cable must have the TXD wire so the ACOM can poll the K3. Is my assumption correct? The ACOM does poll the K3 in that case? Things are finally coming clear. I wish this had been explained in the ACOM manual. Many thanks to all who replied on this issue. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Fri, 12 Sep 2014 08:46:23 -, you wrote: Bill, I too use the Acom 2000A and do not know why you bother with so many control cables.The Acom switches bands in a dit or syllable and tunes in three seconds automatically.I must be missing something but why do you need to go to so much trouble with control cables for the amplifier. REPLY: The reason I bother is I do not like transmitting even a single dit into an amplifier on the wrong band at full power. Yes, the ACOM is a tough amplifier but I am pretty conservative about such things. When I do send a dit to change bands, I reduce the drive power way down. If I can get the automatic band change to work, I won't have to reduce power or send a dit. It will already be pre-tuned. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A
My cable is store bought, and it is the kind in figure 7.2, i.e. without the TXD wire. I ohmed it to be sure. Actually, it is a cable with a separate Y adaptor, but the effective wiring is the same as figure 7.2. And here's the kicker: This morning when I fired up everything to do some more troubleshooting, everything worked just as it should. It seems I have an intermittent connection somewhere, most likely in a cable, connector or the Y adaptor. It's been working fine all day. I think I will build a new cable and Y adaptor to eliminate that as a possible cause and see if the problem stays gone. I did notice one thing that seems odd. When I do not have a logging program running and I do a manual band change on the K3, the ACOM does not follow the change. I thought it should. Does your's work that way? As soon as I start a logging program, everything returns to normal. Don't you just love these intermittent gremlins? :-) 73, Bill W6WRT ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:47:48 -0400, Nick wrote: Hi Bill Did you build your cable according to schematic on page 34 (figure 7-6) from Acom 2000 manual? This wiring diagram is for K3 CAT with ACOM 2000A only. I believe this diagram assumes there is no computer connected in. It only describes the case in which there is a connection between the K3 and Acom 2000A. If you look at the page 32 (Fig 7-2) which describes the generic wiring between RS232 PC port and Transceiver with ACOM connected via Y cable, you will notice that they only use the RXD wiring and the ground. TXD line has been omitted. RCU DB15 Pin 1 --- RS-232 Pin 2 RCU DB15 Pin 5 --- RS-232 Pin 5 (Ground) I initially built the CAT cable using all 3 wires (RXD, TXD + Ground) and as soon as ACOM would come online, K3 would not work properly with my LP-PAN and LP Bridge. I don't use P3. I snipped the TXD line after reading your email and now everything appears to be working fine. K3+ACOM2000A+PC are tracking frequency smoothly like usual. If I now just type the frequency in Win-Test or change the band on my K3, ACOM nicely parks itself on a whichever band segment it detects by sniffing the comm traffic between K3 and the PC. 73, Nick ve3ey On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 6:18 AM, Bill Turner dez...@outlook.com wrote: ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Fri, 12 Sep 2014 08:46:23 -, you wrote: Bill, I too use the Acom 2000A and do not know why you bother with so many control cables.The Acom switches bands in a dit or syllable and tunes in three seconds automatically.I must be missing something but why do you need to go to so much trouble with control cables for the amplifier. REPLY: The reason I bother is I do not like transmitting even a single dit into an amplifier on the wrong band at full power. Yes, the ACOM is a tough amplifier but I am pretty conservative about such things. When I do send a dit to change bands, I reduce the drive power way down. If I can get the automatic band change to work, I won't have to reduce power or send a dit. It will already be pre-tuned. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to nick.ve...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A
I'm a fairly new 2000A owner and trying to get the K3 and 2000A to communicate properly. I am using two different logging programs, DXLab and N1MM Logger. I have the CAT cable with Y-adaptor plugged into the K3. I also am running a P3 panadaptor, but I don't think that is involved in this issue. I could be wrong. When I am NOT running either program, the K3 and the 2000A communicate properly, i.e. changing bands on the K3 makes the 2000A change bands normally. Likewise, when the 2000A is turned off, the K3 communicates to both programs correctly, i.e. either program reads the VFO frequency normally. The problem happens when I have the K3, the 2000A and either logging program running all at the same time. Communication is lost and I get error messages saying the radio on com1 is not responding and the like. I'm running out of ideas. Any suggestions? 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Thu, 11 Sep 2014 17:46:03 -0700, you wrote: Put the Y cable between the P3 and the computer etc, not on the K3 side. . The K3 to P3 serial cable should not have any other devices sharing it. 73, Eric elecraft.com REPLY: Just to be clear: I have the root of the Y adaptor plugged into the P3 jack which is labeled PC. One arm of the Y goes to the computer and the other arm goes to the K3. Is that correct? 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On Thu, 11 Sep 2014 19:24:50 -0700, you wrote: Nope. The K3's RS232 connector must connect directly to the P3's XCVR RS232 connector. The Y connector goes between the PC and the P3's PC connector. Alan N1AL REPLY: My mistake. I have it connected right, I just said it wrong. The root of the Y adaptor goes to the P3 jack labeled PC. One arm of the Y adaptor goes to the computer and the other goes to the ACOM. That's what I meant to say. Sorry. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT - R8 antenna evaluation
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On 9/7/2014 9:53 AM, Jim Brown wrote: 2) Study the Power Point slides on my website about Vertical Antenna Mounting Height and Antenna Planning for Small HF Stations. 73, Jim K9YC REPLY: Jim, I went to your website http://www.audiosystemsgroup.com/K9YC/K9YC.htm and could not find the presentation. A google search only turned up broken links. Could you provide a link please? Thank you, 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT - R8 antenna evaluation
ORIGINAL MESSAGE (may be snipped) On 9/7/2014 10:33 AM, Merv Schweigert wrote: http://audiosystemsgroup.com/VerticalHeight.pdf REPLY: Excellent, thanks. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Another Elecraft Tale
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 8/6/2014 10:12 PM, eric norris via Elecraft wrote: What a thrill! REPLY: I've been a ham 57 years and radio is still magic, one of mankind's greatest inventions. Thanks, Eric! 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 power out - key down
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 7/20/2014 12:36 PM, Edward R Cole wrote: The software provides about 10-dB better SNR (making the 10w JT65 signal equivalent to 100w CW). REPLY: I find an 8877 provides about 22 dB SNR over ten watts. :-) 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 power out - key down
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 7/19/2014 5:44 PM, Gerald Manthey wrote: and I work the world on 10 watts. REPLY: I encourage the Geralds of the world to continue with their ten watts. Makes DXing easier for the rest of us. :-) 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Adding an SPE amplifier
Problem solved. Thanks to Igor UA9CDC and Cookie, K5EWJ. 73, Bill W6WRT dez...@outlook.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Adding an SPE amplifier
I have a K3 and a P3 which are 'daisy-chained' to the computer in the normal manner. I am thinking of getting an SPE amplifier and am wondering how to connect its RS-232 port into the mix. Is there some kind of splitter or router that will add it in? Or some other method? Thanks in advance. 73, Bill W6WRT dez...@outlook.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Off-Topic
I'm really getting tired of these endless off topic posts. I kind of understand when a post starts off about Elecraft and drifts off, but lately there have been a LOT of posts that start totally off topic and go from there. Eric, how about putting an end to it? Bill W6WRT dez...@outlook.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 6/20/2014 2:20 PM, Steve, K4FJ via Elecraft wrote: Until recently, I have not been interested in the P3 because I didn't think it would be useful for my way of operating. Now, I think I am missing something quite useful but I need to get educated on it. REPLY: I use the P3 for two things primarily: 1. Finding stations when the band appears dead and 2. Finding a clear spot to call DX when working split, or alternatively, finding the calling station so I can be on his frequency. There are other radios which have a version of a spectrum scope such as my two recent Icoms, but the P3 is so far superior in resolution and menu options that there is almost no comparison. The P3 is enough reason alone to buy a K3. It is expensive but you get what you pay for. You will not be disappointed. 73, Bill W6WRT dez...@outlook.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Power problem
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 5/13/2014 12:19 AM, Clive Lorton wrote: Bill, I had this problem while building my K3 recently. I spoke with the factory as it was fine when first tested. It turned out that I had not tightened all the screws down when refitting the PA. Once tightened down it came back to life. During my conversation I was also told to check that the screws on the regulators (bottom panel) are tight enough. 73 Clive G8POC REPLY: Thanks Clive, will do. 73, Bill W6WRT dez...@outlook.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Roofing filters are misunderstood
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 5/12/2014 9:33 AM, Jerome Sodus wrote: Hello Bill, The term roofing-filter made sense back in the 1980's when I designed roofing-filters at 70 MHz. Bandwidths would be in tens of KHz. The purpose then was to protect downstream circuitry by rejecting very strong out-of-band signals that could cause overload; selectivity was not the purpose. Selectivity was done further downstream. So the term has become corrupted over the years. 73 Jerry KM3K REPLY: I still don't get it. What does the word roof have to do with bandpass? That's where the confusion comes from. 73, Bill W6WRT dez...@outlook.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Roofing filters are misunderstood
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 5/12/2014 12:38 PM, Josh Fiden wrote: The term “roofing” stems from the fact that it protects the rest of the radio following it from out of the passband signals. REPLY: A roof keeps what falls on it (rain, snow) out. It doesn't pass it through. Just the opposite of what a so-called roofing filter does. I prefer names that are pretty much self-explanatory. This one isn't. 73, Bill W6WRT dez...@outlook.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Roofing filters are misunderstood
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 5/12/2014 4:15 PM, David Gilbert wrote: So would you prefer to call it a window? REPLY: I like that! Much more accurate. A roof keeps everything out while a window lets only certain things such as the desired signal in. Much more self-explanatory. 73, Bill W6WRT dez...@outlook.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Power problem
My K3 has developed a power problem. I first noticed it on 20 meters. It would not reach 100 watts, but was stuck around 60 watts even using a dummy load, and the power would pump up and down about ten watts. I then went through the power calibration procedure and it failed at 5 watts with the error message Calibration failed because the transmit power did not reach the expected level. Time for a trip back to the factory? Suggestions? 73, Bill W6WRT dez...@outlook.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Roofing filters are misunderstood
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 5/11/2014 7:25 PM, Fred Jensen wrote: I too think roofing filters are really not well understood. REPLY: A large part of the misunderstanding is due to the name. Whoever chose the name roofing did a great disservice. A better name would simply be it's function: 1st I.F. filter. That's what it is and that's what it does. I have always thought that roofing was a marketing ploy to imbue it with some kind of magical powers. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Kit Wisdom
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 5/3/2014 3:07 AM, John, 9H5G wrote: The kit is in the mail so I thought it would be a good time to fire off my first email to the group and exit from lurk mode with a question. I've read the K3 kit manual a few times now but I'm certain that there is a lot of wisdom out there to be garnered from the collective experience of the group so I'm asking if you would take the time to share please? 73 de John, KK4OYJ REPLY: The main thing I would suggest is if you are going to add any options, do it now rather than later. In my case, I added the digital voice recorder after the unit was built and that was a big mistake. I had to practically disassemble the whole thing to add it. OK, I'm exaggerating, but not that much. The other thing to be careful of is the sequence of assembly if you are adding the 100 watt amplifier. The instructions jump from the main manual to the amplifier manual and back again and I somehow got lost and as a result, skipped a few steps. I eventually figured it out but it was confusing. Pay very close attention to the sequence of steps. If I were writing the manual, I would have two manuals - one for the 10 watt unit and one for the 100 watt. Having to jump back and forth between two different manuals is not good. One last thing. If you are installing the 100 watt amplifier, you have to go into the setup menu and activate it before it will work. Otherwise it went well. The manuals are superb except for what I noted above. Have fun! 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Kit Wisdom
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 5/3/2014 9:01 AM, Phil Hystad wrote: I agree with the comment below but I also recommend you buy quality screwdrivers -- the best you can find with hardened tips so that the blades on the philips head driver do not get screwed up which screws up and strips the screws while you are screwing in the screw [I never realized how funny and yet fun the word screw is]. 73, phil, K7PEH REPLY: One of the best and longest lasting screwdrivers you can get is the little tips made for power drivers. They fit into a standard 1/4 inch nutdriver and will outlast any regular screwdriver made for use by hand. Because they are made for power drivers they are incredibly tough. As a bonus, get a 1/4 inch nutdriver that is magnetic and the tips become magnetic too. However, DO NOT be tempted to assemble your K3 with a power screwdriver. Hand tighten only! Good luck and have fun! 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT Them
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 4/30/2014 5:47 PM, EricJ wrote: I saw Them when I was 12 at a matinee at Camp Stoneman where my dad was stationed during the Korean War. Scariest movie I had ever seen. I rented it from Netflix a couple years ago just for fun. When I first heard the sounds of the ants, the hair on the back of my neck stood on end. I almost shut the damn DVD off right there. That movie did some damage to 12 year olds in the 50s. Eric KE6US REPLY: same thing here. I thought I was the only one. :-) 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Them
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 4/30/2014 10:06 PM, Phil Hystad wrote: The first Sci Fy movie I remember seeing was The Forbidden Planet at the Studio Theater on First Street in San Jose, California -- it was probably 1956 and I was 9 years old. My oldest sister who was 15 years old at the time took me and my other sister who was 11. phil, K7PEH REPLY: The other sci-fi movie that scared the heck out of me was Five. I can still remember the skeleton staring out of the bus. I rented it recently from Netflix and it seems pretty tame now. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is there a reason the receive is so Skinny
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 4/27/2014 3:44 PM, XE3/K5ENS via Elecraft wrote: RTTY is an old outdated digital mode and severs only one thing these days. Contesting. REPLY: Did you forget DXing? Nearly all DXPeditions, if they operate digital at all, choose RTTY as their only digital mode. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Serious Errors in the Manual
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 4/25/2014 5:04 PM, Josh Fiden wrote: Used correctly, THAT symbol is specifically Earth ground. As opposed to the 'sideways E' (chassis ground) or triangle (signal) ground symbols. REPLY: Just wait till you go to work in the aircraft industry and try to ground something at 30,000 feet! :-) 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Serious Errors in the Manual
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 4/25/2014 1:53 PM, Mike Morrow wrote: There's no chance that you are being just a little pedantic, perhaps? REPLY: Pedantic is in the eye of the beholder. Jim is dead on. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Serious Errors in the Manual
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 4/25/2014 2:12 PM, Scott Manthe wrote: Since the vast majority of radio amateurs are not engineers is it possible that it is preferable to use the terms that amateurs are familiar with in the way that they are familiar with, rather than the correct engineering terms? 73, Scott, N9AA REPLY: No. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Serious Errors in the Manual
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 4/25/2014 3:06 PM, KENT TRIMBLE wrote: As it is, many erroneously believe the antenna itself is being tuned. REPLY: Please don't get hung up over tuning vs matching. The word tune in English is widely used to mean adjusting something to reach a desired condition. You use an antenna tuner to match impedances. You tune you car's engine to match factory specs. To many of us antenna means the whole system including feedline. In that sense, antenna tuner is correct. It's like tuning an amplifier. Again, you are tuning the output network to match impedances. Everyone knows what it means to tune an amplifier. Or would you rather say Please standby while I match the output impedance of the tube in my amplifier to my antenna system? 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft UPS deliveries
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 4/23/2014 7:47 PM, Fred Jensen wrote: Maybe this thread would better be moved to the United Parcel Service list? REPLY: I think the thread is fine right here. Anyone who deals with Elecraft deals with shipping. I'm finding the various experiences most interesting. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft UPS deliveries
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 4/23/2014 5:15 AM, MontyS wrote: I usually use Priority Mail if available - 2 day delivery usually. Monty K2DLJ REPLY: Same here. USPS Priority Mail is my favorite. The old saying is Cheaper, faster, better. Pick any two.. USPS Priority usually gives you all three. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Considering a K3
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 4/5/2014 8:58 AM, David Cole wrote: Hi, Can anyone point me at some resources to better understand why I want a K3, as opposed to keeping my Icom 756 Pro III? REPLY: Pro: My favorite thing about the K3 is actually the panadaptor, the P3. Beats the pants off my previous IC-756Pro3 or my IC-7600. Con: Very expensive for what you get. Other rigs with comparable features are much cheaper. Steep learning curve. The first week or two you'll have the radio in one hand, the manual in the other. It is overly complex, IMO, way too many menu options, half of which you won't understand and the other half you'll never use. OK, a slight exaggeration, but not that much. Download the manual and read it over carefully first. I don't have the blocking issue you have, so can't comment on that. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Linux and Operating
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 3/30/2014 3:24 AM, William Liporace - WC2L wrote: For those who care, there is NO support for FSK in Linux. We don't need to go down that road. REPLY: Once again. Linux shoots itself in the foot. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] WinXP - SP3 ... too late!
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 3/29/2014 8:31 AM, Phil Wheeler wrote: Suggestions of which to install will be appreciated. REPLY: I really like the look and feel of Linux Mint, although I have not used if for any ham programs yet. Ubuntu is OK but personally I think the colors are awful. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] WinXP - SP3 ... too late!
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 3/29/2014 4:50 PM, Bill W2BLC wrote: Once a single Linux system (distribution or distro) is chosen, serious programmers will develop software for Linux. REPLY: I agree and I wold take it step further. A simple computer should be developed that runs the one and only Linux distro and doesn't try to be compatible with everything that comes down the pipe. A lot of the innovation I see in the computer world is really just someone trying to carve out a niche, market it and get rich. Time to bring that nonsense to a screeching halt. Done right, a Linux box like I'm describing could revolutionize computing. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Software???
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 3/24/2014 11:00 AM, Thomas Rieff wrote: What is available in operating a K3 software??? Tom REPLY: I use the DXLab suite of programs for DXing and ragchewing and N1MM Logger for contesting. Both integrate perfectly with the K3 and both are completely free and have excellent support on Yahoo groups. No doubt there are others, but those are all I need. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] 12 volt battery
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 3/5/2014 11:30 AM, Clint wrote: Would it be wise, or helpful, to ground the negitive side of the battery to the shack/house ground system (if the charging system is isolated)? REPLY: I wold not do it. The only ground you need it the safety ground provided by the third wire on your AC plug. Adding a separate ground wire does two things, both of which are bad: 1. It provides an additional path for lightning strikes which hit nearby power lines, travel through your house AC wiring, through your rig and into ground. Don't try to ground lightning via your rig. Keep it away in the first place. 2. It provides a path for your transmitted RF to flow into the earth. Dirt is lossy at RF. Keep your RF up ion the air where it belongs. If you have RF on the chassis of your rig, you don't have a grounding problem, you have an antenna problem, most likely unbalance in the feed line, which can be cured by a choke balun in the feedline. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] 12 volt battery
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 3/5/2014 11:42 AM, Dale Putnam wrote: The rf needs a ground.. yes... REPLY: I disagree. RF does not need to flow through dirt. Dirt is a poor conductor for RF so why would you want to send it there? RF energy is expensive to generate. Keep it up in the air where it belongs. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 2/22/2014 2:05 PM, Doug VE3VS wrote: If you, or anyone else uses much higher power, that strongest signal will take over the passband on most receivers, spoiling other QSOs that are going on at the time. REPLY: This has been true forever, not just with PSK31, and this is why narrowband receivers were invented in the first place. PSK31 is a very narrowband mode so why not receive accordingly? Narrow your RX bandwidth down to 100 Hz or so and the problem goes away and everyone can run whatever power they like. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 recommended max power for digital modes?
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 2/22/2014 6:20 PM, Jack wrote: Minimum power to accomplish your communication goals, Bill. That still *is* part of the FCC regulations, is it not? Jack, W6NF/VE4SNA REPLY: Of course it is. Nothing I said contradicts that. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] PayPal fees
Note to everyone: If you tell PayPal it is for Friends and Family and you transfer direct from a bank account, i.e. not a credit card, there are no fees if the transfer is within the USA. The fees apply only to businesses and/or credit card transfers and/or international transfers. PayPal does not advertise this much for obvious reasons, but it is there in their policy statement and I use it all the time. It really is free. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] PayPal fees
It seems that one person was offended by my post on how to avoid PayPal fees, calling it off topic, cheating and other things. My post was in response to an earlier post advertising something for sale and telling people to add PayPal fees. I was simply pointing out that there is a way to avoid PayPal fees which is right in their policy and is not cheating in any way. In that context I think it was indeed on topic. Just trying to help. Not meaning to offend anybody. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] PayPal fees
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 2/18/2014 1:14 PM, Sebastian, W4AS wrote: I think the question was what does this have to do with Elecraft? REPLY: It was in response to someone trying to sell his Elecraft. I wanted to help him and the buyer avoid unnecessary fees and it applies to future private party ads too. More proof that no good deed goes unpunished. :-) 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [k3] OT - Antenna for apartment use
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 2/13/2014 4:49 PM, David Guernsey wrote: I have a K3/10 SN 4052 that I would like to use in an apartment/condo with no outdoor access. Have looked at MFJ-1621as possibility. Any comments or other recommendations are desired. 73 de Dave KJ6CBS REPLY: If you're in a wood frame apartment, my experience is that type of construction is nearly transparent to RF, at least in the HF region. Other construction types I don't know about. Any antenna that will fit will work. Dipoles are great. Keep the center portion as straight as you can and bend the ends any which way. You will probably need a tuner. I earned DXCC with an apartment antenna. Piece of cake. At ten watts you will probably not get to meet your neighbors. At 100 watts you will. :-) 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] How to be really confused by your K3
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 2/13/2014 5:14 PM, Phil Hystad wrote: How do you SSB guys do it so easily? REPLY: Once I accidentally swapped the mike and headphone plugs on my Heil headset. (The are both 3.5 mm.) It actually worked. The headphones acted like a mike and the mike did transmit a little sound. I don't recommend it. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna question
I see a number of people are trying to calculate whether any damage would be done by the situation originally posted. Frankly, I think this is a dangerous approach. There are too many variables in a particular situation to risk depending on calculations when expensive equipment is endangered. If you must go ahead with your situation, I strongly suggest, as others have done, that you measure the interaction rather than try to calculate it. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna question
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 2/12/2014 3:46 PM, Phil Wheeler wrote: Bill, You don't trust the traditional Smoke Test? :-) 73, Phil w7ox REPLY: Of course I trust it. I use it whenever I need smoke. :-) 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Why won't my K3 work split in FSK-D mode?
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 2/12/2014 4:07 PM, Bill Frantz wrote: MOst frequently for me is I haven't pressed A-B twice to set the second VFO to the same mode etc. as the primary one. REPLY: For my style of split operation I always press it twice. This would be a nice option in the Config menu: Press once to transfer frequency only or to transfer all A VFO settings. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna question
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 2/11/2014 3:36 PM, George Thornton wrote: I have a dual receive K3. If I have both receivers going, one on each channel, and I broadcast on one of these antennas, am I in any danger of overloading and frying the other receiver? REPLY: The field around an antenna is very strong compared to the input of a receiver which is expecting a fraction of a microwatt. Not something to be messed with. If you must do this I would recommend installing a relay to short out the non-transmitting antenna, and you should sequence it so it closes a few milliseconds before beginning TX and opens a few milliseconds after ceasing TX. Even better than simple shorting, use an SPDT relay so that when the relay activated, the antenna is disconnected and the receiver input is shorted to ground, separate from the antenna. This provides even more isolation between the two. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Root of problems
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 2/10/2014 9:14 AM, Larry Wassmann wrote: the majority of reported problems have something to do with the digital modes. I am always amazed that a ham will go out and buy the latest rig, tower, anteannas, and such and try to run it all on a peanut whistle computer. Believe me when I say after spending my life working with computers everyday, there are a bunch of hams who should not be left alone in a room with a computer. REPLY: Peanut whistle computer? I've been using digital modes, RTTY and others, since 1993 and I have yet to find a computer that will not run these digital programs satisfactorily. None of the digital modes presently being used by hams demand much of a computer as long as it can run Windows XP or later and has enough com ports. Having said that however, I agree with the very last part of your post. Some people have endless problems with computers and need help with even the simplest things. I have a non-ham friend who calls me about once a week with problems, most of which are repeats of previous calls. He is a smart guy but just has a mental block about computers. Sigh. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Root of problems
ORIGINAL MESSAGE: (may be snipped) On 2/10/2014 5:27 PM, Frank Precissi wrote: is what makes even a modest computer turn into a chuggy drive-thrashing monster. REPLY: More RAM will cure most of those problems. Even my ancient HP DC7700, which goes back to the stone age and has only 1 GB RAM, runs fine on all the digital programs. Cost $99 refurbished, including the OS. Right now I am running four separate programs with 14 windows open (active and minimized) including my email program, without a hiccup. Windows 7 Pro. It can be done. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] W4SMT K3 S-Meter
For what it's worth: The DXLab Commander program also reads the K3 S-meter in digital form. Works great. 73, Bill W6WRT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
