Re: [Elecraft] Dynamic Mics on K3
Giulio, I had a brain fade I just realized, I only use the Shure A95 transformer when driving the High Impedance input of my Collins. But that is something to keep in mind. The K3 input should accept the SM57 directly with the proper cable wiring. You are correct: your problem is not the microphone. By the way, I get very good audio reports with mine. Jim K9YC's suggestion to roll off the low end at 50Hz and 100Hz is a good one. The SM57 has quite a bit of proximity effect and you should keep your distance to at least 3" or more. I use a fairly large windscreen on mine as well. Enjoy! Cheers, Ken N6TZV On Feb 11, 2009, at 4:18 PM, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote: Message: 17 Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:31:24 +0100 From: Giulio Pico - IW3HVB Subject: [Elecraft] Modulation on XV144 was: Dynamic mics on a K3 To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: <499343ac.9040...@gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-15; format=flowed After a few good suggestions by Don, Jim and Fern I run a few more tests, coming at the conclusion that the problem was not the MIC, or its interfacing with the K3 or the radio itself. The audio on HF bands is simply perfect, with or without compression (and comp acts exactly as it should). But the problem on 144 MHz is still there, so the problem must be on the XV144. The Power supply is the same for both the radio and the xverter, tried switching and stabilized with no differences. I've no idea where to look.. Changing the drive power (I'm using the KXV3 module) does'nt produce any difference as well. Any clues? 73 de Giulio IW3HVB __ 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] Dynamic Mics on K3
Giulio, Your problem is easy to fix. I also use a Shure SM 57 on my K3. It is a professional microphone, and is Low Impedance. You need to use an in-line impedance matching transformer. I use a Shure A95UF with an adaptor cable I made myself. They are inexpensive and work very well. Companies like Shure, Audio Technica, Radio Shack, Sescom, and many others make them. Here is an example: http://www.coutant.org/matching/5.html I'm sure you can find them in Italy. Cheers, Ken N6TZV Message: 14 Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:15:40 +0100 From: Giulio Pico - IW3HVB Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dynamic Mics on K3 To: d...@w3fpr.com Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: <4992973c.5050...@gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Don Wilhelm ha scritto: > Giulio, > > You did not say what microphones you were trying to use, only that > they were 'dynamic'. > Currently I'm using a Shure SM57 dynamic mic. The others are brandless or unknown. 73 de Giulio IW3HVB __ 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] KRX3 Install Comments
A few observations regarding the successful installation of the KRX3. As another poster said, organize! I used a plastic drawer liner with slots for forks. knives, etc. I made little partitions to create more spaces. Anything similar will do the trick. Inventory! This cannot be over emphasized. I had two missing standoffs that caused quite a bit of delay. Organization! Group each set of screws and hardware in order when you take the K3 apart. Reverse the order when you reassemble it. Measure! Even though I did this to all screws and standoffs for both the K3 and KRX3, I got a bit lazy at the end. That, coupled with the missing standoffs caused lots of aggravation. Self inflicted, mostly. Work with plenty of light! Also a powerful small flashlight is useful to help see if pins are correctly mated. Leave the left side off while seating the KRX3! It allows you to see the cables and pins mating and lots of other clearances. Use the search function on the Elecraft Reflector! I can't stress this enough. If you have a problem, it is likely that someone else has as well. Look through the comments and try the various solutions that worked for others. That's what I did. The Reflector helped me solve an error message and problem calibrating the Synth. I took the lid off, re seated the connector, added a lock washer to space away from the front panel a tad, and that fixed it. The sub receiver synth calibrated with no problem after that. Filters! Make sure you mark your filter type and location correctly, and put them in the right slots! Don't mistake slot #1 for #5 as others have done. If your KRX3 works but doesn't hear signals, try using the utility to set filters. Try different location set ups in the Utility to make sure you have them where you think you do. I had originally put the 2.7 in #2, then changed my mind and moved it to #1 without noting that in the manual. Guess what, no signals, till I tried set up in slot #1. If in doubt, open up the rig and KRX3 and double check. Using the Utility is actually easier. That's it! I'm really enjoying the new features. I didn't upgrade firmware for quite a while and am VERY pleasantly surprised with new features and implementation improvements of older ones. The DSP NR is improved, and the rig generally "sounds" better. Oh, and I read the keying loop comments and just hooked up to my TT amp directly. Works QSK like a charm. 12ms delay does it just fine. Great radio that keeps getting better, great supportive company, great community of helpful folks on the Reflector. What more could you want.? 73, Ken N6TZV K3 # 951 ___ 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] KRX3 Mounting Problem-Solved!
OK, I figured it out. There is a confluence of incomplete inventory from Elecraft, incomplete checking by me, and working late at night after a big meal. It all comes down to standoffs. I was missing two of the longest ones. This morning I rethought the problem, and found I had "measured with my eyes" when installing the only ones left. No big deal. Years ago I bought six Mason jars full of hardware, screws, nuts, etc. from an elderly ham who was cleaning his shop. $1 per jar. Never have I been so rewarded by the expenditure of $1. I'll just remount the proper size standoffs and all will fit like a charm. Everything else went together like a dream. I am so impressed with the mechanical implementation. Even the "L" shaped cover and circuit board went together flawlessly. I would like to thank the encouraging emails from N2TK, Tony, Johnny Siu VR2XMC, Don W3FPR, and Bill NY9H, and Patrick W7TMT. This is a great radio, made by a great company, but enhanced substantially by the community of The LIst! Thanks and 73 to all, Ken N6TZV PS: I saved all the extra screws from the K3. I have had to dig into that bag to help with the KRX3. I also note that I have sufficient small black flathead screws to replace any that are damaged cosmetically. Save those extra screws and hardware!!! ___ 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] KRX3 Mounting Problem
Howdy, I have nearly completed the KRX 3 installation, but have run into a physical mounting problem The two 1 1/2" 4-40 screws are not long enough to reach the stand offs below the KRX3 module I have VERY carefully followed instructions. There have been some missing standoffs which I had to supply from my own stock. As a result I have been careful to measure all of the screws and standoffs. It appears to me that many of the standoffs mounted on the RF board are too short. The KRX 3 module rests on the battery, and mates correctly with the pins on the mating boards. It has what looks to be the right amount of clearance above the RF board toroids. I took the side panel off to better see the clearances. It looks as though the supplied screws are at least 1/2" too short. What in heck is going on? Have I done something wrong? Or do I have the wrong screws supplied? Or the wrong standoffs? Cheers, Ken N6TZV ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re:new Elecraft Smooth Sound...
Bill, you are sure dating yourself remembering Bart Locanthi... Just to add to the interesting discussion, I thought I would point you folks to an interesting site: http://www.ilikejam.dsl.pipex.com/audiophile.htm There are links to some truly amazing audiophile enhancements that I'm sure we all could use with our K2's. The commentary alone is priceless. I think I am going to douse all the K2 IC's with Tube-o-lator lacquer. After that I will run the audio through some Ultra Tweeters, and surround myself with a few of The Hallograph Soundfield Optimizers . Of course, I will need to process all my cables with an audiodharma CABLE COOKER. Finally, I am going to replace the AC cable to my Astron power supply with an Audio Magic Clairvoyant Power Cord. I figure that ought to allow me to copy signals I can't even hear, or maybe aren't even there! Why bother with professional audio when you can have stuff like this? Cheers, Ken N6TZV (ex VP of JBL Pro, among other things...) Message: 22 Date: Thu, 25 May 2006 09:09:08 -0500 From: Bill NY9H <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Ideas - new Elecraft SMOOTH SOUND JUST PUT A XFORMER ON IT ... I remember when Altec's Bart Locanthi while doing a stint at JBL Monstercable in the 80s introduced super premium computer cables, but the new market could not absorb that 'concept'. I think he ( Noel) is back and now successful with the line. Do they make a 1 a better 1 ??? I just can't appreciate the HiFi SSB either. hi ken ( ex sales mgr at JBL Pro) hihiI know he's here, and enjoying this. bill ___ 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] Low Antennas/High Places
Vic, I have the Moxon book, both editions. I was intrigued by the same comments so I tried it many years ago up in the mountains near LA with good results. Then I tried it at our cabin in Carmel Valley. At the cabin I have used an inverted vee up about 10' above the deck, a shortened portable vertical by Superantennas, and a Buddipole up on the deck of our cabin in Carmel Valley. Deck is about 12' above steeply sloping ground with clear view from the SW around to the SE at 3000 ft. elevation. Sloping ground in every direction except for the ridge uphill directly to the south. Over the years I have had tremendous results from there even with the compromise shortened or loaded antennas from Buddipole and W6MMA. I have to rely on solar charged batteries, so I rarely have much power. I used to lug a marine battery, but now mostly smaller gel cells. 7AH and 17AH. The most is 50W SSB, and usually 5-10W SSB and CW to conserve battery life. I have broken pileups into Africa on SSB and CW, worked DX worldwide, had great fun during field days working nearly all states in casual operation, and just generally had a great time operating from there. I have even worked into NM and Texas on 75M SSB with only 25W, all of NA with 20W SSB on 40M &Up. Rigs are usually a K2 or an FT-817. If I can hear them, I can almost always work them. In 2002 I worked all continents on 10M SSB with an FT-817 in one afternoon of casual operation. I remember the gent in Japan was astounded when I told him I was QRP! South Pacific, Asia, and Europe are a breeze on 20M and up from there. Africa and Middle East are a bit tougher, but I've done it regularly. North and South America are super easy from 40M and up. All of the US on 75M with 50W. I've found that it doesn't take much of a drop to help quite a lot. I've operated pedestrian portable from a residential hilltop in Pasadena. There is a vacant lot, and a steep drop of a few hundred feet near a turnout in the road facing East. I've had good results there too. If the horizontal dipole is in the clear and up at least 10-20' with sloping ground, it is a great performer, as is a vertical! If you need more info, just let me know. Cheers, es 73 Ken N6TZV ___ 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
