[Elecraft] K3/0-MINI and N1MM/Remote Rig Polling Problems
At the W4AAW remote operation, several K3/0 or Mini users are constantly getting "Radio Reset" messages from their local N1MM+ instance, which indicates that the N1MM polling of the K3/Mini (to obtain freq/mode data) has not received a response for 15 seconds or more. I noticed in the K3 firmware release notes (below) that a "noise fix" for the Mini suspends RemoteRig polling during PTT. Any details on that? If VOX is in use for CW, is the PTT condition mean key down or during the entire time VOX is active? Ie, would QSK mode result in less polling disruption than VOX on CW? What I'm looking for is some way to reduce any disruption across the RRC link that would impact N1MM polling. 73 John K3TN *MCU 4.93 / DSP 2.83, 10-16-2014* * PSK63 MODE ADDED: To select PSK31 or PSK63, first tap either end of the MODE switch to select DATA, then hold the DATA MD switch and use VFO A to select the PSK data rate. * KAT500 POWER-ON REMINDER ON K3 DISPLAY: If a powered-off KAT500 is pulling the auxBus signal low when the K3 is first turned on, "TURN ON KAT500" is displayed. Previously this condition would lock up the K3 without explanation. ** K3/0-MINI TX NOISE REDUCTION: Polling by Remote-Rig units is suspended during PTT use to reduce a "ticking" noise heard in some cases.* * Changes to synthesizer, KXV3, and KPA3 device drivers (no effect on normal operation). -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-0-MINI-and-N1MM-Remote-Rig-Polling-Problems-tp7622302.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Contest Settings
Hi, Tim - From an AGC perspective, I use the same approach K6LL does, seems to work well for all cases except when I am running, get spotted and get hit with a dozen stations all calling zero beat on the exact same frequency. That is the scenario where I occasionally back off the RF gain or adjust the Shift control off of my 600 hz pitch frequency a bit. As a fairly rare DX station in a contest, you will probably hit that condition more often. On pre-amp/attenuator, for conditions here on the East Coast, I have the pre-amp on for 10 and 15m, usually off for 20, always off for 40 and 80. During a 160M contest, I will turn on the attenuator on 160M but for most multi-band contests I find it is usually not necessary there. But, conditions where you are will likely be very different. I leave all NB/NR off for contests, with lots of loud signals on bands they seem to add more noise than they remove. Since the notch filter is manual for CW, I never use it and certainly never in contests. On the PVRC mailing list we had an interesting discussion about filter bandwidth and CW pitch - generally pitch or center frequency between 400 and 600 hz was preferred, much feeling that lower meant that when adjusting RIT you would be causing a larger % frequency change in the signals and thus differentiating more. I usually run my 500 hz filter, rarely going lower unless there is some multiple snuggled between two loud running stations! Of course, there is always the Fred K3ZO data point, though he isn't a K3 user: he believes in leaving his filters wide open for CW contests and does the filtering between his ears... That only works if you have a similar CPU between your ears! 73 John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Contest-Settings-tp7615350p7615379.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is K3/0 Audio pass through or processed in K3/0?
If you are using the K3/0, not the K3/Mini, then I'm not sure if the cable is the same. However, I will look at the cable that came with my K3/Mini from Elecraft to see if it is similarly constructed. Thanks and 73 John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Is-K3-0-Audio-pass-through-or-processed-in-K3-0-tp7613427p7613540.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is K3/0 Audio pass through or processed in K3/0?
John - I bought a K3/Mini last year and tried connected mic/headset to the front panel 8 pin circular connector and the front panel headphone jack. I had hum on xmit audio and very low receive audio. I sent it back to Elecraft, they sent it back to me saying it was working - to eliminate digital noise getting on the audio, later K3/Minis have a big honking low pass filter in the audio chain between the rear panel connector and the front panel connectors - that introduces a lot of loss. Their recommended solution was to turn up the audio level in the RRC, but I'm never in favor of amplifying then attenuating. This also would not solve the TX hum/distortion, which the Elecraft tech didn't hear. So, I just connected mic/headset directly to the RRC. Makes the cabling ugly but the audio is FB now. If you have an older Mini (I don't know the serial number cutoff) you might have the noisy audio board. If you have a later Mini, you have the attenuating/hummy audio board. Either way, I think cabling to the RRC directly is a work around. I quickly regretted buying the Mini, should have went with a bare bones K3/10 - I don't really need the KX3 like form factor, have never actually taken it on the road. 73 John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Is-K3-0-Audio-pass-through-or-processed-in-K3-0-tp7613427p7613455.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] New K3S can't/won't talk to the K3 Utility
New K3S arrived, seems to work fine as a radio. Came set for CONFIG:USB, connect Elecraft USB cable to Win 7 laptop, all drivers seemed to down load OK. But when I start up K3 Utility, I get a COM Port 5 connection but will only say "K3 waiting for firmware load: RS232 speed 38400 bit/s" This is version 1.13.5.9 of the K3 Utility, thought maybe needed later version - but Elecraft.com seems to be down. Is that why "waiting for firmware load..." is happening? Or do I need to do something else that I'm missing to get the Utility to connect, save config, etc? 73 John K3TN __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3/0-Mini - Experiences?
Hi, Jim - I'm a big fan of your guidance on bonding/shielding. There aren't a lot of variables to play with between the K3 Mini and the Remote Rig - I did all the usual things that have solved hum in the past, but didn't see any improvement. I'm going to run the Mini off of a battery, see if that solves the TX hum - but I mostly do CW, so haven't gotten back to it. The RX audio problem is pure attenuation, I can crank up the gain on the RRC to overcome that attenuation in the Mini audio path but then I'm likely to be introducing distortion in the RRC. 73 John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-0-Mini-Experiences-tp7603508p7603663.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3/0-Mini - Experiences?
I've been using the Remote Rig interfaces with my K3 for several years and the K3/Mini for the past 6 months or so. I'm a big fan of the Remote Rig devices, not a fan of the K3/Mini. I started out doing remote operating with the K4VV group using an all software approach and the Remote Rig devices are an enormous improvement - reduction in latency, better audio quality, the ability to essentially just have a very long mic/key/headset cords vs. doing remote PC control. You still need a decent Internet connection. The Remote Rig interfaces will **not** correct for packet loss or high jitter (variable latency) Internet connections. If your round trip delay is much over 150ms, or varies widely from ping to ping, or if you lose packets, CW in particular will not be usable. The Remote Rigs also have a gazillion parameters and the manuals don't quite get you there - almost everyone has to resort to the "million monkeys randomly hitting keys" approach to get everything going. The forums on the Remote Rig site are very helpful and W1UE in particular has posted a lot of good K3 guidance. The K3/Mini has been a big disappointment, especially at the price - I should have just gotten a bare bones K3. The major problem has been the audio on both TX and RX when connecting the headset to the Mini (vs. connecting to the RemoteRig). On TX, I get loud hum and on RX, the audio is 20db down compared to the audio coming out of the RemoteRig. I sent the Mini back, Elecraft sent it back saying it worked fine. (They didn't even contact me, which I objected to and they are fixing that problem in their process.) On RX, apparently that audio loss is due to a filter that was put in to deal with digital noise getting in the audio, but running the AF gain at 90% on the Mini is not acceptable to me - distortion up and no head room for low signals or turning off AGC, etc. So, I have to connect the headset to the RemoteRig, then audio is fine - but the cabling is less convenient and messy. Part of the reason I justified spending the $700 was to be able to essentially use the Mini just like I would a "real" K3, but I can't do that. I may bring along the Mini and Remote Rig set up on travel some day if I keep the Mini - that portability is about the only reason to keep it. Others have had the same audio issues, others just naturally connect their headset to the RemoteRig, others have had no problems with the Mini - your mileage may vary. 73 John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-0-Mini-Experiences-tp7603508p7603553.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] A way to show both "SPLIT" and "NON-SPLIT" warnings
I may have missed the beginning of this thread, but agree with VE3KI that there is no "mind reading" solution. The current approach could be improved to reduce some errors but there is a lot of skimmer spotting that does NOT indicate "UP" or "QSK ..." and lots of people click and xmit. But reducing the number of times I (all of us) mistakenly xmit on the DX station's TX frequency would be a good thing. I'm a big fan of the "traditional" method where the larger/main VFO display always shows the TX frequency. In split operation, when not transmitting there is some visual indication your are in split mode (the K3 already does that in 2 ways) and when you transmit, the larger/main VFO display switches to show your xmit frequency and the smaller/secondary display shows the RX freq. The benefit of this tried and true approach is that you can be in split but have both VFOs on the same freq. If you xmit and the main VFO doesn't change, good indication that you may be in split mode but not really actually, truly SPLIT! That VFO swapping SPLIT display is one of only two things I find I like better when using my old TS-850 as I am now since my K3 is out at a remote site. But, boy do I miss that sub-RX! 73 John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/A-way-to-show-both-SPLIT-and-NON-SPLIT-warnings-tp7598915p7598992.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] How reliable an internet connection is needed for A K3 remote to work well?
Barry - I've been playing around with a RemoteRig at K4VV, where Mike W0YR had set up remote operating using VNC and Mumble/Skype for audio. The performance of the Internet connection there (which is wireless) is pretty bad - audio dropouts making CW essentially impossible for any real contest. On the pingtesting, the latency sometimes is in the 45 ms range, sometimes in the 150 ms and occasionally even longer. It usually looks fine if you do a single pingtest, but do a ping test of 100 pings and you start to see the problem. So, I tried RemoteRig and with highly variable latency (high jitter) of the connection, the RemoteRig audio is no better than what we were getting on Mumble. The rig control works much nicer than the VNC approach, but the Internet connection just won't support usable remote audio for CW in a contest. For RTTY and SSB, good enough - but not for CW. The parameters you can change in RemoteRig include a lot of buffers and packet size changes. You can change them independently for the TX audio and the RX audio. I ran a test on the air with Shin JA1NUT, since he is a CW "purist" - he said my CW was odd, as he called it "every now and then you have a 'brainstorm'" - the variable latency would cause some CW sending buffering apparently. I could improve that on the TX side, but could never get the RX audio usable over that connection. So, now Rick AI1V is working with the wireless ISP to see if we can improve the Internet performance. As the folks from Microbit put it "RemoteRig can't replace lost packets." By the way, there is a beta version of the K1EL WinKey Remote software that gives you sidetone at the local WinKey - we've been using that to get around having to always do keyboard CW with the remote N1MM via VNC. 73 John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/How-reliable-an-internet-connection-is-needed-for-A-K3-remote-to-work-well-tp7591154p7591235.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Ergonomics
I picture myself walking into a ham radio shop (remember the days when we used to do that weekly?) and I go to the HF transceiver section and I see: On the far left the are the tiny SDR boxes that you can only operate via a computer and the front panel choices are all software and essentially everyone can have their own front panel. On the far left are the enormous TS-990 type transceivers where the front panel includes every function you might ever need and several graphic displays to show anything you might ever want to look at. In between is a wide range of transceiver choices across the spectrum, from tiny QRP radios with limited front panel functionality to medium sized desktop transceivers with lots of (but not all) buttons on the front panel and some menu functionality, etc. As someone who likes to do Field Day and the occasional state QSO party from a mobile environment, and does lots of DXing and contesting from the home shack, and almost invariably uses computer logging as part of every operation, I walked to the center left of that "store" and first checked out the receivers and *then* played with the front panels - and the K3 won the bakeoff. I think that is what the Elecraft brand means - top notch receivers with clean transmitters in small packages that are designed to be used with computers an occasionally (or frequently) outside of the shack. That's where I'd like to see the Elecraft resources stay focused. There really is no shortage of good choices on the left and right of that HF section, but only a few quality choices in that "center left"... 73 John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Ergonomics-tp7586478p7586527.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K3, KPA500 - PIN Diode Failure in KPA When K3 Subrx Turned on During Xmit?
Here's the set up: K3 to KPA500 to KAT500, all Aux bus connections. Began to have high attenuation on receive when the KPA500 was turned from STBY to OPER. Determined by Elecraft to be a blown PIN diode, which makes sense. But why did the PIN diode blow? Could be that it just failed, could be I mistakenly QSYed and transmitted with KPA at high power before KAT was tuned for new band. But I also remember this scenario happening a few times before I noticed the RX attentuation: Running N1MM software in a CW contest. I was transmitting some N1MM message and while transmitting went to hit the ESC key to do something and instead hit the ` key, which in N1MM turns on the sub-RX in the K3. In the heat of a contest exchange, hard to remember exactly what happened but I think that did cause a hard fault with the KPA. Not long after that the PIN diode was blown. Craig, the guy who repaired my KPA, said he didn't see how an inbound SUBRX ON command to the K3 while transmitting cause lead to a condition where the K3 is transmitting into the KPA while the KPA is in RX mode, but I'd figured I'd cast a wider net to see if it triggers any possible thoughts. I'm also cross-posting to the N1MM reflector. John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-KPA500-PIN-Diode-Failure-in-KPA-When-K3-Subrx-Turned-on-During-Xmit-tp7570227.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KPA500 - Rx Attenuation
I thought 40M signals sounded kinda low, and the noise floor on the P3 was down - but then noticed when I turned the KP!500 from OPER to STBY, signals came about 15db. No fault indicated. TX power seems fine. Any thoughts? John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA500-Rx-Attenuation-tp7569776.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KAT500: The Wisdom of the Tuner
I'm enjoying the discussion about could the KAT500 be smarter and know when the K3 has changed frequencies. Over the weekend, I had an example of the KAt500 being much smarter than its operator: This past weekend we had very high winds and some rain - perfect excuse to play radio. I went down to the shack, made a few QSOs on CW. Then QSYed to 12m phone and the KAT500 needed to Tune. I had gone through all bands on CW and SSB and done a manual tune, so I was suprised. QSYed to 15 a bit later and found the same thing - the KAT500 had to retune for high SWR. Tried 10m, same thing. 30M seemed OK. But it seemed like the KAT500 had forgotten all the pre-tuned settings other than on 30M. Grumbled, went through and manually pretuned all, could QSY and all worked. Didn't work anyone else, shut down the gear. Later that day went in the back yard to pick up limbs that the wind had knocked down and saw that one side of my OCF dipole had come down! That is why the KAT500 had retuned. I repaired the antenna, went through and retuned again... So, I would like to see the KAT500 get smarter about the K3 freq, but from know on when it unexpectedly needs to retune I will not question it and will head out to the backyard to repair the antenna... 73 John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-The-Wisdom-of-the-Tuner-tp7567710.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] SO2V?
Hi, Jim - I do SO2V with my K3 and subRX, with N1MM and RBN spots quite often. My station is not competitive - single wire, KPA500. So, my strategies are to maximize my rate and a big part of that is avoiding calling when louder stations will likely beat me. The rates are pretty amazing - it is more like running but instead of hitting F1 you are clicking on spots. Here are some ideas: 1. I use VE7CC's AR software to create filters for RBN spots that limit what I see to nearby skimmers. In my case that means only those in MD, PA, VA and WV. That keeps my bandmap full without overloading things with spots I won't likely hear. 2. I created a macro to swap VFOA and VFOB, but you can also use ALT F10. 3. Learn how to use the `, \ and PAUSE keys - look here <http://n1mm.hamdocs.com/tiki-index.php?page=SO2V> . 4. Learn how to use the Available Mult/Q window - look here <http://n1mm.hamdocs.com/tiki-index.php?page=Available+Mults+and+Qs+Window> . Set that window to only show spots appropriate for the Contest Mode. Now, you are ready to go. I usually have 2 modes of operation: A. Left click on the first spot in the Available Mult/Q window. If that spot is ready to be worked, work it. If not, right click on the second spot in that window to fill VFO B - then work whichever one is ready first by using your favorite way in (2) or (3) to switch N1MM focus or swap VFOs. B. Left click on a bandmap spot. If that spot is ready to be worked, work it. If not, right click on some other spot in that window - then work whichever one is ready first. I like to either hop around the bandmap, or start from the highest freq and work down the band because most people seem to go the other way and I want to avoid getting in synch with someone else. (A) can be a killer strategy, it is amazing how often you get there before the CQ has even ended. But the big multis or the top Assisted stations are often using this strategy - so I sometimes switch to the 2nd spot in that window vs. the first. But if you are totally focused on that window you can often beat W3LPL, K3LR, AA3B, etc to the spot. That is almost worth the price of admission right there... On dead bands, or later in the day on Sunday, there is a feeding frenzy on new mults. Then I actually do a lot of old fashioned dial twisting on VFO B while listening to a spot pileup on VFO A - I can usually find a few new calls to work while either throwing my call into some poor "fresh meat" guy's unruly pileup, or just waiting for it to die down. Always stay around to hear the spotted station send his call - the RBN is pretty accurate, but not 100%. Especially on the 2nd day of a contest, there are always busted calls. The RBN will usually crash at least once in the big contests. Either have a backup cluster connection ready in the Packet/Telnet window, or use K1TTT's WinTelnetX software to mix RBN feeds with other cluster feeds. I used to do that, but the RBN reliability has gone way up - I haven't felt the need to do so recently. Hope that helps - 73, John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-SO2V-tp7567315p7567322.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KKAT500 - Oh, the Joy!
I ordered the kit version at Dayton and it arrived last week. Took me a while to pick up a static mat/wrist strap, but once I got everything all set up it took less than 2.5 hours to assemble. Only minor negatives: 1. Removing the paint shielding tape from the inside of the cabinet pieces was no fun. I learned to use a razor just to get a tab started, then pull the tab by hand - that left much less green residue to scrape off. 2. The parts list said there were 2 6.8mm black pan head screws (E700174) but the instructions on page 27 to install the 4 standoffs in figure 26 require 4. There were some extras in the Spart Parts Bag, but I think I ended up raiding my junkbox. Others have also noted confusion around a split washer. 3. The LEDs stick out from one end of the board - you have be careful not to put that board edge down on the work surface, since the board is pretty heavy. I learned the hard way and had to get out my "persuader" to get one of the LEDs back into position. 4. Holding the MODE button to shut off the KAT500 is a bit annoying, since the K3 and the KPA are tap to shut off not hold, it is a bit counterintuitive. Also, I do miss having a power meter on the tuner, as well. However, both of those compromises lead to the extremely low profile of the KAT so probably worth the tradeoff. Once it was all together, I took out the old MFJ tuner, cabled the KAT500 in (including the K3 interface cable) and went 160 - 10 doing manual tunes on each band. The loud clacking and whirring worried me the first time, but quickly I had 1:1 on all bands. I started clicking on spots in my DXlabs logging software and could immediately transmit on each new band. On 160, the KAT automatically switched to the 51'T ant on ANT2 and back to the OCF dipole on ANT1 on all other bands. Oh the joy - I think I can now change the default on the KPA to stay at high power after QSY and have no touch QSYing, very slick. 73 John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KKAT500-Oh-the-Joy-tp7567022.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KAT500: Length of E850463 AuxBus?
When the KAT500 gets here (next week) I will be using its arrival as an excuse to redo the operating layout. I can' t see the length of the auxbus cable - how far apart will I be able to put the K3 and the KAT500 with the standard Elecraft E850463 cable? 73 John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-Length-of-E850463-AuxBus-tp7566100.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500
I was a Dayton orderer of the KAT-500 kit and last night got my email from Madelyn. I plan on using the KAT-500's arrival as the driving factor to finally redo my operating position - so, I've sort of appreciated the lag in delivery, as that has postponed much work beyond assembling the tuner... 73 John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-tp7565741p7565764.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Cooling
I ordered my KAT500 and spoke with the designer there. It can go either under or over the KPA500. If put over, the temperature of the KPA will run higher so the KPA fan will run faster but still within tolerance. I currently have my KPA sitting ontop of a MFJ automatic antenna tuner, plan on placing the KAT under the KPA - rather not increase how hard the fan works and don't need the KAT higher up anyway. John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA500-Cooling-tp7563665p7563683.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 and RTTY
Same experience here: K3 driving the KPA-500 on 220v to about 500w out with 23-26w drive, depending on band. When RTTY CQing, with reasonable period between CQs (like 3-4 seconds), amp temp gets up to 57-60c and the fan does its thing. When I'm getting answers to every CQ, amp temp usually stays below 58c and lower when I'm S&Ping. If I'm fighting to keep a frequency and leave less time between CQs, amp temp will go up in high 60s but I then back off and have never gotten a HI TEMP warning. I find it to be a FB amp for medium power RTTY work. John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Balanced-solution-for-KAT500-tuner-tp7563429p7563542.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 AGC turning off.
The latest version of the K3 firmware (4.48) has eased that problem for me and HRD. The problem has been on the todo list for HRD for a long time, hopefully they will fix it before they switch to charging for HRD. 73 John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-AGC-turning-off-tp7514447p7516533.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [P3] and HRD
I'm running HRD 5.11 and the P3 with 1.13. Make sure you have the HRD comms running at 38,400 as that is what the P3 requires. There is a different HRD issue, where it cause AGC to be turned off on the K3, and having the P3 inline makes that problem worse. There is a beta release of the K3 firmware that looks like it will fix that problem, but my K3/P3/HRD combo works fine at 38,400 outside of that. John K3TN G4DJJ wrote > > I have just taken delivery of P3 kit S/N 2008, firmware version 01.13. I > am using this with K3 S/N 1465 mcu firmware version 04.39. The P3 and K3 > work fine together. However, I cannot establish any communication between > the K3 and my PC running HRD v 5 when the P3 is powered on. Other users > have reported latency issues and suggested that some earlier versions of > P3 firmware provide more reliable communication. Can I load an earlier > (non-current) version of P3 firmware using the P3 utility? > -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/P3-and-HRD-tp5457983p7429164.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Firmware 4.48 release - stable, in use?
Joe - I'll send you the data capture with screen shots this time. The K3 and TS-850 settings were identical to the Microham MK2R+/DXLabs config guide and still are. I still *never* use the 850 when DXLabs is running, as the second radio is only used during contests with N1MM, where everything works fine - not so with DXlab, even configured identically to the Microham documentation. Will send the data and appreciate the support. John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Firmware-4-48-release-stable-in-use-tp7417236p7429172.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Firmware 4.48 release - stable, in use?
I have taken it up with both on the DXLab reflector. Dave said he can't investigate SO2R box issues and I understand that. Joe referred me to the documentation for MK2R+ with DXLabs and I changed all settings to that document, problem still occurs. I sent Joe some log files but no solution. John K3TN Jim Brown-10 wrote > > On 3/30/2012 4:47 AM, John K3TN wrote: >> I actually switched to DXLabs and found the K3 interfacing much better - >> but >> it has a problem with my use of the Microham MK2R+ > > If you haven't already done so, take that up with AA6YQ and W4TV, both > of whom are on the DXLabs Yahoo reflector. Both are quite aware of K3 > issues with their products and their interactivity, and both seem to be > quite responsive. > > 73, Jim K9YC > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@.qth > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Firmware-4-48-release-stable-in-use-tp7417236p7424325.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Firmware 4.48 release - stable, in use?
I have both DXLab and the MK2R+ set up per the documentation in both. Yet, the MK2R+ busy light indicating two radios on same band comes on constantly. The second radio is never turned on, yet the problem occurs constantly. Cycling power on the MK2R+ solves the problem for a few minutes - any QSY of the K3 causes the MK2R+ busy light to come on and lock out transmission. Since every setting is per both the Microham setup instructions and the DXlab set up instructions, in my experience the MK2R+ and DXLab do not work well together. I don't have this problem with N1MM or HRD software and never had the problem with DXLab before I used the MK2R+ so all signs point to the combination of the two not working. Others have had the problem and it was solved by upping the data rate to 38.400 - that did not solve my problem. John K3TN Joe Subich, W4TV-4 wrote > >> I actually switched to DXLabs and found the K3 interfacing much >> better - but it has a problem with my use of the Microham MK2R+ >> which I've been unable to solve - so back to HRD. > > As one who uses DXLab Suite. MK2R+ and the K3, there is no issue with > DXLab Suite and MK2R+ when both products are used according to their > documentation. AA6YQ has been very helpful in working out any issues > with control. The only minor inconvenience is that once both rigs > have been started turning of either one will cause Mk2R+ to lock out > transmit; this is a safety design to prevent manual transmission with > both rigs on the same band and is easily handled by momentarily cycling > power on the MK2R when turning off one rig. > > > -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Firmware-4-48-release-stable-in-use-tp7417236p7424319.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Firmware 4.48 release - stable, in use?
Thanks for all the responses. Per Elecraft, it looks like 4.48 will go production in a few days, after some changes to the K3 utility are dealt with. On the HRD front, many of us had submitted "fix the K3 interface" to the prior HRD ownership and it was on the ToDo list - but the prior owner had stopped updating. The new ownership seems to understand the issue, but the existing fixes to 5.11 haven't changed the problem. 4.48 may be enough for now. I actually switched to DXLabs and found the K3 interfacing much better - but it has a problem with my use of the Microham MK2R+ which I've been unable to solve - so back to HRD. The MK2R+ provides an LPbridge capability, along with other things, so I can interface multiple sow to multiple devices. Perhaps the coming pay-for version (6) of HRD will clean things up but I will move to 4.48 after all the good advice. 73, John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Firmware-4-48-release-stable-in-use-tp7417236p7421169.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3: Firmware 4.48 release - stable, in use?
I work in Internet security and have an ingrained bias against using any beta software. However, I use the HRD software that occasionally zaps my K3 AGC settings, and putting a P3 inline seems to have exacerbated the problem. Not fun when AGC gets turned off on strong signals... It looks like beta version 4.48 of the K3 firmware should help and it seems to have been out for quite some time. Any issues with moving to 4.48? Thanks, John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Firmware-4-48-release-stable-in-use-tp7417236p7417236.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Fwd: P3 issue
I just acquired a P3 from a local ham and I'm having the FATAL ERROR IN: ddc_sect_(coeff() span=0 problem. I do *not* have the SVGA card installed, running 1.12 firmware. Requires parameter reset, lose all the FN keys. Kills computer comms to K3 while frozen. Definitely seems to happen after band change, but can't swear it is only in fixed tune mode. Might also be band change whenever Peak or Average is on. Will try new firmware when available. John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Fwd-P3-issue-tp7395743p7406534.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] PSE HELP: K3+N1MM+MMTTY
Hi, Sante - I have FSK running with N1MM/MMTTY/MK2R+ and both a K3 and a TS-850. I ran into similar confusion on the differences between what is in the MK2R+ manual and what I would see on the screen. I found PA1M's documentation at http://www.pa1m.nl/MK2R/N1MM-MK2R/MK2R-setup-PA1M.htm here and http://www.pa1m.nl/index-MK2R.html here to be really helpful. I have had this running for over a year now - and even survived moving the setup from Windows XP to Windows 7! I used PA1M's info to fight through the last remaining hurdles - unfortunately, I don't remember what those last few problems/solutions were, but PA1M's info should get you through. 73, John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/PSE-HELP-K3-N1MM-MMTTY-tp789p7003700.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3: Followup - VFO A freeze problem solved
A while back I posted with my long term problem with 2 year old K3 with VFO A tuning freezing or becoming intermittent. Dale and Wayne at Elecraft replied that it could be a bad VFO A optical encoder, since I had tried all the other suggested fixes. They mailed the encoder, it arrived Saturday am, Sunday pm I installed - and problem solved. Compared to potentiometers, reliability of optical encoders seems way higher but this one was bad. Thanks to Dale and Wayne for the support and my K3 is now tuning as smooth as silk. John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Followup-VFO-A-freeze-problem-solved-tp6992246p6992246.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3: VFO Freeze - board reseating/DeOxit not solving problem
My nearly 2 year old K3 had the VFO A freeze problem early on and I sent it back to Elecraft. The jostling during shipping apparently temporarily cured - they didn't see the problem, tried temperature cycling to eliminate other possibilities and sent it back. The problem recurred, so I did the board reseating and that seem to fix it for a while. Then it came back, tried spraying contacts with DeOxIt, problem return again and now doesn't seem to want to go away. Is there any possible culprit other than dodgy board seating? I'm sort of starting to feel maybe it is more something with the VFO A knob/encoder, not the board connections. John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-VFO-Freeze-board-reseating-DeOxit-not-solving-problem-tp6970141p6970141.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3: VFO Freeze - board reseating/DeOxit not solving problem
My nearly 2 year old K3 had the VFO A freeze problem early on and I sent it back to Elecraft. The jostling during shipping apparently temporarily cured - they didn't see the problem, tried temperature cycling to eliminate other possibilities and sent it back. The problem recurred, so I did the board reseating and that seem to fix it for a while. Then it came back, tried spraying contacts with DeOxIt, problem return again and now doesn't seem to want to go away. Is there any possible culprit other than dodgy board seating? I'm sort of starting to feel maybe it is more something with the VFO A knob/encoder, not the board connections. John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-VFO-Freeze-board-reseating-DeOxit-not-solving-problem-tp6970128p6970128.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3: VFO Freeze - board reseating/DeOxit not solving problem
My nearly 2 year old K3 had the VFO A freeze problem early on and I sent it back to Elecraft. The jostling during shipping apparently temporarily cured - they didn't see the problem, tried temperature cycling to eliminate other possibilities and sent it back. The problem recurred, so I did the board reseating and that seem to fix it for a while. Then it came back, tried spraying contacts with DeOxIt, problem return again and now doesn't seem to want to go away. Is there any possible culprit other than dodgy board seating? I'm sort of starting to feel maybe it is more something with the VFO A knob/encoder, not the board connections. John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-VFO-Freeze-board-reseating-DeOxit-not-solving-problem-tp6970127p6970127.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K1: K1 in the Wild - SOTA Expedition
We got together and bought Carl WA3SEE a K1 kit as a retirement present. He spent the rainy/windy days caused by Hurricane Irene building it, with a few missing capacitors and a bad xtal slowing him down a bit. But it worked fine on the bench. Yesterday, Carl and I hike the Appalachian Trail in MD with the K1 and operated from Lamb's Knoll, an official "summit" as defined by the http://www.sota.org.uk/ Summit on the Air folks. A blog post with more detail can be found http://security.typepad.com/internet_security_be_care/2011/09/biking-carrolls-hills-summitting-on-the-air-from-the-knoll-of-a-lamb.html here . As a satisfied K3 user, I was really impressed with the K1. Compared to past QRP rigs, the receiver was just s quiet and sharp. 73, John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K1-K1-in-the-Wild-SOTA-Expedition-tp6808133p6808133.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KPA500: OPER/STBY Status Comms Bug With K3?
If I hit the Oper/Stby buttons on the KPA500, the K3 displays a message and selects the proper power drive level. However, I've enabled BAND CHG to STBY, which switches the KPA500 to STBY whenever I change bands. It does that, but going to STANDBY by changing bands does NOT send the STBY message to the K3, so the K3 drive level stays at the OPER level, even though the KPA500 is in STBY. Shouldn't the KPA500 tell the K3 it has gone to standby via QSY? That would keep things in synch better. John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA500-OPER-STBY-Status-Comms-Bug-With-K3-tp6450518p6450518.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 Board Re-seating Guidelines
I'm having a couple of interrmittent K3 problems, both of which have lead to suggestions of reseating the boards. The oldest problem is the VFO A lockup that an early warranty trip back to Elecraft came back with "problem not found," probably cured by FedEx jostling on the way. That has occasionally re-appeared, but a new problem (intermittent hum related to mic/headphone connection to MK2R+ interface) has started up. Is there a document or any instructions on disassembly/board reseating? I didn't build the K3, I've Googled and search Elecraft.com. The K3 Assembly Manual doesn't seem to cover it, I've found guides for installing the DSP board and some AF stage upgrade guides that have disassembly instructions for those particular actions but wondering if there is a "reseating guide" floating around out there somewhere. Thanks, John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Board-Re-seating-Guidelines-tp6444612p6444612.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Interface question.
I have the same combination: K3, ALS-600, MFJ-998. I also have a TS-850 interfaced in, and the 850 interface to the 998 is much better: push the tune button on the 850, 850 goes to tune level, 998 goes to tune mode, click/whir, done. As you say, with the K3 have to use the 998 auto-tune mode, which doesn't always want to tune, so I often have to also hit the manual TUNE button on the 998, especially on bands like 10m where the tuner and the antenna are more finicky. So, I'll add my request for the K3 ACC TUNE signal in an attempt to move it up the list. 73, John K3TN Phil & Debbie Salas wrote: > > As you've stated, so far the K3 doesn't have an external TUNE-KEY input. > This will have to be provided when the KAT500 is available - probably the > AUXBUS interface. I have used a MFJ-998 with my K3 and ALS-600 for a > couple > of years now - and now a KPA500. I leave the MFJ-998 in the full-auto > mode > and use the K3 TUNE function (TUNE power set for 15 watts) when I need the > tuner. No problems at all. The MFJ-998 interrupts the amp-key line > before > it tunes. I've recently modified my MFJ-998 so it uses the amp-disable > feature of the KPA500 (info on my website) which is a much better way of > taking the KPA500 off-line prior to tuning. > > I WILL go with the KAT500 when it is available though. I'm sure it will > integrate superbly with the K3 - just like the KPA500 does. > > Phil - AD5X > > "I have an MFJ-998. I wish I'd known better when I bought it - I > wouldn't buy another (for various reasons). I never found a good way > to integrate it with the K3... so the tune-up procedure involves using > the K3's "TUNE" function to produce a low-power signal (CONFIG:TUNE > PWR) and then invoking the "TUNE" function on the MFJ (it's configured > in "Semi-Automatic" mode). When the MFJ finds a match (or doesn't), I > tap "XMIT" on the K3 to end the "TUNE". There is a fully-automatic > mode, where the MFJ will initiate tuning when it detects SWR above a > configured threshold, but I had bad experiences with that in the past. > > If the K3 had a way to feed a signal into the ACC connector to trigger > the TUNE function, the MFJ could utilise that. The suggestion has been > made a few times, but it's probably not a high enough priority on > "Wayne's list". > > Aside from the KAT-500, it appears (from their website) that PalStar > are working on a new remote-able autotuner rated for 2500W. I'm sure > it'll cost a lot more than the MFJ, but... you know what they say ;) > > 73, > > ~iain / N6ML" > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Interface-question-tp6264969p6268608.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] VFO Encoder doesn't change frequency
I had this problem early with my K3 and was told it is usually one of two things: (1) a board seating problem or (2) a temperature sensitivity problem. Since it occurred when my factory built K3 was only a few months old, they said to send it back for warranty repair. Of course, when it got to Elecraft the problem did not present itself. They did temperature cycling and the problem did not occur. Likely the shipping jostling seated the board again. Worked fine when I got it back, but the problem did reappear once. Reseating the boards again cured the problem again. John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/VFO-Encoder-doesn-t-change-frequency-tp6237008p6238072.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3: Windows 7 and USB/serial redux
I built a new Windows 7 64 bit Pro PC, got all my ham software up and running and for a brief period of time life was good. A bad RAM module brought that to a crashing (literally) end. Trying to recover from that I've been having a series of problems that keep pointing to what looks like the well known USB/serial port driver kind of problem. So, it looks like I'm going to do a complete clean re-install of Windows and start again. When I bought the K3 in Jan 2010 I bought the generic USB/serial interface from Elecraft. I had loaded the drivers pointed to from the Elecraft site - is that the safe thing to use? Somewhere else I saw some pointing to other drivers. I'm not going to even try to install any of these drivers until I'm 100% sure the Windows 7 setup is 100% stable, but at some point I'm going to want to update the K3 firmware... 73 John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Windows-7-and-USB-serial-redux-tp5992292p5992292.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Sub-rx or P3?
I'd say the sub-rx by a long shot. For DXing, the ability to listen to *both* the DX station working split *and* his pileup at the same time is a biggie. For contesting, SO2V operation listen around the same band when CQing during slow times is an enhancement. Just seeing the blips is not as effective as hearing the calls. John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Sub-rx-or-P3-tp5486303p5486543.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: VFO A Tuning Freeze problems
Hi, Stan - I guess that explains why when the K3 was out at Elecraft, Dale ran it thru 24 hours of temperature cycling. But that didn't recreate the problem out there. The shack is in the basement, pretty cool operating conditions and neither time did the failure occur during a long period of contest operating, so the thinking was the board seating issue, not the temperature sensitivity. But, I'll see what Elecraft comes back with. Thanks for the input - Is the encoder just easy to replace? 73 John K3TN -Original Message- From: Stan Gibbs [via Elecraft] To: John K3TN Sent: Fri, Jun 11, 2010 9:34 am Subject: Re: K3: VFO A Tuning Freeze problems John, The behavior you describe sounds similar to the temperature sensitivity problem (>39C) that I had with my recently minted K3. Turned out to be a bad encoder. Elecraft sent me a replacement, and it is humming along nicely now. 73, Stan - KR7C Stan - KR7C View message @ http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-VFO-A-Tuning-Freeze-problems-tp5167375p5167919.html To unsubscribe from K3: VFO A Tuning Freeze problems, click here. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-VFO-A-Tuning-Freeze-problems-tp5167375p5168030.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 and N3FJP Logging
I sent email to N3FJP asking if he had any enhancements coming to better support the K3 and he answered that he does not. So, it is pretty much live with the problems or change logging programs. I've liked N3FJP ACL because I just want a simple logging program that sort of looks like the old paper log book, but I've been doing more RTTY and it is annoying to have to keep editing QSOs to get the mode right, as is having to change the mode when clicking on packet spots. So, momentum is starting to build up to overcome inertia to go to most likely HRD for better K3 support. John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-and-N3FJP-Logging-tp5154845p5167355.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3: VFO A Tuning Freeze problems
Back in March, VFO A on my 2 month old K3 froze up. Back to Elecraft for about 6 weeks, but the shipping seemed to cure the problem before it got there, and it worked fine when I got it back - until last night. Turning VFO A knob causes display to flicker last digit but not QSY. Using RIT knob will change VFO frequency and display, VFO B knob changes VFO B, computer control will QSY both VFOs. Elecraft had mentioned maybe computer control hangup on my end was the problem, but disconnected computer and serial cable from K3 and restart - same problem. Elecraft had also mentioned could be a board seating problem, and since I was annoyed at this unreliable K3, I did the tried and true "one inch drop on desk" test - which cured the problem, for now anyway. I've emailed Elecraft support and I guess this time I'll open the K3 up to reseat the boards (vs. wait out Elecrafts 4-6 week repair backlog) but figured I'd check if anyone else has seen the same problem with any other potential solution. John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-VFO-A-Tuning-Freeze-problems-tp5167375p5167375.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 and the subreceiver
Two simple benefits: 1. With just one antenna, when a DX station is working split (transmitting on one frequency, listening on another) you can listen on his receive *and* transmit frequency simultaneously when you are trying to work him. This makes it much, much easier to figure out his listening frequency and pattern to adjust your transmit frequency - gets you in and out of the pileup much faster. 2. With a separate antenna on the sub-RX, you can turn on diversity RX: listen to the same signal on the same freq with two different antennas. Fades on one antenna are often filled in by rx from the other antenna. Especially neat on weak signal bands like 160. Definitely worth the $$ to me. 73, John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-and-the-subreceiver-tp4593879p4597629.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K-3, N1MM, MK2R+ setup assistance requested
Hi, Milt - I went through the K3/MK2r+/N1MM migration. I found the best source of info to be PA1M at http://www.pa1m.nl/pa1m/index.php?page=setup-pa1m---current If you go through his setup, you should be able to make everything work. If you run into some snags, feel free to contact me direct at jpescatore at aol dot com and we could set up a phone call. 73, John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K-3-N1MM-MK2R-setup-assistance-requested-tp4584478p4585721.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
