[Elecraft] GM5 driving the K3 poorly
I just received my K3 s/n 901 with MCU FW 1.96 and 1.73 for the dsp. I am using a Heil Goldline GM5 mic in the narrow setting. Power output is just fine on CW in all bands. However on SSB, I cant seem to get much power out unless I whistle very loud into the mic on the narrow setting...on the wide setting it is even worse. I am reading the bar graph on the radio, not an analog guage on my tuner I went thru the setup for ALC, mic gain, compression and got the bars in the right place but it still doesnt give me more than 10w in a normal or even loud voice with the power set at 100Watts.. Maxing out the mic and compression helps a bit, but I can imagine it may not be too pleasant to listen to on the other end dabbling with the TXG VCE and pushing it to 2db helps a bit...before someone says that you can't measure SSB output on the bar graph or analog meter, my reference is my K2 with the HM36 Icom mic that at similar power settings shows much higher power output than the K3...even trying to drive my AL811H amplifier with the K3 set to 70W and loud talking only gets me to about 120W output where the K2 at 70W SSB peaks over 600 Watts using the tuner wattmetersomething isn't going right with this K3 and GM5 combo...any ideas? thx K5GUS ___ 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] Noise on received audio
I have K2 s/n 4426 and have been using it for over 1 yr. I built it orginally as the qrp radio with all options except the KIO2. I have also built the K2/100 options and use this only at the home qth and take the battery qrp configuration on travel. I have recently started noticing distorted or buzzing riding on type of the audio. This is most audible on CW with strong signals, but I can also her it on SSB voice signals as well. It almost sounds like the person I'm listening to has rf on THEIR signal, though I know this is not the case as EVERY signal has this noise. I hear it most pronounced when using the 100W amp lid, but I can also hear it when using the qrp lid. Here is perhaps a clue to the sourcewhen I lift up the front of the lid on either the 100W lid or qrp lid about 2 high, the noise goes away completely. In fact, if I tilt up the front of the lid, and stick the handle of my screwdriver underneath it to hold it up, the audio is perfect...Could something on the motherboard of the K2 be generating just enough noise to get picked up by the audio sections/speaker wires in the lids of my rig? Rig has SSB, DSP options installed. The noise comes through whether I'm using an external speaker or headphones, it doesn't matter. I do not have a scope to do any snooping, but any ideas that could help me eliminate this noise thru trial and error would be appreciated. The radio is still usable, but this is somewhat irritating and frustrating... Thx 73 K5GUS ___ 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] Noise on received audio
Vic, thanks! You nailed it. I recently moved the K2 while 'tidying up' the cables behind the desk and moved the radio on a shelf just above my Alino DM340V linear supply.moved the rig back to its original spot and the noise was gonejust in time for an evening with the ww cw contest! Fyi, the k2 is now side by side with an Alinco switching supply but it doesn't seem to mindthe other supply has a big honkin tfrmer in it Thx again! K5gus... -Original Message- From: Vic K2VCO [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subj: Re: [Elecraft] Noise on received audio Date: Sat Nov 26, 2005 2:34 pm Size: 1K To: Dan Schieler [EMAIL PROTECTED] cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net Dan Schieler wrote: I have recently started noticing distorted or buzzing riding on type of the audio. This is most audible on CW with strong signals, but I can also her it on SSB voice signals as well. snip I hear it most pronounced when using the 100W amp lid, but I can also hear it when using the qrp lid. This could be a long shot, but maybe it's the old 'magnetic field pickup' problem. When I first added the KPA100 to my K2, I noticed that the sensitivity to AC magnetic fields increased. Who knows why! I had originally had a problem from my antenna rotor control box with the QRP K2, so I moved it. When I got the 100w lid, I had to move it again. So, how far is your K2 from a linear power supply, rotor control, or anything with a transformer or motor in it? Elecraft has a mod (named after me, K2VCOSHLDKT) that will greatly reduce sensitivity to such fields, but if you haven't installed this mod then you should keep all such magnetic sources at least 18 away from the K2. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ 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] Noise on received audio
oh yeahand I need to get that mod done that you mentionedanyone know if its standard now or if it would have been part of sn 4426? -Original Message- From: Vic K2VCO [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subj: Re: [Elecraft] Noise on received audio Date: Sat Nov 26, 2005 2:34 pm Size: 1K To: Dan Schieler [EMAIL PROTECTED] cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net Dan Schieler wrote: I have recently started noticing distorted or buzzing riding on type of the audio. This is most audible on CW with strong signals, but I can also her it on SSB voice signals as well. snip I hear it most pronounced when using the 100W amp lid, but I can also hear it when using the qrp lid. This could be a long shot, but maybe it's the old 'magnetic field pickup' problem. When I first added the KPA100 to my K2, I noticed that the sensitivity to AC magnetic fields increased. Who knows why! I had originally had a problem from my antenna rotor control box with the QRP K2, so I moved it. When I got the 100w lid, I had to move it again. So, how far is your K2 from a linear power supply, rotor control, or anything with a transformer or motor in it? Elecraft has a mod (named after me, K2VCOSHLDKT) that will greatly reduce sensitivity to such fields, but if you haven't installed this mod then you should keep all such magnetic sources at least 18 away from the K2. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ 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 Fan won't stop
Just had a nice CW qso at 80w with a fellow in Ca, but now the fan on my K2 won't stop running. The rig is completely cool, but yet the fan keeps running on high. When I started the QSO it was off. Now even after the rig shut off for a 1/2 hour, when I turn it back on, the fan comes on as well. In the control settings with PA menu, hitting display shows Fan Hi, Fan Hi/LO and Fan Nor, switching between these settings makes no difference at all, the fan keeps going at a high and noisy speed. Any ideas where to check for problems? I don't recall what circuit/device triggers the fan to run. Even if I run in QRP mode, with the PA OFF, the fan is still running on high Thx K5GUS Dan ___ 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] K160 effect on 80/75m power
This may be normal, but wanted to check if others see a slightly reduced power output at the high end of 75m after installing the K160 module. After peaking L3 and L4 on 160m per the instruction manual, I notice that on 80m around 3.5Mhz, when the K2 power is set to 10w, I can only get about 9w out...and then at 3.99Mhz, I only can get about 8.5w out. Not sure if this will matter since I'm now building the KPA100 and will at most times be driving an amp at 60 watts from the K2/100, but curious to see if this is normal or if there some other tweaking I can do to get at least 10w on 75/80m when running without the KPA100. At the same power setting I get at least 10w out on all the other bands, including 160. Thx K5GUS Dan Schieler ___ 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] KPA100 remote w/o KAT100?
Hi, I'm proud owner of K2 SN 4426. Have built this out as a QRP rig with KBT2, KATU, KDSP, SSB, NB. Ordering the 160 module today. I also want to have 100W capability but don't think I want to build it in the rig, I'd rather put it in a EC2. The main reason I don't want to build the KPA100 in the rig is that I travel frequently and sometimes like to take my K2 with me. I just assume it is an effort to take out the top with the KBT and put in the KPA100 top section. Is my assumption correct? Can I keep the 20W tuner in the rig if I put in the KPA100 and just put it in CALP mode? Can this happen automatically so I don't accidently toast the tuner with 100W? All of the posts I have seen regarding remoting the KPA100 always include the KAT100, which I don't think I want. Reason is, the only time I'd use the 100W is when I'm home in the shack using mostly resonant antennae but also I have my KW tuner in line as well. I run a linear amp when needed for DX and bad conditions which the KPA100 would drive at 65W or so. Therefore, can I just order the KPA100 and EC2? Do I need a KIO in the rig to interface with KPA? I would want to interface the K2/KPA100 to my N3FJP program so I would most likely do the dual uart cable I've seen from the KPA100. Appreciate the feedback. 73 K5GUS Dan Schieler ___ 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] Good noise free power supply?
Looking for a K2 power supply that is small and lightweight to use in hotel rooms. I tried the unit from Morse Express and it was just a standard notebook type supply that put over a S9 noise level into the K2. I use a MP1 antenna and it is usually within 10 ft of the power supply and rig. If I use this type of supply with my outdoor antennas at the home QTH, the amount of noise induced into the radio is minimal, but with the antenna in the room, it drowns out the signal on 40m completely and 20m is pretty bad as well. I did try moving around the counterpoise, taking a ground wire from the K2 to the electrical ground on the center screw of the wall plate, none of this helped lower the noise picked up by the antenna and rig from the power supply. I do have the battery pack for the K2, but I imagine I'll run into some objections of this type of battery when I travel on airplanes with the radio and I'd like to reduce the weight by not carrying the battery all the time. Any suggestions? Has anyone tried the MFJ4103? I can't tell from the picture if it uses a 3 prong grounded AC plug or not, perhaps that would indicate some better grounding in the design.. 73, K5GUS Dan Schieler ___ 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] Spectrogram help
I must be doing something wrong. Have my BFO settings exactly as specified in the K2 manual on CW. Using the noise gen from Elecraft. However, during the BFO settings per the K2 manual, FL2-FL4 at the BFO settings they specify results in almost no audio coming from the speaker using the N-gen. Then, when I go to spectrogram, my entire curve for FL1 is to the right of 600Hz on this display and no matter what I do with the vfo knob, there is no shifting of the curve to speak of and just changes in amplitude. On FL2-FL4, there is no amplitude at all but I can then adjust the VFO and see/hear the Ngen signals coming thru but the entire curve is still to the right of 600Hz. Running spectrogram off the headphone jack to my sound card. During operation, my CW mode audio level is considerably below the LSB or USB level and my receive CW signals seem to turn to clicks at audio freq below 800Hz or so.what have I missed? Thx K5GUS Dan ___ 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] ELECRAFT K2 BUILDER ALERT #21
I just built s/n 4426 and it had the Motorola blue colored MPS5179 which caused my freq counter not to work. Gary at Elecraft quickly identified my problem when I told him I couldn't get a reading out of TP1 with the internal freq counter. I was promptly sent replacements and all was FB. I was told they have since purged their inventory of these Mot MPS5179 (bad lot?? Supposedly low gain?) so future issues should be solved. 73 K5GUS -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bill Tippett Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 2004 6:25 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT K2 BUILDER ALERT #21 WA6HHQ wrote: APPLICABILITY Recent K2 kits with blue colored MPS5179 transistors for the frequency counter preamp at Q9, Q10 on the control board. How recent? Background Some late serial number K2 kits have been supplied with MPS5179 transistors Above which serial number (approximate is OK)? 73, Bill W4ZV ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
