[Elecraft] KAT500 Blinking "MAN" LED - Bad Astron P/S On/Off Switch
The other day I turned on my Astron RS-35M and then my K3, P3, KAT500, and KPA500. I've done this at least once per day for the last several years. This time, however, I heard arcing from the Astron's on/off switch. Then I saw that the KAT500 LED was blinking constantly about 3 times per second. After doing some troubleshooting, I replaced the power supply switch with one I had here but the tuner's LED kept blinking and the unit would not respond to any key press, including the power button. I tried connecting the KAT500 to the computer but there was no connection to be made. Then the blinking changed frequency and got faster. Eventually, I was able to connect and reload the KAT500 firmware and everything has been OK since. I do have the KAT500 connected directly to the power supply since I am powering a P3 and a PR6-10 from the K3's aux power connection. I noticed that, normally, all the LEDs in the KAT500 would blink momentarily as the power supply was turned on even though I have the KAT500 set to power-on in the "off" position. Then it would power up and work fine. Anyway, sorry for the verbage, but my theory is that the bad on/off switch in the Astron corrupted the firmware in the KAT500. I don't know what the blinking "man" LED meant, and I don't know why there were 2 different blinking speeds. I built a little switch box to keep the KAT500 power disconnected while the power supply comes on and settles down so as not to have another problem in the future. (Marlin P Jones sells an in-line power on/off switch with a 2.1 mm barrel plug on one end and a 2.1 mm barrel socket on the other end. I would have used that except I cannot normally reach the back of the KAT500 in my configuration). 73, John W2XS -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.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] KX2 feedback CW
It was a feature added in by firmware upgrade 2.61. The older manuals may not show this but the newer ones do. I keep a copy of the firmware upgrade list handy. 73, John W2XS KX2 MCU 2.61 / DSP 1.46, 5-31-2016 * AUDIO-CW USER INTERFACE IMPROVEMENTS: The KX2 can emit CW characters when switches are pressed and knobs are turned, etc. For details, see the document, “Elecraft KX2 Physical Description and Audio-CW User Interface.” Audio-CW tones can be enabled in the menu (see MENU:SW TONE), or on power-up, by holding APF along with RATE and A/B. Release RATE and A/B first, then release APF. This sets the speed to 20 WPM. The menu entry provides more speed selections. -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.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] KX2 ... Any KX2 users on this list?
I rode my bike to the beach and made a few QSOs with the KX2 and AX1. I put a picture on my QRZ.com page. It is easy for me to remember my radio's S/N = 1234! There have been many successful outings to beaches on the north and south shores of Long Island with the LICW and LIQRP clubs. 73, John W2XS -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.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] K3s vs KX3 Quedtion
Here are some things that mattered to me when thinking about the KX3 vs. K3 for home use: Features that the K3/K3S has that the KX3/KX2 does not have: 1. No messy cables on the desk. This gives a cleaner look to the operating position (IMO). 2. Coverage of the AM broadcast band as well as full shortwave coverage. Important to me to reduce (someday) the need for other radios. 3. Excellent roofing filters. I don't know how the KX3 roofing filter system compares to the K3 xtal filters. But dialing down the selectivity to under 200 Hz and having that 200 Hz xtal filter click in is an awesome experience. 4. Built-in low-noise amplifier for 12, 10, and 6 meters. 5. Full-featured second receiver option. Diversity reception is amazing. The KX2 vs. KX3 decision revolved mostly around size, 160 and 6 meters, roofing filter, and 12 vs. 15 watts. The block diagrams are very similar. I have the K3 for home use (upgraded to "almost" a K3S). Since giving my K2 to my brother, I now have a KX2 for portable/QRP work. I am happy (but do miss the sound and looks of the K2). 73, John W2XS KX1 (S/N 015) w/KXPD1, KXAT1, KXB30 (The one in the QST review) KX2 (S/N 1234) K1 (S/N 2191) 40, 30, 20, 15, NB, Tuner, Battery, Backlight, Stand K2 (S/N 1116) w/KAT2, KSB2, K160RX, KIO2, KBT2, KNB2, KAF2, FDIMP (Built by Sherwood Eng) T4X (S/N 6) (Just a coincidence) K3/100 (S/N 919) w/KAT3,KRX3, KBPF3, KUSB, KFL3A-200, 500, 2.7k, AM, FM, PR6-10, P3 HexKey (S/N 113) DL1, BL1, BL2, N-gen, XG1, W1, BNC-MM AX1 (soon!) -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.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] Feature request - based on the KX2
The KX2 now allows 4 separate programmable functions when the "PFn" key is pressed. That would be a nice feature on the K3 for the PF1 and PF2 buttons. There are many times now when I disconnect the USB cable from the rig as I have found a large (10 to 20 dB) increase in noise floor on some bands when the cable is connected. (I have tried a few things to fight the noise floor increase but no success so far). 73, John W2XS -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.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] Suggestions needed - antenna to tuner
Have you tried adding some additional length to the 600 ohm feedline? I originally couldn't perfectly match 30 meters with the Johnson Matchbox and added about 15 or 18 feet IIRC. That brought 30m into range and didn't mess up the other bands too much. Since your worst band is 17m, you might need only a few feet (5 or 10 is a swag). 73, John W2XS -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.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] Suggestions needed - antenna to tuner
I replaced my Johnson Matchbox with a Balun Designs tuner balun. The biggest benefit is that the K3 ATU remembers the settings from band to band so the QSY is very rapid. I love watching the DX spots come rolling through on my N3FJP logging program and clicking on them to QSY to that frequency and not have to tune up again. I use it on 80 through 6 meters with an 80m doublet fed with KW ladder line (300 ohm). My recommendation is to keep the piece of coax from the balun to the rig as short as possible. This is to minimize loss since that line will most likely be highly mis-matched on most bands. There was a QST article not that long ago which detailed the losses in that situation and I was surprised at how high they were. I once had an MFJ balanced RF Ammeter and made measurements of the JMB vs. the balun and they compared favorably. DJ0IP (referenced earlier) has kindly put those measurements on his website. (This is in the FWIW category!) I have not tried to substitute the tuner balun with another type but that might be a future experiment. 73, John W2XS -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.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] Different SWR on K3 and External Meter
My issue was similar, but with the 50 watt calibration. A recent firmware upgrade required a 5W and 50W re-calibration. I hadn't done a calibration since the early days of the radio back in 2008. The radio has worked fine all this time. It is on almost every day. With the tuner in bypass, I failed the 50 watt calibration on 52 MHz with an SWR >2 to 1. I finally got the calibration to pass by connecting the dummy load directly to the K3 antenna connector, without the cable. The SWR was still not 1 to 1 on 6 meters, but it was low enough to pass the calibration. I chalked it up to a tuner-bypass issue on that band. But I never went back to take a closer look. I seem to have a lot of RF in the shack on 6 meters now with my center-fed zepp. Perhaps better station grounding would help in that area. 73, John W2XS -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.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] KX2 Amp Hours
I received my KX2 last week, and had the exact same thought about the amp-hours display. I used it on batteries for a while but then operated the 10m ARRL test with the power supply and the amp hours kept ticking along. A menu option to manually "suspend" the amp hours display whenever the power supply is used would be a nice thing to have. I also really love the KX2 and think that it is a real winner. I had little to no trouble working any station that I could hear on 10m this weekend. I also made QSOs on all bands from 80 to 10 just to check things out. The rig is very smooth and precise, and the KXPD2 has a surprisingly nice feel to it. Who will be the first user to bypass the input filters to restore the sensitivity on the AM BCB? hi hi (But I do a lot of BCB listening on my K3 via the RX ant input). 72, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX2-Amp-Hours-tp7624615p7624623.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 Service, Don, and Parts Kudos
Forgive me for posting yet another message about the quality of service from Elecraft, but I wanted to share the events of this week. The whole thing happened so fast that my head is still spinning. First, I sent an email to Don asking a question about the power connector pins. I quickly received a response which was helpful and pointed me to the K3 support address. I sent an email to K3 support and a few minutes later it was answered by Howard. He advised exactly how to get the parts. I sent an email to Parts and immediately got an automatic reply that my email had been received. Very shortly after that I received an email from Richard saying that the parts were on the way. I responded back with a thank you. He responded back with a "no problem." That was on Thursday. Today is Saturday and the parts arrived this morning. I just wanted to say: thanks, guys, for the great support. By the way, my K3 is from 2008 and has been running fine all these years. I like to keep it up-to-date with all hardware and firmware upgrades. Now back to fighting for FT43A on 17m. My P3 shows that the pileup is 20 kHz wide! 73, John W2XS K1 (S/N 2191) w/all options. KX1 (S/N 015) w/KXPD1, KXAT1, KXB30 (the one reviwed in QST) K2 (S/N 1116) w/KAT2, KSB2, K160RX, KIO2, KBT2, KNB2, KAF2, FDIMP Drake T4-X (S/N 6) K3/100 (S/N 919) w/KAT3, KBPF3, KUSB, KFL3A-200, 500, 2.7k, 6k, 13k, KRX3, PR6-10, K3SYNA, KXV3 P3 (S/N 476) HexKey (S/N 113 ) DL1, BL1, BL2, N-gen, XG1, W1, BNC-MM plus: NC-40A and SST-40 (Waynes's early creations) -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Service-Don-and-Parts-Kudos-tp7615860.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 Windows 10 and the KUSB
I took the plunge and upgraded to Windows 10 on Monday. After the installation was complete, I could no longer connect to my K3 with the N3FJP logging program. The response from Howard at Elecraft support to my email was very fast. He suggested that my 2009-vintage silver KUSB cable would not be supported by the new operating system and that they had switched chipsets in 2010. I downloaded what I thought was the latest driver from Prolific but it still didn't work. So I ordered a new KUSB from Elecraft on Tuesday and it arrived today (Thursday). It is black. I plugged the new cable in and immediately my PC was connected to the K3 and all is well. So, a silver or maybe gray KUSB may not work with Windows 10. My K3 is S/N 919 and I have kept it up to date including the new synthesizer boards. I ordered the KBPF3 upgrade with the new KUSB and may spring for the KXV3B to replace my KXV3 and PR6-10 to free up some room behind the transceiver. If anyone is planning on staying with Windows 7 and wants an older KUSB, let me know. 73, John W2XS K1 (S/N 2191) 4-band w/KNB1, KAT1, KBT1, back light, and mounting bracket. KX1 (S/N 015) w/KXPD1, KXAT1, KXB30 (the one QST used for their review). K2 (S/N 1116) w/KAT2, KSB2, K160RX, KIO2, KBT2, KNB2, KAF2, FDIMP (the one Sherwood built). Drake T4-X (S/N 6 - just a coincidence). K3/100 (S/N 919) w/KAT3, KBPF3, KUSB(now new), KFL3A-200, -500, -2.7K, -6K, -FM, KRX3, KXV3, PR6-10. P3 (S/N 476). HexKey (S/N 113). DL1, BL1, BL2, N-gen, XG1, W1, BNC-MM -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Windows-10-and-the-KUSB-tp7606013.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] KX3 Macros
I have been chasing the W1AW/N stations. Although I am using a K3, I set PF1 to do the following: Tap A = B twice. Enable split. Enable the sub receiver. Set VFO B to 1 kHz above VFO A. PF2 resets everything back to normal. This is very simple, but it has proven to be incredibly convenient. I wish I had discovered macros earlier. 73, John W2XS KX1 (S/N 015) K1 (S/N 2191) K2 (S/N 1116) Drake T4-X (S/N 6 - coincidence?) K3/100 (S/N 919) P3 (S/N 476) HexKey (S/N 113) DL1, BL1, BL2, N-gen, XG1, W1, BNC-MM, etc. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-Macros-tp7590353p7590356.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] Low Audio
I have ear-splitting volume from a pair of non-amplified speakers from Tivoli Audio (bought for a reasonable price from their outlet store when it was open). The audio amplifier chip is a 3 watt device so it should be plenty loud. I once tried a Kenwood SP-930 and that was loud also. John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Low-Audio-tp7008625p7009941.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 - Some Questions
A balun in line with the antenna can also attenuate signals on the AM BCB. I have found that feeding the antenna (in my case a CF 135-ft zepp) directly into the KXV3 (bypassing the Balun Designs "Tuner" balun) adds an additional 25 dB increase in signal strength at the low end of the AM BCB. This complicates the switching arrangement a bit, but a ceramic DPDT knife switch came to the rescue. John W2XS -- AM Broadcast - yes, that explains what I noticed, seems to really > attenuate anything below 1200 Kc It's about 20-25 dB by the time you get to 500 kHz. This helps protect the K3's PIN-diode T/R switch from extremely strong low-frequency signals. If you want to bypass the high-pass filter, you can install a KXV3 module and connect your AM broadcast RX antenna to RX IN. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Some-Questions-tp6678982p6680643.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] Very cool Earth Screw at Lee Valley Tools... Just a tad O/T
I have used the "Earthworm" for 20' poles: http://www.shadeusa.com/beach_umbrella_holders.htm I may try the larger version for a Jackite 31' pole. Speaking of Jackite, they also have pole mounts: https://www.jackite.com/index.php?cPath=49&osCsid=a67fb225b320106a42f629bbe263bd26 I use a Jackite pole to hold up a 300-ohm twinlead-fed 66' inverted-V that works FB on 40m to 10m with my K2/KAT2 via a B1 4:1 balun. It is so nice to have all those bands available when operating from the picnic table at the park. 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Very-cool-Earth-Screw-at-Lee-Valley-Tools-Just-a-tad-O-T-tp6370379p6371118.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] Adjusting an Antenna Tuner with the P3
There is an article in the March 2011 QST by KC2KZJ (page 48) where he describes using his spectrum display to adjust his antenna tuner. I just tried it with the K3/P3 and a Drake MN-4 tuner connected through a 4-to-1 balun to a 132' center-fed zepp antenna. The noise source was a Palomar Tuner-Tuner model PT-340. I found matches from 80m to 10m by watching the P3 display and adjusting for minimum noise level. The nulls on some bands are very sharp, and using the P3 made it easier to find the right settings. I normally do not use the manual tuner with the K3, since it has the KAT3. But the settings were written down and will be used with the Drake equipment. 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Adjusting-an-Antenna-Tuner-with-the-P3-tp6019992p6019992.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 K3-P3 Stand (Riser)
While looking through the office supply catalog at work, I came across a monitor stand that looked interesting. The width dimension (17") was about the same as the width of the K3 and P3 together. So I bought one and set it up at home. It seems to be a perfect fit for the K3 next to the P3 (including the feet on that side of the K3). I happen to have two small but heavy (and good sounding) speakers that fit right under the stand. It has allowed me to set up my vintage Drake equipment on the desk again. It's the Kantek MS400, available on Amazon for about $22. I updated the picture on QRZ dot com (or eHam dot net, which has a bigger picture). Even though I love the Drakes, there are 9 boxes on the desk instead of 2 for the K3 (including power supply), and up to 14 knobs must be adjusted to change bands, as opposed to two push-button presses. Using the vintage gear these days is really a labor of love hi hi. 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-K3-P3-Stand-Riser-tp5975997p5975997.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 Beta Release: APF for CW; "Fast Monitor" & improved TX gate for voice modes
I would also like to thank the Elecraft crew for another great enhancement. I updated the firmware a few minutes before a local traffic net here. During the net, I was asked to receive 6 messages from a weak station. With both the NR and APF turned on, a marginal situation became solid copy. BTW, this is my 47th firmware update since Beta 2-1 in June, 2008. I have never had an issue. 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Beta-Release-APF-for-CW-Fast-Monitor-improved-TX-gate-for-voice-modes-tp5703317p5704065.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] [P3] Installation Success
This week I received and installed P3 S/N 476. It took less than 2 hours to go from opening the box to watching signals on the display, and that included the K3 gain modification. It was nice of Elecraft to include both an SMT and a through-hole resistor for the K3 mod. I chose the SMT device, which wasn't too hard to install. I updated both the K3 and P3 firmware to the latest beta revisions. I really like the "knob tap" and "knob hold" assignments to the function keys. Now I need to learn what the signal displays are telling me. (Example - some AM BCB stations seem to use a high level of compression, keeping the sideband amplitudes at a constant level. The waterfall display has lots of green in it with a red carrier. Other stations have sidebands that slope more and the waterfall is mostly blue with specs of green). Using the P3 for finding shortwave stations has been lots of fun. The display of K3's bandwidth setting is nice but now I see that the bandwidth could be made larger to capture more of the AM signal. That was the reason that I originally bought the wider FM filter. But that is another discussion. hi hi. I updated my pictures on QRZ.com and eHam.net. eHam.net provides a larger-sized picture after clicking on it. Thanks to the Elecraft team for another great product, and inclusion of all needed cables etc. to make installation quick and easy. 73, John W2XS KX1 (S/N 015) w/KXPD1, KXAT1, KXB30 K2 (S/N 1116) w/KAT2, KSB2, K160RX, KIO2, KBT2, KNB2, KAF2, FDIMP Drake T4-X (S/N 6) K3/100 (S/N 919) w/KAT3, KBPF3, KUSB, KFL3A-200, 500, 2.7k, AM, FM, KRX3 w/2.7k, KXV3 P3 (S/N 476) HexKey (S/N 113 ) DL1, BL1, BL2, N-gen, XG1, W1, BNC-MM -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/P3-Installation-Success-tp5546148p5546148.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] Dayton purchase - KX1 or K2?
They are both really FB rigs, but the K2 is the best overall QRP radio out there IMHO. Our local QRP club has outings at the state park, and it is so nice to have access to all bands. I like to start at 10m and work my way down until I find activity. 17m has turned into one of my favorite bands, and there has been some activity on 12m. With the built-in tuner and battery, all that is needed externally is the paddle and an antenna. The KX1 is small, but the K2 is small enough to be easy to carry for portable use. I use an old padded camcorder case which contains enough room for the K2, the Paddlette PK1 paddle (and a spare), a balun, some tools, adaptors, a notebook for logging, and a small power supply when AC is available. Another bag is used for the antenna stuff. Besides the state park, I operate the K2 from a weekend retreat house on AC power and that has worked out FB too. 10W has proven to be enough power for enjoyable world-wide QSOs on 40m through 10m with a 40m inverted V fed with twinlead. 73, John W2XS KX1 (S/N 015) w/KXPD1, KXAT1, KXB30 (The one in the QST review) K2 (S/N 1116) w/KAT2, KSB2, K160RX, KIO2, KBT2, KNB2, KAF2, FDIMP (Built by Sherwood Eng) Drake T4X (S/N 11161) (Just a coincidence) K3/100 (S/N 919) w/KAT3, KBPF3, KUSB, KFL3A-200, 500, 2.7k, AM, FM, KRX3, KXV3 HexKey (S/N 113) DL1, BL1, BL2, N-gen, XG1, W1, BNC-MM -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Dayton-purchase-KX1-or-K2-tp5044456p5046092.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] RES: [K3] K3DSPUPGD
My DSP upgrade arrived yesterday and I swapped out the boards today. Thanks to the Elecraft team for the clear instructions. The swap took less than an hour and there were no problems. I did not do any kind of detailed testing before and after. The LPF makes an improvement, just like the one in the KAF2 did. I am listening to an AM Broadcast oldies station right now, and notice a "fuller" sound. I need to play with the RX equalizer and the AGC settings (which are set to Don's recommendations right now). 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/RES-K3-K3DSPUPGD-tp4913078p4915156.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 - Purchase Recommendations??
Let me add that my Kenwood MC-60A mike, leftover from a previous rig (TS-930S), seems to work fine with the K3. John W2XS "If you already have a microphone of any sort, give that a try before shelling out for another" -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Purchase-Recommendations-tp4682401p4683080.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 - Purchase Recommendations??
Congrats on the K3 decision. I have S/N 919 and it has been a joy to use and upgrade over the past 2 years. Here are my opinions on things that might be interesting for your K3 station. Power Supply: Astron RS-35A (no meters - the K3 can display the voltage and current). I got a good deal from R&L Electronics. http://www.randl.com/shop/index.shtml Mount the transformer on rubber insulators and keep it under the table to minimize the audible (not electrical) hum. If you can, use only half of the supplied power cable length to minimize voltage drop while transmitting. Nothing is wrong with using the whole cable as supplied by Elecraft but I saved a few tenths of a volt by making it shorter. All-Band Antenna: Cobra Ultralite from www.k1jek.com Buy a Balun Designs Tuner balun Model #4124 from http://www.balundesigns.com/servlet/the-Tuner-Baluns/Categories and work all bands 160m to 6m with one antenna. This balun does not get hot and has very good balance. The K3 (and K2) tuner remembers the settings from band to band so it is easy to QSY. You have to try it to appreciate how convenient this is. Of course, it is not a beam on a tower, but it allows for good QSOs on all bands. Filters: The main source of selectivity in the K3 is the DSP. It is very good all by itself. But one of the greatest features of the K3 architecture is the roofing filter concept. They protect the DSP from overloading on very strong signals. You can choose the optional filters at any time. If you are mainly going to operate SSB, then choosing no or one optional filter at purchase time isn’t a bad idea. Speakers: Buy a pair of small, un-powered bookshelf speakers – the ones with a 3 or 4 inch speaker in them. Best Buy is one source. Here is a sample of some model numbers that have been posted here: Sony B-1000 bookshelf speakers KLH 970A at Sears Insignia bookshelf speakers Model: IS-SP3WAY SKU: 7314523 at best buy. I bought a pair of Tivoli audio speakers that match the Model One radio. They sound great. However, I bought them reasonably from the clearance center which I do not see anymore. The K3 has plenty of audio power available so amplified speakers are not needed and might be prone to RFI. Microphone I am a CW operator so I will be watching other people’s recommendations for a mike. I bought my K3 with the FM, AM, 2.7, 500, and 200 Hz filters along with the general-coverage option and ATU. I added the sub-receiver after a year. It really helps when working a DX station in the split mode. 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Purchase-Recommendations-tp4682401p4682906.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] K3 vers K2 questions that I keep seeimg
I have both the K2/10 and the K3/100. I use them both in the shack and the K2 also sees use as a portable rig. I like them both. Here are some things that the K3 has (some are optional) that the K2 does not have. Some of these helped push me over into the K3 camp instead of adding the 100W to the K2. These are in no particular order. If you can do without these features, then the K2/100 will do just fine as the main rig. 1. Sub-receiver option. Great for split-DX, contests, etc. 2. Continuously-variable selectivity down to 50 Hz and auto roofing-filter selection. 3. Frequent firmware updates (and sometimes new features). 4. AFX (binaural simulation). 5. More I/O connections. 6. Built-in digital modes. 7. AM/FM/ESSB modes (and Synchronous AM detection). 8. Simultaneous display of RF Power Output AND SWR (The K2 displays only RF Power as you transmit). 9. Rx and Tx audio equalizers. 10. Noise Reduction. 11. 6m standard, 2m optional. 12. DVR. 13. >100 memories. 14. Shift/width and/or hi/lo-cut controls. 15. CW Auto spotting. 16. Notch filters. 17. General Coverage receiver option. The K2 is a fine rig as-is. When comparing the K2/100 to the K3/100, the above features make the difference. A K2/100-only station would still be a powerful set up for most hamming, and there is still the choice of using the K2/10 as a great portable rig with batteries or a small 3A or 4A power supply. 73, John W2XS >From Harry: So what is the opinion of those who have both or had the K2 and now the K3? Which is the better value for the budget minded and for those on a budget what is the cost of a K3/100 that would meet most people needs. Not the hard core contester, they are a different breed. But the everyday ham, who likes to take it with him/her and/or have a great home station. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-vers-K2-questions-that-I-keep-seeimg-tp4410483p4416892.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] Want to buy a K3
You will get many opinions on this. Here's mine. I am primarily a CW operator but I like to listen to AM BCB and Shortwave stations. My antenna is a multi-band Cobra Ultralite fed with ladder line and a Balun Designs 4:1 Tuner Balun. 1. KAT3 Tuner. If you have matched, coax-fed antennas, then you may not need this. But it is a great addition to those of us with multi-band antennas. It remembers the settings on small segments of each band which is incredibly convenient for QSYing, especially on 160m. 2. KBPF3 General Coverage Filter. If you stick only to the ham bands, then you may not need this. But it was on my "must-have" list (as was the KAT3). I have all 100 memories filled with short-wave and AM BCB stations all over the frequency spectrum. I've been listening to Radio China and Radio Cairo a lot lately. 3. KPA3 100W Amplifier. Many people start out with the 10W option. I have had a lot of success with the K2 at 10W. But I wanted the K3 to be my "QRO" rig as it replaced a Kenwood TS-930S (which is a fine but aging rig). 4. KRX3 Sub receiver. I added this after a year and find it is incredible for working split-frequency DX stations. I cannot see ever going back to the "push the TF Set" button days to try and figure out where the heck the DX station is listening. If you are not a DXer, or don't care about diversity reception, etc, then you may not need this. 5. Filters. This was (and is) a hot topic. But I stand by my initial decision, which was: A. 200 and 500 Hz 5-pole filters. There was an early posting that said that only the first 30 dB of slope is critical, and that a 5-pole filter would be more than enough. I went with that, and am happy. There probably is some (small and subtle?) difference between the 5-pole and 8-pole performance, but the main purpose of a roofing filter is to prevent the DSP (the main selectivity in the rig) from overloading. Signals are generally weak right now, but will start to get stronger as conditions improve. It is amazing, though, to crank that knob down to 500 and then to 200 and know that there is no chance for any out-of-bandpass signal to get through. B. 2.7 kHz SSB filter. This comes standard. This is the only filter that I have in the sub receiver right now. I based that decision on wanting to hear a wide bandpass most of the time to hear the station that the DX is working. C. AM filter. This is a little bit disappointing to me as I thought that I would use this a lot. But I almost never use it. Unless you are interested in AM transmission or ESSB transmission, you might skip this one. D. FM filter. This is the one that I use for all my AM listening. I wish they offered a less-expensive filter for receiving only. You can always buy the minimum configuration now and add later. A real big advantage of the K3 over most other rigs today is the roofing filter concept, and signals will be getting stronger as conditions improve, so think about getting at least one or two optional roofing filters to start with. Good luck and 73, John W2XS What elective boards should I consider purchasing to enhance the functionality of the K3. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Want-to-buy-a-K3-tp4287275p4288261.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] [KX1] KX1 | KXAT1 ATU questions
Dan - I have the same antenna and the same balun. It is a great combination from 160m to 10m. Before I used the balun, however, I used a balanced Johnson Matchbox. I found that I had to add some length to the original ladder line (about 18 feet) to get all bands to match (including all of the WARC bands). 30m was my toughest band, but once I got 30m to match nicely then all the other bands matched too. So you might try adding some ladder line to the original feedline. (Subtracting may also be effective but I added). I love QSYing from band to band now with the K3 or K2. The K2 and K3 tuners remember the settings so I am instantly matched without having to generate RF. Good luck. 73, John W2XS My configuration was Cobra Senior Ultralight up 60-66’ at one end 45-50’ at the other with center up about 55-60’ | 81 feet of 450 ohm ladder line runs that runs about 1’ foot through a casement window | Balun Designs 4:1 4113t current balun | 3’ coax with 239 – 239 connectors [703+] OR an amphenol 239/BNC adapter [KX-1]. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/KX1-KXAT1-ATU-questions-tp4248233p4253325.html Sent from the [KX1] 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 getting closer
Please strike these from the records and spare us any further misery. I think it will bowl you over... Bruce McLaughlin wrote: > It sounds like a P3 may be right up your alley . . . so to speak, -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/P3-getting-closer-tp4240974p4241499.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 needs survey -- firmware and application software
Both the KX1 and the K3 announcements were real surprises to me. They certainly were well-kept secrets. The K3 built-in keyer is very good as it is, but I miss the automatic character spacing of my favorite external keyers (CMOS Super Keyer, Logikeyers, Accukeyers, etc.). As a CW operator, I would love to see that feature on the list. Thanks and 73, John W2XS "This is a great opportunity to let us know what else is missing or could be improved. There will be some surprises in 2010 :)" -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-needs-survey-firmware-and-application-software-tp4209832p4210227.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] K3 AM Synchronous Detector and the NY Jets
WEPN broadcasts the NY Jets game on 1050 kHz AM. Their antenna is in NJ, and their signal here on Long Island is usually weak with a lot of QSB and sidebands cancelling. This Sunday, however, I listened to the entire game with a clean and clear signal, thanks to the AM Synchonous Detector. USB seemed better than LSB. Thanks to the Elecraft guys for a great option. I was doing some work in the office = shack. The radio broadcast was several seconds ahead of the TV broadcast, so, if I heard something exciting, I could rush into the other room and watch the action. The bad news: even with the clear signal, the Jets still lost :( 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-AM-Synchronous-Detector-and-the-NY-Jets-tp4055109p4055109.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 Firmware Req for SWL band and Using Memories
Steve posted: >> I guess the only way to do this and not get confused is to fiddle with >> memories or remember to tune back within whatever ham band >> you happened to screw up before changing bands. I do a lot of SWL'ing and AM BCB listening and always return to the ham bands by using one of the first 10 memory locations. This was an idea posted a while ago and I still find it very handy. It's almost like band buttons. I use: Mem 1 = 10 meters Mem 2 = 20 meters Mem 3 = 30 meters Mem 4 = 40 meters Mem 5 = 15 meters Mem 6 = 60 meters (then M1 to M4 for the rest) Mem 7 = 17 meters Mem 8 = 80 meters Mem 9 = 6 meters (6 = upside down 9) Mem 0 = 160 meters I have been able to remember these assignments. To get to 12 meters, I first go to 15 meters as above and then press Band Up. I have most of the other 90 available memories filled with misc. SWL and AM BCB station frequencies. To rapidly switch between memories, I normally use the program "Commander", which has access to all 100 memory locations. I programmed the first 10 in Commander to be the same as the first 10 in the K3. 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Firmware-Req-for-SWL-band-tp4009060p4009519.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] K2 #6799
George Blahun Jr wrote: > > K2 SN #6799 is now assembled and on the air. > Congratulations. Even though I have a K3, I still enjoy using the K2. I have kept mine as the QRP version. This summer, I installed a PAR EFHW 40/20/10 antenna in the back yard and have spent many hours working all kinds of stations from the deck on battery power. The battery lasts all weekend in between charges in battery-saver mode. The rig is small, the receiver sound is clean and clear, and it has everything one could need inside the little box (except for the paddle and antenna). 73, John W2XS K3 #919, K2 #1116, etc. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K2-6799-tp3655651p3658852.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] Antennas for K1 field use
Jackite has a ground mount for the Jackite 28-foot and 31-foot poles: http://www.jackite.com/ I have had good luck with the Earthworm ground mount for the SD20 poles: http://www.shadeusa.com/beach_umbrella_holders.htm These can provide the support for the center of my favorite portable antenna: an inverted V, even in a treeless environment. 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Antennas-for-K1-field-use-tp3243083p3251838.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] Memorial Day Weekend K3 Activities
Last Memorial Day Weekend, I assembled K3 S/N 919. This Memorial Day Weekend, I added the KRX3 and the KXV3, and did a bunch of mods. Everything went smoothly. I am amazed at the increase in signal strength on AM BCB signals through the RX IN jack. I wonder what I will be doing next year's Memorial Day Weekend. 2 meter module? Panadaptor? External speaker kit in the EC3 enclosure? 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/-K3--Memorial-Day-Weekend-K3-Activities-tp2972408p2972408.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 Power supply
""I find the Astron SS-30 is generating all sorts of noise. "" For the past year, I have used an Astron RS-35A (linear = heavy) with excellent electrical results. Just yesterday, I removed the power transformer mounting screws and added rubber equipment feet as isolators and remounted the transformer. This eliminated the annoying audible (not electrical) hum that I had been putting up with all this time. 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3%3A-N1MM-for-Field-Day-tp2864853p2865329.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 Kit Building
I agree. The EC2 is too small for my anticipated balanced tuner project. John W2XS Merv wrote: Would love to see a K3 size cabinet (parts) with a blank front and rear panel. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Noise-Reduction-tp2727716p2754922.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
Here's what I use with good results: Portable 40m to 10m Inverted V Antenna used by W2XS Jackite 31-foot pole and ground mount (or, bungee-cord it to a table or deck railing): http://www.jackite.com/product_info.php?products_id=132 Coleman camping reel. Buy 4 of them. Use two for the antenna wire (I use 33 feet on each side but you can 22 feet and above for 40m to 10m). Use the other two as ropes to secure the antenna ends to the ground stakes. Walmart, etc., sells these things. http://www.mysimon.com/9015-11034_8-30962052.html Two tent stakes to secure the rope ends: http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=7310&storeId=226&catalogId=4000226 300-ohm twin lead for the feed line. I bought 50 feet from Radio Shack. I use a small piece of Plexiglas for the center insulator with a small hole drilled in it. I use a twist-tie to secure it to the ring on the top section of the pole. I have also used a small PVC pipe coupling section from the local hardware store. Pole mounting: The Earthworm http://www.theearthworm.com/ BLT Tuner (or equivalent set up. I use the K2 internal tuner and a BL1 balun): http://www.qrpkits.com/norcal_blt.htm It works very well on 40m to 10m. 73, John W2XS I'll be vacationing in NC this summer at a nice cottage in the mountains. Taking my K3, what is the best portable antenna to take with me for that week. There are many and I'm sure there are some strong opinions. Thanks Phil Philip -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-tp2564917p2566571.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] Elecraft Sales service
I ordered a KXV3 on Jan 17 (a Saturday) and it was sent out on Jan 20 (Tuesday). Then right after that I ordered the KRX3 and that also came very quickly - ordered March 4th and it was shipped on March 5th. I have ordered a lot of things over the past few years (the XYL says too many) and never had a problem. Perhaps the root-cause of your problem is easily explainable. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Elecraft-Sales-service-goes-from-bad-to-worse-tp2489040p2489191.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] K3 and K2 AC Input Power
There was a mention a while ago about a JA contest where the efficiency was measured at the power supply input and compared to the transmitter output. I bought one of those little $20 “Kill-a-Watt” meters to measure AC Input Power. The meter gets plugged into the AC wall socket and then the device to be measured gets plugged into the meter. It reads out in volts, amps, and watts. I used the watts setting. It also measured the line frequency and the power factor and KWH. Here are the results with my K3 and K2. I have an Astron RS-35A supply. At first, I was a little surprised at the total AC power. But I had never before considered the efficiency of the power supply itself. I used the rig’s voltage and current displays to calculate the DC input power for the rig itself. K3 Receive Total AC Input Power = 35 W. K3 display says 13.8 V and 1.08 A which = 15 W. Therefore the Astron is dissipating 35 W – 15 W = 20 W. By the way, the Astron supply all by itself with no load measures 11 W. K3 Transmit (100 W output) Total AC Input Power = 396 W. K3 display says 13.3 V and 17.4 A which = 231 W. Therefore the Astron is dissipating 396 W – 231 W = 165 W. So the K3 is 43% efficient (100 W output divided by 231 W input) but the system is only 25% efficient (100 W output divided by 396 W input). I repeated the measurements for the K2. I used what the display said and did not take into account the voltage drop of the internal diode. K2 Receive Total AC Input Power = 17 W. K2 display says 13.2 V and 340 mA which = 4.5 W. Therefore the Astron is dissipating 17 W – 4.5 W = 12.5 W. K2 Transmit (10 W output) Total AC Input Power = 69 W. K2 display says 12.6 V and 2.8 A which = 35 W. Therefore the Astron is dissipating 69 W – 35 W = 34 W. I measured the AC input power for a few other things in the shack: Drake SSR-1 receiver = 10 W Hallicrafters S-85 receiver = 73 W Hallicrafters S38-E receiver = 28 W Drake R4-A receiver = 61 W Redsun RP2100 receiver = 4 W Holmes electric heater = 1400 W We could calculate the efficiency of the receivers using, say, 1 W audio output. But you probably have more information at this point than you really wanted. hi hi. Next to be measured here will be the TV sets and the computers. 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-and-K2-AC-Input-Power-tp2446398p2446398.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 receiver desensing on CW during contest
Is my summary of the issue correct? If both signals are within both the DSP and roofing filter bandwidths, then the receiver recovers instantly after each character. If the stronger signal is outside the DSP filter window (and you can’t hear him) but inside the roofing filter window, then there is de-sensing. Would passband tuning (shift) help to shift his signal outside of the roofing filter bandpass? John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-receiver-desensing-on-CW-during-contest-tp2369819p2373481.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] For Sale: KPA100, W1
The KPA100 has been sold. Thank you very much for the emails. 73, John W2XS John W2XS wrote: > > For Sale: > > KPA100 – I bought this off the list while waiting for the K3 but I have > now decided to keep my K2 QRP. Still in the box as received. $300 > shipped. > > W1 Wattmeter in the W8FGU tilting plastic case. $100 shipped. Will > include some extra BNC cables. > > 73, > > John W2XS > > -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/For-Sale%3A-KPA100%2C-W1-tp2344937p2351076.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] For Sale: KPA100, W1
For Sale: KPA100 – I bought this off the list while waiting for the K3 but I have now decided to keep my K2 QRP. Still in the box as received. $300 shipped. W1 Wattmeter in the W8FGU tilting plastic case. $100 shipped. Will include some extra BNC cables. 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/For-Sale%3A-KPA100%2C-W1-tp2344937p2344937.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] How long until K3 is declared the greatest rig...?
Other "great steps in ham history": Collins 75A1 = The first receiver with the "proper" way to do double conversion. The VFO was the second osc, not the first. Great stability on all bands and they all tuned the same way. Readout to 1 kHz. Late 40's. Collins 75A4 = Mechanical filters and passband tuning. Mid 50's. Drake 2B = Excellent performance in a small package. Early 60's. Ten Tec Triton 4 = All solid state with full QSK. Late 70's. Kenwood TS930S = Two xtal filters, one in each IF chain. Mid 80's. Elecraft K2 = Raised the bar in receiver performance in a compact QRP rig. Late 90's. 73, John W2XS Yes, Don, that's the sort of thing I'm think about. KWM2 - the age of transceivers R4C - RX performance FT-101(?) - Japan emerges as the premier source for ham gear. K3 - America regains the top position. Best performance per dollar of any rig - ever. - Keith N1AS - - K3 711 - -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/How-long-until-K3-is-declared-the-greatest-rig-of-all-time--tp2340825p2341296.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/ACLog interface failure
I hope an ACLog user out there can give me a clue as to my trouble. ... My set up works fine, but I am using the KUSB cable that connects the K3 to the USB port on my XP PC. Here are my AC Log settings in the Settings, Rig Interface menu: Rig = Elecraft Comm port = 4 Baud Rate = 4.8k 8 data bits 2 stop bits Connection Power = None Polling rate = 500 ms Mode by: Rig I too recommend the N3FJP AC Log and contest logging programs as they are excellent, fun, and inexpensive. Good luck. John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-ACLog-interface-failure-tp2272334p2272882.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] How to un-subscribe??
""I am needing to reduce the volume of e-mail on my account. "" This is my quick and easy way to review some of the various lists and links that I like: 1. Go to the AMQRP "links" page at http://www.amqrp.org/misc/links.html 2. Under "POPULAR LISTS" select "Elecraft". 3. Read and (mostly) enjoy the postings. 4. Go to "Ten Tec" and do the same thing. 5. Go to "Kenwood" and do the same thing. 6. Go to "QRPL" and do the same thing. 7. Go to "QRZ Callserver" and look there. 8. Go to "eBay" and stay there for hours looking at QRP stuff and vintage gear. I subscribe to the lists but put the mail delivery on hold. I can still post without getting all the emails. George N2APB has done a great job on with the links on the AMQRP links page. For Elecraft, I sometimes go to the website and look at the postings via Nabble. This allows me to post a reply (like this one). There are other ways but this is one way to read the postings. 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/How-to-un-subscribe---tp2269287p2269600.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] OT Tuner Basics
"So, can someone explain in basic terms what's happening when I use Auto mode on the KAT3 and see favorable SWR on the KAT3 (via K3 display) but do not see favorable SWR on the MFJ tuner?" In order for an SWR meter to read the matched condition properly, it must be between the tuner and the rig. Your small MFJ is between the tuner (KAT3) and the antenna (or amplifier), so it is on the "wrong" side of the tuner. I use the KAT3 and an external balun. Even though there is a short run of coax connecting the K3 and the balun, I cannot use my external power/SWR meter there when using the built-in tuner because it is "outside" the part of the circuit that is being matched by the tuner. I once thought about adding another coax connecter to get the external power meter in between the rig and the KAT3 tuner, but now I am used to the K3's SWR and power meters and am fine with it. 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/OT-Tuner-Basics-tp2163674p2163862.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3 Beta firmware rev 2.78
I agree with K2ZLS. This is the 20th software update for me since June (a rate of 2 to 4 per month). Things just keep getting better. I happen to also be listening to 80 meters right now as I do some work on the PC and there are some nice strong signals on the band. With the new utility, it is fun to see my call and name scroll across the display when the unit is turned on. Thanks, Elecraft! 73, John W2XS (ps - any improvements to AM reception would be appreciated. And, automatic character spacing in the keyer would be great). Thanks Wayne and everyone at Elecraft: The K3 mods and improved Utility works really great. Europe is coming in S6 - S9 on 80 mtrs in NY through heavy QRN and it just seems like the K3 is working at its best. I would have to say that my admiration of the K3 has certainly gone UP another level tonight. 73's Tony K2ZLS -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Beta-firmware-rev-2.78-tp2131622p2131814.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3 CW Sound Wave Canceling
When I first got my K3, I wanted a nice pair of speakers so I bought two Tivoli Audio extension speakers from their outlet store. They look and sound nice, although they have gone way up in price lately. To get the maximum effect from the stereo AFX performance, I placed the speakers several feet apart on a shelf right above the operating desk. The sound was good. But every now and then I would have to scramble to more clearly hear a station at a particular CW tone. Sometimes I would have to plug in the phones to be able to copy the station properly. Then I realized what might be going on. Sound waves travel at a speed of 344 meters per second. Wavelength is speed divided by frequency. So, the wavelength of a 344 Hz tone is one meter. When two sound waves meet, they can either add together (in-phase, or constructive interference) or cancel each other (out-of-phase, or destructive interference). Since I like to listen to lower frequency tones (like 400 Hz), there seems to be some cancellation going on at certain locations where I normally sit, depending on the particular pitch that I am copying. I pressed the “pitch” button and walked around the room while listening to various tone frequencies and I “think” that I can find spots where the sound is attenuated. There are other effects going on like reflections, etc. Maybe it is not a good idea to have the speakers too far away from each other. So, anyway, I will try different locations for the speakers, or drop down to only one speaker and use the AFX with only the headphones. There is nothing wrong with the K3. This is basic physics about the sound waves from two sound sources. It has the biggest effects at CW single-tone lower frequencies, and probably is not that much of a factor with the complicated sound waves in normal speech and music. And, I could be filled with hot air, which is also basic physics hi hi. 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-CW-Sound-Wave-Canceling-tp1586193p1586193.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3 CW filtering
"With that, what filter should I go with to maximise my CW experience? "
I took the posted advice that only the first 30 dB of attenuation really
mattered for a roofing filter, and therefore I ordered the 5-pole CW filters
(500 and 200 Hz). I am happy with the choice. The main reason to use the
roofing filters in the first place is to prevent the DSP from overloading. I
once had a receiver that had FB DSP selectivity but no roofing filters and
that would overload ("de-sense") when strong signals were nearby. It is a
good feeling to dial the selectivity down to 200 Hz and know that nothing
will get through above and below that little window. Ringing doesn't seem to
be an issue.
Of course, YMMV, and other people feel good about having the steeper skirts
of the 8-pole filters.
73, John W2XS
K3 #919 (etc.)
--
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Re: [Elecraft] K3: Keypad Band Switching - a simple request
Longer (must trype better)... Don't worry about spelling. Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3%3A-Keypad-Band-Switching---a-simple-request-tp1470398p1472201.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3 YAKY
"I could add one more filter probably, maybe a narrow one for CW? I should, shouldn't I?" I am happy with the filters that I chose for my K3: 200 500 2.7k AM FM I can't wait to get home tonight and load in software revision 2.58. This will be the 15th upgrade since I received the rig at the end of May. Funny thing - signals on the AM BCB sound better if I enter in an offset for the FM filter (which did not come with one). I'll have to play around some more. 73, John W2XS KX1 (S/N 015) w/KXPD1, KXAT1, KXB30 (The one in the QST review) K2 (S/N 1116) w/KAT2, KSB2, K160RX, KIO2, KBT2, KNB2, KAF2, FDIMP (Built by Sherwood Eng) T4X (S/N 6) (Just a coincidence) K3/100 (S/N 919) w/KAT3, KBPF3, KUSB, KFL3A-200, 500, 2.7k, AM, FM HexKey (S/N 113) DL1, BL1, BL2, N-gen, XG1, W1, BNC-MM -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-YAKY-tp1393913p1394158.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] ATU vs. External Tuner
With a direct connection from the rig to the ladder line, there may be a balance issue on some bands. At least that is what I saw with my antenna without a balun. I used an MFJ Balanced RF Current Meter to see this. The SWR was always 1 to 1 so you cannot tell if there is unbalance unless you specifically measure for it. I have recently tried a Balun Designs "Tuner" balun and it seems pretty good from a total current flow and also balance standpoint. I put the RF Current results with the Balun Designs balun on my website (see QRZ.com for the link). I have replaced my Johnson Matchbox with the KAT3 and Balun Designs balun. I am happy that I can use the KAT3 with its tuner settings memory for each band. QSY is really easy now with no extra tune up needed. The balun does not seem to heat up so I assume that the loss is relatively low. 73, John W2XS I use a low doublet of 2 x 88ft straight into the K3 antenna PL via a short length of ladder line. OK 10 - 160 David G3UNA -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/ATU-vs.-External-Tuner-tp1382313p1383096.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3 - bad CW note
Is there a difference in the power supplies at the two stations? I had a very similar bad CW report when I first got my K3 which was due to a switching power supply that I was using. The note was bad at all power levels on several bands. I bought an Astron RS-35A and the reports were good. I still wonder why the switcher didn't work well since it was a 12V, 24A supply. Good luck. John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3---bad-CW-note-tp1334054p1334378.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] dmm vs vom
Be careful with some of the DMM's too. I did a study on the voltage produced at the leads for several brands of industry-standard meters at work. Here is one of them: Resistance RangeVoltage on the leads 0.2 ohms 12 volts 2 ohms 12 volts 20 ohms12 volts 200 ohms 6 volts 2M ohms6 volts 20M ohms 1 volt We found out why certain semiconductor devices were being destroyed after "meter checking". 73, John W2XS Generally it is not a problem, if you are checking resistors. The area you can get into trouble is when you have semiconductors connected to the circuit - Elecraft Rigs are loaded with them. The problem can come from most VOMs not being able to limit the current applied to the circuit under test. Even at low voltage you could apply a voltage with enough current to bias a transistor to a destructive level. Most DMMs use a high impedance amplifier on input to reduce current flow to/from the meter. The resistance circuitry can also be made to sample E/I data at low enough levels to provide resistance measurement at much lower current and voltage. IMO, with many DVM/DMMs on the market at low cost, it's probably not worth the risk. Al WA6VNN **New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination. Dining, Movies, Events, News & more. Try it out! (http://local.mapquest.com/?ncid=emlcntnew0001) ___ 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 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/dmm-vs-vom-tp1307371p1314193.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K2 Battery Charging System With out Mods?
I use Don's system described below in #2) with the A&A charger and recommend it. It keeps the K2's battery healthy, and I also use it for other gel-cell batteries around the shack. Plus, when out in the field, the added power jack on the back of tyhe K2 makes a convenient spot to connect an analog expanded-scale DC voltmeter to monitor the state of charge (even though the K2 can also monitor its own voltage). The meter I use is a Zantum Technologies model ZAPV15 "12 Volt Lead Acid Battery Capacity Charge Meter" with a nice multi-colored scale. 73, John W2XS 2) Make a direct connection to the battery and use a 2 or 3 state charger designed specifically for charging gel cells. The A&A Smartcharger is one example. See my website www.w3fpr.com for information related to 2) above. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K2-Battery-Charging-System-With-out-Mods--tp1120435p1122331.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] Which rig is Elecraft's best value?
I think I agree with the K2/10 being the best QRP rig ever made. And, as you said, it is good enough to be the main rig. When the bands are open, the 10 to 15 watts seems to be enough for plenty of QSOs and some DX. It has a built-in tuner, battery, keyer, etc., and can run in the "battery-saver" mode which helps. Eventually, I think the K3 will be the ultimate all-in-one-box rig. I look forward to the time when I can: 1. Connect the K3 to my ladder line without balun heating, balun loss or without needing the manual balanced tuner. Then I can take advantage of the KAT3's remembering its settings from band to band. This might be solved with the addition of a better balun here. 2. Listen to AM BCB and SWL in hi-fi sound. The KXV3 will help the AM BCB sensitivity. The K3 has so many features (software updates, NB, NR, AFX, general coverage, data modes, small footprint, nice looking display, passband tuning, roofing filter selectivity, etc etc ) that it is hard to beat as the ultimate rig operating on a power supply. I am sure that you will get plenty of opinions on this one! 73, John W2XS I'm actually thinking the award goes to the K2/10. - Keith N1AS - - K3 711 - ___ 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 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Which-rig-is-Elecraft%27s-best-value--tp735557p735728.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] More Balanced Current Measurements - Voltage Balun
I had previously posted some RF Current data using an MFJ-835 Balanced RF Current meter. I measured the amount of current flowing in each side of my ladder line and compared the Johnson Matchbox, the internal KAT3 antenna tuner with the Elecraft BL2 balun in both the 4-to-1 and 1-to-1 positions, and a direct connection from the KAT3 to the ladder line with no balun. Tonight, I came across a 4-to-1 voltage balun left over from the days of the Ultimate Transmatch (QST July, 1970 - wow! - that is a long time ago but seems like yesterday). Anyway, I put the voltage balun in line and repeated the measurements. Here are my conclusions based on my results: 1) Without the MFJ 835 current meter, I would have been happy with any of the configurations. All of them had a perfect 1-to-1 SWR when matched. All of them resulted in good QSOs. 2) The Johnson Matchbox has the best balance and least loss on all bands. 3) A balun on the output of an unbalanced tuner is a compromise and there is loss there. 4) The BL2 has good balance on all bands 160m to 6m but gets very hot on some bands indicating loss. I have received reports that the Johnson MB is several S units better than the balun on some bands. 5) The voltage balun works pretty well on 160m, 80m, and 40m but is poor on 30m and higher. It is useless on 6m. 6) The direct connection had very poor balance on some bands. So, IMHO, a balanced tuner is the best matching device for a balanced antenna fed with ladder line. We must find a way to convince Elecraft to offer a balanced version of the KAT3. Maybe something along the lines of Zack Lau's QRP Balanced Transmatch on the ARRL website (in the TIS section. The balun is on the input side and operates near the design impedances). If you want to peek at the data itself, it's on my website. The link is on QRZ.COM. The "sum" column is an indication of the total current in both sides. The higher the number, the better. The "difference" column is an indication of balance. The smaller the number, the better. 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/More-Balanced-Current-Measurements---Voltage-Balun-tp723337p723337.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] Paddle for K3
Both the Elecraft Hex Key and the Brown Brothers BTL-A paddles work great. I like the stability of a paddle that has little or no vertical movement of the paddle arms. The Hex key is heavy but the Brown Brothers is easier to adjust. alsopb wrote: > > > What paddle to use is also a fitting topic. > > -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Paddle-for-K3-tp680254p680464.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] ON4UN has a K3?
I like: 1 = 10m 2 = 20m 3 = 30m 4 = 40m 5 = 15m 6 = 60m 7 = 17m 8 = 80m 9 0 = 160m I use "band down" or "band down" to go to 6m or 12m. 73, John W2XS - Brett wrote: Or you can always make it relatively easy to remember by using something like: 2 - 20 Meters 3 - 30 Meters 7 - 40 Meters 4 - 75/80 Meters 1 - 160 Meters -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/ON4UN-has-a-K3--tp582259p583782.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] Balanced Antenna Feedline Current Measurements
Let's try spaces instead of tabs for the tables. Here's a summary of the sums of the scale readings (side1 plus side 2). Keep in mind that I may have switched scales from band to band but it is the relative numbers in each row are all on the same scale. BandJMBDirect4to11to1 Sum Sum Sum Sum 160 X84 7175 80 73 62 6765 40 124 87108 84 30 93 75101 88 20 73 149 6142 17 140 117 135 117 15 75 808080 12 50 495755 10 70 657367 6 X 444445 Here's a summary of the differences of the scale readings. The smaller the better. The direct case is pretty poor except for 160m and 6m. JMB Direct4to1 1to1 Band Diff DiffDiffDiff 160X 6 7 5 80 3 20 3 1 40 6 23 12 18 30-3 65 3 8 20 3 11 3 2 17 2 33 17 7 15 1 16 4 4 12 0 11 1 1 10 0 25 3 3 6 X 0 2 3 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Balanced-Antenna-Feedline-Current-Measurements-tp532291p532403.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] Balanced Antenna Feedline Current Measurements
I used an MFJ-835 Balanced Antenna current meter to measure the currents in each side of the ladder line connected to my Cobra Ultralite antenna. It has two 0 to 100 scales on it. One is for Side1 and the other for Side2 of the ladder line. I compared the Johnson Matchbox, the KAT3/BL2 balun (4 to 1 ratio), the KAT3/BL2 balun (1 to 1 ratio), and the KAT3 directly connected to the ladder line with no balun. In each case there was a 1 to 1 SWR on the K3 SWR meter and the K3 was set to 100W. The antenna current meter was in the same spot for all tests which is right after a DPDT knife switch that can switch between the Matchbox output and the direct (or balun) connections. (I also switch between the MB input and the balun.ladder line input). I wrote down the scale reading for each of the 4 matching circuits. Then I added Side1 plus Side2 (to show the total current) and subtracted Side2 from Side1 (to show the balance). I am still digesting the data, but here is what I think it is telling me: 1. The balance with the Johnson Matchbox is pretty good (within 10%) from 80 to 10, including WARC bands. My antenna itself slopes down on one end so the balance isn't perfect to begin with. 2. With a direct connection form the K3 (and KAT3) right to the antenna, the match is OK but the balance is poor to horrible from band to band. On 30 meters, the reading on the 0 to 100 scale was 70 on one side and 5 on the other! Only on 160m and 6m does the balance look decent (within 10 to 20%). The other bands are very unbalanced compared to the JMB. 3. Except for a band or two, the balance is reasonable with the BL2 balun in the line. I find that both the K3 and K2 can find perfect matches in the 4 to 1 position, but the K2 has trouble on some bands in the 1 to 1 position. But the balun heated up significantly on 40 and 20m indicating some kind of loss. I have not yet tried other bands. 4. The built-in tuner finds a perfect match with or without the balun, but the balance is way different from band to band. 5. This is very subjective, but I think the bands sound quieter with the Matchbox in line and noisiest with the direct connection. 6. Due to the balun heating, the use of a balun on the output of an unbalanced antenna tuner is not the best idea - although it will work and contacts will be made. The best situation would be to have a built-in BALANCED antenna tuner that remembers its settings from band to band connected right to the ladder line but this does not (yet?) exist. Here's a summary of the sums of the scale readings (side1 plus side 2). Keep in mind that I may have switched scales from band to band but it is the relative numbers in each row are all on the same scale. JMB Direct 4to11to1 Sum Sum Sum Sum 160 84 71 75 80 73 62 67 65 40 124 87 108 84 30 93 75 101 88 20 73 50 61 42 17 140 117 135 117 15 75 80 80 80 12 50 49 57 55 10 70 65 73 67 6 44 44 45 Here's a summary of the differences of the scale readings. The smaller the better. The direct case is pretty poor except for 160m and 6m. JMB Direct 4to11to1 DiffDiffDiffDiff 160 6 7 5 80 3 20 3 1 40 6 23 12 18 30 -3 65 3 8 20 3 4 3 2 17 2 33 17 7 15 1 16 4 4 12 0 11 1 1 10 0 25 3 3 6 0 2 3 In summary, for me, I think that the use of the Johnson Matchbox is the best choice for 80 to 10. It has the hoghest totqal power output and best balance. For 160 and 6 (and general coverage receive), direct seems the best choice except that the meter arced on 10m in the direct connection case. It didn't do that in any other case. I haven't opened it up to look inside. For the no-balun case, if the antenna tuner is remotely located, then it is possible that the unbalance can be reduced with a choke on the matched coax line. If the antenna tuner is built into the rig, then it's hard to do that. 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Balanced-Antenna-Feedline-Current-Measurements-tp532291p532291.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] Switching supplies and the K3
Based on my own personal experience, I would recommend a linear supply. I use the Astron RS-35A. Yes, it is as big as the K3, but it is rock solid, well-filtered, and RFI-free, and has over-voltage and over-current protection. In addition, the Astron has heavy-duty output terminals that will better handle the peak current. 5-way binding posts are fine for QRP but I like the larger terminals for QRO. (all IMHO of course). Buy the power supply from R and L Electronics for a low price and quick delivery. (They carry switchers, too). John W2XS Thomas Kuehl wrote: > > Or should I skip the switching power supply idea altogether? > > Thanks, Thomas - AC7A > > > > > ___ > 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 > > -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Switching-supplies-and-the-K3-tp18326982p18337652.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] BL2 Balun Heating
Just passing along some information that might be of interest. I have the K3 with the auto tuner built in. My antenna is a Cobra Ultralite fed with ladder line. I can switch between a Johnson Matchbox and a BL2 balun/KAT3 to feed the antenna. I previously had adjusted the feedline length so that the Matchbox would find a 1 to 1 match on all bands 80 through 10 including 30, 17, and 12 meters. I have received many good signal reports on all bands with either matching system. I brought home an Omega temperature monitor and put the thermocouple inside the core of my BL-2 balun (set to a 4 to 1 ratio). I just had a 30 minute QSO on 20 meters with the K3 set to 100 watts. The balun temperature started out at 74 degrees. By the time the QSO had ended, the temperature was up to 120 degrees, a 46 degree increase. The same kind of thing happened on 40 meters. I have not yet tried another band. Signal strengths on both ends were 569 to 579. I once did an A/B comparison at 10W on several bands with the KAT2/BL2 vs. the Johnson Matchbox and there was no real difference on the other end. That was very subjective, though. The balun loss may or may not be that noticable on the other end. Happy 4th of July. 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/BL2-Balun-Heating-tp18285067p18285067.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3- what a radio!
This is what I wrote recently to someone who asked me how I liked the K3 (which I have had about a month now): The K3 is a really wonderful rig. I’m trying hard to think of any cons right now but none come to mind. The list of pros includes: Very quick auto tuning (KAT3) – like 1 to 2 seconds to find a match. It finds a 1 to 1 match on 160 to 6 meters with a Cobra Ultralite antenna and BL2 balun. Great sounding received audio – and that AFX button is fun. Unbelievable noise reduction and noise blanking effectiveness. Unbelievable selectivity and adjustment range. Up to 120W output (but I run it at 100W). Accurate internal SWR and power meters. Great general coverage receive. Excellent QSK – better than the K2 – as good as the TS-930S. The reports on the transmitted CW note are terrific. Many parameters are adjustable – AGC settings, AFX delay, NB sensitivity and width, keyer weight, etc. These may take time to find the optimal settings. (maybe that’s a con hi hi). The size and weight are perfect for my shack. Next week, I’ll update my photo on QRZ.com. Software updating is very quick and easy. I bought their KUSB adaptor since I don’t have a serial port on the home PC now. Many new features will be introduced via software updates. I am hoping for Automatic Character Spacing in the keyer like the Accukeyer and CMOS Logikeyers. Like the TS-930 with the Piexx digital board, there are 100 memories, + another 4 per band. I have never had a 6 meter QSO and the tuner found a match on that band for my antenna. I heard some stations on around 50.098 MHz and called “QRL?” and someone said “Yes” so I know I am getting out hi hi. But no QSO yet. Elecraft support is really great and they bend over backwards to make sure problems are resolved. I started out with a switching power supply (12V, 24A) but I did not like the noise it generated in the receiver and it also induced problems on the transmitted signal. So I bought an Astron RS-35A and that works very well. The power supply is slightly bigger than the rig, though hi hi. 73, John W2XS ni0c wrote: > > It's the best radio I've ever owned, and it is all > that I expected over the four month wait period! > > Thanks, Elecraft, for great radio, and to the kind people > on this reflector who have furnished help and advice > when I needed it. > > 73, > Chuck Guenther NI0C > K3/100 s/n 1061 > K2/10 s/n 5853 > > ___ > 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 > > -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3---what-a-radio%21-tp18146443p18154943.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] What to do with my K3
Read the reviews and make a list of your own pros and cons. In addition to the usual transmitter and receiver performance items, include things like: * Cost of repair (modules vs. the whole rig being sent). * Company management involvement in reflector discussions, customer problems, and customer feature requests. * The overall quality of the design and support teams assembled by the company. * The sense of excitement expressed by people who were just waiting for their equipment to be shipped. * The ease and simplicity of uploading new software revisions. * Physical size and weight. * The predicted level of support that will be available years from now. I was honestly trying not to be biased towards the K3 but that's impossible at this point. (And, after all, this IS the Elecraft reflector). Joseph M. Durnal wrote: > > I was waiting and waiting for the K3 and ended up buying a Yaesu > FT-2000D. The FT-2000D is a great rig, and I like it for sure. Now > my new K3 arrived, but I can't really afford to keep both. > > I wonder if I could get it built before field day, if so, it would be > a great time to test both rigs and see which I like better. > > I could probably get a small premium for it if I sold it > > I could probably sell the FT-2000D and get most of what I paid for it > back. > > Decisions, Decisions. > > Comments from the peanut gallery? > > 73 de Joseph Durnal NE3R > ___ > 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 > > -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/What-to-do-with-my-K3-tp18040691p18043708.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] Audio artifacts
I had some audio distortion while listeining to AM when I set the some of the AGC settings at maximum (based on a recent post). Backing off on the settings made the audio crystal clear. 73, John W2XS Stephen Prior wrote: > > When I turned the K3 on tonight with AFX on and wearing headphones I could > hear some slight high frequency roughness on the audio as if there were a > problem with the headphones being overdriven. They were not, and are in > fact an expensive pair of Sennheisers. > > I turned the K3 off and then on again and they were still there. However > the > problem disappeared completely on adjusting the filter width and has not > come back since. > > I am using latest firmware on K3 no. 980. (Where is the hash key on a Mac > keyboard??!!) > > 73 Stephen G4SJP > > > > ___ > 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 > > -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Audio-artifacts-tp18036098p18037145.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3 - Power Supply - My Experience
K3 – Power Supply – My Experience I had a couple of issues with my K3 S/N 919 when I first assembled it. The issues turned out to be mostly my problems, not really the unit’s, and Elecraft’s support was incredible, even on the Memorial Day weekend. They had reassured me that they would get me through all of the issues and that turned out to be true. It was very much appreciated. One of the issues that I had was a chirp and rough sounding CW note on 20 meters. 80 and 40 were fine. I use a Cobra Ultralite antenna on all bands (www.k1jek.com) with a Johnson Matchbox. I started out using a switching power supply (Mean Well SP300-12) rated at up to 13.2V at 24A. I thought everything was fine until I got a bad report on 20m one night. I did have some RFI in the receiver but I did not think it was too bad. Just in case, Elecraft sent a new synthesizer board to me and I installed it. I also moved some equipment around and took the Drake twins (with their transformers) off the desk. Finally, I bought a new Astron RS-35A from R and L Electronics (a great place to deal with). I have received good reports on 20 meters with this set up, and all of the RFI, including some sweeping signals that appeared in the receiver, is gone. The Astron power supply is as big as the rig itself and much heavier, and has a little noticeable hum sound to it (not electrically). But I am happy with the performance. Now I can try the built-in tuner and the BL-2 balun and compare that to the Johnson Matchbox. I have already established perfect matches on all bands from 160 to 10 but did not want to transmit that way until the reports were good. 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3---Power-Supply---My-Experience-tp18034858p18034858.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3 Band changing...Devils Advocate...
I haven't used the K3 receiver enough to really comment, but I like the way the TS-930 works (with the PIEXX board installed). There are 99 memories available which are accessed via the RIT knob (similar to the K3 and the VFO B knob). In addition, there are 9 individual band buttons on the front panel that are assignable to any frequency in that band. So, for example, I can be listening to WBCQ on 7415 and then press the "80" button to move to 3530 (the frequency that I have programmed for 80 meters). The direct-frequency-entry capability of the K3 is roughly the same thing with a few more button pushes. The 930 also has "up" and "down" buttons that allow scrolling through the spectrum in 500kHz steps. 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-Band-changing...Devils-Advocate...-tp17551390p17559722.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3: Automatic Character Spacing
I would like to second that request. I still use the CMOS Super Keyer 1 which came after the Accukeyer and it has ACS which I miss when using the K2 and (soon - maybe this weekend - 35% assembled so far) K3. Once you get used to ACS, it is hard to do without it. The K1EL, NorCal, and PK4 keyers, and others, have ACS. 73, John W2XS (BTW - IMHO - the software implementation of ACS in the Logikeyers, direct descendants of the CMOS Super Keyer, is not as good as the older, hardware-only implementation). k7svv wrote: > > Wayne & Eric, > Could I make an addition to the "list" please? Back in the 70's I > built the Accu Keyer and Accu Memory that was published in QST. It was > almost the size of a K2 by the time I got finished with it and it had ACS > (Automatic Character Spacing) which I loved dearly. I would sure like to > see that feature added to the K3 along with a menu item that would be used > to turn ACS on and off. As a matter of fact I would like to see the same > thing in the K1 and K2 too. > > John[K7SVV] > > ___ > 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 > > -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3%3A-Automatic-Character-Spacing-tp17432086p17433348.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3 - Yeah! It's Here!
Today UPS delivered K3 S/N 919 which was ordered on Dec 8, 2007. I will now spread out the ESD mat and hook up the ground strap and begin the fun. Thank you, Elecraft. 73, John W2XS KX1 (S/N 015) w/KXPD1, KXAT1, KXB30 K2 (S/N 1116) w/KAT2, KSB2, K160RX, KIO2, KBT2, KNB2, KAF2, FDIMP, KPA100 T4X (S/N 6) (kind of a coincidence) K3/100 (S/N 919) w/KAT3, KBPF3, KUSB, KFL3A-200, 500, 2.7K, AM, FM HexKey (S/N 113) DL1, BL1, BL2, N-gen, XG1, BNC-MM, W1 -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3---Yeah%21--It%27s-Here%21-tp17353909p17353909.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] The Frustration of it all
Mine left San Pablo on the 14th and that's the last update on the tracking information. It's "On Time" for Tuesday, though. (Regular UPS ground). 73, John W2XS David Robertson-6 wrote: > > I have been tracking my shipment of my K3 from California to Massachusetts > which started last Thursday evening (3 day UPS Delivery). > The package is now sitting in a UPS warehouse about 25 miles away from > here and will sit there until this coming Tuesday. > It is so close but so far away!! ARRG. I CAN'T STAND THE AGGRAVATION!! > > There is hope though. I might be able to drive down there tomorrow (this > coming Monday) and pick it up. :-). > > The UPS people have been most informative and helpful. > > Back to reading the forum and studying the assembly manual. Tick Tick > Tick > > 73 > Dave KD1NA > ___ > 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 > > -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/The-Frustration-of-it-all-tp17301731p17306121.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3 BETA FIRMWARE RELEASE -- MCU rev 1.94
This type of response is why I think the K3 represents a low-risk investment. Hurry up UPS! (Mine is on the way). 73, John W2XS I'll restore it to its former glory, don't worry. But not until I get back from Dayton. 73, Wayne N6KR -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-BETA-FIRMWARE-RELEASEMCU-rev-1.94-tp17199166p17234805.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] Shipping Status
I was in the same boat until today when I got the "Katiegram" informing me that my K3, ordered Dec 8, will ship soon. So, you might use a date of 5 months after your order date as the general guideline. They will most likely be able to improve that time as goes by. 73, John W2XS VE7AJJ wrote: > > Once again Elecraft , it has been quite a while since a shipping > update was posted. I could do as Fern suggested in an email to me and > call you however if each of us waiting for a radio took the time to > call my guess is that many man hours would be lost in answering each > individual call. Why not post an update and I am sure that will > satisfy those of us that are waiting for our radios? > > To those of you who choose to email me and bitch about being tired of > reading these posts on the reflector, save your strength. You have > your radio, I don't have mine..and I have waded > through several hundred posts that did not interest me, about Anderson > power poles and what filter etc. what Mike etc. Besides; complaining > to me will not produce the result that you hope for. I have NOT taken > up a significant amount of bandwidth here as this is only my second > post...that I remember, and the previous one was also a > request for a shipping update. > > 73 > > Garry/Ve7ajj > ___ > 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 > > -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Shipping-Status-tp17088647p17093709.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] Portable CW paddles for K2?
I like the Paddlette paddles for portable use with the K2. At home, I use the Elecraft HexKey and a set of Brown Brothers BTL-A paddles. The Paddlettes are similar in design to the Brown Brothers and have a solid feel to them. The newer Paddlettes have stiffer arms than the old ones which is a significant improvement. There is no vertical movement of the arms which helps to keep the "solid" feel. I used the Palm only once and it felt a touch spongy to me, but it may have been the way that that particular unit was adjusted. Surprisingly, the K9LU Bulldog paddles feel pretty good too. I did not like the Whiterook or MFJ portable paddles. I also have the Black Widow and Scorpion paddles and use them on occasion, but prefer the others. (IMHO, of course) John W2XS TF3KX wrote: > > My K2 #6425 is now up and running, and I need good, light/small portable > iambic paddles for the upcoming summer trips. Are there any good > recommendations? > > Candidates I have been looking at include: > - Palm Mini Paddles (http://www.morsex.com/palm) > - Paddlette PK1 (http://www.paddlette.com/pkproduct.htm) > - Paddlette BP (http://www.paddlette.com/bpproduct.htm) > > Does anyone have experience, or even comparison on these or others that > would be suitable for portable operation? My preference for "feel" is > that the I prefer "harder/metallic" touch when making contact over > "softer" touch, that I have found with some paddles. > > 73 - Kristinn, TF3KX > -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Portable-CW-paddles-for-K2--tp16894191p16895760.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3 ATU specifications
I have a Cobra Ultralite antenna and the KAT2 tuner in the K2 finds a match on all bands (with a BL2 in the 4 to 1 position). The K3 ATU is a similar type of tuner. The great thing about the built-in tuner is that it remembers the settings for each band which makes changing bands very easy. This is extremely convenient. Most external auto tuners need some RF power before they "remember" the settings for that frequency range. You also may want to add or subtract some feedline length to help out those problem bands. I added 18 feet to the feedline and this brought all bands (including WARC, not including 160) within the range of a Johnson Matchbox tuner. I still prefer using the balanced tuner over the unbalanced tuner and balun. But the K3 may change my thinking when it arrives (ordered in December). John W2XS I need a tuner that will hopefully tune every band to <= 1.5:1 on a Cobra multiband dipole antenna. The built-in ATU in my TS-850 has difficulties with certain frequency ranges within a couple of bands. Should I go with the built-in K3 ATU, or remove that from my order and just pickup an a decent external LDG tuner? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-ATU-specifications-tp16607551p16608901.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] OT: QRP-L.org Reflector
I haven't had a problem with QRP-L, but I can no longer visit QRZ.com without my Internet Explorer completely hanging up. It seems to be something specific to that one website. Besides this Elecraft reflector, I regularly visit eHam.net, the QRP-L archives, QTH.com, ePay, rfdesk.com, and (before) QRZ.COM. Just wondering if anyone else got booted from the QRP-L.org reflector -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/OT%3A-QRP-L.org-Reflector-tp16451615p16452209.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] OT: QRP-L.org Reflector
I haven't had a problem with QRP-L, but I can no longer visit QRZ.com without my Internet Explorer completely hanging up. It seems to be something specific to that one website. Besides this Elecraft reflector, I regularly visit eHam.net, the QRP-L archives, QTH.com, ePay, rfdesk.com, and (before) QRZ.COM. Just wondering if anyone else got booted from the QRP-L.org reflector -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/OT%3A-QRP-L.org-Reflector-tp16451615p16452207.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] KX1 Package for Sale
The KX1 package has been sold. Thank you very much for the emails. The W1 is still available. Also have a nice W1 wattmeter in the plastic case $100 shipped John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/KX1-Package-for-Sale-tp16042775p16054520.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] KX1 Package for Sale
KX1 Package. Everything you need for portable operation. KX1 with 30 meters and antenna tuner KXPD1 paddle N3CW base to use the KXPD1 paddles on the desktop Carrying case Approx 2AH gel cell Small amplified speaker plugs into phones jack. (Brookstone) Earbuds BNC-to-binding posts adaptor 42' of wire for a portable antenna 3 quarter-wave counterpoise wires All documentation. $375 Also have a nice W1 wattmeter in the plastic case $100 shipped John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/KX1-Package-for-Sale-tp16042775p16042775.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] OT: Software to do block/wiring diagram?
"I'm looking for some software that I can use to create block diagrams for electronic setups. " I like the program RF Flow. It costs $50 to purchase. http://www.rff.com/ A trial version is available with a limited number of components allowed. 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/OT%3A--Software-to-do-block-wiring-diagram--tp15903082p15904628.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] Portable Antennae
Portable 40m to 10m Inverted V Antenna used by W2XS Jackite 31-foot pole and ground mount (or, bungee-cord it to a table or deck railing): http://www.jackite.com/product_info.php?products_id=132 Coleman camping reel. Buy 4 of them. Use two for the antenna wire (I use 33 feet on each side but you can 22 feet and above for 40m to 10m). Use the other two as ropes to secure the antenna ends to the ground stakes. Walmart, etc., sells these things. http://www.mysimon.com/9015-11034_8-30962052.html Two tent stakes to secure the rope ends: http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=7310&storeId=226&catalogId=4000226 300-ohm twin lead for the feed line. I bought 50 feet from Radio Shack. I use a small piece of Plexiglas for the center insulator with a small hole drilled in it. I use a twist-tie to secure it to the ring on the top section of the pole. I have also used a small PVC pipe coupling section from the local hardware store. BLT Tuner (or equivalent set up. I use the K2 internal tuner and a BL1 balun): http://www.qrpkits.com/norcal_blt.htm It works very well on 40m to 10m. Ken Kirkley-2 wrote: > > While I await my K3 (sometime in June) I would like to construct a good > portable antennae to use while camping (RV camping). If it is a dipole it > will need to be short enough to fit in the footprint of a campsite. Any > recommendations.maybe even for a vertical? > > > > 73 & God Bless! > > Ken/NO4D > > ___ > 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 > > -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Portable-Antennae-tp15764570p15765190.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] Split DX
These are the posted CW offsets (in kHz) that VP6DX is using: CW 160m 1827.3 +7 80m 3502.5 +25 40m 7002.5 +25 30m 10106.5 +7 20m 14002.5 +25 17m 18072.5 +7 15m 21002.5 +25 12m 24892.5 +7 10m 28002.5 +25 6m 50105 +7 501 They change once in a while depending on conditions but they usually announce where they are listening. Many DX stations will simply say "up". This is where the "split" mode comes in. Use VFO A to listen to the DX station. Use VFO B to find the station that he is working and get on or near to that frequency, which can be from 1 to 3 kHz above or more. Once you master this technique, you can perfectly zero beat the station that the DX just worked, or move a little up or down to get away from the other callers. I find it a lot of fun, and worked VP6DX last night with 10W on 80m under noisy conditions. The K2 (and K3) excel in this mode of operation. Neither the K1 nor the KX1 have this "split" capability. RIT and XIT may work under some conditions but it is not nearly as flexible. 72, John W2XS KX1 (S/N 015 and S/N 925) w/KXPD1, KXAT1, KXB30 K2 (S/N 1116) w/KAT2, KSB2, K160RX, KIO2, KBT2, KNB2, KAF2, FDIMP T4X (S/N 6) K3/100 (S/N TBD in April, I hope) w/KAT3, KBPF3, KUSB, KFL3A-200, 500, 2.7K, 6K HexKey (S/N 113 ) DL1, BL1, BL2, N-gen, XG1, W1, BNC-MM Brett Howard wrote: > > I've not ever really worked a split DX station and ever since getting the > K1 > I've been working on building up my CW skills. I've gotten to where I can > get the jist of the info at 14WPM w/ 20WPM char speeds. > > > > I've heard frequencies where it seems like nothing is going on and then > all > of the sudden 10 stations light up. I'm assuming that this is a split DX > and I'm only hearing half of it. > > > > But anyway it doesn't make much sense to me. So granted a station can > listen to both frequencies at once and I'm sure transmitting station is > probably only listening when he's not transmitting (unless he has two > separate radios and two separate antennas). This just seems like a waste > of > bandwidth especially if he's not doing full duplex. > > > > Is there a common split distance so that one may easily find the other > half > or do people usually just go digging till they find it? > > > > > > > > ___ > 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 > > -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Split-DX-tp15640363p15641293.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3 Mojo
I also worked them on 30m and 20m with a QRP K2 into a Cobra Ultralite antenna. ( www.k1jek.com ). The bands were not in great shape either. There was a "stuck paddle" on 7002.0 all night last night. John W2XS K1DWZ wrote: > > The Elecraft Mojo continues. I worked Ducie Island, VP6DX on 17 meters > SSB running 10 watts to a G5RV antenna. > > Ken K1DWZ > -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-Mojo-tp15560876p15562353.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] KX1 antenna help
"I am wondering what the groups opinions are about the best end fed antenna lengths would be for taking my newly built KX1 mobile? " For 40, 30, and 20 meters, I use a 42-foot wire with a large nut on the end. The wire is thrown over a tree branch. A Pomona BNC-to-Bindng Posts adaptor is used. Three counterpoise wires cut to one quarter wave for each band (approx. 33', 23', and 16.5') are connected to the ground binding post. I have worked EU DX from my dining room table with the antenna wire going over the top of the back door out to a tree limb and the counterpoise wires spread out in the other direction on the floor. 72, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/KX1-antenna-help-tp15308865p15336333.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] KAT3 - Antenna tuned or not?
I have often thought about adding an additional BNC connector to my K2 and KAT2 to insert an external meter like the W1 in between the rig output and the antenna tuner input. A short jumper would be needed if the meter is disconnected. The "aux RF" is one BNC connection and another could be wired to the tuner's input. The meter would then show the actual SWR that the rig sees after matching. I like the continuous display of SWR and power output but, as has been pointed out here, it does not make sense to monitor the SWR after the tuner. I try and keep the coax cable as short as possible between the rig and the balun because of the high SWR on that line. Most of the time I use a male-to-male BNC adaptor between the rig's output BNC and the balun. 72, John W2XS KX1 (S/N 015 and S/N 925) w/KXPD1, KXAT1, KXB30 K2 (S/N 1116) w/KAT2, KSB2, K160RX, KIO2, KBT2, KNB2, KAF2, FDIMP K3/100 (S/N TBD in Mar/Apr) w/KAT3, KBPF3, KUSB, KFL3A-200, 500, 2.7K, 6K HexKey (S/N 113 ) DL1, BL1, BL2, N-gen, XG1, W1, BNC-MM The external SWR meter is not affected by the KAT3 because it is between the KAT3 and the non-resonant load. -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/KAT3---Antenna-tuned-or-not--tp15153564p15159497.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] New K3 SN#207 built but question on AM Filter
I am hoping that Elecraft will have a different option for AM listening by the time that my K3 arrives (in April). Perhaps the roofing filter can be bypassed for AM listening. There are several radios out there that have DSP-only selectivity for AM reception: RX-320, Jupiter, etc. (Which also applies to transmitting on those radios). I purchased the 6kHz AM filter, but now I realize that the 15kHz FM filter is better suited for full-fidelity AM listening. The 6kHz filter may not see much use, even if I were to transmit on AM. According to the ARRL web site, 9 kHz is the ARRL's recommendation for double-sideband AM. A typical AM Broadcast signal's BW is 10kHz. Passing these signals through a 6kHz filter will result in a restricted-audio sounding signal. This is good for AM ham reception on the crowded 75m band but it is not full-fidelity sounding on AM BCB or SW. (I have heard some SW stations that must be using a wider bandwidth than 10kHz, based on how nice they sound on an old Hallicrafters radio - the kind with just the IF transformers for selectivity. Radio China International comes to mind). 73, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/New-K3-SN-207-built-but-question-on-AM-Filter-tp14780362p14805922.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] New K3 SN#207 built but question on AM Filter
I am hoping that Elecraft will have a different option for AM listening by the time that my K3 arrives (in April). A simple, lower-cost ceramic filter would be nice. Or, perhaps the roofing filter can be bypassed for AM listening. There are several receivers out there that have DSP-only selectivity for AM or SW listening. Or, at least, the audio BW will be opened up to 6kHz for AM listening. I ordered the 6kHz filter thinking that I can use the entire 6kHz for AM listening. The process of amplitude modulation produces 2 sidebands and a carrier. Each sideband has the same information (one is a mirror-image of the other). If the highest modulating frequency is 5kHz, then the BW of each sideband will be 5kHz, and the total AM signal will have a BW of 10kHz. At the receiver, one of the sidebands is discarded, and the other is demodulated. So, a 6kHz filter should produce a nice sounding AM signal since a 5kHz-wide signal is passing through it. (I have heard some SW stations that must be using a wider bandwidth, based on how nice they sound on an old Hallicrafters radio. Radio China International comes to mind). Not to be able to have a 6kHz BW with a 6KHz filter is a surprising limitation (IMHO). 72, John W2XS -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/New-K3-SN-207-built-but-question-on-AM-Filter-tp14780362p14804472.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] BL1 vs. BL2 Balun
Question: Aside from the switch to change from a 1:1 to 4:1, what are the differences between the BL1 and BL2? I've never seen either, however it appears to me that the BL2 has two binocular cores, and the BL1 has a single core. Is this so? Answer - The BL2 is rated at 250W. The BL1 was rated at 150W. The BL2 is a little higher because of the two cores. I have both the BL1 and BL2, and also a modified BL1. I ordered the BL2 blank PC board and the slide switch and mounted the core from a BL1 on it and ended up with a switchable BL1. I would like to someday change those round plastic adjustable screws to screws with wing nuts. -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/BL1-vs.-BL2-Balun-tp14716511p14716525.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K2 and wire antenna
I use the KAT2 and BL2 with 2 different antennas. One is the Cobra Ultralite (www.k1jek.com) and the other is a 40 meter inverted Vee fed with 300-ohm twinlead. The tuner/balun has been able to match the first antenna on 160 to 10 and the second antenna on 40 to 10 (and even 80 but I never use it there). The balun has always stayed in the 4 to 1 position. I try to keep the piece of coax from the balun to the rig as short as possible, and sometimes use the male-to-male BNC adaptor that Elecraft sells. 72, John W2XS K2, KX1, and K3 (due in April) -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K2-and-wire-antenna-tp14654003p14656238.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3 Filter advice...
There were many great posts about the filter options. Thanks to all who provided good advice. I read all of them. This is my take on all of the postings about filters. 1. The shape factor of a roofing filter is not as important as the shape factor of a conventional main IF filter. Therefore, a 5-pole will be fine for a roofing filter. Based on this, I went with the default 5-pole 2.7kHz filter. Since I am a CW operator, I also went with the 500 Hz and 200 Hz CW filters. The 200 Hz may be overkill since the rig has the "shift" control, but it was not that much more money. 2. The widest roofing filter determines the widest receiver selectivity. In other words, you must have a roofing filter installed - you cannot "jumper" over a slot for wide hi-fi selectivity. Based on that, since I also like to listen to SW and AM BCB, I added the 6 kHz AM filter. So my widest bandwidth will be 6 kHz and the narrowest bandwidth will be whatever the DSP can do (50 Hz or so) in series with a 200 Hz roofing filter. That sounded like a good combination to me. The biggest problem will come when trying to listen to a weak station who is near another station with a "noisy" transmitted signal. Time will tell if my assumptions are valid, but I was happy with the choices when I ordered. 73, John W2XS KX1 (S/N 015 and S/N 925) w/KXPD1, KXAT1, KXB30 K2 (S/N 1116) w/KAT2, KSB2, K160RX, KIO2, KBT2, KNB2, KAF2, FDIMP K3/100 (S/N TBD) w/KAT3, KBPF3, KUSB, KFL3A-200, 500, 2.7K, 6K HexKey (S/N 113 ) DL1, BL1, BL2, N-gen, XG1, BNC-MM -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-Filter-advice...-tp14503302p14503637.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3 Ordered - Now to make room
I am also on the K3 wait list. I will be selling a very nice Kenwood TS-930S/AT with two 400 Hz filters and the Piexx digital board. I am the original owner. Also have the SP-930 speaker and MC-60A mike available. I will also be selling several antenna tuners: Drake MN-75 (very good condx), Drake MN-4 (very good condx), Johnson Matchbox (fair condition with scratches - it was my backup), Johnson Matchbox parts-only (the two capacitors and coil). Also have a Tektronix 2236 scope on a cart, with probes. Finally a Wilderness SST-40. I am trying to decide on prices as I get the camera out for the pictures. I am usually very reasonable. 72, John W2XS KX1 (S/N 015 and S/N 925) w/KXPD1, KXAT1, KXB30 K2 (S/N 1116) w/KAT2, KSB2, K160RX, KIO2, KBT2, KNB2, KAF2, FDIMP T4X (S/N 6) K3/100 (S/N TBD) w/KAT3, KBPF3, KUSB, KFL3A-200, 500, 2.7K, 6K HexKey (S/N 113 ) DL1, BL1, BL2, N-gen, XG1, BNC-MM -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-Ordered---Now-to-make-room-tp14482450p14482450.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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
