[Elecraft] Logging computer?
A recent hard drive failure in the family's main computer has me evaluating all the computing needs at our house. One small part of the equation is the computer I use for login. I would like to know what others think makes a companion computer for a K2. Currently I am using a PII 233 desktop with 196 MB of ram with my K2. It runs Windows 2000. I use N3FPJ logging software for general logging and N1MM for contest. Most of the time I have CW Get running. This computer is very reliable, but is just barely fast enough. Scrolling through the log book is slow. This setup also takes up a lot of space, and is a pain to haul out to Field Day. A laptop computer seems like the ideal companion for the K2. If cost was not important I would go for one of the super rugged military grade models, but unfortunately I will find it difficult to justify the cost of an older used model. On e-bay I have seen laptops considerably faster than my old desktop selling in the $150 to $200 range. The lowest priced laptops in the stores are going for $550, but look very fragile. I would like to have a computer dedicated to the radio. Sometimes I will use that computer for web access if someone else is using the family computer. If I had a laptop I might take it on vacation to download pictures from the digital camera. This would make a USB 2 port desirable. What model computer would work well for this kind of use? Is purchasing a used laptop computer a smart thing to do? Where is the best place to look for a good deal? Jeff Burns AD9T ___ 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] Manual for Kenwood HC-10 Clock?
I am setting up a ham shack at a local Boy Scout camp. They have a Kenwood HC-10 clock. It is a really neat clock, but it takes me about 5 minutes to figure out how to set it. If I do not post instructions in the shack I doubt if it will ever display the correct time. Can someone send me a copy of the manual for this clock? Jeff Burns AD9T ___ 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] HP Calcs - was RPN - was FORTH
Look in the archive. I posted K2 control programs for the HP48 about two years ago. Jeff Burns AD9T -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Daniel Reynolds Sent: Monday, April 18, 2005 11:03 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] HP Calcs - was RPN - was FORTH I know that this is very off topic - but since we all seem to have case of geek-itis (one of it's symptoms is reminiscing of old sliderules, calculators, computers, radios)... The original HP-48's (I had a 48SX in college 92-94 before I broke the large display - I was young and 'stupid') have a serial connection. I actually had a simple terminal program running and cluged a serial connection (before I actually bought the official DB9 serial cable) and ran a TNC off of it. To help keep this posting on topic - it is technically feasible to write a program for the 48 series that would allow you to interface with the K2 if you had the time, but with the palm pilots larger display - I would think that the user interface on a Palm would be 10x better (except that graffiti is a poor replacement for a keypad/keyboard). HP left the scientific/graphing calculator scene for a few years and returned with a new model (HP-49/49G+/49GII) that is actually emulating the original 48 processors. Some (all?) of the 49's even have the capability of expanding memory with one of those 512 MB memory cards (which blows the socks off of the original 32KB my 48SX had built in). Here's a few links link to all things relating to HP scientific graphinc calculators: http://www.hpcalc.org http://www.hpmuseum.org/ The major complaints with the newer 49 is that the keys no longer have that solid tactile feel (i.e. it feels cheap). I think they've also pulled the IR port since there was concern about students utilizing that port to cheat during exams. You can still sync up calculators through a wired port. When I recently returned to the college scene - I longed for my old 48 - but ended up buying a TI-89 for my Statistics class (the instructor as well as 99% of the students in the class were 'stuck with' TI's). It did the job well, but it just didn't feel the same - and everytime I pick the thing up now, I still scratch my head trying to figure out how to do some of the simple things I could do very quickly with the 48. (It's sort of like MS Word 2000 - it does too much for you - it kept my decimal inch calculations in fractions for me... but made it difficult to get the whole number with remainder ... a mixed fraction - and since I didn't have time to dig out the manual - I had to do it by hand). Anyhow - in my opinion - HP really has lost its lead in the calculator world in the last 10 years as is evident in the price of their used calculators which are worth their weight in gold. ... after further browsing ... check out this calculator they're developing independent of HP!!! http://www.hpcalc.org/qonos.php If this thing takes off - you'll have linux in the hand - plus a an HP/TI emulator. Read a little further and you'll see that it has an AUDIO I/O port and a SERIAL port... who will be the first to make this thing sing and dance with their K2 and do PSK-31 at the same time?! My 2 cents, Daniel AA0NI --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > I'm holding on to my HP15C which I bought in college in 1987, still have the > receipt. My boss here was looking for a good RPN calculator and figured he > might find that one on eBay cheap. WRONG! Turns out that very good examples > of it, complete with manual and case are about $300 to $400. Even one with a > broken LCD display was still over $100, more than I paid for it new. Not > sure when (or why) HP discontinued it. They still make the financial version > (HP12C) which is the same form factor, just different button assignments. > > I also have an HP48G+ which is still RPN. Not sure if it is still made or > not. I got the '48 about 5 years ago. Some of the '48s have expandable > memory slots, however, mine has 128k fixed RAM. I've seen where people have > programmed it to use its IR port as a remote control! > > Hmm, wonder if the HP48 can be used to control the K2? > > Mark, NK8Q > > > >From: Chris <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Date: Mon Apr 18 07:54:35 CDT 2005 > >To: Jessie Oberreuter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Cc: Elecraft , Kevin Rock > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FORTH > > >Are there any decent modern RPN calcs? I had a much loved HP32SII but I > >lost it when I moved house and have not been able to find a decent > >replacement. I have soft RPN calc on my palm, but I like proper buttons > >to push. > > > >Chris - VP8BKF > > > >> > >> > >> and it will pring 27!
RE: [Elecraft] RE: Ear Buds
I got a pair of these for Christmas. http://store.yahoo.com/earplugstore/chmisearph.html Very good fit! Jeff Burns AD9T -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Steven Pituch Sent: Friday, April 08, 2005 7:57 AM To: 'Elecraft Reflector' Subject: [Elecraft] RE: Ear Buds Hi Craig, The problem with ear buds is that they do not fit my ears. I have tried many of them. They hurt terribly. Also I have to press them forcibly against my head to get the best around. That's why I will try the Koss type that have the narrow sound pipe and the compressible foam around them. I guess they are truly in-the-ear types. I also heard that they sound much better too. Steve, W2MY -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.4 - Release Date: 4/6/2005 ___ 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 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] Tin Whiskers
I have never purchased extended warrantees on electronics, but I may start. Lead is being outlawed in electronics in Europe, and most of the rest of the world is going the same way. I work in automotive electronics, and have been aware this was coming for years, but our customers are now starting to demand lead-free products. There is lots of work going on to figure out how to make reliable products without lead, but I expect there will be lots of problems. Jeff Burns AD9T -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mike Walkington Sent: Saturday, April 02, 2005 4:47 AM To: Elecraft-Reflector Subject: [Elecraft] Tin Whiskers Check this out, and hope that you used some solder with Pb in it! http://nepp.nasa.gov/whisker/photos/ Mike VK1KCK K2#2599 ___ 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 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] Help Identify a Balun
I typed the Model # incorrectly. It is UB-1. Wayne Burdick pointed me to a reference to a coaxial "Ultrabal". The one I have is not a coaxial balun. It is a tube 6.75 inches long and 1.25 inch in diameter. It has an SO-239 on one end, and screw terminals on the other end. If no one can identify this I can take it into work and x-ray it. Jeff Burns AD9T -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jeff Burns Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2005 23:34 PM To: 'Elecraft List' Subject: [Elecraft] Help Identify a Balun I was given two baluns, but I have no information about them. They are marked Ultra-Bal 2000 Model UV-1. Can anyone tell me what kind of baluns these are? I plan to order the parts for a new horizontal loop antenna on Monday. I need a balun to transition from open line to coaxial cable. If the balun I have will work I can scratch a new one off my shopping list. Thanks for the help. Jeff Burns AD9T ___ 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 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] Help Identify a Balun
I was given two baluns, but I have no information about them. They are marked Ultra-Bal 2000 Model UV-1. Can anyone tell me what kind of baluns these are? I plan to order the parts for a new horizontal loop antenna on Monday. I need a balun to transition from open line to coaxial cable. If the balun I have will work I can scratch a new one off my shopping list. Thanks for the help. Jeff Burns AD9T ___ 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] Military DC Generator
I have been looking at all the options for both home backup power and power for portable operations like Field Day. I ran across a Military DC MEP-025A 28V Gasoline Powered generator. Its voltage is adjustable from 10 to 32V. Toronto Surplus is selling these new in the original box for $579. With the addition of a good inverter this might be a good deal on a high quality generator. Does anyone know anything about these military DC generators? Most likely I will be getting a commercial generator, but this option is intriguing. Jeff Burns AD9T ___ 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] Automated BPL Interference Data Collection.
I read recently that a BPL trial is starting in my state. The trial is not near my QTH, but it made me think I should document my current noise environment before BPL moves into my community. What is a practical way to get the documentation? I have a few ideas that require programming a computer. I will present them hear in the hope that someone will develop the software. My first thought was to scan through all the HF bands with a camcorder set to look at my transceiver. This way the audio and frequency would be documented. By periodically tuning to WWV, the exact time and date would also be documented. The biggest problem with this is the time required to manually scan the radio. If the process could be automated, data could be collected during all hours of the day, and my time at the radio can be spent making QSO's. Since my transceiver (Elecrftat K2) is computer controllable, the computer could be used to slowly scan through the bands. The video would still be used for the documentation. This level of automation would be easy to implement. Since I already have audio routed from the transceiver to the computer sound card, why not let the computer record the data? This would be very helpful to me since I do not have a camcorder of my own. Documenting audio is easy. The only problem is selecting a compression algorithm that gets the audio to a manageable size without losing needed information. Documenting the frequency is a bigger problem. A file format that records both the audio and frequency is needed. It would also be nice if the program followed a strict schedule for the scans. I can envision posts to newsgroups like "I captured a digital pulse at 0335 on 3.146 MHz. Did anyone else catch this?" A program that can both tune the radio and record the data would make unattended data collection easy. With an easy way to take the data many hams from across the country would likely make the measurements. I do not think I have the programming skills to get a program like this implemented in a timely manner. Perhaps someone else can take up the project. It also maybe possible put together a system to do this with existing software. I would like to hear ideas on how to do this. Jeff Burns AD9T ___ 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] Low Frequency Modulation of Side Tone.
Problem found. I added a fixed audio out port to the K2. Disconnecting the wire to the sound card stopped the modulation. An audio transformer in line also eliminated the problem. Jeff Burns AD9T -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, January 22, 2005 12:16 PM To: Elecraft List Subject: [Elecraft] Low Frequency Modulation of Side Tone. I just noticed that on 80 and 17m the side tone in my K2 has a low frequency modulation superimposed over the normal frequency. When I discovered this I was trying to call a Panama station on 80m. I cranked the power up to 100w and started my call. The rig sounded like it was going nuts. It even locked into a repeating string of dits or das. I do not remember which. I turned the rig off to get it to stop. I suspect the repeating transmission is unrelated to the side tone problem because I found that my computer keying cable was part way out of the jack. It must have been bad timing that it came out just as I was calling. The amplitude of the modulation on the side tone increases with power output, and is only noticeable at ~60 to 100 w. On 80m if I key down for several seconds the modulation decreases. It sounds like a capacitor charging. On 17m, the sound is much louder and does not decrease with time. The output signal sounds fine in another receiver. I tested using a dummy load. I also turned off my power supply and computer monitor, and used a battery to power the K2. Neither helped. I built the KPA100 this last spring, and have not noticed this before. However, I have been running mostly QRP so I do not know when this problem showed up. KPA100 is located in an EC2 with the KAT2. The connecting cable is 32 inches long. What should I look for to fix this? Jeff Burns AD9T ___ 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 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] Comparing HexKey CW Paddle
Has anyone been able to compare the new HexKey to keys made by Begali or Schurr? I have a Schurr Portable Wabbler and have had my eyes on the Graciella Vertical Key. Just wondering how thy compare. Jeff Burns AD9T ___ 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
