Re: [Elecraft] N6BT Antennas
I have dealt with Tom for many years (when he owned Force 12), and purchased several monobanders from him. The one common complaint about Force 12 back then was exactly the same one that is rearing it's ugly head again. From my years of dealing with Tom, I found the worst method was email; for some reason, he was/has/and most likely, never will be efficient with emailing. What I found (and someone else I saw just posted the same comment), was/is to use the old fashion telephone (probably the only way) to deal with Tom; I was always able to get hold of him on the landline and conduct business. Once you command his attention (take a poo poo in his in basket), he will ship your order quickly. Dick K8ZTT __ 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] 4W6A Video, count the K3's ! and the 599/59 reports
I think the rationale behind the 599/59 report is in the interest of saving time and maximizing contacts. Can you imagine the amount of additional time that would be required to enter each signal report received in the log; none the less the number of guys that would request a repeat of the report. The 599/59 report streamlines the contact, allowing many more contacts per minute. That said, I will agree with you for casual contacts, an honest report makes a lot more sense and will give you (and the other station) about both how you each stack up and band conditions. Dick K8ZTT -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Geoffrey Downs Sent: Monday, October 03, 2011 1:19 PM To: Ron D'Eau Claire; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 4W6A Video, count the K3's ! Quite agree Ron, yet this 59/599 thing seems to be deeply ingrained into dxpeditions and contests these days. Speaking for myself I would far rather have a true report so I know how I'm getting out to the relevant place at the relevant time. 73 to all Geoff G3UCK -Original Message- From: Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Monday, October 03, 2011 7:05 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 4W6A Video, count the K3's ! That's great Iain - tnx! But WHY give someone a 599 report when they have an S1 signal? They made the contact. They got into the log. That's the goal. Why lie about the signal strength? If someone asked about their signal I'd hope they got an honest reply. (I feel the same way about contests, but the justification there is that a signal report is required by the rules for a valid contact. I've never seen a rule that it has to be a valid signal report, so it's 599 for anyone who gets into the log, Hi!) 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Link to 4W6A video via YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sIHDCZiwG8feature=player_embedded http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sIHDCZiwG8feature=player_embedded Count the K3's ! Iain G4SGX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Lightning Strike - Metal Roof attracts?
I have to totally disagree with Drew's (AF2Z) statement that the rare close strike probably means everything that is connected will get taken out. Nothing can be further from the truth. The next three paragraphs are quoted from WR Blocks web site (W3FPR specifically mentions Ron Block in his rather verbose dissertation in his email below): Our challenge is to assemble the best amateur radio station possible, enjoy the benefits of the hobby, and have our station operable during times of need. This can be a significant challenge especially considering the height of the antenna and the awesome capabilities of Mother Nature's lightning strikes. While she may have the upper hand as far as when and how much energy she delivers, you have the ability to influence how that energy is diverted into the earth. Said another way, you can implement a lightning protection plan that will protect your amateur radio station, even from a direct strike! The commercial radio folks have done this for years; many of them have critical, must operate, installations in some very difficult to reach locations. Many of the installations are located on hills or mountaintops that afford the best area coverage and are great lightning strike targets. They do survive direct strikes and continue to provide important services to the communities that they serve. While this type of solution is possible for the amateur radio station, it does cost money and it does take a significant amount of resourcefulness, ingenuity, and effort to implement and maintain. The plan does work; but you must follow all of the rules, exactly. Any violation of the rules, even just a little one, may result in a violation of the protection plan and damage to your equipment. In some cases the damage to a semi-protected radio station could be worse than if no protection plan had been implemented at all. I'll start with some background and then get into the heart of the matter. Don's (W3FPR) is right on track. I have lived south of Denver on top of a hill since 1993, and moderate to severe thunderstorms seem to be the rule rather than the exception in the Spring and Summer (around 40 or so). Though I can't say that I have ever watched one of my towers take a hit (not in the habit of sitting by a window during a lightning storm and standing watch over my towers - I normally hibernate in the shack and use the computer while enjoying feeling the house shake with the close by lightning strikes); one evening (wife and I were out) the fire dept told me they responded to the house after receiving a call from a passing motorist that he saw one of my towers being hit by lightning. They did not find any damage, nor did I after I arrived home and checked everything out. In an earlier post, I mentioned that I did have some damage to the M2 Orion 2800 rotor (on the 120 ft tower) and a diode in one of my Hy-Gain rotor relay switch boxes being shorted after a storm last week. If that is the only two hits I have had in 18 years, I am pretty damn lucky; according to the charts, my 120 ft tower has a probability of being hit 2 1/2 times a year based on the number of thunderstorm days. When I was erecting my antenna farm I was well aware of the lightning problems associated with living on top of a hill at 6600 ft; and took the necessary steps to minimize the risks of sustaining substantial damage to my equipment. All I will say is I can't agree more with what W3FPR states; but rather than try and dig up old QST articles, just go to Ron Blocks web site (http://www.wrblock.com) and click on PAPERS. That will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about lightning protection and what you need to do to effectively ground your station. Since I am not a big fan of practice bleeding, I do not operate during a storm; and I try and remember to disconnect the coax and rotor cables (normally four - five if the 2 mtr radio is connected). However, I have to admit that more than once I did not disconnect stuff prior to leaving and a storm rolled through while I was gone. I can't believe that Drew disconnects everything from his K3, PC and router; I can't imagine the amount of time that must take having to connect and then re-connect every time it is going to storm (I have around 14 or so connected to the K3 - it would take me at least 15 minutes to figure out where each one goes!). Dick K8ZTT -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 6:01 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Lightning Strike - Metal Roof attracts? An alternative to unplugging everything -- create a system where everything will be at the same potential through a surge event and you will have no damage. Run a #4 (or larger) perimeter wire around your house (and any other buildings) with a ground rod at each point where it changes direction,
Re: [Elecraft] Seeking external speaker recommendations
Don, On a tip from one of the guys working in the Elecraft booth at Dayton a couple of years ago, I purchased a pair of Insignia speakers at Best Buy. I don't see the model number on them, but they are 4, 3-way speakers rated at 5 to 40 watts. Black case that are 4 3/4 wide, 7 1/2 tall, and a little over 4 deep. They are a about an inch taller than the K3 (when the stand is out), but look very nice next to the K3; and they sound good. That is my 2 cents worth. Dick K8ZTT -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm Sent: Monday, October 25, 2010 9:11 AM To: George A. Thornton Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Seeking external speaker recommendations George, Scour the second-hand stores and pawn shops in your area for some efficient bookshelf stereo speakers with good fidelity. I found a pair of RS Optimus speakers a while back and am enjoying using them with my K3. It is difficult to find reasonably priced, small, unamplified speakers these days, but they used to be plentiful. Try to steer clear of the computer type amplified speakers. While they will work, they are often affected by RF and can set off a nasty noise when you transmit. You can find bookshelf speakers new at audio stores and places like Best Buy, but they are not inexpensive. 73, Don W3FPR On 10/25/2010 2:25 AM, George A. Thornton wrote: I am looking for recommendations on external speakers for the K3. I am primarily interested in voice modes. I would use these primarily in my shack. My contesting has thus far been limited to Field Day, but who knows where this might lead. __ 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 __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 5561 (20101025) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 5561 (20101025) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] QRM and filtering
Several years ago a guy that lived about a block and a half away stopped by the house one afternoon for the purpose of informing me that I was interfering with his radio and TV. I asked him if he was getting it right now, and he said yes. Told him, that I was also having a lot of problem with some type of noise; and since I am outside working, that would eliminate me as the source. Invited him into the house and turned on my receiver; bingo, the noise level was about an S7, and it peaked when I turned my beam towards his house. I told him that I believed the interference source was near him, and asked if I could go over to his house with him and see what I could find. Of course, his tone had changed and he was more than happy for me to look into the problem. Took a small portable radio over and I found the noise level was very high in his house. Asked him if it would be alright if I turned the power off to his house. He didn't have any problem with that, and as soon as I opened the main breakers, the noise disappeared. After a little detective work, I traced the source of the interference to the doorbell transformer. Disconnected it, and told him to go buy a new one. Of course we were both happy campers. Dick K8ZTT -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Lou Kolb Sent: Friday, October 22, 2010 4:24 PM To: elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] QRM and filtering I had a nasty noise of s9 plus for a week or so. Finally tracked it down to the wall wart on my XYL's sling box. It had been there for years but I'd noticed it had always been warmer than most of them although it seemed to work okay. Apparently, it must've gone bad and started generating a terrible hash. When I pulled it the problem was immediately solved. 73, Lou WA3MIX - Original Message - From: Ron D'Eau Claire r...@cobi.biz To: 'Mike Weir' ve3...@hotmail.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, October 22, 2010 5:10 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] QRM and filtering That sounds like arcing somewhere Mike (BTW, it's QRN - N - noise instead of QRM -M for interference from other stations). It could be a power line insulator. Sometimes a fluorescent bulb dying sounds like that as the starter keeps re-engaging. I've heard that sort of thing from some street lights that are flickering. Sodium lamps generally create hash, but ordinary incandescent bulbs, in a street light or somewhere in the house, can do exactly the same (their filaments sometimes fail but are still touching and there is intermittent arcing across the opening). Unfortunately the possibilities are as endless as the number of places there might be something arcing over. How's the weather been? The advent of the rainy season sometimes causes dirty power line insulators to arc. When it rains enough it may wash the dirt off the insulator it may stop all by itself. I'd tackle it like others have chased RFI here: start switching off circuits throughout the house while listening. If it stops, you are in luck - it's something under your control in the circuit you shut down. If not, you'll need to start hunting with a portable radio. Follow the strongest signal along the power lines. At that point you can start to enlist the help of your power company. Cooperation varies a lot, but some are extremely helpful. One time I was bedeviled with noise like that and couldn't track it down. It was emanating from the general area of several blocks in the neighborhood. Then, one night after dark, I noticed something while taking a walk. A intermittent weak flashing on one of the power poles. And there it was - a dirty insulator arcing over. The utility came out within a couple of days and hosed down all the insulators in the neighborhood! Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Over the last 2 weeks some QRM has shown up and I have tried some of the NR and NB filtering options to get rid of it and it's not really working to well. I am not sure if I am using the proper filtering or the settings I am using are off. I have an audio example of the QRM or even RFI on my blog site. The link is below I feel if you listen to it that may help. Mike http://ve3wdm.blogspot.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Information
Re: [Elecraft] K3 how often do you use it?
I beg to differ with who stated that most hams want large radios and find the ergonomics and packaging of the K3 to be less than desirable. First, not every ham wants a boat anchor box that takes up half the operating position and weights in excess of 50 lbs. Granted there is a certain niche market of guys that feel the bigger the better; but I don't know as if that is the majority. Sure, there are tradeoffs when you reduce the size of anything; and closer spaced buttons and knobs is one of them with a smaller footprint radio. I just took a good look at the keyboard on my cell phone; it has 41 buttons in a 1 by 4 space. I see kids texting a mile a minute and never missing a beat on those keyboards; the K3 has 46 in a 4 by 10 3/4 space; think how much smaller they could make the K3! What is the psyche of most hams? And what more knobs do we all need (with possible exception of one to null out the XYL when she is yelling at us to come to dinner when we are trying to work some rare DX)? What is the matter with the front panel now? In the past I owned a Orion I, II, Yaesu Ft-1000D, 1000D Mark V, and numerous Drake and Heath equipment. I would not say their front panels were any better (or worse) than the K3. I would agree that some of the Yaesu and Icom radios (with all their color displays and flashing lights, bells, and whistles) might look cool; but at what expense and does it really improve the performance of the radio? Just because the K3 does not fit with one individuals perception of what the radio should be, does not mean that Elecraft is listening to the wrong people. They are listening to the guys that want a small, light radio that will outperform, or is certainly on par with any other out there (regardless of size). And it is a radio that we can take apart without having to worry about voiding the warranty, one we can replace parts and boards if need be, and if does need to be returned to Aptos, it will not cost a small fortune to do so. Lastly, I think the majority of K3 owners use their radio more than 5 times a year. The K3 is not for the everyday, get on the air and rag chew with the guy in the next state amateur. The K3 is targeting DXers and contesters, and I think they are on more than a few times a year. I use my radio every day, and in fact it is on 24/7. This is my 2 cents worth. Dick K8ZTT On Jan 9, 2010, at 5:41 PM, Randy Downs wrote: I fellow said Elecrafts ergonomics and packaging is not appealing enough for most people despite its receiver performance. They could fix it by putting the K3 into a bigger box with a decent front panel and more knobs, but they wont. They wont because they are listening to the wrong people who dont have a clue about marketing and who dont understand the psyche of most everyday hams. Hedging your bets on a small group of hams who turn their radios maybe 5 times a year while ignoring those who use a radio probably every second day is not wise. in a message to me. I guess now the question becomes, how often do you use your K3? I use mine at least 10 hours a week. We need a poll I guess. Randy K8RDD __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4762 (20100111) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] K3: Thinking return to K3.
Speaking of the new FT-5000; one will have to admit that when technology improves, the FT-5000 will make a much better boat anchor than the K3. But today, one really great feature of the K3 is that I don't need a block and tackle to move it into position in the shack. Dick K8ZTT -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill W4ZV Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 3:21 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] K3: Thinking return to K3. K2QI wrote: Just playing Devil's Advocate here, but don't forget about Yaesu's new FT-5000 as well. That's something in my opinion worth investigating once it hits dealer shelves. I believe those who buy the FT-5000 because of its Sub RX will be disappointed...as I was with Orion's. The FT-5000 design is basically an Orion clone and will suffer the same Sub RX problems: 1. True diversity will not be possible due to slightly different frequencies between Main and Sub. 2. Strong-signal handling of the Sub will be very poor. Time will tell but that's my prediction as an ex-Orion owner for 4 years. 73, Bill -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Thinking-return-to-K3-tp4258113p4263693.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4749 (20100106) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4749 (20100106) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 1.8 KHz Roofing Filter available
I have a KFL3A-1.8K filter that I would like to sell. Asking $100 plus shipping. If interested, please get in touch (k8...@yahoo.com); I am good in QRZ.com and would believe every other possible source of call lookup (I was shocked when I typed my call in Yahoo search!). Dick K8ZTT Franktown, CO __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4749 (20100106) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Disgrunteled Japanese
Has anybody tried to buy a Yaesu, Icom or Kenwood direct from Japan without going thru their dealers in the states? -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 9:49 AM To: Tom Meier Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Disgrunteled Japanese Tom, If he buys direct from Elecraft, he will have Tech Support direct from Elecraft, so I would guess he does not know his facts. He may not have access to tech support from the Japanese distributor, but that is a different statement. 73, Don W3FPR Tom Meier wrote: Was talking with a JA operator yesterday who said that Elecraft is getting a very bad name in that country - not for their product, but because of a business decision to have everything go through an exclusive dealer for both sales and service. The problem (according to this operator) is that the exclusive dealer is jacking the price up by up to 50%. Yes, it is true that they can buy the product directly from Elecraft, but doing so puts you without access to any tech support. Don't know if this is the isolated case of a guy who doesn't have his facts straight and likes to spread rumors. We've got a few of them in this country also. But thought I'd pass this along. 73 de Tom (K7ZZ) __ 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 __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4743 (20100104) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4743 (20100104) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] unable to extract files to update K3 using Win 7 - problem solved!!!
I want to thank the individuals that responded to my Win 7 problem of unable to download files and unzip files. Since my Win 7 is new, I even called Microsoft and was on the phone for about three hours with one of their support personnel; the bottom line was he was not able to help other than letting me know that something was corrupt in the computer. The computer was in such bad shape that I could not even download or even get their Easy Assist to download. I finally was able to fix the problem myself with a very simple and extremely effective cure (three step process): (1) format the hard drive (2) load Win 7 back on the computer (3) re-install programs and associated files Everything is working like it should now. Over the years I have found the above three steps to have cured the most obstinate and perplexing problems that I have ever encountered with all of the versions of Microsoft operating systems. I highly recommend it, and the above three step procedure will certainly decrease your anxiety levels. Dick __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4687 (20091214) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] unable to extract files to update K3 using Win 7
HELP!! I am having a heck of a problem with Windows 7 in trying to download and extract the k3fw3r68 zip file to update my K3. It must be a Win 7 issue because I did not have the problem with XP First problem is I cannot not even download it to a folder. I go to the FTP website, click on the zip file and that opens up the File download window. Then I click on SAVE, that gives me the save as window with the file name k3fw3r68. For lack of a better place, I just tried to save it to COMPUTER/ Local Disk C:, I click on SAVE and it runs through the save routine, and the window closes (does not stay open to ask me if I want to OPEN or OPEN FOLDER); but when I check on local Disk C, there is no folder there. Can't even save the darn file to a flash drive. On my other computer, I was able to save the file to flash drive and then transfer it to the computer I am running the K3 on. However when I try and extract the files (unzip) I have no luck at all. What am I doing wrong with Windows 7? Dick K8ZTT __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4680 (20091211) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] unable to extract files to update K3 using Win 7
Additional information: I was able to download the zip file to a flash drive on my other computer. Transferred it to a folder I called TEMP and placed it on the desktop. It is k3fw3r68.zip and has a size of 470 KBs. When I right click on the file and then click on Extract All, I have a new window that says to select a destination and extract files. The default destination is the temp folder. When I click on EXTRACT, it goes through the motions and I have a new folder created called FILE FOLDER, but there is nothing in it! Thus the problem, the files I need are not being extracted. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Dick K8ZTT __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4680 (20091211) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] unable to extract files to update K3 using Win 7
More information on my problem. The problem is something with the way I have the computer set. I finally was able to get download to the K3 by using my other computer. I downloaded the zip file to my other computer (also Win 7) and then extracted the files. Everything worked as it should. I then copied the folder to a flash drive. Once that was complete, I put the flash drive in the computer I have the K3 hooked up to and copied the file to the temp file on the desktop. K3 utility worked fine and I updated the radio. Does anybody have an idea of what I am doing wrong or set wrong that will not allow me to down load the zip file or even to extract them if I copy the zip file from my one computer to the one I want it on? I am the only user of both, so I assume I am the administrator; If not, on the one computer, I have no idea how to make myself the administrator. Have tried re-boot of computer and that did not help either. Dick K8ZTT __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4680 (20091211) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] OT--A Suggestion About Printers
Most of the manufactures make their money off of the ink cartridges, not the printer. That said, there are a number of very inexpensive printers out there; using different cartridges running the gamete in price. Was checking out printers (for ARES use) a couple of weeks ago and the salesman and I were talking about the price of ink; he told me some people just buy a new printer, and it is only a couple of bucks more than replacing the ink in their old one! In fact, they had a older model HP marked down on the clearance rack to $45. I was going to buy it, but was smart enough to talk them into checking it out. Plugged it in and the first message was something to the effect of replace the color cartridge. No problem, the store had them in stock; price was just under $39. Guess what, they would not give me one, would have to buy it. I was born at night, but not the night before; so I said no thanks. Before buying a printer, check out the price of the ink before buying the printer, and look at printers that use different cartridges for the colors. One of the worst rib offs is the tri color cartridge; you run out of one color and you have to replace the cartridge. I have two printers here (a wireless HP L7780 and a Canon IP6600). The HP has the two cartridge arrangement (black and a tri color); so that one is used pretty much only for black and white printing by my wife from her computer in the kitchen. In the shack I have the Canon, and I use it for both black and white, and color. It uses six different cartridges, and they are reasonable priced. One other nice option is two sided printing; both my HP and Canon do that (which probably makes Al Gore and all his environmental wackos happy). In my case, I find it saves a lot of money in paper costs. One final note; I think I have seen Wal Mart advertising a new Kodak printer that is not suppose to break the bank when buying ink. Might be worth checking out; especially as a second printer to use for the everyday black and white printing. Dick K8ZTT -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bob Maser Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 9:20 AM To: David Yarnes; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT--A Suggestion About Printers When you print, when the print screen comes up and before you hit the OK to Print key, click preferences, set the quality level to Fast Draft and then go to the Color tab and click on grayscale. Your printer will print faster and use much less ink. Try it. Bob W6TR - Original Message - From: David Yarnes w7...@cox.net To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 8:34 AM Subject: [Elecraft] OT--A Suggestion About Printers Hi All, I don't know how many of you share my frustration about printing needs, but I find it to be a fairly expensive process. I've been using an HP printer that is wireless for about 3 years, and it does a very nice job. However, it is a constant battle as those printer cartridges don't seem to last all that long. I try to keep things like my K3 manual, and accessories, updated in a notebook, along with all the firmware updates, etc. Often something you print off has some color in it, and the color cartridges seem to go really fast! Replacements are very expensive for just about all makes and models, even at my favorite supplier--Costco! I think printers have become like safety razors--cheap to buy on the front end, but very expensive to keep properly supplied. As I indicated above, a lot of what comes off the internet has color in it, but printing it in black and white would not be a very significant loss in most cases. I know you can set your printer to do just black and white--at least most of them--but that does tend to be something of a pain in the neck when you are just trying to quickly print off a couple of pages, etc. You can also set the resolution lower, to save ink, but how many of us take the time to do it? Then there is the constant (or seemingly so) prompting you get that one cartridge or another is running low. Some printers has 4 or 5 different color cartridges, and they never really seem to deplete at the same rate. A while back I started investigating laser printers, and found that one model (wireless) by Brother was very highly rated. This is the model HL-5370DW. Consumer Reports gave it a very favorable review, as did a couple of computer magazines. It's black and white only, but I don't think I care about color, and I can always use my HP for that. Best of all, the cost per copy was estimated at just over one cent per copy, versus 5 or 6 cents per copy on most ink jet models. On my HP, I pay about $90 for a combo cartridge package that will maybe get me between 500 and 1000 copies--if I'm lucky! That may seem like a lot of copies, but if you have kids, it isn't! Besides, I think those
Re: [Elecraft] USB Sound Card for digital modes.
I am using Windows 7 and use the US Interface NAVIGATOR. It has a built in soundcard tailored for digital modes; additionally, the drivers work with Windows 7. What is nice with any of the external USB interfaces is you only need one cable to your computer (USB). All the other connections are between the radio and the interface. Dick K8ZTT -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Julian, G4ILO Sent: Sunday, November 29, 2009 8:26 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] USB Sound Card for digital modes. Kenneth A. Christiansen-2 wrote: I put Windows7 on my computer Bad move. I plan on keeping XP going as long as possible. My question is what USB sound card works best and if I change to a USB sound card will it work the way the old Windows sound cards worked or will I still be up against the new AGC action. A solution that would definitely avoid any hassle caused by generic sound card drivers would be a dedicated ham radio interface such as a SignalLink. - Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222. * G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com * KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html * KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/USB-Sound-Card-for-digital-modes-tp4083121p4083183.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4646 (20091129) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4646 (20091129) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 firmware upgrade speeds and problems
I have found it very interesting reading the various reports of firmware upgrade issues when installing new firmware releases to the K3. I am wondering if it has something to do with the interconnect between the computer and the K3; and especially if one is using a USB/RS232 converter. I purchased my K3 at Dayton this year and have done every Beta upgrade and all went flawlessly. That said, I am using a RS-232 port on my computer (Com 1) to connect directly to the radio. My experience with the USB to RS232 converters has not been all that great; and from what I have picked up from third class rumors (similar to ones you might overhear in a men's restroom), not all USB/RS232 converters are created equally (some work all the time, some work some of the time, and other never work any of the time). And one other tidbit of information that I read in the US Interface Navigator Installation Manual was to avoid using COM 3; the manual says; for some reason (known only to the computer gods and maybe Bill Gates) COM 3 can be grabbed by other programs So, to solve that problem, when I upgraded my computer to Windows 7 last week, I also upgraded to seven RS232 ports on the back of the computer. I only need six (K3, two rotor controllers, satellite antenna control, IC-910H control, and last but not least a DSP-2232 data controller), so that gives me a spare for possible future use. Dick K8ZTT __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4636 (20091125) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] LP PAN and Point and Click
I'm sure that Elecraft (or any other company) can design and produce just about whatever is technologically feasible. However, the issue boils down to at what cost, and then what market is out there to recover the costs. Yes, it will be great if Elecraft does come out with a Panadapter add on; the last figure I heard was in the $700 to $800 dollar price range. However, if one were to start tacking on all the features that every K3 owner feels is a must have, the price would probably triple. Now granted, if you add 2400 or so bucks to the price of the K3, it is still considerable less than the piece of junk Icom sells for 12,000 bucks (I guess 10,500 with all the discounts). Personally though, I don't think the majority of K3 owner would want to fork over much more than 700 dollars for a panadaptor.And this is especially true when you can achieve the same results (and with a unit that will most likely do considerable more than what is in the works at Elecraft) right now for under $300. A lot of the features that seem to wanted are already functional or soon will be with LP-Pan. Yes, you do have to have a computer; but what ham out there does not own a computer (especially amateurs that have found there niche in the hobby were they want and need the capabilities of the K3)? If you can afford a K3 (and the cost of a add on panadapter), I will go out on a limb and say you can afford to purchase a computer. You don't have to be a computer geek to install and configure LP-Pan, LP-Bridge, and Power SDR. And if you run into problems, there seems to be plenty of help on the LP reflector and my dealings with Larry at Telepost leave me with the impression that he is more than willing to take the extra step in helping you to get his product up and running. I have had LP-Pan hooked up to my K3 for about a week and I am really impressed with what it does. Went out and bought a second monitor for the computer and I have PowerSDR displayed on it. Right now the display is 14 wide and 7 in height; I can damn near read it without my glasses! That is my two cents worth. Dick K8ZTT Julian, G4ILO wrote: I disagree. I think the folks at Elecraft are capable of developing the software required to do point and click. In fact I would not purchase one if I couldn't do that. Tom, N5GE Maarten van Rossum wrote: I too would like to express my desire for a build-in / stand alone unit for the K3. One were I can hook up a monitor, a key board and maybe even a mouse if I wanted too and do all the modes that are available. And also very important, it should be more or less plug and play. PC's and I don't go very well together and although the LP PAN stuff looks and sounds very promising, it is way to complicated for me. I am glad that I am able to update my K3 every once in a while. Kudo's to Elecraft for making it that simple. I think all of us find PCs a hassle. I worked with computers all my life but there are still times when I want to attack the thing with a 4lb club hammer. Unfortunately for your requirement I think a PC would be the most cost effective platform to do all that. I think the most we can hope for is something that is just a panoramic display. The question in my mind is, since for most people the benefit is being able to point and click to QSY, how would that work using a separate display? Most people will still be using a PC for logging etc. Having a separate screen for the display is not an issue (in fact it would be a benefit to keep the main screen clear) but having a separate screen that your mouse cannot click on doesn't seem like an ergonomic ideal to me. So I'm guessing that it will just be a passive display like the ones in the Icom 756 series that you can look at but not click on. - Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222. * G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com * KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html * KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ 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] LP PAN and Point and Click
Vic, Your point is well taken; but in the end what percentage of amatuers that own a K3 do not have it hooked up to a computer and a logging program; and I bet that most amateurs leave their computer on 24/7 and connected to a DX Cluster. Like Dave (AB7E) who posted a comment, I am also part of the aforementioned group, my computer is on all the time; thus PowerSDR and LP Bridge are also on all the time. When I turn on the K3, LP-Pan (which is powered by the Aux 12V out on the K3) turns on, and bingo, signals appear on the PowerSDR screen.If for some reason (like going on vacation) I turn off my computer, when I turn it back on, I just start LP Bridge and that auto starts both DXBase and PowerSDR. Basically one click and one button push on the K3 and I am in business. Actually, I have to admit that it is slightly more complicated than that; after I turn on the K3, I have to push the on/off switch on the Green Heron Eng rotor box to on. The Green Heron is plugged into a AC switch that all the other assorted and sundry accessories are plugged into, and turning it on, powers up the rest of the station. So, I guess that I have not figured out what all the other issues might be in having a panadapter run by your computer??Actually I spend more time in the summer connecting and disconnecting the coax and rotor cables because of the thundrestorms than I do turning on the K3 and Green Heron Rotor box. In any case, I am sure that your wish for a stand alone unit will come true. The only question is what features and at what cost will the Elecraft unit have. One thing I am sure of is the display will not be of the 17 to 22 variity. One other interesting point that should be brought upis that CW Skimmer works very well with LP-Bridge.. Though I have not installed it yet, I have been told that CW Skimmer is the cats meow to the CW contester or DXer; and to them, it is what Viagra is to the old timers!It works great and allows them to do things they had never done before! Dick K8ZTT - Original Message - From: Vic K2VCO v...@rakefet.com To: Dick Williams k8...@mho.com; Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2009 10:57 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] LP PAN and Point and Click Dick Williams wrote: Yes, you do have to have a computer; but what ham out there does not own a computer (especially amateurs that have found there niche in the hobby were they want and need the capabilities of the K3)? If you can afford a K3 (and the cost of a add on panadapter), I will go out on a limb and say you can afford to purchase a computer. You don't have to be a computer geek to install and configure LP-Pan, LP-Bridge, and Power SDR. I have (several) computers and I am a 'computer geek'. But I still want a standalone unit. I want it to come on when the radio does and I don't want to mess around with all of the issues surrounding a computer just to use it. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco __ 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] LP PAN
Dave, I purchased a LP-Pan and a E-MU 0202 a few weeks ago and had no problem getting either of them working and interfacing DXBase. I wonder if you have given Larry a call at Telepost? The only minor problem I had was with the PowerSDR software. For reasons only known to the computer gods, it would not load correctly and when I tried to run it, I would get three or four fatal error messages. I even tried to un-install it and then re-install with no luck. There was an easy fix that involved formating the hard drive and then re-installing Windows XP (a ritual that should be done once a year anyway). Fortunately, formattng the hard drive and re-installing XP is pretty easy, but time consuming to download and install all the updates and programs. With the fresh install, everything worked the first time. I did have a couple of procedural questions, and a couple of quick calls to Larry answered those. It works really great and well worth the time and expense of installing it. Dick K8ZTT - Original Message - From: N1IX n...@n1ix.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 11:20 PM Subject: [Elecraft] LP PAN I have noticed a lot of LP Panadaapters for sale. I am wondering why. Do they work well? I have one but I haven't been able to get it working yet. Dave N1IX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Yaesu versus Elecraft Service
Jim, All the more reason to buy American products! I owned a couple of Yaseu HF rigs in the past and I was more than dis-pleased with their service dept. In one instance, the SWR protection circuit went out in my 1000D; sent it back telling them what the problem was (or what caused the final transistors to burn out). I even called and was told that, O yes the purported tech I talked to said that the radio was fixed right. Well, when I got it back, all they did was replace the finals. As far as I am concerned, any ham who buys a Yaesu or Icom HF radio is a fool and uninformed. Both the K3 and O2 will run circles around any of the other rigs (maybe with the exception of the SDR radios). And when you talk about service, both Ten Tec and Elecraft are top notch. You are so right when you say you get to talk to a tech, not some idiot that is a go between and not familiar with the radio. That is my 2 cents worth. Dick K8ZTT PS Unfotunately we don't have a lot of choices with the VHF/UHF equipment, but at least it is not a big investment if it goes up in smoke. - Original Message - From: Jim Garland 4cx2...@muohio.edu To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, July 05, 2009 11:36 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Yaesu versus Elecraft Service (Copy of a posting I sent today to the Yaesu FT-2000 reflector, contrasting Yaesu and Elecraft technical support. I believe it speaks for itself.) _ From: Jim Garland [mailto:4cx2...@muohio.edu] Sent: Sunday, July 05, 2009 11:22 AM To: 'ft-2...@yahoogroups.com' Subject: Update: Yaesu Service Two weeks ago I posted a note here about Yaesu's policy of not allowing customers to speak to service technicians, instead referring inquiries to customer support personnel who were unfamiliar with the inner workings of Yaesu products. This is the same policy used by auto dealers, who insert a customer service manager between a customer and mechanic, or computer manufacturers whose support personnel answer technical questions by reading from a prepared script. In my case, I had questions about the first mixer stage in my FT-2000D, which I suspected had failed. I had traced the signal path to the mixer with an oscilloscope, but wasn't sure how to interpret the output signal. I couldn't tell from the circuit diagram how much bias current the mixer FETs were supposed to draw, what the conversion loss from the mixer was (after taking into account losses and turns ratios of the coupling transformers), whether this was a common failure mode in the radio and what the likely cause was, and whether there were any useful pointers in replacing the tiny surface mount mixer IC. Unable to get anwers, I didn't want to take a chance plunging ahead with the repair myself, so I ended up sending the radio back to Yaesu. The repair bill came to $187 plus another $90 round trip shipping. Incidentally, the first mixer is nothing special; it is a garden variety IC that costs about $4. By coincidence, I also had a failure in my Elecraft K3, which had suddenly stopped transmitting during a recent 6m contest. I called Elecraft and was immediately put through to a service technician. I explained my problem and he asked me a few questions about my electronics background and what sort of test equipment I had on my workbench. He decided that I had enough enough experience to fix the problem myself, and we agreed that I would call him back after putting my K3 on my test bench and removing the covers. Later that day, I called him back and, together, we traced the signal path through the transmitter. I had the phone in one hand and a scope probe in the other. In a matter of 20 minutes, we determined that the push-pull FETs in the driver stage had shorted. He mailed me replacement FETs which came in three days. Ten minutes after opening the package, my K3 was back on the air. I have had similar experiences repairing a Ten-Tec Orion transceiver and SteppIR 4 el yagi. In each case, the service technicians were happy to talk to me and, with their guidance, repairs were quick and straightforward. Here's my point. Ham radio is a technical hobby. It begin a century ago, when all stations were homebrewed by their owners. Today, of course, there are hundreds of thousands of hams, and their technical expertise runs the gamut from inexperienced beginners to Ph.D. engineers. But all hams, I would hope, have a least a passing interest in electronics. Surely, anybody who buys a sophisticated transceiver like an FT-2000, has to know _something_ about DSP, roofing filters, preamps and RF attenuators, 3rd order intercept points, antenna tuners, and so forth. And I would hope that all hams, whatever their level of technical knowledge and experience, have a desire to learn more about their radios. Thus I believe Yaesu's service policy disrespects the traditions of amateur radio. It is policy that
