[Elecraft] KPA100 Manual Question
HI, On page 53 of the KPA100 manual Rev G there is a statement I'm not sure as to what it means. It is located at the top right of the page. RF/ALC: RF or ALC meter mode. Use only for test, not continously. What does the last sentence mean. Which of the meter modes does it refer to or does it refer to something else? Why is what ever it refers to limited to test only? What are the consequences of using it continously? Thanks and 73, Jim, AB0UK K2/100 S/N 4787 ___ 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 With Second Receiver as SO2R?
Hi, I'm sure this will display my ignorance on a lot of matter but here goes. I guess the contesting bug has bit to some degree and I'm kicking around ideas for a SO2R setup. Among other options I'm considering the possibility of using a single K3 with a second receiver in a setup similar to SO2R but without the second radio. It would seem that with a second receiver the functionality of a SO2R setup could be had with only one radio. I realize there would have to be the right cabling, antennas, switches, interfaces, computer(s) and etc. It's my understanding the second receiver is a the same as the first receiver in the K3 and can access separate antennas. It sure seems that the second receiver in the K3 would be much cheaper than buying a complete new rig. I'm sure there are some downsides to my thinking. I would welcome any comments from anyone on the subject. Thanks and 73, Jim, AB0UK ___ 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] COQP Logs Due
Hi, A reminder that logs for the Colorado QSO Party need to be submitted by July 31st. As of July 27th, 144 logs were received. Only about 20 are mobile logs. From received logs it appears there should be nearly 50 mobile logs. Please submit your in-state or out-of-state logs by the above date. We will accept manual logs postmarked by the above date. Email cabrillo logs to coqplogs-at-ppraa.org. For in state cabrillo logs be sure to include the county abbreviation in the file name. Attach the file to the email only rather than including it in the body of the email. Mail manual logs to: PPRAA-COQP Logs PO Box 16521 Colorado Springs, CO 80935-6521 We have over 50 plaques to give to deserving category winners. Certificates will go to second and third place winners in each category. Please take the time to sent in your logs. They are usable even if you only had a few contacts. Thank you and look forward to receiving your logs. 73, Jim, AB0UK ___ 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] Colorado QSO Party
CQ CQ CQ de COQP - Colorado QSO Party is July 15th! The Pikes Peak Radio Amateur Association is sponsoring the 2007 return of the Colorado QSO Party on July 15th! Mark your calendars now and plan to get on the air and work as many stations in the 64 Colorado counties as you can! The party runs from 1200Z July 15 to 0400 July 16 (Sunday the 15th in the U.S.). Operation can be CW, Phone, Digital, or any combination. Operating bands are all HF contesting bands, VHF, and UHF. There will be over 50 plaques given for top scorers in several categories. The complete rules and latest party information are at www.ppraa.org/coqp. Catch you on the air for COQP! Jim, AB0UK K2/100 S/N 4787 ___ 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] Colorado QSO Party
___ 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] First Shipment Tally
Michael, The following has been gleaned from several sources over the last few weeks. The initial production run was upgraded from 200 to 220 and has been sold out several weeks ago. That run is for July and August delivery. The second run was also upgraded from 200 to 220 and has been sold out with deliveries in August and September. I've not seen third production run numbers but would expect them to equal or exceed each of the earlier runs. Deliveries are said to be in September and October. I've seen/heard information that indicates that run is going fast. So an educated guess is they have sold well over 500 radios so far. Looks like if you want a K3 for Christmas you should order soon. Hopefully later production runs will be greater and Elecraft will catch up by the years end. Due to long lead time on some custom parts a quick ramp up of numbers may go slow. These numbers may be way off. But, they are put togather from email on the reflector and talking with Elecraft personel at Dayton. Jim, AB0UK K2/100 S/N 4787 On 30 May 2007 Michael Koetje [EMAIL PROTECTED] Wrote Does anyone have any idea as to how many K3's have been allotted for the first shipment? Also, I am curious as to how many have been ordered total so far. ___ 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] First Shipment Tally
Hi, Just quoting numbers I had seen on the reflector or heard from what I thought were at least from somewhat qualified sources. Must be some misinformation out there. Sorry if I mislead anyonenot intended. I'm sure that Eric has a much better handle on it than myself. Jim, AB0UK From: Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: JIMMY D HARRIS [EMAIL PROTECTED] CC: [EMAIL PROTECTED], elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] First Shipment Tally Date: Wed, 30 May 2007 10:13:07 -0700 Guys - We can't release actual numbers for competitive reasons, but I can say that the numbers quoted below are incorrect. We increased the first July-August production run above the numbers quoted below. Also, we are NOT sold out of the Sept-Oct production run. :-) 73, Eric JIMMY D HARRIS wrote: Michael, The following has been gleaned from several sources over the last few weeks. The initial production run was upgraded from 200 to 220 and has been sold out several weeks ago. That run is for July and August delivery. The second run was also upgraded from 200 to 220 and has been sold out with deliveries in August and September. I've not seen third production run numbers but would expect them to equal or exceed each of the earlier runs. Deliveries are said to be in September and October. I've seen/heard information that indicates that run is going fast. So an educated guess is they have sold well over 500 radios so far. Looks like if you want a K3 for Christmas you should order soon. Hopefully later production runs will be greater and Elecraft will catch up by the years end. Due to long lead time on some custom parts a quick ramp up of numbers may go slow. These numbers may be way off. But, they are put togather from email on the reflector and talking with Elecraft personel at Dayton. Jim, AB0UK K2/100 S/N 4787 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2 Anomolies
Hi, My K2/100, s/n 4787, has experienced most of the model anomolies that have been reported here on the reflector. My primary concern since day one has been that the microphone audio input is simply not sufficient to drive the K2 to full modulation on transmit. Changing the resistor on the SSB as was suggested here on the reflector had only marginal results. Finally after tiring of yelling into the microphone for two years I built the preamp proposed by Don here on the reflector. No more yelling and that is great. I built it into my home built digital interface. The mike plugs into the interface and a switch choses between the mike and computer. I've always been concerned about the S-meter accuracy and audio volume. This week while trying to refine the S-meter adjustments it became very apparent that their adjustment greatly affects audio volume. After very carefully studying the responsitivity of the LO and Hi adjustments it appears that finally S9 is in fact S9. However, the scale is not linear. With S9 correct it is basically impossible to get a reading between S1 and S4. The amazing thing is with S9 correct the audio volume is the equal to about a third or more turn of the volume pot in the louder direction. The S-meter calibration in the manual really needs help. So for those constantly experiencing low audio double check your S-meter calibration. Well, off my soapbox for now. Just wanted to share my experiences. Jim, AB0UK K2/100 s/n 4787 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] RE: In Shack Radials and Ground
Don, Maybe my thinking is too simple. But here goes. I believe that we both have indicated that quarter wavelength can eliminate RF in the shack among other RF problems caused by less than a perfect antenna system. I believe that we also agree that a half wavelength does not do that. Therefore, a half wavelength ground wire has no positive influence on RF problems. That indicates to me that I should avoid half wavelength ground runs as they have no positive influence on RF problems. I would guess in the world of amateur radio there are RF problems that are not recognized. Half wavelength grounds runs do nothing to clear up those problems. Of course, the real solution is to have an adequate antenna system. You can bet that in commercial systems a proper antenna system is used. Jim, AB0UK From: Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: JIMMY D HARRIS [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: In Shack Radials and Ground Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 23:23:09 -0500 Jim, The way I read your post was that half wave lengths of wire to the ground rod are things to stay away from. Perhaps I mis-understood your intent - but you did say to stay away from ground rod runs that are a half wave or a multiple thereof, and that is the incorrect part. Yes, the run to the ground rod can radiate - but that is not necessarily a bad thing. The really best place to create the RF Ground is at the antenna (or its feedpoint), but not all folks are blessed with a controllable situation and must resort to other 'cures' like tuned counterpoise wires. I have no RF in the shack problems here, all my antennas have an effective RF ground as an integral part of their design (no OCF antennas here), and I have to suffer with a 150 foot run of coax before I get to the distribution point going to the antenna field. It keeps the RF out of the shack, but requires low loss coax runs. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of JIMMY D HARRIS Sent: Monday, January 22, 2007 10:46 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] In Shack Radials and Ground Don, I'm not sure we disagree. I seems like we are both are agreeing to stay away from quarter wavelength ground runs (wires) and use half wavelength. That is what I intended to say. Usually ground systems are not effective RF grounds. The connecting wire may be a relatively effective radiator or an element in tuning an antenna system. Jim, AB0UK k2/100 S/N 4787 From: Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: JIMMY D HARRIS [EMAIL PROTECTED],elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] In Shack Radials and Ground Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 22:27:08 -0500 Jim, Sorry to disagree - consider what happens on a quarterwave wire: It has a low impedance at one end and a high impedance at the other end. Think about what will happen if you connect the far end of a quarter wave wire to a good ground (low impedance) - the other (near) end will have a high impedance at that frequency, and will not serve as an RF ground at all (in fact quite the opposite). A halfwave wire however can have a low impedance at each end, so grounding the far end of a half wave wire will make the near end at a similarly low impedance. A grounded radial and a counterpoise wire are two different things - the counterpoise wire creates a low impedance (about 35 ohms) by nature of having the far end ungrounded, whereas a grounded (or buried) radial forms a screen or reflector - yes, the counterpoise will radiate because it becomes a part of the antenna system. The counterpoise controls the radiation instead of having it wander willy-nilly around the shack and other places where it should not be present. I do understand that this is not intuitive - we have to think in terms of antenna theory when dealing with RF grounds - what works fine at DC and low frequency AC does not necessarily work at RF. Ground rods can be a good RF ground, but the wire connecting the ground rod to the shack may not behave as expected - a 16 foot connection to the ground rod will present a high impedance to 14 MHz RF at the shack end - but should be a good RF ground for 10 meters since it is a halfwavelength away from the low impedance ground rod. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- There was mention about ground rods not being a good RF ground. For the most part I agree with that. However, the wiring to the ground rod is in fact a radial that is some part of a wavelength long. As we know quarter wavelength radials can tune out RF. By the same token other fraction of wavelength ground runs (radials) can create RF in the shack when used in conjunction with a poorly designed antenna system. Stay away from ground runs that are halfwave wavelength (or near) or multiples thereof
[Elecraft] RE: In Shack Radials and Ground
Don, Seems we are in basic agreement. I agree that the equipment termination point of the ground wire can be a subtle thing. My preference would be at the actual point of generating the RF, i.e. the transceiver usually. Here I go again, but my way of thinking is an antenna tuner is only an impedence matching device and has no direct relation to the length of ground wires. Jim, AB0UK From: Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net,JIMMY D HARRIS [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: In Shack Radials and Ground Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 22:49:00 -0500 Jim, Actually a half wavelength run to a ground rod will produce a low impedance at the shack end - if the ground rod is truly a good RF ground (sometimes it is and sometimes not). So yes, it can have a positive influence, but it will not guarantee it (the effectiveness depends on the ground characteristics at the grounded far end) - the half wave wire only repeats what it has on the other end. Yes, we agree that a proper antenna system is the ideal solution, and that quarterwave counterpoises can help (as long as the user remembers that the quarter wave starts at the antenna tuner or transceiver - it seems that subtle fact is often overlooked or ignored). 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- From: JIMMY D HARRIS [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 7:40 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: In Shack Radials and Ground Don, Maybe my thinking is too simple. But here goes. I believe that we both have indicated that quarter wavelength can eliminate RF in the shack among other RF problems caused by less than a perfect antenna system. I believe that we also agree that a half wavelength does not do that. Therefore, a half wavelength ground wire has no positive influence on RF problems. That indicates to me that I should avoid half wavelength ground runs as they have no positive influence on RF problems. I would guess in the world of amateur radio there are RF problems that are not recognized. Half wavelength grounds runs do nothing to clear up those problems. Of course, the real solution is to have an adequate antenna system. You can bet that in commercial systems a proper antenna system is used. Jim, AB0UK From: Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: JIMMY D HARRIS [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: In Shack Radials and Ground Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 23:23:09 -0500 Jim, The way I read your post was that half wave lengths of wire to the ground rod are things to stay away from. Perhaps I mis-understood your intent - but you did say to stay away from ground rod runs that are a half wave or a multiple thereof, and that is the incorrect part. Yes, the run to the ground rod can radiate - but that is not necessarily a bad thing. The really best place to create the RF Ground is at the antenna (or its feedpoint), but not all folks are blessed with a controllable situation and must resort to other 'cures' like tuned counterpoise wires. I have no RF in the shack problems here, all my antennas have an effective RF ground as an integral part of their design (no OCF antennas here), and I have to suffer with a 150 foot run of coax before I get to the distribution point going to the antenna field. It keeps the RF out of the shack, but requires low loss coax runs. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of JIMMY D HARRIS Sent: Monday, January 22, 2007 10:46 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] In Shack Radials and Ground Don, I'm not sure we disagree. I seems like we are both are agreeing to stay away from quarter wavelength ground runs (wires) and use half wavelength. That is what I intended to say. Usually ground systems are not effective RF grounds. The connecting wire may be a relatively effective radiator or an element in tuning an antenna system. Jim, AB0UK k2/100 S/N 4787 From: Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: JIMMY D HARRIS [EMAIL PROTECTED],elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] In Shack Radials and Ground Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 22:27:08 -0500 Jim, Sorry to disagree - consider what happens on a quarterwave wire: It has a low impedance at one end and a high impedance at the other end. Think about what will happen if you connect the far end of a quarter wave wire to a good ground (low impedance) - the other (near) end will have a high impedance at that frequency, and will not serve as an RF ground at all (in fact quite the opposite). A halfwave wire however can have a low impedance at each end, so grounding the far end of a half wave wire will make the near end
[Elecraft] In Shack Radials and Ground
Hi folks, Someone asked here about RF in the Shack. There were several post on the subject. At the risk of creating controversy and subsequent flames I have two comments. Several replies that mentioned about making radials in the shack. To me that only bandaids the problem. Something is amiss if an antenna system is creating RF in the shack. Tuning out the RF with radials can cut down RF in the shack but doesn't correct the real problem. Correcting the real problem could increase ERP. There was mention about ground rods not being a good RF ground. For the most part I agree with that. However, the wiring to the ground rod is in fact a radial that is some part of a wavelength long. As we know quarter wavelength radials can tune out RF. By the same token other fraction of wavelength ground runs (radials) can create RF in the shack when used in conjunction with a poorly designed antenna system. Stay away from ground runs that are halfwave wavelength (or near) or multiples thereof of frequencies your antenna system is designed for. 'nough said.. Jim, AB0UK K2/100 S/N 4787 ___ 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] In Shack Radials and Ground
Don, I'm not sure we disagree. I seems like we are both are agreeing to stay away from quarter wavelength ground runs (wires) and use half wavelength. That is what I intended to say. Usually ground systems are not effective RF grounds. The connecting wire may be a relatively effective radiator or an element in tuning an antenna system. Jim, AB0UK k2/100 S/N 4787 From: Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: JIMMY D HARRIS [EMAIL PROTECTED],elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] In Shack Radials and Ground Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 22:27:08 -0500 Jim, Sorry to disagree - consider what happens on a quarterwave wire: It has a low impedance at one end and a high impedance at the other end. Think about what will happen if you connect the far end of a quarter wave wire to a good ground (low impedance) - the other (near) end will have a high impedance at that frequency, and will not serve as an RF ground at all (in fact quite the opposite). A halfwave wire however can have a low impedance at each end, so grounding the far end of a half wave wire will make the near end at a similarly low impedance. A grounded radial and a counterpoise wire are two different things - the counterpoise wire creates a low impedance (about 35 ohms) by nature of having the far end ungrounded, whereas a grounded (or buried) radial forms a screen or reflector - yes, the counterpoise will radiate because it becomes a part of the antenna system. The counterpoise controls the radiation instead of having it wander willy-nilly around the shack and other places where it should not be present. I do understand that this is not intuitive - we have to think in terms of antenna theory when dealing with RF grounds - what works fine at DC and low frequency AC does not necessarily work at RF. Ground rods can be a good RF ground, but the wire connecting the ground rod to the shack may not behave as expected - a 16 foot connection to the ground rod will present a high impedance to 14 MHz RF at the shack end - but should be a good RF ground for 10 meters since it is a halfwavelength away from the low impedance ground rod. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- There was mention about ground rods not being a good RF ground. For the most part I agree with that. However, the wiring to the ground rod is in fact a radial that is some part of a wavelength long. As we know quarter wavelength radials can tune out RF. By the same token other fraction of wavelength ground runs (radials) can create RF in the shack when used in conjunction with a poorly designed antenna system. Stay away from ground runs that are halfwave wavelength (or near) or multiples thereof of frequencies your antenna system is designed for. 'nough said.. Jim, AB0UK K2/100 S/N 4787 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.17.4/644 - Release Date: 1/22/2007 7:30 AM ___ 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] Dayton Hamvention
Hi, According to the Hamvention website they may no be using the Salem Mall parking this year. They have said they will still have shuttle bus service where ever the parking is located. If you have been to the Hamvention in the last few years you may remember the Salem Mall and it's back parking lot that the Hamvention used has been in a sad state of repair. Maybe it has been put out to pasture so to speak. Recommend checking their website a month or two before to determine available parking. BTW, Hamvention tickets this year are unchanged at $20 in advance and $25 at the door for all three days. Jim, AB0UK K2/100 S/N 4787 ..As for Hamvention itself, I've always parked behind Salem Mall and taken the shuttle. Best deal on price. Finally, don't forget the Elecraft booth. (That's your don't miss)... ___ 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] Mic Gain, K2/100
Bill wrote, on SSB, the voice peaks of the K2 are 25-30% lower than those of the FT-890. I am using dynamic mikes on both radios... on the K2 it's a Yaesu MH-31 Mic. I also used this mic on both radios and noted voice power peaks almost twice that of the K2 (70 w vs 40w). My K2 is set for SSBA of 3, and SSBC of 3-1. My KSB2 firmware is 1.07 I have seen a few references to mods on the KSB2, including swapping resistors to increase mic gain. I have also seen references that they should not be done on K2/100 units. Are there any internal mic gain mods that can be used on the KSB2 in a K2/100? Is there anything else I can do short of the external mic amp? Bill W1PA (K2 FT #61) Bill and the group, Earlier this year I researched the above and found some interesting information. Per the response to my query to Support the mic audio input should be minus 27 db nominal plus or minus about 6-7 db. They actually gave me a milivolt level that translates to the above numbers. The gold standard in commercial broadcasting is minus 40 db for microphone input. Most dynamic and electret microphones available to amateur radio operators have an output of minus 40 to minus 60 db. So the average microphone will produce about two to five S units less output from a K2 than it is capable of producing. Many people report to get maximum usable audio they run both full mic gain and full or nearly full compression. I've compared output levels from my K2/100 with my IC-746pro and found that both full mic gain and nearly full compression is needed with the K2/100 to get equal output. I was using an electret microphone with the K2/100 that had an advertised output of minus 38 db and a Heil Goldline (HC-5 - wide element) with the IC-746pro. Many receive good audio reports with a variety of microphones but if you set up some simple bench tests you will find that many microphones without proper preamplification will not drive the K2/100 to it's capacity. At one time Heil made at least two microphones for the K2 with a high output amplifier in their elements to provide the correct level for the K2. At this time I think there is only a headset available with the high output. When I purchased my K2/100 I also purchased an MD2 (Heil) microphone that had the correct output. Somehow the element got damaged and needed replacement. I could not get a replacement (long story) so I substituted a commercially available element and run full gain and almost full compression. I've tryed a homebrew preamp and found it troublesome (noise, not variable). My newest thought is to find an equalizer with a built in preamp. This is one thing that Elecraft should address in their upcoming K3 or K2A. -;) Jim, AB0UK K2/100 SN 4787 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2 AGC Problem
Sjoerd, When measuring millivolts some voltmeters are not very accurate. I've seen them err as much as 40-50 percent. Compare two or three meters and see the results. Also, some crystals don't put out a pure sine wave making RMS measurements less acccurate. Look at it on an o'scope if one is available and calculate the RMS from the waveform on the screen. When working with millivolts there are a lot of factors that can affect accuracy that are less of a problem when measuring higher voltages. Just some observations. Hope you get it working soon to your satisfaction. Jim, AB0UK K2/100 S/N 4787 - Crystal filter output seems quite low, it reads 0,17 Vrms, instead of the given 0,35V .. tried this with different BFO settings, no significant difference. The input of the filter is about 2,15 Vrms with a jumper over the NB connector (5 dB more than normal) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2/KPA100 Trivia
While removing a defective speaker from a KPA100 and replacing it with a speaker from the QRP top of a basic K2 I discovered that they are wired different. On the KPA100 the silver wire goes to the positive speaker terminal and on the basic K2 the copper wire goes to the positive terminal. The difference in color on each goes all the way back to the P5 SPKR connector on the K2. Ive verified that both are wired per their respective manuals. Both terminals on the speaker are isolated from ground. Their speaker jacks are also reversed by color so there is no problem of the positive being connected to ground there if wired per instructions. It doesn't seem to be a problem unless you are carrying the wire colors from one to the other as I was about do (until I realized the difference) and then to ground the negative side of the speaker. Just a bit of trivia that I stumbled into today and thought it worth mentioning. So much for carrying the same wiring convention between different equipment. Jim, AB0UK K2/100 S/N 4787 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] KPA100 Fan
Hi, Yesterday I participated with my K2/100 in the Pike Special Event station here in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was in observance of Zebulon Pike's bicentennial discovery of Pikes Peak. We were in a terrible location in a downtown valley with antenna restrictions imposed by the city Parks and Recreation department as the trees are older than the bicentennial. Propagation on 20 meters was very bad from our perspective. Now to my point. We were outside in 90 degree plus temps for over four hours. We were running PSK31 and SSB. PSK was kept below 25 watts. The fan on the KPA100 did not come on the entire time. I had it set for LoHi in the KPA100 menu. So it should have at least been on low speed all the time. The heat sink got very hotalmost too hot to touch. A couple time I though I smelled hot electronics. The PA HOT message never appeared. To add complications when I got home it worked as advertised in my cool basement. I did find the temperature calibration was set at 11 degrees centigrade (51 degrees f). Must have set it during the winter when the basement gets chilly. I reset it to 23 degrees centigrade. (71 f). Does anyone know of any mystery problems or other legacy fan problems with the KPA100? In a couple weeks I plan to disassemble it and have a look after I finish another K2 for an acquantance. The schematic nor circuit description does not address the fan itself as I can find. There is a T sense circuit but how the fan ties in is not shown as I can find. Your comments and thoughts will be very welcomed. Jim, AB0UK K2/100 S/N 4787 ___ 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] No SSB Audio Transmit Solved
Hi to the group and Gary at Elecraft, A week or so ago I queried this group about a problem with no SSB audio when transmitting. Several people offered helpful information. I've also corresponded with Gary three or four times. The problem has been solved. Note I said solved not completely corrected. More about that in a moment. My thanks to everyone who helped and especially to Gary for his patience and useful guidance. As it were, there were two audio problems making this one a particular difficult nut to crack. Initially the U3 stage was dead. Putting audio on U3-4 from any number of sources produced no audio out of the stage and some of the DC voltages on the IC were grossly beyond tolerance. After extensive troubleshooting and replacing U2,3 4 on the KSB2 with no progress I replaced C31 and C14. Once removed the capacitance of C31 checked okay at 2.2 uf.eliminating shorts and opens. However, upon removal of C14 the negative lead had about a quarter inch play inside the cap. So apparently it was open. But, still no audio out with the microphone. However, when injecting audio from my computer at microphone level into U3-4 I now had transmitted audio. That was a nice sound for a change. Thru a coupling capacitor I injected audio thru pin one of the microphone connector and audio was again transmitted. So the Elecraft/Heil MD2 microphone is apparently defective. The coupling capacitor was used because of the bias voltage on the AF line to power the preamp in the MD2. (In broadcasting we called that phantom power..didn't like it then and have more reason to not like it now.) So at this point I am looking for suggestions for a suitable microphone that has the correct output level and does not need the bias (phantom) voltage. If you have suggestions I would sure appreciate it. I'd like to get this going in time for Field Day. I'm thinking about gutting the MD2 and putting the parts of an old Radio Shack microphone in it. I'll have to make sure the RS microphone element will work with the K2. It doesn't need phantom power so I'll take out the resistor. Again, my thanks to everyone who patiently offered their help and especially Gary. Have a good day. Jim, AB0UK K2/100 s/n 4787 ___ 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] No Transmit SSB Audio
I sent the below a couple days ago and just found it bounced. No reason was give. I've reverified the email address and am trying again. Hi, I have no transmit SSB audio on my K2. CW works fine. From voltage readings on the KSB2 looks like the problem is in the area of U2 - MAX522, Q1 - PNA, U1 - 16F872 and U3 - SSM2165. I replaced Q1 with a 2NA, almost the same specs, and it did not help. Over the last 2-3 months I've had to turn mic gain and compression to full to get any transmit audio out. Now there is none. I'm using the Elecraft/Heil MD2 microphone. The out of nominal (+ - 10-15%) voltages are as follows. I'm using a Fluke 8600A multimeter. Only transmit voltages are listed below. U1-10 sb 3.1 is 2.6 (~15%) U1-16 sb 5.4 is 3.1 (~30%) U1-17 sb 5.6 is 4.2 (~40%) U1-28 sb 2.4 is 5.4 (~220%) U2-1 sb 5.6 is 4.2 (~25%) U2-5 sb 0.6 is 1.6 (~280%) U2-8 sb 5.4 is 3.1 (~90%) U-3 sb 0.8-1.2 is 0.0 (~?%) The discrepancy on U3 appears to be a function of the setting of the audio compressor. But, could be otherwise. The radio is about 15 months old and I'm the original owner. I've been solder certified by the Air Force and NASA and inspected medical subassemblies for several years so there is a possibility I know my way around soldering. Just the same I've reflowed all joints and reverified all components on the KSB2. I've also rechecked all menu setting and all are fine. I'm using a gel cell battery rated at 8AH for power. It is reading 12.6 volts by the K2 meter obtained by tapping display. The battery will deliver several amps with only 0.2 VDC drop in voltage. Any thoughts helps or other ideas would be appreciated. Thanks, Jim, AB0UK ___ 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
