[Elecraft] Sending KX3 to Elecraft for repair from Canada

[Brian “VE3BWP” Pietrzyk]

I’m hoping to hear from any Canadian HAMs who have successfully sent their 
radio (KX3 in my case) to Elecraft USA for repair and got it back with the 
least amount of brokerage hassles. 

Which carrier did you use? How did it go?

I ask because I once had to send a Yaesu in for a warranty repair from near 
Toronto to California. Yaesu asked I use Fedex and it was a nightmare. Hoping 
to avoid that again. 

Thanks,

Brian ve3bwp. 
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Re: [Elecraft] K-POD Function key #'s mapping/Macro Assignments not matching K3 util assignments

[Brian “VE3BWP” Pietrzyk]

I'm on Mojave 10.14.3 running K3 Util 1.16.6.25. I tried my shack MB air and my 
MB pro. Same issue.  Weird. Using Windows util as a work around. 

Still a few things not matching up with the Fred Cady or stock documentation so 
could still be something with the rig. Not getting diversity receive to work as 
documented. The adventure continues...

> On Mar 16, 2019, at 1:28 PM, Michael Blake  wrote:
> 
> My Mac OS version of the K3 utility writes all 16 macros and has for several 
> different MAC OS versions.  Currently on Mojave and zero problems with any of 
> the Elecraft utilities.
> 
> Very 73 - Mike - K9JRI
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>> On Mar 16, 2019, at 8:10 AM, Brian “VE3BWP” Pietrzyk  
>> wrote:
>> 
>> It turns out the Mac version of the Elecraft k3 utility has a defect. It 
>> does not write Macros 10-16 to the K3. The windows (eww!) k3 util writes the 
>> macros fine so K-Pod working now as documented. 
>> 
>> Now if I could just get diversity receive to work as documented..
>> 
>> Thanks to Doug at Elecraft support for working through this with me through 
>> a power outage at their site!
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> 
>> Brian ve3bwp
>> 
>>> On Mar 14, 2019, at 7:02 PM,   wrote:
>>> 
>>> Quite often folks forget a trailing semicolon after each command. It’s not 
>>> optional, even if there's only one command in a macro, that one command 
>>> must end in semicolon.
>>> 
>>> GL!
>>> 
>>> 73 de Dick, K6KR
>>> 
>>> 
>>> -Original Message-
>>> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  
>>> On Behalf Of Brian Pietrzyk (ve3bwp)
>>> Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2019 15:37
>>> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>>> Subject: [Elecraft] K-POD Function key #'s mapping/Macro Assignments not 
>>> matching K3 util assignments
>>> 
>>> I read through the archive and found no mention of this issue:
>>> 
>>> I just got a k-Pod and a K3s and am wanting to program Function keys but 
>>> the tap assignments don’t seem to work. The hold ones seem to. 
>>> 
>>> I am referring to table 11-3 / p 235 in the Fred Kady K3s pdf ebook.
>>> 
>>> The table says tap F1-F8 should map to K3 Macros 9-16, Hold F1-F8 should 
>>> map to K3 Macros 1-8.
>>> 
>>> I assigned F1 Tap to VFO FINE and Hold F1 to VFO Course. By putting SWT49; 
>>> and SWH49; commands in Macro 1 & 9 lines respectively and this works as 
>>> expected.
>>> 
>>> For F2 TAP I just want to toggle NR on/off. So I put SWT34; into Macro 10. 
>>> When I tap F2 nothing happens and VFO B displays MACRO 1. So I put SWT34; 
>>> into MACRO 2 and Hold F2 works as expected. NR toggles on/off and VFO B 
>>> displays MACRO 2 as expected when I hold F2. Not sure why Tap F2 acting 
>>> this way?
>>> 
>>> I have the same issue with F3 & F4. I assigned BAND ^ and BAND v to tap and 
>>> nothing happens and VFO B display MACRO 1. Hold F3&4 Works fine. 
>>> 
>>> So essentially I can only get Tap F1 to work. I have to Hold the get the 
>>> rest of the function keys to work. I tried reloading the firmware into the 
>>> Kpod and no change. Did I get a defective KPOD?
>>> 
>>> Thanks,
>>> 
>>> Brian ve3bwp
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[Elecraft] K-POD Function key #'s mapping/Macro Assignments not matching K3 util assignments

[Brian “VE3BWP” Pietrzyk]

It turns out the Mac version of the Elecraft k3 utility has a defect. It does 
not write Macros 10-16 to the K3. The windows (eww!) k3 util writes the macros 
fine so K-Pod working now as documented. 

Now if I could just get diversity receive to work as documented..

Thanks to Doug at Elecraft support for working through this with me through a 
power outage at their site!

Thanks,

Brian ve3bwp

> On Mar 14, 2019, at 7:02 PM,   wrote:
> 
> Quite often folks forget a trailing semicolon after each command. It’s not 
> optional, even if there's only one command in a macro, that one command must 
> end in semicolon.
> 
> GL!
> 
> 73 de Dick, K6KR
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
> Behalf Of Brian Pietrzyk (ve3bwp)
> Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2019 15:37
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] K-POD Function key #'s mapping/Macro Assignments not 
> matching K3 util assignments
> 
> I read through the archive and found no mention of this issue:
> 
> I just got a k-Pod and a K3s and am wanting to program Function keys but the 
> tap assignments don’t seem to work. The hold ones seem to. 
> 
> I am referring to table 11-3 / p 235 in the Fred Kady K3s pdf ebook.
> 
> The table says tap F1-F8 should map to K3 Macros 9-16, Hold F1-F8 should map 
> to K3 Macros 1-8.
> 
> I assigned F1 Tap to VFO FINE and Hold F1 to VFO Course. By putting SWT49; 
> and SWH49; commands in Macro 1 & 9 lines respectively and this works as 
> expected.
> 
> For F2 TAP I just want to toggle NR on/off. So I put SWT34; into Macro 10. 
> When I tap F2 nothing happens and VFO B displays MACRO 1. So I put SWT34; 
> into MACRO 2 and Hold F2 works as expected. NR toggles on/off and VFO B 
> displays MACRO 2 as expected when I hold F2. Not sure why Tap F2 acting this 
> way?
> 
> I have the same issue with F3 & F4. I assigned BAND ^ and BAND v to tap and 
> nothing happens and VFO B display MACRO 1. Hold F3&4 Works fine. 
> 
> So essentially I can only get Tap F1 to work. I have to Hold the get the rest 
> of the function keys to work. I tried reloading the firmware into the Kpod 
> and no change. Did I get a defective KPOD?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Brian ve3bwp
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[Elecraft] K3s computer sound card and CAT control (MacLoggerDX config)

[Brian ve3bwp Pietrzyk]

No Problem, thanks for putting the time into this. I contacted the MacLoggerDx 
tech support and they helped me out pretty quick. Just have to remember to 
completely quit the program after making changes to radio prefs. These are the 
working parms…


https://www.dropbox.com/s/uk3997s5bxugloj/Screen%20Shot%202019-03-08%20at%204.44.06%20PM.png?dl=0
 


73

Brian ve3bwp

> On Mar 7, 2019, at 10:41 PM, Don Wilhelm  > wrote:
> 
> Brian,
> 
> Sorry, but I can't help with Mac situations, I run only Windows.
> Make sure you have the latest FTDI drivers for your Mac.
> Start out with K3 Utility - if that works, then you have something configured 
> wrong in MacLogger DX setup.
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
> 
> On 3/7/2019 8:00 PM, Brian Pietrzyk (ve3bwp) wrote:
>> Thanks Don, that gave me the confidence to proceed. The K3 utility is 
>> working through the USB connector.
>> 
>> For the life of me I can’t get MacLoggerDX to link to the rig.
>> 
>> Would you or anyone else out there using MacLoggerDX working be willing to 
>> share what setting you are using?
>> 
>> Here’s mine for starters (tried lots of settings but this is my best guess).
>> 
>> https://www.dropbox.com/s/s1ggm63snhzyehm/Screen%20Shot%202019-03-07%20at%207.49.47%20PM.jpg?dl=0
>>  
>> 
>>  > 7.49.47 PM.jpg?dl=0 
>> >
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> 
>> Brian ve3bwp
>> 
>> 
>>> On Mar 7, 2019, at 5:50 PM, Don Wilhelm >>  >> >> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Brian,
>>> 
>>> Yes, the K3S has both an internal FTDI USB to serial adapter and a USB 
>>> soundcard - Usually the computer identifies it as USB AUDIO CODEC.
>>> 
>>> The connection shown on page 19 is for a basic connection using an RS232 
>>> port (or adapter).  If you do it that way, you would not use the USB cable 
>>> for PC to K3S communications, but use the RS232 connection instead.
>>> 
>>> Easiest solution is to use the CBLP3Y cable.  The way the internal USB to 
>>> serial adapter is wired, the RS-232 is split into RS-232 out and RS-232 in 
>>> at the RJ45 jack.  So with the CBLP3Y cable, the data is sent to the P3 
>>> RS232 connector, and the P3 turns it around and sends it back to the K3 for 
>>> use in the K3S itself.  The K3S to P3 connection with that cable is shown 
>>> in the P3 manual.
>>> 
>>> There is no need for any other cable for PC to P3 or PC to K3S 
>>> communication.
>>> 
>>> 73,
>>> Don W3FPR
>>> 
>>> On 3/7/2019 5:26 PM, Brian Pietrzyk (ve3bwp) wrote:
 Sorry folks this has probably been asked a 1000 times before.
 I’m connecting my new k3s to my mac for the first time. I’ve used 
 MacLogger DX lots with other radios including my kx3.
 Page 18 of the k3s manual describes the first function of the USB port as 
 “Commands from logging/contesting software” as well as sound card i/o 
 audio. Does this mean it supports CAT control as well as audio i/o on the 
 one USB connection or do I still need to KUSB cable along side it for CAT 
 control?
 I’m assuming the K3 utility only works with the KUSB to do firmware checks 
 and such?
 Also I have a P3 and I would like to keep be able to use the K3 utility 
 connected to the rig.
 P19 of the manual if I read it correctly it looks like they are suggesting 
 swapping out the (CBLP3Y) RG45 to DB9 Y cable for the (E980297) RJ45 to 
 single DB9 and then connect the KUSB PC USB cable to the computer. So I’m 
 confused why they would ever need the CBLP3Y “Y” cable in the first place?
 I’m trying to do the RTFM thing and even bought the John Cady book but 
 some of this some of the rationale is still alluding me.
 All and any help would be a appreciated.
 Brian ve3bwp
 __
>> 
> 


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Re: [Elecraft] K3S boom mic ensemble options.

[Brian ve3bwp Pietrzyk]

Hi Don thanks for this.

I’m in Canada and I finally went to Radioworld.ca <http://radioworld.ca/> who 
is our Heil dealer. 

With the great response I got from this group and input from them this is the 
order they put together for me…

HEI-HM12 Desk Microphone using Heil Sound Standard CC-1 Connecting Cable System 
HEI-SM1   Shock mount for boom microphones 
HEI-PL2T  Proline balanced arm with topless boom mount 
HEI-DT1Flush mount for desktop mounting of the PL-2T. 
HEI-HSTAK Adapter cable, traveller to Kenwood 8 Pin (remove)

I’ve just put a question into them about the cable that goes from the mic, 
through the boom and into the 8 pin Kenwood adapter cable. How does this order 
look?

Not sure if a “traveller cable" is part of this or I need to order a separate 
one. Doesn’t look like it from the website. 

As for Bob being away, that’s fine. I’m just surprised he would not have put an 
auto reply message letting anyone know he’s away. That would save folks from 
being left to flap in the wind never knowing if a reply will ever come.

Unless I’ve missed something he’d probably sell a lot more of these things if 
he took some of the friction and guess work out of configuring and ordering for 
those of us without a commercial broadcast history. 

I just tried calling in but all the technical staff will not be back from 
Florida yet but it sounds like I need a.. 
HEI-HSTAK Adapter cable, traveller to Kenwood 8 Pin  

and not the HEI-HSTAK Adapter cable, traveller to Kenwood 8 Pin. Oh and when 
they say modular cable they mean an RJ45 connector. 

Phew!

Thanks,

Brian ve3bwp
> 
> On Feb 11, 2019, at 3:55 PM, Don Roberts  wrote:
> 
> Brian, I use a Heil Classic with a boom mount I got from Cheap Ham. It is 
> heavy duty, close to what I used in my broadcast career. Have had no issues 
> with it. The Heil mics usually use a four pin XLR. Just get the XLR to 
> Kenwood cable and it plugs right into the K3/K3S.
> 
> Bob Heil was in Orlando at the Hamcation this last weekend which probably was 
> why you didn't get a response. He does sell complete boom mic kits with his 
> mics. If no email response, call him
> 
> Don, W4CBS 
> 
> Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android 
> <https://go.onelink.me/107872968?pid=InProduct=Global_Internal_YGrowth_AndroidEmailSig__AndroidUsers_wl=ym_sub1=Internal_sub2=Global_YGrowth_sub3=EmailSignature>
> On Sat, Feb 9, 2019 at 15:54, Brian “VE3BWP” Pietrzyk
>  wrote:
> I will soon have a K3S and I’ve been in the market for a boom mic set for the 
> shack. This will be my first boom mic. I’ve checked out the Hiel site and 
> could not find any complete packages. Everything is sold in too many 
> subassemblies. I’ve tried emailing them but no reply. Our local ham store 
> (radioworld.ca) only sells in pieces as well.  
> 
> I’d prefer a tried and tested set ready to go boom mic set for the K3S. 
> 
> Any recommendations? In this case value (performance and longevity comes 
> ahead of price) for me. I plan to keep this station for a long time. 
> 
> Thanks. 

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Re: [Elecraft] K3S boom mic ensemble options.

[Brian ve3bwp Pietrzyk]

"I wonder if you mean a mic on a table mounted “boom”?  Correct!

From the options you describe, I think this might be the case.

I have a Heil PL-2T boom with a Heil SM-1 Shock mount with a Heil HM-12 mic. 
You’ll also need a cable (use Kenwood config) and some form of PTT if you don’t 
use VOX (an unused J-38 works well). This sounds good on with my K3S and K3.

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill”

Yes this is exactly the info I was after!

As for PTT I use an old dictation machine foot pedal. 

Bill as my K3S has not arrived yet I’m wondering which cable as I’m not sure 
what type of jack the K3S mic-in is..

- Heil HSTA KM For Kenwood modular? 
- or Heil HSTA K8 For Kenwood 8 pin?

Much appreciated.

Thanks
Brian ve3bwp







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[Elecraft] K3S boom mic ensemble options.

[Brian “VE3BWP” Pietrzyk]

I will soon have a K3S and I’ve been in the market for a boom mic set for the 
shack. This will be my first boom mic. I’ve checked out the Hiel site and could 
not find any complete packages. Everything is sold in too many subassemblies. 
I’ve tried emailing them but no reply. Our local ham store (radioworld.ca) only 
sells in pieces as well.  

I’d prefer a tried and tested set ready to go boom mic set for the K3S. 

Any recommendations? In this case value (performance and longevity comes ahead 
of price) for me. I plan to keep this station for a long time. 

Thanks. 
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[Elecraft] KX3. Get N/A in vfo B display when i tap CMP.

[Brian “VE3BWP” Pietrzyk]

I’ve recently discovered that when I try to enable TX compression by tapping 
the CMP button I just get “N/A” in the VFO B display. The CMP icon does not 
show. I am able to toggle the S meter to CMP/ALC by tapping the MIC/KEY button 
no problem. 

I do see a + icon show on USB/LSB as i cycle through the modes 

I searched the reflector archive and the closest mention I find was changing 
from SSB + CW to - CW. I also made sure the spilt is off. No change.  

Compression used to work fine so it must be some settings conflict I’ve yet to 
discover. 

Help!

Thanks,

Brian ve3bwp

KX3 s/n 09244
Firmware:
Uc 2.90
Dsp 01.52
Pa 01.39

Thanks ve3bwp


Sent from my iPhone
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[Elecraft] KX3 Roofing Filter Question

[Brian “VE3BWP” Pietrzyk]

Hi Stan,
 
I ordered mine with the roofing filter and no regrets. When its on its like the 
radio is a horse with blinders on. Any nearby flailing distractions are removed 
from view so the horses brain doesn’t have to process it. 

Its not that often I need it but when some other strong signal is close enough 
to your frequency and shows up on your pan adaptor the front end of the KX3 is 
negatively influenced and it will compromise the receivers s/n ratio and 
ability to receive the content to want even though you can hear it. The roofing 
filter will save the day and you can hold your ground and not have vacate the 
frequency. I use it on SSB and digimodes as well. 

I was recently doing QRP on the beach in the bahamas and after I got all 
settled in on a frequency and started a few pile ups some commercial shortwave 
station came on the air. It must have been very close because i

Message: 22
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2018 16:20:06 -0500 (EST)
From: stan levandowski 
To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 Roofing Filter Question
Message-ID: <765520bb.1faf0.16143ca985b.webtop...@optonline.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed

I am going to order another KX3 this week. Probably tomorrow.? The last 
one I ordered in 2012 did not have the roofing filter option and I do 
not THINK I missed it.

I use ONLY CW and I do NOT contest.? I like to CASUALLY chase DX and I 
play in low stress sprints like NAQCC but mostly I just like to RAG 
CHEW.

My antenna is an EFHW installed as a "half square" in trees at 30 feet 
(MyAntennas 4010).

I have reviewed the Elecraft site notes, and done a fair amount of 
Googling and I now am more confused than ever.? It seems that the real 
value lies in dealing with strong signals, crowded bands and ferocious 
contesting conditions.

My bottom line question is this:? If I DO NOT get the roofing filter 
option will my KX3 receiver be LESS SENSITIVE?? The Sherwood report 
shows a pre-amp off sensitivity of .9 uv which improves to a very 
impressive .09 with the preamp on.? Is this somehow related to the 
roofing filter?

I am especially concerned because I remember doing an A/B comparison on 
a weak signal between my previous KX3 and my 55 year old Drake 2B and 
the 2B beat the crap out of the factory built KX3.? I can't help 
wondering if the roofing filter I didn't buy in 2012 had something to do 
with this.

I sure could use a real simple answer:? buy it or don't buy it?? CW 
sensitivity is my ultimate goal because if I can't hear 'em I can't work 
'em.

Thanks and 73,
Stan WB2LQF
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[Elecraft] FT8 on PX3? Logging FT8 contacts on a Mac?

[Brian “VE3BWP” Pietrzyk]

Are there plans to ad FT8 capabilities into the PX3?

Anyone found a way to log FT8 contacts on the Mac version of WSJT-X?

Thanks,

Brian ve3bwp
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[Elecraft] MAC BOOK KX3 QUESTION

[Brian ve3bwp Pietrzyk]

Gerry I use my KX3 and a couple of macbooks all the time with no problems. The 
elecraft USB to serial cable that comes with the KX3 works fine with Fldidgi or 
wsjt. For the RX/TX audio interfacing I use the Tigertronics Signalink USB 
interface which is opto-isolated just for that extra level of insurance. You 
can order it with preconfigured KX3 cable and jumper. Its a pretty common 
configuration so you’ll find no shortage of help pulling it all together. 

Message: 13
Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2017 20:10:09 GMT
From: "Gerry Miller" >
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Subject: [Elecraft] MAC BOOK KX3 QUESTION
Message-ID: <20170731.161009.1587...@webmail05.vgs.untd.com 
>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252

HI GUYS,  I AM USING A MAC BOOK PRO FROM 2010.  I HAVE THE LATEST SOFTWARE AS 
OF THIS DATE.  THE QUESTION IS, DOES "BIG E" HAVE A CABLE AVAILABLE THAT WOULD 
ALLOW WORK WITH MY MAC (USB) TO SEND-RECEIVE DATA SOFTWARE I HAVE ON THE PC?
I AM ABLE TO DOWNLOAD KX3 UPDATES, BUT DO NOT KNOW IF I COULD USE THE SAME 
CABLE FOR RTTY/PACKET/JT  SOFTWARE THAT I MAY HAVE ON THE MAC.  THE MAC DOES 
NOT HAVE A CONNECTION FOR A MICROPHONE SUCH AS WOULD BE AVAILABLE ON A WINDOWS 
MACHINE.  I MUST ADMIT THAT I AM NOT COMPUTER LITERATE.TNX AND 73AA2ZJ 
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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Equipment chat group

[Brian ve3bwp Pietrzyk]

Mike you know I’d follow you anywhere/anytime but in this case I would rather 
not have to join yet another group. It would just add to the problem I’m 
already having with HAM group email overload. This group is actively moderated 
so I’m fine with filtering the daily digests. 

If anything I wish this group were mirrored on facebook as it would be even 
easier to follow the threads and use the thread filter options there. In the 
digests there is no convenient way to unsubscribe from a thread where as this 
is a basic Facebook feature.

Brian ve3bwp


Date: Mon, 1 May 2017 08:05:54 -0400
From: Michael Walker >
To: "Elecraft@mailman.qth.net " 
>
Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft Equipment chat group
Message-ID:
>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

Hi All

I am thinking of starting an Elecraft email forum that would focus only on
Elecraft equipment.

While I like this list for the Elecraft discussions, about 50% of it is
related to off topic items and they flood my inbox with hundreds of emails.

How many of you would be interested?

73 all, Mike va3mw
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[Elecraft] Kenwood MC-60 on Elecraft KX3

[Brian “VE3BWP” Pietrzyk]

My TS590s and FT817 are sold and I now have my KX3/PX3/KPA100 more or less in 
place. Realized I'm missing the convenience of a desk mic so planning to wire 
up an adapter for my MC-60. Others have done this? Any issues?

Brian ve3bwp
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[Elecraft] KX3/Macbook contact logging options...

[Brian ve3bwp Pietrzyk]

Enjoying portable QRP phone with my new KX3. Recently began using WSJT-X and 
Fldigi (for the declining solar cycle) with a Signalink USB/MacBook.

Was using MacLoggerDX for logging phone contacts and now looking for an easy 
way to log my digital contacts directly from Fldigi and WSJT to MacLogger or 
other mac based logging program.

If you are successfully doing this I would love to hear from you.
Thanks
ve3bwp
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[Elecraft] Interpreting KXAT3 tuning display

[Brian ve3bwp Pietrzyk]

Has anyone come across any more detail on the KXAT3 (KX3 ATU)? The paragraph 
about it in the KX3 manual doesn't explain what the match numbers mean while 
tuning?
When it shows things like "10.2-1" in the VFO2 display does this mean the 
lowest possible match to the transmitter was 10:1?
No "failed to tune" icon or beep?
ve3bwp
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Re: [Elecraft] (no subject)

[Brian ve3bwp Pietrzyk]

Hi Wayne, thanks for this. I see the advantage now that I see the schematic for 
the BL2 (although the switch is not shown in the circuit). The common mode to 
differential mode isolation right at the BNC connector alone could help out. 

OK this is on my list to pick up when I see you next at Dayton.

> On Jan 30, 2017, at 1:54 PM, Wayne Burdick <n...@elecraft.com> wrote:
> 
> This will vary from one installation to the next. 
> 
> When I'm not traveling ultralight, I carry a BL2 balun with me. The BL2 has a 
> 4:1 / 1:1 switch so you can try both positions. This will almost always 
> expand the range of bands you can cover with a given ad-hoc antenna. As 
> noted, the balun also tends to reduce RFI on the enclosure and mic.
> 
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
> 
> 
> 
> On Jan 29, 2017, at 10:23 PM, Brian “VE3BWP” Pietrzyk <ve3...@gmail.com 
> <mailto:ve3...@gmail.com>> wrote:
> 
>> Hi Wayne,
>> 
>> If we're connecting the random wire and counterpoise directly to the kx2 or 
>> Kx3 bnc via the binding post adapter is a 9:1 an improvement or is the tuner 
>> able to drive it directly just the same?
>> 
>> Thanks and Regards,
>> 
>> Brian ve3bwp
>> 
>>> Message: 17
>>> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2017 18:52:26 -0800
>>> From: Wayne Burdick <n...@elecraft.com <mailto:n...@elecraft.com>>
>>> To: Jeff Crilly <jeffcri...@gmail.com <mailto:jeffcri...@gmail.com>>
>>> Cc: "k...@yahoogroups.com <mailto:k...@yahoogroups.com>" 
>>> <k...@yahoogroups.com <mailto:k...@yahoogroups.com>>,Elecraft Reflector
>>><elecraft@mailman.qth.net <mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>>,Tom 
>>> McCulloch <th...@att.net <mailto:th...@att.net>>
>>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] The "Kinda Random Antenna" (was: Random
>>>wirelengths for antennas)
>>> Message-ID: <856b5970-cb22-4a09-8e60-b8cc9e56a...@elecraft.com 
>>> <mailto:856b5970-cb22-4a09-8e60-b8cc9e56a...@elecraft.com>>
>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>>> 
>>> Have you tried this with a low-power balun mounted right at the antenna 
>>> jack? That will often help with RFI issues.
>>> 
>>> Wayne
>>> N6KR
>>> 
>>> On Jan 29, 2017, at 6:03 PM, Jeff Crilly <jeffcri...@gmail.com 
>>> <mailto:jeffcri...@gmail.com>> wrote:
>>> 
>>>> So I tried this out...   using a ~26 foot wire ...
> 

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[Elecraft] (no subject)

[Brian “VE3BWP” Pietrzyk]

Hi Wayne,

If we're connecting the random wire and counterpoise directly to the kx2 or Kx3 
bnc via the binding post adapter is a 9:1 an improvement or is the tuner able 
to drive it directly just the same?

Thanks and Regards,

Brian ve3bwp

> Message: 17
> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2017 18:52:26 -0800
> From: Wayne Burdick 
> To: Jeff Crilly 
> Cc: "k...@yahoogroups.com" ,Elecraft Reflector
>,Tom McCulloch 
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] The "Kinda Random Antenna" (was: Random
>wirelengths for antennas)
> Message-ID: <856b5970-cb22-4a09-8e60-b8cc9e56a...@elecraft.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
> 
> Have you tried this with a low-power balun mounted right at the antenna jack? 
> That will often help with RFI issues.
> 
> Wayne
> N6KR
> 
>> On Jan 29, 2017, at 6:03 PM, Jeff Crilly  wrote:
>> 
>> So I tried this out...   using a ~26 foot wire ...
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[Elecraft] (no subject)

[Brian “VE3BWP” Pietrzyk]

Hi Wayne,

If we're connecting the random wire and counterpoise directly to the kx2 or Kx3 
bnc via the binding post adapter is a 9:1 an improvement or is the tuner able 
to drive it directly just the same?

Thanks and Regards,

Brian ve3bwp

Message: 17
Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2017 18:52:26 -0800
From: Wayne Burdick 
To: Jeff Crilly 
Cc: "k...@yahoogroups.com" ,Elecraft Reflector
   ,Tom McCulloch 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] The "Kinda Random Antenna" (was: Random
   wirelengths for antennas)
Message-ID: <856b5970-cb22-4a09-8e60-b8cc9e56a...@elecraft.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Have you tried this with a low-power balun mounted right at the antenna jack? 
That will often help with RFI issues.

Wayne
N6KR

On Jan 29, 2017, at 6:03 PM, Jeff Crilly  wrote:

> So I tried this out...   using a ~26 foot wire ...
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Re: [Elecraft] KXAT2: Recommended Random Wire Lengths

[Brian ve3bwp Pietrzyk]

Hi Jim, 

Thanks for this. Lol, I worked for HP and spent a lot of time in Roseville in 
your ‘winter’ months. Our current winter weather limits outside antenna 
experimentation for the very ambitious or a desperate ‘wire down’ situation.

I too was giving serious thought to a vertical wire on a telescoping pole just 
as you describe and leaving the CrankIR home. Seeing a local ham who has become 
well practiced with QRP CW/digimode field deployments has the MFJ telescoping 
pole to hold up an end fed wire in an inverted vee with a home brew 9:1 and a 
LDG Z100 tuner.  He’s quite happy with it so this is definitely on my list of 
things to try. 

I seem to remember hearing the design intent of the KX2/KX3 ATU’s were such 
that a 9:1 Balun is not required. I think I was told that in person by one of 
the Elecraft principles at Dayton then read it somewhere as well. Unfortunately 
I’ve not put that to the test myself but I may just brave the cold before the 
trip long enough to test it out. 

So I guess a good question is...does the 9:1 balun produce better results then 
simply connecting direct to a KX2/3 ATU?

Since I’ve usually been able to build or buy resonant antennas over the years 
so I must confess I’ve not had that much experience with tuners..other then 
using a friends summer cottage G5RV or touching up the band edges of a narrower 
antenna. For the trip I expect never to go lower in frequency then 40meters 
given the southern latitude and I’ll only be operating between lunch and supper 
barefoot (in bare feet) one or two afternoons max. 

The your trip to the Philippines sound exciting! You have to let us know when 
you are there set up so we can try and work you.

Brian ve3bwp

> On Jan 29, 2017, at 12:25 PM, James Bennett <w6...@me.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi Brian,
> 
> I’ve also got a KX3 and use it in the summer on the back patio and 
> occasionally from the family room when it is not sitting on my shack desk, 
> tethered to the KXPA100. When I do those “portable” operations I use an 
> end-fed vertical that I came across at the web site of EARC - the Emergency 
> Amateur Radio Club in Honolulu. URL below. Very simple antenna - is uses a 30 
> or so length of wire strung vertically and a 9:1 un-un. I homebrewed the 
> un-un - piece of cake.
> 
> While it isn’t the same as a super long wire antenna up 80 feet, it does 
> pretty darn well. In fact, I will be taking my KX3 (barefoot) and this 
> antenna on a three week vacation this spring to the southern Philippines - 
> Mindanao. No (or very little) SSB, but primarily CW and possibly digital 
> modes.
> 
> Easy to build or cheap to buy, lightweight to transport, and performs very 
> well...
> 
> Here is the address of the EARC: 
> 
> http://www.earchi.org/92011endfedfiles/Endfed6_40.pdf 
> <http://www.earchi.org/92011endfedfiles/Endfed6_40.pdf>
> 
> Jim Bennett / W6JHB
> Folsom, CA
> 
> On Jan 29, 2017, at 9:12 AM, Brian “VE3BWP” Pietrzyk <ve3...@gmail.com 
> <mailto:ve3...@gmail.com>> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi Murphy, your post comes at a good time for me. Thanks for this info. I'm 
>> preparing to take my new KX3 to the Dominican Republic next month for a QRP 
>> deployment on the beach at a resort. I'm planning to do WSPR, JT65, PSK31 
>> and PHONE. I've not kept up my CW so I'm hoping to try some fldigi assisted 
>> CW contacts although it doesn't seem to copy human sent code very well so 
>> we'll see how that goes. 
>> 
>> I've tried a couple of other (Phone only) Caribbean QRP deployments when I 
>> had my FT817 and ATAS 25. 3 years ago in Panama it was winter field day and 
>> 10m was open so I created a pileup. It was a blast and I was bitten by the 
>> bug! (If you search ve3bwp QRP Costa Rica on YouTube you can see a few of 
>> the reactions I got - intrigued, the hotel staff kept the Marquita's flowing 
>> so I may sound a bit tipsy). 
>> 
>> Then last year I tried It from Panama. Didn't_make_a_single_contact! Heard 
>> lots but no-one heard me. I realized how ill prepared I was and relying on a 
>> compromise antenna near a solar minimum (with no CW or digimodes) would be 
>> even that close to the equator. 
>> 
>> So this year with a new KX3 and my wife's super thin MacBook life I'm going 
>> getting serious and I have a proper antenna! I've started reading through 
>> the Elecraft message archives trying to find all random wire success 
>> stories. I got some of the Wireman silky wire and now in search of what 
>> lengths to try. I saw Wayne's recommendation for 25ft for 40-6m so I've cut 
>> some for that. I'm looking to precut a few different lengths to try for 
>> various band combinations. Maybe even some band specific resonant ones for 
>> 20 to 10m so if an

[Elecraft] KXAT2: Recommended Random Wire Lengths

[Brian “VE3BWP” Pietrzyk]

Hi Murphy, your post comes at a good time for me. Thanks for this info. I'm 
preparing to take my new KX3 to the Dominican Republic next month for a QRP 
deployment on the beach at a resort. I'm planning to do WSPR, JT65, PSK31 and 
PHONE. I've not kept up my CW so I'm hoping to try some fldigi assisted CW 
contacts although it doesn't seem to copy human sent code very well so we'll 
see how that goes. 

I've tried a couple of other (Phone only) Caribbean QRP deployments when I had 
my FT817 and ATAS 25. 3 years ago in Panama it was winter field day and 10m was 
open so I created a pileup. It was a blast and I was bitten by the bug! (If you 
search ve3bwp QRP Costa Rica on YouTube you can see a few of the reactions I 
got - intrigued, the hotel staff kept the Marquita's flowing so I may sound a 
bit tipsy). 

Then last year I tried It from Panama. Didn't_make_a_single_contact! Heard lots 
but no-one heard me. I realized how ill prepared I was and relying on a 
compromise antenna near a solar minimum (with no CW or digimodes) would be even 
that close to the equator. 

So this year with a new KX3 and my wife's super thin MacBook life I'm going 
getting serious and I have a proper antenna! I've started reading through the 
Elecraft message archives trying to find all random wire success stories. I got 
some of the Wireman silky wire and now in search of what lengths to try. I saw 
Wayne's recommendation for 25ft for 40-6m so I've cut some for that. I'm 
looking to precut a few different lengths to try for various band combinations. 
Maybe even some band specific resonant ones for 20 to 10m so if anyone has some 
tried and true lengths for those I would appreciate hearing about actual 
lengths. This will be my first time with end feds or random wires. I'm also 
giving serious thought to packing my CrankIR as it can be made resonant very 
easily but it's 13.5lbs and would be the heaviest and bulkiest item of all. I 
may take it though just in case since it is comparable in performance to my 
base dipole. With it I've had regular phone ragchews at 5w with 
 many assuming I was running way more power. 

Anyway if others have has similar ambitions/successes... would love to hear 
about it. 

Thanks and regards,

Brian ve3bwp

> Message: 19
> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2017 16:30:57 -0500
> From: murphy 
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] KXAT2: Recommended Random Wire Lengths
> Message-ID: 
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
> 
> I love my new KX2 and the installed auto-tuner.  The manual mentions a
> random wire antenna with a counterpoise and recommends #26 ?Silky? from
> The Wireman (catalog #534).  After obtaining 100 feet the first question
> is how long?  Obviously I want it to tune 1:1 SWR, 80 to 10 meters but a
> quick search of the archives and manual came up dry for specific random
> wire lengths.  So I cut 29 feet x 2 and boom - no joy.  The 5MHz band
> got no better than 4:1 SWR and 80 meters was, well, hopeless.  The rest
> was good.  Ok searching the net the best I could find was
> http://www.hamuniverse.com/randomwireantennalengths.html with the magic
> number lengths: *29  35.5  41  58  71  84  107  119  148  203  347  407 
> 423*.  Still, no guarantee which would meet requirements on the
> KX2/KXAT2.  So, after a splice and another cut, I can now officially
> announce that a 58 foot "random" wire with a 29 foot counterpoise will
> give a 1:1 SWR on all bands 80-10 on the KX2 using the KXAT2. :-)
> 
> Message: 26
> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2017 02:38:20 +0100
> From: "Emory Schley" 
> To: Elecraft 
> Subject: [Elecraft] Random wire lengths for antennas
> Message-ID:
>
> 
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
> 
> My KX2 Owner's Manual, page 10, says "A length of about 25 feet for each 
> wire, matched to the KX2's output using an antenna tuner (see ATU, pg. 11) 
> will typically provide good performance on 40-10 m. (Without an ATU, resonant 
> lengths are required for each band.) This antenna is ideal for outings where 
> all gear must fit into a small bag (e.g., our model CS-40)."
> 
> I just bought my KX2 in late November/December 2016, so I presume this is the 
> latest edition of the Owner's Manual.
> ?
> Emory Schley
> N4LP
> 
> 
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[Elecraft] Running WSPR on KX3 using a Mac

[Brian ve3bwp Pietrzyk]

There seems to be a lot of Mac users on this forum. No answers on WSPR forums 
so hopefully someone here has overcome this:

Is there anyone here running WSPR on a Mac?

My qrp digital station is a KX3, a Signalink USB, a MacBook (and a CrankIR).

Been able to do all the modes I want (using fldigi and WSJT and FreeDV) so far 
except WSPR. I downloaded and followed the WSPR install (and CLI instructions) 
and stuck at getting flrig errors. Emails to the author are bouncing back.

Anyone else been down this road?

Brian ve3bwp
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Re: [Elecraft] Soon to be an Elecraft(er)!

[Brian “VE3BWP” Pietrzyk]

Further to my earlier post I've decided to move forward and go with the 
KX3/KXPA100 combo to replace my ft817 AND my Kenwood TS590. The ft817 has 
already found its new home and my TS590 will soon be next. Again, it will be 
nice to just have one radio for base and QRP on trips. 
I priced out what I think I'll need and it comes to $3.5k US ($5k cdn) so I'm 
hoping this can be done in stages. 
So my question is if I buy just the KX3 and KXPA100 to start, will I be able to 
add in the internally mounted upgrades such as both antenna tuners, roofing 
filter, vhf module, battery charger etc later? Or are there certain options 
it's better to include upfront? Ve3bwp

Sent from my iPad
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[Elecraft] Soon to be an Elecraft(er)!

[Brian ve3bwp Pietrzyk]

Hello All,

Not an Elecraft owner yet but making plans to be one soon. I’m just starting 
the research. 

A close friend is all Elecraft and I'm impressed. Even meeting the company 
owners and designers at Dayton has me sold on them. 

My QRP rig today is an FT817 which I love (I have been known to sleep with it 
under my pillow lol) and have had a few memorable QRP mini-expiditions on 
vacation trips to Central America, France and around the province. 

Currently my primary base rig is a Kenwood TS590 no complaints about it so far. 
I have been approached by prospective buyers with reasonable offers to sell 
both these rigs. So I am giving serious thought to using this opportunity to 
get a KX3 and the KXPA100 100W amplifier/tuner combo to replace my TS590 as a 
base radio. I would then use the KX3 on its own instead of the FT817 for my QRP 
trips. 

I am playing now with the HF digital modes such as FreeDV, PSK31, JT65, WSPR so 
hopefully CAT and audio interfacing to a computer is easy. Today I use a 
SignaLink USB. 

I like the idea of getting to know one radio really well (the kx3) by using it 
as my primary rig on the road AND at home (maybe even in the mobile at some 
point). I would then save my pennies for the PX3 and even a KX2 for lighter 
travels at some point. 

Is it safe to assume i won't be loosing any performance by making this chance 
and even gain some? 

Hopefully no trolls on this group. 

Thanks,

Ve3bwp
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