Re: [Elecraft] P3 getting closer
Indeed! And at the rate you're STRIKING it rich, you might end up with enough to buy a SPARE! I've heard that this is an excellent arrangement when operating SPLIT. Sorry... >:-) Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Mike" Cc: "'Reflector Elecraft'" Sent: Friday, January 01, 2010 5:57 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] P3 getting closer > I think it will bowl you over... > > 73, Mike NF4L > > Bruce McLaughlin wrote: > > It sounds like a P3 may be right up your alley . . . so to speak, > > > > Bruce - W8FU > > > > -Original Message- > > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net > > [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bob Tellefsen > > Sent: Friday, January 01, 2010 6:19 PM > > To: Reflector Elecraft > > Subject: [Elecraft] P3 getting closer > > > > On Christmas Eve morning I bowled in a tournament, and won $45. > > Then today I bowled in another tournament and won $55. So now > > I'm $100 closer to a P3. I may have it paid for by the time it's released > > :-) > > 73, Bob N6WG > > The Little Station with Attitude > > __ > > 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 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 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 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 Problem: ERR 12V and failure(?) of KPA3
Dick, I experienced this same problem exactly on my SN 888, complete with intermittency of the symptom. After some consultation with Elecraft tech support, they sent me a KPAIO3 board -- the board that the KPA3 connects through and that contains the 12VDC sensor circuitry. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get to installing it as yet. It's on the list for when I return from holiday vacation out of town. My bet is that this will cure the problem. I'll let the list (and Elecraft tech support) know when I swap it out and try it. Should be first week of January, possibly end of December. Bill W5WVO Dick Dievendorff wrote: > I believe the OM; query returns the result of the configuration menu > settings. The KPA3 menu setting should be "PA NOR". > > Dick, K6KR > > > -Original Message- > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net > [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Thomas Norff > Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 5:20 PM > To: 'jmalloy' > Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Problem: ERR 12V and failure(?) of KPA3 > > Joe, > > have you checked the 'internal information ' ? > > - > use: > > OM * (Option Module Query; GET Only) > RSP format: OM APXSDFf-; where any of the letters APXSDFf, if > present, indicate installed and detected > option modules (see list below). The positions of the letters are > fixed. If a module is not present, its letter is > replaced by a dash (-). For example, if only a PA and sub receiver > were installed, "OM;" would return "OM -P-S-- > --;". The five dashes at the end are reserved for future module > letters. Option List: The letters (and associated positions) in the > OM string refer to the following option modules: > A = ATU (KAT3), P = PA (KPA3), X = XVTR and RX I/O (KXV3), S = Sub > Receiver (KRX3), D = DVR > (KDVR3), F = Band-Pass Filter module, main (KBPF3), and f = Band-Pass > Filter module, sub (KBPF3). > -- > > During initialisation all installed modules are detected ... > independent what you have configured > If your module is dead i would expect this to be reflected in the OM > output. > > vy 73 > Thomas, DM7TN > K3/100 #78 > > -Original Message- > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net > [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of jmalloy > Sent: Thursday, December 24, 2009 1:38 AM > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Problem: ERR 12V and failure(?) of KPA3 > > In the past few days, I've noticed the KPA3 in my K3 serial number > #584 acting "flaky". Well, today it apparently failed -- or maybe > I'm missing something (?). No matter what I do, the rig is limited > to 12 W (or so it says); I've switched the KPA3 on and off numerous > times in software, I've removed and reinserted the KPA3, I've checked > the circuit breaker with a VOM out of circuit, I've tried another > power supply, and so on. No joy. Before I contact Elecraft I'd like > to hear the collective wisdom of the group -- what else can I try to > get things working. > > Tnx and MC! > > 73, > > Joe, W2RBA > > > __ > 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 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 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 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 with Heil PR781 Speech Processor or Pre-Amp?
Sorry, my bad. I meant the H or L gain range settings in the MIC SEL entry of the main menu. In MIC SEL, tap "1" to toggle between Low and High mic gain range for the selected mic. Use the High setting for most Heil mics. That's what I get for answering a question off the top of my head. Sorry. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Radio Amateur N5GE" To: Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 7:13 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 with Heil PR781 Speech Processor or Pre-Amp? > On Mon, 7 Dec 2009 17:36:52 -0700, "Bill W5WVO" > wrote: > > Bill please explain to me how the AF Gain changes the Mic input level > to the TX. Did you mean to say Mic Gain? > > Tom, N5GE > > n...@n5ge.com > K3 #806 with SUB RX, K3 #1055, PR6, > XV144, XV432, KRC2, > W1, 2 W2's and other small kits > > 1 K144XV on order > > http://www.n5ge.com > http://www.swotrc.net > > >You probably have the AF GAIN parameter in CONFIG set to LOW > >(which I believe is the default). Set it to HIGH, and you should > >have plenty of audio from Heil mics, which tend to be a little on > >the low-output side. > > > >Bill W5WVO > > > > > [snip] > > __ > 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 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 with Heil PR781 Speech Processor or Pre-Amp?
You probably have the AF GAIN parameter in CONFIG set to LOW (which I believe is the default). Set it to HIGH, and you should have plenty of audio from Heil mics, which tend to be a little on the low-output side. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: To: Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 3:42 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 with Heil PR781 Speech Processor or Pre-Amp? To the List: I just brought my new kit K3 on line using the Heil PR781. The microphone has great tone; however, it seems that I need a little more signal going into the K3. I'd like to know what more experienced (which is everyone in comparison to me) Elecraft users have to say on the subject of speech processors and pre-amps used with the K3. Thanks, Brian KD0HII __ 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 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] K3 Distorted Sound while using AM
Even if you do have a wide roofing filter, this method is oftentimes superior when listening to weak-signal HF broadcast signals at 5 kHz (or less) channel spacing. Typically, one sideband will present significantly less interference than the other, providing intelligible copy that is unattainable listening to full-bandwidth double-sideband AM in the usual fashion. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Guy Olinger K2AV" To: "Richard Jones - KJ5QY" Cc: Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 10:42 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] K3 Distorted Sound while using AM > ...If you do not have a 6.0 or 13 kHz filter, the only > good sounding demodulation of an AM signal is SSB > on one or the other sideband. This is surprisingly > good sounding, and I use it for listening to BC that > is down in the noise ... I actually use as narrow as > 1.8 kHz SSB with the shift and width adjusted for > best voice versus noise... __ 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] AF/RF Knob situation - joined the club Me Too!
Don Ehrlich wrote: > ...Not so, and obviously not a problem of a single batch of knobs... I think there has been some misunderstanding here. My reading of Eric's explanation is that the KNOB MANUFACTURER screwed up in a single batch (or perhaps a few consecutive batches) of knobs. Typically, with parts made in batches, all the batches go into the same bin after initial inspection to make sure they meet specs, and are subsequently shipped out from the mixed bin, irrespective of the original manufacturing batch they came from. This would mean that, out of a given lot shipped to the customer (Elecraft), a few of the knobs in each shipped lot will likely be from the bad manufacturing batch until ALL knobs from the bad manufacturing batch(es) have been used up (or the problem is discovered and all existing knobs are purged). This could potentially take a LONG time, and explains why some end users have in the past received two different shipments from Elecraft of knobs that turned out to be bad. According to Eric, the problem was discovered months ago and there are no more bad knobs in Elecraft stock, only newly-manufactured knobs with the fiberglass fill. Bill W5WVO __ 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] [HAM] Windows 7 and LoTW
Dan, are you running 64-bit Win7? Some legacy 32-bit applications have problems running under Win7-64. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "AB3EN" To: Sent: Sunday, December 06, 2009 7:05 AM Subject: [Elecraft] [HAM] Windows 7 and LoTW > > Has anyone been able to install a TQSL certificate under Windows 7? I have > been trying to get the certificate request to function and ARRL folks have > not been helpful. I get the should work...duh response. Looks like a > security flaw in the TQSL program that taking ownership, or run as, or XP > SP3 compat does not fix. Suggestions please. > > Dan AB3EN > > - > > Dan AB3EN > -- > View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Windows-7-and-LoTW-tp4121394p4121394.html > Sent from the [HAM] mailing list archive at Nabble.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 __ 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] Special offer
The old USPS "book rate" is now called "Media Rate". The maximum weight is 70 lbs. Bill W5WVO O. Johns wrote: > Probably the 15 pound limit on book rate? > > Oliver > W6ODJ > > > On 25 Nov 2009, at 1:23 PM, Mark n2qt wrote: > >> when I selected 3 or more handbooks with the USPO Book rate shipping >> the shipping cost went to $999.00! >> >> Mark n2qt >> - Original Message - >> From: "Paul Kirley" >> To: >> Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 4:00 PM >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Special offer >> >> >>> Because I had been considering a new Owner's Manual for some time, >>> I chose to bundle that with a Handbook. The combined shipping >>> wasn't a lot more than the Manual alone, which is obviously >>> available only from Elecraft. >>> >>> 73, Paul W8TM >>> >>> __ >>> 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 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 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 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] Powerful, she tells it like it is
I swear, if this kind of garbage is what ham radio has come down to, I think it's time for me to find a new hobby. Bill W5WVO Phil and Christina wrote: > I trust that I am not the only one who does not want this type of > material on the Elecraft reflector. Back to our normally scheduled > programming, thank you. > > 73, > > Phil, NS7P > > > -Original Message- > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net > [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net]on Behalf Of Bill Harris > Sent: Monday, November 02, 2009 7:43 PM > To: undisclosed-recipients: > Subject: [Elecraft] Powerful, she tells it like it is > > > > > > > > > >>> This is good. > >>> Subject: "WE NOTICED" >>> >>> This was written by Sherry Hackett, Buddy Hackett's >>> widow >>> >>> President Obama: >>> >>> Today I read of your administrations' plan to re-define >>> September 11 >>> as a National Service Day. Sir, it's time we had a >>> talk. >>> >>> During your campaign, Americans watched as you made mockery >>> of our >>> tradition of standing and crossing your heart when the >>> Pledge of >>> Allegiance was spoken. You, out of four people on the >>> stage, were the >>> only one not honoring our tradition. >>> >>> YES, "We noticed." >>> >>> During one of your many speeches, Americans heard you say >>> that you >>> intended to visit all 57 states. We all know that Islam, >>> not America, has >>> 57 states. >>> >>> YES, "We noticed." >>> >>> When President Bush leaned over at Ground Zero and gently >>> placed a >>> flower on the memorial, while you nonchalantly tossed your >>> flower onto >>> the pile without leaning over. >>> >>> YES, "We noticed." >>> >>> Every time you apologized to other countries for America >>> 's position on >>> an issue we have wondered why you don't share our pride >>> in this great >>> country. When you have heard foreign leaders berate our >>> country and >>> our beliefs, you have not defended us. In fact, you >>> insulted the >>> British Crown beyond belief. >>> >>> YES, "We noticed." >>> >>> When your pastor of 20 years, "God-damned America >>> " and said that >>> 9/11 was America's chickens coming home to roost" >>> and you denied >>> having heard recriminations of that nature, we wondered how >>> that could >>> be. You later disassociated yourself from that church and >>> Pastor >>> Wright because it was politically expedient to do so. >>> >>> YES, "We noticed." >>> >>> When you announced that you would transform America , we >>> wondered why. >>> With all her faults, America is the greatest country on >>> earth. Sir, >>> KEEP THIS IN MIND, "if not for America and the people >>> who built her, >>> you wouldn't be sitting in the White House now." >>> Prior to your >>> election to the highest office in this country, you were a >>> senator from >>> Illinois and from what we can glean from the records >>> available, not a very >>> remarkable one. >>> >>> YES, "We noticed." >>> >>> All through your campaign and even now, you have surrounded >>> yourself >>> with individuals who are basically unqualified for the >>> positions for >>> which you appointed them. Worse than that, the majority of >>> them are >>> people who, like you, bear no special allegiance, respect, >>> or affection >>> for this country and her traditions. >>> >>> YES, "We noticed." >>> >>> You are 9 months into your term and every morning millions >>> of Americans >>> wake up to a new horror heaped on us by you. You seek to >>> saddle >>> working Americans with a health care/insurance reform >>> package that, >>> along with cap and trade, will bankrupt this nation. >>> >>> YES, "We noticed." >>> >>> We seek, by protesting, to let our representatives know >>> that we are not >>> in favor of these crippling expenditures and we are >>> labeled >>> "un-American","
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Serial Port Connections
Check out LP-BRIDGE at www.telepostinc.com. Bill W5WVO John Lally wrote: > How do you connect a K3 to antenna rotator, a computer, a transceiver > controlled amplifier and a stepper transceiver controlled antenna via > the one serial port on the K3? > > > > Thanks. > > > > John > > W7JJL > > __ > 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 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] Serial port RTS problem [was: Different mode]
Thanks for that info, Matt. Did not know that. No controls in the BIOS anyway. I'll just have to live with it I guess. Fortunately, I can use VOX for TX control and don't really need to use the RS-232 control signals. Bill W5WVO Matt Zilmer wrote: > Bill, even if you make BIOS changes to a port it won't affect the > port's operation under Windoze, since it's all controlled by a kernel > mode driver. > > matt W6NIA > > On Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:18:17 -0600, you wrote: > >> Julian, G4ILO wrote: >> >>> Have you tried looking in Device Manager at the properties for the >>> serial port? On mine, on the tab where you can set the baud rate >>> etc. there is a button marked Advanced Settings... >> >> Yes. The advanced settings have nothing to do with the RS-232 >> control signals, unfortunately. And there is no replacement serial >> driver. Googling various combinations of key words turns up nothing >> related to this bug. Apparently this Dell RS-232 design error is so >> arcane relative to what virtually all laptop users use their >> computers for, that nobody has ever complained about it. :-) >> >> My last step is to go into the BIOS and see if there are any >> controls in there that live below the level of the OS. >> >> Oh well. >> >> Bill W5WVO >> >> __ >> 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 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] Serial port RTS problem [was: Different mode]
Julian, G4ILO wrote: > Have you tried looking in Device Manager at the properties for the > serial port? On mine, on the tab where you can set the baud rate etc. > there is a button marked Advanced Settings... Yes. The advanced settings have nothing to do with the RS-232 control signals, unfortunately. And there is no replacement serial driver. Googling various combinations of key words turns up nothing related to this bug. Apparently this Dell RS-232 design error is so arcane relative to what virtually all laptop users use their computers for, that nobody has ever complained about it. :-) My last step is to go into the BIOS and see if there are any controls in there that live below the level of the OS. Oh well. Bill W5WVO __ 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] Serial port RTS problem [was: Different mode]
Hi Don, i had just come to the same suspicion when I read your email. And we are right. My homebrew desktop system (Tyan Tiger dual AMD board) works fine. This is a Dell problem. I will look around to see if there is an updated serial port driver that fixes this. I will be pleasantly surprised if there is. In all likelihood, I will simply have to eschew using these control lines on this machine. Bill W5WVO Don Wilhelm wrote: > Bill, > > Just out of curiosity, I tried it here too. Your momentary action may > be 'normal' > I tried it in CW mode and set the K3 menu to key on DTR. > When I issued the command mode com1 dtr=on, the K3 keyed for a very > brief time and then went back to receive - it did not stay key-down > as I expected. > > It may be that your Dell has the on and off states of the control > lines backwards for the default (inactive) state. I would suggest > trying another computer to verify. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > Bill W5WVO wrote: >> Hi Julian, >> >> Fascinating! (as Mr Spock would say). >> >> I first enabled PTT=RTS on the K3. The rig keyed up as usual. >> >> I then asserted the command line you suggested in a command window, >> and the RTS line dropped but then immediately reasserted itself -- I >> would say the dropped time was maybe 200 ms. >> >> As an aside, any application that actually had control of the serial >> port would block the user's attempt to control it through the >> command line. I verified this by running my logging program (which >> talks with the K3) and then trying the command. Windows responded >> that the serial port was not available. I closed the logging program >> and tried again, and it worked as described above. I'm beginning to think >> this is some kind of weird-ass Dell snafu... >> Great! :-( Thanks, >> >> Bill W5WVO >> >> >> Julian, G4ILO wrote: >> >>> Bill W5WVO wrote: >>> >>>> Julian et al., >>>> >>>> I have always used VOX for WSJT keying, so I tried setting it up >>>> for RTS control >>>> as you suggest above. But when I try to configure the K3 for ether >>>> PTT=RTS or >>>> PTT=DTR with NO RS232-controlling application (like WSJT) running, >>>> the rig keys >>>> up (and switches into TEST mode automatically as per the manual). >>>> If I then >>>> disconnect the serial cable at the laptop serial connector, the >>>> keyed condition >>>> disappears. >>>> >>>> My conclusion is that the laptop's serial port is asserting RTS and >>>> DTR full-time for some reason. It's a 2-year-old Dell Latitude >>>> D820, Core2 processor, 2 GHz, 2 GB RAM, running XP Home. It has >>>> one true RS232 port (COM1), >>>> the one I'm using. Flow control is set to NONE, so it should not be >>>> asserting >>>> these lines by default. Has anyone ever encountered this? >>>> >>>> >>>> >>> For many years I have used RTS for PTT and CW keying with various >>> software and radios and I have never come across this. Normally if >>> the rig is switched on when the computer starts up the RTS (PTT) is >>> briefly toggled three times during the startup procedures but it is >>> always left on the off position. It seems an unlikely thing for Dell >>> to deliberately do, so I wonder if you have some program or driver >>> that tries to scan the serial ports at start-up and leaves RTS / DTR >>> in the wrong state afterwards. >>> >>> There is one program I find that leaves RTS on when it closes and >>> very annoyingly it is Fldigi for Windows which I use rather a lot. >>> But apart from WSJT there is WSPR and the AGWPE packet engine that >>> all use simple PTT control so I really need to leave that K3 option >>> enabled. >>> >>> While typing this I had a stroke of inspiration. If you type the >>> command: >>> >>> mode com1 rts=off dtr=off >>> >>> in a command window that should turn RTS and DTR off. So if you >>> could put that command into whatever the Windows XP equivalent of >>> autoexec.bat is (assuming there is one) that should solve the >>> problem. - >>> Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222. >>> * G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com >>> * KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html >>> * KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html __ 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] Serial port RTS problem [was: Different mode]
Hi Julian, Fascinating! (as Mr Spock would say). I first enabled PTT=RTS on the K3. The rig keyed up as usual. I then asserted the command line you suggested in a command window, and the RTS line dropped but then immediately reasserted itself -- I would say the dropped time was maybe 200 ms. As an aside, any application that actually had control of the serial port would block the user's attempt to control it through the command line. I verified this by running my logging program (which talks with the K3) and then trying the command. Windows responded that the serial port was not available. I closed the logging program and tried again, and it worked as described above. I'm beginning to think this is some kind of weird-ass Dell snafu... Great! :-( Thanks, Bill W5WVO Julian, G4ILO wrote: > Bill W5WVO wrote: >> >> Julian et al., >> >> I have always used VOX for WSJT keying, so I tried setting it up for >> RTS control >> as you suggest above. But when I try to configure the K3 for ether >> PTT=RTS or >> PTT=DTR with NO RS232-controlling application (like WSJT) running, >> the rig keys >> up (and switches into TEST mode automatically as per the manual). If >> I then >> disconnect the serial cable at the laptop serial connector, the keyed >> condition >> disappears. >> >> My conclusion is that the laptop's serial port is asserting RTS and >> DTR full-time for some reason. It's a 2-year-old Dell Latitude D820, >> Core2 processor, 2 GHz, 2 GB RAM, running XP Home. It has one true >> RS232 port (COM1), >> the one I'm using. Flow control is set to NONE, so it should not be >> asserting >> these lines by default. Has anyone ever encountered this? >> >> > > For many years I have used RTS for PTT and CW keying with various > software and radios and I have never come across this. Normally if > the rig is switched on when the computer starts up the RTS (PTT) is > briefly toggled three times during the startup procedures but it is > always left on the off position. It seems an unlikely thing for Dell > to deliberately do, so I wonder if you have some program or driver > that tries to scan the serial ports at start-up and leaves RTS / DTR > in the wrong state afterwards. > > There is one program I find that leaves RTS on when it closes and very > annoyingly it is Fldigi for Windows which I use rather a lot. But > apart from WSJT there is WSPR and the AGWPE packet engine that all > use simple PTT control so I really need to leave that K3 option > enabled. > > While typing this I had a stroke of inspiration. If you type the > command: > > mode com1 rts=off dtr=off > > in a command window that should turn RTS and DTR off. So if you could > put that command into whatever the Windows XP equivalent of > autoexec.bat is (assuming there is one) that should solve the problem. > > - > Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222. > * G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com > * KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html > * KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html __ 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] Serial port RTS problem [was: Different mode]
Julian, G4ILO wrote: > I have never used VOX. Why would you need to? If you have a fully > wired serial cable between the K3 and PC then just set WSJT to use > that COM port and in the K3 menu configure PTT to use RTS. Julian et al., I have always used VOX for WSJT keying, so I tried setting it up for RTS control as you suggest above. But when I try to configure the K3 for ether PTT=RTS or PTT=DTR with NO RS232-controlling application (like WSJT) running, the rig keys up (and switches into TEST mode automatically as per the manual). If I then disconnect the serial cable at the laptop serial connector, the keyed condition disappears. My conclusion is that the laptop's serial port is asserting RTS and DTR full-time for some reason. It's a 2-year-old Dell Latitude D820, Core2 processor, 2 GHz, 2 GB RAM, running XP Home. It has one true RS232 port (COM1), the one I'm using. Flow control is set to NONE, so it should not be asserting these lines by default. Has anyone ever encountered this? Bill W5WVO __ 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] Any solution to the audio blast issue yet ?
You guys must have missed this: "This is being addressed in the current pre-beta test version. "73, Eric WA6HHQ" Hang in there. Until this is fixed for sure, I'm not using headphones at all. Not worth the risk. Bill W5WVO Frank R. Oppedijk wrote: > Hi Gary, > > I think Enno was making his remarks here on the Elecraft reflector > because of an earlier remark that *I* made on a Dutch K3 email list, > and that he was referring to the audio blast that *I* encountered. > > I was in a CW QSO on 20 meters at the moment the audio blast > occurred. I probably had bandwidth set to 400 Hz, using my 400 Hz > filter, and may very well have had the NR on, probably at setting > F1-1. NB most probably was off. I don't recall having adjusted any > controls just before. At the moment the audio blast happened, I was > in QSO with DP1POL and was sending my report at that very moment. > > Although the blast startled me, I did have the wits to continue > sending my report, before pulling off my headphones and switching the > rig off and on in order to stop the sound. AF GAIN was set to low. > This may explain my relatively cool reaction, as I have heard from > others here on the reflector that had only one thing left in their > minds when the blast occurred: get them phones off my ears! > > Hope this helps a bit. > > 73, > > Frank PA4N > > > At 21:17 25/09/2009, Gary Hinson wrote: >>> I wonder what the status of the audio 'artifact' or blast is. >> >> Hi Enno >> >> FWIW I have been installing and using the latest Betas as they are >> released. I use headphones at the rig many hours a day and have yet >> to experience the blast. Whatever it is, I'm not triggering it [so >> far] on K3 #2887. It's not an "issue" hr. >> >> Are you saying *you* have heard the blast? If so, what were you >> doing at the time? What mode, what activity, what controls were you >> adjusting or had you recently adjusted? I suspect more clues about >> what triggers the blast will help trace it. >> >> 73, >> Gary ZL2iFB >> >> __ >> 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 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 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] RFI
Tom, So-called EMI/RFI filters are typically differential-mode devices (i.e., there is an L/C filter in each side of the AC line). Noise generated by switching power supplies is, at least in my experience, usually common-mode. Differential mode RFI filters won't do a thing for it. Get a big ferrite toroidal core (type 43 is a good mix) and wrap it fully with the AC line cord close to the machine. You will probably find that the noise is eliminated or reduced. If it is reduced but not eliminated, put another core in series with the first one, extending the line cord if necessary. If your neighbor is willing to continue to help you solve the problem, I'd try this before going to a noise phaser, which are a pain to adjust every time you switch frequencies. Bill W5WVO Don Rasmussen wrote: > The MFJ-1026 will cure it. You only need a simple external antenna > near the noise source. Phase that kind of noise out. > > > Cheers, > Don > > > > Hi Don > > I know what you were going thru as my next door neighbor has a > Kenmore front-loader (made by Whirlpool, I think) and I hear the RFI > on my radio and I am 200 feet away from his house and the antenna is > 400 feet in the backyard from his house. Seems every 15/18KHz or so, > I hear the hash noise...since I use 30m, it falls on 10.103 and > 10.118 but is fairly broad so covers up weak signals. > > I gave him an EMI/RFI suppressor block but that didn't even work...so > I guess, the mods have to be made internally but I don't even want to > go there. > > Looks like the FCC is turning their backs on this one. I have a > Maytag top loader with a rotary "analog" switch and sure hope it > doesn't "poop out" anytime soon. Hate to dig into my stash of ham > radio . > > 73 > Tom /K1TL k...@cox.net ... > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ 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] [K2] XV50 vs FT817?
Peter, There are no VHF CW contests, per se. There is usually some 50 MHz CW activity in the June ARRL VHF QSO party and the July CQ WW VHF contest, but this is probably about 10% or less of the activity level on SSB. DX chasing, on the other hand, is typically more fruitful on CW. But chasing 6 meter DX with QRP is an exercise in frustration. DX signal levels are simply too weak for QRP. For 6m SSB, you will want at least 100W output into a decent directional antenna to be competitive in the Low Power category of ARRL VHF (up to 200W). There are no power categories in the CQ WW, so you're competing directly against the KWs in this one. Bottom line -- Outside of extremely strong 50 MHz sporadic-E openings, "VHF" and "QRP" don't really go together that well, though some guys do seem to enjoy the challenge. For me, life is too short for 6m QRP. :-) I enjoy making QSOs too much, I guess. Good luck, Bill W5WVO Peter Wollan wrote: > An XV50 + KIO2, adding on to a QRP K2, is getting within shouting > distance of the cost of an FT817. Could someone comment on the > relative merits, for use as a first multimode VHF rig? My guess is > that the XV50 is better, but does less. In addition to just exploring > on CW and SSB, I'd want to participate in some VHF CW contests. > >Peter N8MHD > __ > 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 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] Mic and Headset
The HC-4 element isn't supposed to sound like you; it's supposed to cut through QRM. Personally, I can't stand the harsh sound of it, but it does do what it's supposed to do. If you want a mic element that sounds like you, you should be using the HC-5. It is voice-tailored also, but much less extreme than the HC-4. I use a Pro Set with HC-5 and get excellent audio reports. Don't forget to set the config AF GAIN parameter to HI. This is important for the Pro Set. Bill W5WVO Peter Chamalian wrote: > I'm curious as to what others are using for a mic and headset with > the K3. I currently have a Heil Pro Set Quite Phone with the DX > (HC-4) element. I find a) the audio level in the headset to be > rather low and b) just got some mic audio comments from a local > saying the audio didn't sound like me at all. > > > > So, what are others using or how do you have your rig set up? > > > > Thanks, > > > > Pete, W1RM > > > > __ > 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 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] NR settings at AD4C K3 now available at my website
Ditto that. The CW performance sounds awesome. SSB... Better with it turned off. Bill W5WVO Steve Ellington wrote: > Nice job. The file is AD4C K3-33, not 63...I listened to all your > files. In every case, SSB was harder to understand (muffled) with the > NR on and in spite of the noise, much easier to understand with NR > off. CW sounded great with NR on. My opinion. > Steve > N4LQ > n...@carolina.rr.com > - Original Message - > From: "Hector Padron" > To: > Sent: Saturday, August 29, 2009 10:52 AM > Subject: [Elecraft] NR settings at AD4C K3 now available at my website > > > If you guys are interested to see how > I have set my K3 serial 2192 for best performance of the newest FW > 3.27 this is what you will have to do: > 1-type www.ad4c.com > 2-Once you have it opened click on the right green botton named > "Downloads" 3-Once you are in the new page,click again on "Downloads- > 99 files" 4-Now that you opened the long files directory click on the > one that say "Elecraft K3" 49 files" > 5-Find the file that says "AD4C K3- 63 files" > 6-And finally click on the zip that says "20M stn with and without > the NR" In > that compressed file you will find an audio graph of the freq response > of my K3 receiver with all the settings I do use,also you will find a > word with the explanation of all the settings and finally there are > six > MP3 files showing the band noise,SSB stations and CW stations with and > without the NR engaged. > Hope this help you out to know your K3 better and enjoy as much as I > am,73 to all and enjoy your weekend,73 > > AD4C > > "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its > limits". -- Albert Einstein > > > > __ > 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 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 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 NR triggering
FWIW, I strongly agree with N6MQL's suggestion. Bill W5WVO The Smiths (N6MQL) wrote: > Instead of trying to find a single NR DSP that would satisfy both > groups, which seems near impossible to do. Wouldn't it be best to > implement some way to have the OLD NR on CW mode, and then perhaps > something like 3.25 or 3.27 on SSB mode? This way the CW guys, like > myself, can enjoy the serious filter ability of the old NR, and the > SSB guys can enjoy the "pipeless" artifacts when using NR in SSB > mode. __ 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 and SignaLink USB Interface - more
The K3's TX DELAY parameter, set to 20 ms, is adequate to prevent most old T-R relays from hot-switching. I'm using mine with a 6M-converted SB-220 that is still using the original frame relay. I've been assured by Elecraft that this parameter provides KEY OUT delay during VOX usage as well as during PTT usage. Bill W5WVO Mike Harris wrote: > G'day, > > I've used VOX to key my K3 when using WSJT67 on 6M eme and RTTY > without ill effects. However, my Acom 1000 switches very fast, > older amps might just hot switch. I now use PTT from the PC having > made a cable that has the appropriate control lines rather than the > original K2 cable which didn't. > > Regards, > > Mike VP8NO > > >> Actually, it could be easier and cheaper: use VOX instead of PTT. >> When the >> sound card generates a sound, the K3 transmits it. Of course, this >> implies that >> you have to be careful to suppress all other generators of sound >> card noises -- >> from the OS and other apps. So that is a potential downside to >> using VOX, but >> I've found it to be fairly easy to ensure this doesn't happen. >> >> Bill W5WVO >> >> >> Dave G4AON wrote: >>> Forgot to mention, the PTT is courtesy of the serial cable >>> normally used to program/control the radio. >>> >>> Couldn't be easier or cheaper. >>> >>> 73 Dave, G4AON > > __ > 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 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 and SignaLink USB Interface - more
Actually, it could be easier and cheaper: use VOX instead of PTT. When the sound card generates a sound, the K3 transmits it. Of course, this implies that you have to be careful to suppress all other generators of sound card noises -- from the OS and other apps. So that is a potential downside to using VOX, but I've found it to be fairly easy to ensure this doesn't happen. Bill W5WVO Dave G4AON wrote: > Forgot to mention, the PTT is courtesy of the serial cable > normally used to program/control the radio. > > Couldn't be easier or cheaper. > > 73 Dave, G4AON > __ > 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 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] ADT-200A Fully DSP transceiver
Plus, it doesn't have 6 meters! Makes it pretty useless to me. They talk about 2m and up transverters coming along in future, but nothing at all about 6m. Bill W5WVO Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: > It looks like a nice mid-performance rx, minimalist user interface, > design. Though at 4,600 swiss francs (about $4,351 U.S. plus shipping) > it is pricey for their level of rx performance. > > At 50W it will not have enough drive to drive most legacy tube based > amps to full power, especially the widely used 3-500z based legacy > amps from Heath and Ameritron. > > A few comparative Rx numbers from their web page versus the K3: > >K3 ADT-200A > IMDDR3102 dB 96 dB > Blocking DR 140 dB112 dB (desenses 28 dB earlier than K3 RX) > 2nd Order IP +79 dBm +60 dBm (IMD from out of band sigs 19 dB > worse than K3) > > It is an interesting design with some unique ideas. It will be fun to > see where they take it over time. > > Of course, we'll keep improving the K3 too! ;-) > > 73, Eric WA6HHQ > > > Paul Christensen wrote: >>> There are many aspects of the ADT-200A that fall short of the K3 >>> (only 50W, some >>> software upgrades >>> being charged for, lack of front panel controls, non standard >>> control protocol, etc). >>> > __ > 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 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] VOX
With the Heil HC4 and HC5 elements (you apparently have an HC5, as do I), you must set the AF GAIN to HI. This should help. Bill W5WVO William Carver wrote: > I put my K3 on SSB today. I have a Heil headset (with ragchew element) > plugged into the KIO3 stereo phone output and mono mic input. I have > selected rear panel mic input, low gain. I am getting five divisions > on the CMP display with mic gain at 17 and getting reports of "good > audio" and close to 100W indicated on external peak reading wattmeter. > > With the VOX gain at 100, I can get VOX to transmit briefly on the > leading edge of "two" but it doesn't hold in. With VOX gain lower than > 90 I cannot get VOX to operate with speech at all. > > Ideas? > > W7AAZ > > > __ > 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 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 Crackling audio with Noise Gate running
Hi Lance, I had exactly the same reports from local stations when I tried to use the feature. (I'm using a Heil dynamic ProSet plugged into the back.) After playing with various adjustments and finding none that would elimminate the distortion, I elected to turn TX Gate off and not use it. Make sure, when you get reports of fan noise, that the reporter is listening to you at an appropriate level of RF gain (i.e., minimal AGC action). With a very strong signal, depending on the AGC with RF gain maxed will definitely cause the received audio level to soar between sentences, and any background noise becomes very noticeable, even though it is maybe 60 dB down from your voice peaks. Not much you can (or should have to) do about that. The TX Gate was a nice idea, but it is flawed IMO. Bill W5WVO Lance Collister, W7GJ wrote: > Hello Matt, > > TNX for your email! > > Matt Zilmer wrote: >> Try adjusting the noise gate level up until the crackle disappears. >> If you have it set too low, it doesn't seem to close quickly enough >> with high background noise levels. > > I will continue to experiment with it, but it seems that I still have > the crackling with it turned up to 25. VY 73, Lance >> >> I had the same problem with a cooling fan behind me at an angle. >> Works fine now. The level here is 18. Of course, YMMV. >> >> You can set the gate with CONFIG:TX GATE using instructions in the >> owner's manual, on p59. >> >> 73, >> matt W6NIA >> K3 #24 >> >> On Sat, 01 Aug 2009 01:03:38 +, you wrote: >> >>> Howdy! >>> >>> I am using the Heil headset with the K3, and have the mic connected >>> into the rear panel (the front panel connection was having RF >>>distortion) with the HIGH bias level. The Mic gain is less than >>> 5 and the compression is 10. The ALC is never out of >>> the indicated range. >>> >>> With the TX GATE turned ON, I get reports of the audio sounding >>> slightly distorted and there being "crackling noises". I can hear >>> these crackling sounds in between syllables when I turn up the >>> monitor loud in the headphones. All the crackling noises disappear >>> when I turn off the TX GATE. Do I have something adjusted wrong, >>> or is it just natural to have the crackling noises and distortion >>> when the TX GATE is on? I would prefer to run without any >>> distortion, but my loud blower is right behind me and it is strong >>> into the mic like a jet plane in between syllables without the TX >>> GATE. Do I need to choose between the two evils? >>> >>> I would appreciate any guidance. Thanks! VY 73, Lance >> __ >> 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 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] First 6m WACC, K3s on both ends
On Thursday, July 9, I worked Barry, K6RM, portable in Kings County CA, to complete the first 6-meter Worked All California Counties (WACC). The final QSO was by meteor scatter using WSJT/FSK441, and a K3 was on each end of the contact. Many thanks to the Northern California Contest Club for sponsoring this award and to Barry K6RM for going above and beyond to make it happen. (He lives in Mountain View, 180 miles distant!) Bill W5WVO Rio Rancho, NM __ 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] Auto-notch not remembered when switching back to SSB
I have VFO A set up for SSB and VFO B set up for DATA A. Since auto-notch is inappropriate for digital modes, it is automatically disabled when I switch to VFO B. However, when I switch back to VFO A (SSB), auto-notch is forgotten and I have to manually re-enable it. I would like it to remember the auto-notch state. A corollary example: If I set a manual notch in SSB mode and switch to DATA A mode, the manual notch (which is deemed OK for use in DATA A mode) is automatically retained in DATA A, which hardly seems appropriate. (Sound card data modes generally should be run with a flat passband.) More generally, then: Any transmission mode (a) should remember its settings when switching out of and back to the mode, and (b) should not port its settings to other transmission modes. I'm wondering if this general principle is already being implemented along with saving equalization settings per-mode. If not, can it be? Bill W5WVO __ 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] Workaround for providing automatic SSB < > CW VFO offset
Excellent! :-) Bill wayne burdick wrote: > Ah...QSL. Rather than fix this problem, I think I'll just endeavor to > add the desired pitch offset when switching modes, like you originally > wanted :) > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > On Jun 12, 2009, at 6:16 PM, Bill W5WVO wrote: > >> Wayne, >> >> This is why I emphasized the KNOB, not the VFO. When you swap VFOs A >> and B by pressing the A/B button, the locked status follows what was >> originally VFO B and now becomes VFO A. What we want here is for the >> VFO B KNOB (i.e., the middle one) to stay locked, regardless of which >> VFO frequency it is controlling, because moving it changes the 700 Hz >> offset when VFO B is not locked. If the locked status didn't follow >> the frequency from VFO B to VFO A, it would work to prevent >> accidentally corrupting the offset. However, that is clearly not the >> way LOCK was designed to work. >> >> Bill W5WVO >> >> >> wayne burdick wrote: >>> Bill, you can lock VFO B by going into BSET mode, then holding LOCK. >>> If the VFOs are linked, this preserves VFO B tracking. >>> >>> 73, >>> Wayne >>> N6KR >>> >>> On Jun 12, 2009, at 3:57 PM, Bill W5WVO wrote: >>> >>>> I have discovered one "gotcha" in my workaround, and that is the >>>> inability to >>>> lock the "B" VFO knob -- the KNOB, not the VFO -- because if you >>>> accidentally >>>> touch it, you lose the 700 Hz offset. I've been training myself not >>>> to touch it, >>>> but it would be nice if there was a way to lock it down so it >>>> wouldn't do >>>> anything. >>> >>> --- >>> >>> http://www.elecraft.com >> >> >> > > --- > > http://www.elecraft.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
Re: [Elecraft] Workaround for providing automatic SSB < > CW VFO offset
Wayne, This is why I emphasized the KNOB, not the VFO. When you swap VFOs A and B by pressing the A/B button, the locked status follows what was originally VFO B and now becomes VFO A. What we want here is for the VFO B KNOB (i.e., the middle one) to stay locked, regardless of which VFO frequency it is controlling, because moving it changes the 700 Hz offset when VFO B is not locked. If the locked status didn't follow the frequency from VFO B to VFO A, it would work to prevent accidentally corrupting the offset. However, that is clearly not the way LOCK was designed to work. Bill W5WVO wayne burdick wrote: > Bill, you can lock VFO B by going into BSET mode, then holding LOCK. > If the VFOs are linked, this preserves VFO B tracking. > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > On Jun 12, 2009, at 3:57 PM, Bill W5WVO wrote: > >> I have discovered one "gotcha" in my workaround, and that is the >> inability to >> lock the "B" VFO knob -- the KNOB, not the VFO -- because if you >> accidentally >> touch it, you lose the 700 Hz offset. I've been training myself not >> to touch it, >> but it would be nice if there was a way to lock it down so it >> wouldn't do >> anything. > > --- > > http://www.elecraft.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
Re: [Elecraft] Workaround for providing automatic SSB < > CW VFO offset
I have discovered one "gotcha" in my workaround, and that is the inability to lock the "B" VFO knob -- the KNOB, not the VFO -- because if you accidentally touch it, you lose the 700 Hz offset. I've been training myself not to touch it, but it would be nice if there was a way to lock it down so it wouldn't do anything. Removing the knob and epoxying the shaft seems a little extreme. ;-) Perhaps a function that does this could be implemented that could be invoked from one of the PF function buttons. Of course, all of this is moot if the VFO mode-switching behavior gets fixed so it works correctly in the first place. I have faith that Wayne will eventually get to it. But the Elecraft folk do tend to respond to the squeakiest wheel first, so if this behavior is at all important to you, please let Wayne know. Otherwise he will continue to think I'm the only nutcase who cares about it. :-) While we're on the subject -- Is there anyone else here besides me who thinks that the "normal" CW tuning behavior should reflect the default SSB sideband for a given frequency band? In other words, instead of always tuning like LSB, the "CW" mode would tune like LSB on 160, 80, and 40, and would tune like USB on all other bands. "CW REV" would reverse this default correlation. Seems more intuitive to me than the way it is now. Bill W5WVO Julian, G4ILO wrote: > Ralph Parker wrote: >> >> Good work, Bill! >> Non-6m ops don't quite understand the problem, complicated by the >> fact that >> "normal" CW is on LSB, making us ex-Yaesu drivers crazy. >> > I often find myself wandering around the CW end of 20m in the wrong > mode, then finding that I "lose" the station after switching to CW. > So I don't understand why this is being discussed as of benefit only > to VHF operators. > > I have managed to implement the VFO shift when changing modes to/from > CW in the next version of KComm. > > - > Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222. > * G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com > * KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html > * KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html __ 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] Workaround for providing automatic SSB < > CW VFO offset
Correct, as well as having QSK mode available! Peter Wollan wrote: > It looks like the difference between this process and "send CW while > in SSB" which was added a while ago, is that with this you switch to > the CW filters. Is that right? > > Peter N8MHD > > > On 6/11/09, Bill W5WVO wrote: >> A number of VHF ops on the list (myself included) have been lobbying >> for some time for a feature that is standard on most or all HF+VHF >> Ikensu rigs: the ability to have the VFO automatically offset by the >> amount of the BFO pitch when switching between SSB and CW. This >> capability is typically of little interest to HF operators, where >> SSB and CW are rigidly separated into two distinct sub-bands. On VHF >> and UHF, SSB and CW are used interchangeably, as needed, on the same >> (SSB) frequencies. >> >> I've already had extensive discussions with Wayne about this; the >> problem is, due to the software design architecture of the K3, it's >> not as easy to implement as it sounds like it should be. >> >> The performance objective for switching from SSB to CW (CW to SSB is >> simply the reverse) is for ONE button tap to accomplish: >> >> (a) shifting the VFO frequency up (or down) 700 Hz (nominal pitch) >> (b) switching the K3 from USB to CW REV (or from LSB to CW) >> (c) bringing into play a pre-configured set of CW characteristics >> that go with the transmission mode >> >> The workaround I've come up with accomplishes this, at the expense >> of having a free VFO B to play with. On VHF/UHF, however, there is >> virtually no split operation (except satellites), so this isn't as >> big a deal as it sounds like. >> >> Here's how to do it, assuming USB and a pitch offset of 700 Hz >> (substitute your own pitch setting if not 700): >> >> (1) Set MODE to USB, and set up all desired RX characteristics for >> this mode in the normal fashion. >> >> (2) Set display resolution to FINE so it displays Hz (three decimal >> places). >> >> (3) Tap A/B button, and repeat Step 2. >> >> (4) Now set each VFO in turn (select using the A/B button) such that >> one is zeroed out (xx.xxx.000), and the other displays xx.xxx.700. >> >> (5) Hold SUB and notice that the display says LINK. The two VFOs are >> now locked together and will track 700 Hz apart. >> >> (6) Use the A/B button to select the VFO with the +700 Hz offset. >> This will be your CW VFO. >> >> (7) Set MODE to CW REV, which will give you the same tuning >> direction as USB. >> >> (8) Set up all desired RX characteristics for this mode in the >> normal fashion. >> >> This completes the setup. From now on, a tap of the A/B button will >> switch from USB to CW REV or from CW REV to USB, and the VFO will >> automatically be set to the correct frequency, removing the >> requirement of retuning to acquire the signal. >> >> RIT can still be used in the normal manner, but the offset will be >> carried on RX when switching from one VFO to the other. Depending on >> what you're trying to do, this may or may not be a good thing. Just >> be mindful of the behavior. >> >> Please critique these instructions if you find anything unclear. >> >> Bill W5WVO >> __ >> 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 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] Workaround for providing automatic SSB < > CW VFO offset
A number of VHF ops on the list (myself included) have been lobbying for some time for a feature that is standard on most or all HF+VHF Ikensu rigs: the ability to have the VFO automatically offset by the amount of the BFO pitch when switching between SSB and CW. This capability is typically of little interest to HF operators, where SSB and CW are rigidly separated into two distinct sub-bands. On VHF and UHF, SSB and CW are used interchangeably, as needed, on the same (SSB) frequencies. I've already had extensive discussions with Wayne about this; the problem is, due to the software design architecture of the K3, it's not as easy to implement as it sounds like it should be. The performance objective for switching from SSB to CW (CW to SSB is simply the reverse) is for ONE button tap to accomplish: (a) shifting the VFO frequency up (or down) 700 Hz (nominal pitch) (b) switching the K3 from USB to CW REV (or from LSB to CW) (c) bringing into play a pre-configured set of CW characteristics that go with the transmission mode The workaround I've come up with accomplishes this, at the expense of having a free VFO B to play with. On VHF/UHF, however, there is virtually no split operation (except satellites), so this isn't as big a deal as it sounds like. Here's how to do it, assuming USB and a pitch offset of 700 Hz (substitute your own pitch setting if not 700): (1) Set MODE to USB, and set up all desired RX characteristics for this mode in the normal fashion. (2) Set display resolution to FINE so it displays Hz (three decimal places). (3) Tap A/B button, and repeat Step 2. (4) Now set each VFO in turn (select using the A/B button) such that one is zeroed out (xx.xxx.000), and the other displays xx.xxx.700. (5) Hold SUB and notice that the display says LINK. The two VFOs are now locked together and will track 700 Hz apart. (6) Use the A/B button to select the VFO with the +700 Hz offset. This will be your CW VFO. (7) Set MODE to CW REV, which will give you the same tuning direction as USB. (8) Set up all desired RX characteristics for this mode in the normal fashion. This completes the setup. From now on, a tap of the A/B button will switch from USB to CW REV or from CW REV to USB, and the VFO will automatically be set to the correct frequency, removing the requirement of retuning to acquire the signal. RIT can still be used in the normal manner, but the offset will be carried on RX when switching from one VFO to the other. Depending on what you're trying to do, this may or may not be a good thing. Just be mindful of the behavior. Please critique these instructions if you find anything unclear. Bill W5WVO __ 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] Tracking VFOs
I seem to recall some discussion about this a while ago, but can't locate it now -- Is there a way to make the two VFOs track each other by a certain offset? In other words, I set VFO A to 50125.0 and set VFO B to 50125.7, and when I turn the VFO A knob, both VFOs tune, maintaining the 700 Hz offset? If this is not possible with one RX is it possible using the KRX3? Bill W5WVO __ 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] Transmitting CW While in SSB
Go to CW WGHT in the Config menu. Press the "A/B(1)" key to toggle between SSB +CW and SSB -CW. Bill W5WVO Radio Amateur N5GE wrote: > I've been doing the above with my first K3 #806 for a long time, > especially on 6m. Today I was monitoring 2m USB on the other rig, > #1055, and heard a station calling CQ. I quickly attached a paddle to > the rig and started answering the station, but no CW was transmitted > from the rig (still in USB). > > I have searched the latest K3 manual using CW for the search criteria > and haven't found a way to turn the XMIT CW in SSB setting on. > > What am I overlooking? > > The firmware in the #1055 is 3.14. The same as in #806. > > Thanks, > > Tom, N5GE > K3 #806, K3 #1055 > XV144, XV432, KRC2 > W1 and other small kits. > http://www.n5ge.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 __ 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 voltage under load
I own an Astron analog power supply, and there is NO fluctuation of voltage under full load, without load, or anything in between. That's what a regulated power supply is supposed to do. I would say you have a defective power supply. Bill W5WVO Harris Leck wrote: > I am running my K3 off an Astron RS-35M. No load voltage at the rig > is 14.0V (per the K3 display). Running approximately 100W this > reading drops to 12.3V. Is this the norm? BTW current reads just > under 18 amps. The amp meter reading on the Astron is way off.73 > Harris K9RJ > > > > __ > 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 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] RIT encoder has become flaky
Further clarification: Happens on both RIT and XIT. Not related to a specific frequency or band. Happens going in both directions. Sorry I omitted these details. All of this points to a hardware problem (shaft encoder), but if anyone else has had this issue and fixed it by some other means, please let me know. Thanks. Bill W5WVO SidShusterman wrote: > Bill, which model radio do you have? Does the XIT behave the same > way? I know the RIT/XIT should be the same for all bands. Does it > happen both + and - ? Does it happen at 0.85, 1.85 an 2.85? This > might make it easier to diagnose. I have had my K3 since January of > this year and I don't see this. > Good Luck, > Sid > > Bill W5WVO wrote: >> As an example -- while slowly turning the RIT knob, the frequency >> display will go through: .82 >> .83 >> .84 >> .85 >> .84* >> .85* >> .84* >> .84* >> .83* >> .84* >> .85* >> .86 >> .87 >> etc. >> >> The erroneous readouts are starred. >> >> This is repeatable, though not necessarily with the same numbers. >> This would seem to be an encoder problem. Has anyone else >> experienced this? Bill W5WVO >> __ >> 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 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] [K3] RIT encoder has become flaky
As an example -- while slowly turning the RIT knob, the frequency display will go through: .82 .83 .84 .85 .84* .85* .84* .84* .83* .84* .85* .86 .87 etc. The erroneous readouts are starred. This is repeatable, though not necessarily with the same numbers. This would seem to be an encoder problem. Has anyone else experienced this? Bill W5WVO __ 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] RIT encoder has become flaky
As an example -- while slowly turning the RIT knob, the frequency display will go through: .82 .83 .84 .85 .84* .85* .84* .84* .83* .84* .85* .86 .87 etc. The erroneous readouts are starred. This is repeatable, though not necessarily with the same numbers. This would seem to be an encoder problem. Has anyone else experienced this? Bill W5WVO __ 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] Sneak Preview: New Elecraft products
wayne burdick wrote: >> and a panadapter > > (Doh!) Why didn't I think of that? There have been a number of back-handed hints over the past day or two that the panadaptor IS coming, and in my estimation Real Soon Now. Just a SWAG, no insider information, but the clues are there IMO. Hang tight... Bill W5WVO > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR __ 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] Put your K3 on 6M tonight
It is still a little in advance of the usual start of the summer sporadic-E season, so it is unlikely (though possible) that 6 meters will be open anywhere tonight. (Strange timing for a 6-meter contest; don't really get it. Why not wait for a couple more weeks when the band is more likely to be open?) To answer your question, CW activity when the band is dead is usually right on the calling frequency 50.125. When the band is open, CW activity generally drops down to 50.100 and below. But don't expect to find anybody there if the band isn't open. 6 meters is a really fun band, but it won't be really fun until it starts to open on a regular basis in a couple more weeks. Don't judge it until then! Bill W5WVO Vic K2VCO wrote: > James Duffey wrote: >> The 6M Spring Sprint is this evening, < >> http://www.sysadnet.com/vhfsprintrules.htm > , so get that K3 on >> 6M and have some fun. the Sprint runs this >> evening from 2300Z May 9 to 0300Z May 10. You will need to exchange >> your grid square, a close approximation which you can find on >> QRZ.com. > > Any suggestions for the best frequency to listen for CW activity? > > I have a K3, an HF beam which shows a 2.5:1 SWR on 6 (tunable to 1:1, > of course) and I've never had a 6 meter QSO in 53 years as a ham! __ 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] Grid square / QRZ.com caution
Grid squares on QRZ.com (unless corrected by the individual user) are computed on the basis of your ZIP code. You should regard them as approximations only, and go into QRZ and correct your long/lat coordinates as Ken did. Bill W5WVO Ken Kopp wrote: > Hi Cleve, > > It -may- be EM12ox -but- since your QRZ address is a > PO box it's likely computed to somewhere -other- than > your actual location. It would be a rare case where the > last two"digits" would be of importance for the sake of > the VUCC award. > > I've found that many QRZ.com grids are not correct, and > often are off by miles! I took my LAT and LONG from the > GPS in the car parked in the driveway and then corrected > them on QRZ. Now the QRZ map literally points to the car > in the driveway. (:-)) > > 73! Ken > elecraftcov...@rfwave.net > http://tinyurl.com/7lm3m5 > __ > 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 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] REPOST: TX DLY in VOX mode?
I'm reposting this because I'm looking for a definitive response either from somebody at Elecraft or somebody who has been given the answer to this question by Elecraft. -- I'm running the K3 in DATA A mode for WSJT using straight-through audio connections and using VOX to key the rig (and amp). The amp uses an old frame relay, and consequently I have TX DLY set to 20 ms, the max. I'm concerned that RF out when using VOX may not be delayed by TX DLY as it is when using PTT control. Can someone state as a fact certain that the delay is there when using VOX? If so, what happens to the audio stream that triggers the VOX -- is it buffered in a DSP delay line for up to 20 ms, or is it simply gated off for up to 20 ms? Not a big deal in WSJT since the messages are extremely short and loop continuously, but I'd like to know. Bill W5WVO __ 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] TX DLY in VOX mode?
I'm running the K3 in DATA A mode for WSJT using straight-through audio connections and using VOX to key the rig (and amp). The amp uses an old frame relay, and consequently I have TX DLY set to 20 ms, the max. I'm concerned that RF out when using VOX may not be delayed by TX DLY as it is when using PTT control. Can someone state as a fact certain that the delay is there when using VOX? If so, what happens to the audio stream that triggers the VOX -- is it buffered in a DSP delay line for up to 20 ms, or is it simply gated off for up to 20 ms? Not a big deal in WSJT since the messages are extremely short and loop continuously, but I'd like to know. Bill W5WVO __ 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] Your Opinion: The realities of QRP vs. QRO
Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: > > I'm wondering, what percentage of contacts you've made QRO, that you > > would estimate as not attainable QRP. > To answer your question, very few. > Isn't the important question, what's fun for you? > > Ron AC7AC Ron is exactly right. That's the bottom line. We all do this for enjoyment. That's part of the definition of "amateur". People have different personalities, and different things are fun for different people. Personally, as a 6-meter operator, I've done QRP, I've done middle-of-the-road 100 watts, and I've done QRO -- and for me, QRO is more fun. I can give more people a new state or grid. I can rag-chew more easily with some of the top 6-meter ops in the country under marginal band conditions. I can generate pileups and then run them, which is really a hoot! (For me.) I get tons of QSL cards and respond to them on the same day I get them, which I really enjoy. A lot of guys hate getting QSL cards, but I love it. So that's just me. At the end of the day, it's whatever floats your boat. There will always be guys who say (rightly) that they can work anything with 5 watts, eventually, that they can work with a kilowatt right now. There will always be guys who say (rightly) that the laws of physics are immutable, and there will always be QSOs that simply cannot be completed under adverse conditions without high power. I don't have a dog in this fight; both assertions are true, more or less. But I know what I enjoy, and for me, that's the bottom line. Bill W5WVO MY life is too short to run QRP! :-) You might have a different opinion. __ 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] CW while in SSB mode
This control is far from intuitive. :-) Go to CONFIG menu item CW WGHT and tap the "1" key. Display should momentarily say "CW +SSB" (allows CW in SSB mode) or "CW -SSB" (disallows CW in SSB mode). Bill W5WVO Wayne Adams wrote: > It must be right in front of me but I don't see in the manual or > through experimentation... What are the settings to allow sending CW > while in SSB mode? > > Thanks. Wayne WA9VEE > __ > 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 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] [K3] DATA A mode output power discrepency
I know this has been recently discussed, but I never ran into it personally until I brought up the K3 recently in DATA A mode running WSJT. The indicated power output reads much lower than it actually is. I'm looking at an actual power output in excess of 100W when the output readout says something on the order of 60-70 watts. I don't remember reading what the fix is for this -- if there is one. It's not a big deal, and I can readily tolerate this bug, but if there's a fix for it, I'd like to know what it is. I'm running the latest firmware and all hardware mods have been made to my K3 S/N 888. (I know, too cool , huh? :-) Bill W5WVO __ 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] [K3] Display frequency accuracy on 6 meters
I work 6-meter WSJT digital modes, where frequency differences measured in Hz are significant. Working with various other stations whose technical capabilities I trust more then my own, I've concluded that my K3 is about 96 Hz, plus or minus, on the low side of actual when the VFO is set to a kHz integer frequency on 6 meters. (E.g: display frequency 50260.000, actual frequency 50259.904.) I would like to tweak this in to a higher degree of accuracy. Since I didn't put together my own K3, I'm not at all sure how to do this. Can someone knowledgeable point me in the right direction? If test equipment is needed, let me know what it is. Bill W5WVO __ 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 receiver desensing on CW during contest
N8LP wrote: >...Unless you live near a shortwave broadcast station, or > have a high power ham nearby on the same band, you're not likely to > need 130dB BDR anyway. Even in those cases, having 200dB BDR > probably wouldn't help unless there is a LOT of improvement in > transmitter spurious emissions, distortion and phase noise. This point is brought home all the time here in Albuquerque, where we have to deal with the radiation from ten or more TV/FM analog transmitters line-of-sight on top of Sandia Crest. While all these transmitters except Channel 2 have fundamentals well above 54 MHz (I run a DCI bandpass filter to keep it out of my preamp), the accumulated grunge from the transmitters' perfectly legal low-level spurious emissions and passive mixes are enough to render 6 meters unusable for weak-signal work in the direction of the mountaintop. Since the spurious gunk is actually radiated on hundreds of different frequencies within the 6-meter band -- not to mention the broad-band noise coming from the same mountaintop -- there is little filtering can do about it. Hopefully this will be alleviated to some degree when the last of the analog TV transmitters finally relocate to UHF digital come June (yes, they all elected to stay on the air past February 17th), but at least until then, there is little I can do about it except deploy longer and sharper yagis to minimize the unusable arc of the "dead zone". Ergo, BDR isn't everything. It is still unfortunately necessary to take into account who your RF neighbors are. They may be operating perfectly legally on frequencies well outside your own area of interest, and still pollute the band with spurious RF that the FCC says is within acceptable limits for their class of operation. Bill W5WVO > The highest signals I have seen here, during Field Day when there were > several stations operating within a few miles of me, were <120dB > above the noise floor. Of course, it's very important not to use any > more front end gain than necessary for the band/conditions. > > 73, > Larry N8LP > > > > > > > > > > > Alan Bloom wrote: >> >> I agree this is something amateur equipment manufacturers like >> Elecraft should be keeping their eye on. If Analog Devices or >> someone came out with an under-$100 ADC with performance close to >> the K3, then you could save a lot of money and complexity by going >> to a directly-sampled RF front end architecture. >> >> But a lot of brilliant engineers have been working for many years >> trying to optimize ADC design. I just really have my doubts that >> they are going to make a 15-20 dB breakthrough any time soon. >> >> Al N1AL >> >> >> On Tue, 2009-02-24 at 09:55, Larry Phipps wrote: >>> Not today... but give it a couple years. There is a lot of R&D being >>> poured into this by a number of competing chip manufacturers. Even >>> if the next batch of designs falls a little short, an all digital >>> design with BDR close to the best conventional designs would >>> probably enjoy a very substantial market. >>> >>> 73, >>> Larry N8LP >>> >>> >>> >>> Alan Bloom wrote: >>>> On Mon, 2009-02-23 at 18:40, N8LP wrote: >>>> ... >>>> >>>>> I think the days of receivers with xtal filters are numbered. >>>>> High speed ADCs capable of 140dB dynamic range without xtal >>>>> filtering are on the horizon. A 20-bit ADC with enough processing >>>>> gain would do it. >>>>> >>>> >>>> I don't think you'll find a 20-bit ADC with a high enough sample >>>> rate to digitize the 3-30 MHz HF band (i.e. >65-70 MHz or so). At >>>> least not at a reasonable cost. >>>> >>>> I believe the best suitable, reasonable-cost ADCs available these >>>> days are able to achieve a 500-Hz blocking dynamic range in the >>>> low 120's dB, maybe 15-20 dB worse than the K3. That's >>>> significantly better than the previous generation of ADCs could >>>> achieve, and no doubt someday we'll get even better parts that are >>>> good enough to challenge the traditional superhet/crystal filter >>>> architecture. But I don't believe we're close to that level of >>>> performance today. >>>> >>>> Another issue, of course, is spurious responses. I'm pretty sure >>>> that current ADCs don't have good enough spurious-free dynamic >>>> range to challenge a state-of-the-art receiver like the K3. >>>&
Re: [Elecraft] Differenced Between Filter "KFL3A-2.8_2.7sw" and"KFL3A-2.8K"?
Hi Jeff, >From the order page: "KFL3A-2.8_2.7sw 2.8 kHz 8-pole REPLACEMENT of the standard 2.7 kHz 5 pole filter "(For the K3 and /or the KRX3 - Only at time of initial shipment of the K3 or KRX3. Please state if the replacement 2.8 kHz filter applies to the K3, KRX3 or both in the order comments section. Two of this item must be ordered if for K3 and KRX3.)" In other words, if you order a K3 or KRX3 (which come with the 2.7 kHz filter by default) and you want them to replace the standard 2.7 kHz filter in your order with the 2.8 kHz filter, the lower price ($95.95) can be had if you indicate this in your original order. If you order the 2.8 kHz filter separately, as you apparently did, the price is $125.95. There is no technical difference between the filters, just the price. So you can safely replace the 2.7 kHz filter with the 2.8 kHz filter that you have. Bill W5WVO Jeff Maass wrote: > I was planning to take a block of hours tomorrow to add the KRX3 to > my K3/100. > > One of the things to do is to replace the 2.7-KHz filter with the > 8-pole 2.8-KHz filter in the main receiver. I have one "KFL3A-2.8K" > that I ordered a while ago for this purpose. > > Now I see from the Elecraft order page that there is the note: > >"Order KFL3A-2.8_2.7sw instead if replacing >2.7 kHz stock filter." > > Does anyone know what the different is between "KFL3A-2.8K" and > "KFL3A-2.8_2.7sw"? Should I wait to get a "KFL3A-2.8_2.7sw" to swap > out the old filter in the main receiver? > > > 73, Jeff K8ND > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 as a SW receiver
Just have to add my two cents here. For me personally, this has nothing to do with relaxing, high-fidelity AM listening. It has everything to do with weak-signal SWBC DXing. I've been a serious SWBC DXer off and on for 50 years, and I've used all kinds of receivers, including a fully rehabbed and up-to-spec R-390A, which I would not part with for anything. HOWEVER, for digging weak AM signals out of adjacent channel QRM, I've yet to find anything better than a good steep-skirted SSB filter in the IF. And, since (as stated below) it IS very annoying to tune through all those whooping carriers... Don't do it! It's easy to avoid most of them, especially when listening to SWBC stations, which are typically on 5-kHz channels. Set up the RIT knob to act as the VFO CRS tuning when RIT is not engaged. Then set up the VFO CRS config parameter to 5.0 kHz steps and use the RIT knob to tune to the appropriate channel. Use the main tuning to zero it in if necessary. Toggle MODE:ALT to switch between the USB and LSB sides of the carrier and listen to the side with the least QRM. In the absence of QRM on either side, you can also switch quickly back and forth between sidebands as QSB changes which one is coming through the best. In the absence of a synchronous detector, this works pretty darn good, IMO. Bill W5WVO KM5Q wrote: > I agree with Mike that for occasional listening to AM stations outside > the ham bands, the stock SSB filter in SSB mode is fine. Zero beat the > station and it sounds OK. Switch to AM mode and it's too narrow. For > tuning around casually, having to listen to carriers as you tune is > annoying. > > The 13 kHz FM filter adds a lot of quality to the fidelity, and lets > you tune and listen in AM mode with pleasant results. > > And yes, other Mike, bandswitching and VFO management are still > problematic outside the ham bands. > > Windy KM5Q > > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 and noise
Just want to reiterate and emphasize what Gary says here. Noise is ADDITIVE, and what you perceive as a universal presence of broadband noise is very likely coming from MANY different sources -- possibly a hundred or more -- inside the shack, elsewhere inside the home, and external to the home. Common-mode noise emitted from the AC power cords of consumer electronics using cheap switching power supplies is a prime culprit, as it radiates through the house wiring and is easily picked up by your antenna, sometimes leading you to believe that is coming from some external source. Chasing down and suppressing each individual noise source is tedious work at best, but it will yield great dividends in the end. Start by turning off (and in many cases that means unplugging from the mains) EVERYTHING electrical/electronic in your home except your K3. Even the lights, appliances, etc. Then turn stuff back one at a time. Any time the noise floor increases perceptibly, rotate the antenna to find the worst-case bearing for that noise as verified by turning the offending item on and off so you can maximize the difference. Work on suppressing that one noise until it can no longer be detected in its worst-case antenna position. Then on to the next. You may be amazed at the things in your home that are generating horrendous noise! For example, some of the cheap low-voltage halogen light power supplies that are out there are so noisy they can take out the whole radio spectrum whenever that light system is switched on. Once your broadband noise is under control, go after the single-frequency birdies that show up in your bands of interest. Computers and Wi-Fi modems are prime culprits here, but even these noises can be successfully suppressed in most cases. Good luck on this! Bill W5WVO Gary NL7Y wrote: Hello Ron W3ZV. New owner of K3 2324 here. Noise at my QTH is local (lights, powerlines, electrical demand) that runs S5-9+ on SSB, depending upon time of day. It's more on AM, less on CW/Data modes. And that's on everything from my 160-L , 80 dipoles, to 3-El Steppir beam. Depending upon band, the K3 takes it at least 2-3 S units down via the dual NB's, and substantially improves the signal selectivity with the NR. I also use a Wellbrook loop for receive, which really helps with eliminating local stuff by 2-4 S units depending upon the source. I set my IF NB to 1-6, and the DSP NB to 1-6 or 2-6. Check for fidelity on SSB and CW. The NR works for me at 1-1/2 or 2-1/2. Narrow filters are better, and the NB's settings can vary by band. I would be concerned about your S2-3 w/o the antenna connected. If removing the antenna does not quell the noise to S0, then I suggest you have common-mode RF ingress from either your power supply, house wiring, or whatever else your K3 is connected to. See Jim K9AY's article on how to deal with this noise: http://audiosystemsgroup.com/RFI-Ham.pdf. I did and it worked for me. I used Fair-Rite Type 31 beads on every cable and coax in the shack. I also used a Tripp-Lite Ultra power conditioner on the 120V feeds, and ferrite beads on the 240V for the ACOM amp. Two to three S units of noise were lost via the common-mode suppression described. 73 and Merry Christmas from Santa Land ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 compression settings
I believe compression and equalization are both automatically disabled when in a data mode (including DATA A). Not sure about the new noise gating feature, but I would think for consistency, it would be disabled in data modes as well. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "David F. Reed" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 10:54 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 compression settings > I am curious about this, but not sure... > > I understand that the input gain on transmit is separately settable for > front panel vs. rear audio in. > > But, it would make sense to me if the compression and gating were also > separately adjustable, front and rear. > > Why? Because when I operate phone, I use the front MIC jack, and want > some compression and gating; when I operate digital sound card modes, I > would like to have no compression, and no gating. > > Is there a way to do this and I am missing it, or am I hoping for an > upgrade to the firmware? > > 73 de Dave, W5SV > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [K3] [Elecraft] Units
Almost all of the SI unit magnitude prefixes are derived from Greek words -- e.g., "mega", meaning 10^6, is derived from the Greek word for "large"; "micro", meaning 10^-6, is derived from the Greek word meaning "small"; "kilo", meaning 10^3, is derived from the Greek word for "one thousand" ... But "milli", on the other hand, meaning 10^-3, is derived from the Latin "mille", also meaning "one thousand". Milli appears to be the only commonly used magnitude prefix derived from Latin rather than Greek. (There are some obscure outliers... the prefix "femto" (10^-15) is actually derived from the Old Norse word for "fifteen". But most are from Greek.) Why is "micro" (10^-6) abbreviated by the Greek letter mu (µ)? Obviously "m" was taken already by milli, so mu, the Greek equivalent letter of the Roman "m", was chosen. :-) (You can find out all kinds of useful and interesting things in a common English dictionary!) Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Julian, G4ILO" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 10:40 AM Subject: Re: [K3] [Elecraft] Units > > > Dave Yarnes wrote: > > > > But I still have no idea how they ever got > > started using "M" that way. It sure didn't make any sense to me. > > > M = 1000 in Roman numerals. Perhaps that's it? > > - > Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222. > http://www.g4ilo.com/ G4ILO's Shack http://www.ham-directory.com/ Ham > Directoryhttp://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html KComm for Elecraft K2 and K3 > -- > View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Poor-man%27s-beverage-and-diversity-tp1623198p1630010.html > Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Units
There's another "K" (capitalized) -- other than kelvins -- that has come up over the past few decades, and that is the use of the term K for the binary magnitude 0100 -- that is to say, 400 hexadecimal, or 1,024 decimal -- APPROXIMATELY, but not exactly, 1,000. This term is used to describe anything based on the binary system in computer-related (and perhaps other) disciplines. So, for example, a memory space (addressed and thus measured using the binary system) might be denoted as "256 KB". While one might think of this space offhandedly as being 256 thousand bytes, it is in reality 256 x 1,024 = 262,144 bytes. On the other hand, a communications speed of 840 kbps is not binary-based, and therefore means literally 840,000 bits per second. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Mike Harris" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Elecraft Reflector" Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 9:32 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Units > G'day, > > | The big "M" vs. small "m" is something I'm very aware of usually, but > I'm > | not sure what a big "K" indicates vs. a small "k". I've always just > | considered either to mean "kilo". > > Most prefixes which make a unit bigger are written in capital letters (M, > G, T etc) and when they make a unit smaller lower case is used (m, n, p > etc). One of the exceptions is kilo (k) which is used to avoid possible > confusion with kelvin (K). > > Regards, > > Mike VP8NO > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Units
Silly thread -- :-) -- but it is important to keep one's facts straight. The Cycle per Second was named the Hertz in compliance with a long tradition in the scientific community of naming scientific units of measure after the folks who did seminal work in those areas of science. Mssrs Alessandro Volta (voltage), Andre-Marie Ampere (current), Georg Ohm (resistance), James Watt (power), Nicola Tesla (magnetic flux density), Blaise Pascal (pressure), and Isaac Newton (force), to name just a few I can think of off the top of my head, were all "just men". :-) Heinrich Hertz (electromagnetic frequency) takes his rightful place in this pantheon proudly. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Tom" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Elecraft Reflector" Cc: "Elecraft Reflector" Sent: Sunday, December 07, 2008 9:24 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Units > On Sun, 07 Dec 2008 14:32:28 -0500, you wrote: > > >Wait just a minute here Mike!! > > > >What happened to MC and KC? > > > >If your on 20 meters and move to avoid the QRM did you go up 2 Kay > >Cee's or 2 > >Kilo Hertz's . With split what is it? Up 20 XXX ? > > > >73, > >Bob > >K2TK EX KN2TKR & K2TKR > > In my opinion with no disrespect, Mr. Hertz was only a man. KC and MC were > appropriately named as measurements of cycles per second and should not have > been renamed. Just my opinion, I could be wrong. > > [snip] > > Tom Childers, N5GE > > K3 #806, XV144, XV432 > Mini-Modules > > http://www.eQSL.cc/Member.cfm?N5GE > http://www.n5ge.com > > Few elected officials or > their children have ever > lived the life of the > citizens they represent, > nor did their parents or > grandparents. > > How can they know what you > and I want or need? > > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Musings on Noise Reduction
It might be instructive to compare what AGC settings in the configuration menu Roger and Lee are using. Might this be involved in the drastically different subjective experiences reported? Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: Roger Marrotte To: 'Lee Trout' Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, December 07, 2008 4:07 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Musings on Noise Reduction Lee, Sorry to say that I've had the exact opposite experience. I haven't had a K2 for a few years. I've had a K3 since July. I worked some in the 160m contest this weekend and with NR on I was able to remove just about all the noise on the band and hear stations way way down in the noise. I never had that experience with a K2 and I've used three different K2s. What I experienced this weekend with my K3 was just phenomenal. I worked about a dozen DX stations some as far out as the middle east. Without NR I wouldn't have heard them at all. I not sure why we have had such different experiences. I didn't have a hard time finding a NR setting that worked. On occasion I would hear some band noise but most of the time it virtually went away with the NR on. I use a full size 160m dipole up about 70'. It's the same antenna I used with the K2s. Perhaps if you were using a vertical, the noise was more severe or just different. Roger, W1EM -- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Lee Trout Sent: Sunday, December 07, 2008 5:51 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Musings on Noise Reduction John: I agree: The noise reduction on the K3 is poor. To my ear, all 16 settings introduce distortion while providing minimal noise reduction. And yes, I have played around with rx eq settings. My little Kenwood 480 has much better N/R than the K3. The N/R is my only major complaint about the K3. I hope a firmware fix soon. 73 all, Lee (K9CM) -- ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 and the digital modes
- Original Message - From: "Lynn Lamb, W4NL" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Elecraft Reflector" Sent: Saturday, December 06, 2008 7:00 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and the digital modes > ... Once I figured out that 'line in' had a gain > control automatically selected when 'main/mic > sel' was in the 'line in' position! It's where we > normally adjust the mic gain control. ... I placed > this ... [ Pronoun reference: Switching between Line In and Mic Gain functions? ] > ... in PF-1 memory which makes it easily to > select when moving back and forth from digital > to CW/SSB... Note my query in square brackets. I'm about to set up my K3 with my computer sound card for WSJT (DATA A mode) operation. You seem to imply above that it is necessary to retweak the Mic Gain / Line In control every time you go from SSB to DATA A and vice-versa. I would think the setting for Line In would be remembered for the DATA A mode, once set. Is this not the case? Is it necessary to adjust either Line In or Mic Gain when switching back and forth? I sure hope not... Bill W5WVO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 & ADAT ADT-200A by HB9CBU
I have to agree with the reasoning behind John's comments here. As has been opined by many, the K3 really shines its brightest on CW, where spurious transmitter products are typically limited to the occasional key clicks. The percentage of misadjusted and badly offending transmitters is MUCH greater on SSB; I don't think anybody would argue with that. That said, it's all a matter of arithmetic, and there are a lot of variables involved -- on both the TX and the RX ends. But all other factors being equal, how much is it worth to have the needed receiver dynamic range for that one must-have SSB contest or DX QSO that you wouldn't get without it? Many would say (no trademark infringement intended), "Priceless!" For most of us, that isn't literally true, of course. You do reach a point of diminishing returns with anything, especially in engineering. The K3, IMO, strikes what is just about a perfect balance between high-end performance and price. No other radio even comes close to the K3's price/performance ratio, as far as I can tell. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "John A. McCabe" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "elecraft" Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2008 6:11 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 & ADAT ADT-200A by HB9CBU > > > David Cutter wrote: > > Some folk suffer extremely strong QRM from broadcasters on 40m > > (particularly on the east coast of Scotland) and to them there is a > > real desire for the best possible gear to hear weak stations amongst > > huge bc signals from Europe. That's where receivers like the Perseus > > and others come in to their own. > > > > > > Hi David, > > Yes I can see your point, and I am certainly not questioning the benefit > of High Dynamic range receivers in those situations. I guess what I am > having a hard time understanding how it would be possible for any > receiver, regardless of the dynamic range of the receiver, to receive a > weak signal 2 Khz away from, say a 80db over 9 broadcast or other > signal. Would not the IMD, sidebands, and splatter from the broadcast > station itself be so severe as to prevent this? Or am I overstating the > effects of transmitted phase noise and IMD? As I mentioned in my > previous post, there is no way I could see operating 2 Khz away from the > very strong signal of my ham neighbor. His transmitted IMD would be way > too severe. But I can easily operate 20 Khz or more away with the K3. > To me, any minor difference in close in dynamic range between say the > Perseus and the K3 is of little or no importance in this situation. I > could not receive a weak signal so close to such a strong signal anyhow > because of his transmitted IMD. But the wider spaced number's matter a > great deal, and that is what concerns me when I see a 117-123db BDR as > compared to 140db at wider spacings. > > 73, > > John, KD8K > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 shipping info
Suspect both are true to some extent. People (even hams) who CAN afford to make large purchases are pulling back on doing so out of fear of an unpredictable economic future, which is exactly what the economy does NOT need right now. Deflation feeds itself on fear, inflation feeds itself on greed... I certainly wish Elecraft the best of luck. According to Eric's last mention of this a couple months ago, the company has lots of reserve cash and no debt. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Mike Short" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Friday, November 28, 2008 6:19 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 shipping info > I think the answer is their production has ramped up enough to reduce wait > times. > > Mike > AI4NS > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] 6 meter blocking gain in K3 QST review
I would also be very interested in the answer to this question. I was surprised to see these BGC numbers for 6 meters. As a 6-meter SSB op who lives or dies with the summer VHF contests each year, where 40-over-S9 sporadic-E propagated signals are packed elbow-to-elbow on 50 MHz, this is a very important parameter! Could Wayne or Eric or Lyle provide some insight into this? Would be very grateful. Hopefully this was just an aberration in the tested K3, or perhaps a typo, as has been previously mentioned. Also, I'd appreciate any feedback on the dynamic range degradation measured with the 1.8 kHz roofing filter. I have one I purchased recently but have not yet installed it. Was there a "bad batch"? How can I know? Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Alan Bloom" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "David and Dianne on Comcast" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2008 4:25 PM Subject: [Elecraft] 6 meter blocking gain in K3 QST review > Congratualations to Elecraft for the great QST review of the K3. > > I noticed that the blocking gain figures at 5 and 1 kHz offset are much > worse on 6 meters (128/124 dB) than on 20 meters (140/140 dB). At 20 > kHz offset the numbers are comparable. > > The only reason I can think of for that is worse phase noise on 6 > meters. Or is it just a typo in the QST review? > > Al N1AL > > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [K3] [Elecraft] K3 Obsolete?
Well, I just concluded eight-plus years as a senior tech writer at a major Silicon Valley semiconductor manufacturer, so I know a little about this phraseology. :-) "Not recommended for new designs" means: "We've got a ton of this generation in the bins, so we'll keep selling them to our big customers and distributors, if they really want them, until we run out. And that's not going to happen any time soon. But you know, this generation has always been a little buggy; some things never quite worked the way we expected. We'll continue to support it and all its errata and patches because we have to, but really, we're just not very keen about it any more. We've got a new, improved, more capable, more expensive generation out there on the market already, and another two generations beyond that are already in the development pipeline, so... well, not to put too fine a point on it, you know, but we'd really prefer that you buy our newer stuff. You'll find our support for the new stuff to be much livelier and more enthusiastic." "Obsolete" means: "Some of our distributors likely still have a lot of this old stuff back in their warehouses, so you can still get it. Cheap! And since nobody ever volunteers to go pawing through our public website to weed out all the obsolete app notes, you can probably still find stuff on it if you dig deep enough... But look, we're not making it any more, and we've shut down all real-time tech support for it. The engineers who designed it aren't even here anymore. If you call, our guys won't even talk to you about it. Basically, you're on your own. Sorry about that." That's about the gist of it. :-) Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Mike S" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Mark Bayern" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: "Ken_ke2n" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 6:49 PM Subject: Re: [K3] [Elecraft] K3 Obsolete? > At 08:40 PM 11/11/2008, Mark Bayern wrote... > > > it should be this one for the DSP > > > > > > http://focus.ti.com/docs/prod/folders/print/tms320vc33.html > > > >That page _DOES_NOT_ say the chip is 'obsolete', it says 'Product is > >Not Recommended for New Design'. > > Same thing. You're obviously not familiar with semiconductor marketing, > and how they "spin" things. > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] dmm vs vom
Oops, I missed "resistance checks". Getting senile. Lyle is correct, of course. I'd probably want to check the calibration of the ohmmeter function before using it, especially if the VOM is fairly old. Just don't try to use the VOM for voltage measurements. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Lyle Johnson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2008 12:20 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] dmm vs vom > > Is there any problem using a VOM instead of a DMM to perform the > > resistance checks while building the K3? > > As long as the negative side of the internal battery that is feeding the > resistance measurement circuit is applied to the ground side of whatever > is being measured in the K3 during the check, and the open circuit > voltage of the ohmmeter is not more than 3 volts, it should be safe. > > Some VOMs used a 9V battery in the resistance circuit and/or tied the > positive side to the "black lead." At least, some of my old VOMs did. > > 73, > > Lyle KK7P > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] dmm vs vom
Jim, Using an old-type VOM is not a good idea because the instrument's input is fairly low-impedance and can thereby compromise accuracy, especially when measuring at a high-impedance node. DMMs are ubiquitous and can be purchased at any Lowe's or Home Depot for around $20 or less. Throwing a little more money at it gets you more bells and whistles, but it won't be significantly more accurate. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: Jim Hoge To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2008 12:02 PM Subject: [Elecraft] dmm vs vom Hi all, Is there any problem using a VOM instead of a DMM to perform the resistance checks while building the K3? I have yet to make it fully into the modern era and to that end, do not have a DMM. Tnx es 73, Jim W5QM -- ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Beta firmware rev. 2.45 -- TX noise gate, TX INHimproved, new remote-control commands
Simon, Could you give us an update on when you expect to integrate the WSJT modes (especially FSK441) into DM780? Thanks and 73, Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Lyle Johnson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Simon (HB9DRV)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: "Elecraft Reflector" Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2008 7:25 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Beta firmware rev. 2.45 -- TX noise gate, TX INHimproved, new remote-control commands > Hello Simon! > > > Programming all night is great fun, only wimps sleep. > > WIMP - is this a subliminal indication that you're doing a port of > HRD/DM780 to RISC OS? My RISC PCs are anxious to do *something* in the > shack... > > 73, > > Lyle KK7P > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Numeric SWR Display
That was the point I was trying to make originally. However, to be fair, the feedline loss generated by SWR is significant only where the loss is substantial enough to make a meaningful difference. At HF, particularly the lower bands, the SWR loss is, from a practical standpoint, insignificant. However, I'm a VHF weak-signal operator, and I tend to think in those terms. Having a non-reactive load at the feedpoint is important at VHF/UHF, as feedline losses due to SWR can be significant on both transmit and receive. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Darwin, Keith" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "LIST - elecraft" Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2008 8:40 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 - Numeric SWR Display > -Original Message- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Charles Morrison > > Since I don't plan on hanging off the side of the tower to operate my > station, isn't it more prudent to tune the entire "system", flaws, > feedline and all if my main concern is what SWR my equipment, in my > shack, sees? > > > > No it isn't. If you're using 50 ohm coax and an antenna that is not 50 > ohms resistive, you'll set up standing waves in the coax which will > result in signal loss. Having a tuner at the rig will protect the rig > from the effects of the standing waves, but the line loss will still be > there. > > Far better is to have the tuner at the actual antenna feed point (or to > adjust the antenna to be 50 ohm resistive). Then you'll have a happy > rig AND minimal loss in the coax. > > - Keith N1AS - > - K3 711 - > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Numeric SWR Display
I should add that you CAN adjust an antenna for minimum SWR at the transmitter, but when you do that, you are in all likehood including some non-zero feedpoint reactance in the net impedance, and this is being observed through the length of your transmission line, which then becomes part of the overall load the transmitter sees. If you subsequently change the length of the transmission line, you will no longer have Z=50 ohms at the transmitter. If you tune the antenna for TRUE resonance (zero reactance, R=50), then you can put any length of transmission line on it that you want to, and it will behave just the same. I know we all got along without the MFJ-259B for years, just going by guess and by gosh (or sweating over Smith charts), but now that we can actually tell what is happening in an antenna so easily, it's crazy not to use one. Beg, borrow, steal, or if necessary buy one, and learn how to use it. You won't regret it! Greatest thing since CW killed King Spark. :-) Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Bill W5WVO" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Cranz Nichols" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "LIST - elecraft" Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 4:39 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Numeric SWR Display > Actually, looking at transmission line SWR at the transmitter is a > poor way to adjust an antenna. To get it right, you need to use a > complex impedance analyzer like the now-ubiquitous MFJ-259B (or > equivalant instrument), and put it as close to the antenna > feedpoint as possible. Adjust as close as you can get for Xc=0, > Xl=0, R=50. You can't do that with an SWR bridge! :-) > > Bill W5WVO > > - Original Message - > From: "Cranz Nichols" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: "LIST - elecraft" > Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 3:53 PM > Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - Numeric SWR Display > > > > I need to adjust the gamma matches on my 10/15M delta loop. > > > > Is there a way to bypass the internal ATU and have the K3 > display the SWR it > > sees numerically? > > > > Should dig out my old SWR bridge? > > > > cln > > WB5BKL > > K3 #231 > > > > > > ___ > > Elecraft mailing list > > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Numeric SWR Display
Actually, looking at transmission line SWR at the transmitter is a poor way to adjust an antenna. To get it right, you need to use a complex impedance analyzer like the now-ubiquitous MFJ-259B (or equivalant instrument), and put it as close to the antenna feedpoint as possible. Adjust as close as you can get for Xc=0, Xl=0, R=50. You can't do that with an SWR bridge! :-) Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Cranz Nichols" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "LIST - elecraft" Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 3:53 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - Numeric SWR Display > I need to adjust the gamma matches on my 10/15M delta loop. > > Is there a way to bypass the internal ATU and have the K3 display the SWR it > sees numerically? > > Should dig out my old SWR bridge? > > cln > WB5BKL > K3 #231 > > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Illogical coding
Agreed, this would be an easily fixed "bug" -- just include the A>B[all] function as part of the results of pressing SPLIT. However, as a 6-meter operator, I vote for retaining the current behavior as-is, due to the common occurrence of split-mode (as opposed to split-frequency) QSOs. You could make the automatic behavior you desire be a configuration option -- "SPLIT invokes A>B[all]" or something like that. I can see where an HF DXer would like it to work that way. However, for my purposes on VHF, I prefer to have all this stuff manually under my control, as it is now. Please don't do away with this more flexible capability altogether! And as an ancillary comment, I hope the fix for the SSB/CW VFO offset issue is coming up in the queue Real Soon Now. Been waiting a long time. :-) Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Brian Alsop" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Friday, September 12, 2008 5:46 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Illogical coding > Bob, > > In fact, just pressing SPLIT should get you to the same condition as two > A-B taps and pressing SPLIT. > > Miss one of the three steps are you're transmitting on the DX frequency. > > I just don't understand the logic. It isn't if operating split is a > rare occurrence. > > Those few who want cross band or cross mode splits ought to have to do > the extra taps. > > I really hope Elecraft will fix this some day. Other rigs have it right. > > Of course there is the $600 solution > > 73 de Brian/K3KO > > Bob Cunnings wrote: > > >In a related vein, the "improvement" introduced in version 1.87/1.69 > >still gets me once in a while. Previously, a single tap of the A->B > >button copied frequency, mode and filter settings from VFO A to VFO B. > >Starting with 1.87, two taps are needed - the first to copy the > >frequency, and another to copy mode and filter settings. The result > >can be the same as in your case if I go split but forget to tap A->B > >twice. No rationale was given for the change, but from a ergonomics > >standpoint I never understood why the most common use case was > >complicated in this way. > > > >Bob NW8L > > > >On Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 10:32 PM, Robert Ansell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > > > >>Hi All, I recently had to replace the front panel on my SN 1401 K3 because of a blank display. This just arrived today with the latest software/firmware dated 9/9/08. All went smoothly and now I can see the display as it should be. I went through all the cal and setup routines and all was perfect. I was turning my attention to the bands and was looking to snag a new country on cw. I noticed that the station was listening up in frequency so I engaged a split on VFO B and set the frequency and tried to call but no action out of my key. I looked at the display and discovered that I was no longer in QSK only VOX so I hit the QSK button and VFO B came back and said N/A in the screen! I tried several times to engage QSK but no way was I going to get the K3 to key. Going back to XIT I was able to snag that guy but here is where it gets interesting. I called Elecraft and asked what was going on and Scott had no Idea but asked me what version of manual I had and discovered that I had an old version C that was over a year old! I downloaded the newest version of the manual and much to my surprise there was a note that is not in the earlier version about B SET that indicated it could be set up in a different mode! Sure enough that VFO had been set up for SSB and that was why I could not key the radio. Why on earth if you are in CW on VFO A and press split would you ever expect that VFO B would ever default to anything but CW on VFO B!!! This in my opinion is completely illogical. Can anyone out there give me an explanation why I should be wrong on this account? I might have been upset if I didn't go back to XIT to solve the problem but I can just see in a contest situation where someone was unaware of this that sparks wouldn't fly. What say you guys! > >> > >>Bob Ansell K1WGM > >>___ > >>Elecraft mailing list > >>Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > >>You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > >>Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > >> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > >> > >>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > >>Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > >> > >> > >> > >___ > >Elecraft mailing list > >Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > >You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > >Subscribe
Re: [Elecraft] K3 bug mode there (sort of)?
Maybe I'm missing something here, but this all kinda reminds of that old saw about a duck... You know, "If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck..." If you want a key that works like a bug, feels like a bug, and sounds like a bug... Why not just get a bug? There are lots of them out there, both antique and brand-spankin' new, like the Vibroplex line still in production today after more than a century (http://vibroplex.com/original_bug.html). I used a Vibroplex standard model bug from the time I was 13 years old and passed my Extra-class 20 WPM sending test at the FCC in 1977 using one, but today I really like my Kent paddle and Elecraft B-mode iambic keyer. One of the coolest things about my old bug was just the way it looked, so if I ever wanted to go back to a bug... I'd just go back to a bug. :-) Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Ron D'Eau Claire" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 8:52 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 bug mode there (sort of)? > Sounds like a market for paddles with adjustable tactile feedback, like some > of the high end game controllers. > > Give us Hams a chance and we'll replace a $100 bug with a $400 simulator > that is almost as good, Hi! > > I agree that the bug feel is gone, but I can send okay on paddles emulating > a bug. It's very useful to me working portable where I don't want to carry > my bug. > > Ron AC7AC > > -Original Message- > When I've tried this in the past I found that it has a very different feel > than a mechanical semi-automatic key paddle (bug). I found it basically > impossible to send good-sounding code. YMMV > > Al N1AL > > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Topics is bad subject line
Very well said, Don. As a senior technical writer/editor with a solid hardware engineering background, I can attest to the fact that engineers' writing ranges all the way from crystal-clear, perfectly composed expositive prose, to the utterly incomprehensible. I remember getting a sentence in a draft paper from an engineer once that literally could not be read in one breath, try as we might to fill our lungs with air to the max before starting and reading as fast as we could. :-) Very entertaining, but ultimately futile. That's why people like me have jobs -- except I don't, at the moment. RIFfed in June (too old, too expensive), still on "vacation". :-) Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Don Wilhelm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Charles Harpole" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: "Elecraft Discussion List" Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2008 9:51 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Topics is bad subject line > Charles, > > Sorry, but engineers and good, clear, concise writing do not typically > run together. > Way back in engineering school, I had a 'Western Civilization" class > professor who was bold enough to tell his sophomore class of EE students > that *his* class was the most important in the curriculum. That > statement generated a lot of snickers and side comments. Then over my > years of real world engineering experience, I found that writing and a > knowledge of history were indeed the major required assets of any good > engineer - one must be able to communicate effectively with > non-engineering types. > Unfortunately, that fact is usually learned "too little, too late" and > only in the 'school of hard knocks'. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > Charles Harpole wrote: > > ... Until the engineers among us learn to use > > > > the English language, the subject lines now in use are mostly useless. > > > > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Keying
By George, you're right! No, I never noticed it, but now that you point it out and I'm testing it -- sure enough. The difference is detectable to the ear, at 25 WPM anyway. A 'scope would tell you exactly what the difference is. Should be an easy bug to track down and fix (he said glibly, knowing nothing). :-) Put it on the list! Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Barry Simpson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "'Elecraft'" Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:46 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Keying > Has anyone else noticed that there is a substantial difference in the mark > space ratio of the keying dependent on whether you operate QSK/semi break in > compared with manual transmit, eg push the transmit button on the front > panel or use a foot switch to enter transmit. > > > > The QSK/semi break in are similar but they are much lighter than in the > constant transmit mode. > > > > I did notice when I first got the K3 that the QSK/semi break in was light > and I had to compensate for that in my keyer. Likewise the built in keyer > seems to have a default setting to cater for the light keying. No great > drama - just an observation. > > > > Just for general information I have just wired up my K3 to my FL7000 linear > for auto band change as per the directions from W4TV back on 23 May. It > works great but the tx inhibit is unusable in other than QSK. However I > don't need it for proper operation and have turned it back off in the Config > setting. > > > > 73 > > > > Barry VK2BJ > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S-meter Mode
Lyle, I can see the logic in what you say. But if you are using a particular receiver configuration as your baseline of 50 uv = S9, I would think that baseline should be the same in ABS mode -- IOW, 50 uv = S9 with preamp on or off, atten on or off. Now, if you wanted to set the baseline in NOR mode with preamp OFF (which I really think makes more sense, certainly at the suggested 7 MHz), then having the S-meter read S9 in ABS mode regardless of pre/atten settings makes maybe even more sense. But should that all change at, say, 50 MHz?? You can't hear a thing on 50 MHz with the preamp off. What about 28 MHz? The truth is, all this stuff is so very relative to so many different variables, it's kinda like arguing about how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. So I'm not really expressing a strong feeling about a preference here, because at the end of the day, it doesn't matter much. :-) And the user can set this stuff up in the Config menu the way he or she wants to, in any case. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Lyle Johnson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Paul Kirley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2008 7:31 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 S-meter Mode > Paul Kirley wrote: > > When I tried setting K3 CONFIG:SMTR MD to ABS, I found that the S-meter reading then stayed constant regardless of the setting of the preamp/attenuator, in agreement with the Owner's Manual addendum. > > > > However, the reading for a 50-microvolt input signal (with the preamp on and attenuator off) falls from S-9 to S-6 as CONFIG:SMTR MD is changed from NOR to ABS. > > > > Shouldn't a 50-microvolt input signal produce an S-9 reading regardless of the setting of CONFIG:SMTR MD? > > No, that is what the ABS mode is available. You are seeing the correct > response. > > In NOR the S Meter is affected by PRE and ATTN. > > The default calibration assumes: NOR, PRE ON and ATTN OFF. The drop you > are seeing when you go to ABS is because the PRE gain is no longer > allowed to affect the S Meter reading. > > 73, > > Lyle KK7P > > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] CORRECTION Re: SB-221 for K3 need some help.
Oops, correction. Looks like the K3 will handle the SB-220's T-R relay coil voltage after all. Sorry about that, my bad. You still need to worry about the closure timing, though. I have my K3 set to the max (20 ms) and there doesn't SEEM to be a probelm -- but I've never actually measured how longs it takes the original Heath frame relay to close. You really should do that. Bill W5WVO - Original Message ----- From: "Bill W5WVO" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Dave G4AON" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2008 3:10 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Re: SB-221 for K3 need some help. > As far as the bandswitch is concerned, a good source for them are > the guys who do the 6-meter conversions for SB-220s and SB221s, > since they remove the whole bandswitch assembly. Check with Lou at > King Conversions ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). He may be able to help you > out. Lou does a great job with his 6-meter conversions, BTW. I'm > using one with my K3, but part of his conversion is installing a > solid-state buffer for the T-R line, which in the unmodified > SB-220 switches 120VDC. Do NOT connect an unmodified SB-220's T-R > switch line directly to the K3's T-R switch output jack. Your K3 > will NOT be happy. > > Bill W5WVO > > > - Original Message - > From: "Dave G4AON" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: > Sent: Saturday, August 30, 2008 11:50 PM > Subject: [Elecraft] Re: SB-221 for K3 need some help. > > > > Don, there isn't a diode across the relay coil in an SB220 - so > there > > may be a nasty back emf voltage on key release. Also, the K3 > maximum > > keying delay is 20 mS, will the relay in a SB220 switch in that > time? > > > > I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm, but old linears were > designed > > for relay contact switching and generally were slow on change > over... > > They can be modified, but in standard format may not work too > well. > > > > 73 Dave, G4AON > > K3/100 #80, Acom 1000 > > > > > > I found out this week that K3 is good with Heathkit > > SB-220 amps, all you need to do is connect a shielded > > RCA cable between the units - how easy is that? !!! > > ___ > > Elecraft mailing list > > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Re: SB-221 for K3 need some help.
As far as the bandswitch is concerned, a good source for them are the guys who do the 6-meter conversions for SB-220s and SB221s, since they remove the whole bandswitch assembly. Check with Lou at King Conversions ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). He may be able to help you out. Lou does a great job with his 6-meter conversions, BTW. I'm using one with my K3, but part of his conversion is installing a solid-state buffer for the T-R line, which in the unmodified SB-220 switches 120VDC. Do NOT connect an unmodified SB-220's T-R switch line directly to the K3's T-R switch output jack. Your K3 will NOT be happy. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Dave G4AON" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Saturday, August 30, 2008 11:50 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Re: SB-221 for K3 need some help. > Don, there isn't a diode across the relay coil in an SB220 - so there > may be a nasty back emf voltage on key release. Also, the K3 maximum > keying delay is 20 mS, will the relay in a SB220 switch in that time? > > I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm, but old linears were designed > for relay contact switching and generally were slow on change over... > They can be modified, but in standard format may not work too well. > > 73 Dave, G4AON > K3/100 #80, Acom 1000 > > > I found out this week that K3 is good with Heathkit > SB-220 amps, all you need to do is connect a shielded > RCA cable between the units - how easy is that? !!! > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Even more OT: Electric fences
Ken Kopp wrote: > I've heard that most critters ... once bit ... never approach > the fence again. Maybe that would work in your case, or > maybe intermittent operation would fool 'em. A few years ago I was living down in Albuquerque in the North Valley area. This is horse country, and my property adjoined a small rancho where riding horses were stabled. One of the horses struck up a friendship with my border collie Meg, and would come over to the fence to hang out with her. One day I decided to go out and give him an apple, to see if I could make friends with him, too. I knew there was an electric fence wire there, but when I touched it gingerly, nothing happened. I assumed it was dead and had been abandoned, like so many other old electric fences I had seen as a kid growing up in the countryside of upstate New York. Anyway, I had to reach my arm well through the fence to reach the horse. He liked the apple and whickered softly, coming a little closer. I got a left-handed grip on the wire fencing to steady myself and reached out to pet him on his nose with the other. ZAAAPPP!!! Both the horse and I jumped backwards reflexively. I yelped, he whinnied. What had happened? The fence wasn't dead; in fact, it was thoroughly functional. I felt nothing when touching it because I was wearing rubber-soled sneakers; the horse, however, was wearing iron horseshoes. The current went from the wire through my left arm, my chest, and my right arm to the horse's nose, down through the horse to his horseshoes and into the damp ground. He never came around again to hang out with Meg. I felt awful about it, but there was not much I could do. :-( He had learned his lesson, to my sorrow, and I had learned mine: Don't ever assume an electric fence is dead! This fence, BTW, produced no noise on 6 meters that I could detect. Bill W5WVO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 noise blanker
Jim Brown wrote: > Yes, but what is NR and NB doing to signals you're trying to copy? > It's easy to fool yourself about how well it works when listening > ONLY to band noise. To be useful, the NB/NR must suppress the noise > while not doing too much damage to the signal you're trying to copy. > So far, I haven't been thrilled by what I hear of that. Have to agree with you on that, Jim. It's definitely a trade-off between noise suppression and signal intelligibility. As with many things, it works better on CW than it does on SSB. Once the major promised features of the K3 are in place (still waiting for a fix for the SSB>CW VFO offset issue when changing modes), I'm hoping the NB and NR code will be thoroughly revisited. Bill W5WVO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Kenwood mic question
Dave K6LL opined: > ... two days ago I turned all that stuff off > and checked into the local net with eq flat, > essb turned off, and using the 2.7 filter. The > local guys (very attentive and critical audio > observers) spontaneously reported that > whatever I had done to the audio, it sounded > excellent, and had great DX punch. I've had exactly the same reaction from 98% of the hams who have listened to my 6m SSB signal. I've taken these numerous unsolicited comments to heart and have kept my hands off the audio settings. :-) (BTW, I'm using a Heil ProSet with the HC5 element.) Having said that, I know a couple of non-K3 guys who (using whatever rigs they have) are always a little harder to copy under adverse conditions because their voices are heavy in the bass register with attenuated high-frequency overtones. I can see the K3's TXEQ being an outstanding solution for guys like that. Finally, I think the K3's compression model is simply outstanding. In all the on-air tests I've done with other guys, they say that the K3 compression, when adjusted as per the K3 manual, renders the audio much stronger and more intelligible with absolutely no distortion that can be perceived by ear. The K3's designers have done an outstanding job of tailoring the transmit audio capabilities of this radio to a very high level of quality. IMO, the K3 raises the bar on SSB TX audio quality, with or without ESSB. :-) Bill W5WVO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] [K3] VFO A/B mode/filter settings
Seems like there must be an easy way to do this, but I don't seem to know it. Help, please: I want to be able to copy the mode and filter settings from one VFO to the other. For example, I have VFO A set up for narrow-band SSB reception. But when I copy VFO A>B, only the frequency is copied. The previous mode and filter settings for VFO B remain. I can see instances where you want this behavior (like monitoring CW with one VFO, SSB with the other), but for many of my purposes, it's a real pain. Any way to change this behavior? Sorry if this is RTFM. Bill W5WVO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] ON4UN has a K3?
> The only one I had trouble with was the WIDTH > control. For some reason I kept expecting the filter > b/w to become narrower as I turned it clockwise... This sort of design choice is always interesting -- to figure out what the greater number of users are going think is "intuitive". In your case, you are probably responding to an instinct derived from years of using radios where turning a control "up" is what you do to make the reception "better". So "better" = "clockwise". Not technically sensible when thinking in terms of bandwidth, but understandable. ;-) Bill W5WVO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: S meter calibration
- Original Message - From: "N0QO" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 2:42 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: S meter calibration > Through trial and error using my 8640B sig gen, I found > that if I played with different values of SC and OF that > I could get the S meter to display very accurately from > S1 to S9+30 and everything in between. And those values would be... ? Inquiring minds want to know. :-) Bill W5WVO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Serial Numbers
This is likely. When Elecraft made an error and shipped me a kit K3 instead of the factory-assembled one I had ordered, I sent it back to them, they built it, and they sent it back to me. Same serial number (888) as the kit I originally received. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "WILLIS COOKE" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Elecraft Reflector" Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2008 5:06 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Serial Numbers > I am not an insider, so I don't know but I get the > impression that when they sell an assembled K3 they > first assemble a kit and then have one of their techs > build and test it. If they assign the serial number > when they assemble the kit this would throw the > assembled units a few weeks later than the kit units > with adjacent serial numbers. This may not be > correct, but it sounds plausible. I have seen > references to a particular radio being built by a > particular technician. > > > --- "Dick Housden, W0NTA" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > > > Hi John, > > > > I am not sure how Elecraft is issuing serial > > numbers. I thought I read > > somewhere that there could be differences in the > > sequence of kits versus > > assembled units, but I cannot find anything on that. > > Maybe I was dreaming, > > again. > > > > Maybe someone else can enlighten us. > > > > 73, Dick, W0NTA > > Greeley, CO > > > > > > > > John Clare wrote: > > > > > > Hello Dick et al. On noting your K3 Serial Number, > > and wishing to > > > understand > > > the radio and the company much better, I am > > puzzled by Serial Number > > > chronology. My K3 rolled off the production line > > approx 21 days ago and > > > its > > > Serial Number is 1054, yet I am seeing numbers out > > there that are in the > > > 1100's and 1200's. My K3 is a 100w factory > > assembled version with auto > > > tuner > > > and transverter interface. Are there seperate > > serial no. blocks for 10w, > > > kit > > > form etcetera., does any one know? John Clare > > VK1CJ. > > > > > > > > > > -- > > View this message in context: > > > http://n2.nabble.com/Elecraft-CW-Net-Report-for-July-13th---14th%2C-2008-tp528962p530022.html > > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at > > Nabble.com. > > > > ___ > > Elecraft mailing list > > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > > > > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] [K3] VOX noise at beginning of speech
I posted a brief query a week or so ago about the K3 VOX and a couple complaints I had received about it from hams on 6 meters. Since then, I've worked with a couple of reliable local stations on the air to try to further characterize what they are hearing. They all say that when the VOX "makes" at the beginning of speech, they hear a distinct "clack" sound which is variously described as the sound of a frame relay closing or the sound of an old-fashioned light switch being flicked on. This sound happens on every "make" of the VOX circuit, but does not happen on the "break" when speech pauses or ends. Some say the sound is not terribly objectionable, while others say it is awful. How "bad" it is, I'm sure, is just a matter of personal opinion -- but the sound is definitely happening, everyone agrees on that. I have had stations reduce their RF gain to the point where there is no AGC action on receive, and the sound is still there. And it happens irrespective of the various VOX adjustment settings, so far as I can tell. Since there are no mechanical parts involved in the K3 VOX, the sound seems likely to be generated in the firmware as a result of the timing delay manipulation described previously. Can this be looked into, Wayne/Lyle? I've put VOX back on the shelf, figuratively, until this issue has been resolved. Thanks, Bill W5WVO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 #1037 in IARU contest
This is probably slightly OT, but Ed's and Jim's comments prompt me to take this thread further. I can add my agreement to the generally poor state of the transmitters of a few of the top contest operators on 6 meters during the recent ARRL contest. Some of them you could literally hear 20 kHz away on either side -- with the NB off, the preamp bypassed, and the attenuator kicked in to boot. Of course, this is just plain unacceptable technically, but more to the point, it is very rude and not in keeping with long-standing amateur traditions of technical excellence. Now, I've been told a couple times times that I was splattering, and in all cases it was found to be untrue, as reported by other stations on the frequency who were using correctly adjusted receivers and confirmed I was about 2.4 kHz wide. (The complaining station having his noise blanker enabled is the most usual culprit, though you would think all hams would know about this and check for it before opening their mouths.) When you have done your technical due-dilligence on the receive end and you know for a fact that another station is splattering badly and QRMing you and a lot of other people... How do you tell him? Or do you? I hate creating bad feelings on the air, and the usual rejoinder when I've actually tried this is angry defensiveness and sometimes even abusiveness. Jim and Ed, your thoughts would be appreciated, along with those of others who are long-time SSB contest operators. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Jim Brown" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2008 2:57 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 #1037 in IARU contest > On Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:16:37 -0500, Ed Gray W0SD wrote: > > >BTW having just got back from operating TO5E for 10 days the on the air > >audio of 40% of the hams we worked is a VERY, VERY sad commentary on > >operators inability to operate there equipment correctly. They sounded > >horrible. On the positive side about 40% were excellent for cutting the > >pile up and were still excellent communication quality. About 20% had > >good rag chewing audio. The K3 "TEST" mode should make it possible for > >any amateur to make sure there signal sounds OK. Obviously or lets say > >I assume the 40% that sounded terrible had never listened to themselves. > > When I say terrible I really mean it!!! > > I STRONGLY AGREE! For at least the past five years, there are guys > trying to do serious contesting whose transmit audio, especially on > computer playback, is so awful that I can't copy their call, even when > they're 30 dB above the noise, and even when I listen to their CQ more > than a dozen times! It's serious distortion, plain and simple, probably > caused by badly overdriving the audio input of the radio. This is so bad > that there are guys I simply could not work because I couldn't copy their > call. In some cases, I called these guys anyway, worked them, then got a > fill on their call from his live mic. > > Ed -- please send this part of your commentary to NCJ and every contest > forum you can think of, especially those that hams from other countries > will read. It is VERY much needed. > > 73, > > Jim Brown K9YC > > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Maidenhead site...
The only way to know where you really are with perfect accuracy is to get a correct Lat/Long coordinate set and convert this to Maidenhead. GPS receivers can be set to read out directly in six-character Maidenhead, so if you have a GPS, use that to determine your correct grid locator directly. QRZ and other sites typically use the location of your zip code to compute your grid locator, as this data is readily available from the USPS. While this will almost always produce a correct grid square to four characters (not six), it often fails even four characters when a station is near the grid boundary. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Leigh L. Klotz, Jr." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: Sent: Friday, July 11, 2008 7:41 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Maidenhead site... > According to QRZ.com you're in DN06ih (http://www.qrz.com/detail/KK7SS) > > Leigh/WA5ZNU > > Dave G. wrote: > > According to f6fvy.free.fr/qthLocator/ I'm in DN06ih > > According to other sites/locator programs (e.g. several satellite programs) > > I'm in DN06ig > > ~1/2 mile difference !! > > > > -- > > Dave G. KK7SS > > '65 MK III Sprite in Richland, WA > > "Real stupidity beats artificial intelligence every time." > > Terry Pratchett, 'Hogfather' > > > > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] 1.8 or 2.1 kc Filter
From: "Craig" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Wide filter bandwidths can becoming addictive > and there is no doubt that it is pleasing to your > ears. However if you a Dx'er or contester thats > not what the games about. Well said, Craig. You don't use a 1.8 kHz filter because it sounds good! You use it because you can't pull the station through using a wider bandwidth due to close-in QRM and/or weak signal strength. You choose the bandwidth necessary to copy the station you're trying to work. If you're a casual operator or ragchewer, not really into contesting, DXing, or weak-signal work on VHF, the 1.8 and 2.3 kHz filters are probably not for you. As I write this, I'm in QSO with a station in northern New York on double-hop sporadic-E on 6 meters. He's getting weaker as the band changes, and there is a lot of adjacent QRM. I'm now running 1.5 kHz bandwidth with FC set to 1.00. Solid copy all the way, just signed with him and completed the QSO before the band took us out. Love this radio! Bill W5WVO > > 73 > Craig > VK3HE > > > --- On Fri, 7/11/08, Tom Childers, N5GE <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > From: Tom Childers, N5GE <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 1.8 or 2.1 kc Filter > > To: "Mike Miller" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 8:17 PM > > On Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:51:24 -0500, "Mike Miller" > > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > > >Anyone have experience with 1.8 and 2.1 kc filters for > > the K3? > > >Trying to decide which one to get.. > > > > > >I am a DXer exclusively..not a contester... > > >work CW rarely > > > > > > > > >Does the audio from 1.8 sound too pinched? > > >I just dont want to hear a 59+10 signal that is 3 > > kc..from the frequency I am listening on > > > > > >any thoughts? on what filters to get.. > > > > > >Mike Miller KA5SMA > > [snip] > > > > I've had 1.8 filters in many different rigs over the > > years and found that I > > rarely used them because, in my opinion, they are too > > narrow for SSB, making it > > sound tinny to me. > > > > Tom, N5GE - SWOT 3537 - Grid EM12jq > > > > "Those who would give up > > Essential Liberty to > > purchase a little Temporary > > Safety deserve neither > > Liberty nor Safety" > > > > An excerpt from a letter > > written in 1755 from the > > Assembly to the Governor > > of Pennsylvania. > > > > Support the entire Constitution, not > > just the parts you like. > > > > http://www.n5ge.com > > http://www.eQSL.cc/Member.cfm?N5GE > > > > ___ > > Elecraft mailing list > > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] [K3] VOX issue
After my glowing report about the K3 VOX from the operator's perspective (mine!) a couple days ago, I started using it on the air, and immediately started getting complaints from stations I was working on 6m. The common thread boiled down to something like this: "It sounds like you are using a linear with one of those old-fashioned big frame relays that goes "ker-CLACK" every time you start talking." Obviously there are no old-fashioned relays in the barefoot K3, so this is obviously an artifact of some kind. I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered this problem. I've gone back to the footswitch until I can get this problem resolved. Thanks, Bill W5WVO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] [K3] First-time VOX test: It works!
To those of you SSB ops who won't use VOX because every implementation of it you've ever used basically sucked -- Try the K3! I just set it up using my Heil Pro-Set for the first time, and it works just as you think it should. Very smooth, no dropped syllables, no falsing -- amazing. It feels effortless, like the K3's QSK on CW. This is by far the best VOX I have ever tried. Bill W5WVO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: KRX3 question
With regard to diversity reception on bands other than 160m -- When 6-meter sporadic-E is very intense and present over a fairly large area between two stations, a phenomenon occurs where the signal will come in alternately at a higher angle and at a lower angle, fading back and forth, on average, every second or two. I've confirmed this by switching back and forth between my high/low yagi with the StackMatch while receiving such a signal. I look forward to that "someday" when I acquire a KRX3 and can try diversity reception on 6 meters. The configuration would be my vertically-stacked 6m yagis each feeding a separate receiver directly. (And of course driven through the StackMatch on transmit, as they are now.) The exact physical model of sporadic-E propagation that is causing this phenomenon is open to some debate, but it is clearly happening -- when the Es is active and complex enough to support multiple-angle paths. Using diversity reception from a two-stack of identical yagis sounds very intriguing, and would certainly work just as well as feedline-combining even when this Es phenomenon isn't occurring strongly. Bill W5VWO DM65 - Original Message - From: "Björn Mohr" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Elecraft Reflector" Sent: Monday, July 07, 2008 9:10 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: KRX3 question > Bill, > > I find the diversity option interesting and I imagine that it will be a very > useful feature on topband. In what other situations do you find it useful? > > I have never tried diversity myself, what would the difference be between a > filter matched to the specs provided Elecraft and a set of un-matched > filters? > > > 73 de Björn /SM0MDG > > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] k3 fan noise
You're right that it is uncommon. Properly installed, the fans are completely inaudible. I believe all the instances where fan noise has been encountered were traced down to some kind of assembly error. Probably Don could point you in the right direction. (Of course, a bad fan is possible as well. Just never heard of one on this list.) Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "eurom6" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2008 7:35 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] k3 fan noise > > Just finished my K3/100 and all's well but the fan noise is an aggravation. > If I loosen the screws and hold the fans, no noise but when assembled it > sounds like the old card on the spokes of our bikes 50 yrs ago (obviously > much softer). The back of the K3 is acting like a sounding board for the > fan and it amplifies and resonates. Felt washers didn't help, tightening > hardware didn't help. No fan wires in the way. I noticed this is not a > common problem so I wonder if I have an out of balance fan/motor. John > N0GBR > > > H. Cary III wrote: > > > > K3-100 #178 went together flawlessly, well almost, but it was smooth. Was > > missing two standoffs and two screws for the fan assembly on the KPA-100. > > When I did the first fan check, the relay or relays clicked but only one > > operated very quietly (short lead) ...disconnected it as instructed, > > installed the KPA-100 module and reconnected the fans & panel per > > instructions. Both fans operate this time but "WOW, is it every loud!" > > - my wife came in from the next room wanting to know what was making the > > noise. Her facial reaction when she realized it was the K3 clearly said: > > "This is the latest and greatest?" > > > > Is it the missing hardware or are others experiencing noisy fans, too? > > I've got to fix this, both for my sanity and to save face! > > > > Thanks for the help and Happy New Year. > > > > 73, > > Cary, K4TM > > K2-100 #5266 > > K3-100 #0178 > > > > > > ___ > > Elecraft mailing list > > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > > > > > -- > View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/k3-fan-noise---lots-of-it.-tp14543796p18308741.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] VFO fine-coarse tuning
Hi Ron, "Channelization" is a subject that is beginning to create more and more debate on the air. I must admit that, being a 6m operator where channelization makes sense other than in a contest environment (the band is large -- why QRM each other?), I might have a predisposition in that direction. But aside from the channelization debate, yes, I understand your initial objection. The way to solve that is to simply leave the actual VFO frequency unchanged when pressing the COARSE button -- but as soon as the VFO frequency is moved, drop the offset. Part of my "intuitive" feeling about this undoubtedly comes from how the TS-2000 was designed to work, and I guess I'm used to that. I don't know about current FT amd IC rigs. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Ron D'Eau Claire" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "'[Elecraft]'" Sent: Thursday, July 03, 2008 12:04 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] [K3] VFO fine-coarse tuning > The problem is that if you changed the tuning rate when not at a ".000" > setting and the system automatically put you on a ".000" setting, the rig > would change frequency by that amount, either xmit or receive! > > Normally you'll be going from fine to coarse, so one would expect that you'd > not care about the digits you're hiding or the offset they represent since > you're hiding them. > > But, with today's tendency for some Hams to "channelize", for example > routinely assuming that SSB stations are on exactly 2.5 kHz intervals across > the SSB sub band, it can sometimes result in an apparent "tuning error" > unless you go to the fine rate and correct the offset. > > One hilarious episode happened to me when I tuned up on 75 meter SSB one > morning and signed my call. A station called me back saying I was "off > frequency". > > "Off frequency?" I wasn't in a QSO. I replied and asked him what he meant. > He said that I was a few hundred Hz "high". > > "High? High from what?" > > "You're at 3987.8 instead of at 3987.5 where you belong," he replied. > > I thought, "Oh my gosh! We really need a better examination question pool > for the newbies!" > > Ron AC7AC > > > > -Original Message- > > Let's say I'm tuning in FINE mode (to the 1 Hz digit) and the VFO says > 50.135.056. If I then go to COARSE (to the 100 Hz digit), tune to a VFO > indication of, say, 50.145.0, I intuitively expect that the actual VFO > frequency will be 50.145.000 -- but it continues to carry the FINE 10s and > 1s digits as an offset, so the actual frequency is 50.145.056, which is > revealed by tapping the FINE button. This was probably an intentional design > choice based on how other rigs work -- but it's not the way it seems like it > should be, to me. Intuitively, it seems like if it says 50.145.0, it should > be 50.145.000. Am I completely wrong-headed here? Comments? > > Bill W5WVO > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] [K3] VFO fine-coarse tuning
Let's say I'm tuning in FINE mode (to the 1 Hz digit) and the VFO says 50.135.056. If I then go to COARSE (to the 100 Hz digit), tune to a VFO indication of, say, 50.145.0, I intuitively expect that the actual VFO frequency will be 50.145.000 -- but it continues to carry the FINE 10s and 1s digits as an offset, so the actual frequency is 50.145.056, which is revealed by tapping the FINE button. This was probably an intentional design choice based on how other rigs work -- but it's not the way it seems like it should be, to me. Intuitively, it seems like if it says 50.145.0, it should be 50.145.000. Am I completely wrong-headed here? Comments? Bill W5WVO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Questions and K3 options? Please!
David Yarnes wrote: > but I don't--at least not routinely. I really only get > about 2:1 there, and that tells me "watch out!" If you > can't get something close to 1:1 using the ATU, you probably > need to be cut the power back a little or a lot... I would think the SWR protection circuitry in the K3 would do this for you automatically. I guess I always assumed that, like virtually every other rig out there, the K3 has automatic SWR foldback to protect the finals... Am I wrong about that? Bill W5VWO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 6-meter Performance Question
One fact that does seem to get missed by many 6m operators is that ambient noise is very much relative to where you are. Dick makes this very clear. The old test of disconnecting and reconnecting your antenna to see if the antenna noise level is perceptible is a good rule of thumb -- but that's all. Noise is additive. If you have a front end with a crummy noise figure on 6m, but you do hear the noise level increase modestly when you connect the antenna by a couple dB -- you will *still* probably benefit from a preamp with a much better noise figure, because the receiver-based noise you were hearing with the antenna disconnected is a significant portion of your overall noise floor when the antenna is connected. On the other hand, if your total noise floor goes up 7-10 dB when you connect the antenna, that's perhaps a different matter. This is how much *my* noise level goes up -- on a *good* day. Will I benefit from a super-low-noise preamp, as did the CY0X expedition? Maybe not so much. :-) Again, it depends on how much my existing receiver is contributing to my overall ambient noise floor. All I can say to those guys who need 20 dB of gain and a hushed noise figure to be able to hear any antenna noise on 6m... I envy you more than I can say! My guess is, however, that my situation is more comparable to the vast majority of 6m hams living in a typical US metro area. The whole point of this is simply that the question of "how much RF gain is enough" and "how good a noise figure is good enough" is *extremely* relative. I wish it weren't so, but that's the reality. The only reliable way to see if an LNA will help in your situation is to try it. Which is exactly what I plan to do. :-) Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Dick Hanson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "'Stewart Baker'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "'Elecraft Reflector'" Sent: Tuesday, July 01, 2008 3:19 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 6-meter Performance Question > Ciao, from CY0X, Sable Island. > > Well, let's see now, is the K3 sensitive enuff for serious weak sig work on > six. > Based on our first week here on Sable, doing mostly weak signal work, I > could not be more pleased. > We were fortunate to have been given one of the prototype preamps to use > ahead of the radio on six, and I can tell you that it has been an excellent > addition. > We have been monitoring many of the EU TV offsets, world-wide beacons and of > course listening for many of the signals from across the pond. > > Consider this: we are running approx 800 watts into a 12dbd ant at 70' ASL, > surrounded by salt water; we have zero man-made noise towards EU, AF and > Asia, so we are hearing very well. Many of the stations we are working in EU > do not have as much power or antenna; hence many of them hear us better than > we hear them. Yet, we have logged nearly 2500 contacts thus far in 60 dxcc. > My conclusion is that we are not suffering from a hearing loss. > > Since it is so easy to switch out the outboard preamp, we have frequently > done this on some of the weak sigs just to see if we could still hear them. > In many cases we could hear them Q5 with just the internal preamp. Ian, > GM3SEK, et al, have pointed out that the stock radio NF is somewhere in the > 8-10db range, which is not stellar as six meter radio specs go. Nonetheless, > you'd be surprised at how many weak sigs we can still hear with only the > internal preamp engaged. > > I also have the XV50, and will keep it, but that is because I tend to keep > my radio gadgets a long time. > > FWIW: we love the K3 and how it performs on six. Hopefully, we have already > worked a number of you. If you haven't yet made contact, please check our > website at www.cy0x.com and then stop by 50108 and give us a call. > > 73, > Dick > K5AND/CY0X > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] CW feature: Swing?
Well, lots of replies, both public and private. By overwhelming preponderance, the opinion of the Elecraft community is... AAAGGG! (retch, heave) Just forget I brought it, please... ;-) Bill W5WVO David Yarnes wrote: > In my view, the so called "bug swing" is anything but > "nice"! Why anyone would try to send anything but correctly > formed code characters is beyond me! > > Dave W7AQK > > - Original Message - > From: "Tom Childers, N5GE" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: "[Elecraft]" > Sent: Friday, June 27, 2008 7:10 PM > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] CW feature: Swing? > > > On Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:34:23 -0600, "Bill W5WVO" > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >> I got used to this feature on the TS-2000. You can set >> "dash/dot ratio" to a number less than or greater than 3.0 >> (where 3.0 is the default standard -- i.e., the dash is >> three times the length of the dot). After experimenting, I >> set mine to 3.7, which gave the transmitted CW a nice >> little bug-like "swing". At first, I thought this was what >> the K3's "CW weight" parameter was for, but I immediately >> discovered that wasn't the case. Would any of you other CW >> guys out there use such an adjustment in the K3 if it were >> implemented? I find that's how I naturally want to send, >> probably a holdover from my bug days years ago. >> >> Bill W5WVO > [snip] > > I would never use it. > > Tom, N5GE - SWOT 3537 - Grid EM12jq > > "Those who would give up > Essential Liberty to > purchase a little Temporary > Safety deserve neither > Liberty nor Safety" > > An excerpt from a letter > written in 1755 from the > Assembly to the Governor > of Pennsylvania. > > Support the entire Constitution, not > just the parts you like. > > http://www.n5ge.com > http://www.eQSL.cc/Member.cfm?N5GE > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] SSB<>CW VFO offset
Thanks for pointing this out. Wayne has confirmed to me that it's on his list. Hopefully we'll get it Real Soon Now. ;-) Bill W5WVO Alexandr Kobranov wrote: > What we are talking about is as already published in "wish-list" on > zerobeat forum: > > http://www.zerobeat.net/smf/index.php?topic=228.0 > > FREQUENCY CORRECTION FOR CW - OFF/ON > If you operate both SSB and CW modes, you would > sometimes use SSB mode (USB or LSB) just to > watch and listen to CW signals. It is fine just to > monitor those CW signals but you have experienced > that changing the mode from SSB to CW results in > losing the target CW signal. This is because the > frequency on the display always shows the true > carrier frequency for all modes. If you want the > transceiver to shift the reception frequency to trace > the receiving CW signal when changing the mode > from SSB (USB or LSB) to CW, switch this function > ON. The transceiver shifts the reception frequency > when changing the mode from SSB to CW, so you > can still hear the target signal and instantly transmit > the signal in CW without adjusting the frequency. > > I also hope in future revision of fw :-) > > 73! > Lexa, ok1dst > > Ian White GM3SEK napsal(a): >> Tony Fegan VE3QF wrote: >>> Bill W5WVO wrote: >>>> This is something I thought already behaved the way I want it to, >>>> but it doesn't seem to. I've read through the manual, so if I'm >>>> missing something, somebody please tell me. >>>> >>>> If I'm copying a 6m CW signal in USB mode and switch the K3 to >>>> CW(REV) mode (which corresponds to USB), I want to see the VFO >>>> change his frequency in the right direction (up, in this instance, >>>> or down when switching from CW(REV) to USB)) by the amount of the >>>> PITCH frequency. It doesn't. This means when switching from CW to >>>> SSB or back, I lose sync with the CW signal I was copying. We want >>>> to be able to stay in pitch-sync with a CW signal while switching >>>> back and forth between SSB >>>> >>>> If there is a setting that already sets the K3 up with this >>>> behavior, I'd like to know what it is. Otherwise, could we please >>>> have an implementation of this at the earliest opportunity? The >>>> CW-in-SSB >>>> mode behavior works great, and I love it! But we also need this >>>> VFO-offset behavior when switching between these modes as well. It >>>> should be an option you can set in Config -- "Auto offset VFO >>>> CW/SSB" or something like that. In the Kenwood TS-2000, it's called >>>> "Frequency correction for SSB-to-CW change (ON/OFF)". We VHF ops >>>> would be very grateful. >>>> >> >>> Hi Bill, >>> >>> Firmware release 1.87 introduced this new feature: >>> >>> * CW KEYING IN SSB MODES: While in SSB modes, you can now send CW >>> without changing modes or using an offset. The other station will >>> hear the signal at your CW pitch. >>> This is especially useful on VHF bands when SSB signals can’t be >>> copied. To enable this feature, go into CONFIG:CW WGHT and tap ‘1’ >>> until you >>> see SSB +CW. >>> >>> Just hit the key. No need to switch modes. It is very convenient. If >>> your contact comes back on CW, make sure auto notch is off and you >>> may want to change the filter width if copying gets tough. >>> >>> Hope this helps. >> >> Auto-CW does help, but the present version does not provide all the >> features that Bill and other VHF ops need. >> >> At present we're working around it, and hoping that an upgrade is "on >> the list". >> >> > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] SSB<>CW VFO offset
This is something I thought already behaved the way I want it to, but it doesn't seem to. I've read through the manual, so if I'm missing something, somebody please tell me. If I'm copying a 6m CW signal in USB mode and switch the K3 to CW(REV) mode (which corresponds to USB), I want to see the VFO change frequency in the right direction (up, in this instance, or down when switching from CW(REV) to USB)) by the amount of the PITCH frequency. It doesn't. This means when switching from CW to SSB or back, I lose sync with the CW signal I was copying. We want to be able to stay in pitch-sync with a CW signal while switching back and forth between SSB and CW modes. If there is a setting that already sets the K3 up with this behavior, I'd like to know what it is. Otherwise, could we please have an implementation of this at the earliest opportunity? The CW-in-SSB mode behavior works great, and I love it! But we also need this VFO-offset behavior when switching between these modes as well. It should be an option you can set in Config -- "Auto offset VFO CW/SSB" or something like that. In the Kenwood TS-2000, it's called "Frequency correction for SSB-to-CW change (ON/OFF)". We VHF ops would be very grateful. Thanks, Bill W5WVO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Mic gain with Heil HC elements
This question has been answered. Dumb newbie mistake, didn't set config to rP.H by tapping the "1" button. Bill W5WVO Bill W5WVO wrote: > I'm just now (finally!) in the process of learning, configuring, and > adjusting my new K3 (S/N 888). I have a Heil Pro-Set with the > standard dynamic HC-5 mic element, which is known to be kind of low > in output compared to most other dynamic mics. It does work > beautifully and the audio reports have been excellent -- but to get > any ALC bars at all, I have to crank the mic input up to 60 (full > scale). This is not a problem, except that there is no wiggle-room. > It also makes me worry about there not being enough VOX gain, which I > haven't gotten to yet in my setup tasks. Is this level of mic gain > typical of what is required with the Heil HC-5 element? > > Bill W5WVO > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] [K3] CW feature: Swing?
I got used to this feature on the TS-2000. You can set "dash/dot ratio" to a number less than or greater than 3.0 (where 3.0 is the default standard -- i.e., the dash is three times the length of the dot). After experimenting, I set mine to 3.7, which gave the transmitted CW a nice little bug-like "swing". At first, I thought this was what the K3's "CW weight" parameter was for, but I immediately discovered that wasn't the case. Would any of you other CW guys out there use such an adjustment in the K3 if it were implemented? I find that's how I naturally want to send, probably a holdover from my bug days years ago. Bill W5WVO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Just hooked up my mic, no SSB out
The radio comes with the front-panel mic input activated. If you have connected the mic to the rear-panel jack and haven't reconfigured the mic input selection in the CONFIG menu, that's why you have no SSB. Bill W5WVO Phil & Debbie Salas wrote: > Any chance you are in TEST mode? > > Phil - AD5X > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
