Re: [Elecraft] K3 AM reception

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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" 
[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







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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Beta firmware rev. 2.82

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

Julian
Before you do anything drastic like looking for another radio, can I ask a
silly question or 2?
If the output power is flat across the AF spectrum when using ssb mode, why
doesn't everyone use it rather than DATA-A?
And since the output power is apparently so poorly controlled in DATA-A,
(with much higher power than called for) doesn't this actually give higher
rather than lower IMD?

Graham
- Original Message -
From: "Julian, G4ILO" 
To: 
Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 11:14 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Beta firmware rev. 2.82


>
> I have just run a set of tests across a range of audio frequencies as did
> Joe, KB8AP. The results were almost identical, so I am not going to
tabulate
> them here. In SSB I adjusted the input level to give sufficient drive and
> just enough ALC action to result in a flat output from 600Hz to 2600Hz.
>
> At the same time I checked the PSK31 IMD level across the spectrum using
the
> KK7UQ IMD meter. I observed no degradation of IMD resulting from the use
of
> minimum ALC to control the power to a flat level, compared to using DATA A
> mode where there is apparently no ALC feedback at all. Therefore it seems
to
> me that the solution that has apparently been adopted in DATA A mode for
the
> purpose of minimizing IMD is in fact producing no useful benefit at all,
> while at the same time depriving data users of a meaningful power control.
>
> I would much prefer the K3 to work the way other radios work, where you
can
> increase the drive level until the ALC just starts, and then you know that
> you are producing the requested power and no more. This is how I believe
it
> used to work in early versions of the firmware. DATA was just USB with a
> different input source option and compression automatically disabled.
>
> I will concede that the approach adopted by Elecraft is more foolproof in
> regard to avoiding IMD, but this is achieved at the cost of a loss of
> confidence in knowing the output power. However for me it is just too
> unsettling to not know how much power the radio is putting out,
particularly
> as I wish to operate remotely via the network and can't see for myself the
> power output. I have had to give this up for the last few months after I
> found myself transmitting nearly 100W when I was intending to use 40W.
>
> If the majority of other data mode users are happy with the K3 the way it
is
> and Elecraft can't or won't change it, then it's probably time for me to
> look for another radio.
>
> -
> Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392  K3 #222.
> http://www.g4ilo.com/ G4ILO's Shack   http://www.g4ilo.com/blog.html
G4ILO's
> Bloghttp://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html KComm for Elecraft K2 and K3
> --
> View this message in context:
http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Beta-firmware-rev.-2.80%3A-Improvements-to-AFSK-A%2C
-DATA-A%2C-SSB%2C-AM%2C-FM%2C-DVR-tp2305650p2329434.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>
>
>

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[Elecraft] [Elecraft} K3 power control in ssb

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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.
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Re: [Elecraft] Six-meter scanning

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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.
>

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Re: [Elecraft] KXV3 versus KXV3a

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

From: "Mark Bayern" 
>
> 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

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Re: [Elecraft] K144XV

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

John
USPO priority mail looks a lot cheaper?

Graham
- Original Message - 
From: "John Lemay" 
To: 
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.

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[Elecraft] K3 coarse tuning in a transverter band

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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

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[Elecraft] K3 weird RF gain behaviour

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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

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Re: [Elecraft] Noisy K-3 Receiver

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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?

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Re: [Elecraft] Noisy K-3 Receiver

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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" 
To: "Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)" 
Cc: "Elecraft reflector" 
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.
> >
> >
> >

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Re: [Elecraft] Noisy K3 receiver

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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" 
To: 
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.

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Main RF Gain problem

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Survey

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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" 
To: 
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


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 survey -- memory scanning

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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

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[Elecraft] K3 Diversity and mode changes

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Diversity and mode changes

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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" 
To: "Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)" 
Cc: "Elecraft reflector" 
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 A>B 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
> >
> >

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Re: [Elecraft] Need K3 dB Measurements on new 160M Antenna

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Features and Pricing

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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
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[Elecraft] P3 - UK import duty

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 RX spurs

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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.
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 VFO tuning hash

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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" 
.
> 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.

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[Elecraft] K3 More Magic

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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

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[Elecraft] K3 - Katiegram & birth of #1198

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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

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[Elecraft] K3: 6m performance and preamp

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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
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[Elecraft] K3: S meter calibration

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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
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[Elecraft] K3 Subrx spurious responses

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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
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Re: [Elecraft] Semi-OT: seeking circuit designs for 2 meter LPF

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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.

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 PR6 preamp

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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.
>

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Re: [Elecraft] VHF Diversity

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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!

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 RF-out spikes, was: K3 SSB Power Control and ALC Metering

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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]>; 
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]

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 RF-out spikes, was: K3 SSB Power Control and ALCMetering

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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: 
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
>
>
>

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 RF-out spikes, was: K3 SSB Power Control andALCMetering

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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

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[Elecraft] K3 Channel hopping mode

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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" 
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
>
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Re: Cannot post to Reflector TEST MESSAGE

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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: 
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] 
>
>
>
>
> --
> 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
>
>
>
>

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Re: [Elecraft] [Fwd: Re: Elecraft list users in UK being blocked]

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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.
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Re: [Elecraft] K3: spurious CW T/R switching while VOX off

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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

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Re: [Elecraft] [K3] A couple of KRX3 observations

[Graham Kimbell (G3TCT)]

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

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 - How to scan while tuning sub RX

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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 V>M 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 V>M button again to move the frequencies and modes into the 
> chosen memory (#99).
>
> 5) Press the M>V button once. It should already be set to #99. If not, then 
> dial the memory (#99) using VFO-A.
>
> 6) Press the M>V 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 "M>V 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 M>V
> Tap M>V
> Tap SUB to turn on sub receiver if desired
> Hold SCAN
>
> I hope that you find this info to be useful.
>
> 73,
> Rich - K1HTV
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Mics

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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 ?
>
>
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[Elecraft] KX3 laptop question (was odds and ends...)

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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.
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3- hearing 10-11m above 44 MHz

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Requested Change Ideas

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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.


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 and 4m Transverter

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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.

   

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 EXCESSIVE PREAMP NOISE?

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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]
   

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[Elecraft] P3 - use as a transmit monitor

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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
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Re: [Elecraft] diversity receive what bands

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

Used also on 6m -
http://www.g3tct.co.uk/diversity.html

Graham
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[Elecraft] P3 f/w 1.26 slow to respond to span changes

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 6m noise figure

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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


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Re: [Elecraft] K3/KX3 Operating Tip: APF (audio peaking filter) for weak-signal CW work

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3/KX3 Operating Tip: APF (audio peaking filter) for weak-signal CW work

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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
>
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Re: [Elecraft] SDR-IF and I/Q questions

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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
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Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft_K3] Re: My K3 is Due Tomorrow 11/11/11 !

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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?
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Keying External Amps

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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
   

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[Elecraft] K3 QSK - not so good?

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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

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[Elecraft] P3 with a transverter

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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
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Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Noise from P3

[Graham Kimbell G3TCT]

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
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