[Elecraft] No FT mode.

[Lou Mecseri]

I have an 100% updated K3.

Suddenly I lost capability to transmit FT8 mode.

CW and SSB works OK, I do not know about RTTY.

My K3 is connected to a MicroHam Microkeyer II.

Is my FT8 signal being generated in which sound card?

73, Lou KE1F


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Voltage?

[Lou Mecseri]

BUT NOT BOTH.

How about line cords?"

Lou KE1F

On 11/14/2022 22:32, David Gilbert wrote:



There is absolutely nothing inherently wrong with aluminum wire, and 
it is typically what is used for very large gauge wire ... even for 
the utility entrance in my location.  I would bet that if you look 
closely at your breaker box you will see the same for the main feed 
coming in unless you have a very lowly rated box for current.  I don't 
think you can even find , for example, 4/0 wire in copper at places 
like Home Depot or Lowes.


The historical problem associated with aluminum wire was the material 
used for connections at the sockets and other places. That has all 
been changed long ago and if you look closely at many electrical 
fixtures and buss bars you will see that the contacts are stamped to 
be rated for either copper or aluminum.


Dave   AB7E



On 11/14/2022 3:08 PM, Lyn Norstad wrote:

Ed -

I cringe when I think of aluminum wiring.  I know it's currently 
about half
the price of copper, but a townhouse I lived in from 1979-1982 in 
Chicago

caught fire because of aluminum wiring and copper outlets.  In fact,
statistics show that 50% of home fires are due to aluminum wiring.

Aluminum does not meet any current (pun by chance ...) building codes 
around

here.  It's all copper. Has been for at least 40 years.

If you're stuck with aluminum (and it's legal??), be sure to 
liberally apply

antioxidant where needed.

73
Lyn, WØLEN




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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Voltage?

[Lou Mecseri]

Aluminum wiring is "penny wise and pound foolish".
Coming from a retired Fire Investigator.
Good Luck and 73, Lou KE1F


On 11/14/2022 22:08, Lyn Norstad wrote:

Ed -

I cringe when I think of aluminum wiring.  I know it's currently about half
the price of copper, but a townhouse I lived in from 1979-1982 in Chicago
caught fire because of aluminum wiring and copper outlets.  In fact,
statistics show that 50% of home fires are due to aluminum wiring.

Aluminum does not meet any current (pun by chance ...) building codes around
here.  It's all copper. Has been for at least 40 years.

If you're stuck with aluminum (and it's legal??), be sure to liberally apply
antioxidant where needed.

73
Lyn, WØLEN


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ed Cole
Sent: Monday, November 14, 2022 3:43 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Voltage?

On the general subject of house wiring, loads, and resulting voltage:

I am wiring my new hamshack with 240vac mains extension from the house.
I selected three No. 2 awg aluminum lines (copper not commonly used
these days).  These are approx 1/4-inch diameter.

That is rated for 90A (in general).  Resistance is 0.318 ohms/1000-feet
so my 120-foot run has 0.0382 ohms.  At 50A this results in a voltage
drop of 1.9v.  My service voltage is 243VAC.

Estimation of max load at the new hamshack/workshop calculates as 36.5A.
   Maximum will likely never exist as not everything will be activated
simultaneously, but good design is for max load.

Largest load is electric baseboard heat (4000w); 50v PS is next (3000w).
All my QRO amps are LDMOS and run about 2500w dc-input.  I use three of
these switching PS, but only one at a time.

Info on my website: www.kl7uw.com

73, Ed - KL7UW

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Re: [Elecraft] I need a Sherlock Holmes (weird spurs on 40m) [resolution]

[Lou Mecseri]

A bright "moon light" can keep solar panels generating  solar power.

73, Lou KE1F

On 6/9/2022 20:09, Alan Bloom wrote:
Mystery solved!  The spurs appear to be coming from a solar 
installation on a house about 1/2 mile (3/4 km) from my house.


One interesting point is that the spurs do not go away at sundown, but 
continue until fairly late in the evening.  Apparently that solar 
installation must have some kind of battery to store the energy.


Solar panels are DC devices and do not themselves generate 
interference.  Rather it is the inverter(s) and other electronics that 
are the problem.  There are two kinds of solar systems -- the ones 
with all the panels in series feeding a single inverter and the kind 
with a separate inverter for each panel.  The latter is the kind I had 
on my house in California before it was destroyed in a fire and I 
never had a noise problem.  I have heard that the single-inverter 
systems are more troublesome from an RFI standpoint.  There was an 
article in April 2016 QST magazine about how to mitigate RFI from 
solar systems.  ("Can Solar Power and Ham Radio Coexist?" by Tony 
Brock-Fisher K1KP)


--

The story:  I finally go around to walking around the neighborhood 
with my KX2.  I only have the AX1 antenna for it, which is not 
resonant on the 40 meter band, and I was not using a counterpoise so I 
could barely hear the signal from in front of my house.


I started walking south down the street but the signal seemed to be 
getting weaker.  So I turned around and walked north.  The signal was 
getting slightly stronger the farther I went.  I turned right at the 
end of the street onto another street and it kept gradually getting a 
little stronger.  At one point I suspected it might be coming from a 
Montessori school, but when I walked down the access street toward it 
it didn't get any stronger.  Plus with everything in the news these 
days I didn't think it would be a good idea for a strange man holding 
a strange contraption to be walking around the school grounds.  :=)


So I kept walking down the main street and within a couple blocks the 
signal started to rapidly increase in strength.  It peaked in front of 
a certain house, strongest at the right side of the house. Sure enough 
there are solar panels on that side of the roof.  The signal was 
peaking about S4 or S5 on the KX2 S-meter. Again, this is with a 
non-resonant antenna with no counterpoise.


As I mentioned, the spurs are about S6 on the ground-mounted trap 
vertical at my house and they are almost buried in the noise when the 
band opens up at night.  So I'm not going to bug the neighbor about 
it.  But I bet they would have trouble trying to listen to AM radio at 
their house.


Alan N1AL



On 6/7/22 17:21, Alan Bloom wrote:
As part of christening my new QTH/antenna/rig here at N1AL, today I 
did the test where I recorded all off-the-air spurious signals on all 
bands and then threw the main circuit  breaker for the house and did 
the measurement again, powering the K4 from a battery.  This is to 
identify any spurs that are coming from my house so I can do further 
sleuthing to figure out what is causing them.


One spur (or set of spurs) has me mystified.  It is a series of 
harmonics, with very stable frequencies, spaced at precisely 24 kHz, 
that extend from roughly 6.6 MHz to 7.4 MHz.  Each spur consists of a 
main carrier and a secondary carrier approximately 150 Hz lower in 
frequency and approximately 8 dB lower in amplitude.  The spurs are 
all the same amplitude, around -90 dBm (S6), dropping off as you 
approach 6.6 or 7.4 MHz.  I don't see these spurs on any other band.


The spur amplitudes did not change when I turned off AC power, so it 
can't be the rig's switching power supply or any other electronic 
device in the house.  It's nothing internal to the radio because if I 
switch to a dummy antenna the spurs go away.


So it's coming in through the antenna.  The antenna is a 6-band trap 
vertical about 30 feet from the house, with the coax coming 
underground to the shack.  We're on a large lot, there is a canyon 
(i.e. no houses) behind the property, and there is a vacant lot on 
the side where the antenna is located so the nearest houses in the 
neighborhood are about 150 feet away from the antenna.


The electric utility power lines switch from overhead to underground 
at our property line, about 150 feet away from the antenna. Internet 
is via cable, which is underground also.  Both power and Internet 
enter at the far end of the main house, which is over 100 feet from 
the shack, located in a granny unit.


I believe the exact fundamental frequency is 7007.03 kHz / 292 = 
23.9967 kHz, in case that's a clue.


Anyone have any ideas of what could be causing this?

Alan N1AL


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Re: [Elecraft] KV5J's line of Digital Displays for Elecraft's W2, KXPA100, KPA1500, KAT500 and KPA500 amps

[Lou Mecseri]

SAME OVER HERE AT KE1F, I HAVE BOTH.

73, LOU KE1F

On 6/8/2022 14:14, Dave New wrote:
A once-a month low-key posting of the sort you are asking about is 
allowed and encouraged.


I'll say I'm a happy customer of two of these displays, one for the 
KAT-500 and the other for my KPA-500.


73,

-- Dave, N8SBE

Quoting df...@darc.de:


Should there be advertisings in a mailing list?






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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Service: we hear you

[Lou Mecseri]

Thank Wayne, you will not receive a similar policy statement from ICOM, 
YAESU or any other HAM gear manufacturer.


Thank You Wayne/Elecraft/

73, Lou KE1F

On 4/21/2022 21:49, Wayne Burdick wrote:

In response to this voluminous thread:

First, I'd like to thank everyone who has purchased and enjoyed using our 
radios. It's heartwarming to hear of your continued support.

Many of you have already articulated the present challenges we and other 
electronic companies face. It comes down to two things: the design lifetime of 
modern, miniature components like ICs and connectors; and a fickle supply 
chain--one that imploded because of events of the past two years.

I can promise that we'll do everything possible to keep ahead of these issues. 
As evidence I could point to:

- the K2, still in production after 20 years

- the KX3, still in production after 10 years

- the K3 (going on 14 years; even though we're no longer selling it, we're 
acquiring the components to build additional modules and continue providing 
support)

This is in stark contrast to the practice of some of our competitors, replacing 
radios with new ones that are largely tweaks on the old, on a 
new-car/new-smartphone cycle of every few years.

Throughout the lifetime of each of our products, we've offered new accessories, 
new internal option modules, and numerous free firmware updates. This gradual 
evolution of each product line is consistent with our roots as a kit company, 
engaging what amounts to a nation of Elmers in a community of growth and 
camaraderie.

Thanks, again, for being the best customers a little company ever had.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Service

[Lou Mecseri]

Dr. Bill,

I am 85, and have an updated K3 line (K3, P3, KT500 and KP500) with the 
removed boards from the K3 upgrade in stock.


I will leave a note with the station, when I am on the SK page of QST  
contact you and offer it to you. Hi.


Is that a fair deal?

73, Lou KE1F

On 4/21/2022 15:15, Dr. William J. Schmidt wrote:

This brings up a rather sobering reality.  Over the last few months, I've 
depleted my parts supply for the K3/K3S to practically nothing after helping a 
few friends with failures.  For example, I stockpiled older KIO3 boards when 
people upgraded to the KIO3B boards... but my stash is gone now, after 
lightning strikes and other failures myself and friends have had.  I've also 
fixed a myriad of other modules in K3, KPA500, KPA1500 etc. and am just keeping 
my head above water at my contest stations due to lack of overall support.  I 
can scrounge and get individual parts, but no replacement cards are available.  
I guess we are all going to have to decide what our direction forward will be 
when the failure occurs for which there are no parts.

What are others doing?  Waiting in line for K4 or moving on to different 
vendors?

Anyone have "scrap" K3 or K3s for sale???


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ 
VP2EHZ



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Ronnie Hull
Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2022 9:47 AM
To: Wayne Burdick 
Cc: Elecraft Reflector ; rikoski 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Service

I’ve been waiting three months just to get an RA for my K3 Ron W5SUM

Sent from my iPhone


On Apr 21, 2022, at 9:09 AM, Wayne Burdick  wrote:

Hi Richard,

I'm investigating this and will get back to you ASAP.

Wayne
N6KR



On Apr 21, 2022, at 6:23 AM, rikoski  wrote:

I got an RA number and sent my K3 to Elecraft for service going on 3 months now.

It has not been seviced; nor diagnosed.

I phoned a month ago and was told I was number 12 on the list.

I phoned yesterday and was told I was number 8.

I moved up four places in a month?
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 wattmeter adjustment

[Lou Mecseri]

Unless you are QRP (5 W) or QRO (1.5Kw) what difference a 10% or more 
calibration  error makes?.


Our hobby equipment are not laboratory grade instruments.

Just curious.

73, Lou  KE1F

On 2/6/2022 17:09, Bob McGraw wrote:
'Twas said "a man with one watch always knows the time.  A man with 3 
or 4 watches is never quite sure of the time.".


I just recently went through power calibrations on my K3S and my 
KPA500.  All now agree with the power meter reference I used. Also, 
this was done using a known 50.5 ohm dummy load.  On the antennas, 
even though SWR is indicated 1.1:1, there will be differences due to 
difference line complex impedance's.


73

Bob, K4TAX


On 2/6/2022 9:51 AM, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:

Message: 15
Date: Sat, 5 Feb 2022 14:53:59 -0600
From: Ronnie Hull
To: Dick Dievendorff
Cc:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 wattmeter adjustment
Message-ID:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Lucky your that close! My K3, P:, Lp100 and kpa1500 are all wa 
different. I accept the LPA100 as being correct!


Ron W5SUM


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[Elecraft] Need a mentor

[Lou Mecseri]

I am aging out of making a radio work by making many settings on the K3.

I am considering to buy a Genovation Keypad for CW, RTTY, FT8 mode 
settings and others such a band  and other settings on the K3.


I need a mentor who is willing to guide me.

In return,I will sponsor you as a member of the BIG Radio Club, upstairs. :)

73, Lou KE1F

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Re: [Elecraft] Parts swappers -- is this a real "thing"

[Lou Mecseri]

I am in a loosely similar situation.

I have a neighbor, who is a HAM and he will be in charge to de-comission 
my modest K-line station.


I am looking into the possibility to donate the station to the local 
high school under his supervision.


Thank you guys for making me to think and consider options about this 
subject of dispensing valuable radio stuff in a socially beneficial manner.


73, Lou KE1F (85 years old HAM)

On 10/30/2021 21:18, turnbull wrote:

Jerry,    Why not consider looking for some schools, colleges, scout troops to 
pass some of the radios on to.    Possibly ARRL, local clubs or the Northern 
California Dx Association  might make some suggestions to think about.   The 
hobby has been good to us.     I too am not keen on selling radio gear.   It is 
nice to be in such a situation.    Please forgive my gall for broaching this.   
We all rightly have different circumstances and viewpoints.    73 Doug 
EI2CNSent from my Galaxy
 Original message From: KE8G  Date: 30/10/2021  22:04  (GMT+00:00) To: jerry  Cc: Elecraft , Anthony Wanschura  Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Parts swappers -- is this a real "thing" I think it was started some years back and folks seem to think they need toadd it to their sales ad.Personally, if I am looking for a piece of equipment and I see this littlephrase added to the blurb, I ignore it.  My feeling is that if the sellingperson is saying he doesn't trust someone, then how can he be trusted?!?As others have said, 
it's a copout way of saying the seller doesn't want tobe bothered with returns.YMMV.73 de Jim - KE8GOn Sat, Oct 30, 2021 at 3:17 PM jerry  wrote:> This is of real concern to me.  I have an accumulation of ham equipment,> and> probably need to start moving some of it out - to make room in my life> for more ham equipment :).>> It's not that I need the money... got plenty of that.  I could keep> buying equipment the rest of my life  and sluff off the selling job to> my heirs :).  But that would be dumb.  What's the use of having all this> nice stuff in the closet?>>    At the moment there's a 
pair of K2's - one 100W and one 10W.  An> IC706MKII with very low hours.  A Kenwood TS590S.  A 30L-1.  A> collection of Sideband Engineers SB34 transceivers.  A QRP-labs QCX+ &> matching 50W amp.  A small collection of ARC-5 transmitters & receivers.>   A Ubitx transceiver.  A couple of old sweep tube linears.  3 or 4 (> think there's 4, but haven't seen the fourth one in a while ) TV7D/U> tube testers - my goodness, has anybody seen what those things are going> for on Ebay?  Also, I expect my Alpha 78 to become surplus some time> next year.>>    In the past, there was a ham radio swap meet in Silicon 
Valley.> That's gone for the moment due to COVID.  Even the venue ( Fry's> Electroncs ) is gone.  I've been going to this thing since the early> 70's.  I would mostly buy, but also sold.  I've been there as early as> 4:30 in the morning... but I have never been first.> Fond memories... There was that Swan 500 that I scored for $100 at 6:00> in the morning.>> In the 80's, I was getting fairly prosperous, and I started buying all> the stuff I had drooled over as a starving student in the 70's.  A Drake> TR4...   A Collins R390A ( $100 ).  A Galaxy 5 in brand new condition> with the packing tape still on the 
tubes...>> Mostly, I sold it back a few months later at the same swap meet.> Storage space was always an issue.  I used to joke that the most> valuable thing that traded places at the swap was not the stuff... or> the money.. but rather Silicon Valley real estate; storage space in> people's attics and garages.  I developed an rule:  I would buy nothing> that would not fit in a backpack.>> The flea market was more than a sales venue - it was a community.  I> would see familiar> people there.  There was the soldering iron guy... the cables &> connectors family that came up from LA;  Rik the cheap Chinese 
tools guy> who also had supermagnets.  Mark the> CTO of Netgear, who would come up in his old VW microbus and sell> detritus from his lab.> He was an excellent source of wall warts.>>    At the flea market, what you see is what you get.  Does it work?  Show> me.  You could> get a feel for the guy behind the table, person to person.>>    Anyway... selling on line to people far away - seems like a lot of> work.  Have to pack stuff up, haul it off to the shipping store, freak> out at how much they charge, worry about parts swappers Maybe I'll> just wait till the swap meet starts up again in 2022.>>  
  - Jerry KF6VB On 2021-10-29 22:45, Larry Shapiro wrote:> > When I first started listing items on QRZ, I was told by a handful of> > guys to always put this in my listings.> > I asked why,and was told that it happens too frequently.> > I started to add the parts swappers line to my listings.> > I have not had any issues,other than one buyer who> > was a real pain.> > After reading this this thread,I have decide

Re: [Elecraft] Parts availability

[Lou Mecseri]

Vladimir Lenin allegedly said: "The Capitalist will sell you the rope 
that we can use to hang him."


Lenin was right even if he actually didn't say it.

My last words on the subject.

73, Lou KE1F

On 10/19/2021 21:12, James Driskell wrote:

Reactionary, my left foot!  What happens the next time something like this 
happens (and it will but who knows when).  My suggestion centered around 
determining what is necessary to ensure that we continue to enjoy a semblance 
of normalcy when something happens.  For instance, if the US were to have a 
falling out with China trade wise where would we get the necessary electronics 
and other high-tech items essential for our economy to function.  Can we 
produce these essential items in CONUS?

We had the luxury of a reasonably vibrant manufacturing base prior to our entry 
in WWII but it still took time (at the cost of lives) to get production cranked 
up to meet the demand.

"Those who do not study history are doomed to repeat it!"

James M Driskell
W7OWI


From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  on behalf 
of David Gilbert 
Sent: Monday, October 18, 2021 17:57
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Parts availability


Just In Time and its corollary concepts brought amazing efficiencies to
global manufacturing for decades and enabled cost reductions that we now
take for granted.  I know that first hand ... I was the operations
manager for a large division of a major semiconductor company for many
years.  I think it is exceedingly lame to denigrate the entire concept
because a once-in-a century global pandemic brought the world supply
chain to its knees.  It's not only JIT adherents that are running out of
parts, and I'd bet that the contractual relationships that major JIT
manufacturers have with their suppliers means that they are going to get
their parts before the ones who don't.  Who do you think is going to get
components first ... Elecraft or Hewlett-Packard?

It's crazy how some people try to use an aberration to justify a
reactionary bias.

Dave   AB7E



On 10/18/2021 4:24 PM, James Driskell wrote:

Unfortunately, the "Just In Time" concept that many US manufacturers have built their 
businesses around never considered the "you're never going to get it" approach that we 
now see.  I hope someone is taking a hard look at our national resource network because if the 
balloon goes up, we're going to have a hard time cranking up the domestic supply chain to meet our 
basic needs.  We probably won't have the luxury of being able to take our time to get it running.

Jim W7OWI


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Re: [Elecraft] Parts availability

[Lou Mecseri]

My friend's refrigerator fan died. No replacement or substitute (one 
they tried was 80dB loud) available. Replacement cost, and he is lucky, 
$2,000 fir a new one.


Super efficiency is a dangerous thing for society and for business. At 
the same time, maintaining complete part replacement is damaging to 
profit. You figure, what is the right balance?


73 Lou KE1F

On 10/18/2021 21:36, Alan Bloom wrote:
Recently I tried to order some electronic parts for a project I am 
working on.  In the old days (like, a year ago) I would just get on 
the Digi-Key web site, order what I want, and it would arrive in the 
mail in a few days.


These days, there are a LOT of parts on the Digi-Key web site that 
show no availability.  I wanted to buy 10 standard, run-of-the-mill 
LM358 op-amps in an 8-pin DIP package.  This is a 25 cent part that 
has been around for decades.  They had none in stock in that quantity, 
from any manufacturer.  I ended up ordering a couple in the 
old-fashioned TO-5 metal can package for *10 bucks each*. At least 
they did have some of those in stock.


I also wanted to buy a ceramic capacitor assortment.  They listed 6 
assortments that would have worked for me, but all were out of stock.


Manufacturers with "just in time" parts ordering systems are in a 
world of hurt these days.  Fortunately I don't think Elecraft ever 
went down that path.


Alan N1AL
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Acting Wonky

[Lou Mecseri]

A "community" is smarter than one individual. Hi.

73, Lou KE1F

On 9/23/2021 22:11, James Bennett via Elecraft wrote:

Bingo! That was it Mike - thanks! With as many cables to hook up with the 
K-Line (I thought this was wireless radio!) that is one I missed. Hooked up a 
short BNC cable and now it works.

Thanks again!


Jim Bennett
Eagle, ID





On Sep 23, 2021, at 3:30 PM, Michael Carter  wrote:

Jim,

At the risk of asking the obvious question, did you remember to
connect the coaxial cable from the K3 IF output to the P3 input?
The other data functions are handled by the RS-232 cabling,
but without RF there's nothing to display.

Mike, K8CN
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Re: [Elecraft] KV5J's line of Digital Displays for Elecraft's W2, KXPA100, KPA500, KAT500 and KPA1500

[Lou Mecseri]

I got one for my KAT500 and KAP500 and they are fantastic.

I have no connection whatsoever with Keith.

73, Lou KE1F


On 8/30/2021 20:19, Keith Ennis via Elecraft wrote:

KV5J's line of Digital Displays for Elecraft's W2, KXPA100, KPA500, KAT500 and 
KPA1500
-
Digital Display Unit for Elecraft's W2 Watt Meter:
The digital read out on the Display Unit takes the guess work out of the LED 
light bars.

-
Digital Display Unit for Elecraft's KXPA100 amplifier:
-
Don't wait for a fault light to come on.  Keep an eye on 5 crucial readings at 
all times.

1. Power amplifier's heat sink temperature
2. Power amplifier's high voltage supply voltage
3. Power amplifier's current
4. Power amplifier's output power
5. SWR that the KXPA100 sees at its output
-
-
Digital Display Unit for Elecraft's KPA500 amplifier:
-
Instead of seeing only 1 crucial reading, monitor all 7 at the same time.
-
1. Power amplifier's heat sink temperature
2. Power amplifier's high voltage supply voltage
3. Power amplifier's current
4. Power amplifier's output power
5. SWR that the KPA500 sees at its output
6. Displays Operate/Standby mode
7. Displays Band amp is tuned to
-
Digital Display Unit for KAT500:
-
This unit displays the front panel settings.
If the tuner is in bypass or not.
Displays the capacitance and inductance used.
What type of circuit is used. LC or CL.
SWR of both before and after a tune cycle is completed.
-
-
Digital Display Unit for Elecraft's KPA1500 amplifier:

Displays the same display that is on the KPA1500 Amplifier
Change the display on the KPA1500 and the display changes to show this same 
screen
-
-
All of the Digital Display Units:
-
Display Unit can be located at a more visible location
Up to the RS232 limit from unit
-
Easy to read 2 line display
No USB or serial cable to computer
No com port in Windows to manage
No computer needed
Plug and Play
Simply connect the SUPPLIED dc power cable (with inline on/off switch) from the 
DDU to power supply and SUPPLIED  SERIAL data jumper cable to the device
Retains all functions of the front panel
All displayed info obtained directly from the device
-
Only 4" x 4" x 2"
-
For more information and ordering go to:   http://www.kv5j.com/store

Reviews:
https://www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=14701
-
https://www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=14820
-

Keith, KV5J



http://www.kv5j.com
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Re: [Elecraft] K4

[Lou Mecseri]

I would do the radio, You earned it, you should enjoy it. :)

73, Lou KE1F

On 8/16/2021 21:39, Ken Roberson via Elecraft wrote:

I have 4 kids, I could give each another $1500.00 when I dieor I could buy

A new K4 , Let’s see which should I do?
Ken K5DNL

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Re: [Elecraft] KV5J's line of Digital Displays for Elecraft's W2, KXPA100, KPA500, KAT500 and KPA1500

[Lou Mecseri]

A couple of month ago I purchased on of these babies for my KTA500 and 
KPA500. I just love them, I am able to see all the parameters is so 
reassuring.


I should have purchased them sooner.

73, Lou KE!F

PS: I have no relationship with this company or anyone at this company. Hi.


On 8/7/2021 19:55, Keith Ennis via Elecraft wrote:

KV5J's line of Digital Displays for Elecraft's W2, KXPA100, KPA500, KAT500 and 
KPA1500

-

Digital Display Unit for Elecraft's W2 Watt Meter:

-

With digital read out the Display Unit takes the guess work out of the LED 
light bar.

-

-

Digital Display Unit for Elecraft's KXPA100 amplifier:

-

Don't wait for a fault light to come on.  Keep an eye on 5 crucial readings at 
all times.

1. Power amplifier's heat sink temperature

2. Power amplifier's high voltage supply voltage

3. Power amplifier's current

4. Power amplifier's output power

5. SWR that the KXPA100 sees at its output

-

-

Digital Display Unit for Elecraft's KPA500 amplifier:

-

Instead of seeing only 1 crucial reading, monitor all 7 at the same time.

1. Power amplifier's heat sink temperature

2. Power amplifier's high voltage supply voltage

3. Power amplifier's current

4. Power amplifier's output power

5. SWR that the KPA500 sees at its output

6. Displays Operate/Standby mode

7. Displays Band amp is tuned to

-

Digital Display Unit for KAT500:

-

This unit displays the front panel settings.

If the tuner is in bypass or not.

Displays the capacitance and inductance used.

What type of circuit is used. LC or CL.

SWR of both before and after a tune cycle is completed.

-

-

Digital Display Unit for Elecraft's KPA1500 amplifier:





Displays the same display that is on the KPA1500 Amplifier

Change the display on the KPA1500 and the display changes to show this same 
screen

-

-

All of the Digital Display Units:

-

Display Unit can be located at a more visible location

Up to the RS232 limit from unit

-

Easy to read 2 line display

No USB or serial cable to computer

No com port in Windows to manage

No computer needed

Plug and Play

Simply connect the SUPPLIED dc power cable (with inline on/off switch) from the 
DDU to power supply and SUPPLIED  SERIAL data jumper cable to the device

Retains all functions of the front panel

All displayed info obtained directly from the device

-

Only 4" x 4" x 2"

-

-

For more information and ordering go to:   http://www.kv5j.com/store

-

Reviews:

https://www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=14701

-

https://www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=14820

-

-

-

-

Keith, KV5J

http://www.kv5j.com
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Re: [Elecraft] Pin 1 and Grounding Post on the K3s

[Lou Mecseri]

Dave, Thanks for the fascinating story. I always wondered about the 
purpose of those holes in TV tuners. No wonder, the secrete of the hole 
was kept inside a very tight group of "ins".


73, Lou KE1F

On 6/24/2021 21:40, David Gilbert wrote:


This is all very true ... especially the higher in frequency you go 
but even at HF.


One of the early jobs in my career was as the tuning diode Product 
Engineer for Motorola Semiconductor, and one of my first business 
trips was to the biggest maker of mechanical TV tuners in the U.S. I 
was trying to persuade them to convert to electronic tuning so we 
could sell them tuning diodes.  I got in a meeting with their two 
design engineers, who were almost three times older than me and at 
least three times smarter.  They pulled out some of their mechanical 
tuners and explained how they worked and what some of the advantages 
were versus electronic tuning (and there are some).


The thing that really got my attention was when they explained how 
they managed the coupling between the RF, Mixer, and Oscillator 
stages.  They would literally adjust some of the coupling by directing 
the flow of the eddy currents in the walls of the stage shielding ... 
which of course was all "grounded".  One of the guys pointed to a 
couple of punched out slots in one of the side walls and told me he 
did that to make more of the eddy current go where he wanted it to go.


These guys were artists as much as they were engineers, but it 
certainly taught me that, as you say, "where there is metal there is 
resistance, and where there is current there is voltage" ... and I 
will add that where there is current there are fields. Fields that can 
couple to other bits of metal.


73,
Dave   AB7E



On 6/24/2021 12:49 PM, Hal Massey wrote:

Fixing a common misconception about grounding…


Grounding does not get all the devices at the same potential. It just 
minimizes the potential difference among them. “Where there is metal 
there is resistance and if there is any current there will be a 
voltage (period).


This is one of the biggest urban myths around and the source of many 
difficulties for lay folks trying to understand grounding. -BSEE and 
MSEE here.


A practical application of this for hams is to keep the runs short 
and low inductance too!


73



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Re: [Elecraft] T1 Tuner Kit Control Board final check issues

[Lou Mecseri]

How about Precision 120M??

73, Lou KE1F

On 5/28/2021 01:47, Bob McGraw wrote:

It's really hard to beat a Simpson 260 or Triplett 630.

73

Bob, K4TAX


Message: 2
Date: Tue, 25 May 2021 13:07:56 -0400
From: djchase
To:elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] New KX2 VFO knob wobble.
Message-ID:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Hi, new KX2 owner here. My new KX2 was delivered on May 10, and had a 
significant wobble in the VFO knob.? After carefully removing the 
knob, I discovered that the majority of the wobble was due to the 
loose fit between the outer structure of the control and the panel 
opening.? I have temporarily carefully shimmed the gap with some 24 
gauge wire, but I believe that a more permanent solution would be a 
locknut on the control housing which I do not have.? ?With this 
temporary fix in place, the tuning knob works well.? I contacted 
Elecraft Support on May 11 or 12 regarding this situation, but have 
not received a reply.? Does anyone have any suggestions for a more 
permanent fix?? Thank you in advance.? Dave, K8RXB?Sent from my Galaxy


--

Message: 3
Date: Tue, 25 May 2021 15:01:18 -0400
From: Erik Tkal
To:d...@w3fpr.com
Cc:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] T1 Tuner Kit Control Board final check issues
Message-ID:
Content-Type: text/plain;    charset=utf-8

Hi Don,

Yeah, I don?t often perform measurements on components already 
installed in a circuit, so the behaviour was confusing.  I thought I 
bought a nice DMM but I guess it was just a fluke?


Anyway, I got it finished and everything is operational, now just have 
to wait for the IC-705 interface cable!


  Thanks and 73,
  Erik Tkal  -  W1QED



On May 24, 2021, at 18:01, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Erik,

Yes, using auto ranging on the DMM can cause false readings.  Try to 
set the fixed range a bit above the highest expected resistance for 
the best results.  It all depends on the voltage the DMM applies to 
the circuit.  Too high a voltage can make ICs and transistors conduct 
causing a low reading.


73,


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Re: [Elecraft] What kind of hook-up wire does Elecraft use?

[Lou Mecseri]

Thank you, real good information. We need more info such as this.

73, Lou KE1F

On 5/2/2021 21:33, Chris Waldrup wrote:

Hi,

I use the  M22759 series for everything I build both at my home shop and lab at 
work, a large defense related company.
It's inexpensive and Teflon insulation.
I bought 2000 ft of #18 last week for work and it's right at 12 cents a foot. 
It doesn't melt when you solder to it and is easy to work with.
The 22 AWG  I normally buy is 3 cents a foot.
We buy from Wiremasters south of Nashville in Columbia TN.
$50 minimum order but no minimum on wire lengths. So you could buy as many feet 
of each gauge and color as you would like.
Normally for home use I buy a thousand feet of a size/color at a time.
When I started my work was buying the wire from Digi-Key and it was $60 for 100 
ft spool. They no longer do and didn't know about other supplier.
I can connect anyone interested with the rep there I use.

Chris
KD4PBJ
Monteagle TN



On May 2, 2021, at 16:09, Mark Goldberg  wrote:

If you want the best, super easy to solder and strip, there is M16878/4.
M16878/5 or M16878/6 Silver plated stranded Copper wire with Teflon
insulation. It is very expensive and I can't see where to buy small
quantities except on eBay where it may be sketchy. /4 is probably most
typical 600V insulated. I got some off spool ends and you may find it at
Hamfests if someone is doing surplus stuff. It does not dry out and lose
plasticisers like PVC, so it is good even if it is old.

73,

Mark
W7MLG



On Sun, May 2, 2021 at 10:19 AM David Haines  wrote:

My son has been having trouble with the quality of hook-up wire he's
able to buy for his projects.  There's clearly a difference in vendors.

I'm sure Elecraft uses the best.  Any help here?

david
KC1DNY
in the woods of Maine
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Re: [Elecraft] This does not bode well for the chip users of the world

[Lou Mecseri]

Elecraft group seems to be an exception. Perhaps ther are a few others.

&3, Lou KE1F

On 4/29/2021 22:06, Lou Mecseri wrote:
JIT is a great low cost, effective system as long as it works. It did 
for a while.


But the real issue we refuse to face is to listen to Lenin who had 
been quoted "The Capitalist will sell you the rope to hang him."


And that is what happening, don't blame Communist China, No Far East 
power forced American businessman to "out source" production, only 
self imposed force applied is greed. No loyalty  to employees or to 
the best interest of the U.S. is considered in business decisions, 
only PROFIT..


73, Lou KE1F   ..-END

On 4/29/2021 21:34, AB2E Darrell wrote:

Joe and the group,
A company I used to do business with had a nickname for JIT 
supplying. SOL. They actually had it printed on a card JIT=SOL.


73
Darrell AB2E



From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
 on behalf of Joe Subich, W4TV 


Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2021 5:27 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] This does not bode well for the chip users of 
the world



Welcome to the world of "just in time" inventory meets off shore
production.  Then couple that with a Chinese Communist Party that
makes sure that Chinese companies get their orders filled before
the rest of the world.  Then don't forget that there are not enough
shipping containers to accommodate all the freight demands.

International commerce is reaping the rewards of concentrating
manufacturing in China while stripping the US & Canada (and to a
lesser extent, Europe) of much of their manufacturing base.

It's not just chips but pharmaceuticals, consumer electronics and
even consumer staples.  The trend will only get worse if the current
administration has its way and increases taxes on business and capital
by 50%.

73,

 ... Joe, W4TV


On 2021-04-29 5:11 PM, Gary Memory wrote:
It isn't just IC's.  I placed a $250-ish order from Mouser two days 
ago.

Most of the items are common components, with a BO lead-time into
September.  We live in a different world, at least temporarily if 
not for a

long haul?

Gary N7BRJ


On Thu, Apr 29, 2021 at 5:01 PM Ken B via Elecraft 


wrote:

   Its affecting everything - Tried to by a bunch of 555 timing 
chips for
the local troops scouting project - none around, glad we don't need 
them

till November.

  On Thursday, April 29, 2021, 04:50:57 PM EDT, Wayne Burdick <
n...@elecraft.com> wrote:

   Many off-the-shelf parts are affected as well.

Wayne


elecraft.com


On Apr 29, 2021, at 1:13 PM, Linda M  wrote:


Hi Wayne.
I would think the Parts you use are Off the Shelf Semiconductors.
The Auto Industry are Custom Fab semiconductors.
Ray WA6VAB  K3

From: Wayne Burdick
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2021 11:40 AM
To: Mark Goldberg
Cc: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] This does not bode well for the chip users of

the world

Indeed, it's a ubiquitous curse. Fortunately we stocked up far in

advance on most parts and assemblies.

Wayne
N6KR




On Apr 29, 2021, at 10:39 AM, Mark Goldberg 


wrote:
For smaller customers that are not buying millions of parts at a 
time,

it
is even worse, as they have no leverage. That includes the 
company I am
working for and I would assume companies like Elecraft. Even for 
simple

orders from distributors of in stock parts they are taking a week to

ship

rather than the usual next day shipment. It is really disruptive.

Regards,

Mark

On Thu, Apr 29, 2021 at 10:20 AM Dave Cole  wrote:


An interesting story from OPB dealing with the global shortage of

chips...



https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.opb.org%2Farticle%2F2021%2F04%2F29%2Fit-s-not-just-cars-ipads-and-macs-suffer-from-semiconductor-crunch%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7C03c9fabfe8554921092f08d90b559f92%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C637553284634272384%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=FJjpt0I3UZlGzvFZSS%2F%2BkzkEBHYIwOisa4m8nwu4iL8%3D&reserved=0 


--
73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nk7z.net%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7C03c9fabfe8554921092f08d90b559f92%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C637553284634272384%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=iohuoLVKCMX6%2FgHbjNXbMTGTVmk9K4xvDZehILkAY%2FQ%3D&reserved=0 


ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources


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Re: [Elecraft] This does not bode well for the chip users of the world

[Lou Mecseri]

JIT is a great low cost, effective system as long as it works. It did 
for a while.


But the real issue we refuse to face is to listen to Lenin who had been 
quoted "The Capitalist will sell you the rope to hang him."


And that is what happening, don't blame Communist China, No Far East 
power forced American businessman to "out source" production, only self 
imposed force applied is greed. No loyalty  to employees or to the best 
interest of the U.S. is considered in business decisions, only PROFIT..


73, Lou KE1F   ..-END

On 4/29/2021 21:34, AB2E Darrell wrote:

Joe and the group,
A company I used to do business with had a nickname for JIT supplying. SOL. 
They actually had it printed on a card JIT=SOL.

73
Darrell AB2E



From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  on behalf 
of Joe Subich, W4TV 
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2021 5:27 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] This does not bode well for the chip users of the world


Welcome to the world of "just in time" inventory meets off shore
production.  Then couple that with a Chinese Communist Party that
makes sure that Chinese companies get their orders filled before
the rest of the world.  Then don't forget that there are not enough
shipping containers to accommodate all the freight demands.

International commerce is reaping the rewards of concentrating
manufacturing in China while stripping the US & Canada (and to a
lesser extent, Europe) of much of their manufacturing base.

It's not just chips but pharmaceuticals, consumer electronics and
even consumer staples.  The trend will only get worse if the current
administration has its way and increases taxes on business and capital
by 50%.

73,

 ... Joe, W4TV


On 2021-04-29 5:11 PM, Gary Memory wrote:

It isn't just IC's.  I placed a $250-ish order from Mouser two days ago.
Most of the items are common components, with a BO lead-time into
September.  We live in a different world, at least temporarily if not for a
long haul?

Gary N7BRJ


On Thu, Apr 29, 2021 at 5:01 PM Ken B via Elecraft 
wrote:


   Its affecting everything - Tried to by a bunch of 555 timing chips for
the local troops scouting project - none around, glad we don't need them
till November.

  On Thursday, April 29, 2021, 04:50:57 PM EDT, Wayne Burdick <
n...@elecraft.com> wrote:

   Many off-the-shelf parts are affected as well.

Wayne


elecraft.com


On Apr 29, 2021, at 1:13 PM, Linda M  wrote:


Hi Wayne.
I would think the Parts you use are Off the Shelf Semiconductors.
The Auto Industry are Custom Fab semiconductors.
Ray WA6VAB  K3

From: Wayne Burdick
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2021 11:40 AM
To: Mark Goldberg
Cc: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] This does not bode well for the chip users of

the world

Indeed, it's a ubiquitous curse. Fortunately we stocked up far in

advance on most parts and assemblies.

Wayne
N6KR





On Apr 29, 2021, at 10:39 AM, Mark Goldberg 

wrote:

For smaller customers that are not buying millions of parts at a time,

it

is even worse, as they have no leverage. That includes the company I am
working for and I would assume companies like Elecraft. Even for simple
orders from distributors of in stock parts they are taking a week to

ship

rather than the usual next day shipment. It is really disruptive.

Regards,

Mark

On Thu, Apr 29, 2021 at 10:20 AM Dave Cole  wrote:


An interesting story from OPB dealing with the global shortage of

chips...




https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.opb.org%2Farticle%2F2021%2F04%2F29%2Fit-s-not-just-cars-ipads-and-macs-suffer-from-semiconductor-crunch%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7C03c9fabfe8554921092f08d90b559f92%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C637553284634272384%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=FJjpt0I3UZlGzvFZSS%2F%2BkzkEBHYIwOisa4m8nwu4iL8%3D&reserved=0

--
73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nk7z.net%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7C03c9fabfe8554921092f08d90b559f92%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C637553284634272384%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=iohuoLVKCMX6%2FgHbjNXbMTGTVmk9K4xvDZehILkAY%2FQ%3D&reserved=0
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Chirp

[Lou Mecseri]

I love chirps, it reminds of the real good old days when I was young.

We used to be able to recognize station by their distinct chirp.

I heard one station in the recent FQP with one, the chirp give me a very 
warm feeling.


I guess, it does not take much to make an old ham warm and happy.

73, Lou KE1F

On 4/29/2021 00:21, Dana Roode K6NR wrote:

It was reported today by several folks who heard my CW signal that I have a
bad chirp - I was operating on 20 meters during CWT.  I listened to the
signal myself (my station is 80 miles away and I can listen on a local
transceiver).  Someone also sent me a recording.

I've been using the same K3, KPA1500, and Astron power supply for many
years.  I shut off the amp and could still hear the chirp.

One thought is that it has something to do with my power supply, although I
saw a previous posting that made that seem unlikely (below).  Wayne
mentioned something about KSYSN3 calibration, I had not heard of that
before, I will look into it.

If anyone has experienced a problem with chirp on a K3, let me know (it is
a K3 not a K3S).

   Dana



In reply to this post

by Doug Smith [W7KF]
Under normal circumstances, it is impossible for a K3 or K3S for exhibit
"chirp." The synthesizer settles well before the rig switches from TX to RX
or vice-versa.

The KSYN3A (newer synth, used in the K3S) settles in well under 1 ms thanks
to its entirely digital architecture (UHF DSPLL, divided down).

The KSYN3 (older synth, used on the K3) uses a more traditional PLL with
its VCO running at the target output frequency. It normally settles in
under 5 ms. It can take a bit longer depending on the actual PLL voltage
and VCO frequency. This is accounted for in firmware.

If your KSYN3 were not properly calibrated, you might see a longer settling
time on one or two bands, most likely 6 meters. If you suspect this, refer
to the CONFIG:VCO MD menu entry. The K3 includes an automatic VCO
calibration routine that requires no test equipment and takes only a couple
of minutes to run.

Wayne
N6KR



On Jan 19, 2017, at 12:57 PM, "Ron D'Eau Claire" <[hidden email]
>
wrote:


In a synthesized VFO rig like the K3S, any tendency to "chirp" is almost

always related to the synthesizer momentarily losing frequency (or phase)
lock.

While that could conceivably be linked to change in the power bus

voltage, it's highly unlikely since the bus is isolated from the actual
synthesizer by voltage regulators and filters.

OTOH, the OO's report was strictly advisory. I have experienced spurious

OO reports over my >50 years of pounding brass, and one that turned out to
be accurate when I blew the filter caps in the transmitter and did not
notice, nor did the stations I was working report the hum on my signal.
When I got a "chirp" report one time (on a homebrew rig) and was unable to
hear it myself, I sent a friendly letter to the OO. He replied that he was
"almost sure" he could detect a "slight chirp" so he sent the card.

So my advice is that if you can't repeat what the OO observed, don't

worry about it.

73, Ron AC7AC

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Re: [Elecraft] Automatic lightning protection for radios

[Lou Mecseri]

Question:

By grounding your antenna do you make it more attractive to a lightning 
strike?


73, Lou KE1F

On 1/23/2021 7:53 AM, Lyn Norstad wrote:

We had a direct strike a few years back, and the results were interesting.  In most cases 
a gap of an inch or less vs. a direct connection made a huge difference.  The lightning 
took the easiest path to ground every time.  But that's the key ... you can't just 
"open" the line, it needs to be switched to a ground connection.  Not even the 
quality of ground you need for RFI, noise, etc ... just a decent ground.

73
Lyn, W0LEN

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of John Simmons
Sent: Monday, January 18, 2021 6:01 PM
To: Elecraft Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Automatic lightning protection for radios

Let's think about this. The difference of potential between cloud and
ground supports an arc of hundreds of feet. You are suggesting putting a
switch in line with a wire that connects to the radio to 'protect' it.
Won't the lightning just jump the open switch contacts?



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Re: [Elecraft] Arc Fault Detector Woes

[Lou Mecseri]

I had similar line conducted RF issue with my brand new Samsung gas 
range/stove. 30 watts turned on the gas oven and adjusted the clock 
randomly.  Installation of a computer type line filter solved my 
problem. Samsung was not interested or wanted to address the issue. I 
did prevail and finally a Samsung engineer admitted the design problem. 
No solution from Samsung. I would buy AC connected Samsung product with 
the option to return in case of RF issue.   Perhaps Consumer Report 
should evaluate products for RF susceptibility the FCC sure not interested.


73, Lou KE1F.

On 1/4/2021 5:21 PM, Jon Poland wrote:

Is the Windom in your attic or outside?  My guess is that your antenna is
parallel to the house wiring, and is inducing a current on the ground or
neutral wire.  A replacement AFCI breaker might fix the problem.  Or a
heavy choke on the AC.

This may or may not be your situation.  Most newer houses run all electric
wires from the breaker box up into the attic and back down to wherever they
need to be.  At least in single-story homes.  That puts the attic antenna
close to the unshielded house wiring.

In my house, it wasn't the AFCI that would go nuts, but the doorbell would
ring when I went over 35 Watts on 20m.  I had to install a choke on the
doorbell wire to stop that.  Now, every time I transmit, I imagine the
doorbell or smoke detector going off in my neighbor's 2-story next to me.

jon N0WL

On Mon, Jan 4, 2021 at 2:32 PM Tom Doligalski via Elecraft <
elecraft@mailman.qth.net> wrote:


Should have mentioned that there up is no trouble at 25 watts.

Certainly no trouble at 100 watts back at Field Day.

Sent from my iPad


On Jan 4, 2021, at 12:57 PM, Tom Doligalski  wrote:

Over the last several weeks I’ve been having problems with the arc

fault detector (AFCI) in my fusebox.This does not control the power to the
shack, but to our garage door operners.

It seemed random at first, but I think I’ve tracked it down a bit.

Running an Elecraft K3/KPA500/KAT500 combo. The AFCI ONLY trips when on

80 CW, running 100 watts (the KPA500 in standby bode). If the KPA500 is ON
(running 500 watts) there is no problem.

Seems fine on other bands….

80M antenna is a Carolina Windom. The usual baluns/line

isolator/grounding stuff.

Any ides?

Kinda worried that there is an issue with the 100 W amp in the K3.

73.

Tom W4KX

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Re: [Elecraft] For interest and curiosity - KPod

[Lou Mecseri]

Install a ferrite bead on the cable between the radio and the K-Pod. 
Solved my problem.


73, Lou KE1F

On 11/22/2020 3:29 PM, Randolph Boates wrote:

I am looking to see if this is familiar to others...

I have a K3S running FT8. KPod attached but no power connected. This K3S does not have 
the front panel power mod.  The KPod is connected to the front panel with the appropriate 
cable.  While running FT8, I was getting strange intermittent errors.  I received 
"ERR KP1" which I learned was related to the KPod and also some sort of macro 
appeared to be operating (message flashed briefly on the K3S) and the K3S VFO changed 
occasionally during transmit. All of this without touching the KPod.  The solution was to 
disconnect the KPod. What is curious is that the KPod was not powered - at least not by 
an external supply.  Perhaps the KPod was partially active while plugged into the front 
panel but no lighting or activity on the KPod itself.  The K3S has the most recent 
firmware (5.67). I do realize that providing power to the KPod is an appropriate next 
step.

Anyone have experience with this?

Randy VE6RMB
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Shutdown

[Lou Mecseri]

how old is your power supply capacitor?

Check your voltage with a VOM at the PS terminal and at the internal K3 
Volt meter.


73, Lou KE1F

On 11/1/2020 6:15 AM, Bob DeHaney wrote:

Station is in Standby, just listening when suddenly the K3S just turns off.  It 
turns on afterwards normally. Linear Power Supply is working (30Amp) and is 
still on.  NO RF being generated.

Any ideas?

  


Vy 73 de Bob DJ0RD&WU5T

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Re: [Elecraft] Smoke detectors

[Lou Mecseri]

I would also check with my insurance agent   before making such a switch.

73, Lou KE1F

On 10/29/2020 5:45 PM, Jim Miller wrote:

Strongly suggest contacting county fire marshal before selecting wireless
only detectors.

You don’t want to violate code and have any insurance claim denied if these
is an event.

Jim ab3cv



On Thu, Oct 29, 2020 at 5:38 PM Jim Brown  wrote:


Most RFI to/from ham radio and "devices" is caused by poorly designed
electronics using interconnected wiring as TX/RX antennas. Because of
the frequencies on which they operate, WiFi-connected devices with no
exterior wiring are inherently FAR less likely to create or receive RFI
IF they operate on internal batteries. If running from the AC line or a
switching power supply (wall wart, wall lump, etc.) the PSU will almost
certainly create RFI noise and wiring both on the AC and DC side will
radiate it.

Bottom line -- choose stand-alone devices with internal batteries and no
external wiring for minimum RFI.

In your situation, I would try one of them before returning them.

73, Jim K9YC

On 10/29/2020 12:57 PM, Harlan Sherriff via Elecraft wrote:

Dave, I totally agree. I am sure the “problem” the manufacturer is

cautioning about is RF, since my original post was about “wireless
connected” detectors. My gripe was nothing in the sales literature warned
against it. Not till I bought the units and read the installation guide

Sent from my iPhone


On Oct 29, 2020, at 3:51 PM, Dave B via Elecraft<

elecraft@mailman.qth.net>  wrote:

Well, RF (AKA "Radio Waves") can falsely trigger all sorts of equipment
that was not "designed" to work with, or be influenced by them.

That is the classic EMC Susceptibility or Immunity problem.  Basically,
poor design and/or implementation of the affected (or sometimes bad
installation of an otherwise good) device.

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Re: [Elecraft] Amplitude variation on K3S with JT65B

[Lou Mecseri]

My K3 doing the same variation. Now I am running my K3, at 70% bellow 
100 watts so it will not push above the limit like I did with my KPA500. 
My KPA500 is back at the Elecraft hospital.


KE1F

On 10/21/2020 10:48 AM, Dr. William J. Schmidt wrote:

I have a K3 and a K3S at my Caribbean station... I see the same behavior on
my K3S but not on the K3.  I've calibrated it several times but have not
diagnosed it past that.  I've seen the power vary by as much as 50% at
times.


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ

Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch – K9ZC
Staunton, Illinois

Owner – Operator
Villa Grand Piton – J68HZ
Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I.
Rent it: www.VillaGrandPiton.com
Like us on Facebook!

Moderator – North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.

email:  b...@wjschmidt.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Conrad PA5Y
Sent: Wednesday, October 21, 2020 6:50 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Amplitude variation on K3S with JT65B

Hello while I wait for feedback from the (no doubt overwhelmed) Elecraft
support I thought that I would ask the group about a problem that I have
with my K3S.

When I run JT65B and even to a lesser extent FT8 I see unacceptable
amplitude variation on both the 6m output and the transverter output (on
28MHz). If I put my E4406 Spectrum analyser on peak hold with a narrow span
and 10Hz RBW I see amplitude variations of a little over 1dB on the
modulation tones across the passband.

To save time.


   1.  On the ALC meter I have 4 bars lit up with the 5th occasionally
flickering - the audio drive level is correct; it is not an ALC issue
   2.  I calibrated the TX drive - the effect is observed at 1mw, 5W, 50W and
100W on 6m.
   3.  I am using DATA A so no TX EQ or compression
   4.  The audio has from WSJT-X been measured on a UPV audio analyser and
there is less than 0.1dB variation when using a UMC404HD sound card
   5.  The effect is observed with both Line input drive and the UMC404HD
soundcard and the internal K3S codec
   6.  My old TS2000X does not exhibit more than 0.1dB amplitude variation
with the same sound card providing audio and the same test setup
   7.  I have verified the amplitude variations at RF with a diode detector
and an oscilloscope
   8.  The effect is clearly visible on several power meters
   9.  This AM causes some spectral re-growth, although this is tolerable

So given all that I am beginning to wonder if the problem is due to filter
ripple in the standard K3S 2.7kHz filter? I cannot think of anything else. I
was considering buying an Inrad #718 filter.

This is very critical for EME when signals are weak at the RX side, if you
have amplitude variations and you are at the threshold of detection at the
receiving station this can cause decodes to fail. This is more important on
6m EME than 2m where I have more margin.

I think that this will be quite common, has anybody else got a K3S and the
equipment to check and verify my observations?

73

Conrad PA5Y
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