Re: [Elecraft] K3: Main RX gone deaf
Hi Udo Before you start tearing the rig apart, two ideas:- -is there a big difference for weak signals of say S4? -if not, it may just be the S meter calibration that needs attention. -if so, preamp on for either? Att on for main? HTH Graham On 19:59, Udo Langenohl - DK5YA wrote: Gentleman, I'm struggling with a Main RX vs. Sub RX issue. My Main RX is rather deaf compared to the Sub RX. I see at least 23.5dB attenuation between Main RX and Sub RX when comparing highly stable signals from my signal generator (HP8664A). This is only for ANT1/2 vs. AUX-IN! Example: -33dBm on 28.500 into AUX-IN (SUB RX): exactly 59 +40dB into ANT 1 (Main RX): 59 +15dB into ANT 2 (Main RX): 59 +15dB I've checked all the usual suspects (pin diodes): D1 and D5 on the KXV3A: o.k. Each and every pin diode on the SUB IN board: o.k. D5 on the Main RX board: o.k. This is a K3 #59xx with almost everything inside money can buy. My second K3 (serial #39xx) does not show this strange behavior. Main RX and SUB RX show exactly the same values on ANT1/2 and AUX IN. -33dBm is 59+40 on MAIN and SUB RX, no matter if Ant1, 2 or AUX IN. Any idea? I'm searching for weeks now and I'm close to give up. Udo, DK5YA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 142, Issue 31
Those of us who access this reflector through a daily (or whatever) digest would appreciate it if people would not reply to the digest (as I'm doing!!), allowing all 26 messages to be reproduced. I have to wade through all this stuff to find the next genuine message. And to make it worse someone else then replies without deleting the extraneous attachments! And as the instructions say, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of Elecraft digest..." Thanks for reading this. Graham On 19:59, someone wrote: And just like a good dog, it comes when called! H Sent from my iPad On Feb 16, 2016, at 11:01 AM, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote: Send Elecraft mailing list submissions to elecraft@mailman.qth.net To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net You can reach the person managing the list at elecraft-ow...@mailman.qth.net When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of Elecraft digest..." Today's Topics: 1. Re: New Purchase Sanity Check (Edward R Cole) 2. Elecraft 200W Directional Coupler For Sale (Michael Raskin) 3. Re: New Purchase Sanity Check (Don Wilhelm) 4. K3 with Amertiron amp (Scott James) 5. K3 with Amertiron amp (Scott James) 6. KX3 Macro Commands; Selecting PSK31 or PSK63 (jkiracof...@charter.net) 7. Re: Wanted: K2 Nifty Guide (EricJ) 8. Re: KX3 Macro Commands; Selecting PSK31 or PSK63 (tomb18) 9. Re: CQ WPX RTTY Contest (Bill Frantz) 10. Re: CQ WPX RTTY Contest (Bill Frantz) 11. K3 with Amertiron amp (Jan Ditzian) 12. Re: KX3 pedestrian mobile? (Larry D. Warner) 13. KPA500 problem (Mike Crownover) 14. Re: KX3 pedestrian mobile? (Walter Underwood) 15. Re: Lots of RTTY activity right now -- great time totry FSK-D mode on your K3/K3S/KX3 (David Blake) 16. Re: Microham Microkeyer II, RFI in mike with my K3 (bernhard.ho...@bmw.de) 17. Re: Microham Microkeyer II, RFI in mike with my K3 (Jim Brown) 18. CW-Skimmer Frequency Offset (Hajo Dezelski) 19. Re: CW-Skimmer Frequency Offset (Hajo Dezelski) 20. Re: Microham Microkeyer II, RFI in mike with my K3 (Joe Subich, W4TV) 21. Re: KPA500 problem (Mike Crownover) 22. Re: K3 with Amertiron amp (Don Wilhelm) 23. Re: KPA500 problem (AJ8MH Radio) 24. Re: Microham Microkeyer II, RFI in mike with my K3 (j...@kk9a.com) 25. Re: KPA500 problem (Mike Crownover) 26. Re: KPA500 problem (Jack Brindle) [snip] __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Recording CQ WW CW and SSB
I use a Zoom H2 stereo recorder which has a line input you can connect direct to the K3 line out. You can set the recording format to something economical like .mp3 at 48kbps - don't need hifi. It connects to a computer with USB. They're used for live music so good quality (AFAICT). I don't envy the people that have to listen to it all though! 73 Graham __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - Odd behaviour using DVR
Hi Bob The phones I use have separate mic and phones plugs - I'm only plugging / unplugging the phones. And the phones aren't the problem since it all works fine in normal phone transmit. The problem (stopping the rig from transmitting) only arises when playing a DVR message. I tap MSG, hold 1 or 2 for a message to be repeated. While transmitting, I unplug the headphones (or plug them in if previously unplugged). This causes it to stop transmitting, the KX3 display goes blank for a moment (scary!) then returns on receive. Can anyone else duplicate this problem? Graham On 19:59, Bob N3MNT wrote: Are you using headphones only or headphones w/mic -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-Odd-behaviour-using-DVR-tp7608714p7608716.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KX3 - Odd behaviour using DVR
I'm using my KX3 in a ssb contest and calling cq with a message recorded in the DVR. I tap MSG, hold 1 or 2 for a message to be repeated. While transmitting, I unplug the headphones (or plug them in if previously unplugged). This causes it to stop transmitting, the KX3 display goes blank for a moment (scary!) then returns on receive. I've also sometimes had VFO B come back on a different frequency. Plugging or unplugging phones on normal phone transmit has no weird effect. Is this a bug? 73 Graham __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] CW reception with 3 peaks on PX3
What frequency? What spacing between the peaks? On VHF this effect can often be seen due to aircraft scatter, ie doppler shifted returns as well as the direct one. So lots of possible explanations. Graham On 19:59, Gerard Elijzen wrote: I was in contact with a CW station recently and his signal had 3 peaks on my PX3. Can anyone explain. The other station was using an ICOM 7410. Submitted this also on the KX3 Yahoo forum and had 1 reply. Thanks for that. Thought I might post it here in the hope to get an explanation. Have never seen this before and it does not happen on other CW stations. Gerard VK2JNG Gerard vk2jng at iCloud dot 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KX3 – is a TX DLY function available?
I have no problem driving a linear with a slow relay from my K3, but my KX3 causes the linear to trip out when I try to use the cw in ssb mode (cw in cw mode behaves ok). In the K3 manual it refers to the delay in producing RF – TX DLY which has a default of 8ms. But I can't see an equivalent function in the KX3 – might this be the problem, and what default value does it use? Graham __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KX3 - Hi Sig warning
Bit of a weird effect found here. I am using an external 2m transverter to 28MHz. I noticed that when switching between VFOs using the A/B switch from (eg) 145.7875FM to 144.430 usb, the KX3 says “Hi Sig” and disconnects the preamp. This still happens with nothing connected to the KX3's antenna socket. It also happens on 50MHz and 21MHz – I haven't checked all the bands. I found the VFO with FM mode has to be 120kHz or more above or below the freq of the VFO in USB mode. It only happens on the transition from FM to USB, it doesn't happen for FM to other modes. And it doesn't happen on the transition from USB to FM. As I say, weird. Graham __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] New K3 beta firmware release, rev. 5.01: Much-improved audio during CW keying
Since updating my K3 f/w to 5.01, I find that the time to switch between VFO A and B has increased noticeably - it used to be near instantaneous. This is not good when used in a contest and needing to switch rapidly between frequencies. Anyone else noticed this? 73 and HNY Graham __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] New K3 beta firmware release, rev. 5.01: Much-improved audio during CW keying
Hi Gary I hear it as you do. The amplitude of the transient depends on the received noise level. This can be demonstrated with the rf gain control, but setting the gain control low and then increasing the received noise level with eg a preamp brings the transient back, so it's the actual noise level, not the rf gain setting. The transient we're hearing is also there on semi break in, it's not restricted to qsk. But it is a huge improvement. Graham On 19:59, Gary Smith wrote: Graham, I agree. And I also hear a transient click albeit it far better than before. Since you hear it as well, I have to ask you if you hear it on the right side, not the left, yes If you play a character slowly, do you hear it at the end of the character yes and if it goes away completely if you engage the sub Rx? yes This is what I have found with my K3. 73, Gary KA1J __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] New K3 beta firmware release, rev. 5.01: Much-improved audio during CW keying
Yes, it's a significant improvement. There's still some slight transient click but much better. Well done Elecraft! Graham On 19:59, Wayne Burdick wrote: Hi all, Our latest K3 firmware field test went very well, with great reports from CW operators regarding the new QSK sound. Many have been waiting patiently (or not :) for a few years for this improvement. This firmware is now a beta release (rev. 5.01), available at: http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 and QSK
I'm very interested in this topic, having raised this question a long time back. What I said in June 2011 was:- /I'm using qsk on cw and I find that if the rf gain is turned up to hear some background noise, there's a transient or click when the rig switches to rx (but not when it switches from rx to tx). To hear this really badly, try opening the cw b/w up to 2kHz and sending a stream of dots. The effect is there even at 400Hz, and it's rather off-putting. / It related to the barefoot K3 in normal break in, not QRQ. I am referring to use on 6m where the background noise is relatively low, but signals can be very weak. I do not have this problem with my other rig - an Icom 575. It would be great to make the K3 as good, because I found it so bad that I have stopped using QSK altogether. Graham __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 enhancement
On 19:59, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: [snip] The outside allocation warning could include flashing lights, disrespectful remarks, and a tattle-tail email sent to your mother. This has to have the award for funniest remark this month! So far 73 Graham __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 and 4m Transverter
Jukka K3 and OZ2M tvtr used here for several years now. http://www.g3tct.co.uk/equipment.html Graham On 19:59, Jukka Kulha wrote: Also interested if any recommendation for other 4m transverters used with K3. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 6m noise figure
Hi Peter I measured mine at 13dB about 5 years ago, using a signal generator, so not particularly accurate. I use a homebrew preamp on 6m. 73 Graham On 19:59, Peter Torry wrote: I am trying to calculate my link budget for 50 MHz and was wondering if anyone has measured the K3 noise figure on this band using the K3 alone and not with the PR6. Calculations suggest about 8dB but a measurement would be most welcome. 73 Peter G3SMT __ 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] diversity receive what bands
Used also on 6m - http://www.g3tct.co.uk/diversity.html Graham __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] P3 f/w 1.26 slow to respond to span changes
Hi all Recently I updated my P3 f/w from beta 1.08 to 1.26. Just noticed that changing the span has now become rather clunky - it only changes about twice a second, whereas before it changed immediately. I've reloaded 1.08 to check and this seems to be a feature of v1.26. Any chance of getting the quick changing span back? Graham __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] P3 - use as a transmit monitor
Several writers have commented that it would be very useful to be able to monitor one's transmission using the P3. Well it is possible, although it's not something you'd want to do all the time. I've detailed how to do it and shown some results on my page here:- http://www.g3tct.co.uk/P3.html 73 Graham __ 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] K2 EXCESSIVE PREAMP NOISE?
Paul The key question is whether the signal to noise ratio is the same or better with the preamp on than with it off. If not, it's faulty. Graham On 19:59, N2PD wrote: Don, thanks for your response. I am out of town on vacation at present and the rig is home, so can't measure now. FYI, I rarely use the preamp but when I do it seems that it is excessively noisy. [snip] __ 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] Keying External Amps
I use a little plastic box with a 4 way switch to switch the ptt line between linear, 2 transverters and a spare position. Cheap and simple! Graham On 19:59, Richard Thorpe wrote: What are people doing out there to key more than one external amp? I want to key a 2 meter block without keying a 160-10 external amp and visa-versa. Thank you. K6CG __ 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 Requested Change Ideas
On 6m, select cw mode and then _hold _the alt button. It will change to cw-rev which is then the right sideband. It's magic! 73 Graham 2. The CW during SSB is a good function particularly on 6 meters, but it will normally transmit on the wrong sideband. Could the CW during SSB selection be altered to add CW-REV as a selection so you would have OFF, CW, and CW-REV? Or, just make the selection OFF and CW-REV. __ 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- hearing 10-11m above 44 MHz
Hi Mic The IF is 8.215, so the image will be on 44.68MHz. Or listening on 44.676, the image will be on 28.246. Does this explain it? BTW, I found that the main rx had quite good image rejection, but the subreceiver is not so good. I designed a filter for the subreceiver to deal with this - http://www.g3tct.co.uk/k3.html HTH Graham On 19:59, mic wrote: Hi, I'm hearing, for example, K6FRC/B2 beacon on both 28.250 MHz and 44.676 MHz First IF 8.125 Second IF 15 KHz my math is not working. Also hearing some very strange call signs up there :) Anyone else hear it with AGC off pre amp on? Or is it just my receiver Thank you, 73 ka5pnx __ 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] KX3 laptop question (was odds and ends...)
If I want to use a small laptop with the KX3 to display the spectrum when out portable, does anyone have a suggestion for such small device with stereo input? Preferably without a separate sound card. Graham On 19:59, Richard Ferch wrote: I have no way to get stereo input into this sound card. An older laptop I have has separate input and output jacks, but while the output jack is stereo, the input jack is mono. If your laptop is like either of these, your only recourse may be to get an external USB sound card with stereo inputs. __ 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 Mics
I have been using a computer style headset and mic bought from a rally for about £2. Reports have been very complimentary and it even has its own volume control. I just bought another one as a spare for £1. Can't get better value than that! Graham On 19:59, paul ecker wrote: - My question is what types or brands, models are K3 owners using with the rear panel mic connection on the KIO3 panel ? __ 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 - How to scan while tuning sub RX
Thanks for the suggestion Rich. I tried this and it works, sort of. The problem is the K3's scanning algorithm - in ssb / fine, it scans much too slowly, and in coarse it's too fast and goes past the signal before it stops. Generally the scanning is too insensitive and anything below S3 on the meter won't stop the scan. A gain control on the scanning function might help to adjust its sensitivity, but I don't see how to achieve an optimum scan speed. This remains a weakness of the K3, unless someone has got better results somehow? Graham On 19:59, Rich - K1HTV wrote: How too scan a range of frequencies while tuning the K3 Sub-receiver Here is another 'How To from my bag of K3 tricks. I frequenctly put my K3 in the scan mode on 6 Meters, looking for activity from propagation beacons. While the MAIN receiver is scanning, I can simultaneously monitor the 6 Meter DX (50.110) or North American (50.125) calling frequencies or can tune around with the sub receiver with VFO-B. For those of you who have not yet tried to use the K3 scanning feature or have tried but have had no success, here is how it is done: 1) Set VFO-A to lowest frequency to be scanned and set the bandwidth and mode to be used during the scan. 2) Set VFO-B to the highest frequency to be scanned. If you have a sub receiver, press the BSET and set the bandwidth, mode, NB, etc. that you want to use on the sub receiver. Tap the BSET key when finished. 3) Next, press the VM button once and use VFO-A to find a free memory to use to store the lowest and highest frequencies. I use Memory #99 for most scans. 4) Press the VM button again to move the frequencies and modes into the chosen memory (#99). 5) Press the MV button once. It should already be set to #99. If not, then dial the memory (#99) using VFO-A. 6) Press the MV button a second time to move the desired freqs from Memory #99 to the A B VFOs. If you skip steps 5 6, when you try to initiate a scan you will get the error message MV REQ. There are two kinds of scans, Muted (SCAN) and Unmuted (AF ON). 1) To start a muted scan, HOLD the SCAN button for about a second until SCAN appears on the LCD screen. When a signal is sensed, the scanning will stop and you will hear the audio of the detected signal. After a few seconds, if it stopped on a stable carrier or the signal disappears, the scan will resume. If the scan stops on a CW signal, it usually stays on that frequency until the CW stops, then resumes scanning. 2) To start an unmuted scan, HOLD the SCAN button about 3 seconds until the LCD screen reads AF ON. During an unmuted scan, it will not stop as it tunes past signals. To stop either a muted or unmuted scan, move VFO-A or tap any button. Do you have a sub receiver in your K3? It is possible to tune around the band with your sub receiver while a scanning with the MAIN receiver. To do so, before you press the SCAN button, press the SUB button. If you want the change sub receiver's mode, bandwidth, NB on, etc., HOLD the BSET button, make the changes, then tap the BSET button. To start the scan, HOLD the SCAN button. As soon as the scan starts on the MAIN receiver, you can start tuning around the sub receiver with VFO-B. If you accidentally move VFO-A, the scan will stop. The speed of the scan can be changed by tapping the FINE button. It seems like a lot has to be done to set up a scan. But once you load a memory with the frequencies and modes, starting a scan is quite simple. Once my primary scan storage memory #99 is set, here are the keystrokes used to quickly start a scan: Tap MV Tap MV Tap SUB to turn on sub receiver if desired Hold SCAN I hope that you find this info to be useful. 73, Rich - K1HTV __ 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/KX3 Operating Tip: APF (audio peaking filter) for weak-signal CW work
I support Ian's suggested option. My previous question about using a programmable function is (I now realise) useless (as is using a macro) because they all need a hold on a button, and we've already got that! On 19:59, Ian White GM3SEK wrote: [snip] I was only suggesting ONE new option. The existing options are: 1. Tap = XFIL, Hold = DUAL PB (the current default, and no reason to change that status) 2. Tap = XFIL, Hold = APF (the only current alternative) My simple suggestion, for those who use APF a lot but don't use XFIL, was: 3. Tap = APF, Hold = DUAL PB __ 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/KX3 Operating Tip: APF (audio peaking filter) for weak-signal CW work
I find APF very useful for VHF/UHF work too, and the need to hold the button a problem. How about making it possible to switch the APF on and off through a programmable function button - is that an option? Graham On 19:59, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: And the point is: it's fixable. It is not fixable to your definition without changing both the front panel (engraving) and keytops (legend). Moving XFIL to HOLD would be extremely inconvenient for users of that function (it is very difficult to do multiple HOLD gestures) and the current assignments are not cumbersome. One can also assign a PF Key (I use PF 2) to toggle the function of DUAL PB=HOLD between Dual PB and APF as needed. The current implementation is quite usable given the limited number of individual controls (number of buttons) available on the front panel. 73, ... Joe, W4TV __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft_K3] Re: My K3 is Due Tomorrow 11/11/11 !
I've just measured my a/s mat. I used two small metal boxes about 4 x 2, spaced 3. I applied 13V thru my DMM and pressed fairly hard (thru' good insulation!) to get 0.2uA, giving a value of 65Mohm. RH here is probably 60% or more. Pressing lightly gives 0.1uA, the smallest the DMM indicates. I think this is probably OK. The mat is Maplin N74CR. It's £14.99 http://www.maplin.co.uk/large-anti-static-mat-99068 Graham On 19:59, Ian White GM3SEK wrote: Alan Bloom wrote: I agree with all Ian's comments except: Almost any ani-static mat and wrist strap will be OK My testing has shown that not all anti-static mats are created equal. In particular, the Radio Shack portable mat P/N 276-2370 has much too high a resistance to be effective. Here is my previous posting that includes the results of the tests and a recommendation for a suitable anti-static mat: http://www.mail-archive.com/elecraft@mailman.qth.net/msg94407.html Thanks for the correction, Alan. Does anyone have details of ESD mats that comply to similar European performance standards, and where to buy them at reasonable prices in Europe? __ 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] SDR-IF and I/Q questions
David Space diversity with the K3 is an interesting idea. A variable phase shift could be achieved by adding the raw audio from main rx to a 90degree phase shifted version of itself. Adjusting the relative amplitude of the 90deg version will then vary the resultant phase. Is a phase shift at audio what's needed here, or is it a delay? I'll let others debate this! 73 Graham On 19:59, David Gilbert wrote: John, do any of the SDR programs you mention allow you to monitor the two audio outputs AFTER the inserted phase shift? Here's why I ask, although it is essentially unrelated to a normal SDR application ... I'm convinced that we should be able to use the diversity feature of a K3 with both receivers to spacially discriminate against an unwanted signal. We should be able to do it in the horizontal plane by feeding two vertical antennas into the K3, one into each receiver. We might be able to partially do it in the vertical plane by, for example, feeding two stacked antennas on the same tower into the K3 one into each receiver. All we need is a variable phase shift in the audio since phase is preserved in the conversion from RF to audio. I've searched for normal audio processing software to accomplish this (volume equalization, phase shift, inversion, sum), but so far haven't found anything other than some extremely expensive professional audio stuff for large auditoriums. I've always thought that something like this could be built into the K3 internal software, maybe using the VFO B knob to adjust the phase. The K3 phase lock in diversity mode is not determinant (the actual phase is essentially random at any frequency) so the null would have to be readjusted at each frequency, but I still think it would be a neat capability. At one point (more than a year ago) Elecraft sounded mildly intrigued by the idea when I first suggested it, but I don't think they've spent any time on it. 73, Dave AB7E __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [K3] P3 cursor for VFO B
When I have VFO B on a different band from VFO A, the VFO B cursor is sometimes shown as LF of the band when it should be HF or vice versa. Anyone else notice this? f/w 1.08 Graham -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-P3-cursor-for-VFO-B-tp6497192p6497192.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
[Elecraft] K3 QSK - not so good?
OK, I'll put my head in the lion's mouth. I'm using qsk on cw and I find that if the rf gain is turned up to hear some background noise, there's a transient or click when the rig switches to rx (but not when it switches from rx to tx). To hear this really badly, try opening the cw b/w up to 2kHz and sending a stream of dots. The effect is there even at 400Hz, and it's rather off-putting. What am I doing wrong? Graham __ 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] Noise from P3
On 19:59, John Lemay wrote: Well, I have undertaken a lot of work to address this problem:- John have you tried disconnecting the RS232 connection between K3 and P3? Graham G3TCT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] P3 with a transverter
I just installed f/w 4.25 on the K3 and 1.00 on the P3, and I'm having problems when using a transverter. In P3's fixed tune mode, if I move VFO A slightly, the frequency displayed on the P3 changes to the 28MHz IF frequency and the U shaped indicator of bandwidth disappears. If I then press A-B the display changes to the transverter frequency, but the U doesn't return. If I change the fixed mode to static the upper and lower limits show the transverted frequency, but VFO A is shown as 28.xxx. This is all very confusing! Anyone else see this? Graham __ 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 RX spurs
Ramiro I don't see any difference here between USB, CW and Data. Third order products are about 45-50dB down here, whereas yours seem to be about 20dB down (difficult to see on the spectrum though). Maybe your sound card input is being over-driven? Graham On 19:59, Ramiro Aceves wrote: Hello K3 fans I am a bit stranged and frustrated cause nobody has answered a single word to my email K3 RX spurs posted on november the 20th. No comments, no ideas After some tests I have concluded that the spurs are 3rd order intermodulation products. They only occur in DATA or CW. ¿Can anyone please, try to reproduce those products in your K3/P3 or K3/computer combination?. DATA A mode: Cristal filter= 2.7KHz, SHIFT=1.5 KHz, WIDTH= 2.7 kHz Tune some steady carrier in shortwave. Tune the signal to place a beautiful 1000 Hz on the waterfall Tune your signal generator 10 Hz more than the broadcast carrier frequency to get an audio signal 10 Hz over the 1000 Hz signal. Adjust generator strenght to be similar to the broadcast carrier. You will see strong beautiful 3rd order products on 1020 and 990 Hz. Swith to USB-- much more weaker 3rd order products or inexistent. http://ea1abz.ure.es/3erd-order.jpeg That is my K3 behaviour. Just want to know if my K3 is ok or not. Many thanks. I appreciate your effort in doing this test for me. 73, Ramiro, EA4NZ. PD: Volume at the speaker is zero to avoid vibrations inside the K3 case. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] P3 - UK import duty
I bought a P3 kit which arrived in October with a demand for import duty (as well as VAT). I believe this is incorrect and have queried this with the UK Border Agency. Has anyone else in UK had this problem? Graham __ 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] KPA-500 Features and Pricing
I currently use an Acom 1000 amp on 80 and 6m and a homebrew semiconductor amp (160W o/p) on 4m. The features I really like about solid state amps is their efficiency (50-60%), and zero warm up time. I often find on 6m that I can hear interesting but very weak dx that needs the amp, but I have to wait nearly 3 minutes for it to warm up, by which time the dx may have disappeared. By contrast the solid state PA takes no current on standby and is available instantly. My 2p worth Graham __ 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] Need K3 dB Measurements on new 160M Antenna
Jim Afraid I can't help with listening on 160, but an interesting topic, and a measurement technique applicable to other situations. My observation is that the mental averaging will be rather tricky, especially if the QSB is slow and unpredictable. What we need is something (software?) which will record the strength seen by the K3 over a minute or 3, and then provide a statistical analysis. You would then get a picture of the average, peak, trough and distribution of strengths. I wonder if something like this exists already - or could be included in P3 s/w? Graham On 19:59, Jim Brown wrote: Crew, I've put up a pair of new antennas for 160M that are predicted to have about 3dB of gain over my existing vertical. Without going into a lot of detail, each antenna is a wire sloping off of my 120 ft tower, one going east, one going west. The tower acts as a reflector. The tower and each wire have 4 elevated radials. The antenna is working -- I've made four QSOs with VK, one with FK8, and one with FO in about two hours -- but I need to figure out if it's working better than my existing omni vertical. By doing a lot of listening, I can clearly confirm the predicted 6dB or so of front to back, but QSB makes it hard to get a handle on gain, and I'm only expecting 2-3dB. That's where the dB meter in the K3 comes in handy. My method is to key down on one antenna for a while, let you get a reading, switch to the other and do the same, then back and forth between them, again for long enough for you to get a good reading. There IS a lot of QSB on the band, so you'll need to do a lot of mental averaging. Please let me know, OFFF THE LIST, if this is something that you would like to help me with. I need reports from stations that are between about 30 degrees azimuth and 120 degrees azimuth of my QTH south of San Francisco. In other words, my antenna is aimed at about 75 degrees (ENE), and I need reports that are within 50 degrees of being on axis. I could also use measurements from KH6 of the antenna that goes in that direction. BTW -- to access the dB meter in the K3, you need to hit the Display button once, then rotate the second VFO knob clockwise until you see a reading in mV. Let the knob in that position for about 15 seconds, then rotate it one more position clockwise. Now, the dB reading will be relative to whatever the average IF output was when the knob was in the mV position. Note also that the reading goes plus and minus. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] VHF Diversity
I've been making a few recordings of signals on 6m during recent Es events, using polarisation diversity and the K3 subrx. The results are quite amusing - see www.g3tct.co.uk/diversity.html BTW the K3 has been great - 13 new dxcc on 6m and 3 new ones on 4m in May and June. 73 Graham K5RC said Thanks to G0AFH for reminding me of how we did diversity on VHF years ago. I have three six meter yagis on different towers, separated by as much as 150' horizontal and 40' vertical distances. I am going to put a switch in at the AUX input to allow one of the yagis to be dedicated to the diversity antenna. Stay tuned! __ 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 PR6 preamp
Ed There's a more reliable way of doing this. Turn on the dBV measurement facility on the K3 and turn off the agc, reduce rf gain a bit. Arrange for 50ohm resistor noise to indicate 0dB and then substitute the 6m antenna and see the difference. BTW the preamps won't be below a 290K source - they're already at 290K or more! 73 Graham With both preamps on S=4 Both preamps on with antenna disconnected; S=3 So its a pretty quiet area with only one s-unit rise in noise. For comparison with a 50-ohm termination both preamps see S=4 This indicates the preamps are low-noise below a 290K source. __ 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] Semi-OT: seeking circuit designs for 2 meter LPF
Hi Lew You could try a coax stub filter - see the one by G4SWX and described on the G(M)3SEK website http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek/in-prac/index.htm (Look for Filters: Harmonic notch filters under The Best of In Practice). I built one for 70MHz using RG58 and it works fine at 160W. The article recommends using RG213 for 500W. This looks a lot easier than messing about with metalwork and Ls and Cs. 73 Graham There's a good design for a kilowatt-capable 6 meter low pass filter in the ARRL Handbook (2007), but I haven't found a design for a 2 meter LPF filter that I really like. __ 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 Subrx spurious responses
My subrx shows spurious responses when tuned to the 50MHz band - I found FM b/c signals audible. When I measured the response I found 92.1MHz -57dB 75.6MHz -54dB 117.6MHz -38dB 134.0MHz -43dB due to harmonics of the local oscillator. Guess I'll have to make myself a low pass filter... Graham __ 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 Diversity and mode changes
Don Thanks for the clarification. I hadn't realised the sub tracked the main rx invisibly as it were - I was expecting VFO B to change, but now it's clear. Great! Graham - Original Message - From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com To: Graham Kimbell (G3TCT) g3...@lineone.net Cc: Elecraft reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 11:22 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Diversity and mode changes Graham, When in diversity receive, VFO A is the VFO for *both* the main and the sub. While in diversity, VFO B only serves as the transmit VFO if SPLIT is active. Tapping AB is really a no-op step in diversity (unless SPLIT is on and you want to move the TX frequency to the RX frequency. See page 37 of the K3 manual. 73, Don W3FPR Graham Kimbell (G3TCT) wrote: I'm playing with diversity operation and find that when I change modes say from usb to cw, the main rx changes frequency slightly to keep the received tone the same (as expected), but the sub rx doesn't change frequency. This is not a big deal because I can tap A-B to force the frequencies equal, but does anyone know if this is usual or if I have something set wrong? f/w 3.77 __ 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 Diversity and mode changes
I'm playing with diversity operation and find that when I change modes say from usb to cw, the main rx changes frequency slightly to keep the received tone the same (as expected), but the sub rx doesn't change frequency. This is not a big deal because I can tap A-B to force the frequencies equal, but does anyone know if this is usual or if I have something set wrong? f/w 3.77 TIA Graham __ 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 Survey
I certainly go along with this enhanced user manual. I don't mind if it's a document or web-based, but it must be searchable for a given word or phrase. It's becoming very difficult to keep track of what's possible / already included. Graham - Original Message - From: eric norris gliderboy1...@yahoo.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, December 24, 2009 9:06 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Survey Wayne, et al: All of my firmware wants have been covered by others--do you want me too's or is one enough? But I have been thinking about something that would be useful. I've had my K3 for almost a year now, and I use it nearly every day. I am still discovering things it will do, and how it can be configured differently. In my former life I was a technical writer, and what I think the K3 needs is an in-depth User's Manual. Something that would go into much more detail than is done currently. It would describe the context in which the various configuration options would be used. For example, when configuring the noise blanker, what particular combinations of IF and DSP would work against power line noise, electric fences, ignition noise, etc. What combinations of AGC THR and SLP produce what kind of effect? I was very interested to hear Don W3FPR's settings that made the K3 AGC more the K2 like because I like that sound. I copied his settings. I don't think the scope of this manual could be done by Elecraft given the resources required, but maybe I'm wrong. Even if it could, the rate at which the K3 is changing makes it impractical. There is another way--some sort of K3 wiki, maintained on the Elecraft site, where K3 experts could weigh in with their opinions on how various configuration options were set. Perhaps some contesters could contribute various pieces on how to set up a K3 for contesting, likewise DXers, casual users, user in low-noise rural settings or high-noise suburban or urban settings, etc. Perhaps a few different configuration scenarios could be suggested for different environments. Specialty users, like PSK-31, EME, Meteor Scatter, RTTY, Top Band, AMers, QRO users, QRP users, milliwatters, etc could all contribute information on how to get the most out of your K3 for these activities. Use of the XV series transverters, the KRC2 band decoder, as well as information about interfacing non-Elecraft hardware and software such as various loggers could also be included. The expertise on the Elecraft reflector is amazing, and the knowledge for all these things is certainly there. However, it is easy to lose track that many more of the thousands of K3 users may not be experts, and may not have the time to even follow the reflector with its 100+ messages on many days. You might say that people can search the reflector archive, but that is not the same as being able to read information in context, in a form that could be browsed, that would be a great educational resource. I think this type of information would also be useful for the K2, and for the K1 and KX1 to a lesser extent given their simplicity. Please, no flames if you think I'm an idiot. This is just my opinion, and I could be wrong. :-) I still LOVE my K3, K2, K1, KX1, W2s, XV-144--now back to work on my XV-432! 73, Eric WD6DBM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 survey -- memory scanning
I would certainly find it helpful if the memory function was improved. The ability to scan through tv and beacon channels is an important way of spotting openings on 6m, and would be assisted by - recalling mode as well as frequency, - allowing selection of mode specific scanning or all mode scanning (allows eg scanning of FM channels only, or usb channels only, or all) - ability to tag a memory with skip to cope with a channel that's occupied or has a birdie - scanning with or without muted audio Graham __ 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 Main RF Gain problem
Jim I've had exactly your problem (and sorry for rather late response). I'm using Windows (so it's not that) and it's not the encoder/pot, it's the rf gain calibration. I've posted on this before and there's been a change to the rf gain setup since f/w 3.27. Wes has also mentioned that fets have a somewhat uncontrolled gain characteristic. I redid the rf gain calibration but using factory defaults rather than an external sig gen and that cured it. Only trouble now is the S meter over-reads above S9+10 by up to 20dB. But I can live with that. It's interesting (spooky?) that you have #1189 and I have #1198. Graham __ 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] Noisy K3 receiver
Wes, thanks for the insight and it's interesting someone else has the same problem (s meter behaving oddly when rf gain backed off, plus noisy rx). In my case I had calibrated the rf gain using an external sig gen. I asked elecraft support about this and at Dale's suggestion I redid the calibration using factory defaults. This has cleared the problem with the s meter and has also removed the problem whereby the S/N reduced immediately I turned back the rf gain. Quite what the solution is for you, Wes, I'm not sure, except that doing a rf gain calibration with different levels of input signal might allow you to hit the right answer. At others' suggestions, I have also experimented with AGC parameters. I found that the rx sounded better with AGC THR=2 (the minimum), but it could do with being even lower. (I mean a lower number). Graham - Original Message - From: Wes Stewart n...@yahoo.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, December 18, 2009 4:09 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Noisy K3 receiver The more you turn RF GAIN back, the higher the S-Meter will read. Well, that's the way it should work, but I can assure you that with my K3 with the factory default RF Gain calibration, turning the control counterclockwise from max would cause the S-meter to increase at first, then *decrease* and then increase again as the control reached minimum gain. That is why I've said repeatedly, NOT ALL K3s BEHAVE THE SAME WAY with respect to RF gain and AGC. __ 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] Noisy K-3 Receiver
This statement (If you run RF GAIN wide open the receiver will sound noisy and you are limiting your dynamic range) is only true for the bands where the band noise is high, but on the higher bands (eg 6m), the band noise is only a little higher than the receiver noise (and maybe not at all if you don't have an external preamp). And on my K3 (as reported previously with f/w 3.63) backing off the rf gain *reduces* the S/N because the front end noise no longer overcomes the IF/AF noise. There's lots of noise generated in the later stages of the rx, which can still be heard with the rf gain backed off. This does not appear to be a function of the AGC settings. This is a major irritation that has only surfaced with recent firmware changes - the problem wasn't there in f/w 3.27. Other receivers I've used keep the S/N constant with the rf gain backed off presumably because they are reducing the IF gain further back in the rx. And let's be clear I'm NOT talking about 160 or 80m where the band noise may be many dB above the receiver front end noise. Graham --- Previous comments include:- If you run RF GAIN wide open the receiver will sound noisy and you are limiting your dynamic range. and I find it hard to believe that the K3 receiver is actually noisy, in the sense that it is generating noise internally that makes it harder to hear weak signals compared to another RX. Those MDS figures can't lie, surely? __ 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] Noisy K-3 Receiver
OK Don, well it must be controlling the gain of the first IF amp then, and that must be important to the receiver's noise figure. All I know is that turning down the RF gain reduces S/N (on my K3 at least). And this wasn't the case in f/w 3.27. Graham - Original Message - From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com To: Graham Kimbell (G3TCT) g3...@lineone.net Cc: Elecraft reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, December 17, 2009 6:36 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Noisy K-3 Receiver Graham, BUT - the K3 RF Gain control ONLY controls the IF gain - it does not reduce the gain of the receiver front end - in that respect, the K3 is similar to those other receivers that you referred to.. The preamp and attenuator DO change the front end gain. 73, Don W3FPR Graham Kimbell (G3TCT) wrote: This is a major irritation that has only surfaced with recent firmware changes - the problem wasn't there in f/w 3.27. Other receivers I've used keep the S/N constant with the rf gain backed off presumably because they are reducing the IF gain further back in the rx. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 weird RF gain behaviour
I've just upgraded from firmware 3.27 to 3.63, and the gain balance in the rx has been altered significantly. The rf gain now reduces the S/N quite noticeably as soon as it is rotated counter clockwise from max, suggesting the gain is being mostly backed off at the rx front end, leaving the IF stages on full gain. This can be best heard by tuning in a steady unmodulated carrier on AM, at say S7. Turn rf gain to max, af gain up to hear background noise. Now reduce rf gain - the noise goes up! Then as I reduce the rf gain further, the s meter reaches 9+25, then there's a click and the meter jumps down to S7 and the signal is audible again! Things I've tried:- - reverting to 3.27 - problem disappears. RF gain at minimum shows 9+25 on s meter. - updating to 3.63 again - problem returns - re-did the rf gain calibration - problem remains I have agc dcy=soft; hld=0.30; pls=nor; slp=012; thr=005 Seems the gain calibration function was changed in 3.41. Can anyone duplicate this? Graham __ 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 coarse tuning in a transverter band
I've just upgraded from firmware 3.27 to 3.63. I used the VFO CRS menu entry to select RND= YES so that the RIT knob moves the VFO correctly eg 1kHz steps and rounded. It works fine on the standard bands. However on switching to a transverter band, the frequency is rounded to 20Hz away due to the transverter offset that I have set up. This is not the desired behaviour, and has changed since f/w 3.27. The effect is the same when using the main tuning knob in coarse tune. Anyone know how to cure this? Graham __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 More Magic
Just like to say that I have been using the latest 3.19 firmware and I _really_ appreciate the automatic VFO offset when switching from ssb to cw. I've set it up for the higher bands on usb/cw rev and it means I don't lose the signal completely like most other rigs do - great stuff! Graham __ 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 VFO tuning hash
This noise was previously reported under the title K3 Tuning encoder pulses and birdie problem In my case it is only noticeable at the low end of 28MHz when there is a low noise level from the antenna or with a dummy load attached. Wayne suggested using the noise blanker on a low setting like t1-5, also tightening screws and tmp cables may help. In my case it seemed to get better when I installed the KRX3, but maybe cos I tightened up the screws and cables. HTH Graham - Original Message - From: John Lawrence j...@hughes.net . What I've discovered and reported to factory tech support is a very noticable hash noise while in the receive mode with any bandwidth centered around 28.000 MHz to 28.050 MHz. __ 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] K144XV
John USPO priority mail looks a lot cheaper? Graham - Original Message - From: John Lemay j...@carltonhouse.eclipse.co.uk To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 8:43 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K144XV Hi all I'm really keen on the 2m transverter module, but having gone through the motions of completing the order form, it looks as though the cheapest carrier will be UPS Worldwide at $109.20. __ 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] KXV3 versus KXV3a
From: Mark Bayern plcm...@gmail.com 70MHz? How much of the world has a 4 meter (metre?) allocation? At the latest count some 19 DXCCs have access to 4m, with quite a few more equipped for crossband, and pushing their administrations for an allocation. See http://www.70mhz.org/bands.htm And over here it's metre ;-) Graham __ 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] Six-meter scanning
Given that the FCC has no jurisdiction outside the US, can we non-US guys be given a fix for this? And what's so wrong about scanning outside ham bands anyway - I've been listening to band 1 TV carriers for decades! Graham David Woolley (E.L) wrote Wes Stewart wrote: There was some talk about it being an FCC limitation. However, (other than receivers that cover the cellular phone bands, with their own special limitations) the pertinent regulation seems to be covered in 47 CFR 15.5 (definitions) where I read: My understanding is that the problem is that they have to prove to the FCC that scanning is disabled outside the amateur band, and there is a cost in doing this. I imagine they would have to repeat the process every time they issued new firmware. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [Elecraft} K3 power control in ssb
Others have already mentioned this as a problem and I have just tested my K3 #1198 driving an Acom 1000 amp into a dummy load with the following results. Condx:- 3.7MHz, 25w drive to get 392w o/p on cw. I have TXG VCE set to -1.5dB, mic 15, cmp 24. In lsb and then key down I adjust to just under 400W o/p. Then lsb gives 200-300w initially. After speaking and then pausing a few times for a minute or so I get 400-600w out!! The K3 system has turned up the gain - if I then go to rx and then key down I get an initial o/p of about 540w which then rapidly scales back to 400. Then speaking on lsb I'm back at the 200-300w o/p which gradually increases again. So there's a gain change going on which seems to be reset by a key down. Hope this helps Elecraft or others in analysing the problem. Graham__ 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 AM reception
Re the AM quality question I can't detect any clicking or other distortion but then there are no high quality AM BC transmissions round here - they're messed up either with selective fading or because the transmission comes from more than one location on the same frequency. The noise in between a string of dots is due to AGC PLS=nor. Setting AGC PLS = off cures it. 73 Graham -- From: Wes Stewart n...@yahoo.com [snip] Now it might be argued that these artifacts are at such a low level they would not be audible as distortion. Maybe, but they represent essentially a static situation. When listening to a string of dots sent with my '870 the difference between fast and slow AGC is clearly audible. When the signal is S4 or 5, with fast AGC there is garbage that essentially sounds like an increased noise level. A simple test such as tuning in WWV and listening to the voice ID and hearing the audio distortion and syllabic clicking disappear when simply turning the AGC off and turning the RG gain down appropriately indicates a real problem. If there are K3s out there that don't do this, then I want one of them. Wes N7WS __ 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] A couple of KRX3 observations
Retry after mail failure. Toby DJ7MGQ wrote: Also, I discovered last Monday that I can still, weakly, hear knob encoder noises, this time on 50MHz and only (?!?) with an antenna connected , which strikes me as strange. My K3 also exhibits what I assume is encoder noise - ie noise which persists only whilst tuning and stops as soon as I stop tuning. The effect is audible near the bottom end of 28MHz (annoying for those of using transverters!) and also on 50MHz (whether ant connected or not). If I use the RIT control to step thru' the band in 1kHz increments, the noise is not audible. Any advice? 73 Graham ___ 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: spurious CW T/R switching while VOX off
Mario said What I noticed is that in CW mode, with VOX/QSK to OFF, when accidentally hitting the paddle, the T/R and all the other connected relays would spring into full-qsk-style action, ie. activate for each single dot (with PTT/XMit not pressed). No HF is being generated. I agree entirely with Mario and I don't understand what purpose this serves. Given that the TX test function disables rf but allows keying of external amps etc, it seems odd to allow the same thing to happen with TX norm and VOX off. Why did 90% of the focus group think this was useful? Graham ___ 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] [Fwd: Re: Elecraft list users in UK being blocked]
Eric Thanks for following up and for the clarification. Thanks to others who made suggestions eg on changing ISP or re-registering. Seems like it's working ok today - if the reflector gets this! 73 Graham In general , it looks like once you are subscribed to the list for 24 hours with a new address, you should automatically be white-listed, eliminating any global spam blocking of your elecraft list postings. This type of blocking may occur though in the first 24 hours after a new address is subscribed. Also, it is always a requirement that you post to the list from the -exact- same email address that you subscribed with. Any other will be blocked as a spam source. (We get hundreds of those attempting to post every day.) If you wish to use multiple addresses to post, just subscribe each one and then set your email preferences page to 'no mail delivery' for those that you will only be sending from. ___ 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 Channel hopping mode
I found Wayne's explanation on how to set up channels so you can instantly hop between them useful as I want to use this feature on vhf. I agree with Joe's comment below and also when he says When in 'channel hopping' mode, it might be nice to momentarily display the memory number and text label for a few seconds in the VFO B area when changing channels. However my main issue is how to revert back to normal VFO operation (to tune up and down from the channel frequency) once you've selected a channel? If you set up a channel with VFO A=f1 and VFO B=f2, pressing A/B switches the rx to f2 as expected. But rotating VFO A control switches to the next channel hopping frequency which is rather unexpected. I've been trying to think of a way round this. What I think I would like is either (a) having swapped A/B as above, VFO A reverts to normal operation; or (b) for VFO B control to be the channel control and VFO A to tune normally up and down from the channel. Comments appreciated. Graham - Original Message - From: Joe Planisky [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:12 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 VFO rate in channel hopping mode Sorry, forgot to mention this in my previous post. It would also be nice if the VFO A rate were reduced in channel hopping mode. With the default setup, it seems like a single encoder count corresponds to one channel, which means the slightest touch of the VFO A knob changes channels. 73 -- Joe KB8AP ___ 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] Re: Cannot post to Reflector TEST MESSAGE
My emails are being blocked with the message:- host mailman.qth.net [63.238.179.60]: 554 Service unavailable; Client host [84.234.17.142] blocked using uk.countries.nerd.dk; Your IP is in uk, rejected based on geographical location I am surprised the spam blocking system allows this to happen. It happened back in July as well. Graham G3TCT - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Cc: Tim [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, October 09, 2008 9:12 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Re: Cannot post to Reflector TEST MESSAGE Hi Tim, As requested this is a test message. Thanks for your help ! Vic GW4JUN - Original Message - From: Tim [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, October 09, 2008 3:08 AM Subject: Re: Cannot post to Reflector I see no entries from [EMAIL PROTECTED] in our mail server logs for the last 2-1/2 weeks. Vic will need to send a post to the list AND put my address in the CC field so I can see what he's doing. Tim At 07:05 PM 10/7/2008, Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft wrote: Hi Vic, You are subscribed properly as [EMAIL PROTECTED] and I see no problems with your set up. I've copied the admin at qth.net to see if they have your ISP blocked for some reason. (Usually SPAM.) 73, Eric WA6HHQ Elecraft list manager _..._ [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Eric, Yes I still cannot post from my registered e mail address [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is odd since I have successfully posted from this address for three years until a year or so ago when I discovered the problem . I tried registering my new alternative address also [EMAIL PROTECTED] but likewise cannot post. In both cases I am receiveing the daily digests no problem. I've no idea what could be causing this . Any suggestions ? 73, Vic GW4JUN - Original Message - From: Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, October 06, 2008 11:47 PM Subject: Re: Cannot post to Reflector Hi Vic, What's interesting is that for some reason my anti-spam filter also caught your email to me. I just found it. Are you still having problems posting? (You must always post from the same email address you are subscribed with.) 73, Eric [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Eric, I have been subscribed to the reflector for several years but I have not been able to post messages for quite some time (over a year) . I tried subscribing from an alternative e mail address but that doesn't work either ! Is it possible to whitelist me ? Or is it possible I've done something at this end to screw things up. Many thanks. 73, Vic GW4JUN [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] -- I am using the free version of SPAMfighter for Personal use. SPAMfighter has removed 114 of my spam emails to date. Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len The Trial and Professional version does not have this message in the email ___ 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 RF-out spikes, was: K3 SSB Power Control and ALC Metering
I tested my rig using dummy load and scope. My rig is serial 1198, using f/w 2.38 and dsp 1.90. I don't see any spike in output. On cw the o/p power on key down is initially about 95% of the set value and then rises to the set value. I tested this on all bands using 51w o/p. On ssb the peak power occasionally exceeds the set value but very slightly, maybe 5% or so. I tried changing the power setting but got the same result. I did however notice that the needle on my analog power meter (Diamond SX200) overshoots the set power - this appears to be a function of the dynamics of the meter movement. Graham G3TCT - Original Message - From: Charles Harpole [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Kamal Sirageldin [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2008 3:48 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 RF-out spikes,was: K3 SSB Power Control and ALC Metering Yep, my recently factory re-done K3-100F #309 also has RF output power spikes upon first key down or first SSB word spoken. The spike appears to be at fully 120 watts when rig is adjusted to 50 watts. When oh when will this rig be at least half way done? 73, Charles Harpole [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ 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 RF-out spikes, was: K3 SSB Power Control and ALCMetering
Hi Toby I've just tried it at 30w and it behaves sensibly whether I adjust o/p in rx or tx. There's a slight wobble in output power as I adjust it (visible when running carrier) but only a few percent. I tried all powers from 3w to 100w on 80m and 15m. And it also produces the same peak power on ssb as near as I can tell. I haven't noticed any change in this area from firmware changes. Hope this helps. Graham - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Graham Kimbell (G3TCT) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, September 26, 2008 10:53 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 RF-out spikes, was: K3 SSB Power Control and ALCMetering Hallo Graham, thank you for looking at this with a scope. Did you try changing the power level while you were in SSB at lowish power, e.g. from 30W to 35W? This (at least it used to) usually caused my K3 to settle in on a power level which tended to be between 3db and 10dB lower than requested. The effect was stronger at lowish power levels, e.g. 30W, than at higher levels, e.g. 90W. Did you change the power level request while in the RX and/or TX states? My work around, was to set up the power level in CW (or TUNE) and then not touch the PWR knob while in SSB. The more recent firmware versions have improved quite a bit, but the effect never really disappeared totally. This being said, I haven't had a chance to test the very newest firmware yet. vy 73 de toby -- DD5FZ (ex 4n6fz, dj7mgq, dg5mgq, dd5fz) K2 #885, K2/100 #3248, K3/100 #67 ___ 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 RF-out spikes, was: K3 SSB Power Control andALCMetering
Toby A couple of thoughts - have you looked at the power supply regulation - it might be reacting badly to the sudden key down. The other thought is whether RF is getting into something - this can cause all manner of strange effects, I've even had multimeters giving nonsense measurements through RF pickup. Otherwise it may need to go back to Elecraft as it could be a component failure. Good luck Graham ___ 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: S meter calibration
I get very optimistic readings on my S meter above S9. I calibrated the S meter on 7MHz as per instructions and everything seemed ok with SMTR OF =26. According to my calculation 50uV is -73dBm. I increased the input and got the following readings:- -53dBm (should be S9+20) reads 9+30 on 6m and 9+35 on 40m -43dBm (sh be S9+30) reads 9+45 on 6m and 9+55 on 40m -37dBm (sh be S9+36) reads S9+60 on 6m and would be more on 40m if the meter went further. Anyone else notice this? Should I change the value of SMTR SC and if so, to what? Graham ___ 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: 6m performance and preamp
I have measured the 6m sensitivity of my K3 #1198 using a sig gen and two methods of measuring the output signal level of the K3. I measure the noise floor of the K3 (50.015, preamp on, usb, 2.3kHz bandwidth, agc off) at -127.1dBm. Using the calculation provided by Ian GM3SEK (RadCom Oct 1999) I get from this a noise figure of 13.5dB, agreeing with Ian's measurement. This is disappointing and a lot worse than my current rig, a 19 year old IC575 which measures 5.6dB. I've found that an external preamp with the IC575 to bring the overall NF down to 4dB helps with weak dx. I have also measured the antenna noise here (a rural location) and in some directions it is only 1.8dB above thermal. So there is quite a lot to be gained by reducing the noise figure, and I wonder if Elecraft have any response to this. I'm interested in using the subreceiver on 6m and this would currently require two preamps if I want to use two antennas. Regarding preamps, my measurements suggest that to get an overall system noise figure of 4dB, you need a preamp with NF 3dB and gain 16dB, or NF 2dB and gain 13.7dB. Graham ___ 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 - Katiegram birth of #1198
I'm happy to report birth of K3 #1198:- Ordered 17 Feb 08 Katiegram 29 June Shipped 2 July Back-ordered KRX3, KDVR3, 6k filter Received safely (in rural Somerset) 4 July!! UPS were really quick! Built apart from 100W PA 6 July Thanks to all at Elecraft including Wayne, Eric, Katie, Madelyn and all the packers - Rachel, Marina, Dina, Patricia, Leony and Tami plus anyone I've missed. Great mechanical engineering as well as electronics. Now to build the 100W PA and try the firmware... Graham G3TCT ___ 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
