Re: [Elecraft] KXPA Power Output

[Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft]

Re:   "WRU nailed it. I missed it in the original posting.  You're losing 1.7 
volts in 8ft of that "#14 wire"."

That's why Walter is known as "wunder"!  <>

I missed it, too :-(

Mark
ars:  KE6BB 



 Original message 
From: Kevin Stover  
Date: 04/17/2016  4:18 PM  (GMT-08:00) 
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KXPA Power Output 

WRU nailed it. I missed it in the original posting.
You're losing 1.7 volts in 8ft of that "#14 wire". That's about as bad 
as it gets.
Why didn't you use the power cable supplied with the amp? I believe it's 
#12.
What kind of power supply is running the amp? It has to be 25 amps peak 
*minimum*, I'd say continuous. What else is being run on the same power 
supply?

On 4/17/2016 4:19 PM, Walter Underwood wrote:
>> On Apr 17, 2016, at 11:44 AM, Art Nienhouse  wrote:
>>
>> My rest voltage is 14.1 the key down voltage is 12.4 […]. the 14 gauge zip 
>> power cable is what comes with a 100watt Icom the length is 4 foot there is 
>> no loss here that I can see to cause this low power output.
> And there is your problem. The KXPA100 specs say "100 watts at 13.8 V”. It 
> won’t produce 100W at 12.4V.
>
> A 1.7V drop under load is very large. The power supply and wiring cannot 
> supply the required current without dropping the voltage.
>
> Eight feet of 14 gauge wire will have 0.9V drop at 24A. The electricity has 
> to travel over both conductors of the 4 foot wire, which is why we use 8 feet.
>
> It looks like you have some additional problems beside the small power supply 
> cable. Maybe there is resistance in the connectors (poor crimp? not seated?). 
> Maybe the power supply won’t reliably supply 25A. Maybe the line voltage or 
> house wiring has an issue.
>
> I would recommend at least 10 gauge wire and keeping the cables short. 
> PowerWerx offers some useful pre-built cables at good prices.
>
> https://powerwerx.com/adapter-extension-cables
>
> wunder
> K6WRU
> Walter Underwood
> CM87wj
> http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)


-- 
R. Kevin Stover
AC0H
ARRL
FISTS #11993
SKCC #215
NAQCC #3441



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Re: [Elecraft] K3 UOS?

[Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft]

Ever since I bought my KX3, I have wondered just how the software handles the 
shift between letters and numbers,  but I never thought to ask this forum.   I 
thought about doing a few tests to find out, but since I haven't worked RTTY 
since I sold my Model 19 in 1990, it just never was a priority. 

 So just how does the software handle the shift?


MARK,
 
KE  6  BB
(Wow, that was hard to type on my Android phone!!!)
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Re: [Elecraft] IC-7300 video - things to come

[Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft]

Re:   "I may have missed something in this discussion but I question what is 
different from using a touch screen or the buttons on the radio as we have now?"

On screen buttons activate as soon as it is touched.  Hardware buttons allow 
the finger to touch the button and give the brain an instant to verify that you 
have indeed touched the button you intended to touch, after which you can apply 
the pressure to activate it.   The difference is huge when your hands shake, or 
g-forces are moving them around.  THAT in a nutshell, is the difference between 
a touch screen and hardware buttons.

Mark,
ars:  KE6BB 
Slowly writing this on my phone touch screen...not fun at all.
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Re: [Elecraft] IC-7300 video - things to come

[Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft]

Earl wrote:

"Try using a touchscreen in a light aircraft on a bumpy air day and you will 
learn to hate a touch screen."  Earl, K4KAY

Those of us who have aging, shaky hands don't even need the turbulence,  our 
own brains conspire to make touch screens difficult to operate.   The "soft 
buttons" like the P3 and PX3 have work great, though.  They allow the finger to 
touch the button without activating it so you can tell that you are pressing 
the right spot.

Because of my essential tremors,  I will not buy a touch screen radio.  Sorry, 
Icom!

Mark,
ars:  KE6BB 

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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Grounding & NiMH Batteries

[Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft]

Re: "...is there one type of NiMH batteries to consider that might be 
considered the best?"

The term "the best" is always a difficult one for engineers, but I still have a 
three year old set of Panasonic 2000mah low self discharge  (LSD) cells in my 
KX3, and they are still working great.  The chemistry in these is identical to 
the Sanyo Eneloop cells, which are available in at least 2500mah LSD cells now. 
 Panasonic  ended up buying Sanyo, but maintained and continued to improve the 
Eneloop line.

One caution with any rechargeable cells is don't discharge them below their 
minimum discharge voltage, which is about 1 volt per cell for NIMH cells.  The 
KX3 battery warning and shutoff will protect them nicely.

Don't even consider cells that are not LSD cells.  Those will self discharge to 
a voltage below their minimum discharge voltage, destroying themselves in the 
process.

Mark, 
ars: KE6BB 

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Re: [Elecraft] Just Received my New KX3

[Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft]

Re:  "My first new radio in over 35 years...Looking forward to this new radio."

I did the same thing three years ago.  I was amazed at how much is packed into 
this little package.  Every time i turn it on, I say a little, thank you to 
Wayne, Eric, and all the Elecraft crew!
I am sure you will enjoy learning about it.
Mark,ars:  KE6BB 

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Re: [Elecraft] Kx3 and fldigi

[Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft]

Re:  "...cannot get the rig controls initiate for using hamlib or rigCAT."
I had same issue here, although occasionally  it would work fine.  I finally 
downloaded FLRIG from the FLDIGI download page and started using it instead of 
hamlib or rigcat.   It has worked reliably for several years now.
Markars: KE6BB 
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Re: [Elecraft] Using KX3 with Android device...

[Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft]

I have used KX3 Companion on my my Android phone (Samsung Galaxy S5) using a 
USB OTG cable and the Elecraft KXUSB cable for rig control.  If you want a 
waterfall, you will need to add the appropriate audio cable.
No special Android requirements.  I don't use it much though.  Far simpler to 
control the radio from its own front panel IMHO.
Markars: KE6BB 



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Re: [Elecraft] K3(S) or KX3. Add function to Utility to save non-radio specific settings

[Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft]

Re: "The configuration saved also includes calibration data for that 
particular radio."
The request is for a way to save and reload user settings OTHER THAN the radio 
cal data.  That way it won't be radio specific.  Can't say that I would ever 
use that feature, but it makes a lot of sense for expeditions,  field day, etc.
As Walter mentioned, this comes up every couple of months or so.
MarkKE6BB 
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Re: [Elecraft] New KX3 - No SSB output

[Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft]

RE:  I have the Mic setting at 4 (manual recommends 3-5). 
Page 15 of the manual recommends the MONITOR set to 3-5, not mic gain.  It also 
says "Mic gain for the Elecraft MH3 us typically 15-25."
I suspect your mic gain if set at 3 to 5 is too low.
MarkKE6BB
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 use for broadcast reception

[Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft]

Robert,
I found that in SOME (but not all) cases,  enabling the mode noted below helps:
MCU 1.84 / DSP 1.28, 1-4-2014
 
* AM BROADCAST BAND (BCB) RECEIVE OPTIMIZATION:  If you have a KXAT3 ATU 
installed, you can select one of two optimizations for reception below 1300 
kHz. While in the ATU MD menu entry, tap '1' (PRE) to select either BCB NOR 
(the original setting, which reduces the amplitude of received harmonic 
images), or BCB=160 (a new setting that may improve receive sensitivity by 
using the 160 meter ATU settings even below 1300 kHz). BCB NOR is recommended 
unless you need BCB=160 in order to copy a weak AM station. You can also 
improve sensitivity by using higher preamp gain settings (use the PREAMP menu 
entry, which is per-band
MarkKE6BB 
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 and Batteries

[Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft]

Phil, 
In addition to the items already mentioned,  be sure that the plug on the 
battery pack leads is fully engaged onto the pins on the circuit board.  When I 
first received my KX3, I had similar symptoms, and that was what the problem 
was.  (Not Elecraft's fault).  
MarkKE6BB 
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Re: [Elecraft] Audio Mixers

[Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft]

Re  Audio mixers that do exactly this are ubiquitous in aircraft. 
Aircraft intercoms came to mind for me as well.  They are designed for carbon 
mics,  and medium impedance headphones.  I have matched them to more modern 
mics and phones in the past, so I know it is possible.  There was a lot of 
information on them, spread out over several years, in Kit Planes Magazine, in 
the Aero 'Lectrics column written by fellow ham Jim Weir (can't remember his 
call).  
Jim's company, RST Engineering, used to sell an intercom as a kit.  That would 
be a good solution.   Try a Web search to see if they are still around.

Mark KE6BB 


 Original message 
From: "Dauer, Edward"  
Date: 07/04/2015  4:01 PM  (GMT-08:00) 
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Subject: [Elecraft] Audio Mixers 

Audio mixers that do exactly this are ubiquitous in aircraft.  Many are 
now integrated into the Nav-Comms, others were integrated into audio 
panels along with the Marker Beacon receivers; but in the stripped-down GA 
trainers of 20 plus years ago we used to use portable units, measuring 
about 4 inches by 2 inches by 2 inches,  powered by a 9 volt battery, and 
held onto the panel with adhesive-backed Velcro (the GA pilot's best 
friend.)  They came in two-place, four place and six place.  I’ll bet they 
are abundant on E-bay-type used equipment sites, since new avionics has 
the functions all built-in.  

Simple switches allowed communication just between pilots (so ATC couldn’t 
hear the CFI scaring the student), or between one pilot and ATC (so the 
student couldn’t hear the CFI asking ATC to scare the student), or both.  
The four-place and six-place allowed passengers to listen and talk with 
the pilots but not communicate with ATC (so the pilots could scare just 
them.)  I don’t know if they would be compatible with modern amateur 
transceivers — but they used to be as common as dirt and cost about as 
much.  Anyone looked into it?


Ted, KN1CBR (and ex-CFI)

>Message: 27
>Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2015 13:15:44 -0500
>From: David McAnally 
>To: K3 List 
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Audio mixers
>Message-ID:
>   
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
>This was something we wondered about during field day. A way for operator
>and logger to speak to each other over the headsets, as well as listen to
>the QSOs.  Hearing both sides of the QSO was accomplished by using the
>monitor feature on the K3.  However, the operator and logger wanted to
>communicate with each other sometimes as well.
>
>I added an external mixer
>_1>
>to allow TX monitor and RX audio to be sent to a video stream as well as
>the headset for the logger. Combining mic audio from two headsets might be
>a little more complicated, especially to be active during RX as well as 
>TX.
>
>David M.
>WD5M
>
>On Fri, Jul 3, 2015 at 12:43 PM, Cady, Fred  wrote:
>
>> Hi all,
>> Happy 4th.
>> I'd like to use an audio mixer to mix computer and mic audio plus have
>> kind of an intercom between two operators wearing headphones.  I know 
>>there
>> are audio experts here so what suggestions might you have?
>> Thanks and 73,
>> Fred KE7X
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Re: [Elecraft] My KX3 desk microphone project

[Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft]

Rick wrote:  "Now I remember why I only rarely post on this list..."

Same here, Rick.  I monitor this list to receive information from Elecraft, and 
to see what problems others are having with their radios.  

I have little interest in most of the technical discussions, since they can 
rapidly deteriorate into ego contests.   That is not necessarily the fault of 
this list, nor of those on this list.  It is simply the nature of one-way text 
discussions, and people with strong technical backgrounds.  That is why e- mail 
has not completely replaced meetings and video conferencing in the business 
world.

Mark
KE6BB 
Rapidly wearing out my "Delete" key
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Re: [Elecraft] New KX3 can no longer be powered on

[Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft]

It sounds like the radio is not getting any power. I would suspect the power 
supply and cables before suspecting a problem with the radio.  Have the easy 
things been eliminated as the problem?   Is the power supply good?  Has a fuse 
in the power supply been blown?  Is there voltage at the radio end of the power 
cable?

The problem is often with the coaxial power connector.  If the operator isn't 
using the cable supplied by Elecraft, it may not make reliable connection with 
the radio.  There are a lot of connectors on the market that are close to 
2.1mm, but really don't work.  I found one that had all the right diameters, 
but was simply too short.

There was also a problem with early KX3's with the connectors pulling away from 
the PC board, but if his radio is new, that shouldn't be the problem. 

Mark, KE6BB 

  
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Re: [Elecraft] Is the KX3 a good choice for a new General?

[Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft]

Don, 

$2000 to $4000???

A basic KX3 doesn't come close to $2000, and the upgrades can be added as money 
becomes available!  I sure wish the KX3 was around when I got my novice ticket!

Mark
KE6BB 
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Re: [Elecraft] KX 3 Intermittent problem power up problem

[Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft]

Re: "When turning the kx3 on with theband- and atu tune buttons the back ground 
leds come on but no screen display. Removing the power cable..."

Open the case and be sure the multi-pin connector on the cable that connects 
the two halves is firmly engaged.  I had a similar problem that I traced to the 
connector not being fully plugged in.

Hope this helps.

Mark
KE6BB 

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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - S/N 2917 - FW v2 .19 - DSP 1.3.

[Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft]

Re:  I don't know how my face can be more RED-DER...

Most of us have done something similar, Jim.  I thought one of the LCD segments 
on the s-meter had developed a case of "always on disease", until Wayne (and a 
few others) suggested I return the RF gain to 0db.  That fixed the radio, but 
it took a while to return my face to its original color!

Regards
Mark
KE6BB

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Re: [Elecraft] NiMH batteries How do I test?

[Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft]

Jim,

Good descriptions from Ray and Bob.  You are also right in that the KXBC3 has 
some "smarts", but it is constant current temperature monitored charger.

You may also see the display message "Not 0 to 40".  It means the cell 
temperatures are not within the temperature range of 0 to 40 deg. C.  If it 
occurs on a cold day at the beginning of a recharge cycle, the cells are 
probably too cold to be charged, but the most likely time you will see it is 
near the end of a recharge cycle on a warm day.  As the cells near full charge, 
they convert more and more of the 200 MA charge current to heat rather than 
into the chemical process of recharging.  That is how NiMH cells work when 
recharged with a constant current.  The KXBC3 will suspend charging until the 
temperature drops below 40 deg. C.  

This is all normal operation, and is the most common method for recharging NiMH 
cells.

Mark
KE6BB



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Re: [Elecraft] K3 false SWR indication with SSB

[Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft]

Mark, 

This was addressed several months ago concerning the KX3.  When the software 
gets ready to display SWR,  it reads forward power, and a fraction of a second 
later, reverse power.  Since voice peaks go up and down, the displayed SWA will 
not be accurate unless you use a steady signal.

Mark
KE6BB

 Original message 
From: Mark N2QT via Elecraft  
Date:08/19/2014  12:15 PM  (GMT-08:00) 
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Cc:  
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 false SWR indication with SSB 

My k3 flashes a higher swr indication with ssb voice peaks than with a steady 
carrier.

If using an antenna with 1:1 SWR the bar graph flashes the first segment.  If 
swr is 1.5:1
all the segments illuminate on voice peaks, as if swr was greater than 3:1.  To 
reduce the 
uncertainty introduced by my antennas,  I connected a 50 ohm load after an 
external tuner 
so I could create the 1.5:1 SWR, and got the same results.

I assume this is a benign problem and likely caused by the non simultaneous 
sampling
of FWD and REV power by the CPU.  

However, if no one else sees this I'll do some more checking.

FW 4.81/2.83 and TX Gain Cal done recently.  

Mark. N2QT
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Re: [Elecraft] OT: Butane soldering irons

[Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft]

Re:  I couldn't ignite it. It would sputter and refuse to burn. We were at 
7400' (2260 m).

That doesn't surprise me.  I don't have experience with butane torches at 
altitude,  but I have eaten far too many freeze dried dinners that were crunchy 
because, at altitude (8,500 ft. in my case), there wasn't enough oxygen in the 
air so that the flame from my friend's butane stove would heat the water hot 
enough to reconstitute the food.  Cold temperatures affect butane stoves as 
well.  Put high altitude together with cold temperatures and the result is 
crunchy noodles!  (My old Svea white gas stove works well to 11,000 ft., even 
in the cold, but it has its own hazards).

Mark,
KE6BB

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