Re: [Elecraft] K3S driving an Alpha 86

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Sorry Vic, I had a different manufacturer manual in front of me trying to 
assist another ham with his radio and amp connection. 

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 6, 2019, at 9:45 PM, Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP  
> wrote:
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S driving an Alpha 86

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

What are the keying requirements of the Alpha?   The values of voltage 
and current should be in the Alpha manual.  Then are those requirements 
in the range as defined on page 28 of the Tentec Omni VII manual, 
paragraph IMPORTANT NOTICE.    From this information you should be able 
to determine YES or NO.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 12/6/2019 8:19 PM, Bill Weaver wrote:
  
  
Will a K3S key an Alpha 86 direct without an intermediate relay? I'm trying to set up my system quickly for the ARRL 160 and hoping to get a quick answer.
  

  
Thanks and 73,
  
Bill WE5P
  

  
  

  
  
  
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Re: [Elecraft] AX-1 whip antenna

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

In most applications there should be 2 RF chokes.  The first RF choke 
should be at the antenna feed point, and a 2nd RF choke at the radio.  I 
find that Jim, K9YC has done excellent work in this regard.   This is a 
case where many hams and balun companies only go at the problem "half 
baked".    Thus if one is using a balun at the top side, one needs to be 
used at the bottom side as well.  In this case the word "balun" is 
implying a 1:1 RF choke.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 12/6/2019 2:27 PM, Steve Hull wrote:

I wonder what would happen if you moved the 1:1 choke to the other end of
your feedline (closer to your K3)?

-Steve




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Re: [Elecraft] K3S accessories availability, moving forward

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Ed explained it quite well.   I would add that when a product is 
discontinued usually the options, being also considered as product, will 
go away as well.   This does not imply that repair parts are 
discontinued.   It is often confusing to users when a product is not 
longer available that service parts of the same items are available.  
Usually one has a product model number and the other has a service part 
number.


After a product is obsoleted, where I previously worked, we planned 
service parts supports for some 7 or so years.  There is no legal 
requirement for a company to do this with consumer type products.   
Often we missed the projection and ran out early.  In some cases it was 
the customers that ordered an excessive number of service parts {so they 
could have spares} and this drew down the projected service parts 
inventory.    And then too, the accountants came around asking what is 
all of this on the shelves for the last 5 years with no usage?   Get rid 
of the inventory as it is costing the company money. The customer 
looses either way.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 12/6/2019 1:00 PM, Edward R Cole wrote:
Don explained it well; Elecraft support appears to continue for the 
K3, K3S.  Obtaining new options apparently has a shorter life-span.





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Re: [Elecraft] K3S accessories availability, moving forward

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

There are several credit card companies that initially have 0% interest 
for usually 12 months on a new card.  And then some have 0% interest on 
balance transfers up to 15 months.   I roll money around using these 
methods and NEVER pay any credit card interest.   One just has to be 
alert to the DEALS and play by their rules.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 12/5/2019 7:55 PM, Randy Lake wrote:

Use PayPal credit. Gives you a few months.




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Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW Problem

[Bob McGraw]

Victor's point is a good one.  Thus the question are you working full 
QSK or semi-QSK?   If the  TX Delay is long,  default is about 8 ms as I 
recall,  it will put in the required space for the correct timing to key 
an external amplifier.  This can occur between every CW element in QSK 
mode.    Also there is a Menu value for higher speed CW as opposed to 
what us old slow folks use.


73

Bob, K4TAX

On 12/3/2019 3:33 PM, Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP wrote:

Do you have CONFIG:TX DELAY set higher than 8 or 10?

73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
CWops no. 5
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/

On 03/12/2019 18:38, Keith Lamonica wrote:
Am I just missing a setting.  With my K3 CW is fine up to about 
23wpm. Any higher speed results in just spacing change In


e.g.

I have n1mm cw working fine ….… keyboard on software sends qrq fine … 
n1mm sends qrq fine … paddle is stuck at about 20wpm … if I jack up 
the speed it increases the character speed bust adds a space so speed 
does not do up and it sounds like crap… anything I can do?

John k9dx



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Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW Problem

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Sounds as though the paddle contacts need cleaning as well as the connector on 
the rear.  

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 3, 2019, at 11:38 AM, Keith Lamonica  wrote:
> 
> Am I just missing a setting.  With my K3 CW is fine up to about 23wpm.  Any 
> higher speed results in just spacing change
> 
> e.g.
> 
> I have n1mm cw working fine ….… keyboard on software sends qrq fine … n1mm 
> sends qrq fine … paddle is stuck at about 20wpm … if I jack up the speed it 
> increases the character speed bust adds a space so speed does not do up and 
> it sounds like crap… anything I can do?
> John k9dx
> 
> -- 
> Keith E. Lamonica
> ke...@lamonica.com
> www.w7dxx.com
> C6ADX - - YI9DXX - - Z88Z
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Re: [Elecraft] K3s WSJT-x V2.1.2 no vox

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Glad to share what I've learned. Thank you. 

73
Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 3, 2019, at 11:00 AM, David Thompson  wrote:
> 
> 
>> On Dec 3, 2019, at 07:20, Bob McGraw K4TAX  wrote:
>> 
>> If the WSJT Tune frequency is 1500 Hz, there is a beating between 1500 and 
>> the refresh rate of the ALC displayed value. Simply move the TX audio 
>> frequency up or down to eliminate this.  Makes for MUCH easier adjustment of 
>> audio levels. 
> 
> 
> Bob,
> 
> I’m filing this away for safe keeping! That’s a bit of a gem in my book.
> 
> Thanks and 73 de AG7TX...
> 
> David Thompson, AG7TX
> Jack of All Trades
> Master of None
> dbthomp...@me.com
> 
> 
> 
> 


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Re: [Elecraft] K3s WSJT-x V2.1.2 no vox

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

There were known changes in the version up to resolve a bug in a previous 
version. 

If the WSJT Tune frequency is 1500 Hz, there is a beating between 1500 and the 
refresh rate of the ALC displayed value. Simply move the TX audio frequency up 
or down to eliminate this.  Makes for MUCH easier adjustment of audio levels. 

73
Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 3, 2019, at 9:41 AM, cx...@4email.net wrote:
> 
> Hola Bob and Jim,
> 
> I checked all settings, I had not clicked on "Tune".
> Computer sound settings were all good. Mic and spkr USB both on Audio codex.
> Changed from Vox to CAT as per Bob's advice.
> 
> Still nothing until I changed the 'power slider' in WSJT-x to 100% vs
> 50. Then got 8 barschanged to about 70% and got five bars with fifth
> flickering, although sometimes all five would momentarily blink off for
> less than one sec, then come back.
> 
> Also discovered that had to make adjustments to power slider in software
> whenever I changed bands. K3s Mic gain set at 39,up from original 30 to
> get proper ALC.
> 
> Strange, all of this due to update to v 2.1.2.
> 
> Tnx for all the suggestions, at least back in operation.
> 
> 73
> Tom
> HP1XT
> 
>> On 2/12/2019 2:24 PM, Jim Rhodes wrote:
>> And make sure that your operating system has not changed your sound
>> device settings. Win 10 is bad about that (ask me how I know!)
>> 
>> On Mon, Dec 2, 2019 at 12:24 PM Bob McGraw K4TAX > <mailto:rmcg...@blomand.net>> wrote:
>> 
>>Add to my earlier.  You may need to adjust levels as previous
>>version and this one will be different.
>> 
>>Also suggest you use CAT control and not VOX as CAT is not affected
>>by audio levels.
>> 
>>73
>>Bob, K4TAX
>> 
>> 
>>Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>> On Dec 2, 2019, at 11:23 AM, cx...@4email.net
>><mailto:cx...@4email.net> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hola,
>>> 
>>> Problem with keying the VOX on the K3s with new install. Select
>>"Tune",
>>> it turns red but xmtr does not key VOX.
>>> 
>>> Never had this problem with v 2.0.0. Double checked USB audio
>>codex for
>>> both speaker and microphone. Parameters checked for Radio tab, K3s,
>>> using usb from KIO3 to computer, com4 (doublechecked Device
>>manager for
>>> correct port), VOX tab checked, 38400 and 8-1-none for
>>Data/stop/handshake.
>>> 
>>> Line in selected at 30 on K3s along with Vox gain at 30 (same as
>>> before). K3s mode selected for TX data and Data A menu selected.
>>> Received and decode FT8 no problem, still no xmit with VOX.
>>> 
>>> Do not see where I can go back to v2.0.0 as it no longer appears on
>>> WSJT-x website.
>>> 
>>> Suggestions?
>>> 73
>>> Tom
>>> HP1XT
>>> 
>> 
> 


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Re: [Elecraft] K3s WSJT-x V2.1.2 no vox

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

As I recall in the current version or maybe it was the previous version, there 
was a change which affects the way it handles TX audio level.   I wouldn't at 
all be surprised that update a version does changes audio level.   I believe it 
is a bug fix to prevent audio distortion due to excessive gain and thus 
distortion in the computer.   

I don't use VOX for  transmit but prefer CAT for transmit as it is not affected 
by audio level or VOX hang time. 

73
Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 2, 2019, at 2:24 PM, Jim Rhodes  wrote:
> 
> And make sure that your operating system has not changed your sound device 
> settings. Win 10 is bad about that (ask me how I know!)
> 
>> On Mon, Dec 2, 2019 at 12:24 PM Bob McGraw K4TAX  wrote:
>> Add to my earlier.  You may need to adjust levels as previous version and 
>> this one will be different. 
>> 
>> Also suggest you use CAT control and not VOX as CAT is not affected by audio 
>> levels. 
>> 
>> 73
>> Bob, K4TAX
>> 
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>> > On Dec 2, 2019, at 11:23 AM, cx...@4email.net wrote:
>> > 
>> > Hola,
>> > 
>> > Problem with keying the VOX on the K3s with new install. Select "Tune",
>> > it turns red but xmtr does not key VOX.
>> > 
>> > Never had this problem with v 2.0.0. Double checked USB audio codex for
>> > both speaker and microphone. Parameters checked for Radio tab, K3s,
>> > using usb from KIO3 to computer, com4 (doublechecked Device manager for
>> > correct port), VOX tab checked, 38400 and 8-1-none for Data/stop/handshake.
>> > 
>> > Line in selected at 30 on K3s along with Vox gain at 30 (same as
>> > before). K3s mode selected for TX data and Data A menu selected.
>> > Received and decode FT8 no problem, still no xmit with VOX.
>> > 
>> > Do not see where I can go back to v2.0.0 as it no longer appears on
>> > WSJT-x website.
>> > 
>> > Suggestions?
>> > 73
>> > Tom
>> > HP1XT
>> > 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3s WSJT-x V2.1.2 no vox

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Add to my earlier.  You may need to adjust levels as previous version and this 
one will be different. 

Also suggest you use CAT control and not VOX as CAT is not affected by audio 
levels. 

73
Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 2, 2019, at 11:23 AM, cx...@4email.net wrote:
> 
> Hola,
> 
> Problem with keying the VOX on the K3s with new install. Select "Tune",
> it turns red but xmtr does not key VOX.
> 
> Never had this problem with v 2.0.0. Double checked USB audio codex for
> both speaker and microphone. Parameters checked for Radio tab, K3s,
> using usb from KIO3 to computer, com4 (doublechecked Device manager for
> correct port), VOX tab checked, 38400 and 8-1-none for Data/stop/handshake.
> 
> Line in selected at 30 on K3s along with Vox gain at 30 (same as
> before). K3s mode selected for TX data and Data A menu selected.
> Received and decode FT8 no problem, still no xmit with VOX.
> 
> Do not see where I can go back to v2.0.0 as it no longer appears on
> WSJT-x website.
> 
> Suggestions?
> 73
> Tom
> HP1XT
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3s WSJT-x V2.1.2 no vox

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Check SPKR level on the computer.  Also check PWR slider on WSJT-X.  

Check Audio tab on WSJT, F2 Menu, Audio tab to see that both Transmit and Tune 
boxes are checked. This remembers the settings per band. 

73
Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 2, 2019, at 11:23 AM, cx...@4email.net wrote:
> 
> Hola,
> 
> Problem with keying the VOX on the K3s with new install. Select "Tune",
> it turns red but xmtr does not key VOX.
> 
> Never had this problem with v 2.0.0. Double checked USB audio codex for
> both speaker and microphone. Parameters checked for Radio tab, K3s,
> using usb from KIO3 to computer, com4 (doublechecked Device manager for
> correct port), VOX tab checked, 38400 and 8-1-none for Data/stop/handshake.
> 
> Line in selected at 30 on K3s along with Vox gain at 30 (same as
> before). K3s mode selected for TX data and Data A menu selected.
> Received and decode FT8 no problem, still no xmit with VOX.
> 
> Do not see where I can go back to v2.0.0 as it no longer appears on
> WSJT-x website.
> 
> Suggestions?
> 73
> Tom
> HP1XT
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Abnormal Behavior

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

My K3S has a bit of a slow power rise after any power change.  I wouldn't say 
it takes a minute, but I was told this occurs as the power management system 
makes adjustments. This is done in order to prevent ALC overshoot. 

With the ATU bypassed I have my TUNE power set to 20 watts.  That is adequate 
for my KAT500 and drives my KPA500 to rated output.  I don't think this affects 
the K3S ATU tune power. 

73
Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 30, 2019, at 2:01 PM, Clark Macaulay  wrote:
> 
> Jim,
> 
> Your unit is about the same age as mine (#3645) which was sent to Elecraft
> a few months ago for what I thought would be installation of some upgrades
> I couldn't do myself.  Turns out they found (and fixed) several items
> including two resistors in the LPA that appeared burned and were replaced
> with "more robust components".  Your problem sounds similar to what I had
> seen but not as severe.
> 
> My K3 came back acting like a new puppy.  I'm not saying yours needs to be
> sent in; just wanted to share what my experience with a similar s/n rig had
> been.
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Clark, WU4B
> 
>> On Sat, Nov 30, 2019 at 1:26 PM Jim Kennedy  wrote:
>> 
>> Fired up my K3 the last couple of mornings and noticed this. As the
>> autotuner was searching for a solution the power output was slowing rising.
>> Not so unusual right . But, after the tuner made a match the K3 was reading
>> about 40w of output. I went into tune mode again (key down), the antenna
>> was matched 1:1 but the output was slowly coming up so I let it continue. A
>> slow climb to full output after about a minute or so was achieved. I have
>> eliminated the tuner as the problem by using it on another transceiver. I'm
>> thinking it may be a heat related issue somewhere, my guess is it's
>> possibly on the PA board and possibly a solder problem, but then again it
>> could be that same issue anywhere in the drive chain. If I don't transmit
>> for a period of time it will repeat but not as bad as from a cold start. No
>> other abnormal behavior has been noted. Any ideas ? Thanks in advance.
>> Serial # 3378
>> 
>> Jim
>> W7OUU
>> 
>> 
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>> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> 73,
> 
> Clark, WU4B
> QRPARCI #10815
> SKCC #3892
> NAQCC #5055
> CWOPS #1869
> Collins Collectors #AC90-12432
> Southeastern DX Club 
> North Georgia QRP Club 
> 
> 
> *"It is vain to do with more what can be done with less."*
> *Attributed to *William of Occam (1288 AD - 1348 AD)
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 fan won't shut off

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

In looking at the schematic, I see the fan is controlled by a MJE182 
{Q5}.  If this transistor shorts the fan runs at full speed.   I didn't 
see a relay in the circuit, but I could have missed it.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 11/26/2019 3:29 AM, Eric Norris wrote:

As Jack Brindle noted (and he would know), it appears to be a stuck relay.
If you don't want to send the amp back to the mothership, I'm sure Elecraft
Support could identify the relay, and if you can do rework, you could
remove the bad one and replace it yourself.

73 Eric WD6DBM

On Tue, Nov 26, 2019, 12:57 AM Grant VK5GR  wrote:


Eric,



I reloaded the firmware tonight – no change (in fact I upgraded it from
1.47 to 1.54).



If I plug the mains cable in the fans power up immediately. If I then turn
the amplifier on, the amp works normally. When I power it off from software
or the front panel the fans spin up and stay running.



Is there something I can look at here in VK I wonder? I really don’t want
to have to ship it back to Elecraft for this.



Regards,

Grant VK5GR









*From:* Eric Norris [mailto:norrislawfi...@gmail.com]
*Sent:* Tuesday, 26 November 2019 2:20 PM
*To:* VK5GR
*Cc:* elecraft@mailman qth. net
*Subject:* Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 fan won't shut off



Reload the firmware.

73 Eric WD6DBM



On Mon, Nov 25, 2019, 6:51 PM VK5GR  wrote:

FAN CTL = NOR

FANs are idle while the amp is turned on - amp ambient temp was 27C at the
time (it was powered up and had been idle for about 20 minutes).

I then turned the amplifier off via the front panel push button. I would
have expected the FANs to start up for about 10 seconds as they discharge
the 60V rail supply but instead the FANs continue to run. the only way to
turn them off is to unplug the amp from the mains supply.

It is definitely a fault condition and not a menu selection.

Thoughts?



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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 fan won't shut off

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Does the mains switch on the rear panel shut the fan off?  
I would next reload the firmware. 

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 25, 2019, at 8:50 PM, VK5GR  wrote:
> 
> FAN CTL = NOR
> 
> FANs are idle while the amp is turned on - amp ambient temp was 27C at the
> time (it was powered up and had been idle for about 20 minutes).
> 
> I then turned the amplifier off via the front panel push button. I would
> have expected the FANs to start up for about 10 seconds as they discharge
> the 60V rail supply but instead the FANs continue to run. the only way to
> turn them off is to unplug the amp from the mains supply.
> 
> It is definitely a fault condition and not a menu selection.
> 
> Thoughts?
> 
> 
> 
> --
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 fan won't shut off

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

What is the value in the menu for FAN CTL?   If at NOR then the fan 
should be off until the temp hits about 50º C.  It will then increment 
up one speed value about every 5 degrees temp increase.   What is the 
TEMP value showing?   Should be about room temp or 22 to 25 C


73

Bob, K4TAX

On 11/25/2019 7:57 PM, VK5GR wrote:

Folks,

Has there been any further word on this fault? I have just had the same
thing happen to me and am wondering if it could be the same issue?

Regards,
Grant VK5GR




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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Drive Levels and the SPE 1.3K-FA

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

With the KPA3A / 100 watt amp active, which switches in at 12 watts, the 
LPA then runs about 1 to 5 watts.  The issue I encountered was running 
the KPA3A / 100 watt amp, at the lower end of the power range being 15 
or so watts.  I encountered two failures of the KPA3A amp module.


I now stay away from that power level thus running 20 to 25 watts from 
the KPA3A.  I've been doing this since May 2018 when the last KPA3A was 
replaced. I was also advised by another ham who experienced several 
KPA3A failures to "stay away from 15 watts". The last KPA3A is the Rev E 
model that, according to the report from Elecraft, states "Replaced 
KPA3A Rev B with the more stable KPA3A Rev E  amp".


The discussion can be confusing as the LPA runs normally up to about 12 
to watts but can be pushed to near 15 watts.  The KPA switches in the 
circuit at ~12 watts. {Listen for the relay click} General discussion 
surrounds running the LPA at 12 to 15 watts in high duty cycle modes, 
thus causing failure of the LPA.  The devices are only heat sinked to 
the bottom panel and no forced air cooling is provided for the LPA.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 11/22/2019 7:08 AM, hawley, charles j jr wrote:

I thought the answer was to run the KPA  by going up to 12 or 15 watts. What is 
the LPA running when when the power is at 12 or 15 watts? What is it running 
when the power is at 20 or 25 watts?

Chuck Jack Hawley
KE9UW

  



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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Drive Levels and the SPE 1.3K-FA

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I learned my lesson running 12 to 15 watts or so having to replace the KPA3A 
twice.  I now run 20 to 25 watts driving my KPA500 to rated output.  Be it CW, 
SSB or digital modes.  Otherwise it is 100 watts when not running the KPA500.  
Running conservative power doesn't get it. 

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 21, 2019, at 9:15 PM, Dennis Ashworth  
> wrote:
> 
> Makes you wonder how K3/10 users fair running high duty cycle modes at full 
> output. I’ve replaced two sets of LPF drivers running 10W WSJT on my K3/100. 
> No more! Now I advance the power until the amplifier engages (~12W). 
> Hopefully this reduces driver dissipation.
> 
> Dennis, K7FL 
> 
> 
>> On Nov 21, 2019, at 5:15 PM, dgb  wrote:
>> 
>> Thanks for the good info Keith - I quit using 12w yrs ago as one E'craft 
>> tech told me after the 1st one blew.
>> 
>> Also heard from another that I could turn the fans on all the time which 
>> should help as normally they are only on when you go to 13w and up.
>> 
>> Will play with them - t u 73 Dwight NS9I
>> 
 On 11/21/2019 4:04 PM, Keith Trinity WE6R wrote:
>>> You can play with the Config Menu watt meter calibration high and low 
>>> numbers to get the switch-over point different.
>>> IE where the Low power amp (LPA) switches to 100 amp (KPA3). This happens 
>>> at 12W "indicated".
>>> The two Calibration numbers are for all bands!
>>> So; Go into config menu WMTR LP (below 12W) or HP (above 12W). (note 6 
>>> meters switches at 8W)!
>>> Make a note of both numbers so you can put them back!
>>> Extreme numbers to get the KPA3 to click in at lower actual power levels 
>>> would be to set both for 180 (max).
>>> You will have to use an external watt-meter to see what is going on as the 
>>> K3 internal watt-meter readout is all out of calibration now!!
>>> I just played with a radio and it switches over at about 7 watts with both 
>>> numbers at 180
>>> Have fun!
>>> Keith WE6R
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Drive Levels and the SPE 1.3K-FA

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

That is correct.   The current FCC regulation requires that an amp be 
limited to 15 dB of gain.


Therefore, 900 watts out with 11 watts of drive is 19.12 dB gain. 
Even with 800 watts out and 11 watts of drive the gain would be 18.61 
dB.  Not exactly legal in the USA.   dB = 10log(p1/p2)   Thus 30 watts 
input and 900 watts output is 14.77 dB gain.  A ~3 db pad on the input 
would correct the issue and make the amp "legal" to use and import into 
the USA.   I bet someone at SPE fudged the numbers on the paperwork.


73

Bob, K4TAX



On 11/21/2019 10:32 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:



It would be more appropriate if SPE shipped their amplifiers to
the US with the proper (legal) attenuator in place.  That way one
would be running the K3/K3s at 30 Watts in the first place.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV

On 2019-11-21 10:42 AM, j...@kk9a.com wrote:
I have operated RTTY with my K3S in the 11 watt range not knowing 
that this was bad for the LPAs. It would be nice if the Elecraft 
K3/K3S would allow the option to turn on the 100 watt power amp and a 
lower power setting.


John KK9A

dgb ns9i wrote:

I run a lot of rtty and digital with my K3. I always set the amp to the
mid range getting 8-900w out. It takes only 8-11 w drive from the K3 to
accomplish that.

Note: SPE recommends to run the amp in Mid Range for digital operation.
When I first got the amp I made the mistake of running it in the high
range and melted the copper heat sink, which was not considered a
warranty repair, and was an expensive lesson learned.

Over the  course of the 3 yrs. that I've owned the amp,  I have blown 4
LPA's in the K3 running it at 8-11w. With latest repair the tech
informed me that the "LPA is not rated for continuous duty at upper
power levels (like the digital Modes)" They suggested running 13w vs 11w
so the LPA wouldn't be used. If I do that it over-drives the SPE in the
mid-range.

What is my suggested recourse?

thanks 73 Dwight NS9I



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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Drive Levels and the SPE 1.3K-FA

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Why not add a 1 dB or 2 dB attenuator in line at the input of the amp?   
That would allow for a bit higher drive power from the K3S.   Three 
carbon resistors will make a nice Pi attenuator.


73

Bob, K4TAX

On 11/21/2019 9:42 AM, j...@kk9a.com wrote:
I have operated RTTY with my K3S in the 11 watt range not knowing that 
this was bad for the LPAs. It would be nice if the Elecraft K3/K3S 
would allow the option to turn on the 100 watt power amp and a lower 
power setting.


John KK9A

dgb ns9i wrote:

I run a lot of rtty and digital with my K3. I always set the amp to the
mid range getting 8-900w out. It takes only 8-11 w drive from the K3 to
accomplish that.

Note: SPE recommends to run the amp in Mid Range for digital operation.
When I first got the amp I made the mistake of running it in the high
range and melted the copper heat sink, which was not considered a
warranty repair, and was an expensive lesson learned.

Over the  course of the 3 yrs. that I've owned the amp,  I have blown 4
LPA's in the K3 running it at 8-11w. With latest repair the tech
informed me that the "LPA is not rated for continuous duty at upper
power levels (like the digital Modes)" They suggested running 13w vs 11w
so the LPA wouldn't be used. If I do that it over-drives the SPE in the
mid-range.

What is my suggested recourse?

thanks 73 Dwight NS9I

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 SWR Calibration

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I've been doing a bit of looking at SWR indications.  The numbers are 
factually frightful.   With 100 watts forward power and 0.25 watts 
reflected the SWR is 1.1:1.    And with 500 watts forward and 1.25 watts 
reflected the SWR is still 1.1:1.    I believe that says 0.25% of the 
power is being reflected.   But I ask, what is the SWR at the antenna 
feed point?  It is certainly higher than at the transmitter due to feed 
line losses.


In using 100 ft of RG-213 at 14 MHz, the matched line loss is 0.780 
dB.   With a 1.1:1 SWR the total loss goes up by 0.001 dB and the SWR at 
the Load is 1.12:1 where Z = 48.25 -j4.63 ohms.


All of this is just "killer math" and makes absolutely no difference 
except to the operator that expects an SWR of 1.0:1 all the time.


73

Bob, K4TAX


http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-SWR-Numerical-Indication-td7643839.html#a7643944 






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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 wish list

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Yes and I have trained my tuner to use the same frequency on different 
antennas.  Thus when I switch antennas it does not require any 
re-tuning, only push the ANT selector for the preferred antenna of 
choice at the moment.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 11/18/2019 7:18 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

On 11/18/2019 11:34 AM, Paul Baldock wrote:
I have manually tweaked (with amp in standby and running 50W) my auto 
learned atu settings to get as close to 0W reflected power as possible.


Yes, and this is exactly what the manual says to do -- before using 
the amp, train the tuner by tuning at multiple frequencies in each 
band, AND for each antenna that you use on that band. The tuner is 
smart enough to select between multiple "trainings" when you use more 
than one antenna.


73, Jim K9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 wish list

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

At risk of starting a FIRE storm here in the group, why not CORRECTLY 
configure the ALC between the amp and radio.  Just remember it is not a 
power control application but no different than the normal ALC in your 
radio.  You do use that don't you? And you can see the amp ALC on the 
K3S display ALC indication.  It will let you know if you are punching it 
too hard.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 11/18/2019 11:55 AM, Doug Turnbull wrote:

Dear OMs and YLs,
  Why not just run 1400 Watts.The difference in power will never be
noticed by anyone you are working.It should reduce stress on the KPA1500
components.   Though feedback which is after all what we are talking about
can not only reduce distortion but in some instances introduce distortion;
ALC being just one example.   If your SWR forces the return power to over
200 Watts then it seems to me there is the more important problem to
address.

  I am sorry if I have stepped on any toes.   This is not my intent.I
too run a KPA 1500 which is a delight.

73 Doug EI2CN

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Rick Tavan
Sent: 18 November 2019 17:45
To: N4ZR; Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 wish list

I'd love to have something like this, Pete!  It's not only frequency
excursions that cause output fluctuations but also warm-up. The gain of the
power transistors is temperature-sensitive. I'd like to be able to set a
target output power (typically 1500w but maybe less on bands with
mismatched antennas or in countries with lower power limits), have
*something* monitor it, and send drive adjustment commands to the K3 via
sharing the serial port. (The commands exist - PC and PO.) It's not the
same as AGC which is analog and real-time and can cause distortion. I've
called it "Slow AGC" because it would only operate every second or so,
perhaps taking multiple cycles to recover a desired output power and
causing no measurable distortion. It would essentially duplicate what we do
manually - keep a sharp eye on the power and tweak the K3 PWR control
appropriately. That's not only a significant drain on brain and muscle
cycles over the course of a long operating session as in contesting but
also useful in less extended situations like the excitement of a DX pileup.
It would require software in the KPA1500 and maybe also an external box or
computer where port sharing would take place. (It could also be done
entirely external to the KPA1500 by replicating its power sensing
circuitry, a bit of a waste.) It's not trivial but I'm convinced it's
possible.

73,

/Rick N6XI

On Mon, Nov 18, 2019 at 8:31 AM N4ZR  wrote:


Here's one that I kept running into.  My K3/KPA-1500 when operating at
one end of the band on 40 and 80, would work fine, but when I went to
the other end  I found that often I would be running over 1500 watts,
and sometimes, the result would be reflected power exceeding 200 watts,
causing a fault.  For those of us who have the Aux port cable connected,
wouldn't it be pretty simple for the KPA-1500 to turn down the K3's
power to limit output to 1500 watts?

--

73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network
at , now
spotting RTTY activity worldwide.
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 SWR Calibration

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Jack, et.al.

Thanks,  Yes I see from the circuit it is not a Breune.   I have 
calibrated the indications for power and all is well in that regard.  I 
just see a higher SWR that actually exists.  That under certain 
conditions causes the amp to fault.   I'll figure a work-a-round and be 
able to deal with it.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 11/17/2019 10:12 AM, Jack Brindle wrote:

Bob;

The KPA500 does not use a Breune style bridge, but rather a true directional 
coupler. It does not need to be nulled; there is no adjustment.

There is an adjustment for the power; see the PWR ADJ setting in the manual.

73!
Jack, W6FB



On Nov 17, 2019, at 6:58 AM, Bob McGraw K4TAX  wrote:

I need to null the SWR detector on my KPA500.   I've not found any adjustment 
procedure as such.   And from the schematic, there is none.

I do have a rather precise Bird 50.5 ohm dummy load.  I see SWR values higher 
than 1:1 on the LED display and also on the LCD display on higher frequency 
bands.   I've found that the PWR ADJ does affect not only the indicated power 
but the FAULT values as well.   I am suspect that the  SWR error likewise 
affects the Fault actions.

Any thoughts?

73

Bob, K4TAX




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[Elecraft] KPA500 SWR Calibration

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I need to null the SWR detector on my KPA500.   I've not found any 
adjustment procedure as such.   And from the schematic, there is none.


I do have a rather precise Bird 50.5 ohm dummy load.  I see SWR values 
higher than 1:1 on the LED display and also on the LCD display on higher 
frequency bands.   I've found that the PWR ADJ does affect not only the 
indicated power but the FAULT values as well.   I am suspect that the  
SWR error likewise affects the Fault actions.


Any thoughts?

73

Bob, K4TAX




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Re: [Elecraft] Update on Band Tracking

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Bill:

You mention a good point..cables and connectors.

To that end, I find that just inserting a multipin plug into a connector 
is not good enough.  I know those retaining screws are a pain to deal 
with, but they are there for a very valid reason. They assure the plug 
is fully engaged and they assure it is secure.   Frequent moving 
equipment on the desk or shifting it around will allow a connector to 
work partially loose.  That causes intermittent and unreliable operations.


Always secure those connectors as intended.  Time saving short cuts are 
not allowed.


73

Bob, K4TAX

On 11/13/2019 8:57 PM, Nr4c wrote:

Cables and connectors???

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill



On Nov 13, 2019, at 8:41 PM, Jim Danehy  wrote:

My K3, upon moving it to a new operating spot now has a tracking issue. I took 
off the cabling to ease moving to another room. I reinstalled the cabling. 
However several bands do not switch ON THE KPA 500 when I change bands on the 
K3. If I hit the key the KPA 500 immediately changed to the band the K3 is on. 
So RF switching works.

In the CONFIG Menu I went through the BAND MAP and made sure each BAND was 
“IN”. But a couple although IN do not follow the K3.

Any suggestions ? I will update the Firmware since what I have is a few behind. 
That may cure the problem. In the interim please share your suggestions.

Thanks
W9VNE/VA3VNE
Sent from my iPhone
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 - WSJT-X help

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

And if you are using a beam / directional antenna, the position of the 
antenna may affect the RF level at the operating position.


73

Bob, K4TAX

On 11/13/2019 11:04 AM, N2TK via Elecraft wrote:

I was on 20M at the time the problem arose. Will watch to see if it happens 
again as to what band and which antenna I am using.

73,

N2TK, Tony

  


From: Carl Yaffey 
Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 10:40 AM
To: tony@verizon.net
Cc: Bob Gibson via Elecraft 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - WSJT-X help

  


I have had this happen intermittently when using the KPA1500 with my K3S. I’m 
pretty sure it’s an RF feedback issue with the PC + WSJT-X. Never happens when 
NOT on FT8.

  






On Nov 13, 2019, at 7:04 AM, N2TK via Elecraft mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net> > wrote:

  


Scratching my head. I was making Q's on FT8 with my K3 and WSJT-X, v2.0.1
when I no longer would get power out.

WSJT is keying the K3 (Red transmit light is on) but no power out. The K3
keys fine with power out in CW or other modes is fine. WSJT is talking to
the K3. WSJT shows the correct frequency, it is decoding and when I go into
Settings > Radio and hit Test CAT it goes green. When I hit TUNE on WSJT it
turns to red and the red TX light on the K3 comes on. But no power out.



The typical setup is LP-Bridge, DXBase, DXBridge, WSJT-X. Yes, I know I need
to update to DXLab to properly interface. So I closed everything but WSJT-X
and have it talking directly to the K3. No difference. Also using the USB
interface on the K3.



Any ideas what could have happened and any suggestions? Maybe I bumped
something?

N2TK, Tony

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Carl Yaffey  K8NU
Recording studio.
cyaffey at  gmail.com 
614 268 6353, Columbus OH
http://www.carl-yaffey.com
http://www.grassahol.com
http://www.bluesswing.com
Https://www.columbusfolkmusicsociety.org
http://www.timbrewolves.carl-yaffey.com
http://www.columbusshotokankarate.com









  


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 - WSJT-X help

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Using Windows 10 Pro, I do use the computer for other audio activities, 
editing music, choir performances, listening to music and such.   This 
will change the audio parameter settings of Windows.    Thus one needs 
to understand the various selections and audio level values for the 
computer, the software and the radio.


I use the USB input on my K3S and have a single USB cable which connects 
to the computer.  I do not have or use a separate interface.  I find 
this keeps things more reliable and less complex.  The WSJT-X software 
sets the radio parameters when I open the application. I may need to 
tweak the computer levels a bit, depending on what I was doing last.    
Otherwise, it is solid and reliable.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 11/13/2019 8:22 AM, N4ZR wrote:
I run into this over and over with Windows 10, and I'm embarrassed to 
say I often don't know what makes the difference.  I use the 
microphone input and speakers output on an outboard USB sound card, 
and generally find myself just dinking around with the various sound 
settings until I find something that causes it to start working.  My 
suspicion is that Windows 10 update has a nasty habit of resetting 
audio arrangements to some arbitrary set of "defaults."


73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network
at , now
spotting RTTY activity worldwide.
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.

On 11/13/2019 8:10 AM, N2TK via Elecraft wrote:

Don,
Tnx for the reminder on checking the audio on the ALC meter. It was 
so long since I had a problem I forgot about doing that. There was no 
audio shown on the K3. What happened is that in WSJT-X > Settings > 
Audio > Soundcard, The OUTPUT was no longer Speakers (USB Audio 
CODEC). Somehow it changed to SPEAKERS (Realtek High Definition 
Audio), which is my audio for my pc. Changed it to what it was 
supposed to be and now I am fine. I have no idea what changed the 
setting as I was working station after station when this happened.

Weird.

73,
N2TK, Tony

-Original Message-
From: Don Wilhelm 
Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 7:40 AM
To: tony@verizon.net; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - WSJT-X help

Tony,

Soundcard problem or K3 problem.  This is most commonly a problem 
with audio into the K3.


How many bars illuminate on the ALC meter?  It should be 4 with the 
5th bar flashing.  If not, look at the audio levels.


See the article on my website www.w3fpr.com

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/13/2019 7:04 AM, N2TK via Elecraft wrote:

Scratching my head. I was making Q's on FT8 with my K3 and WSJT-X,
v2.0.1 when I no longer would get power out.

WSJT is keying the K3 (Red transmit light is on) but no power out. The
K3 keys fine with power out in CW or other modes is fine. WSJT is
talking to the K3. WSJT shows the correct frequency, it is decoding
and when I go into Settings > Radio and hit Test CAT it goes green.
When I hit TUNE on WSJT it turns to red and the red TX light on the 
K3 comes on. But no power out.



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Re: [Elecraft] Strange development with my K3

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

As to the beep every 7 seconds, I see that on my P3.  It is a tuneable 
signal in CW mode, however it does not appear when the antenna is 
disconnected from the radio.   Therefore, it would seem to be coming in 
on the antenna.    One of those UFO's, space aliens, or other one eyed 
monsters.


73

Bob, K4TAX

On 11/12/2019 2:37 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote:
Go to the  Config Menu and check BND MAP settings.   This says you 
have blocked or mapped 14.0 out.   See page 58 of the manual.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 11/12/2019 1:50 PM, Jim Danehy wrote:
I recently moved my K3, KPA 500 and KAT 500 to a new place in my 
home. It was working perfectly before the move.

I hooked everything back up. All cables properly attached.

Now on 14.025 I get a tone every 7 seconds. Just a beep. It probably 
is 900 hertz. It comes like clockwork. It only does that on 14.025. 
It is a single shirt burst,
Now when cycling through the bands using the KPA buttons it avoids 14 
MHz.


I am looking for an explanation and assistance on how to correct the 
unwanted short burst


73
W9VNE


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Re: [Elecraft] Strange development with my K3

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Go to the  Config Menu and check BND MAP settings.   This says you have 
blocked or mapped 14.0 out.   See page 58 of the manual.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 11/12/2019 1:50 PM, Jim Danehy wrote:

I recently moved my K3, KPA 500 and KAT 500 to a new place in my home. It was 
working perfectly before the move.
I hooked everything back up. All cables properly attached.

Now on 14.025 I get a tone every 7 seconds. Just a beep. It probably is 900 
hertz. It comes like clockwork. It only does that on 14.025. It is a single 
shirt burst,
Now when cycling through the bands using the KPA buttons it avoids 14 MHz.

I am looking for an explanation and assistance on how to correct the unwanted 
short burst

73
W9VNE


Sent from my iPhone
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S/100 - TX current on 20m

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

As indicated on my K3S current display, at a PWR setting of 100 watts, 
to a 50 ohm dummy load:


160M = 18.0A

80M = 17.6A

40M =16.0A

30M = 16.4A

20M = 20.2A

17M = 20.2A

15M = 17.0A

12M = 17.7A

10M = 17.0A

6M  = 18.8A

I'd consider these values to be typical and normal.   Actual power 
output as indicated on my Bird 43 is a few watts above 100 on all 
bands.  This is after a fresh transmit gain calibration.


73

Bob, K4TAX




On 11/11/2019 4:29 AM, aj4tf wrote:

Something that I have recently noticed on my K3S/100 :  DC current draw on 20
meters is significantly higher (+4 amps) than the other HF bands at the same
power setting and input conditions into a dummy load (into antenna, same
thing).   This is both before and after performing a TX Gain Cal.

Test conditions:  mode Data A,  input single test tone from FLDIGI software
(4-5 bars ALC), tone level & frequency not changed during the tests, ATU
bypassed, ANT1 selected.  Power supply voltage in RX,  14.3 V,  RX current
1.2 - 1.3 amps.

This ONLY occurs on 20m, the other HF bands seem to be OK. (6m is higher
than the HF bands by about 2 amps, not sure if that is normal or not).   For
example, with 80W out: 80m, 60m, 40m, 30m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m are all close
to 16 amps, but 20m is 20 amps.  (6m is 18 amps).

I searched the archive and found a few references to "bad low pass filter".
I have already emailed details to supp...@elecraft.com but wondered if there
is something I can check in the meantime until they get back to me.

73 David AJ4TF



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Re: [Elecraft] K3S/100 - TX current on 20m

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Measurements on my K3S into a 50 ohm load, at 100 watts PWR setting did 
show the current does vary from band to  band.  I found that 20M and 17M 
were the highest at 20.2 amps as indicated by the current display in the 
K3S.  The lowest current was 16.0 amps on 40M.   I would consider this 
to be normal and of no concern.


73

Bob, K4TAX

On 11/11/2019 4:29 AM, aj4tf wrote:

Something that I have recently noticed on my K3S/100 :  DC current draw on 20
meters is significantly higher (+4 amps) than the other HF bands at the same
power setting and input conditions into a dummy load (into antenna, same
thing).   This is both before and after performing a TX Gain Cal.

Test conditions:  mode Data A,  input single test tone from FLDIGI software
(4-5 bars ALC), tone level & frequency not changed during the tests, ATU
bypassed, ANT1 selected.  Power supply voltage in RX,  14.3 V,  RX current
1.2 - 1.3 amps.

This ONLY occurs on 20m, the other HF bands seem to be OK. (6m is higher
than the HF bands by about 2 amps, not sure if that is normal or not).   For
example, with 80W out: 80m, 60m, 40m, 30m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m are all close
to 16 amps, but 20m is 20 amps.  (6m is 18 amps).

I searched the archive and found a few references to "bad low pass filter".
I have already emailed details to supp...@elecraft.com but wondered if there
is something I can check in the meantime until they get back to me.

73 David AJ4TF



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Re: [Elecraft] Adding PTT Out Switching to a K3

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Connect the KPA-1500 via the ACC cable and thus free up the PTT 
output.    The system is very smart and works exceptionally well.   I 
use this method with my KPA500 and KAT500.


The PTT Out is connected to the VHF transverter.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 11/7/2019 10:44 AM, N4ZR wrote:
I need to be able to disconnect the antenna to my SDRs when 
transmitting.  This used to be easy but now my PTT Out jack is 
committed to the KPA-1500.  I'm looking for suggestions of how best to 
accomplish this - I don't believe sequencing is required, just a 
second PTT output.


Ideas?

73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network
at , now
spotting RTTY activity worldwide.
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.

On 11/7/2019 9:30 AM, Ray Albers wrote:

….thanks to comments and suggestions from K9ZTV and W2CS.

My K3 has the Sub Receiver installed, and I have been playing around 
with

diversity reception, using a random wire connected to the sub-receiver
antenna input BNC connector.  Apparently the carrier operated relay that
protects the receiver from overload is being triggered by lots of RF 
coming

into that random wire. When I disconnect the receive antenna, no more
clicking. Now that I know what it is, I'll just ignore it. Or maybe 
someday

I'll rig a manual T-R switch arrangement to disconnect the sub receiver
antenna except when actually using it.

Thanks, gents!

73
Ray K2HYD
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 #2257 woke up deaf this morning ...

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Check all connectors.  I've found that connectors that just "sit" and 
are never moved will oxidize and prevent signal flow.   They rely on a 
mechanical connection only.   Just unplug and re-plug 2 or three times 
for each one.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 11/7/2019 10:12 AM, Mike Flowers wrote:

Hi Folks,

  


I powered up my trust K3 #2257 this morning and found it deaf.   The RF and
IF stages appear to be working just fine.  I have 20M FT8 showing lots of
signals on my P3, but no audio.

  


WSJT-X shows no audio from LINE OUT either.

  


I'm on the right antenna and haven't fiddled with parameters for months, so
I am wondering if there is anything I might try/check before taking it over
to Watsonville for repairs.

  


Thanks!

  


- 73 and good DX de Mike,   K6MKF, NCDXC
  Secretary

  


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Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft-K3] K3S to be discontinued

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

As stated earlier, a radio with internal power supply capable of 90V to 
250V and run the PA devices from 48 to 60 volts for a 100 watt radios.  
And for mobile or portable, a 12VDC to 120VAC converter, makes it a 12V 
radio.   I use a 1000 watt pure sinewave converter on our travel 
trailer.  The converter is about 1/2 the size of my P3 and cost about 
$300.   Thus not much more than the cost of a AC power supply and it is 
CLEAN.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 11/4/2019 4:02 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

On 2019-11-04 4:44 PM, Scott Manthe wrote:
> Elecraft's design philosophy dictates that their radio be capable of
> portable/field operation, so that's how they design their radios.
> They're lightweight, efficient, and operate off 12 volts.

If that's the design philosophy, limit the power output to 60 W PEP.

Elecraft already have *two* other 12V capable radios - the KX2 and KX3 -
of one doesn't count the K2.  *WHY* create another dirty 12V radio
("active predistortion" is not the solution) when one can have a clean
60W radio at 12V or a clean 200W radio at 40V?

Build a DC-DC supply for the 40V PA stage if one wants to run it from
an automobile electrical system (or install a separate 48V alternator,
regulator and battery specifically for the PA stage).

Increasing transmit IMD by a factor of 40 just to operate the radio
at 100 W PEP on a 12 battery is unconscionable given today's state
of the art.  It was different when 48V transistors/FETs were not
available but that ship sailed almost 20 years ago.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 2019-11-04 4:44 PM, Scott Manthe wrote:
Elecraft's design philosophy dictates that their radio be capable of 
portable/field operation, so that's how they design their radios. 
They're lightweight, efficient, and operate off 12 volts. Lots of 
other manufacturers love giant, heavy rigs. Elecraft doesn't.


73,
Scott N9AA


On 11/4/19 3:52 PM, David Gilbert wrote:


I agree completely with all of that, but with the discontinuance of 
the K3s it seems that Elecraft doesn't really consider the K4 to be 
strictly a base station rig. Their continued insistence upon 
everything being 12 volt capable is a bit of a puzzlement for me.


73,
Dave   AB7E




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Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft-K3] K3S to be discontinued

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Build radios with internal supplies capable of 90V to 250V and the PA's 
running 48 to 60 volts for 100 watt radios.   The continued insistence 
on 12V radios should be limited to mobile or portable type and 
configured radios.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 11/4/2019 3:31 PM, Graydon (N7RXL) wrote:

I'm grateful they do.  I always run the radio off of a battery, so I don't have 
to ever worry about whether the AC power is on or not.  I like to be able to 
run my radios during a disaster.  It's a lot simpler to connect the radio to 
the battery, than to connect radio to power supply, then to inverter, then to 
battery.



On Nov 4, 2019, at 12:53 PM, David Gilbert  wrote:

?
Their continued insistence upon everything being 12 volt capable is a bit of a 
puzzlement for me.

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Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft-K3] K3S to be discontinued

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I suppose I am the "Bob" you refer to.   The section in Rob's article on 
Odd-Order Intermodulation he clearly explains "worse".


Our receivers have gotten much better over the years but unfortunately 
our transmitters and amplifiers have gotten worse. To quantify, the ARRL 
published a compendium of distortion products of linear amplifiers in 
1997.  The third order distortion was in the 40 and 50 dB PEP range.    
In 2019 an ARRL review of solid state legal limit amplifiers reported 
the third order distortion was only down 30 dB.  This is a 10 to 20 dB 
degradation from 1997 to 2019.    I'd call this "worse".


73

Bob, K4TAX

On 11/3/2019 6:56 PM, Bill K9YEQ wrote:


“worse” seems a bit much when looking at the actual levels.  Bob, did 
you mean something else?  I know this is semantics….


73,

Bill

K9YEQ

https://wrj-tech.com/

*From:*elecraft...@groups.io  *On Behalf Of 
*Rob Sherwood

*Sent:* Sunday, November 3, 2019 5:16 PM
*To:* elecraft...@groups.io
*Subject:* Re: [Elecraft-K3] K3S to be discontinued

The K3S is excellent in respect to transmit composite noise. Transmit 
IMD, on the other hand, is quite different at various power levels.  
The sweet spot is around 35 watts, but much worse at 12 watts and 100 
watts.  Here is composite noise data.  Hopefully the formatting will 
hold up.


Rob, NC0B

Transmit Composite Noise Rig Comparisons 20 meters values in dBc/Hz

Rig @ 100 watts    2 kHz offset    10 kHz offset  
20 kHz offset  100 kHz offset


K3S -141   n/a -143

FTdx-101D -133   -137 -138   -141

IC-7851 -129   n/a -138

IC-7610 -128   -130   -142

Flex 6400 -122   -127   -139

IC-7300 -121   -121   -124

FTdx-3000 -120   n/a -121

TS-890S     -116 -119   
-127   -139


Rig @ 30 watts   2 kHz offset    10 kHz 
offset  20 kHz offset  100 kHz offset


FTdx-101D -129   -134 -135   -137

K3S -132   n/a -140

IC-7851 -123   n/a -133

IC-7610 -122   -124   -127

Flex 6400 -120   -125 -137

FTdx-3000 -117   n/a -117

TS-890S     -112 -115   
-124   -135


IC-7300 -110   -109   -116

*From:*elecraft...@groups.io  
[mailto:elecraft...@groups.io] *On Behalf Of *Wes

*Sent:* Sunday, November 03, 2019 10:32 AM
*To:* elecraft...@groups.io 
*Subject:* Re: [Elecraft-K3] K3S to be discontinued

If TX IMD is the issue, K3 and K3S transmitters are a real mixed bag.  
My old K3 at 30 watts is fantastic, with IMD at all frequencies better 
than -40 dBc (ARRL method).  The same radio at 10W is the worst of my 
two radios, except at 24 MHz where the K3 and K3S tie at -22 dBc.


It's been hard to keep up with these measurements since the KLPA3A in 
the K3S has been replaced twice and the KPA3A is IIRC, on the fourth 
version.


Wes  N7WS

On 11/3/2019 8:16 AM, Martin Sole wrote:

I suspect the quality of the transmitter particularly with regard
to its composite noise spectrum to be a large player. Some radios
with high end receiver performance have rudimentary (I'm being
kind) transmitter composite noise performance.

See what NK7Z, NC0B and K9YC have written about this.


Martin, HS0ZED

On 03/11/2019 21:30, Mark Morin wrote:

My experience is that the type of rig does make a difference
for close coexistence. We’ve found on DxPeditions that an
upgraded K3 with KPA500 and a Kenwood TS-590s also with
KPA500, can coexist quite well with antennas about 300 ft
apart. On most bands, we can operate SSB and CW simultaneously
with tolerable QRM. Other times we have tried different
high-end rigs in similar setup and found that opposite end of
same-band operation was nearly impossible due to QRM. I
suspect it’s mostly the receivers that makes the difference.

Mark VA2MM

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Re: [Elecraft] Turnbuckle Threads

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Clarification, Stainless Tower company builds steel towers. They are NOT 
stainless steel.  

We had a 350 ft Stainless tower at WDXN in Clarksville TN.  It was a challenge 
to climb as the horizontal members were 3ft apart. That's a tall step. 

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 3, 2019, at 7:46 AM, George  wrote:
> 
> All,
> In 1998 we replaced a 1955 1,000' Stainless Tower. It was located in Lantana, 
> Florida - probably 15 miles of so from the Atlantic Ocean.
> We did paint the tower often but never did any maintenance on the guy wire 
> hardware.
> The tower used galvanized hardware. The hardware on the tower and guy wires 
> were original.
> Our tower maintenance company did use a penetration lubricate before they 
> adjusted guy tensions.
> We had the tensions checked during the annual inspection; But only adjusted a 
> couple times in the 35 years I was there.
> 
> 73
> George  AI4VZ
> 
> 
> -Original Message- From: rv6amark via Elecraft
> Re: "Rohn tower hardware is hot dipped galvanized steel.  I'd take their 
> knowledge over any "tower guy" or any other person for that matter 
> __
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Re: [Elecraft] Analysis of a CW COMMUNICATION

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

It is wise to listen to CW stations across the band and determine what 
speed they are running.  Then operate at the speed that MOST of the 
stations are using.  This will get the MOST responses.


I used the trial version of CW Skimmer for this purpose recently.    I 
have other software that will do the same.   I find MOST stations are 
running 20 to 25 WPM with fewer below and a few above that.   Of course 
you will always find the 40WPM+ stations and a few at 10 WPM.  Those are 
the exceptions.   The average speed is where the MOST contacts will be 
made.


73

Bob, K4TAX

On 11/2/2019 9:50 PM, Randy Heise wrote:

As a 20wpm Extra of advancing age, I admit I can no longer copy at 35. In fact, 
I will also admit that now days I begin to have trouble at around 20.

I’m not a contester, but what I’ve taken to doing is haunting the Novice bands. 
I answer CQ’s about 2 to 3wpm faster than they’re being sent. I do it to honor 
the Extras/Advanced/Generals that “Elmered” me some 55 years ago.

Try it! It’s a lot of fun.

Yeah, I know ... kinda off-topic! But this website is about building things! We 
can also build the next generation of CW operators.

Randy, NB7E

Sent from my iPhone


On Nov 2, 2019, at 5:37 PM, marvwhee...@nwlink.com wrote:

In addition those sending at 45 wpm miss a lot of Q's because many, many
stations will not respond to them  because they can't copy their callsign.


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of EricJ
Sent: Saturday, November 2, 2019 4:43 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Analysis of a CW COMMUNICATION

Sending at the speed of the receiving station is usually the best way to
improve probability of exchanging call signs.

At 45 wpm, most ham ops need you to send your call three times or more to
get it so you haven't accomplished much in the way of speedier
communication. Also simple math.

Eric KE6US


On 11/2/2019 3:00 PM, Jim Danehy wrote:
Some prefer the challenge of isolating a CW signal in order to decode it.

They use filtering. Eliminating interference is difficult. Interference
comes from numerous sources.

An exchange of call signs is the desired result in a pile up or contest

exchange.

Sending at a lower speed does not improve the probability of accomplishing

that communication goal.

CW speed is a critical part of the communication equation. An operator

sending at 15 wpm has 1/3 the rate of success than one who sends at 45 wpm.

  The later sends his call 3 times to only one for the slower station.

Simple math. It might sound like bragging. A thinking person will understand
how critical speed is to a CW operator. Some rely upon filtering. That only
gets you so far with the goal.

I like the improved success that comes adding speed. Bragging ? I like to

succeed. I use every tool I have.

Just my way of competing. Some can do it better than others.

Jim
W9VNE


Sent from my iPhone
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Re: [Elecraft] Turnbuckle Threads

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Rohn tower hardware is hot dipped galvanized steel.  I'd take their 
knowledge over any "tower guy" or any other person for that matter.


Remember, your tower and perhaps someones life may depend on your tower 
hardware, use and installation.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 11/2/2019 9:59 AM, John Stengrevics wrote:

My tower guy says stainless is too brittle.  Use anodized instead.

John
WA1EAZ


On Nov 2, 2019, at 10:56 AM, Mark Goldberg  wrote:

Richard:

If you are asking about anti-seize, I use Nickle anti-seize on stainless
hardware, even in Aluminum.
What is your environment? Are you near salt water? What are your
temperature extremes?
I am in a dry climate so Aluminum - Stainless Steel galvanic corrosion is
not a big issue.

John:

What is the reason to not use stainless steel if properly rated for the
load?


73,

Mark
W7MLG


On Sat, Nov 2, 2019 at 7:27 AM John Stengrevics 
wrote:


I would not use stainless.


John
WA1EAZ


On Nov 2, 2019, at 10:17 AM, Richard  wrote:

For stainless steel/stainless steel turnbuckles being used on guys

ropes, what’s the best stuff with which to protect the threads?



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Re: [Elecraft] Compression Value

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I find them to be relative.  I adjust for about 10dB indicated. The CMP value 
is 15 or so. 

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 1, 2019, at 10:03 PM, Rich  wrote:
> 
> Are the K3S compression values 0 - 40 equal to DB or are they just arbitrary 
> numbers?
> 
> Just curious what those numbers related to if anything. Obviously I realize 
> they relate to how much compression. LOL
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Rich
> 
> K3RWN
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3s AM filter

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Dave et al:

I have the 6.0 kHz AM filter in my radio.  Yes the DSP BW goes to 5 
kHz.   However in using the P3 I find the total bandwidth as shown to be 
about 8 kHz or +/- 4 kHz of center frequency. In synchronous AM you 
will have 4 kHz BW either USB or LSB depending the Shift setting.


73

Bob, K4TAX

On 11/1/2019 7:36 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Dave,

That is not a problem, but a result of AM modulation.

The filters work at the IF passband.
The 5kHz is the audio bandwidth.
For an AM signal, the IF bandwidth must be twice the audio bandwidth - 
there are 2 sidebands, and the audio width is only equal to the width 
of one sideband.


You could try synchronous AM receive.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/1/2019 8:27 PM, Dave Sublette wrote:

Good evening all,

I installed the 6 KHz filter into FL1 on the main receiver today.  I did
not put one in the sub receiver.  To do this, I had to move four filters
from slots 1 thru 4 to slots 2 thru 5 in both receivers. So now I have 6
KHz in FL1 in the main Rx, no filter in FL1 in the sub receiver and FL2
thru FL5 match widths in the main and sub receivers.  I made the
appropriate entries in the gain and setup menus.  Checking them on 
several

bands shows that all appears to be in order.

However, in the AM mode I can only widen the passband to 5.0 KHz.  Is 
this

normal operation, or have I missed something?


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Re: [Elecraft] K4 model v. K3S for strong nearby signal rejection.

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

We used K3S radios at a Field Day site.  Operated 2 radios on the same 
band with antennas less than 50 yards apart.  No issues. Just be sure 
you use the ATTN and set the RF Gain correctly <

[Elecraft] Optimum Receiver Performance

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

In writing this, I do so, saying that I find the method to be excellent 
and reliable and repeatable with regard to HF radio receiver operation 
for all modes.


In general it seems that hams have the more incorrect notion or idea 
where more gain is needed to hear a weak signal.  To some degree in 
certain conditions that is true, but not understanding the why and the 
how can actually lead to worst receiver performance issues.  In my 
communications with Rob Sherwood, {Sherwood Engineering, Inc.}  both 
face to face and in writing, I've learned that most if not many hams use 
too much RF Gain with their receivers.   All legacy receivers are 
typically designed for 10 meters, thus attenuation is desirable on the 
lower HF bands. I've adopted this recommend practice and I'm amazed at 
the weak signals that I would often miss hearing that I now can hear and 
pull out of the noise.


If the no signal band noise is reading upscale on your S meter, add some 
attenuation and/or reduce the RF Gain.  There is no point in the noise 
running the AGC.   You would like the no signal band noise to be about 
10 dB above the noise floor of the receiver.


If the receiver noise floor is 10 dB below band noise, the receiver is 
contributing less than 0.5 dB of the total noise. Thus more gain means 
more receiver noise.    So how does all of this work?    As an example; 
the value taken from the manufactures specifications we find the 
receiver noise floor to be -130 dBm. Therefore, the target of 10 dB 
above the receiver noise floor for the no signal band noise would be 
-120 dBm.   Band noise, by band, varies as much as 30 dB over the bands 
160M - 10M.    In a noisy urban environment it is anybody's guess at to 
you band noise level. The point being, you must adjust receiver gain, 
and attenuation based on your antenna and your location to attain be 
best results.   It will most assuredly be different for each band and 
antenna to antenna.    And with directional antennas, some directions 
are noisier than others.


Here's how one is able to determine band noise.   On a clear frequency 
for that band and with the chosen antenna, with no attenuation, no 
preamp and RF gain a maximum, observe the S meter value.   For our 
example; lets say the S meter reads S-5 on no signal band noise.  This 
is equivalent to -97 dBm.   There are charts readily available to 
convert S units to dBm.  {see ARRL Handbook}  We accept the standard of 
6 dB per S unit.   Now for the math; our target of 10 dB above receiver 
noise floor is -120 dBm and our band noise is -97 dBm.  The difference 
is 23 dB. This says we need to use some value of attenuation, example 15 
dB, and 8 dB of RF gain reduction for a total of 23 dB.  This then 
places the band noise at 10 dB above the noise floor of the receiver. 
Depending on your receiver, you may have different values of attenuation 
choices.   Also we must realize with directional antennas that band 
noise will likely vary with direction.  Usually worst case and best case 
conditions must be observed in order to resolve a nominal value.


As to the method for adjusting RF Gain, most receivers' S meter will 
move up scale as RF Gain is reduced.  At 6 dB per S unit, reducing the 
RF Gain such that the receiver S meter indicates 3 S units would be 
equivalent of 18 dB.   This is easily seen when the receiver is 
connected to a dummy load.


Another way to assure you have this correct is to connect an AC 
voltmeter, one that reads dB to the audio output of the receiver. Adjust 
the receiver gain such that the meter reads -10 db when the receiver is 
on a dummy load.  Then connect the antenna.  If the noise goes up 3 dB 
that says the the receiver is contributing 1/2 of the noise.  If you can 
barely hear your antenna connect, you will need more RF Gain or less 
attenuation.


As to the use of the receiver preamp, again that is some amount of gain 
added to the receiver chain and must be considered accordingly.  As a 
rule, the preamp should only be engaged on the higher bands, 6M and 10M 
and to a lesser extent on other bands. Also one must take into 
consideration of the noise floor of the receiver with the preamp engaged.


For further study on the subject, visit Sherwood Engineering for one of 
his papers, videos, or PowerPoint presentations  for Contest 
University.  Look  under the heading of "Presentations, Tips and How to, 
and White Papers" . http://www.sherweng.com/


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 10/30/2019 7:33 PM, Bill Frantz wrote:
There is no reason to always run RF gain at maximum. Otherwise there 
wouldn't be a control.


I have always set up FT8 with the gains about 12 o'clock and adjusted 
the RF gain so the signal strength meter in wsjt-x is about 60 to 70. 
This adjustment gives the maximum level for the weak signals without 
overloading the analog to digital converter. The whole idea is to get 
every stage in the RF and AF chains in their linear range.


Sometimes when trying to copy a weak CW 

Re: [Elecraft] K3s/FT8 Audio Question

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

You can reduce the LIN OUT level via the Config menu in the radio.   
Normal is 010.  I would back that value down.


I use Windows 10 thus I have full control of all levels via the 
computer.   Also I use the USB connection between the radio and computer 
and do not need a Signalink.


I can't say I agree that RF Gain should always be at maximum, nor do I 
agree that AGC should be OFF.  I know that information in the WSJT-X 
Help file indicated  to turn AGC off.    I know is I've been operating 
my K3S for 3 years now, I use the RF Gain as needed to set the receiver 
for optimum performance based on no signal band noise.    And I run the 
AGC on Fast with a RX BW of 2.7kHz and don't experience any issues from 
strong stations.   I think the key is setting the RF Gain and ATTN to 
values to allow the no signal band noise to be about 10 dB above the 
noise floor of the receiver.


73

Bob, K4TAX

On 10/30/2019 7:24 PM, Richard wrote:

The Elecraft K3s manual states over and over that the RF gain should always be 
wide open. I had been running it at about 12 o'clock on FT8 for some time 
before this was brought to my attention. I supposed that 100% RF gain could 
possibly show me weak stations I’d not seen before, so I’m trying it.

In order to keep the Audio Input to WSJT FT8 at a reasonable level (nominally 
40dB: noise only) with the K3s RF gain wide open I have to run the SignaLink’s 
RX way down near full CCW. Very touchy and hard to adjust. SignaLink’s JP2  
jumper is NOT connected. I do NOT use AGC, nor do I wish to.

Oh, this is a Mac so the USB Audio Codec input has no level adjustment.

Any suggestions as to what I might do to get SignaLink’s RX back to about 12 
o’clock where it used to be?

Please reply to flat...@comcast.net

Cheers!

Richard Kunc  - W4KBX
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Re: [Elecraft] RX noise and 2-wire lines

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Likewise when we lived in a condo in Pompano Beach, FL.  I had a 75M 
loop around the parapet wall on the roof.   And I managed to get on the 
board and got permission.   After all one of the starch objectors wanted 
something for him self.  Thus a "quid pro quo" was arranged.   Funny how 
that works.


I also have a friend that has obtained all the permits to install a 
tower and large antenna on his property in a highly restricted HOA in 
Boca Raton FL.    It took him 3 years and a few dollars to get all in 
order but it was signed off and is presently in place.


It can be done.   Of course it must be done correctly and with proper 
documentation and approvals.


Where we live now we have 5 acres but the HOA restrictions are much 
tighter.   a.k.a. - Rules of the wife must be followed.


73

Bob, K4TAX



On 10/28/2019 2:45 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:

Who ... me?  It seems like foreign territory to fall into that category after 
spending most of my 50 ham years on the other end of the stick.

When I retired a couple years ago, and decided to get serious about ham radio again, I 
managed to successfully run for a seat on our HOA Board (it's easy ... nobody wants the 
job).  Eventually I was able to get our very strict guidelines changed to allow 
"reasonable" outside antennas for licensed amateurs.  And so far, no complaints 
on my setup.

Most recently, I have agreed to serve as the Architectural and Landscape Review 
"committee" so if there is a complaint ... well ... you get the picture.

73
Lyn, WØLEN


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Grant Youngman
Sent: Monday, October 28, 2019 1:54 PM
To: k2...@arrl.net
Cc: Elecraft Refl
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] RX noise and 2-wire lines (was: KPA1500 RFI on 12m)

Don’t you love it when guy’s are taking about their latest large antenna 
projects?  I read these things, look wistfully out back into my 30’x30’ 
townhouse courtyard, and wonder if I can dare put my Buddipole 40M dipole up 
one more foot without attracting the ire of some resident who will report my 
illicit activity to the HOA.  That’s about as big as my antenna projects can 
get 🤣🤣

Grant NQ5T



On 10/27/2019 11:33 AM, Lyn Norstad wrote:


Your mileage may vary, but for anyone looking to try something new
(actually a very OLD design), it's a fun project.

If I had 400 feet for an antenna that's the type of antenna that I would
go for too, but I barely have 400 inches.  Have fun with the antenna.
73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
Elecraft K2/100   s/n 5402


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 RFI on 12m

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Bill:

Glad to see you post this fact.   Hams have had it wrong and doing it 
wrong for years, because someone said so.    Many hams seem to have less 
than zero knowledge on the topic.    Oh, less than zero knowledge is 
knowledge that is not correct.


Same is true when one uses 450 ohm line, many think they need a 4:1 
balun because someone said so.  I suppose they believe the "4" in 450 
ohm line and the "4" in the 4:1 balun ration have something in 
common.    Another less than zero knowledge condition.


The electrical length of the wire determines the resonant frequency.   
Of course the diameter of the wire contributes to the K factor and bare 
wire is different than insulated wire.  Thus those two facts must be 
considered when cutting an antenna length.   Height above ground  {not 
necessarily earth because of ground conductivity}  determines the feed 
point impedance.


Oh there is so much to learn about antennas.

73

Bob, K4TAX




On 10/27/2019 9:23 PM, K8TE wrote:

Most hams cut their antenna length for lowest VSWR which is often NOT the
resonant point.  Resonance occurs when XsubL equals XsubC.  That means there
is no reactance at one frequency.  Impedance varies greatly with height
above ground.  The greatest radiation occurs at resonance which, again, is
often not at the lowest VSWR.  This is why a good antenna analyzer that
displays both VSWR and reactance is so helpful.

Web sites abound with advice to cut the antenna for lowest VSWR.  Like
politics, the truth is difficult to find and, apparently, often hard to
believe.  And, anecdotal statements about how an antenna works
(WORK--WithOut Real Knowledge--K0BG) often has little to do with its
comparative performance.  Too few of us use real data (like WSPRLite) to
compare antennas and arrive at conclusions based on comparative data.

I liked the Pacificon theme this year:  "The Science of Radio"  That didn't
always apply in some of the presentations, but fortunately did in most I
attended.

73, Bill, K8TE




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Re: [Elecraft] K3S K-line cabling

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Just purchase the correct cables from Elecraft.  This approach works 
100% of the time.


Go cheap, dig out your own or roll your own.  Then trouble shoot the 
issues.   How much money and time was saved?


For a few dollars saved, it isn't worth it.

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 10/27/2019 4:51 PM, Gmail - George wrote:

Jack,
Don't use a 15 pin straight through - not all pins are to be connected. My
recollection is that 1 or 2 pins Must Not be connected to the K3!
Use the manual if not using the Elecraft Aux cable sets.

Because not all VGA cables are the same - you can use a VGA cable if you
positively confirm that all 15 conductors pass through and No conductor is
hooked to each other.
Some VGA cables tie the coax shields together at one or both ends - these
cables should not be used. I had a half dozen VGA cables - the second cable
I checked was one to one with no pins shorted together. I broke off the
pin(s) not to be connected and voilà free cable from the junk shelf.

If in doubt - buy the Elecraft cables or make your own from the information
in the Elecraft instruction books.

I recommend using the Aux cable sets to interconnect the K3, KPA500 &
KAT500. The seem to operate as a single unit in 3 boxes.
Only thing I'd love to see is for the K3 "Tune" button to put the KPA500 in
Stby & Tune the KAT500.

73
George AI4VZ




-Original Message-
From: Jack Brindle via Elecraft

Hi David! Great to hear form you...

  . . .

Lastly, be sure to use a cable with all 15 pins connected straight through.
Do NOT use a VGA cable. They play with the signals in those cables,
connecting several together, which will mess things up for us.

Hope you are enjoying CQWW this weekend; we miss you in NCCC!

73!
jack, W6FB





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Re: [Elecraft] K3 / KPA500 band switching oddity

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I change bands from the computer running WSJT-X.   The K3S follows, the 
KPA500 follows and the KAT500 follows.  All seems good to me.  I do have 
the KPA500 go to STBY on band change.  This is a user menu item.


I don't push buttons on the KPA500 to change bands.

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 10/27/2019 2:48 PM, Jim Spears wrote:

I recently tripped over an oddity in the way the K3 <-> KPA500
communications handle band switching when commanded from software vs button
pushing.

  


Scenario 1:

-  KPA500 is set to go to Standby on band change

-  Operator sets KPA500 to Operate

-  Operator makes QSOs or not

-  Operator changes bands from either K3 or KPA500 button push

-  K3 and KPA500 change bands

-  KPA500 goes to Standby

-  K3 gets the word and resumes full output power

-  All is right in this little corner of the world

  


Scenario 2:

-  KPA500 is set to go to Standby on band change

-  Operator sets KPA500 to Operate

-  Operator is making QSOs with WSJT-X, needing amp to work that
"rare one"

-  Operator uses WSJT-X to change bands

-  K3 and KPA500 change bands

-  KPA500 goes to Standby

-  K3 does NOT get the word and operates as if the KPA500 were still
in Operate, putting out low power vs the 100 watts expected

-  K3 and KPA500 are out of synch with respect to Operate vs Standby

  


I do not think I have seen the case when using WSJT-X to command band
changes where the KPA500 is in Operate and the K3 is at full power.  this
would not be good.

  


So the issue seems to be band changes being commanded by software and not
button pushes.

  


Anyone else seen this?

  


Jim

N1NK

K3 s/n 6xxx

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 RFI on 12m

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Except for my 6M yagi, all of my antennas are non-resonant antennas.   
My favorite is the 256 ft center fed wire {resonant at 1.825 MHz}  with 
a balanced feed.  The  balanced feed runs from the feed-point on the 
antenna all the way to the hybrid Guanella 4:1 balun that sits on the 
shelf just above the KAT500.  The coax jumper from the balun to the 
KAT500 is about 12" in length.   Thus the balanced line comes in all the 
way to the operating position.    This configuration will work all 
bands,  160M - 6M with ease. And there are NO RFI issues with the KPA500 
and the KAT-500 at 500 watts.


I find most hams cut an antenna length by formula, leave a few inches to 
trim, and then trim for best SWR.   This does not make a resonant 
antenna.    A resonant antenna is resonant depending on its electrical 
length based on frequency.   SWR and Impedance should be addressed by 
means than trimming the length.   Height above ground affects impedance.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 10/25/2019 3:37 PM, Wes wrote:
Sorry about that mess; that will teach me to try and respond with an 
iPhone.


What I was trying to say is that I run a KPA500 and KAT500 into 
non-resonant antennas on all of the WARC bands and still manage to 
crack pileups.  On 12 and 17 meters I tune my tiny OB7-3 Optibeam 
tribander.  Of the current DXpeditions,  I've worked VP6R on 19 slots 
and I work FT8 with great reluctance.  I've worked 5K0K on 14 of 25 
slots without using FT8.  For the recently completed ZK3A expedition I 
worked them of 24 of 37 slots and was on Clublog's stats number 20 in NA.


I'm pretty sure that I never have the commanding signal in a pileup.  
BTW, I use a K3S without a second RX and I don't have a separate RX 
antenna for 160, things everybody knows you must have to work DX.  
IMHO, knowing how to use the hardware you have is more important than 
having more hardware.


Wes  N7WS


On 10/25/2019 9:00 AM, Wes N7WS wrote:

I run a KPA500 and KAT500 into an Ppitbe

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 24, 2019, at 1:24 PM, Michael Walker  
wrote:


Hi Eric

I think you are asking a lot for a tuner to run at any power into a
non-resonant antenna and break a pile up.  :)

You would actually have better success with a 12M dipole then trying 
to get

a non-resonant beam to direct your signal.

If I was in your shoes, I would quickly toss up a 12M dipole with some
string and bubble gum as you would have a much higher radiated signal.

Mike va3mw



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Re: [Elecraft] Clock Accuracy

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

And you believe everyone else follows all the rules?   Two minutes early and 
stop 2 minutes early and 3KW PEP.  Get your head out of the sand.  There is no 
honor among thieves. 

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 19, 2019, at 9:29 PM, j...@kk9a.com wrote:
> 
> I cannot imagine starting a contest two minutes before everyone else or 
> ending it two minutes later.
> 
> John KK9A - W4AAA
> 
> 
> 
> David Gilbert AB7E wrote:
> 
> 
> My laptop, which I use for FT8, fires up about 2.5 seconds off. That's
> unusable for FT8, which is why I use Meinberg NTP to sync it.  I
> couldn't care less if it was 2 minutes off for logging (even for
> contesting), but for FT8 it should be, as you say, 0.5 seconds or better
> for best results.  Meinberg (which is free) puts me within one or two
> tenths of a second of everyone else.
> 
> Dave   AB7E
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] Dual panadapter on K4 at Pacificon

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

For logging purposes +/- a few seconds is relatively unimportant.  For timed or 
sequence transmissions 0.5 seconds seems adequate.  I see on reason to maintain 
microsecond timing. 

Remember, it's only a hobby. 

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 19, 2019, at 2:19 PM, Tox  wrote:
> 
> Typical NTP implementations only query every N minutes. Might check to see
> if your implementation also checks at startup, but if you're just
> suspend/waking a windows laptop it may not be triggering that sort of
> event, and just waiting for next scheduled update.
> 
> Good luck
> 
> Scott
> AD6YT
> 
> On Sat, Oct 19, 2019, 10:43 AM David Gilbert 
> wrote:
> 
>> 
>> I don't have to rerun Meinberg.  It does everything by itself.  For some
>> reason it just doesn't seem to do it on startup ... it takes a few
>> minutes before it kicks in.  So far I haven't figured out why.
>> 
>> 73,
>> Dave   AB7E
>> 
>> 
>>> On 10/19/2019 4:37 AM, David Woolley wrote:
>>> There is something wrong if you have to re-run a Windows installer
>>> every time that you boot Windows!  The Meinberg product is just an
>>> installer; the actual software installed is the open source NTP
>>> reference implementation, currently owned by the University of
>>> Delaware, and developed under the leadership of David Mills W3HCF.
>>> 
>>> The reference version means the version used to verify the
>>> implementability of the specification in the RFC document.
>>> 
>> 
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Re: [Elecraft] Radio clocks, internet and security!

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I certainly use the clock on my K3S.  It is UTC while the computer is 
local time.   The computer syncs to NTP servers.   The K3 Utility makes 
it easy to update the clock as needed.


I am very careful what and how I connect things to the internet. I will 
never have any of those things, Alexa or Siri or the like, that one 
talks to that turns on lights or plays music.


I've a friend that presently writes code for security matters. He says 
he can hack into most of the computers on line.  He writes code to 
prevent these types of occurrences for his clients.   One of which is 
the US Government and Military.   Other projects are to assure 
conference rooms do not contain "bugs".  SDR receivers are great for 
this application.    And another is weapons guidance systems and related 
anti-jamming code.    I'll take his advice and be careful what I connect 
to the internet.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 10/18/2019 6:54 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Chuck and all,

How many actually use the clock in the K3, K3S, KX3 or KX2?
I certainly don't.  In the case of the KX3 it is used to time the 
charging of the internal batteries - good use.


I can see a ham without a watch or cell phone to want the rig to 
display the time for logging, but for me, my good old Timex on my 
wrist tells me what time to log.  The clock in my KX3 is more 
difficult to access than simply glancing at my wrist!


I have never even set the clock in my K3 or KX3!  Nor do I feel a need 
to do so.


As far as the K4 Linux software/firmware being internet connected, I 
have my reservations about that.  I have enough stuff connected to the 
internet, and someone will have to demonstrate the benefit of my ham 
radio being connected to the internet in addition to my computers.


If connection of the K4 to the internet is to be done, I have concerns 
about security and personal privacy.  Even Linux is subject to bad 
stuff from the internet - it is not entirely secure, it is just that 
the number of users is small compared to other OS versions and hackers 
just do not bother for most cases.


When my refrigerator or microwave begins to listen in to my 
conversations, I begin to worry about the BIG Brother consequences.


BTW, I do not have an Alexa or Siri device for those security reasons. 
I can easily use a switch on the wall to operate a light switch and it 
is secure. I can turn on my home theater or my computer AV application 
when I want to hear music or view videos.


Call me old-fashioned, but I like to have control of my environment. 
The Internet Of Things seems to be fraught with exposures and dangers 
that I am not willing to accept.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/18/2019 2:03 PM, hawley, charles j jr wrote:
Is a more accurate clock possible? I imagine that depends on 
available chips but it’s a common topic.



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Re: [Elecraft] OT: Yahoo Groups is going Offline

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

There is a very nice Elecraft group at the following link:

https://groups.io/g/Elecraft-K3


   Group Description

For people interested in the Elecraft K3 and K3S radios. Share 
information and learn about these awesome radios from the people that 
operate them.


When joining the group, put something intelligent in the comment box so 
that I know that you are actually interested in the K3/K3S and are not a 
spammer. HINT- A callsign as your user name and/or in the comment box 
will do fine.



   Group Information

 * 3,156 Members
 * 16,631 Topics, Last Post:Oct 15
 * Started on05/04/07


   Group Settings

 * All subscribers can post to the group.
 * Posts to this group do not require approval from the moderators.
 * Posts from new users require approval from the moderators.
 * Messages are set to reply to group.
 * Subscriptions to this group do not require approval from the moderators.
 * Archives are visible to anyone.
 * Wiki is visible to subscribers only.
 * Members can edit their messages.
 * Members can set their subscriptions to no email.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 10/16/2019 3:15 PM, Keith N6JPA wrote:
 



All those ham radio email lists will be disappearing very soon.


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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 Antenna Curiosity

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

The only issue I've encountered with single band antennas, to staff a 
Field Day site to operate 2 or 3 stations per band, and 5 bands, there 
needs to be some 10 to 15 antennas erected.    Where as a single 135 ft 
wire with a balanced feed system, a good 1:1 balun, and a good tuner 
{not one of those internal radio 3:1 tuners} will allow each station to 
operate 5 bands with one antenna.   Thus 3 stations = 3 antennas.   That 
greatly simplifies operation and installation.


After all Field Day was conceived to allow hams to operate under less 
than ideal conditions and to commence operation as expediently as 
possible.   I don't think installing 10 to 15 antennas for 2 or 3 
stations falls under the definition of expediently.


I totally agree with Joe, W4TV where he says "The one "multiband" 
antenna one can use in a multi-transmitter
configuration is the flat-top with open wire feeders and a *Link 
coupled* tuner.  The link coupled tuner is a bandpass filter
that significantly reduces harmonic/broadband noise just like the "Q" of 
a single band antenna."


The optimum end result of any multi transmitter site is to have clean 
transmitters.   We've been begging for better receivers, now it is time 
to beg for cleaner transmitters.


73

Bob, K4TAX



On 10/10/2019 1:59 PM, Tim N9PUZ wrote:

If you are talking about a single band dipole then any half wave dipole cut
to the standard formula and fed with good quality coax should work well. If
you want a "multi band" dipole then I would recommend cutting it for the
lowest frequency you plan to operate and feeding it with balanced line.
Even the best coax can have a lot of loss under high SWR conditions
(between your tuner and the antenna feedpoint) whereas even at 1 10:1 SWR
balanced line does not have much loss. The radiation pattern of a multi
band configuration can vary a lot from band to band.

The end fed wire you describe is not specific to the KX2. You typically
want the longest wire possible that is NOT a half wavelength or even
multiple on any band you want to operate. The main reason for this is when
a wire is a half wave or an even multiple the impedance at the end of the
wire can be very high and it is more difficult for most tuners to obtain a
match there. By it NOT being a half wave, the impedance is lower and a wide
range tuner like the one in your KX2 can match it more easily and present
the proper impedance to the radio.

Here is an article that suggests good lengths for a "random wire" antenna.
The lengths aren't really very random, they are specifically chosen to be
easier to match. At 58.5 feet you arrived at one of the good lengths.



Tim N9PUZ

On Thu, Oct 10, 2019 at 11:03 AM Joseph Shuman via Elecraft <
elecraft@mailman.qth.net> wrote:


I have had my KX2 with the ATU for about 10 months and operate on 40m QRP
SSB from various locations.  Experimenting with different antennas I have
experienced best results with a 58.5’ wire tossed about 25’ up a tree with
a 16.5’ counterpoise.  I ran the same length wire from my house to the
workshop, grounded the shield side of the cable, and have seen similar
results to the field setup.

Is there some engineering/design factor of the KX2 for this type of
antenna setup?  I am planning to setup a Dipole at home, but as a newbie am
wondering if the “ideal” Ham Dipole can be expected to improve performance.

Keeping Watch-
shu

Joe Shuman
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Re: [Elecraft] Center-fed antennas

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I used my Johnson Matchbox at our Field Day event about 3 years ago.   I 
went through each band and several frequencies on each band and compiled 
a written chart identifying the settings for each band/frequency.    
After 2 hours of trying to work stations on 20M,  the radio failed and 
they came to wake me from my late night nap.   The result is the 
Matchbox was adjusted for 80M in the CW portion and the operators were 
complaining of high SWR and no power output on 20M.   It took 2 hrs for 
them to observe this?    I was amazed at the number of "Extra Class" 
operators at the site that thought the tuner was automatic and would 
change with band / frequency changes on the radio.  The radio by the way 
WAS NOT an Elecraft product.


73

Bob, K4TAX



On 10/10/2019 7:35 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Joe,

I agree completely, bring your Johnson Matchbox to the next Field Day! 
Or even your old plug-in coil open frame link coupled balanced tuner.


Who has a link coupled tuner (like the Johnson Matchbox) these days? 
Those are big boat anchor box these days (and hard to find).  I have 
one that sees little use, but I am not willing to part with it.  It 
does a good job when needed.


Most autotuners are of the L-network design and the manual tuners are 
typically T-network - the L-network can be a high pass or a low pass 
filter, but the more common T-network is always a high pass filter.  
If one has an old Collins tuner, it may be a Pi-network which is a low 
pass filter.


As you pointed out, the link coupled tuner is a bandpass filter, but 
fixed tune bandpass filters will do just as well for multi-station 
operation.


73,
Don W3FPR



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Re: [Elecraft] Center-fed antennas

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I thought a Band Pass Filter at each station resolved that issue.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 10/10/2019 5:27 PM, Ken G Kopp wrote:

Well-said, Don.

73!

Ken Kopp - K0PP

On Thu, Oct 10, 2019, 16:23 Don Wilhelm  wrote:


All this talk of multi-band antennas for Field Day ignores the problem
of multi-station Field Day operation.
There is sufficient pickup of one transmitter's energy on the antenna
being used by a receiver on another band.
For that reason, my club has banned the use of multiband antennas for
Field Day operation.

For a single station Field Day operation, the multiband antennas are great.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/10/2019 5:32 PM, David Lee / Seatools wrote:

On Thu, Oct 10, 2019 at 2:06 PM Fred Jensen  wrote:


Yes, however ... a center-fed dipole long enough to be moderately close
to a half-wave at 40 will develop a serious case of acute lobe-itis when
operated at higher frequencies, squirting your RF in a variety of
directions, many of which may not be productive for your intended
objective.  Try, as many have over the years, to design the "magic
antenna" that is very small, provides a 1:1 match on all bands, easily
installed, and exhibits good gain, your effort will inevitably fail.  As
JC Maxwell is reported to have said, "Physics is physics, the rules are
unbreakable."  A log-periodic will give very modest gain over an octave
or more, however LP's hardly fall into the Field Antenna class. [:-)

73,
Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

On 10/10/2019 1:24 PM, Al Lorona wrote:

My experience with single vertical or sloping wires is exactly the same

as AB7E's. I have, over almost twice as many Field Days as Dave, come

to a

similar conclusion, with the slight difference being my preference for

an

"all-band dipole" fed with balanced line. This obviates the balun and
reduces feedline loss to negligible, so obviously I am maximizing
efficiency at the expense of any other possible advantage. (I can

usually

hear much better than I can be heard... so thus far this has been a

valid

decision.)

To sum up what I and what I think Dave are saying, you can't beat a

horizontal, center-fed wire up as high as you can get it. Its

simplicity,

the flexibility it gives you to QSY (with a good tuner), and its high
efficiency are almost unbeatable.

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW Text Decoding

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Scott:

The TEXT DEC level {Text Decode} is set too sensitive and/or the RF Gain 
is too high.   I use #3 for the TEXT DEC sensitivity on most bands, 
depending on noise.   And the RF Gain is reduced such that the CWT bar 
only flashes on a clean signal.  Getting * and E's is an indication the 
sensitivity is too high and/or the RF Gain is too high.   Also correct 
tuning is necessary.  With CWT active you should see the flashing bar in 
the center.  If to the left or right the tuning is not correct based on 
the sidetone pitch you have selected.   I get tuning close and then use 
the SPOT function to correctly zero beat the signal.   This is when CWT 
is ON.


Copying DK9PY on 14.039 with 100% correct print this morning. He is 
sending by keyboard which makes for good copy.  Many hand sent CW 
signals are lacking in rhythm, timing and  spacing for 100% correct 
copy.   However, you should be able to copy some portion of the messages.


73

Bob, K4TAX

On 10/8/2019 6:26 PM, Tox wrote:

I still have not found the magic to get my kx3 to reliably yield
anything but a stream of E and *. :(

Scott
AD6YT

On Tue, Oct 8, 2019 at 12:17 PM Ignacy  wrote:

I feel that KX3 has a much better CW decoder than K3.
Ignacy, NO9E



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Re: [Elecraft] K3 upgraded! to K3s issue

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Change the default tune frequency on WSJT to something other than 1500 Hz.   
1600 or 1650 Hz.  There is a beat between the ALC indicator and 1500 Hz.  
Appears as a pulsing and makes the level difficult to adjust.  

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 7, 2019, at 4:36 AM, Ken Chandler  wrote:
> 
> Hi guys
> I'm experiencing an issue with my upgraded K3.
> I've just fitted the Elecraft USB option thus replacing my Microham keyer.
> Running Digital modes on DATA A, I cannot get the 4 bar and 5 bar flashing!
> I'm running w10 pro (1903) on a fast i7 Intel Nuc pc.
> I'm hooked up to the correct audio codec mic and speakers for FT8 and N1MM 
> for digital contest modes.
> Anyone with greater knowledge shed some light please!
> 
> Regards
> 
> 
> Ken.. G0ORH
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] preamp for using an SDR as a pan adapter

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I read that folks have successfully used the Clifton buffer amp.   
Certainly worth a try.   Others have indicated only about 6 dB of gain 
is needed.


The software I use for my RSP-1 allows RF Gain changes.  Thus with the 
lower IF output of my K3S, I just raise the gain of the RSP-1 via the 
software.  I've never considered the SDR receivers of that type to be 
very precise with regard to "calibration". Although some seem to think 
they can split hairs on a mosquito with the level and frequency accuracy 
of the receivers.    I do not consider them of instrumentation quality, 
thus anything +/-10 dB is deemed satisfactory.  Likewise the same with 
frequency accuracy.  Others may have different experiences with 
different receivers.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 10/4/2019 6:34 PM, Fred Massey wrote:
A friend of mine, Tim AB4B, suggested that I might need a buffer amp 
to keep the IF being pulled down by the sdr. DXEngineering sells the 
Clifton Z1.  That adds about 6db of gain, but maybe the buffering 
that it does has an even bigger effect.


On Fri, Oct 4, 2019 at 2:18 PM Bob McGraw K4TAX <mailto:rmcg...@blomand.net>> wrote:


In a word, YES.   I find that to be true with my K3S as well as other
brands/models of radios.   Thus you'll need about 20 dB of gain in
the
form of a preamp between the IF output and the QSR receiver.

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 10/4/2019 12:57 PM, Fred Massey wrote:
> Some.  I was planning on sending an email to Elecraft support
with the s/n
> of my K3s to see if I needed the mod.  The difference I’m seeing
in signal
> strength is about 20+ dB.  Is it normal for the if-out to be
weaker than a
> direct connection to the antenna?
> 73,
> Fred
> AE4ED
>
> On Fri, Oct 4, 2019 at 12:44 PM Don Wilhelm
mailto:donw...@embarqmail.com>> wrote:
>
>> Fred,
>>
>> Have you looked the K3 IF Output mod?
>>
>>

https://ftp.elecraft.com/K3/Mod%20Notes%20Alerts/IF_Output_Buffer_Gain_Mod_Rev_A.pdf
>>
>> If you don't have the 13k SMD resistor or a 1/8 watt 13k
resistor, you
>> can order the kit from Elecraft.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> On 10/4/2019 1:24 PM, Fred Massey wrote:
>>> Good afternoon Wes and all,
>>>
>>> If I connect the antenna directly to the QSR-1, I get the same
signal
>> level
>>> as the K3s.  But, when I connect to the QSR-1 to the IF-out,
the signal
>> is
>>> about 4 s-units less.
>>>
>>> Any ideas...anyone?
>>>
>>> Fred
>>>
>>> On Thu, Oct 3, 2019 at 4:14 PM Wes mailto:wes_n...@triconet.org>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I use an SDR-IQ on the i-f output on my (very) early K3S.  it
works
>> fine.
>>>> IIRC,
>>>> always a dubious proposition, I did the mod on my original K3
and it
>>>> worked well
>>>> too without any additional amplification. I think you have
another
>>>> problem.
>>>>
>>>> Wes  N7WS
>>>>
>>>> On 10/3/2019 2:01 PM, Fred Massey wrote:
>>>>> Good afternoon,
>>>>>
>>>>> I have successfully connected my QSR-1 to my K3s if-out, and
>> immediately
>>>>> noticed the signal strengths showing on the QSR-1 were much
weaker.  I
>>>>> probably have an early K3s, so the if-out signal strength is
even
>> weaker.
>>>>> Any recommendations at a good preamp to use?  It seems like
20db is
>> what
>>>> I
>>>>> need:
>>>>>
>>>>> 73,
>>>>> Fred
>>>>> AE4ED
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>>> He

Re: [Elecraft] preamp for using an SDR as a pan adapter

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

In a word, YES.   I find that to be true with my K3S as well as other 
brands/models of radios.   Thus you'll need about 20 dB of gain in the 
form of a preamp between the IF output and the QSR receiver.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 10/4/2019 12:57 PM, Fred Massey wrote:

Some.  I was planning on sending an email to Elecraft support with the s/n
of my K3s to see if I needed the mod.  The difference I’m seeing in signal
strength is about 20+ dB.  Is it normal for the if-out to be weaker than a
direct connection to the antenna?
73,
Fred
AE4ED

On Fri, Oct 4, 2019 at 12:44 PM Don Wilhelm  wrote:


Fred,

Have you looked the K3 IF Output mod?

https://ftp.elecraft.com/K3/Mod%20Notes%20Alerts/IF_Output_Buffer_Gain_Mod_Rev_A.pdf

If you don't have the 13k SMD resistor or a 1/8 watt 13k resistor, you
can order the kit from Elecraft.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/4/2019 1:24 PM, Fred Massey wrote:

Good afternoon Wes and all,

If I connect the antenna directly to the QSR-1, I get the same signal

level

as the K3s.  But, when I connect to the QSR-1 to the IF-out, the signal

is

about 4 s-units less.

Any ideas...anyone?

Fred

On Thu, Oct 3, 2019 at 4:14 PM Wes  wrote:


I use an SDR-IQ on the i-f output on my (very) early K3S.  it works

fine.

IIRC,
always a dubious proposition, I did the mod on my original K3 and it
worked well
too without any additional amplification.  I think you have another
problem.

Wes  N7WS

On 10/3/2019 2:01 PM, Fred Massey wrote:

Good afternoon,

I have successfully connected my QSR-1 to my K3s if-out, and

immediately

noticed the signal strengths showing on the QSR-1 were much weaker.  I
probably have an early K3s, so the if-out signal strength is even

weaker.

Any recommendations at a good preamp to use?  It seems like 20db is

what

I

need:

73,
Fred
AE4ED

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 - Advantage of min fan speed?

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Thermal lag exists and likely always will.   The hysteresis is reasonably 
adequate in the present configuration. 

I find no objection to the performance of the present method of cooling. 

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 2, 2019, at 9:46 AM, Don Wilhelm  wrote:
> 
> Bob,
> 
> The problem with that is the fan must continue to run for some time after the 
> return to RX so the residual heat from the TX cycle can be reduced.
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
> 
>> On 10/2/2019 10:12 AM, Bob wrote:
>> Personally, I wish Elecraft offered a slightly different approach, rather
>> than a minimum fan speed setting, how about a RX minimum and TX minimum?
>> This would allow quiet operation on RX, but would anticipate a higher
>> demand for cooling on TX.
>> There is quite a bit of thermal mass and overshoot that happens in TX on
>> digital modes.  By the time the fan turns on, it tends to be running behind
>> the curve trying to catch up.  Starting the fan running as soon as the rig
>> goes into TX would help considerably and allow things to go back to quiet
>> in RX.
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 - Advantage of min fan speed?

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Personally I think it works great as designed.  Yes there could be changes but 
I doubt we'd see much, if any difference in performance. 

Hams today in general seem to delight in complaining.  I find many should look 
in a mirror to identify the source of an issue.  I'm one that believes in 
keeping things simple. 

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 2, 2019, at 9:12 AM, Bob  wrote:
> 
> Personally, I wish Elecraft offered a slightly different approach, rather
> than a minimum fan speed setting, how about a RX minimum and TX minimum?
> This would allow quiet operation on RX, but would anticipate a higher
> demand for cooling on TX.
> 
> There is quite a bit of thermal mass and overshoot that happens in TX on
> digital modes.  By the time the fan turns on, it tends to be running behind
> the curve trying to catch up.  Starting the fan running as soon as the rig
> goes into TX would help considerably and allow things to go back to quiet
> in RX.
> 
> 73, Bob, WB4SON
> 
> 
>> On Tue, Oct 1, 2019 at 4:58 PM Bob McGraw K4TAX  wrote:
>> 
>> For SSB voice operation and CW operation I leave the fan speed at
>> NORMAL.   For digital modes, which all have a higher duty cycle, I
>> usually set the fan speed to 1.   I do find the fan speed increments up
>> and down as needed and as driven by the temperature.   When running 400
>> to 500 watts most of the time for digital modes, I occasionally see 60
>> degrees.   The fan speed at 1 does not elevate the room noise at all.
>> In fact, I don't hear it, although I do have sound damping material on
>> the wall immediately behind the equipment.   Usually something in the
>> house or shack is making more noise.
>> 
>> As to if setting the fan speed to 1 for digital modes, it seems to keep
>> the amp temperatures overall a bit lower.  No scientific study conducted.
>> 
>> 73
>> 
>> Bob, K4TAX
>> 
>>> On 10/1/2019 11:51 AM, Andy Durbin wrote:
>>> Thanks to everyone who contributed their experience of operating with
>> min fan speed set above 0.
>>> 
>>> I have some ideas for a test series and I'll share anything I learn from
>> it.
>>> 
>>> Here is a teaser for those interested in KPA500 thermal management.  Did
>> you know that, for a KPA500 that has not transmitted for a long time, the Z
>> bracket is hotter than the heat sink and the heat sink is hotter than the
>> finals.  For that condition the heat flow is from the Z bracket, into the
>> heat sink, and then it heats the finals.  The heat flow reversed during TX
>> as the finals heat up.
>>> 
>>> 73,
>>> Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 - Advantage of min fan speed?

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

For SSB voice operation and CW operation I leave the fan speed at 
NORMAL.   For digital modes, which all have a higher duty cycle, I 
usually set the fan speed to 1.   I do find the fan speed increments up 
and down as needed and as driven by the temperature.   When running 400 
to 500 watts most of the time for digital modes, I occasionally see 60 
degrees.   The fan speed at 1 does not elevate the room noise at all.   
In fact, I don't hear it, although I do have sound damping material on 
the wall immediately behind the equipment.   Usually something in the 
house or shack is making more noise.


As to if setting the fan speed to 1 for digital modes, it seems to keep 
the amp temperatures overall a bit lower.  No scientific study conducted.


73

Bob, K4TAX

On 10/1/2019 11:51 AM, Andy Durbin wrote:

Thanks to everyone who contributed their experience of operating with min fan 
speed set above 0.

I have some ideas for a test series and I'll share anything I learn from it.

Here is a teaser for those interested in KPA500 thermal management.  Did you 
know that, for a KPA500 that has not transmitted for a long time, the Z bracket 
is hotter than the heat sink and the heat sink is hotter than the finals.  For 
that condition the heat flow is from the Z bracket, into the heat sink, and 
then it heats the finals.  The heat flow reversed during TX as the finals heat 
up.

73,
Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] A First Class Company

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I own 4 ham radio groups and moderate 1 ham radio group and belong to 
about 4 others.   Life is what you make it in the world of "list 
servers".    If you hate it or one of them,  then it is likely the way 
one has it configured for their needs. "It ain't rocket science".


73

Bob, K4TAX



On 9/30/2019 1:48 PM, Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT wrote:
Reflectors are like CW.  They've been around almost as long as the 
Internet. The other term is "list server."


The sender sends an E-Mail, and it goes out to the list.  It's up to 
the individual mail system, and client, to deal with as they wish.


Personally, as someone who actually ran mail systems for a few 
decades, I find it far easier to use a mail client running on my 
machine than it is do deal with a mail client running on a machine 
hundreds of milliseconds away, and wait for my share of that processor 
to send back an updated display.


... but then again, I've been dealing with list servers since the 
90's, and pretty much hate the web-based analogs.


But, as is often said on the Internet, YMMV.

73 -- Lynn

On 9/30/2019 11:22 AM, Neil wrote:
  Yes indeed, Elecraft is a FIRST CLASS company.Unfortunately 
with a third world country reflector (just my opinion)
Other reflectors use the user friendly IO service. QTH.Net is not 
user friendly. I hope that they can switch to .IO. Why do I have this 
opinion? It forces the user to scroll thru many messages that a user 
may not have an interest in, and hunting to find those of interest. 
Using the .IO all one needs to do is click on the item and it is 
there. Just one "geezers" take on the issue.

73
Neil   N4FN


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Re: [Elecraft] Creaking KPA-500

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Phil et al;

My factory built KPA500 did a good be of cracking and popping for 3 or 4 
months when first received.   But it has stopped.  Guess all the metal 
parts settled into a comfortable position and all is now well.    I 
considered opening it up, tightening or loosing bolts and screws.    But 
procrastinator me just waited and it stopped by itself.   I  think 
that's good.


Love the amp, it is a great performer.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 9/30/2019 7:59 AM, Phillip Zminda wrote:

My kit-built KPA-500 is about 8 months old. Lately I’ve been running a lot of 
FT8 and FT4 at around 150 to 200 watts. I have really noticed a lot of loud 
creaking from the KPA-500 after a few QSOs on digital modes. The manual does 
indicate that some noise is normal but this does seem excessive, I don’t recall 
noticing it when on CW or SSB, although I haven’t done much contesting where 
the amp would have a lot of running time.

I expect I may need to tighten some screws inside. I really don’t want to do 
any more disassembly than necessary and would prefer not to ship back to 
Elecraft either. What is the likely culprit and how much disassembly is 
required to get to the necessary screws?

Thanks,

Phil N3ZP
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Wont TX in RTTY

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

My K3S performs as indicated below in FSK mode but does work as expected 
in AFSK A mode.   The external PTT switch, I use a foot switch, does put 
the radio in transmit in FSK mode and does transmit a tone related to 
mark/space.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 9/29/2019 10:40 AM, Peter Chamalian wrote:

For some reason I can't find the answer to, my K3S won't go in to TX when in
RTTY.  It does for FT8 and all other modes but when it comes to FSK the PTT
is inhibited for some reason.  When in TX Data mode for RTTY I press the XMT
button and I get N/A on the display.

  


I'm sure it's some setting but which one?

  

  


Pete, W1RM

w...@comcast.net

  


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Re: [Elecraft] Audio Hum in data mode

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Thanks for sharing and glad you were able to resolve the issue.  That must have 
been one heck of a magnetic field. 

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 29, 2019, at 8:18 AM, Conrad PA5Y  wrote:
> 
> Gentlemen I have cured the problem.
> 
> The answer came as a result of Jim's comments. 
> 
> 1. It was magnetic and it was hum
> 2. All my shack has a single ring main and share a common earth, so it was 
> nothing to do with that
> 3. 'Magnetic coupling is proportional to the area of the loop', this pointed 
> to the problem
> 
> So let me describe what the problem was. Some time ago I bought a lot of 
> benches and cables from a company that made video equipment for the broadcast 
> industry. They were down-sizing and moving premises. Some of the cables were 
> dual link DVI cables, they were quite long and looked to be of the highest 
> quality. I was the length of the cable that caused the problem. I was using 
> it with a large monitor to get full resolution. I also had this monitor in 
> portrait mode - I can swivel it.  By going to landscape mode and changing to 
> an HDMI cable, being much more careful with the supply routing and video 
> routing I was able to eradicate the problem. The longer original monitor 
> cable was picking up magnetic fields and coupling into the audio transformers.
> 
> The hum is now inaudible, I should mention that I was running the 2nd RX 
> without AGC and used an attenuator so that the receiver was close to 
> clipping. This shows up any nasties on TX audio. If I put the AGC on this 
> masks such problems to some extent. Now there is nothing audible. 
> 
> 73
> 
> Conrad PA5Y
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
> Behalf Of Jim Brown
> Sent: 28 September 2019 03:32
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Audio Hum in TX Data Mode
> 
>> On 9/27/2019 2:26 PM, Conrad PA5Y wrote:
>> What did make a difference was moving the radio away from sources of 
>> magnetic fields such as monitors.
> 
> First, an important clarification -- is it HUM (pure 50 Hz) or BUZZ 
> (harmonics of 50 Hz)?  You description sounds like hum. The important thing 
> is that the causes are different. Hum is, indeed, magnetic coupling of the 50 
> Hz field to some loop in the audio wiring.
> 
> Magnetic coupling is proportional to the area of the loop. Suggestions. 
> First, get power for all interconnected equipment from outlets that share the 
> same protective earth. Second, bond chassis-chassis of every piece of 
> equipment in the audio interconnection path. Third, try to figure out what 
> the loop is that is doing the coupling and reduce its area. In some recording 
> studios where a strong magnetic field exists, the solution is to run shielded 
> twisted pair audio wiring in close proximity to power wiring.
> 
> Also try to find or eliminate the source of the magnetic field. In North 
> America, neutral must be bonded to earth at one, and ONLY one point, usually 
> where it enters a building. A second bond between neutral and the same 
> protective earth can create a magnetic field. Is it possible that there is a 
> second bond somewhere in your system, perhaps associated with power to your 
> EME setup?
> 
> The I/O board for the original K3 uses un-shielded audio transformers that 
> are a sitting duck for magnetic fields. My neighbor K6XX is an engineer at 
> Elecraft. When he was testing an early K3 prototype, he set it up almost on 
> top of his 1.5 kW power amp. When he tried to run RTTY, The AF circuitry was 
> set into regeneration by the 60 Hz field! The solution I suggested was a 
> steep high pass filter for AFSK-A, and that solved it.
> 
> Many years ago, a Chicago FM station whose engineers I knew well moved their 
> studios from a location downtown to another location that is common to a TV 
> studio with whom they had a relationship. When they first moved in, a strong 
> magnetic field was coupling into the mic input transformers of their music 
> mixing desks. The cause was an error in mains wiring -- the neutral for the 
> distribution panel for the FM studio was exchanged with the neutral for a 
> distribution panel feeding lighting in a different part of the building.
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failing on 160...AGAIN!

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Yes and without proper lightning protection or static build-up 
prevention on a feedline, a nearby strike can induce 4KV+ on the antenna 
and feedline.  A flash-over will likely leave a carbon trace that will 
be followed by a few 100 watts of RF.   It only gets worst, not 
better.   On more than one occasion I've heard a snap snap only to 
observe a spark occurring between the shell and center pin of a 
PL-259.   This was before I installed PolyPhaser devices on the lines 
and before I stopped disconnecting my feed lines from the equipment.   
Since then, no issues.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 9/27/2019 1:04 PM, Jeff Blaine wrote:

PL259/SO239 BDV is around 4KV in dry air.

73/jeff/ac0c
alpha-charlie-zero-charlie
www.ac0c.com


On 9/27/19 1:01 PM, j...@kk9a.com wrote:
5000 watts is 500 volts rms with a perfect antenna system. I suspect 
that PL-259 connectors really can withstand much more than 500 volts. 
Has anyone tested them?  My station has a mixture of UHF, N and DIN 
connectors and all have worked perfectly for 1500 watts HF.  If 
PL-259s are failing they are either poor quality connectors or there 
are serious antenna issues causing excessive voltage.


John KK9A


Walter Underwood K6WRU

Messages sorted by: [ date ] [ thread ] [ subject ] [ author ]
From the Amphenol data sheet, UHF connectors are rated for 500 V 
peak, so they are marginal for use at that power level. Type N 
connectors are rated at 1500 V peak.



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

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[Elecraft] We Need More Power

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

As found posted in another group.   Stimulated thinking and as quoted.

73

Bob, K4TAX


"We need more power. I'm giving her all she's got, Captain! She cannae 
take anymore.


I'm sure your Scottish ancestors are rolling in their graves right now, but in 
our community of radio amateurs we have a tendency to advocate the use of more 
power. More power fixes all problems and hides all sins.  Another way to look 
at that is to think of the station with more power as an alligator, all mouth, 
no ears.

Before you dismiss this as another advocacy for QRP or low power, let me point 
out that more power creates more interference, more potential for harm, more 
electricity consumption, more wear and tear and more cost.  Previously I've 
spoken extensively about QRP communications, making contact with 5 Watt or 
less, but let's have a look at how much less.  I've shared with you that I 
managed to contact a station on the other side of the planet with only 5 Watts, 
Perth to Cuba and for me that was proof positive that all this was possible, 
even feasible.  We're doing much better than that.

One measurement is to calculate how many kilometers per Watt you achieved. My 
example of 5 Watt between Perth and Cuba is the equivalent of 3592 km per Watt. 
The maximum distance to the opposite side of our globe is about 20,000 km and 
my contact did nearly 18,000 km.  If you think that's amazing, I should warn 
you, my contact was special, for me, but as low power contacts go, it's not 
that amazing.

The first solid state radio contact made across the Atlantic ocean managed over 
76,000 km per Watt. That was on 18 September 1956. You'll find the radio on 
display at the ARRL Laboratory, together with the bug and station log showing 
the contact between Chelmsford, Massachusetts and Copenhagen, Denmark between 
Gus W1OGU and Bo OZ7BO, on a radio made of two germanium transistors and built 
by Gus W1OGU, Al W1OSF and Dick W1UBC, who built the diminutive gadget on a 
lark to see if they could Work All Continents with it.

If you can copy the 40 micro-watt CW beacon run by the North American QRP CW 
Club, you too can join in the fun. The current record stands at just under 22 
million km per Watt when Bill W4ZV managed to copy the code word OMAHA from the 
N2XE beacon from New London, North Carolina.   Just to be clear, we're talking 
about a signal that traveled the equivalent of 22 million km using 1 Watt of 
power.  If you think that was amazing, Pioneer 10 managed to achieve 1.3 
billion, that's 1.3 thousand million km per Watt in 2003. Mind you, that record 
was achieved with a slightly bulky antenna, the Deep Space Network.

Are you ready for more?

The current record stands at just under double the Pioneer 10 record, just 
under 2.6 billion km per Watt. That was achieved by Dick KL7YU and Bill W7BVV 
who made contacts between Alaska and Oregon in December 1969 and January 1970. 
A distance of 2655 km using one micro Watt.

Yes, you can throw a Kilowatt at the problem, or you can take your time, do 
some work and have some fun with low power.  You can call it QRP, or you can 
call it just enough to get the job done.

Onno VK6FLAB"

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failing on 160...AGAIN!

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

 Check for burn marks or carbon traces, both on the inside and outside, of the 
SO-239 connectors.  These may look good with the antenna analyzer but fail 
under power. 

I've also had PL-259's arc from center pin to shell on the inside. These 
required removal/ disassembly of the coax in order to actually find the fault. 

In all cases, once a flashover occurs, replacement of the connector is the only 
solution. 

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 27, 2019, at 6:00 AM, John Langdon  wrote:
> 
> If it also happens with a dummy load, and the antenna analyzers shows the 
> same graph as before for R, X, then it is likely one of the connectors 
> between the KPA1500 output and the antenna. The one such problem I had was 
> old jumper I had put in to add an SWR bridge/monitor. It looked okay, and was 
> finger tight, but when I replaced it in an A/B test, the problem went away.
> 
> The other time, the antenna had changed its impedance curve, but was still 
> 'okay' and the tuner was trying to retune for it.
> 
> 73 John N5CQ
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
> Behalf Of Jim Brown
> Sent: Friday, September 27, 2019 4:19 AM
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 failing on 160...AGAIN!
> 
>> On 9/26/2019 10:26 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote:
>> Any idea where to start looking here?
> 
> And if it's a vertical, what about the radial system?
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 AGC off mutes audio?

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Yea will it caught me one time as well.   I guess I'm one that runs AGC 
either F or S depending on mode.  With the good roofing filters in the 
radio, I rarely have AGC pumping issues from strong stations that are of 
any concern.


73

Bob, K4TAX

On 9/22/2019 4:37 PM, Conrad PA5Y wrote:

Yes that was it Bob and Wes, it was set to 001!

Thanks!

Conrad PA5Y

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Bob McGraw K4TAX
Sent: 22 September 2019 22:44
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 AGC off mutes audio?

Check the AF LIM settings.  {page 57 in the manual}    Typical value is NOR 030.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 9/22/2019 2:42 PM, Conrad PA5Y wrote:

Hello I have a K3S with the latest firmware. I use it on EME in fact
last night was the first time. It works well but for EME I prefer to
operate with the AGC off. If I do a long press on the AGC button then
AGC switches off but so does the audio. I still see the S meter moving
slightly which is strange when the AGC is off. On all my other radios
when I switch AGC off then the S meter does not function. I assume
that there is a another setting that causes this . or it is a bug.
For now I have set the AGC threshold quite high which I may end up
doing on a permanent basis, then locals don't distort 😊

Any idea what is going on?

73

Conrad PA5Y
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 AGC off mutes audio?

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Check the AF LIM settings.  {page 57 in the manual}    Typical value is 
NOR 030.


73

Bob, K4TAX

On 9/22/2019 2:42 PM, Conrad PA5Y wrote:

Hello I have a K3S with the latest firmware. I use it on EME in fact last night 
was the first time. It works well but for EME I prefer to operate with the AGC 
off. If I do a long press on the AGC button then AGC switches off but so does 
the audio. I still see the S meter moving slightly which is strange when the 
AGC is off. On all my other radios when I switch AGC off then the S meter does 
not function. I assume that there is a another setting that causes this . 
or it is a bug. For now I have set the AGC threshold quite high which I may end 
up doing on a permanent basis, then locals don't distort 😊

Any idea what is going on?

73

Conrad PA5Y
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 original - ALC erratic

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Set the TX value in the application to something other than 1500 Hz.   
Just change it in the TX window located to the left of the "Hold TX 
Freq" box.   I use 1550 Hz to start.


In  working stations, that number will change depending on where in the 
audio spectrum the station is transmitting.   Once I set the levels from 
the computer, the WSJT PWR value and the radio Line Gain value, I'm good 
to go for all contacts on any part of the audio spectrum.   Even if the 
station comes up on 1500 Hz, the ALC is correct while the display may be 
pulsing, indicating otherwise.   Just ignore it.


73

Bob, K4TAX



On 9/16/2019 10:04 AM, Kenneth Moorman wrote:

Bob,

How do you change the TUNE frequency in WSTJ?  I am seeing what you mention 
below with my K3 and would like to use a different frequency other than the 
default of 1500 Hz.  Thanks.

Ken, NU4I

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bob McGraw K4TAX
Sent: Monday, September 16, 2019 8:09 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 original - ALC erratic

With my K3S I do find there is a relationship or interaction with the scan rate 
of the ALC display and the frequency of the tone supplied by FT-8.   
Specifically 1500 Hz will appear to have fluctuating ALC display while the 
actual level is not changing. By setting the tone, TUNE is a good application 
to do this, to some value higher or lower than 1500 Hz will eliminate the 
display fluctuations.   WSJT defaults to 1500 Hz for TUNE mode.

Also if the Line Gain set via the MIC level control is less than 25 or so, the 
granularity of the adjustment becomes critical.   It is suggested to lower the 
PWR slider on the WSJT application and raise the value for the Line Gain to 
some value between 30 and 40.  This also applies to the value of SPKR level 
from the computer.  Again typically
30 to 40 are good values giving smooth level resolution and changes.

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 9/15/2019 10:28 PM, David Bunte wrote:

Jim -

I have no answer, but mine has always been extremely critical. I can
set it for 4 bars... and it won't budge... but I can't set it for the
5th bar blinking... it goes from 4 solid to 5 solid no matter how much
I play with the various level controls. I don't do a lot of digital
work, so I am not really too concerned. There may be something I am
missing, but I just leave it at 4 bars and hope for the best.

Dave - K9FN

On Sun, Sep 15, 2019 at 11:25 PM Jim Miller 
wrote:


K3 original - ALC erratic

Noticeable on digital mode(s?) (FT8).  The ALC  - set at 4 solid and
5th flashing - is far more critical than I remember. Seems like I
could easily set it exactly where I wanted it and it would stay there.  Now not 
so.
Just wondering what can affect the adjustment to where it will drop
to 2 bars sometimes and the small change of the "mic" gain will make
it higher than wanted.  Not sure it is a continuous condition.  Just
far more critical than usual.

Thanks, Jim KG0KP




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Re: [Elecraft] K3 original - ALC erratic

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I find that with my K3S,  a tone applied that is divisible by 500 {500 
Hz, 1000 Hz, 1500 Hz, 2000 Hz, 2500 Hz} or any tone likewise divisible 
by 600 or multiples there of will cause the ALC indication to fluctuate 
in a rhythmic pattern.   Changing the tone frequency as little as +/-3 
Hz resolved the fluctuation appearance of the ALC  and thus presents a 
steady indication of ALC level.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 9/16/2019 7:34 AM, Martin Sole wrote:
I don't propose to know the full details but I would assume that being 
an SDR the K3 digitises the audio at some point. If the sampling rate 
and the audio frequency have the right relationship then you can 
expect to see those fluctuating effects. I have seen this when making 
distortion measurements on AM radios since the sampling rate and the 
mod are not phase locked these odd aliasing type effects occur. Moving 
the modulation frequency even just a few Hz is usually enough to 
achieve a rock steady reading.


Martin, HS0ZED




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Re: [Elecraft] K3 original - ALC erratic

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

With my K3S I do find there is a relationship or interaction with the 
scan rate of the ALC display and the frequency of the tone supplied by 
FT-8.   Specifically 1500 Hz will appear to have fluctuating ALC display 
while the actual level is not changing. By setting the tone, TUNE is a 
good application to do this, to some value higher or lower than 1500 Hz 
will eliminate the display fluctuations.   WSJT defaults to 1500 Hz for 
TUNE mode.


Also if the Line Gain set via the MIC level control is less than 25 or 
so, the granularity of the adjustment becomes critical.   It is 
suggested to lower the PWR slider on the WSJT application and raise the 
value for the Line Gain to some value between 30 and 40.  This also 
applies to the value of SPKR level from the computer.  Again typically 
30 to 40 are good values giving smooth level resolution and changes.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 9/15/2019 10:28 PM, David Bunte wrote:

Jim -

I have no answer, but mine has always been extremely critical. I can set it
for 4 bars... and it won't budge... but I can't set it for the 5th bar
blinking... it goes from 4 solid to 5 solid no matter how much I play with
the various level controls. I don't do a lot of digital work, so I am not
really too concerned. There may be something I am missing, but I just leave
it at 4 bars and hope for the best.

Dave - K9FN

On Sun, Sep 15, 2019 at 11:25 PM Jim Miller 
wrote:


K3 original - ALC erratic

Noticeable on digital mode(s?) (FT8).  The ALC  - set at 4 solid and 5th
flashing - is far more critical than I remember. Seems like I could easily
set it exactly where I wanted it and it would stay there.  Now not so.
Just wondering what can affect the adjustment to where it will drop to 2
bars sometimes and the small change of the "mic" gain will make it higher
than wanted.  Not sure it is a continuous condition.  Just far more
critical
than usual.

Thanks, Jim KG0KP





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Re: [Elecraft] Low activity

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

A 50 ohm dummy load.   There's never any noise, never any QRM, the 
frequency is always clear, and always a 1:1 SWR.   Of course getting a 
DXCC is much more of a challenge.


73

Bob, K4TAX

On 9/13/2019 2:25 PM, rv6amark via Elecraft wrote:

Re:  "September has been fairly quiet.  Only around 160 posts..."      I can 
fix that:   What is the BEST antenna to use with my K???   Sorry, just couldn't resist;-) 
   Mark,   KE6BB


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Re: [Elecraft] It's no KX4 but...

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Well you know what happened with the KPA1500,  nothing said until it was 
shown.  And you know what was said about the K4, nothing said or shown 
until Hamvention.    They are very good at keeping things under wraps.   
I figure that ICOM has shown their hand of cards while Eric and Wayne 
are sitting back smiling.   Nothing better than a good poker face.


73

Bob, K4TAX

On 9/2/2019 12:51 PM, Paul Van Dyke wrote:
I will stand on a soapbox and say it now, Wayne, Eric and the rest of 
the crew have been very very quiet. That should make you think


Paul KB9AVO

On Mon, Sep 2, 2019, 11:51 AM Bob McGraw K4TAX <mailto:rmcg...@blomand.net>> wrote:


Announced at Tokyo Ham Fair


https://qrpblog.com/2019/08/icom-ic-705-hf-vhf-uhf-portable-transceiver-announced/


And several other places if you google it.
Will compete with the KX2/KX3
  30kHz to 144MHz + 70cm band
10w on 13.8v, 5w on internal battery
nice panadapter/sweep that they use in 7300, touch screen
tad bit bigger than a kx3.
includes bluetooth, wireless LAN, etc.
Two interesting quotes:
--
The system architecture is direct-sampling SDR below 25MHz and
down-conversion IF sampling for frequencies of 25MHz and above.
This is
obviously the biggest differentiator in this class, while competitors
such as Elecraft KX3 & KX2 / Xiegu X5105 / Yaesu FT-817 & FT-818 use
older inferior technology. As learned from the Icom IC-7300 a few
years
back, the mix of performance, features and affordability brought by
direct-sampling SDR is a sure bet.
--

The Icom IC-705 is expected to be available around March 2020. No
word
yet on price, but the sub-US$1000 mark shouldn’t be too hard to hit.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 9/2/2019 10:43 AM, Petr, OK1RP/M0SIS wrote:
> Hi,
>
> it looks like they’re going after the KX3...
> If it will be as bad as 7300 then we can stay calm and keep our
KX3 in
> peace. hi
> It is too big for backpacking btw...
>
>
>
>
>
> -
> 73 - Petr, OK1RP
> "Apple & Elecraft freak"
> B:http://ok1rp.blogspot.com
> MeWe: https://bit.ly/2HGPoDx
> MeWe: https://bit.ly/2FmwvDt
> --
> Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
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<mailto:rmcg...@blomand.net>

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Re: [Elecraft] It's no KX4 but...

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Announced at Tokyo Ham Fair

https://qrpblog.com/2019/08/icom-ic-705-hf-vhf-uhf-portable-transceiver-announced/ 


And several other places if you google it.
Will compete with the KX2/KX3
 30kHz to 144MHz + 70cm band
10w on 13.8v, 5w on internal battery
nice panadapter/sweep that they use in 7300, touch screen
tad bit bigger than a kx3.
includes bluetooth, wireless LAN, etc.
Two interesting quotes:
--
The system architecture is direct-sampling SDR below 25MHz and 
down-conversion IF sampling for frequencies of 25MHz and above. This is 
obviously the biggest differentiator in this class, while competitors 
such as Elecraft KX3 & KX2 / Xiegu X5105 / Yaesu FT-817 & FT-818 use 
older inferior technology. As learned from the Icom IC-7300 a few years 
back, the mix of performance, features and affordability brought by 
direct-sampling SDR is a sure bet.

--

The Icom IC-705 is expected to be available around March 2020. No word 
yet on price, but the sub-US$1000 mark shouldn’t be too hard to hit.



73

Bob, K4TAX


On 9/2/2019 10:43 AM, Petr, OK1RP/M0SIS wrote:

Hi,

it looks like they’re going after the KX3...
If it will be as bad as 7300 then we can stay calm and keep our KX3 in
peace. hi
It is too big for backpacking btw...





-
73 - Petr, OK1RP
"Apple & Elecraft freak"
B:http://ok1rp.blogspot.com
MeWe: https://bit.ly/2HGPoDx
MeWe: https://bit.ly/2FmwvDt
--
Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 STBY to OPER

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Andy et al:

With the station configured as shown in the KAT500 manual, page 5 Figure 
1, when operating a digital mode or any mode for that matter, and the 
amp is in STBY the K3S is delivering the power as set by the PWR 
control.    Normally 100 watts.   When the KPA500 is then switched to 
OPER the PWR on the K3S is set to the value as defined in the PWR SET 
menu.    Typically 20 watts drives the KPA500 to 400 to 500 watts 
output.   Thus there are 2 sets of per band power settings, one for 
barefoot operation and one for use with the amp.


As to how well it works, I'd say 100% as I have observed no 
mis-operation or fault indication in the 2 years of using the station on 
a daily basis.


73

Bob, K4TAX

On 9/2/2019 8:58 AM, Andy Durbin wrote:

"With my K3S, when I switch the KPA500 to Operate, the transceiver is automatically 
reduced to the correct power to drive the amp."

Bob,

I'm curious to know how well that feature works.  Let's say your KPA500 is 
STBY, your K3 is set to 100 W out, and you are transmitting in a digital mode.  
What happens when you switch the KPA500 to OPER?

If you don't know the answer please don't it!

My  controller ensures that the KAT500 key line is inhibited when the KPA500 is 
in STBY.  When the KPA500 goes to OPER I set appropriate exciter power, and 
only when correct power has been verified do I enable the key line.  If I'm 
transmitting at 100W with KPA500 in STBY then selecting OPER gives a brief 
power reduction before establishing high power output.

73,
Andy k3wyc


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Be sure you insist the damage is "lightning damage" and not, as the 
insurance company will prefer, a "power surge".   With lightning damage 
and documentation, such as a service report stating lightning damage 
from Elecraft,  they should pay replacement value less your 
deductible.    With power surge they will only pay depreciated value 
less your deductible.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 9/1/2019 2:22 PM, Bill Johnson wrote:

Your homeowner's insurance should cover you.  Look for a thunderstorm history 
at the approximate time of your failure.

73,
Bill
K9YEQ

https://wrj-tech.com/

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Sunday, September 1, 2019 2:04 PM
To: l...@lnainc.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output

Lyn,

I think one possible answer is that it got hot enough to release from the 
soldering on the board during whatever event happened.
Sounds like it may have been hit with a lightning surge.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/1/2019 2:29 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:

UPDATE:

I received my 6 week old KPA500 back from Elecraft on Friday.  The good news is 
that it seems to be working as it should (rather than as it was …).  The bad 
news is that in its 6 weeks of life, it spent 4 of those weeks back in the 
Elecraft hospital undergoing major (?) surgery.

When it faulted and blew out the front end on my IC7300, it also took out its 
own TR circuit as well as its PA module.  Seven components were found to be 
defective, and one was actually missing.

I’d be curious as to how “missing” happens … on a totally factory built unit.

73

Lyn, WØLEN



-Original Message-
From: Bob McGraw K4TAX [mailto:rmcg...@blomand.net]
Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 7:14 PM
To: l...@lnainc.com
Subject: Re: [SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output

Lyn:

I use a balanced feed system for one of my antennas.   For that I have a
pair of small engine spark plugs on an aluminum plate for an arc gap
located just before the balanced line enters the house.   That balanced
line runs all the way to the balun on the shelf just above the KAT500
tuner.  The coax lines and rotor line all have PolyPhaser devices at the
same entrance location.   No mechanical / manual disconnect method is
used at my QTH.

A bit more information, I have my lightning ground system outside of
the house, and the tower is grounded to the same system and that
system is bonded back to the AC mains ground.  Again all is outside of the
house.I do not have or use a station ground which connects to the
equipment on the desk.  The 3rd pin safety ground is all that is
required.  I have a dedicated service from the breaker panel for the
station.   I do have each piece of equipment bonded to the station power
supply ground terminal with each piece of equipment having a dedicated
jumper.   My bonding jumpers are made from #10 AWG automotive primary
wire with a suitable ring terminal which is crimped and soldered on
each end.

73

Bob, K4TAX



On 8/5/2019 6:22 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:

I don't believe so, Bob.  While we have had a number of storms this year, there 
have been none since I received the KPA500.

FWIW, I have a large knife switch in a box outside that I use to disconnect my 
balanced feed line if there are storms headed our way.  I tend to be paranoid 
about lightning, as we had a direct strike on our house some 7 years ago ... 
and I didn't even have any antennas at that time.  We sustained extensive 
damage.  So I don't take any chances!

Thanks,
Lyn


-----Original Message-
From: Bob McGraw K4TAX [mailto:rmcg...@blomand.net]
Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 5:18 PM
To: l...@lnainc.com
Subject: [SPAM] Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output

Lyn:

Could this be the result of a nearby lightning strike?Seems likely
from your descriptions.

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 8/5/2019 4:55 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:

Don -

I have nearly the same exact problem with a KPA500 that is only 2 weeks old.  
It lets the signal pass thru on Standby, even showing proper signal levels.  
But in Operate mode, it's unresponsive and the SWR skyrockets to 99:1.

I ran tests suggested by Support, but no joy.  I will be shipping it back to 
Elecraft tomorrow.

Coincidentally, the "front end" of my 2 y/o IC7300 died at the same time, 
yielding zero receive (everything else is fine).

Lyn, WØLEN





-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of donw4cbs
Sent: Monday, August 05, 2019 4:35 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output

This is an update for the group re. my KPA500.Several weeks ago I reported that 
all of a sudden my KPA500 dropped to 0 watts out when fed with my K3. SWR was 
1:1. When the amp was placed in bypass my K3 showed normal output. When placed 
in operate SWR showed 99:1 and K3 dropped to 0 watts out.After speaking with 
tech support I obtai

Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 no output

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

A point of concern when using a non-Elecraft transceiver, be sure to set 
the correct value of power from the transceiver to the amp when the amp 
is active in operate mode    I find that 20 to 25 watts is adequate to 
drive my KPA500 to rated output.    With a different transceiver, I have 
switched it to drive the KPA500 and failed to reduce the power to the 
correct value.  Although I've not damaged my amp nor my transceiver, I 
really don't want to find out what might occur.    I know there is some 
protection built into the KPA500 for overdrive, but I prefer not to 
activate it.


With my K3S, when I switch the KPA500 to Operate, the transceiver is 
automatically reduced to the correct power to drive the amp.


73

Bob, K4TAX



On 9/1/2019 2:29 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:

UPDATE:

I received my 6 week old KPA500 back from Elecraft on Friday. The 
good news is that it seems to be working as it should (rather than as 
it was …).  The bad news is that in its 6 weeks of life, it spent 4 
of those weeks back in the Elecraft hospital undergoing major (?) 
surgery.


When it faulted and blew out the front end on my IC7300, it also took 
out its own TR circuit as well as its PA module.  Seven components 
were found to be defective, and one was actually missing.


I’d be curious as to how “missing” happens … on a totally factory 
built unit.


73

Lyn, WØLEN




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Re: [Elecraft] Missing AM mode

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Using the K3 Utility be sure the filters and modes are correctly 
selected.  For AM you will need either the 6 kHz or 13 kHz active and 
set one of those for AM mode for TX and RX.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 8/31/2019 8:13 PM, Rick Robinson wrote:

Sounds like the AM mode has been disabled in the menu.

On Sat, Aug 31, 2019 at 8:44 PM rich hurd WC3T  wrote:


What model radio?

On Sat, Aug 31, 2019 at 20:11 Gerry Miller  wrote:


A few days ago I discovered that the AM function is missing from the
display.  AM is missing from all bands (including non amateur bands))

and I

can only listen to AM using by zero beating the signal on SSB.   The AM
letters will show when checking LCD TEST.  There is a small letter "T" in
the lower right corner at all times.   MCU 2.76  DSP 1.50.  Any idea as

to

the cause?  73, AA2ZJ

This Simple Method "Ends" Tinnitus - Try Tonight
fighttinnitusnow.com
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5d6b0d06ed943d067649st02vuc
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--
72,
Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737
Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information Officer for Scouting
Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75.288988  (40°45.68' N 75°17.33' W) Grid:
*FN20is*
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 on digital modes

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

My KPA500 runs from a low of 35% to a high of 55% depending on power.   
Lower power is least efficient.   Thus I always run close or at maximum 
rated power.    Also the load impedance will affect efficiency.


73

Bob, K4TAX

On 8/29/2019 2:04 PM, John Simmons wrote:

No one has mentioned amplifier efficiency at differing power levels.

-John NI0K

Andy Durbin wrote:
"They bias the LDMOS devices at 1 amp each. That is minimal in 
overall heat when you are pulling over 40 amps at high power."


You beat me to it.  My KPA500,  keyed but with no RF input, showed 
0.5 A at 76.7 V.  That's only 38 W which is a small part of the 400 W 
plus PA dissipation seen in some operating conditions.


All my measurements of PA dissipation take PA DC input and subtract 
RF output so my data include dissipation in the LPF. It would be 
interesting to separate  the dissipation in the finals from the 
dissipation in the LPF but I don't know how to do that without 
modifying the amplifier.


73,
Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] K3--Too much ALC creates energy on opposite sideband?

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Has anyone collected IMD data on the different version of KPA3A amps?   
I seem to recall measuring IMD when I first got my K3S, s/n 10163.   
Since that time I' have experienced 2 failures of the KPA3A in my 
radio.   Elecraft replaced the last one with a newer "more stable" 
version.   I do run my radio with 14.2 volts at the radio in transmit at 
100 watts output CW key closed.   In RX the voltage is 14.5.    The 0.3 
volt difference is the IR drop in the DC power cable and connector.


Guess I need to measure that one.  But hey, it too pretty and very 
comfortable outside.   I'll save that for another lousy weather day.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 8/29/2019 12:09 PM, Wes wrote:

Conrad and I have corresponded about this in the past.

He is absolutely correct in worrying about the IMD performance of the 
K4.  I bought my K3S after being disappointed with the K3 TX IMD and 
thinking that the FETs would be better.  How wrong I was. IMD was no 
improvement and reliability was awful.  At 50 VDC, they no doubt would 
be better but as long as Elecraft clings to "12-volt" radios, I'm 
afraid this will persist.


Wes  N7WS


On 8/29/2019 5:04 AM, Conrad PA5Y wrote:
I have measured the TX IMD performance of my and 2 other K3S 
transceivers. In my opinion it is not possible to have anything other 
than mediocre TX IMD performance from a K3S or a K3 at ANY power 
level. I am so disappointed with this aspect of the K3S. The  mass 
market and cheap IC-7300 is better, especially on 6m. In all other 
respects I am very impressed with the K3S.



The transverter output on 10m when set to 0.5mW has incredibly good 
IMD performance so the problem is with the 2 PA modules. I have 
contacted Elecraft and so far they have not offered me a satisfactory 
solution. I think that I am going to go to the inconvenience of using 
an external PA on 6m.



The K3S has excellent TX composite noise all ruined by poor TX IMD. I 
can easily see 19th and 21st order IMD components on 6m in the 90dB 
dynamic range of my E4406A spectrum analyser - this rather negates 
the advantage to my neighbours when I'm on SSB. For CW and Digimodes 
then the K3S is superb. If I was contemplating the purchase of a K4 I 
would be asking Elecraft about TX IMD from the hopefully new and 
improved TX amplifier chain.



Not a happy message but it's the truth. Yes I have the latest FW, yes 
I have tried to reduce the gain from the driver using the settings in 
the FW yes I maintain the correct voltage on the PA, yes I have late 
(not the latest) revisions of the driver and final PA. I am using the 
2 tone facility so there is no question of external or maladjusted 
audio non linearity. The fact is that it is poor. I also know what 
I'm doing.



Poor show Elecraft!


73


Conrad PA5Y



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Re: [Elecraft] Transmit Equalizers and FT4/8

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Equalizers introduce phase shift.  Even the very best ones do that.   
Thus for a phase shift audio signal, either transmitted or received, use 
of any EQ can and will introduce phase shift in the audio path.   It is 
not at all advisable to have this occur with digital signals.


It is highly advise about to use SPLIT function with WSJT-X, FT-4 and 
FT-8 modes.  If your radio is old and slow and does not quickly switch 
between VFO A and VFO B, the Fake It is suggested.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 8/29/2019 11:15 AM, Andy Durbin wrote:

"Am I right to assume that I should set it back to flat when doing FT4/8?"

If you do FT4 and FT8 right, as in using WSJT-X "split mode", the signal 
modulation frequency cannot be outside the range 1,500 to 2,000 Hz.  Why would it be 
desirable to have a flat TX equalizer response?

Flat is certainly desirable for RX and for some rigs Flat is not the same a 
None.

73,
Andy, k3wyc




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Re: [Elecraft] K3--Too much ALC creates energy on opposite sideband?

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I find a lot of the opposite sideband splatter is originated from 
mis-tuned amplifiers or amplifiers which are driven too hard.   If it 
isn't "linear" it is a splatter generator.    And linear means just 
that, linear.  For an amp to be linear, it must amplify all signal 
levels the same amount.  Most amplifiers begin to show some degree of 
signal compression at the upper power rating limits. Pushing one past 
these limits even the slightest amount, generate significant amounts of 
opposite sideband splatter.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 8/28/2019 4:27 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

On 8/28/2019 1:50 PM, Wes wrote:

Yes. I regularly see signals from SSB ragchewers with splatter in the 
suppressed sideband only 10-15 dB below signal in the intentional 
sideband. The data in the link I posted was with a P3 on my second K3, 
with the K3 being measured into a dummy load.


I've alerted guys on 6M about this, suggesting they turn down drive to 
their amplifier, and they said they didn't have an amplifier. When I 
asked what rig, it was one of the low-cost do-everything rigs from one 
of the big JA mfrs. When I posted this at the time, W4TV described the 
mechanism (I think I remember that it was a shortcominBefore Elecraft 
rigs took over Field Day, These cheap rigs (and even some much more 
expensive ones) have long been considered the scourge of Field Day.


73, Jim K9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] K3--Too much ALC creates energy on opposite sideband?

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

We've made great technical strides in receivers.    Transmitters, well 
they are best described still as "out house" technology. Nothing has 
changed of significance in 25+ years.  In looking at my P3 and SSB 
signals on the bands, there are lots and lots of really bad signals.   
Yet I  most often hear "great signal" given as a report.


73

Bob, K4TAX

On 8/28/2019 3:50 PM, Wes wrote:

Barry,

With my SDR-IQ looking at the K3S i-f output I can see the other guy's 
signature.  I suppose a P3 does the same.  It's pretty amazing to see 
some of the lousy signals when we have such improved technology.


Wes

On 8/28/2019 1:30 PM, Barry wrote:

Wes,
    You make a very good point. The unwanted sideband will not be 0; 
there will be some "residue" that can be heard if the signal is 
strong enough. And, a lot has to do with the measurement method at 
the receiver.


    Years ago, I was running DSBSC using a Globe DSB-100. I was told 
that my carrier was way down but my unwanted sideband was only 20 db 
down. That was interesting as I made no effort to suppress my 
unwanted sideband. The problem was the method that was used to make 
the measurements and the strength of my signal. So, determining the 
ratio of the two sidebands might be difficult, but it may be the 
correct approach, However, it will require being able to "see" both 
sidebands on an equal basis.


73,
Barry
K3NDM

-- Original Message --
From: "Wes" 
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: 8/28/2019 1:45:11 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3--Too much ALC creates energy on opposite 
sideband?


Although the manual doesn't say so, according to an ARRL review, the 
K3S is specified to have undesired sideband suppression of >50 dB.  
ARRL claims an optimistic >70 dB.


So if you are extremely strong at the other guy's place, he might 
easily hear an opposite sideband, even though your radio is 
operating correctly.  Ask him what the ratio is.


Wes  N7WS

On 8/28/2019 9:40 AM, Nate Bargmann wrote:
I received a note this morning advising that I should check my ALC 
as he

is seeing some energy on USB when I check into a 75m voice net on LSB.
I am using an MC-50 microphone and am running the mic gain at 35 
and the

compression at 11.  My thinking was that generating opposite sideband
energy would be quite difficult with the K3's DSP.  Am I wrong?

I'll try working with him some morning and back down the mic gain a 
bit

and see what that does for him.

73, Nate, N0NB



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Re: [Elecraft] AXE1 40m Extension

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Does this also work the same for the KAT500?   I've not tried it. 

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 28, 2019, at 5:56 PM, HB via Elecraft  wrote:
> 
> Me too!!
> 
>> On Aug 28, 2019, at 5:32 PM, Jay Rutherford  wrote:
>> 
>> Ordered mine!
>> 
>>> On Wed, Aug 28, 2019, at 16:40, MaverickNH wrote:
>>> https://elecraft.com/products/axe1_40-meter-antenna-extender?mc_cid=19e05c5b30&mc_eid=f94cda7417
>>> 
>>> Ordered mine already!
>>> 
>>> BRET/N4SRN
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> --
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[Elecraft] Fwd: Re: [Elecraft-K3] KPA-1500 sonics

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

N.S.

I typically run my KPA500 fan on #1 when operating FT-8.  It will ramp 
up to #3 when the temp reaches 60°C  and during extended exchanges, but 
quickly ramps back down to #2.   I don't find this at all 
objectionable.    I've never seen the TEMP above 60°C or so.      And at 
#1 the fan is hardly noticed. For SSB and CW I run the fan on NORMAL.    
My station is on one level, side by side in a bookshelf arrangement.   
Thus it is close by my listening position.  The computer and desk is 
to the right, only 2 ft from the radio.   Just my findings and observation.


I'd say from your QRZ picture, the amp being in the corner of the room 
allow the corner to act like a large horn.  That does one no favors for 
the sonics.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 8/26/2019 10:25 PM, N S via Groups.Io wrote:
My KPA500 is really noisy when on digital modes.  I like Olivia, PSK 
and JS8Call, all of which cause the amps fans to go on high.  Sounds 
like a jet engine.  If you can't tuck it away in a well vented closet 
then all I can say is good luck.   I don't think I'll upgrade to the 
1500 but rather look for a fully automatic tube amp next.  Much 
quieter and more robust.

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 & K3S for sale

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I'm keeping my K3S.I'll decide on a K4 next year. 

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 26, 2019, at 5:33 PM, Charlie T  wrote:
> 
> Obviously, a lot of us are dumping our K3's (plural) & K3S' (also plural) as 
> their prices have fallen through the floor with the introduction of the K4.
> (Can't say I'm thrilled about THAT, but it IS inevitable as new models are 
> introduced.)
> 
> However, a lot of the 'for sale' listings cleverly try to sneak the "S" onto 
> the model number, or imply that it is a K3S when the radio really is NOT a 
> K3S.
> Bear in mind, if your radio does not show K3S on the front panel, it is a K3, 
> albeit upgraded, but  NOT a K3S.
> 
> The new synthesizer boards will improve performance, but there are some 
> subtle differences between a K3 and a K3S that no amount of updating with new 
> boards or mods can change. 
> 
> While the K3 concept of buying a newer "upgraded" synthesizer board for 
> example,  rather than a new radio sounds like a great idea which will surely 
> change the performance, I feel it is NOT a feasible solution, as it generates 
> a worthless board that is only good as a pistol target.
> My particular course of action was to sell my K3 after I had taken out what 
> ever options I could add to a new K3S.  
> That way, I get the latest production changes (note, there ARE a number of 
> them pertinent ONLY to the K3S) and,  no junk boards are generated. 
> 
> Too bad I can't do the same thing with the K4.
> (Got a nice bullet here I'm about to bite on !)
> 
> 73, Charlie k3ICH
> 
> 
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3LowRX WhenKPA500 is in OPER

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

As I've read earlier, likely an issue with the T/R switching diodes in 
the amp.   Contact Tech Support at Elecraft.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 8/25/2019 8:17 AM, Mike Sanders wrote:
Probably a cable mess up on my part. Before I go through heroic 
efforts to

move the operating desk can anyone offer any help or advice.
The receiver is fine when the KPA500 is turned on but in STBY. When it is
switched to OPER the RX drops from say S9 to S3. Any ideas?
Thanks,  Mike K0AZ



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[Elecraft] KPA-1500 Power Output Variation

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Has anyone actually used, observed, and measured the effect of the ALC 
feature of the amp in combination with the K3/K3S with regard to output 
power variation.


I do use the method and setup as suggested in the manual for both the 
KPA500 and K3S with no known ill effects.   The amp drives to rated 
output with 20 watts on all bands.   I find it never need more drive 
that this for 160M - 6M.    Output power variation with temperature is 
less than 10%  as measured over the range of  23°C to 60°C.  Fan control 
is automatic and steps up and down as needed.


I do view if one hasn't used it, observed it or measured it, then "old 
opinions" of ALC implementation are not valid for comment.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 8/24/2019 11:51 PM, K9MA wrote:

Here’s a way to get a worst case estimate of the effect of SWR on power output. 
Assume the amplifier has constant VOLTAGE gain and an output impedance much 
smaller than 50 Ohms. A 1.3:1 SWR means the load impedance could be as low as 
39 Ohms or as high as 65 Ohms. Let’s say the SWR is 1:1 at the frequency at 
which the drive is set for 1500 W output. Then you tune to where the SWR is 
1.3:1. At that SWR, the output could be anything from 1150 to 1950 W. The range 
may be less, as the amplifier output impedance may not be all that low compared 
to 50 Ohms. In any case, this shows that the power output of a solid state 
amplifier may be very sensitive to load SWR.

This is why the KPA1500 ATU really needs to be able to keep the SWR low. The 
recently improved autotune firmware does this very well, if you “train” it 
across the band. It is also why it’s important to use the ATU, even if the 
antenna SWR is “only”, say, 1.5:1.

I keep hoping Elecraft will come up with a way to automatically adjust drive 
power to maintain constant output. That would also compensate for change in 
temperature.

73,

Scott K9MA

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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 follows K3 RX freq

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Well I must admit I learned something new and I was not correct in 
stating the KAT500 followed the RX frequency.   I normally never have 
the RX and TX more than 1 kHz or less apart and rarely use RIT.   Hence, 
when I change the RX I'm also changing the TX and the KAT500 follows.


I did confirm that VFO A was the RX VFO and activated SPLIT where VFO B 
was the TX VFO.   With a frequency separation of 300 kHz on 80M between 
VFO A and VFO B, yes the KAT500 did change to follow VFO B.


Thanks guys.

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 8/22/2019 12:54 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:

"If setup according to the KAT500 manual (and using the appropriate cables), the KAT 
does follow the K3(S) TX frequency."

Thanks Wes, and to Dick for his earlier comments.   I'll assume from now on 
that anyone saying the KAT500 and KPA500 follow the RX frequency of a K3(S), 
when TX freq not equal to RX freq,  does not have the appropriate firmware or 
hardware configuration.

The documentation could be a lot clearer though.  For a rig that has two VFO and the 
ability to offset TX freq from RX freq by use of split, and/or RIT,  and/or XIT, saying 
the KAT500 will "follow changes in the K3’s VFO frequency during receive"  
seems to be a somewhat inadequate description.

73,
Andy, k3wyc




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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Coax size requirements

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Yes and the most issues I encounter in assisting other hams is that they 
DO NOT read the manuals.   They take the approach "aw heck, I know how 
that works".   Well that is just downright wrong.   Look at the 
questions asked and issues presented and just how many of those are or 
can be answered by inducing the idea of RTFM.


Just because the firmware was updated and it is no longer required to 
have a correct power up sequence as stated in the outdated manual, I 
don't view this certainly doesn't make it wrong operationally.   The 
later firmware just provided an option on power up sequence.


While on my soapbox, don't you just love it when someone asked a 
question or poses a problem, a solution is given, and they are never 
heard from again?  No thanks, no sharing the solution with others.    
All take and no give.   Seemingly the nature of society in general today.


It is really rather pathetic.

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 8/22/2019 9:53 AM, Bill Mader wrote:

Yes, I've found it there Bill, but not when I'm in the boonies with no cell
reception.  I always have one, usually more, computers with me.

73, Bill Mader, K8TE
W6H NM Coordinator, Route 66 On-the-Air 7-15 Sep 2019
Duke City Hamfest BoD www.dukecityhamfest.org 20-22 Sep 2019
President, Albuquerque DX Association



On Thu, Aug 22, 2019 at 8:46 AM Nr4c  wrote:


But it’s on the INTERNET!

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill



On Aug 22, 2019, at 8:14 AM, K8TE  wrote:

The current version of the KAT500 manual is Rev C6 (3/8/17) and directs

users

to connect the power cable to "the station 11 to 15 VDC power supply".

This

is another reason why we should use the most current manuals and update

them

with firmware changes.  Elecraft is one of the few in this business who
allow adding notes to their PDF manuals.  Thank-you Elecraft!

BTW, more often than not what you read at e-ham is not correct.  It's

often

someone's opinion which is not based on science or fact.  I would never
trust anything there without confirming the assertion with several other
sources.  Also, when others pile on with "Yes, that's correct." I will

still

seek other sources.  98% of the time, you'll find the correct

information in

this group.  Thank-you group!

73, Bill, K8TE



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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 follows K3 RX freq

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Train the tuner at closer frequency intervals on the band and antenna.  I use 
25kHz on 160M & 80M across the entire band.  Then 50kHz on all other bands. 

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 21, 2019, at 7:48 PM, Robert Cunnings  wrote:
> 
> Yes, I don't like the way the KAT500 follows RIT changes. Sometimes I cross a 
> stored band slice boundary, the relays click and I know that if I transmit 
> I'll be using the wrong tuning solution. I reported this as a bug back in 
> 2014 [1] but I doubt it will ever get fixed.
> 
> Bob NW8L
> 
> [1] https://www.mail-archive.com/elecraft@mailman.qth.net/msg173968.html
> 
>> On Wed, 21 Aug 2019, Andy Durbin wrote:
>> 
>> " All I do is change RX frequency on the K3S and every thing else follows.  
>> No RF required to switch things to the correct configuration for band, 
>> frequency and antenna."
>> 
>> I think that having the KAT500 follow the K3 RX frequency is a really poor 
>> system design.  The tuner, and the tuner's frequency dependent antenna 
>> selection, should follow the transceiver transmit frequency.  Why does it 
>> matter? Well one day you will transmit with a large difference between TX 
>> and RX frequencies into the wrong antenna and with the wrong tuning 
>> solution.  This will fault the KAT500 and/or the KPA500 and could possibly 
>> cause damage.
>> 
>> It actually works a lot better if the KAT500 and KPA500 follow the rig TX 
>> frequency and are properly configured before the transmission starts.
>> 
>> 73,
>> Andy, k3wyc
>> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Coax size requirements

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

And since I have my KAT500 and KPA500 and K3S all on the desk within 
easy reach and view, and all interfaced with the ACC buss, thus keeping 
leads short and using one common supply makes lots of sense to me, and 
many less issues to deal with.


I've told many folks,  with the system as configured, I have a 500 watt 
transceiver and an antenna system that is effectively flat from 160M 
through 6M.   All I do is change RX frequency on the K3S and every thing 
else follows.  No RF required to switch things to the correct 
configuration for band, frequency and antenna.


As to manual revisions, I see mine is C5, March 31, 2015.   My KAT500 is 
s/n 1807 purchased  7/21/18.   I haven't kept up with paper revisions.   
However I have firmware 1.075 in the KAT500 and 5.67 in my K3S.  Looks 
like all of that is up to date.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 8/20/2019 4:21 PM, Mark Musick wrote:

Yes Bob the manual says that, but that statement in the manual was not revised 
after the 4.9x firmware update.
If you look at the manual revisions, that wording has been in the manual since 
the problem was initially discovered and before the 4.9x firmware update.

73,
Mark, WB9CIF

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Bob McGraw K4TAX
Sent: Tuesday, August 20, 2019 21:11
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Coax size requirements

Because in the manual, page 4, item 2 states "Connect to the station 11 to 15 VDC 
power supply with the white striped lead to the positive terminal."

I view it best to always follow the manufactures instructions and not 
re-engineer the product or rewrite the manual.

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 8/20/2019 3:27 PM, Ken K6MR wrote:

"The KAT500 can be {should be} powered from the radio 12V supply."



Interested why this is true.  Can the KAT500 tell the difference between 
Elecraft 12V and Generic 12V?  Seems odd.



I ran two KAT500s on generic 12V from a DIN rail power supply for 5 years.  
Necessary because the tuners and the amps were remoted in a closet 20 feet from 
the operating desk.  No problems.



Ken K6MR






From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
 on behalf of Bob McGraw K4TAX

Sent: Tuesday, August 20, 2019 12:59:11 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Coax size requirements

Carter:

The KAT500 can be {should be} powered from the radio 12V supply.   I
don't suggest a separate wall wart.

The KPA500 can be powered from either 120VAC or 240VAC, your choice.
It should drive on all bands with 20 to 30 watts output from the K2 to
reach full 500 watts output from the amp.

As to coax, yes RG-8X is OK up to 30 MHz as long as the SWR is low.
The Belden Power rating is 1000 watts up to 10 MHz, 370 watts at 50 MHz.
Loss is 0.9dB / 100 ft @ 10 MHz and 2.1 dB / 100 ft at 50 MHz.   These
power ratings are matched conditions.

What is the SWR on your wire loop on the feed line for all bands?   Per
Belden, the UL voltage rating is 300 V RMS.  Thus 500 watts at 50
ohms, i.e. 1:1 SWR, is 158 volts.  However, 500 watts into 500 ohms,
i.e. 10:1 SWR, is 500 volts.  So to answer your question, YES and NO,
depending on SWR on the coax between the tuner output and the loop antenna feed 
point.

In general, R-8X is OK at 500 watts below 30 MHz.   From experience, it
will get "warm" to the touch.  "Warm" is created by loss which is then
heat generated from RF.  And that is RF which is not getting to the
antenna.

Personally I'd opt for a balanced open wire feed to the loop and a
very good 1:1 balun rated for legal limit or more at the KAT500 tuner output.

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 8/20/2019 2:11 PM, Carter Craigie wrote:

Hello friends,

I am contemplating buying a KPA500 amplifier/tuner Combo, and driving
it from my Elecraft K2/100 rig. I hope I would be able to do that!

From what I have read on eHam Reviews, it appears that I can run
the amp/tuner combo on 117v. from the convenient wall socket. Is that
correct, as well?

I cannot find any mention of the coax requirements, from the
radio/combo out to our 80-meter wire loop antenna. Right now, using
only my K2/100 I am able to use  8X coax.

Will I still be able to use that coax cable with up to 500 Watts output?

What other considerations do I need to make?

Thanks in advance,

Carter Craigie, N3AO
Blacksburg, VA



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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Coax size requirements

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Because in the manual, page 4, item 2 states "Connect to the station 11 
to 15 VDC power supply with the white striped lead to the positive 
terminal."


I view it best to always follow the manufactures instructions and not 
re-engineer the product or rewrite the manual.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 8/20/2019 3:27 PM, Ken K6MR wrote:

“The KAT500 can be {should be} powered from the radio 12V supply.”



Interested why this is true.  Can the KAT500 tell the difference between 
Elecraft 12V and Generic 12V?  Seems odd.



I ran two KAT500s on generic 12V from a DIN rail power supply for 5 years.  
Necessary because the tuners and the amps were remoted in a closet 20 feet from 
the operating desk.  No problems.



Ken K6MR






From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  on behalf 
of Bob McGraw K4TAX 
Sent: Tuesday, August 20, 2019 12:59:11 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Coax size requirements

Carter:

The KAT500 can be {should be} powered from the radio 12V supply.   I
don't suggest a separate wall wart.

The KPA500 can be powered from either 120VAC or 240VAC, your choice.  It
should drive on all bands with 20 to 30 watts output from the K2 to
reach full 500 watts output from the amp.

As to coax, yes RG-8X is OK up to 30 MHz as long as the SWR is low.  The
Belden Power rating is 1000 watts up to 10 MHz, 370 watts at 50 MHz.
Loss is 0.9dB / 100 ft @ 10 MHz and 2.1 dB / 100 ft at 50 MHz.   These
power ratings are matched conditions.

What is the SWR on your wire loop on the feed line for all bands?   Per
Belden, the UL voltage rating is 300 V RMS.  Thus 500 watts at 50 ohms,
i.e. 1:1 SWR, is 158 volts.  However, 500 watts into 500 ohms, i.e. 10:1
SWR, is 500 volts.  So to answer your question, YES and NO, depending on
SWR on the coax between the tuner output and the loop antenna feed point.

In general, R-8X is OK at 500 watts below 30 MHz.   From experience, it
will get "warm" to the touch.  "Warm" is created by loss which is then
heat generated from RF.  And that is RF which is not getting to the
antenna.

Personally I'd opt for a balanced open wire feed to the loop and a very
good 1:1 balun rated for legal limit or more at the KAT500 tuner output.

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 8/20/2019 2:11 PM, Carter Craigie wrote:

Hello friends,

I am contemplating buying a KPA500 amplifier/tuner Combo, and driving it
from my Elecraft K2/100 rig. I hope I would be able to do that!

   From what I have read on eHam Reviews, it appears that I can run the
amp/tuner combo on 117v. from the convenient wall socket. Is that correct,
as well?

I cannot find any mention of the coax requirements, from the radio/combo
out to our 80-meter wire loop antenna. Right now, using only my K2/100 I am
able to use  8X coax.

Will I still be able to use that coax cable with up to 500 Watts output?

What other considerations do I need to make?

Thanks in advance,

Carter Craigie, N3AO
Blacksburg, VA



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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Coax size requirements

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Carter:

The KAT500 can be {should be} powered from the radio 12V supply.   I 
don't suggest a separate wall wart.


The KPA500 can be powered from either 120VAC or 240VAC, your choice.  It 
should drive on all bands with 20 to 30 watts output from the K2 to 
reach full 500 watts output from the amp.


As to coax, yes RG-8X is OK up to 30 MHz as long as the SWR is low.  The 
Belden Power rating is 1000 watts up to 10 MHz, 370 watts at 50 MHz.   
Loss is 0.9dB / 100 ft @ 10 MHz and 2.1 dB / 100 ft at 50 MHz.   These 
power ratings are matched conditions.


What is the SWR on your wire loop on the feed line for all bands?   Per 
Belden, the UL voltage rating is 300 V RMS.  Thus 500 watts at 50 ohms, 
i.e. 1:1 SWR, is 158 volts.  However, 500 watts into 500 ohms, i.e. 10:1 
SWR, is 500 volts.  So to answer your question, YES and NO, depending on 
SWR on the coax between the tuner output and the loop antenna feed point.


In general, R-8X is OK at 500 watts below 30 MHz.   From experience, it 
will get "warm" to the touch.  "Warm" is created by loss which is then 
heat generated from RF.  And that is RF which is not getting to the 
antenna.


Personally I'd opt for a balanced open wire feed to the loop and a very 
good 1:1 balun rated for legal limit or more at the KAT500 tuner output.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 8/20/2019 2:11 PM, Carter Craigie wrote:

Hello friends,

I am contemplating buying a KPA500 amplifier/tuner Combo, and driving it
from my Elecraft K2/100 rig. I hope I would be able to do that!

  From what I have read on eHam Reviews, it appears that I can run the
amp/tuner combo on 117v. from the convenient wall socket. Is that correct,
as well?

I cannot find any mention of the coax requirements, from the radio/combo
out to our 80-meter wire loop antenna. Right now, using only my K2/100 I am
able to use  8X coax.

Will I still be able to use that coax cable with up to 500 Watts output?

What other considerations do I need to make?

Thanks in advance,

Carter Craigie, N3AO
Blacksburg, VA




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Re: [Elecraft] [KX2] WSJT-X Split - Rig or Fake It?

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I'd suggest using RIG for SPLIT mode. This takes care of any issues of concern 

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 19, 2019, at 5:23 AM, MaverickNH  wrote:
> 
> I'm using a KX2/KXPA100 at 40W on a Win10 laptop with WSJT-X 2.1.0 for FT8.
> Antenna is a G5RV at 40ft with base ATU 150ft away. I've been advised
> elsewhere that "Fake It" is a better choice than "Rig" for Split Mode:  "it
> depends on what filter the radio has. Most are 2.4Khz (300-2700). If so you
> would most likely need to be between around 600 to 2300. It also depends on
> the skirts of the filter on where power will drop off and you can maybe have
> harmonics. If you want to limit your transmit audio to 1500-2000 you may not
> be able to find a clear place to transmit. If you have CAT control then fake
> it automatically will adjust your transmit audio frequency to be in the
> sweet spot of the filter."
> 
> I understand the KX2 filter is DSP Filtering‎: ‎50-4000 Hz, so am not sure
> about using "Fake It" or "Rig" and would appreciate comment. Thanks!
> 
> Bret/N4SRN
> 
> 
> 
> --
> Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
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