[Elecraft] RPN Calc App For Android

[Chuck Guenther]

Interesting discussion of the RPN calculators!

I've been a user of RPN calculators for fifty years now. I started my EE 
career in 1966 still using slide rules.
My first calculator was the HP-25C, then went to the HP-67 and several 
others after that. My favorite is the HP-28S, which is marvelous for 
complex number manipulations.


Was glad to get the info on calculator Apps for the iPhone.

73,
Chuck NI0C




__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

[Elecraft] New wattmeter plans?

[Chuck Guenther]

In terms of modernizing the Elecraft W2, I'm surprised no one so far has 
mentioned the excellent digital display unit offered by KV5J. The combo 
works great.


73,
Chuck  NI0C

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

[Elecraft] Split receiving and 2 ears

[Chuck Guenther]

Saw this excellent suggestion the other day, and waited a few days to 
try it out before commenting.  I've had the sub Rx in my K3 for a couple 
of years now, and always had it setup for a-b.  I was frequently turning 
off the sub Rx to hear the DX in both ears.  The a-ab setting helps a 
lot-- don't know how I passed over this setting.  It's tips like this 
that make this Elecraft Reflector worthwhile.  Thanks, Peter!


73,

Chuck Guenther  NI0C
K3/P3, KX1, KX2


On March 6, 2019 Peter Dougherty wrote:

One thing I would add here is the L-Mix-R setting in the config menu, which 
controls which VFOs go in which ear. As a DXer who loves working pileups, I can 
tell you the best combination for me is A-Ab; meaning VFO A Audio (the DX 
station transmitting) is present in the left ear, and mixed in with the pileup 
(VFO-B) audio in the right ear.

You can adjust that setting to taste (make sure you have the Sub-RX enabled 
first when you go into that menu item), but for me, A-Ab is the way to go. Try 
the different combinations to see which works best for you.

 - pjd


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] RadioSet-Go KX2 Retrofit

[Chuck Guenther]

Received s/n 0007 recently.  I like it!

See: https://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/14127

73 & Happy New Year to Elecrafters,

Chuck Guenther  NI0C
KX1, KX2, K3, P3

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] K3 frequency offset problem

[Chuck Guenther]

On a couple of occasions, I've noticed that my K3 display has been 
offset by approximately 0.90 Khz when operating CW.  Both times, I found 
that when I tuned my K3 to a signal peak in the P3 display,
there was no sound in the headphones.  When I tuned 900 Hz past the peak 
I found the signal.  This was a little embarrassing last night, because 
I issued a spot via DX Summit that was 900 Hz off from

later spots on the same station put out by others.

I found that the error could be corrected by turning the sub receiver 
on, putting the K3 in split mode, then going out of split and turning 
off the sub receiver.  This problem may be associated with my
habit of putting one VFO in CW mode, and the other in Data mode at one 
of the FT8 frequencies.  The problem seems to come up when I turn off 
the WSJT-x program.


My K3 has the latest firmware installed (5.66); I am using DXLab's 
Commander v. 13.8.1, and WSJT-x v. 2.0.0 .


I'd appreciate any hints about what I may be doing wrong.

Thanks & 73,

Chuck Guenther
K3 s/n 1061 (upgraded to at least an S-)

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] Old Keyers (was: FT 8)

[Chuck Guenther]

I used a HA-1 keyer during the early 1960's.  However, it was not the 
first successful commercial electronic keyer!


It was my third keyer.  My first keyer was the "Mon Key," which did not 
have self-completing code elements, and my second was a Eldico, which 
was self-completing.  Both these earlier keyers had built in paddles.


73,  Chuck  NI0C


On 3/03/2018, Kent Trimble wrote:

I did a Show-N-Tell with our club’s CW class last Saturday using my
46-year old Hallicrafters T.O. Keyer so they could operate the first
successful commercial electronic keyer, and to underscore how viable
vintage tube gear still can be."

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] KX2, N1MM+ and WKUSB

[Chuck Guenther]

I'm having problems setting up my KX2 with N1MM+ for the upcoming ARRL 
CW Sweepstakes contest.  Can only get the WinKey to key using VFO B.  
N1MM+ thinks my KX2 is in Split mode when it is not, and vice versa.


All working correctly using my K3, and the K3 will be my default if I 
can't get the KX2 setup in time.


Any pointers would be appreciated!

73  Chuck Guenther, NI0C

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] New KX2 firmware with 4 programmable functions; need testers

[Chuck Guenther]

Beta firmware v. 2.75 works very nicely, Wayne.  Thanks for this!

My choices for Pfn are:
PF1 = SUB on/off
PF2 = RF Gain
PF3 = AGC THR
PF4 = Amp Hrs

73,  Chuck Guenther  NI0C


Quote from Monday, April 3:

"Hi all,

The latest KX2 field-test firmware provides four programmable functions, 
PF1-PF4, accessed using the PFn switch. This feature was inspired by both the 
original KX2 field testers and responses to our recent question about additions 
to the KX line.

Having four programmable functions rather than one really helps. The KX2 has 
fewer switches than the KX3, making it a bit more dependent on the menu for 
often-used functions.

If you’d like to give this new release a try, let me know. (Which menu entries 
would you assign to PF1 through PF4?)

73,
Wayne
N6KR

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] K3 AGC with Dual Receivers

[Chuck Guenther]

I've been using my trusty K3 for years with a single receiver, and 
frequently experiment with AGC THR and SLP settings for best DX 
reception.  As I seldom am in a position to "Run" stations, I have not 
been bothered by what has been referred to as "pileup mush," except 
perhaps when I switch briefly to VFO B to comb through a DX pileup.  My 
main concern with AGC is to protect my ears, so I tend to use one of the 
nearly flat slope settings. BTW, I really like the AGC action in my KX2.


I recently sent my K3 to Elecraft for installation of many 
procrastinated hardware upgrades, including a second receiver. From my 
reading of the manuals, I gather that I can adjust each receiver 
independently, and can use different AGC settings on each.  Am I 
correct?  If so, it seems like (for DX'ing purposes anyway) I might want 
vastly different AGC settings for my left and right ears.  I am thinking 
I might want one set of AGC parameters for optimum reception of a weak 
DX station, and another set of parameters setup to listen to the howling 
hordes in the pileup. Surely others have done this (if it is indeed 
possible).  How does this work out in practice?


Thanks & 73,

Chuck Guenther  NI0C

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] KX2 Happiness

[Chuck Guenther]

Right now, my vintage K3 is back at Elecraft for major upgrades, 
including a second receiver.  I'm enjoying operating the KX2 in the 
meantime.  In fact, it was the dual watch feature of the KX2 that 
clearly demonstrated to me the benefits of a second receiver in working 
the DX pileups.


On Feb. 9, K6JEY wrote:

"I got my KX2 on Thursday (It fills out a pretty big Elecraft "stable"). I got 
on the ARRL CW DX contest with a dipole and 2 element beam at 25'. I was able to work all 
continents on 10watts. Europe was the most difficult. I worked a bunch of JA's on 40 at night. 
 I ended up using one of my Begali paddles with the rig. (I think it weighs more than the 
radio!) The interface with N1MM was simple and works very well. The receiver is very strong 
and only got clicks from stations a  hundred hz away.
   Here's what I liked the most. The filter and NB buttons are next to the 
volume and selectivity knob. And on the left side.  (Probably because I am a 
leftie) I like the band switch. The peg is perfect  The radio barely got warm 
all day/night. I tried driving my Ameritron 1306 with it and got 300w output. 
It helped on a few contacts. Very happy with the radio. Way to go E'craft!
 I like the suggestion of the MFJ whip on 20. Is it better than the Maldol?
Doug K6JEY

 Dr.Doug Millar EdD.
K6JEY

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] Vacuum Relays and 30 WPM QSK

[Chuck Guenther]

I gave up on full QSK several years ago when I started using an active 
receive antenna and a DXE phase controller.  Could not put all that 
stuff inside the keying loop of my Ten Tec Centurion. After the second 
failure of the Centurion QSK board and associated parts, I switched to a 
simple and reliable ACOM 1010 amplifier.


73, Chuck  NI0C


On Sun,2/26/2017 3:04 PM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote:
/But even though the K3 is cycling TX/RX very fast the 8410 is not banging />/the vacuum relay to death trying to follow 30 wpm dits. 30 wpm QSK*does* />/significantly shorten relay time to failure. Contesting, I've worn some 

out />/in less than a year. /
I own three very nice vintage Ten Tec amps that use vacuum relays. All
of them came to me used, and I've replaced those relays in each amp at
least once. After a few rounds of that, I stopped running QSK with those
amps. :) I'd like to hear from others having experience with vacuum
relays and QSK at contesting speeds. I mostly work between 28 and 32
WPM. The original equipment relays were Jennings, and I've mostly used
Gigavac as replacements. I haven't had to replace one since giving up on
QSK about 8 years ago, but I really would like to run QSK. Have I made
the right decision to avoid it when running with a vacuum relay?

73, Jim K9YC

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] Confused about K3 to K3S Migration service

[Chuck Guenther]

Thanks, Lyle, (and others).

I guess what I really want (and can currently afford) is an upgraded K3, 
not a new K3S.  I have an earlier s/n K3 (#1061), and have done some of 
the mods, but not all of them.  For example, I have the new synthesizer, 
but not the upgraded DSP board, or even the audio output protection 
mods.  I also want to add a second receiver.  So, I guess I will take 
that approach.


73,

Chuck  NI0C


Chuck,

This link should answer your questions.



73,

Lyle KK7P

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] Confused about K3 to K3S Migration service

[Chuck Guenther]

I've read the Elecraft offer in the recent newsletter. Here is my 
understanding of the migration service, which may be completely wrong:


I purchase a new K3S and pay $200.00 to have Elecraft install options 
from my old K3 in the K3S, and I get back a new K3S (containing options 
taken from my K3) plus my old K3 stripped of the options.  Is that 
right, or do I receive only one radio back called a K3S? Where is the 
cost saving or advantage in choosing this service?



73,

Chuck Guenther  NI0C



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] KX2 Receive problem!?

[Chuck Guenther]

Wayne,

Thanks for posting this!  Since the KX2 is my first SDR, it never 
occurred to me to try the preamp on 80 meters.  In fact I was very happy 
running with the preamp off, attenuator off, and RF gain set between 
about -3dB and -6dB.  This morning I was listening to FK8DD, and found I 
could copy him much better with preamp on, and RF gain at -10 dB, 
attenuator still off..


BTW, I really like the AGC on the KX2, and often find myself trying to 
adjust my K3 so it sounds as good as the KX2.


73,

Chuck Guenther  NI0C



Quote from N6KR:

"First thing to check is to make sure the preamp is on, and the attenuator 
turned off. Both are selected using the PRE switch. The KX2 is an SDR, and typically 
such rigs have about -120 dBm MDS with preamp off, and -135 dBm with preamp on. This 
can make a huge difference on a quiet band.

The dynamic range is good enough that you can probably leave the preamp on all 
or most of the time.

Let me know if your received signals are still down after turning on the 
preamp. If that doesn't fix it, you could have APF turned on (very narrow audio 
peaking filter), or NR turned on (noise reduction), or you could have a problem 
with a bandpass filter, etc.

73,
Wayne
N6KR"





__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] W2 setting SWR alarm trip points

[Chuck Guenther]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for pointing this out.  I did try both bracket characters anyway, 
though. I did solve my problem, though.  After searching the archives, I 
found that one may need to send repeated bracket commands to the W2.  I 
tried this and it worked!  I was able to set my SWR trip point where I 
wanted it, at 3.5:1.


73,

Chuck  NI0C


On 1/5/2017 10:06 PM, Michael Chowning wrote:

Chuck,
   Do you realize you are using two different bracket characters?
 Mike, N8TTR
Sorry, I forgot my callsign in the earlier reply.


On Jan 5, 2017, at 10:14 PM, Chuck Guenther  wrote:

I just fired up a new W2 wattmeter, and it seems to be working ok, except that 
I can't seem to adjust the SWR alarm..

I'm using the W2 utility version 1.3.2.27 and my W2 firmware is version 1.00.  I have the PTT keying cables 
connected to the W2, and am trying to set the SWR trip point that will open the amplifier keying connection.  
On p. 8 of the version D2 manual it says I can toggle the alarm on / off by sending the character 
"a" to the W2.  This seems to be working okay in that I get the expected responses "a1," 
and "a0."

The manual does not specify what the factory default trip point is.  It does indicate that I can 
move the trip point up or down by send the bracket characters "}" and "[" to 
the W2, and that the response will be a number with an implied decimal point.  But all I get is 00 
in response.

What am I doing wrong?  This is very confusing.

TNX & 73,

Chuck Guenther  NI0C

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to mike.chown...@mgccc.org


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] W2 setting SWR alarm trip points

[Chuck Guenther]

I just fired up a new W2 wattmeter, and it seems to be working ok, 
except that I can't seem to adjust the SWR alarm..


I'm using the W2 utility version 1.3.2.27 and my W2 firmware is version 
1.00.  I have the PTT keying cables connected to the W2, and am trying 
to set the SWR trip point that will open the amplifier keying 
connection.  On p. 8 of the version D2 manual it says I can toggle the 
alarm on / off by sending the character "a" to the W2.  This seems to be 
working okay in that I get the expected responses "a1," and "a0."


The manual does not specify what the factory default trip point is.  It 
does indicate that I can move the trip point up or down by send the 
bracket characters "}" and "[" to the W2, and that the response will be 
a number with an implied decimal point.  But all I get is 00 in response.


What am I doing wrong?  This is very confusing.

TNX & 73,

Chuck Guenther  NI0C

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] [KX2] fast becoming my favorite radio

[Chuck Guenther]

I've only had KX2 serial No. 857 for about ten days. It was purchased as 
a replacement for my KX1, to be used primarily for portable operations 
while on vacation.  However, I'm finding it so much fun to operate it at 
home, it has displaced my K2-10 on my operating desk.  (In case anyone 
is tempted to ask, I have no plans to sell the K2 that I built 10 years 
ago; rather I am giving it to my son).



I'm perhaps unusual in that I'm an avid DX'er who has never before used 
a transceiver with "dual watch." So I'm finding the KX2 a perfect 
trainer in learning to listen to both sides of a DX pileup at once, 
using a stereo headset.  I may be wrong, but the KX2 does not appear to 
have a balance control. However, the individual R/L volume controls on 
my MFJ-392B headphones serve the purpose.


I made a ten watt QSO, and a five watt QSO with the recent CY9C 
expedition, using dual watch.  Great fun!  Some day I will purchase a 
second receiver for my K3.


Thanks to Elecraft for its continuing innovation and superb products.

73,
Chuck  NI0C
KX1; KX2; K2-10, K3/P3



---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] APF (audio peaking filter) on the K3/K3S/KX3

[Chuck Guenther]

I've been using APF in my K3 since it was in Beta testing.  I love it!  
I've found it necessary to use both the shift and Fine tuning-- these 
are not optional for effective use of APF.  I've been using macros to 
engage and dis-engage the APF.


One reason I keep combing through the Elecraft Reflector postings is for 
gems such as Brian's suggestion below.  There is always something new to 
learn.  Thanks, Brian.

73,
Chuck  NI0C
KX1, K2-10, K3


Quote:

The technique I'm using with the APF also involves NR like so:

On an uncrowded band, set the DSP BW to 700 to 1000 Hz. If you have a roofing 
filter in that range stay within it.

Turn on NR set to mF5-3 or there about. The wide BW helps the NR work well. The 
"mix" mode lets a little unprocessed signal+noise through. This is a good weak 
signal search mode.

When you find a signal you want to copy, turn on APF and peak it in the filter. 
Fine tuning helps. There is little ringing because NR has reduced the noise 
amplitude. You can decrease the DSP BW a little but the NR is more effective 
with uncorrelated noise.

This technique has gotten me many pelts in the QRP Fox Hunts.

73,
Brian, K0DTJ


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] WTB: KX1 need by early January-- Purchase completed

[Chuck Guenther]

Thanks to everyone who replied to my earlier message, including one very 
generous fellow who offered to loan me his KX1 for my January trip. I 
have purchased a fully loaded KX1 that is now on its way to me. In a few 
days, I'll try to post info on my QRZ.com page concerning operating from 
snowy Yellowstone NP for ARRL's NPOTA event.


73 & Happy Holidays to all,
 Chuck  NI0C
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] Lost by USPS (perhaps stolen in Chicago area) KX1 and accessories

[Chuck Guenther]

I loaned my KX1 to a good friend in Chicago.  He mailed it back to me 
"1-day priority mail" on Dec. 2.  I never got it, and we are in the 
process of filing an insurance claim with the USPS.  (Elecraft sales has 
kindly agreed to send me a duplicate sales invoice, since that was lost 
as well).


Since the item may have been stolen, I'm reporting my loss here, in case 
anyone on this list sees a KX1 for sale.


KX1 s/n 2512, built during March 2011; KXAT antenna tuner; KXB3080 
adapter; BNC to binding post adapter; Palm Paddle attached to the left 
side of the case; Pelican 1150 orange case.


Tnx & 73,
Chuck Guenther  NI0C
St. Louis, MO


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] WTB: KX1 need by early January

[Chuck Guenther]

I'm looking for a well built and cared for KX1 with KXAT and KXPD1 (or 
equivalent) mandatory; K3080 optional.  I want to take it to Yellowstone 
NP during early January for operating in the ARRL NPOTA event for 2016.  
My KX1 has been lost by the USPS, and am filing insurance claim.


Please contact me off-list with details, price, and shipping info.

Thanks & 73,
Chuck Guenther NI0C
St. Louis, MO
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] What crystal filter do you use the most?

[Chuck Guenther]

This is an interesting discussion.

Before I purchased my K3 in 2008, I had become addicted to narrow 
selectivity with my previous rigs, and was routinely tuning the bands 
with cascaded 250 Hz filters.  Since I'm nearly 100 pct. CW, I purchased 
a range of crystal roofing filters to try out in my K3.  I have the 700 
Hz (special order), 400, 250 and 200 Hz filters.  I'm primarily a low 
band DX'er and like the flexibility of all these filters ahead of the 
K3's marvelous IF DSP variable filter in order to deal with varying band 
conditions.


Lately, though, I've been using the 700 Hz and 400 Hz roofing filters 
almost exclusively.   The K-3's DSP APF does a great job in peaking up 
stations near the noise level.


I also employ the DXE NCC-1 noise cancelling unit with optional matched 
receive bandpass filters installed for my favorite DX bands.  This unit 
provides additional attenuation and really helps augment the K3's 
already super dynamic range.


73,
Chuck  NI0C
KX1, K2-10, K-3, P-3

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] 440 Hz CW Pitch - Wow!

[Chuck Guenther]

No need to stop at 440; I've been using 300-330 on my K3 for a few years 
now.  I'm stuck at 400 on my K2.

73,
Chuck Guenther  NI0C
KX1; K2; K3


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] [K3} P3 Failure? fixed!

[Chuck Guenther]

Thanks, Alan!  That did the trick. (actually, I found that procedure in 
the P3 manual).
I wish I had written down the transfer gain that I had setup during my 
amplitude calibration a year or two back.


The gain is set to -7 dB now, which I believe is the factory default.

I t was strange, though, tuning the bands for even a few minutes without 
the P3.  I hadn't realized how much I have grown to depend on it!


73 & thanks again.

Chuck Guenther  NI0C



N1AL wrote:

"It sounds like a configuration parameter got corrupted somehow in
non-volatile memory. Try doing a "Parameter Initialization" as described
in the Troubleshooting section of the manual.  That is, write down your
FN key assignments and MENU parameters, then hold the LABELS key while
turning on the P3 with the POWER switch.  Wait until the "CONFIGURATION
RESET" message appears on the screen and release then release the LABELS
key.  (If you have the power-on jumper in the P3 configured to
always-on, then just hold LABELS and tap POWER.)  Then re-enter the FN
key assignments and MENU parameters.

Alan N1AL"

 




__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] P3 failure?

[Chuck Guenther]

I was operating today, and noticed my P3 display showing no spikes or 
noise level, and the waterfall portion of the display is pink.
When I try to adjust the REF LVL, I get an indication of "nan" instead 
of some negative dBm level.  I've cycled the power on/off on both the K3 
and P3, and even re-booted the computer, with no improvement.


TNX for any help on this,
73,
Chuck Guenther NI0C


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] [K3] APF and Pitch

[Chuck Guenther]

K3 users may wish to try my Macro's for using APF (CW Audio Peak Filter):

"APF ON"  Turns on APF, puts VFO in Fine tune mode (1 Hz resolution):
IS ;SWH29;RT1;SWT53;RT0;RT1;SWT49;LK0;

"APF DN"  Turns on APF, puts VFO in Fine, turns on RIT and tunes down 20 
Hz:

IS ;SWH29;RT1;SWT53;RT0;RT1;RD;RD;SWT49;LK0;

"APF UP"  Turns on APF, puts VFO in Fine, turns on RIT and tunes up 20 Hz:
IS ;SWH29;RT1;SWT53;RT0;RT1;RU;RU;SWT49;LK0;

"APF CLR"  Turns APF and RIT off, restores tuning resolution to 10 Hz:
SWH29;SWT49;SWT53;RT0;IS ;

Note: with APF DN and APF UP, the purpose of shifting the tuning 
frequency 20 Hz is to ensure the desired signal peaks at a pitch 20 Hz 
away from the "ring" frequency of the APF.  You will have to make some 
careful adjustments of the APF shift control and the VFO frequency in 
order to peak the signal with these versions.


73,
Chuck  NI0C

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] Is the K3 a "fun" radio to operate ?

[Chuck Guenther]

Jim Brown, K9YC, wrote:

"Another feature is that ANY two menu functions can be assigned to two
"soft" buttons."

So far in this discussion, I haven't seen any mention of MACRO's, which allow 
entire sequences of commands to be assigned
to PF1, PF2, or any of the M1-M4 tap or hold buttons.  I find the MACRO's to be extremely 
useful for setting up "Split"
frequencies and for using the CW APF.  Like Jim, I seldom find a need to enter 
the K3 menu system.

73,
Chuck Guenther NI0C


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] New K3 Firmware: Improved AGC (great for pile-upsaswell as general operation)

[Chuck Guenther]

I'd like to add my applause and thanks to Elecraft for this latest 
firmware upgrade.

In addition to the new firmware, I finally got around to installing my 
700 Hz CW roofing filter.
The combination of extra wide filtering and higher AGC thresholds is 
great for combing
through the pileups with VFO "B," while using the narrower filters on 
the DX frequency.

I take pride in doing my own "CW skimming!"

73,
Chuck  NI0C

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] Review of excellent portable antenna

[Chuck Guenther]

I wrote a review of the N6BT Bravo 7K antenna for eHam about a year ago.
After using it for a year on all bands (40 thru 10 meters), I remain very
pleased with it.  Band changing can be accomplished in just a few minutes.
It seems to perform as well as my Force 12 Sigma 40XK, and is easier to
work with, and visually less obtrusive to the neighbors.

N0AX gave some excellent suggestions in his QST review, i.e., putting the
coil jumper wires outside the coil box, and using some light guying on the
antenna when using it on the portable tripod mount.

73,
Chuck  NI0C




__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] KX1 - Power Amplifier Q6 Installation Question

[Chuck Guenther]

Chuck, it doesn't say "both washers" in my manual.  Here's the exact quote:
"*The split washer under the standoff is important to reach the proper 
height
so Q6 will come in contact with the cover.*"

The lockwasher under the board has nothing to do with the height of Q6's 
collector.

73,
Chuck Guenther, NI0C
KX1 s/n 2512


Chuck, K4QS, wrote:

"There is a warning in bold letters stating that both washers
  need to be in place or Q6 will not lay flat against the heat sink pad."



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] KX1 - Power Amplifier Q6 Installation Question

[Chuck Guenther]

Hi Barry,

As you recall, I ran into the same thing when I completed s/n 2512, and 
that this was
reported to the Reflector March 29, 2011.  I hope that the Elecraft 
folks have noted the
problem with the standoff.

I also omitted the bottom lockwasher, and worried about the nylon screw 
bottoming out.
(It didn't).

I also worried about damaging the nylon screw during soldering, so I 
used a metal one
just during soldering.  (My kit contained two nylon screws, and I used a 
magnet to separate
the metal ones).

73,
Chuck Guenther
KX1 s/n 2512




Barry, K8QI, wrote:

"Figure 24 shows the installation of the standoff using 2 split washers, One
below and one on top of the board.   I am not able to get the threads to
catch using the 2 washers.So I only used the one on the top of the board
to maintain the correct heigth of the standoff.   I am a little concerned
that the threads from the 3/16 Pan head and the Nylon 1/4 Flat Head may
contact inside the standoff and result in the Power Amplifier Q6 being loose
and not making good contact with the Thermal Pad.  Did anyone else have this
problem?   What was your solution?

During the solder process for the Power Transistor Q6, the instructions
state to "Temporarily secure Q6 with a 4-40 flat head screw." My
question is should I use the nylon flat head or the metal flat head for this
solder step.   Any possibility of deforming the nylon flat head during the
soldering process due to heat transfer?   My thought is no, use the nylon.
Thought I would ask, since I already have the question above."



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] KX1 and Palm paddles

[Chuck Guenther]

I recently purchased a set of miniature paddles by Palm Radio
for portable use with my KX1.  I came across a fine blog by VE3WDM
who attached his Palm paddle mounting bracket to the left side of his KX1
battery case using a double sided adhesive mounting tape.

See: http://ve3wdm.blogspot.com/2010/11/theres-new-key-in-town.html

Mike used a Lepage product called "No More Nails," that is apparently
not available in the states.  After trips to major hardware stores and some
research on the web, I located an apparently equivalent product by Loctite,
called "Power Grab mounting tape."  There was one Ace hardware store in
St. Louis that has it.

The paddle mounting bracket could, of course, be mounted with screws;
however I preferred the tape, since I was concerned about my accuracy in
drilling the battery case.

I also shortened the paddle cable and installed a right angle stereo plug
as Mike did.  The results look very good.

73,
Chuck  Guenther NI0C
KX1 s/n 2512


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] KX1 Red Display Filter

[Chuck Guenther]

Instructions for installing the LED filter are given on page 52
of the latest KX1 manual (Rev. E, dated May 21, 2010).

The transparent tape just didn't hold in my case, with the result
that the filter is floating around inside the case somewhere, leaving
the LED display chip exposed.

Has anyone discovered a better way to attach this filter?  I'm thinking
of using a very small quantity of RTV sealant, judiciously applied
around the edges of the filter with a toothpick.  Any thoughts?

Thanks & 73,

Chuck Guenther  NI0C
KX1 s/n 2512

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] KX1 s/n 2512 completed

[Chuck Guenther]

Fine business, Barry.

One thing I forgot to mention in my earlier comments on the KX1 construction
was with regard to the battery holder installation described on pp. 55-57
of the KX1 manual.

I used small pieces of duct tape to hold the wires in place on the 
bottom side
of the left battery holder.  This preserved my sanity during these 
rather awkward
construction steps.  Just make sure the tape does not cross the molded 
ridges
at the bottom of the holder.

73,
Chuck Guenther  NI0C




Barry, K8QI, wrote:

"I'm presently building KX1 # 2520 currently in phase 2.Appreciate the
heads up on the 2 items you mention.I did read the step with the R32 and
was confused.   But thought when I got to that step, it would be clearer...
Glad your's is up and and working fine.Hope to join you on the air very
soon."



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] KX1 s/n 2512 completed

[Chuck Guenther]

I've just completed assembly and testing of my new KX1 and KX1AT.
I built s/n 1287 in 2005 and later traded it, with some regrets.

I have a few comments concerning the assembly instructions.
(Page number references given are from the Rev. E Manual, dated May 21, 
2010)

Page 42, installation of R32:  I was confused a little by the sentence:
"This resistor is not present on the Revision B or B1 PC boards."
(I wasn't sure whether to install R32 or not, since I had a Rev B board.)

I think what the writer meant was: "A space for this resistor was not 
provided in
the layout of the Rev. B or B1 PC boards."  That's what I assumed, so I 
installed the resistor.


Page 53, Installing the standoff for Q6 collector:
I ended up omitting the split washer at the bottom of the board, as the 
3/16" pan head screw
was not long enough to engage the threads of the standoff otherwise.

Page 54, securing the board to the top cover:

The step just says to use three 4-40 x 1/4 flat-head screws.  Yet, if Q6 
has a metal tab,
a nylon screw must be used for the middle screw.  It would be a good 
idea to make this
explicit in this step.

My new KX1 is working fine, and I'll be taking some time to re-acquaint 
myself with
it before adding the KXB3080 module.

73,
Chuck Guenther  NI0C
KX1 s/n 2512, K2 s/n 5853, K3 s/n 1061

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] APF Macros

[Chuck Guenther]

I reported a macro for turning on APF, RIT, and FINE and shifting RIT 
down 20 Hz in a
reflector message dated November 4, 2010. I also included a macro for 
clearing all these
functions, since I could not seem to come up with a toggleable version.

Since I wrote that, I revised my macro's to the following:

APF SHF:  IS ;SWH29;RT1;SWT53;RT0;RT1;RD;RD;SWT49;LK0;

APF CLR:  SWH29;SWT49;SWT53;RT0;IS ;

These work for me (I have them assigned to PF1 and PF2, respectively.
Perhaps someone else has a better set to report.  I certainly like the idea
of a shared library of macro's.

73,

Chuck Guenther  NI0C
K2-10, K3, P3



N6FB wrote:

"It is tough to get old and find most of your electronics know-how  is out
of date- so much so that creating a macro from scratch seems beyond my  ken.

APF is a very useful function, and I use it along with RIT as the  fine
tuning mechanism.  How would one generate and execute as either  a macro, or
PF1/PF2, to turn on and off a "APF and RIT activated"  function?

BIll Hartman
N6FB"



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] Unexpected use for a P3

[Chuck Guenther]

Thanks, Jim.  In addition to a wide span (I use 128 KHz), a low value of 
scale (30-40 dB) and the maximum value of averaging time also
improve the display of the antenna characteristics.

73,
Chuck Guenther  NI0C


On 2/2/2011 3:10 PM, Jim Sheldon wrote:
> 
> The display shows it best when the span is set pretty wide.  You can 
> actually see the SWR curve as a peak in the noise around the resonant 
> point, rolling off fairly sharply either side of it.
> Jim - W0EB
>
>

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] Forthcoming article will feature the P3

[Chuck Guenther]

The editor and I just put the finishing touches on my article "Eyes and 
Ears on Topband,"
which will appear in the March issue of the/K9YA Telegraph.

/The /K9YA Telegraph/ is a free e-zine, obtainable by subscription at 
the K9YA website.

My article features a number of memorable moments on Top Band this season as
captured on my P3.  The March issue will be available to subscribers 
during late February.


73,
Chuck Guenther  NI0C

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] Unexpected use for a P3

[Chuck Guenther]

I've been spending the winter on 160 meters with my Cushcraft MA160V
top-loaded vertical antenna.  This antenna has been surprisingly effective
for such a short (approx. 36 feet) vertical.  I have a decent, though by 
no means
exceptional, ground system.  The usable bandwidth is on the order of 20 KHz,
and I carefully tuned it for a center frequency of 1820 KHz, positioning 
me for
CW DX fun on Top Band.

Since I obtained the P3 last Fall, I've noticed that I can see the 
rolloff characteristics
of my antenna simply by looking at the display with band noise.

We had considerable freezing rain and sleet, followed by snow here in 
St. Louis
in the past couple of days.  The top loading elements (coil and top-hat 
capacitance)
have a thick coating of ice on them.  The other night, I turned on my K3 
and P3 and
was prepared for listening for DX at sunset when I noticed the P3 was 
indicating a
frequency response rolloff far below what was normal.  In fact my 
antenna had made
a QSY right out of the band to a new center frequency of roughly 1770 
KHz!  Even at
the 1800 KHz band edge my SWR was about 5.5:1.

Having used this and other top-loaded verticals, I had experienced 
shifts of 15-20 KHz
due to icy conditions previously.  But never a 50 KHz shift!

I tried using my MFJ-259B Antenna Analyzer to check the resonant 
frequency and
bandwidth of my antenna, only to discover the lower limit of the 
analyzer is 1800 KHz.

Now, I'm waiting for some of the ice to melt or evaporate from my 
antenna so I can use it
again.  So I'm watching band noise on my P3, waiting for the resonant 
frequency to
come back up.  Already today, it has moved up about 10 KHz (even though 
the temperature
remains below freezing).

I just thought I'd point out this aspect of the P3 (or other panadaptor 
frequency displays) for
indicating the frequency response characteristics of high-Q antennas.

73,
Chuck Guenther  NI0C




__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] APF

[Chuck Guenther]

Good advice from N1EU and K2AV here, folks!
Also, see Wayne's posting: "Tips for using APF."

I'm a junkie for trying out new firmware, and I can attest that the APF 
is as good
as it ever was-- in fact you need the latest version of it to be sure 
you have the
5 Hz resolution in the APF shift control.  Other pre-requisites for 
success with APF
are using FINE tune (1 Hz frequency resolution) and also shifting the 
signal frequency
(using RIT and APF shift) ) slightly off the ringing frequency.

73,
Chuck Guenther  NI0C
K3 s/n 1061



Barry, N1EU wrote:
"

Forget it - full stop!

I just ran a spectral analysis of the current firmware versus the very first
APF implementation (mcu 4.17 dsp 2.65) from 11/3/10 AND THE PLOTS ARE
ABSOLUTELY CONGRUOUS!  The APF implementation hasn't changed a bit (or a
byte)."



Guy, K2AV wrote:
"
May I suggest that one of the necessities of using APF is to throttle back
the RF gain so that the AGC is not pushing up the noise to the level of
forcing what sounds like ringing.  When I'm hearing what sounds like
ringing, moving back the RF gain (or removing PRE, or using ATT) will
usually clear it up.  Using slow AGC usually does NOT help much, but backing
off RF gain so the background noise is only moderate or less usually helps."



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] APF effectiveness...

[Chuck Guenther]

I find the APF to be very effective when preceded by a relatively wider 
filter
as suggested by K9ZTV, and offsetting the receive a little as mentioned 
by W6OPO.

I generally use the 250 Hz crystal filter, followed by a DSP bandwidth 
between
200-300 Hz.  I use a macro to turn on APF and FINE and offset the RIT by 
20 Hz, then
I tweak the APF shift and/or the RIT manually to peak the received signal.

The purpose of the offset is to shift the signal frequency away from the 
ringing
frequency.  This works best for me at pitch settings near the low end of 
the K3's
range.

73,
Chuck Guenther  NI0C



W6OPO wrote:
"

I have had input from two Elecraft support fellows one of which was
helpful.  That being move the receiver off frequency (RIT) about 10Hz
then adjust the APF center frequency to match.  Some help - yes."


K9ZTV wrote:
"
I've found that using the APF with the 400 filter (or wider) dialed-in
provides less ringing than using APF with the 50 filter (DSP) dialed-in."






__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] Reason to NOT buy a K3?

[Chuck Guenther]

Gary,
You may wish to substitute a 500 Hz or 200 Hz five-pole filter for either
the 400 Hz or 250 Hz filters.  The reason is, the nominal 400 Hz and
250 Hz filters are actually pretty close in terms of performance.

I own all of the aforementioned filters, and have gone back and forth
a few times, but have settled on the 500, 250, and 200 Hz combo for CW,
while I have the 2.7 KHz and 2.1 Khz installed for SSB.

I operate lowbands and CW almost exclusively now.  Probably 90 pct.
of the time I use the 250 Hz 8-pole filter.

BTW, I think you will be delighted by the QSK performance, as well as the
APF feature of the K3.

73,
Chuck  Guenther  NI0C
K2, K3/P3


Gary, K9GS, wrote:
> "I primarily spend my time contesting, DX contests in particular, and
> most of my time on 80 and 40M.  99% of the time I operate CW.  So, in
> particular, low band CW performance is important to me. ...
>
>
> I'm looking at the 100W model with the following accessories:
>
> a)  KAT3
> b) KXV3A
> c) 2.8K 8 pole SSB filter
> d) 400 hz 8 pole filter
> e) 250 hz 8 pole filter"
>


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] Weighted Tuning Knobs - Any Consequence?

[Chuck Guenther]

I too believe the jury is still out concerning the long-term wear and tear
on the Elecraft encoders caused by the use of extra heavy knobs.

The original knobs spin just fine on my K3; besides I'm doing more
QSY's these days from the P3.

73,
Chuck Guenther  NI0C
K2, K3


Don Wilhem, W3FPR, wrote:

"I do worry about the long term durability of the encoders with quite
heavy knobs, although I have not seen a K2 or a K3 that showed signs of
encoder failure (yet).  I had bought a couple of those old National
knobs and gear boxes that had a worn elliptical shaft from extensive use
and the dial would have "hard spots" in its rotation, so they were not
immune to problems either."



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] P3 time/date stamp?

[Chuck Guenther]

I'm enjoying my P3 very much.  One of my favorite features is the
screen freeze and capture capability that allow me to preserve
some of my favorite operating moments.  I often e-mail captured P3
images to friends, to show them what their signals looked like at
my end of the QSO.

One thing that would enhance this would be a way to display time
and date at least on the frozen P3 display.  I take care of this manually
by putting callsign, date, and time information in the .jpg filename in
Windows "My Pictures" folder.

Is this something that is planned for the future?

73,
Chuck Guenther  NI0C
K2-10, K3, P3

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] Reflectors, 73 and so on

[Chuck Guenther]

Pete,
I don't think this is curmudgeonly at all.  I try to sign off with 73 on 
internet forum
postings (such as on eHam), as well on e-mail lists like this one.

I figure if I can't say "73," meaning, of course "best regards," then 
perhaps I
shouldn't send it.Keeps me in check!

73,
Chuck Guenther  NI0C


Pete, N4ZR, wrote:

  It also used to be that anyone posting
on one of these reflectors would use his or her callsign and some form
of esoteric ham closing, like 73, 88, etc.

Am I alone in observing that these customs seem to be falling by the
wayside?  I flinch every time I see an unsigned message on one of the
reflectors.  It seems to me that people should want to be seen in a good
light by the 1-4 thousand people who will seeing their messages.  This
isn't instant messaging, where you're already known by the other party,
so why not take the second or two extra to let people know who you are
and that you're proud of it?

Or am I just an old curmudgeon?



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] APF Ergonomics

[Chuck Guenther]

You certainly can do that.  All you have to do is write a macro containing
the command "SWH29;" and assign this macro to one of the programmable keys,
M1-M4 or PF1 or PF2. You can just use a single command in a macro if that's
all you want.

Sometimes I'll assign a macro to both the tap and hold function of a memory
M1-M4 so as to avoid the chance of getting the wrong one in the heat of a DX
pileup.

73,
Chuck Guenther  NI0C
K2, K3, P3 


Rich Dettinger, K7MW, wrote:

"I think you can use PF1 or 2 to select the APF.  This will still
require a "hold", and an inadvertent tap will interfere with the RIT
setting.  Don't know if this will be better.  I don't use my RIT so I
like this set up.  Maybe a "slight" firmware change would allow each
user to define which function is "tap" and which is "hold"."


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] P3 New LVL Cal Function (Beta 0.41)

[Chuck Guenther]

Many thanks to Bill, W4ZV, for providing the LVL CAL instructions
in his Nov. 11 reflector message.  I did the calibration using an XG-2
both before and after doing the IF output mod in my older K3.

Before the mod, my transfer gain was -21 dB, which I think should
have been -18 dB because I have a 3 dB Rx antenna splitter in line
with my XG-2.

After the IF output mod, my transfer gain is -8.3 dB.  (This time I took
into account the 3 dB attenuation in my splitter by adjusting the level
of the peak to -76  dBm instead of -73 dBm.)

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K3 s/n 1061  P3 s/n 844




__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] ZLX8 - K3 firmware

[Chuck Guenther]

I recently made the choice to purchase a P3 rather than a KRX3.

Three factors that were involved in my decision were as follows.

It is the 160m DX season and CQ WW is right around the corner.  I didn't 
want to take my
station apart even for a day or two to add the second Rx.  The P3 was up 
and
running within an hour of the UPS delivery (although I still need to do 
the IF output mod.)

I am quite adept at navigating the pileups by switching VFO's.

I've never owned a panadaptor and wanted to add the visual dimension to 
my radio.

I'm glad I made the choice that I did, although a KRX3 is definitely in 
my future plans.
I find the P3 a useful aid in finding holes in time/frequency space in 
the DX pileups.
It also is a great help in getting a quick view of activity on the band 
without relying
on spots.  The P3 even gives me a pretty clear indication of the 
bandwidth of my transmitting
and receiving antennas, as I can see the noise level drop off above and 
below resonance.

73,
Chuck Guenther  NI0C
K3 s/n 1061  P3 s/n 444



Dave, N4QS wrote:
"

Rich,

I basically agree with you about adding the KRX3 first, but it would be
interesting to see how the P3 works with only one RX and split VFOs.  That
might still be a pretty potent combination.  I am sure others have that
setup and it would be interesting to hear some of their comments.  I've had
my KRX3 so long now, it's hard for me to remember how to use just one RX!
Of course, the big plus for the KRX3 is if someone also wants to use
diversity RX.


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] P3 Wow!

[Chuck Guenther]

My new P3 arrived yesterday, and I like it a lot!

It's very easy and intuitive to operate.  As someone who spent part of 
his career
doing spectrum analysis (of sound and vibration), I don't know why I 
waited so
long to acquire this fine accessory for my K3.

I still need to do the IF output modification on my K3 for full 
sensitivity in the
P3 display, but am still finding the visual display useful for combing 
through
DX pileups.

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K3 s/n 1061, P3 s/n 444

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3:New APF what happened?

[Chuck Guenther]

The new APF continues to please this CW operator.
Like others, I find it works better in some situations than others.
But I would not have been able to copy and work RI1FJ
(Franz Josef Land) on 160m the morning of November 8
without this new tool.

A few suggestions for using it:

1. Make sure the CW signal is centered in the passband at your
selected pitch, before engaging APF.  For very weak signals,
I always rely on my ear to match the pitch, rather than using the K3
SPOT or CWT features.

2. After turning APF on, use the APF SHIFT (now 5 Hz resolution)
and/or FINE tuning (1 Hz resolution) to peak the signal.

3. I've mentioned this before, but I use a Macro to turn on APF,FINE,
and RIT with one button push (and another Macro to turn off all these
functions).

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K3 s/n 1061



Larry, K2GN, wrote:


"Yes, it helps on some signals but not on others.
In fact, due to the "ringing" or hollow sound, the weak signal is better
copy with normal operations. If have I/II so I can switch back and forth
quickly.
I use the 400 narrow filter.  NR,NB, etc off.
Anybody have any suggestions that can bring this station up to what others
are reporting that they experience?"




__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] APF Macros-- postscript

[Chuck Guenther]

Regarding my previous message on APF macros--

I had to change the name of APF SHFT to APF SHF (discovered the
character limit when saving the macros to M4T and M4H on my K3.)

Since the APF function seems to save the last shift used, it seems
less important to include an APF shift in the macro.

73,
Chuck Guenther
K3 s/n 1061

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] APF Macros

[Chuck Guenther]

I received some helpful suggestions from "The Smiths" regarding APF,
specifically using RIT to shift the received signal down 20 Hz or so and 
using
APF Shift to peak the signal.  The purpose is to make the tone of the
received signal 20 Hz lower than the faint ringing noise induced by APF.

This seems to work pretty well, and I used the technique to copy some
weak signals on Top Band last night.

Since the technique requires a bit of knob fiddling, I decided to try to
incorporate these steps into a K3 Macro.  So far, I've been able to put
all the steps except the APF Shift into a Macro. I tried using the "IS"
command to do APF shift (after turning on the APF); however the
command continues to shift the IF rather than the APF. \

Is there a special command available yet for APF shift, or is this too
soon to have something because APF is still in Beta testing?

Here's what I have so far:

APF SHFT
 IS ;SWH29;RT1;RD;RD;SWT49;

IS  centers IF shift to cw pitch; SWH29 turns on the APF;
RT1 turns on the RIT; the RD commands move RIT down 20 Hz,
assuming the user has the normal 10 Hz tuning steps setup; and
SWT49 engages FINE tuning.

To undo all this I have:

APF CLR
 SWH29;SWT49;RU;RU;RT0;IS ;

I'm open to suggestions for improvement.

73,
Chuck Guenther  NI0C
K3 s/n 1061



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] APF preview: very nice

[Chuck Guenther]

I was able to try the new APF firmware last night.  It is very dramatic,
and I find it helpful in extremely weak signal situations.  It's great 
to have this
available at the push of a button.  I  would not use it every situation, 
nor would
I tune around the band with it because the ringing in the background 
without
a signal present sounds like very weak high speed code to me-- I find 
this distracting.

I find myself switching to the "fine" frequency resolution (1 Hz steps)
when using the APF, to tune across the nose of a signal to get it just 
right.

My K3 has only a single receiver, but I have three CW filters: 400, 250, 
and 200 Hz.
I do find myself accidently switching filters by tapping the button 
instead of holding
it to get APF, but that has no drastic effect on the signal I'm trying 
to copy.
Indeed with APF engaged I don't notice much difference when I switch in
different XFIL's.  That's probably because I rarely use anything wider than
350 or 400 Hz DSP selectivity.

This is a real worthwhile improvement for CW operators!

73,
Chuck Guenther  NI0C
K2-10 s/n 5853
K3-100 s/n 1061


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3 Intermittently loses gain

[Chuck Guenther]

Ron, if you have an amplifier in line, check the amplifier relay contacts.
I had to clean the relay contacts in my AL-80B about once per year.
The symptoms were just as you described.

73,
Chuck Guenther  NI0C


Ron, W3ZV wrote:

  K3 started to exhibit intermittent loss
of gain after a transmission. Sometimes, stomping on the foot switch
brings it back up. Sometimes it takes a short transmission.  No real
pattern to when it occurs. Receiver isn't totally deaf. Just way down.


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] [K3} Should AGC settings be changed?

[Chuck Guenther]

  Barry,

I find myself experimenting frequently with the AGC threshold and slope 
settings.
Don't forget that these menu items can be assigned to the PF or M keys 
so they can be easily
accessed and changed.  Since I don't use the K3 internal keyer (I use an 
external microHam
CW keyer), I use M1T for AGC "THR," and M1H for "SLP."

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K3 s/n 1061

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] Reduced-height bail

[Chuck Guenther]

Speaking of bail height, here's a suggestion for use of the generous
space beneath the K2 transceiver.  My N3ZN ZN-9B paddles nestle
perfectly into the space.created by the standard bail.  Very nice!

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K2-10 s/n 5853; K3 s/n 1061




__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] OT: Don / Unidentified list posters

[Chuck Guenther]

Ken Kopp wrote:

"I've 'stewed' about the issue most 
of the night."

Me too, Ken.  Don helped me a lot when I was assembling my KX1 and K2.

The impatient K2 builder says he doesn't care at all about feelings; yet he 
also claims
to have an EET degree.  I taught for many years in a community college EET 
program.  
I fought many battles over curriculum issues in order to help ensure that 
students 
received more than just a technical education, and that we conferred degrees 
upon well
rounded individuals.  

This reflector, when all is said and done, is more about feelings than anything 
else.

73,
Chuck  NI0C 

  


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] ARRL CW & K3 mini split...

[Chuck Guenther]

Darn... my secret got out!  :)

73 de Chuck  NI0C
K2,  K3


CX7TT wrote:
"I worked many guys who were S3 abv and below the run freq while the 
zero beat guys to my xmit freq were S9 plus."
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] Super K3

[Chuck Guenther]

I don't see a correlation here, nor do I see anything to be sad about.
Many of us enjoy both contests and extended radio conversations.

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K2, K3


N5GE wrote:
"The saddest thing about contests is that they have reduced the number 
of hams who actually rag chew and enjoy it."


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] Super K3

[Chuck Guenther]

Did it ever occur to you that the folks who kept the bands hopping for
48 hours might enjoy a rest?  Maybe spend some time with their families,
watch the Winter Olympics on TV, go for a walk, etc.?

Even though I was only a casual participant in the contest on a single band,
I enjoyed the respite.  There's always tomorrow!

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K2, K3


"Yet, at Z time on Sunday the band droped out as if a nuclear bomb 
had hit the entire world. What is wrong with Ham radio when we only know 
how to enjoy our hobby when there's a contest? At 0001z I sent a 
repeated CQ CQ CQ, it took till 0014z before someone 500 miles from me 
finally answered it. Yet 14 minutes before that I was hearing Cuba, 
Ireland, the South Pacific and Finland all within 10KC of my CQ calling 
freq. What an utter shame...Man, Ham radio really needs a good kick in 
the butt! "
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] KX1 Hard Case?

[Chuck Guenther]

Eric,
I've  used Pelican cases to protect my cameras while  X-C skiing,
have taken a number of falls, with no damage to the cameras (or me!).

You can check the archives on appropriate sizes for the KX1.  I never
took mine skiing , but I did find an appropriate size for it that would 
fit into
a small daypack.  (Unfortunately, I sold my KX1, case and all, a few years
back). 

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K2, K3



Eric, WD6DBM, wrote:

"Can anyone recommend a case for the KX1 that would protect it from an impact?  
I'm thinking of taking mine X-C skiing, and it would have to take my body 
weight falling on it repeatedly probably starting in the parking lot.  

73 Eric WD6DBM"


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] Pete Hoover, W6ZH sk

[Chuck Guenther]

Elecrafters who have participated in the ECN's (nets) and EQP's 
(Elecraft QSO Parties)
will recall Pete Hoover, W6ZH as a frequent participant.

I just learned from  W3UR's Daily DX service that Pete passed away on 
Feb. 4.

I didn't know Pete very well, but we did have some correspondence, and 
of course
I worked him in one of the EQP's. 

My condolences to his family, and I wish him good propagation at the 
controls of the Big Ham Station.

73,
Chuck  NI0C
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] Here's what needs work (or explanation)

[Chuck Guenther]

K6LL wrote:
"So I transfer the headphones to the speaker output, so I can
reduce the AF gain setting in an attempt to get away from the
raucous AF limiter. This works for a while, until finally one
loud signal blows out the K3's audio amplifier. This is the
second time that has happened to me. I guess I'm a slow learner
on that issue.

Something really needs to be done here. My suggestions would to
raise the agc threshold further, and increase the slope of the
agc line (that would mean a slp setting of less than zero). The
AF limiter threshold also needs to be raised, and the AF speaker
output needs better protection."



With all the discussion of AGC on/off, threshold levels and gain throttling,
etc. for improved performance in pileups, I haven't seen any  further 
mention
of what I consider to be the most serious problem reported by K6LL, namely
that the K3's audio amplifiers can apparently be damaged by user control 
settings.

If this is considered acceptable (I don't believe it should be), are 
these control
settings adequately described in the K3 user's manuals and updates?  Is the
susceptibilty to damage confined to K3's where the hardware audio 
modifications
have yet to be made? 

73,
Chuck Guenther  NI0C
K2-10 s/n 5853
K3-100 s/n 1061


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] NR Revisited (trying again in plain text mode)

[Chuck Guenther]

I've been pleasantly surprised at how well NR works even with
very narrow CW bandwidths.  I routinely use a 250 Hz roofing filter
followed by 250, 200, or 150 Hz DSP filters for Top Band.  The NR
set around F1-2 or F1-3 quite often makes a difference for me. 

It wasn't always this way.

Thanks to Elecraft for their continual upgrades via firmware!

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K2-10 s/n 5853  K3 s/n 1061


Joe, KB8AP, wrote:
" NR works best with wider bandwidths. "
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3 owners that have built a K2

[Chuck Guenther]

I built the K2-10 (s/n 5853) with lots of accessories for QRP CW. 
Assembling the K3-100 was a piece of cake, compared to the K2. 

Just a couple of days ago, I finished hooking the two together for 
dual-receive
(I haven't yet purchased a KRX3).  This application was inspired by
G4AON's reflector message dated 7 Aug. 2008. It's the first time I've
ever tried dual receive and I'm having fun with it.

(Thanks, Dave, for your clear description).

73,
Chuck  NI0C

  
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] KRX3 roofing filter matching for diversity receive

[Chuck Guenther]

Stan, you asked a good question-- one I asked about some time ago.
When I worked in the aerospace industry, I designed and used analog
and digital filters for measurement applications.  Most textbook design
formulas and procedures are based on 3 dB bandwidths, although sometimes
our measurement requirements demanded 0.5 dB bandwidth.

Amateur radio IF bandwidths seem to have been standardized at the 6dB
points.  If the filter designers are reporting 3 dB points, this might 
account for the
difference you asked about.  BTW, I just checked the INRAD website and 
looked
for the filter curves for the K3 roofing filters and couldn't find 
them.  They used to
be available there. 

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K2-10 s/n 5853  K3 s/n 1061


Stan Rife, W5EWA, wrote:
"I'm not sure why a filter would be advertised as a 250hz filter but 
actually have
a (usable?) bandwidth of 370hz. Is this just a difference in how it's 
measured? " 
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] Noisy K3 receiver

[Chuck Guenther]

I agree with Jack's remark below.  I especially appreciate Bill Tippett
(W4ZV) sharing his operating tips with the group, and have printed his
recent messages (as well as the referenced info from K3NA) and
enclosed them in my K3 operating manual for future reference. 

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K2-10 s/n 5853; K3 s/n 1061


W4GRJ, Jack, wrote:
"For what it's worth, as a new K3 ownerI have learned a lot from 
this discussion."
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3 Assembly Tools

[Chuck Guenther]

[With regard to the need for instrumentation]
W3FPR wrote:
"So, the question becomes - What degree of accuracy in power output
and S-meter reading do you wish to achieve? The default settings will be
very close, but with the added instruments, one can achieve a higher degree
of confidence in those parameters. "

People entering QRP competitions like to be certain they are not putting out
any more than the 5 watts allowed in these activities.  Hence, the 
biggest need
for a wattmeter.  I  rely on the K3 default settings, and will check 
them  if and
when I obtain a wattmeter I can use as a standard. 

A signal generator with calibrated output levels (such as the XG-2) can 
also be used
to extrapolate measurements of a receiver's minimum discernible signal 
(mds).  For me,
that was more important than accuracy in s-meter readings.   I also used 
the XG-2 to
make some nice frequency plots of various combinations of roofing and 
DSP filter,
with the aid of the K3 Filter Tools software by KS7D. 

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K3 s/n 1061
  
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] OT: wall wart for RX-only PS?

[Chuck Guenther]

Doug, KR2Q wrote:
"I have a RS wall wart rated at 14 watts (12v, 500ma).
Is there any reason why I should NOT use this as the PS?"

Hmm... 12V at 500 mA is only 6 watts-- perhaps the 14 watts
refers to the power drawn by the wall wart while supplying rated current.
If that's the case, then I wouldn't use it for the K3 (mine with one Rx and
no antenna tuner draws one amp. at 14V.)  My K2 QRP version with most
accessories, including DSP, draws about 300 mA, so the wall wart might
power your K2.

73,
Chuck  NI0C


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] Filter talk and contests etc

[Chuck Guenther]

Merv, KH7C wrote:

[the K3] "sure makes for nice DXing on topband."

The ARRL 160 contest brought out a lot of strong stations,
some of whom weren't hearing very well.  There were cluster spots
coming in from DX that couldn't get the attention of some of the
stateside CQ'ers.  I spotted one W8 who plopped right on top of
KH6ZM and called CQ.  (I later worked Max up the band).

There seem to be orders of magnitude differences of hearing ability
among DX'ers on Top Band. 

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K3 s/n 1061
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] [K3] more function keys please

[Chuck Guenther]

Don Wilhelm, W3FPR, wrote:

" It is easier for me to just do the steps manually than to remember
what macros I put into the K3. 4 is about the limit that are managable
IMHO, and maybe that can be expanded to 8 for some things -
this is a case of 'less is more' for me. I just don' like "magic buttons",
I'd rather control it myself manually."


Different strokes, I guess.  I really like the macros and the ability to
assign menu items to buttons. 

Here's how I've got my K3 setup, and I really am happy with it.

M1T = AGC THR; M1H = AGC SLP
M2T = AGC DCY; M2H = AGC HLD
M3T = SPKR+PH; M3H = AF GAIN
M4T = LCD BRT; M4H =  LCD DIM  (Wayne's macro's)

PF1 = CW SPLT; PF2 = UNSPLT  (my macro's)

It all makes sense to me, and I use these macros and menu items frequently.
I did change my UNSPLT macro to  include unlocking  both VFO's:

UNSPLT  is now LK0;SWT11;LK0;SWT11;SWT13;FR0;RT0;XT0;

Although I am a CW operator, I almost always use my external microHam
CW Keyer with an auxiliary keypad, so I don't need M1-M4 for CW memories.

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K3 s/n 1061
  
 


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3: Anyone need help with the switch-customization (macro) feature?

[Chuck Guenther]

Wayne, N6KR, wrote:
": this feature is perfect for automating multiple switch presses on 
your K3. "

I'm really happy with my simple CWSPLT and UNSPLT macros that I've
assigned to PF1 and PF2.  Haven't had so much fun programming since
the days when I fully mastered programming my HP-67 calculator.

The possibility of macros to setup the various AGC parameters (i.e.,
DCY, HLD, PLS, SLP, and THR) really appeals to me.  Is this doable?
If so, some examples would really help.  I find that I learn programming
best by "dissection," that is  taking apart what others have done and 
modifying that.  Your SPLIT+2 and SPLIT+5 macros are good examples.

Thanks, Wayne, for all your work in this area!

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K3 s/n 1061

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3 switch macro update

[Chuck Guenther]

Richard, HB9ANM, wrote:
"Right, Chuck - or even simpler: FR0;

Thank you. Actually FR0 is much better for an UNSPLT macro.
The problem with using SWH13 is that it  would actually put the
K3 in split mode if it wasn't already there.  So here's a better
UNSPLT macro that will undo any splits between VFO's.  I added the
LK0 command to unlock VFO A, if needed.

LK0;SWT13;SWT13;FR0;RT0;XT0;


Tnx and 73,
Chuck  NI0C
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 switch macro update

[Chuck Guenther]

Greg - AB7R wrote:
> Or just a HOLD of the SPLIT button to turn it off??? 
>
>
>
>   


Of course  that will work, Greg; however the UNSPLT macro has the
advantage of equalizing VFO A and B frequencies and bandwidths and
undoing the split with a single keystroke. 

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K3 s/n 1061
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3 switch macro update

[Chuck Guenther]

Dick, PA3CW, asked:
"It would be nice to 'undo' the SPLIT+2 function by a second
key press...is that possible in the MACRO language?"


Good idea for a MACRO, Dick. 
Try this MACRO I call UNSPLT:  SWT13;SWT13;SWH13;RT0;XT0;

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K3 s/n 1061


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft] K3 PB Ctrl Shift .01/.05

[Chuck Guenther]

Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>> If you're inclined to use a rig control program, DXLab's 
>> Commander now has very nice slider controls for adjusting the 
>> K3's bandwidth and shift.  It only takes a click of the mouse 
>> to change between 10 Hz and 50 Hz increments. (DXLab is free!)
>> 
>
> The 10 Hz/50 Hz radio button in DXLab's Commander does not 
> change the operation of the radio.  It only changes the steps 
> used by Commander.  
>
> 73, 
>
>... Joe, W4TV 
>  
>
>   
Thanks for that correction, Joe.  However, I think-- as far as the user 
is concerned-- the
effect is the same, i.e., with Commander, one can very conveniently 
increment the shift in
increments of 50 or 10 Hz as he/she chooses.  It works great!

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K3 s/n 1061




__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3 switch macro update

[Chuck Guenther]

Wayne, N6KR, wrote:
"I'd like to thank everyone who's been testing the K3's new macro feature.
It appears to be working as intended, allowing operators to customize
SPLIT and other operations as needed."

Use of these MACRO's for setting up K3's in split mode will virtually
eliminate mistakes  causing needless QRM on DX frequencies!  Here's
my latest MACRO that I call "SPLT+LK," which inserts the LK1
command to lock the VFO A frequency.  (Note: I use the standard
K3 sans the KRX3 option).

SWT13;SWT13;FT1;UPB4;RT0;XT0;LK1;SWT11;BW0040;SWT11;

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K3 s/n 1061
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] Elecraft] K3 PB Ctrl Shift .01/.05

[Chuck Guenther]

Derw, AF2Z, wrote:
"I use both .01 and .05. It's just a little inconvenient when
changing from one to the other and the WIDTH gets reset to 400 Hz every 
time."

If you're inclined to use a rig control program, DXLab's Commander now has
very nice slider controls for adjusting the K3's bandwidth and shift.  
It only
takes a click of the mouse to change between 10 Hz and 50 Hz increments.
(DXLab is free!)

73,
Chuck Guenther  NI0C
K3 s/n 1061
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] [K3] NEW: K3 Front Panel Switch Customization

[Chuck Guenther]

Like W6NEK, I like a wider bandwidth to listen to CW pileups;
however I don't yet have a subreceiver. 

So, here's my UP1 macro:

SWT13;SWT13;FT1;UPB4;RT0;XT0;SWT11;BW0050;SWT11;

Provides split with VFO B set up 1 KHz, and a bandwidth of 500 Hz, while
preserving the operator's bandwidth setting for VFO A.

BTW, watch those semicolons versus colons!  I thought my K3 wasn't 
responding
correctly-- turned out I typed a colon instead of a semicolon in a saved 
macro.

I figured out (maybe it is in the programming manual somewhere) that 
SWT13 in
Wayne's SPLIT+2 macro refers to a tap on switch row 1, column 3; therefore
SWT11 refers to a tap on switch row 1, column 1 (A/B).

73,
Chuck Guenther  NI0C
K3 s/n 1061
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 Firmware 3.44

[Chuck Guenther]

I sure like the NR performance on  CW even with very narrow filtering. 
The new NR  has enabled me to copy  stations  that had been obliterated
by noise at my rather noisy inner suburban QTH. 

73,
Chuck Guenther  NI0C
K2 s/n 5853
K3 s/n 1061
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3 RF gain cal questions

[Chuck Guenther]

Wayne,

Thanks for the very prompt and very thorough answers to all of my question!

73,
Chuck  NI0C

Wayne Burdick wrote:
> Chuck Guenther wrote:
>
>> Is there any problem using the Rx input jack for the RF gain cal
>
> No. Works equally well.
>
>> Suppose that  I do an RF gain cal, then change the filter
>> gain (in the Crystal filter configuration part of the K3 utility) of the
>> roofing filter I used during the gain cal?  Should I repeat the RF 
>> gain cal?
>
> Yes, if you want it to be as accurate as possible. But typical 
> per-filter gain settings are in the low dB range (or should be), so a 
> small change won't noticeably affect S-meter accuracy.
>
>> What exactly is "calibrated" during an RF gain cal?
>
> The K3 uses a low-noise JFET IF amp. Gain control of this stage -- 
> what we refer to as "hardware AGC" -- is achieved in two ways: by 
> varying the current through the preceding PIN-diode attenuator, and by 
> varying the JFET source voltage (its gate is at ground, so this varies 
> the transconductance). A very wide range of IF gain control is 
> achieved in this manner. But the gain curve varies a bit from one 
> radio the next, because JFET pinch-off voltage varies (the voltage 
> differential between gate and source at which drain-source current 
> ceases to flow).
>
> The RF gain calibration procedure injects a DC voltage at the hardware 
> AGC control node, sweeping it slowly over a 0 to 3 V range using a 
> D-to-A converter. The DSP measures the resulting signal level (from 
> your XG2), building a table of control voltages vs. 1 dB attenuation 
> steps. This table can later be used by the DSP to determine the 
> strength of incoming signals that activate hardware AGC; it simply 
> monitors the AGC detector voltage at the control node.
>
> S-meter readings are a composite of the detector-voltage-to-dB table 
> value and the DSP's internal representation of signals below the 
> hardware AGC activation level (also in dB), so the S-meter is now 
> calibrated. The RF GAIN pot, when rotated counterclockwise, simply 
> adds a DC voltage at the control node (via the DAC mentioned above), 
> so it is now calibrated as well, given that the DSP knows exactly what 
> voltage to inject to achieve the desired attenuation.
>
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
>
>
>

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3 RF gain cal questions

[Chuck Guenther]

I have performed the RF gain calibration  (and also re-calibrated
the s-meter) on my K3 using the Elecraft XG-2 generator hooked
up to the receive antenna input of the KXV3 module.  I used this input
for two reasons:  One reason is there is no chance of RF coming out
of this input.  Secondly, I have a KD9SV receive antenna switch box
("Dxpedition" model, with preamps for 80/160m) which allows me to
have the XG-2 conveniently available at all times, simply by leaving it
hooked up to one of the receive antenna jacks.  Of course, I left the
KD9SV preamps "off" for these procedures.

First question:
Is there any problem using the Rx input jack for the
RF gain cal, instead of the ANT1 input as directed by the latest
version of the K3 utility ?

Second question: 
Suppose that  I do an RF gain cal, then change the filter
gain (in the Crystal filter configuration part of the K3 utility) of the
roofing filter I used during the gain cal?  Should I repeat the RF gain cal?

Third question: 
What exactly is "calibrated" during an RF gain cal?
I understand in a general sense that the overall RF/IF system gain is
determined by many things, including scaling constants in the DSP.

Thanks & 73,

Chuck Guenther  NI0C
K3 s/n 1061



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] Variable bandwidth crystal filter

[Chuck Guenther]

Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>
> The beta firmware does not allow setting width in 10 Hz steps.  Only 
> the center frequency (FC) is adjustable in 10 Hz steps. 
>
>   

Joe, thanks for this information.  Now I get it (I think). 

Just to review,  about a year ago, we got 10 Hz CW pitch increments with 
firmware version 2.33.  This allowed the pitch to be varied in 10 Hz 
steps, keeping the signal centered in the passbands of both the roofing 
filter and the DSP filter.  However, the passband "SHIFT" control still 
has the 50 Hz increments.  The new firmware will provide us with 10 Hz 
passband tuning, thus making the SHIFT control much more useful  when 
employing very narrow CW filters. 

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

73,
Chuck  NI0C



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] Variable bandwidth crystal filter

[Chuck Guenther]

Good review of the flexibility of the K3, Don!

My K3 filter slots are all filled: 2.7, 2.1, 400, 250, and 200.  Using 
the K3 Utility, I can set the 250 Hz filter to kick in at a DSP 
bandwidth of 300 Hz, 250 Hz, or 200 Hz.  But with the upcoming firmware 
upgrades, the flexibility will be enhanced, so I can make the 250 Hz 
filter kick in at, say 240 Hz, if I want to. At least, that's my 
understanding of  what's coming up.  This is a significant enhancement, 
especially at narrow CW bandwidths-- and in my opinion-- much more 
desirable than a new variable bandwidth roofing filter. 
73,
Chuck  NI0C
K2-10 s/n 5853  K3-100 s/n 1061


 
Don Wilhelm wrote:
> Chuck,
>
> True, true *BUT* the roofing filter can suppress signals before they 
> get to the hardware AGC.  If one is happy with only the DSP filtering 
> alone, then do not purchase any roofing filters at all, just go with 
> the stock 2.7 kHz roofing filter.  Different strokes for different 
> folks, some need the additional filtering, others do not - and others 
> will purchase a full set of filters just to have them available - the 
> choice depends on your operating habits and expectations as well as 
> your ham radio budget.  The casual operators will have great success 
> with only the 2.7 kHz filter, but a contester will want a full 
> complement of roofing filters to fight those 'tough times'.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> Chuck Guenther wrote:
>> I simply meant that if folks were looking for a more or less 
>> continuously variable selectivity in the K3, then the 10 Hz increment 
>> DSP filters would provide that, for all practical purposes.
>> 73,
>> Chuck  NI0C
>>
>>
>> Ed K1EP wrote:
>>  
>>> At 8/5/2009 07:51 PM, Chuck Guenther wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>  With the upoming 10 Hz resolution DSP upgrade (Firmware 3.23 being
>>>> talked about), I certainly wouldn't see much need for a variable BW
>>>> roofing filter.
>>>>   
>>> Can you explain that relationship?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> 73,
>>>> Chuck  NI0C
>>>> K2, K3
>>>>   
>>> 
>>
>> __
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> 
>>
>>
>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.392 / Virus Database: 
>> 270.13.45/2285 - Release Date: 08/06/09 05:57:00
>>
>>   
>

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] Variable bandwidth crystal filter

[Chuck Guenther]

I simply meant that if folks were looking for a more or less 
continuously variable selectivity in the K3, then the 10 Hz increment 
DSP filters would provide that, for all practical purposes.
73,
Chuck  NI0C


Ed K1EP wrote:
> At 8/5/2009 07:51 PM, Chuck Guenther wrote:
>
>>  With the upoming 10 Hz resolution DSP upgrade (Firmware 3.23 being
>> talked about), I certainly wouldn't see much need for a variable BW
>> roofing filter.
>
> Can you explain that relationship?
>
>
>> 73,
>> Chuck  NI0C
>> K2, K3
>
>

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] Variable bandwidth crystal filter

[Chuck Guenther]

J.R. Groeger wrote:

"I seem to remember talk some time ago about a variable bandwidth 
crystal filter becoming available for the K3 at some stage. Anyone know 
the status of its development?"

 With the upoming 10 Hz resolution DSP upgrade (Firmware 3.23 being 
talked about), I certainly wouldn't see much need for a variable BW 
roofing filter.

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K2, K3
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

re:[Elecraft] Cable X-Perts RG-8 vs Davis Bury Flex

[Chuck Guenther]

Jeff,

For a 50 ft. run, if your existing coax is in good shape and fairly new,  I 
wouldn't bother replacing it now, at least for HF work.  When it does need 
replacing, the Davis Buryflex is mighty good stuff.  I recently replaced a 10 
year old 50 ft. section of RG-213 with Buryflex, as some of it must go through 
a PVC pipe across my driveway.  I like the tough outer jacket of the Buryflex.  
I once tried LMR400, but a squirrel or possum chewed through the coax and 
ruined it. 

How can you tell if your coax is getting lossy and needs replacing?  You can 
measure the loss of your coax at any frequency with an MFJ-259B antenna 
analyzer.  

73,
Chuck  NI0C
   
___
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Elecraft] Re: INRAD will be soon making custom RX filters for the K2?

[Chuck Guenther]

Since the K2 filter ultimate rejection is apparently sensitive to the lead 
length of the ground leads on the filter crystals (Elecraft instructions 
require the crystals be grounded near the bottom of the cans), it is not 
surprising that experiments with add-on filters resulted in compromised 
ultimate rejection.  

Although I've used INRAD filters to improve the performance of a TS-850S and an 
Omni 6, I'm very happy with the more or less continuously variable selectivity 
of the K2 filter, and would see little need for "custom" filters.
  
73,
Chuck  NI0C
K2 s/n 5853
  
___
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Elecraft] Another EQP Report

[Chuck Guenther]

I just submitted my score summary to the scorekeeper.  Only nine QSO's this 
year: four on 40m and five on 20m. Heard no EQP activity on 80m.  Lots of 
competition from the OK QSO Party-- those guys are loud here in Missouri on 80 
and 40m!  

W1SOC had an oustanding presence, and he was the only station I worked on two 
bands. I heard DK0SU and F8?, both QRP on 20m, but did not work either of them. 
 

Highlight of the contest was working Pete Hoover, W6ZH.  One of these days I'll 
work Wayne and Eric.

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K2 s/n 5853
 
___
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

re:[Elecraft] Hear it Noise Eliminating Module

[Chuck Guenther]

I doubt that it would be as effective as the noise reduction feature of the 
KDSP2 module.  

73,
Chuck  NI0C
___
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

re:[Elecraft] Builder Alert: Wiring the New Type of K2 External Speaker Jack

[Chuck Guenther]

Is anyone else having trouble downloading this latest Builder's alert?  I'm not 
getting it from the website, although I can download the Soldering Tutorial 
just below it.  I tried copying and pasting the .pdf address from the subject 
original message to no avail.

I'd really like to see this, as my K2 external speaker jack has never worked.

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K2 s/n 5853
 
___
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Elecraft] K2 BFO adjustments for CW

[Chuck Guenther]

Accurate Adjustment of K2 BFO frequencies for CW 

Although this subject is well covered already with appropriate links to 
procedures provided on the Elecraft website, I thought I would share my own 
procedure for adjusting the BFO frequencies. This procedure does not require 
the use of a spectrum analyzer or spectrum analysis software, so does not 
provide frequency response curves. However, I believe it to be as effective and 
accurate as other recommended procedures for centering the filter passbands at 
the desired CW pitch. 

My procedure requires an RF signal source with stable amplitude and frequency 
(I used the Elecraft XG-2), and an instrument for measuring audio pitch (I used 
an MFJ-784B DSP audio filter, adjusted as described, with a pair of 
headphones). 

The procedure is as follows: 

1. Use the CAL FIL procedures in the K2 manual for selecting the four desired 
XFIL bandwidths. (In my case, I used 0.35, 0.30, 0.20, and 0.15 KHz 
bandwidths). 

2. Use the St P menu function to set the desired CW pitch. (I use 0.40 KHz).

3.Use the XG-2 Signal Calibrator to calibrate the K2 s-meter, as described in 
the K2 manual.

4. Keep the XG-2 connected to the K2 antenna input. Connect the K2 headphone 
output to the receive audio input of the outboard audio DSP filter. Use 
headphones to monitor the audio output. 

5. Setup the outboard DSP audio filter as a bandpass filter centered at the 
desired CW pitch frequency (same frequency as selected in Step 2). Adjust the 
bandwidth of this filter to the minimum possible (30 Hz on the MFJ unit). Note: 
the MFJ -784B provides a Morse code indication of the exact center frequency 
and bandwidth. 

6. Setup the XG-2 to 50 microvolts output at one of the three available 
frequencies (I used 7040 KHz). 

7. Select FL 1 on the K2. Tune the K2 for maximum s-meter deflection from the 
XG-2 signal source. Do this as accurately as you can. I used the K2 preamp to 
get as many of the s-meter LED's lit as possible, making sure the s-meter was 
not "pegged." 

8. Now use the CAL FIL procedures outlined in the manual to adjust the BFO 
frequency for maximum audio output (from the outboard narrow audio filter set 
up in step 5) in the headphones. Using the 30 Hz audio bandwidth of the MFJ, 
the peak was unmistakable among only a handful of audible choices limited by 
the resolution of thef BFO frequency setting.

9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for the other XFIL bandwidths and for CW RV at each 
bandwidth. 

This worked well for me. 

73,

Chuck  NI0C




___
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

Re: [Elecraft] Planning kit purchase

[Chuck Guenther]

Dave Wilburn wrote:

"Noise blanker-If I am operating from home, is this needed? I'm kinda on the
fence with this one. My only experience with NB are on the commercial rigs.
I understand this one is better, but I have never really seen any impact
from using any of them. The archives seem to prove that user either love or
hate this one. Which does seem unusual as that is the primary choices."

I really like the KNB2 noise blanker-- it's more effective with less
spurious responses than the noise blankers in any of my Kenwood rigs or the
Omni 6.  The combination of the KNB2 and the NR features in the KDSP2 really
works well, and I wouldn't do without either of these options.

73,
Chuck  NI0C


___
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Elecraft] KIO2 T/S questions

[Chuck Guenther]

I completed my KIO2 assembly, and it does passes the smoke test, and DC 
voltages at J1 measure okay, but does not communicate. It draws roughly 20 mA 
when powered up from the K2.  As the serial port in my laptop is inoperative 
(has been for a long time), I've tested the KIO2 using a Belkin USB/Serial 
adaptor (p/n F5U409), and also with a new microHam CW keyer.  Software is 
DXBase 2007.  COM ports match in number and bit rate, stop bits, parity, etc.  

I've examined the soldering carefully, and reheated some joints that looked 
less than shiny.
  
Here are some questions I have concerning assembly of the KI02.

1.) I did not pull the control board or modify it in any way.  Since my K2 
is a very recent serial number, I assumed I have the Rev. B control board.  Is 
this assumption correct?  

2.) I also did not install Ctxd.  Is this correct ?  (Installation of this 
capacitor is called for in one of the steps to be omitted for the Rev. B 
control board.)

3.) There are a couple of holes in my KIO2 board that are not filled.  
Specifically, the holes appear just below the outline for L4a and just above 
C5. .  I'm looking at the KIO2 Board top with the 9-pin connector at the top, 
and C7 is in the upper right corner.  
Does some component or jumper go there ? One of the unused pads goes to R1-- 
the other to U1, pin 1.   

Thanks for any assistance.

73,
Chuck  NI0C
___
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Elecraft] microHam CW keyer

[Chuck Guenther]

I'm now working on the KIO2 kit for my K2.  I've used both the K1EL WinKey and 
a microHam micro Keyer with other rigs and like these products very much.  
Since my K2 is CW only (and will stay that way), I'm thinking of getting the 
microHam CW keyer for use with the K2.  

The microHam website indicates the CW keyer is compatible with the K2/100, and 
there is no mention of just the K2.  Is anyone else using the microKeyer with 
the QRP version of the K2 ?  I don't see why this wouldn't work, provided of 
course, the K2 has the KIO2 interface installed.

73,
Chuck  NI0C
___
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

Re: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Verification of Specifications

[Chuck Guenther]

Geoff, G3NAQ wrote:

> So I have installed a dummy panel in the shack on which a number of
> difficult-to-adjust trimmers and coils are mounted, all requiring
different
> trimming tools which I usually have to hunt around to find. Thus, when I
> hear that weak DX I just can't copy, and get those twiddler's withdrawl
> symptoms, I just go to this panel where I have something to 'optimise'!
>
> This doesn't help with the DX, and hasn't cured my problem, but it does
> relieve the symptoms.
>
> Geoff   G3NAQ


My winter antenna is a ground-mounted vertical for the lowbands.  Whenever I
get beat up in a pileup, I go out and install a couple more radials.  (I
have lots of radials!)

73,
Chuck  NI0C

___
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Elecraft] External amplifier with QRP version of the K2

[Chuck Guenther]

For a few days now, I've been driving my Ameritron AL80B amplifier with 10-15 
watts from my K2, yielding roughly 100-150 watts output on CW (no QSK).  It's 
been working very well.  I thought I'd share how this is implemented, in case 
anyone else is interested. 

I have three rigs (Omni 6, K2 and Sierra) antenna outputs routed through the 
amplifier relay contacts using an MFJ 1700C antenna/transmitter switch.  I use 
an external keyer (K1EL WinKey) which gets switched to the proper rig with a 
NCS-3240 Multi-Switcher.  (The multi-switcher unit also routes audio outputs of 
the three rigs through an external audio filter/amplifier)   The amplifier gets 
keyed, not by the rig, but by the PTT output of the K1EL keyer, which I have 
programmed for appropriate lead-in and tail delays to avoid "hot-switching" of 
the amplifier relay.   

The multi-switcher unit and antenna switch have also allowed me to do quick A/B 
comparisons between the K2 and my Omni 6.

One of these days, I'll try the KPA-100, but for now I'm able to enjoy the K2 
at the "standard" 100 watt power level with what I have in the shack. (No, I 
haven't tried driving the amplifier with the Sierra !)  

73,
Chuck  NI0C
K2 s/n 5853
___
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

RE: [Elecraft] K2 Alignment and Verification of Specifications

[Chuck Guenther]

As Don, W3FPR has already pointed out, alignment of the K2 is straightforward 
and requires no test equipment.  By following the instructions in the manual, 
as well as the frequency calibration info provided on Don's website, my dial 
calibration is now accurate within about 20 Hz, using WWV as a reference.  I 
calibrated my BFO frequencies by ear, using on the air signals. When I have an 
opportunity to check them using Spectrogram, I expect this will only serve to 
verify the settings I have.

The most difficult part of the alignment involved the peaking of the various 
inductors-- only because it was an iterative process.  My K2 is receiving at 
least as good as, and on some bands, better than my Omni 6, Option 1.  Pardon 
my owner's pride, but I really don't see how a factory alignment by Elecraft 
could improve my K2.

I think my experience demonstrates just how well designed the K2 and its 
supporting documentation are.  People told me how good the K2 was, and 
everything they told me was true! 

73,
Chuck  NI0C 
K2 s/n 5853
___
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

Re: [Elecraft] who does the work in QRP?

[Chuck Guenther]

This has certainly been an interesting discussion.  Usually this question comes 
up in asymmetrical situations-- where the op at one end is running QRP power 
levels and/or using a marginal antenna, and the person on the other end is 
running power that may be orders of magnitude higher than QRP and a good 
antenna.  

When I worked JM7OLW earier this year on 40m with my KX1 and HF-2V, he was 
running a KW to a 3 elemnt beam.  I sent him an e-mail congratulating him for 
his accomplishment.  I had no trouble copying him, but he sure strained to pull 
me out of the noise.  The way  I see it, he did the lion's share of the "work!" 
 

73,
Chuck  NI0C
___
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

Re: [Elecraft] who does the work in QRP?

[Chuck Guenther]

Ron, wb1hga, wrote:

"I will still prefer my K1."

I can't argue with your preferences.  The K1 is a fine rig, I'm sure.  I have a 
Wilderness Sierra (Wayne Burdick's predecessor to the K1), and I enjoy making 
QSO's with it.  However, when I hear a KW contest station on 80 meters working 
from a country or zone that I need, I call with my big rig and amp.  To use the 
Sierra under these conditions would be a foolish waste of time.  

I like having the option of varying my power from about 3 dB below 5 watts to 
about 21 dB above 5 watts.  

73,
Chuck  NI0C 
___
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com