[Elecraft] K3-KPA500: simplex comms
I hope something isn't broken (smoked)... A few weeks ago I bought a second hand KPA500. I ordered the KPAK3AUX cable and hooked it up. Comms were working both ways: amp follows rig, rig follows amp. The first real RF test was last week in the ARRL DX contest. I noticed that sometimes I heard a cracking noise in the headphones, which made the KPA500's display flicker. In many cases the display was set to 18.1 MHZ and the amp lost control. From then on, the rig switched bands by 'RF sensing' i.s.o. following the K3. If I changed bands on the rig, the amp would follow but not the other way round. Resetting the amp solved the problem. Today I had the same problem, but now it worse. Now there is only one way communication from rig to amp. And when I switch between operate/stdby on the amp, the K3's display doesn't reflect the status with a message. So the amp is unable to talk back to the rig. I found out that by switching off the K3, I regain access to the amp's band buttons. But then the PTT asterix shows (with the rig OFF!). For a while at least (few seconds), then the amp toggles the bands itself in random order, only to freeze on a given band. But when I turn the K3 on, the amp immediately switches to the band the rig is set to. I assume the root cause is the crack/rattle I hear when sending, which started it all. The noise occurs only when I key the rig for longer periods. Short burst like call 5NN kW don't trigger it. Long transmissions do (long CQs, ragchew etc). I'm afraid something is broken. I hope there's an easy fix and an explanation? - Franki ON5ZO __ 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 aux protection: good idea?
Hello folks My KRX3's carrier operated relay is rattling when I have an RX loop connected to its aux input when I transmit on 160/80. Too much antennas on a too small lot. Nah, Whadda ya gonna do? As a quick fix I used an A/B antenna switching relay to open the RX chain when TXing. Loop on input A and switch to unconnected input B with PTT. But this QRO relay is very noisy to have it clicking away in the shack. With the box on the desk, I even feel it switching. So I'm going to make a silent dedicated solution for it. Would the following idea have any side effects or negative consequences? I'm planning to use a DPDT relay as follows: when in RX: NC contact in series to pass the signal, NO contact parallel over the input when in TX: NC contact in series opens and blocks the signal, NO parallel over the input closes thus the RX is short circuited to GND. Or would a 50ohm resistor over the input be better than a pure short (seen somewhere on the web)? Would this work? I can't see why not. Would any other stuff be needed or recommended (diodes, caps, MOV?) for RX protection? All input appreciated. TNX / 73 Franki ON5ZO __ 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] KPA500 + KPAK3AUX
Just checking as I'm about to lay my hands on a 2nd hand KPA500. I'd like the amp to follow my K3 so I need the KPAK3AUX cable. However the AUX DB15 on the K3 is already in use for my microHAM SO2R controller. Am I correct in assuming that by using the supplied Y-cable in the KPAK3AUX kit, the amp and K3 will talk to eachother and that my m/H MK2R+ will keep on working as it does? That would be really 'neato' ;o) 73 de Franki ON5ZO http://www.on5zo.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
[Elecraft] simple(st) panadapter for K3?
Howdy folks Can someone please tell me if there is a simple way, and if so: how, to make the PC (soundcard + screen + some software) function as a panadapter for the K3? Without buying a P3 or LP-Pan hardware that is. I'm looking for a simple and more important cheap solution. TNX / 73 de Franki ON5ZO __ 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] International shipping costs
Can someone please tell me if the difference in shipping is worth the difference in price to ship a KPA-500: UPS Worldwide expedited = 414 $ US Post Office Priority Mail International = 131 $ I have had superb service from UPS with both my K3's but the difference is pretty steep and I need to pay 21% VAT on top of that! UPS is fast (from clicking 'submit order' to K3 box in my hands in under 48 hours), but I won't mind waiting a few days and save about 300 Euro if USPS is slower. I wonder if USPS or their Belgian partner handles clearing the box through Belgian customs like UPS does. I have had nothing but troubles with these red tape lovin' kafkaesque bureaucrats, so I'd rather see the carrier handle the customs part. That would be in favor of UPS. Has anyone in EU tried USPS and if so are you happy with it? 73 de Franki ON5ZO __ 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 with MFJ Bias Tee
Hello folks I want to switch an A/B relay remotely by applying 12V through the coax. I have a pair of MFJ bias tees for that, never used before. When I apply the 12V and measure with my DVM on the 'RF only' coax terminal, there is some diminishing DC voltage for a brief period, say about 2 seconds (DVM not really fast). I assume this is the DC blocking (series) capacitor loading or discharging (when removing the 12V). Should I worry about this? Can this hurt the K3 in any way? Or can I just go along? Better safe than sorry... TNX / 73 de Franki ON5ZO http://www.on5zo.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
[Elecraft] KRX3 + RX antenna
Group, forgive me if this has come up before (which it has has) but contest fever kicks in. It seems that for the first time I have a kinda RX-antenna (solder still hot!). If I want to listen to both the 80m vertical and the RX loop at the same time, is this all I need to do: - set both receivers to the same frequency - connect RX antenna to AUX RF BNC - set KRX3 to Ant = BNC in the config menu Is that all there is to it? TNX / 73 - Franki ON5ZO = OQ5M in contest __ 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] KRX3 + RX antenna
If I want to listen to both the 80m vertical and the RX loop at the same time, is this all I need to do: OK, I got it nailed. I thought I forgot something but it works. I hope the K9AY loop will be the added value to my SB80 effort. It'll be the first time the KRX3 will be really put to use too after 9 months of mounting the option. I assume the 2nd RX (aux RF) is protected against RF pickup from the TX antenna? 73 de Franki ON5ZO = OQ5M __ 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] KXV3A versus KXV3
Just to be sure - PSE CFM? Suppose I order a K3 now with an RX antenna option, but have no interest in the VHF module right now. I might add the VHF module later on. So I need a KXV3A right now or I need to swap the KXV3 for a KXV3A when I add the 2m module? 73! - Franki ON5ZO __ 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 Dust Covers, Carry Cases, and More
These are extremely nice cases and covers. Rose does great work and as has been said, is a pleasure to do business with. I'm a very happy customer. 73 de M0XDF I concur. I was in doubt to buy a cheap aluminum DIY-toolbox and cut the foam myself. In local DIY's I only found either just-too-small boxes or way-too-biggies. I chose the tailor made solution. I recently ordered a carrying case for my K3 and Rose did a great job. She is a pleasure to deal with, replies right away and the case is A++. The case looks great and it's been made with attention to even the smallest detail. No loose threads and smooth sewing. And you get a couple of words to be embroidered on to 'pimp the bag'. The case got shipped almost right away in a hard carton box. The best part was that the shipping label guided the parcel through Belgium customs without delay and without extra charges. What you paid is what it costs is not always the case when trying to get something into ON-land (my backordered KRX3 sat idling on an customs desk for over 3 weeks and they charged 'handling fee' for that). But Rose's info on the green label did the job and it got through. I'm very happy with this carry case and hope to take the K3 out some day. The bag does honor the rig! Exemples and colors can be seen at: http://tinyurl.com/7lm3m5 or contacted at elecraftcov...@rfwave.net 73 de Franki ON5ZO = OQ5M __ 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: TX audio setup
Is there any K3 user that can give me some advice? I don't do SSB very often and it's the first time I try this mode with the K3. I'm setting up for next weekend. I have a K3 and talk into a HC4 mic element connected to a microHAM MK2R+. This then drives an ACOM 1000. First off, my audio sounds 'smurfified' through the monitor. I have no other way to describe it. On the air sollicited audio reports are not flattering, Another thing I noticed (compared to my TS-850) is that the K3's and amp's power meters do not give much deflection unless I shout. I've been fiddling all day and begging reports but the best report I got was no highs, no low, only mid range. Here's what I have: MIC gain = 4, compression = 1, TXG-VCE = 1.5dB, and TX EQ = flat. I'm not interested in HiFi audio, I just want clean and sharp modulation for contesting. I'm not used to bad audio reports with the TS-850 which does not have a lot of parameters (didn't even use compression on that rig) so I hope someone has some advice on what parameters to tweak the K3 for success. TNX / 73 de Franki ON5ZO = OQ5M http://on5zo.spaces.live.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
[Elecraft] RE: K3: TX audio setup
OK Barry N1EU, I just set these parameters to your values: mic: 30 cmp: 20 TX EQ .20 +5 TX EQ .40 +2 TXG-VCE = 2.0dB Now if I push the PTT I get the sound of a 747 taking off and full scale deflection on the power meter... without even talking! Per ON4WIX's advice I then tried: CONFIG:TXG VCE: +2.5 dB Mic gain: 15 Comp: 16 TX EQ: as flat as a pancake Now I can PTT and it remains silent... until I say 'test', then the jet takes off again. As if someone taps a large sheet of metal. My last on air report talked about 'metallic audio', which is about how it sounded with my original parameters too. So not quite there yet... - ON5ZO ___ 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] SOLVED: K3: TX audio setup
Once again great and prompt support from both the Elecraft list as well as microHAM. Thank you all! Executing W4TV's advice solved the problem: Elecraft connect pin 7 (mic ground) and pin 8 (PTT ground) in parallel and use a single RF choke to ground. This causes a pin 1 common mode RFI problem because PTT and microphone circuits are mixed. A single cut gave me pristine audio in the monitor and on the air as confirmed by a local volunteer. Settings now: MIC GAIN = 30, COMP = 20, TX EQ 0.05=+6, 0.10 = +4, 0.20 = +2, 1.60 = +2, 2.40 = +4, 3.20 = +6. I might tweak the EQ some more later. TNX again y'all! - Franki ON5ZO = OQ5M ___ 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: K3 Keying and NR
Whilst in QSO with a European station recently, he asked if I was using a K3. I told him that I was and asked why he was asking. He said he thought I was using a K3 as he recognised the hard keying, having heard it on some other K3s. I was using the NR option at the time. Thanks and 73 de Chris, G4BUE Ah, now I get it. When I was in the EUHFC contest two weeks ago, I was playing with the NR and its parameter on one of the lower bands while running. Someone broke in (no callsign given) and sent check ur tx - check ur tx. It was the first and only comment about my signal ever so I thought it was his RX. I'm sure the NR was on at that point because the band (80? 160?) was very noisy. So his remark might have been caused by the same K3 issue? I never had a rig with NR or NB (TS-850's NB = no effect), can anyone tell me how to set it up or is it just a case of see-what-is-the-best-setting-at-a-given-time? 73 de Franki ON5ZO http://on5zo.spaces.live.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
[Elecraft] Power Supply for K3 for Contest DXpeditions
I was wondering if someone could advice on the Power Supply that is RELIABLE enough to take the heavy duty 48 hours SO2R José Nunes José, I bought this one in DL for 70 Euro to go with my K3: http://www.wimo.de/bilder/ms-1228-vorne.png http://www.wimo.de/bilder/ms-1228-vorne.png Not too heavy and I don't hear any switching products on the K3. Do you plan to power both K3's with one PSU? Or each rig a dedicated PSU? 73 de Franki ON5ZO / OQ5M ___ 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: K3 KRX3 Install
I'm wondering what those who have installed the 2nd RX in their K3 think of the procedure? I took a quick look at the manual and it seems like you have to take half the radio apart for this. I'm not crazy about pulling the front panel apart for one. Dave N8AG Drat! I just downloaded the manual and indeed... Mounting the front panel on the main board was the only part I did NOT like when putting the K3 together. I was glad to jump that hurdle but now we need to do it again. I think it is a tricky situation and I feared I might had bent a pin. The headers connect really tight so you need to apply some force. It's hard to see if both the headers are aligned head to head. When misaligned and unleashing manpower... I'm hoping to find several places on the chassis to draw a thin line with a fine marker so I can see the alignement between both parts when reassembling. Or is there an easy way to align the headers in both planes and visually check before pushing? 73 de Franki ON5ZO ___ 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] K3: no output on line out?
I am trying to get set up for RTTY with an MK2R+ and N1MMLogger / MMTTY. It seems the line out is dead: I don't get a waterfall on the screen. When I plug the cable from the other radio in the K3's slot on the MK2R+, I get a signal. I tested the cable between rig and interface which seems OK. So my conclusion is: nothing comes out of the LINE OUT. I looked through the manual but only found the LIN OUT level parameter which I cranked up to the max but that doesn't fix it. Any ideas? Am I forgetting something? - Franki ON5ZO ___ 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: K3: no output on line out?
So my conclusion is: nothing comes out of the LINE OUT. I looked through the manual but only found the LIN OUT level parameter which I cranked up to the max but that doesn't fix it. I was a bit too fast. I connected a set of PC speakers to the line out and they let me hear everything. So it's not the line out circuit. I was lead to accuse the K3 because the MK2R+ works fine on my other rig in the SO2R setup. But now it seems it is the specific input on the microHAM device so I will address them for help. And yes: the labels on the microHAM cable seem indeed reversed for the K3, but it doesn't solve my problem. At least everything works fine in CW and keying my ACOM 1000 amp went all by itself as well just by connecting the cable. I think the K3 is indeed a fine rig - time will tell if it can make me forget the TS-850. If so I've got another one to replace by a K3. It makes a lot less noise in the headphones when RX on a dummy load, that's my very first impression. 73 de Franki ON5ZO ___ 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: no output on line out?
OK K3 connoisseurs, I've got some more information on my RTTY / line out problem. - K3 + line out = OK. - microHAM hardware and software = OK. - I tune to an RTTY transmission and have the K3 decode. The tuning aid tells me I'm right on. I'm not using Dual PB and listen 300Hz wide on a 500Hz roofing filter. K3 decodes 100%. - MMTTY does NOT show a trace and plays dead. Hence me believing the line output was dead or the input of the MK2R+ was broken. BUT when I drive the filter wider, say from 800Hz up MMTTY starts showing a signal. And when I listen 4kHz wide, I see the spectrum. HOWEVER what MMTTY shows me is 'skewed', as if MMTTY listens off frequency while the K3 is dead on. I played with Dual PB but that doesn't help either. I consulted the manual but I missed the golden clue? Does anyone use K3 Line Out to drive MMTTY? And does this occur? TNX again de ON5ZO ___ 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] K3 SOLVED: no output on line out?
Solved thanks to Ed W0YK, who told me to see if the K3's FSK pitch matched the MMTTY mark. It didn't, now it does and all works fine (3 modes). My K3 can listen so narrow compared to the TS-850... I think I'm going to love this rig when it gets hot on HF, expecially on CW. 73 de Franki ON5ZO ___ 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] K3 #1048
For those who keep track: #1048 @ ON5ZO K3/100 kit with transverter I/F and 5 pole 500Hz filter. Ordered on: Feb 2, 2008 Invoice RX on: June 5 Box UPS'ed here on:June 12 It's built, it's alive and I hope to make its maiden QSO tomorow. Awaiting KRX3. I think I put in about 10 hours working at a very slow pace. Building was fun. Halfway I overlooked two little screws that I reported MIA but they showed up in the end. Great mechanical engineering! 73 de Franki ON5ZO http://on5zo.spaces.live.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
[Elecraft] antistatic mat for K3 assembly
With my K3 anticipated less than 4 weeks (as much fingers crossed as anatomically possible) I am preparing the assembly line. I don't have an antistatic mat but do have a bracelet available with a crocodile clamp lead. Would it be wise to use a big aluminum plate to replace the antistatic mat and clamp the crocodile on that sheet? I found a antistatic thingy at an online salespoint for 80 Euro (+50$) ex S/H, so I'm a bit reluctant because I have no further use for such a thing. TNX for the input and 73, Franki ON5ZO http://on5zo.spaces.live.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
[Elecraft] BOUGHT: antistatic mat for K3 assembly
Better to be safe than sorry so I purchased an antistatic mat in the UK following Julian G4ILO's link to Maplin UK. Even with the S/H to Belgium and the high Pound-Euro exchange rate, I paid even less than half of what my Belgian online salespoint charges WITHOUT S/H. Long live online sales and free traffic of goods within the EU! TNX Julian 73 de Franki ON5ZO ___ 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] Solved - K3 power supply question
Thanks guys for a lot of answers and good advice directly to me and on the reflector. Much appreciated. I know what to do now regarding the APP power cable. BTW regarding APP in EU: http://www.wimo.de sells APP and the crimp tool (go shop radio acc's power supply acc's). 73 de Franki ON5ZO http://on5zo.spaces.live.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
[Elecraft] K3 power supply question
Hello group Awaiting my K3, I am preparing the transistion from TS-850 and anticipate on buying a compact SMPS. I see that the power connection is an Anderson PowerPole receptacle. That type of connector is not common here in EU or at least in Belgium. Is there a mating male part supplied to fit the cable from the PSU? There is a German (ham) distributor for these things but a crimp tool costs 66 Euro (approx 100$) which is a silly investment to crimp only one connector. Is there an alternative way of crimping or fitting the PowerPole? Thanks for info / advice. 73 de Franki ON5ZO http://on5zo.spaces.live.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
[Elecraft] Re: K3 front panel assembly
Do you know if the same guy that winds the kit toroids will offer a service to mount the K3 knobs to the FrontPanel PC board ASSEMBLY? ;-) Speaking of toroids, I assume the K3 modules will come with coils wound and soldered? I like soldering but I hate winding toroids... to put it mildly. 73 de Franki ON5ZO ___ 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] K3 Deliveries etc.
About the only band that is somewhat usable from here is the 40m band. 30m at my sunset until 0100utc has been VERY hot this summer, with only a rotary Fritzel triband WARC dipole at 10m high most of the time (unless the tower was cranked up). I experienced 30m being more constant in openings and less prone to summer QRN than 40m. ___ 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: K3 - Which filters to get?
If I was into DX or contests on CW, I would likely get a narrow CW filter, but I am not so I did not. I suspect the K3 will work better than any other radio with just the 2.7kc filter. I was just about to post a question regarding filters yesterday. Then this thread popped up. Which filters I'll be needing (80% CW contesting, 10% other contesting, 10% DX)? Still: no one answered it exactly up to now. I currently use 2 TS-850's in SO2R with 270Hz CW filter. I always listen narrow (don't have the 500Hz filter) and use RIT. Would a 250 Hz / 8 pole filter do the trick for me? And / or a 5 pole 500Hz? And what with SSB? Those 10% include major SSB contests. 40m SSB from here is... mayhem! PSE advice? In the FAQ, I read that DSP would 'auto track' the right filter. Does that mean that you'd never be switching filters by hand? I'd like that. I almost never have to touch my TS-850 except the VFO dial. Then there are the variable filters coming out in the future, PSE define 'variable filters'? Well, apart from the filters my wish list has almost become an order form ;o) 73 de Franki ON5ZO / OQ5M ___ 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] Shaft Encoder
No matter how and how hard you turn the front panel knob, the display almost moves a couple Hertz, then settles right back to where you started. Bill NA7Y Bill, it depends wether it's an optical encoder or a mechanical. I assume the latter but I am not familiar with the K2 (dreaming about K3's). In my previous life as a broadcast engineer, I repaired a bunch of digital audio processing devices each having a dozen of mechanical encoders. I also repaired a friend's FT-1000MP clarifier encoder suffering the same disease. The problem with both devices was that the grease to lubricate the shaft got more fluid and found its way between the electrical pads and the moving 'finger' contacts. This meant that for each revolution of the shaft, not all digital (binary) combinations were formed because the grease acts as an insulator. So in stead of gently adjusting a parameter up or down, the values were jumping wildly - or were not moving at all. The solution was simple yet effective. Just be gentle with the encoder! - Unmount the encoder. - On the encoder (for most types), with the shaft facing away, you see 4 clips; bend them 90° upwards and CAREFULLY pull away the upper part. - Now you see a black disk with metallic contact pads, and in your other hand, you see the brittle contact fingers, all covered with grease (should this be the problem). - Clean both parts thoroughly using Q-tips with alcohol (or something similar not agressive to plastic), but BE CAREFULL not to bend the springs. - Now assemble everyting back together by following above steps in reverse order, but take care of the springs when closing the encoder! There still was plenty of grease left because there was really an excess amount of lubricant in the shaft encoder. I hope this might help you, should this be the cause of your problem. It worked for me (and my employer HI). 73 de Franki ON5ZO ___ 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: KPA100 Power Malfunction
I am using the 6 position antenna relay design that appeared in QST a couple years back by Bill Smith (call?). FAR Circuits has a board and the 12 volt relays are American Zettler, Inc. AZ755-1C-12DE. QST, April 2005, KO4NR Bill Smith. I've ordered a bunch of Far Circuit PCB's for me and a friend and built two of these myself. Works just fine even up to 1kW @ 30MHz. If anyone needs the article in PDF (1.6MB), drop me a line. 73 de Franki ON5ZO ___ 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] Antenna Relays
You may want to keep in mind that grounding an antenna when it is not used may not be a good idea. It is possible to significantly distort patterns with the wrong combination. It may be worth detuning an antenna before grounding it to minimize this effect. This may be more of an issue with multiple vertical antennas on harmonic frequencies. Cheers, Julius n2wn True. I had +/- the same experience. Due to the size limitations of my lot I need to 'cross polarize' between 80 and 160m. I had a working 80m dipole and added a 160m dipole, which ruined the 80m resonance and I never got 160m working (resonance not to be found). Now I have an 80m vertical and a shorty 160m dipole, within 10m of each other and no problem at all (not even in SO2R @ 1kW). 73 de Franki ON5ZO ___ 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] Guidance
At 03:43 PM 6/19/2007, Frank J. MacDonell wrote: I got my Technician license in February and I am learning CW. I have built a dipole and ordered a K3. What advice do you guys have for initial band use and getting feet wet in the Ham Universe? Thanks! I think that 30m works great and is more stable when it comes to working DX. 40m is great for nighttime DX but not always good, while I seem to be working more DX on 30m (rotary dipole at 10m high versus 40m GP). More being not in absolute QSO numbers but in chances to have propagation. As for CW it's simple: you can only learn to do and enjoy it by making contacts. Don't worry if those first QSO's are a bit messy. We all had to get passed that point and considerate CW operators will adapt to make you feel comfortable. Good luck and have a ball! 73 de Franki ON5ZO ___ 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] K3
Hello to all. I am new to this group and in the market for a new rig. I had a keen eye on another American brand that recently released a new rig. But then the K3 popped up and made it to the top of my list. I have two questions, sorry if they have been covered before. 1) Is the K3 ready to ship to EU when the next batch is available (CE label)? 2) Is the aux RX input (beverages and RX loops) available in the 'standard' K3/100? Or do I need an option (like ATU with 2nd Ant. Jack)? Thanks for the input. 73 de Franki ON5ZO / OQ5M ___ 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
