Re: R: [Elecraft] Pedestrian Mobile Antenna
Hi, Sergio/Paolo. Sergio asked: what kind of antenna do you use for pedestrian mobile? You can find full details of my pedestrian mobile antenna here: http://web.ncf.ca/fj620/contests/fybo2007/ Paolo Said: What I have for antenna is a 24 feet length of small wire, plus another 15 feet as a counterpoise. Yes, me too, that's always in my backpack... I use an elastic band between the end of the wire and the weight because it's usually the weight which gets caught when I try to pull the wire back out of the tree. I've had a lot of fun making contact with this simple "Elecraft Recommended" antenna :) You're right about those ipod-style headphones too, I use Sony Fontopia earbuds which are the same design and I love them. What kind of antenna do you use for the 80m option, Paolo? I use a 135ft dipole with light twinlead feeder but it only works on 80m, no 40/30/20, so I'm going to try an OCF dipole for all KX1 bands soon. if it wasn't for the couple of Snipers that usually I can see lurking from behind a black van, targeting my brains on a Riflescope Yikes!! I never had THAT experience (yet?) The closest I came was sitting in a park around midnight, totally in the dark, using the little white LED for logging, and a couple of police on bicycles stopped by to see what I was up to. I was really glad that my antenna wire was almost vertical straight up from my camp chair to the tree, so those police did not catch the wire in their bike wheels! I hooked up a speaker and they were pleased to listen to me make a CW contact :) 73 & Good luck with the brains targeting scope :( Martin. ___ 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 Morse Memories - Suggestion
Hi, I've been finding that the keyer memories in the KX1 are a bit too small for my basic CQ call when I'm pedestrian mobile. I'd like to be able to call "CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ DE VA3SIE/PM VA3SIE/PM K". Sometimes when conditions are poor maybe another 3 or 4 CQs too! I have to resort to loading the CQ calls in one memory and the "DE VA3SIE" part in the other, which usually means there's a bit of a pause in my CQ call. I suggest that it would be a really nice and simple(?) feature to be able to chain the two memories together so that the KX1 would send the contents of the first memory and then the contents of the second, (and repeat if so requested). This could be signalled by the user by a double press of the memory button, eg. Current behaviour: Quickly Press 'A', 'B' - Send first memory. Quickly Press 'A', 'C' - Send second memory. Quickly Press 'A', Long press 'B' - Send first memory & repeat. Quickly Press 'A', Long press 'C' - Send second memory & repeat. Additional commands: Quickly Press 'A', 'B', 'B' - Send first memory then second memory. Quickly Press 'A', 'C', 'C' - Send second memory then first memory. Quickly Press 'A', 'B', Long press 'B' - Send first memory then second memory & repeat. Quickly Press 'A', 'C', Long press 'C' - Send second memory then first memory & repeat. I expect the firmware is pretty cramped already though, but I can dream :) Or maybe I just missed it in the instructions? I must say I had missed the "beacon mode" before and was that ever a nice surprise when I stumbled on it! 73, Martin. VA3SIE. ___ 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] VA3SIE/PM FYBO/PBMME Event
Hi, All. Detailed write-up with photos & movies here: http://web.ncf.ca/fj620/contests/fybo2007/ This year, I decided to take part in Freeze Your B** Off & February Polar Bear Moonlight Madness Event as a pedestrian mobile QRP polar bear, so I walked from my home to a couple of local parks all within grid square FN25dk and walked around the trees operating 20m and 40m as a pedestrian mobile bear. My coldest operating temperature was at the start of the event, with a wind chill of -6°F. I mounted a 300 ohm twinlead DCTL loop for 40m and a 16ft quarter-wave teflon coated wire for 20m on a pair of fishing poles which I attached to a PVC pipe frame and zipped into my backpack. I dragged 14.5ft of RG-174 for a 20m counterpoise. I used a KX1 powered by 8 lithium batteries which I held kept inside my fleece to extend thier life. The KX1 was attached to a clip board with rubber bands. I put the clipboard in a shopping bag and just rested it on the snow if I had to extend or retract the 20m antenna due to low tree branches. I walked 6.78 miles in a couple of downtown parks in Ottawa, from 1400Z until 1730Z and again from 1900Z until 2300Z. It was a nice and sunny day (before dusk) but with a brutal wind chill, and the parks were by the river, so I was giving out minus temps a few times that I was not sheltered from the wind. I think the highlight of the contest for me was working VE3WMB/PM who was also in Ottawa about 10km distance from me. It's my first /PM to /PM contact! All in all, a really fun event! 72 es 73 de VA3SIE/PM ___ 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 - rotary encoder quirk & birdies on 20m after KXB3080
Hi. I tried out 20m for the first time this weekend after having completed the KXB3080 module. It works FB, I'm having great fun on 80m... and the 20m worked great, exchanged 2 X 599 reports with a station running 5W in Georgia... but... I realized that one thing which I thought was my imagination the first couple of times I saw it is really a problem, and I also made the observation that after the mod I have a lot of internally generated spurious signals (birdies) on 20m which were not there beforehand. (1) Rotary Encoder Quirk If I set the tuning rate to XX.X kHz and then slowly rotate the tuning knob of the KX1, I notice that for the most part, the tuning does exactly what you would expect "05.7, 05.8, 05.9, 06.0, 06.1, ...". Now and again though, it jumps back a couple of 10ths of a kHz. I captured this behavior in this movie: http://www.sunim.plus.com/encoder_quirk.avi Throughout the movie, I slowly rotate the tuning control positively in the clockwise direction. The digits increment correctly right up until "12.0". Then we see this happen: "12.0, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.5..." So - twice the frequency jumped backwards by 0.2kHz even although the tuning control is being moved clockwise. This seems to happen at random, on all bands. I noted where the screw-hole in the side of the tuning knob was pointed to see if it always happened at the same point in the tuning knob cycle but it doesn't - it seems to be truly random. (2) 20m birdies I've always had a birdie at 14066.1kHz. It sounded stronger after the KXB3080 mod, which I put down to the 20m sensitivity having been increased by the mod (It's true that audio seems to be stronger on 20m since the mod). Now, however, there are numerous (easily 50or more) signals distributed throughout the 20m band. They are all quite weak but are certainly there. It seems to be related to the frequency of the DDS - on the X.XX tuning scale, incrementing by 0.01kHz changes the tone of the birdie often by quite a lot. Although I can live with these (they are quite weak) when I'm listening to QRPp or DX stations which are also weak it can be a little bit distracting. I've captured a sample movie where I tune through a small sample of the 20m band while connected to a 50 ohm resistor: http://www.sunim.plus.com/20m_birdies.avi In this movie I scan from 14067kHz to 14060kHz, and I pick out the strong birdie at 14066.1kHz (which was there before the mod) then the weaker birdies (which were not present before the mod) at: 14065.6, 14063.6, 14061.5, 14061.3, 14061.15, 14060.24, 14060.19, 14.059.92 --- Any suggestions on where to start with these problems? Thanks, Martin. VA3SIE. ___ 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] KXB3080 - Same output power on 40m as 20m - How to fix?
Hi, All. Thanks to all who responded about the power output being the same between 20m and 40m. I was able to run some tests with a recently calibrated HP8591A spectrum analyzer, and I thought I'd share my results. (I also had a chance to calibrate the KXAT1 it was reading about 0.25W high). My battery voltage was: 9.1V key-up and 8.2V key down. I was hooked up to the analyzer through a recently certified precision 10dB attenuator and a recently certified low loss coaxial feedline. (I've adjusted the fundamental power below by 10dB for the pad). Fundamental 2nd 3rd 4th 5th BandPowerHarmonic Harmonic HarmonicHarmonic (Adjusted Pad)Delta Delta DeltaDelta 80m 30.6dBm (1.15W) -45dB -66dB-76dB -76dB 40m 29.4dBm (0.87W) -39dB -52dB -59dB-64dB 30m 30.4dBm (1.09W) -40dB -70dB -72dB-71dB 20m 30.1dBm (1.02W)-60dB -66dB -70dB-69dB Observations: The harmonic rejection is within specification, at least at 1W out. I assume that the level of harmonic suppression (delta) will remain the same regardless of the power out, I'd be interested in comments on that assumption as I did not have the right connector to run the radio on 12V to hand when I made the measurement. I do NOT have the 20m power being 0.3-0.6W lower than 40m (any more - it was before the KXB3080 mod), in fact I have almost the opposite (0.15W more power on 20m than 40m), and I assume that difference would be more pronounced at higher output powers. The manual states that my harmonic rejection may therefore be sub-optimal: "If both bands have adequate output power but 20 meters is higher, you should adjust the windings of toroidal inductor L2. To do this, "squeeze" the turns of L2 together slightly so that they occupy only about 70% of the core's circumference. With L2 at its optimal turns spacing (for best harmonic rejection), 20 meter output will be about 0.3 to 0.6 watts lower than 40 meters." The worst case harmonic rejection seems to be 40m with the 1st harmonic being -38.7dB down from the fundamental, but that's close enough to the specification (-40dB) I think. Should I be trying to squeeze my turns to improve it? I'm not sure. I did compare my results to John AE5X's measurements for his KXB30 KX1: KX12nd 3rd4th 5th OwnerBandHarmonic Harmonic HarmonicHarmonic Delta Delta DeltaDelta AE5X40m -40dB -53dB -60dB-66dB VA3SIE 40m -39dB -52dB -59dB-64dB AE5X 30m -35dB -63dB -71dB-68dB VA3SIE 30m -40dB -70dB -72dB-71dB AE5X 20m -58dB -60dB -73dB-70dB VA3SIE 20m -60dB -66dB -70dB-69dB So the KXB3080 low pass filters apparently offer superior harmonic rejection compared to the KXB30 except on 40m where it's slightly worse, although in practice the 1dB difference is probably close enough. Perhaps I could improve the 40m harmonic rejection by squeezing turns, but it probably isn't worth it for 1dB. I hope others can benefit from these measurements. 73 Martin. ___ 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] Re: KXB3080 - Same output power on 40m as 20m - How to fix?
Hi, John. Thanks for the offer - yes, it will be good to compare the spectral purity of the KX1 against your own or Eds KX1 and some of the other radios there. I saw your analyzer output on your web page - I'd kill to have that tool at the moment :) Anyway: I'll probably just go ahead and use the radio as it is for now, maybe see if my 1st harmonic can be heard across town by another amateur or something like that, in the meantime. I'll go back and respread the windings so that it looks as close to the picture in the manual as possible also :) 73 Martin. ___ 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] KXB3080 - Same output power on 40m as 20m - How to fix?
Hi, Elecrafters. I'm hoping someone can help! I completed my KXB3080 modification tonight but during testing I discovered that I am getting pretty much the same transmit power out (1.8W with 10V) on 40m as 20m (according to the KXAT1 this is the only watt-meter I have) into a 50 ohm load. I took the board out and squeezed the green turns on L2 of the LPF1 board together as tightly as I could and replaced the board back into the case, but it didn't make any difference I still get the same power out on 40m as 20m. I understand that this may be an indication that the harmonic suppression is not working correctly as I should be getting about .6W lower power on 20m (I certainly was before the mod!) I placed a scanner across the room (with a 2m rubber duck antenna) from the KX1 driving a magnetic loop antenna tuned to 7040kHz and transmitted on 7040kHz. The scanner showed full scale deflection. I then tuned the scanner to the 1st harmonic 14080kHz and the scanner 'S' meter was maybe 4/5ths deflected. I know that isn't very scientific, it may be telling me the harmonic suppression isn't good or maybe it's not. I don't have anything sophisticated like a spectrum analyzer to do a proper analysis of the relative strength of the 1st harmonic versus the fundamental. The LPF1 went pretty much the way the manual said it should. I'm sure it's getting power as I see a 60mA draw on 80m. The only difference between my LPF1 and the manual's picture is that my LPF1 PCB doesn't sit flush to the KX1 PCB because the turns on L1 and L2 extend slightly past the edge of the LPF1 board. It is about 1mm away from the KX1 board, but the turns of L1 & L2 are flush to the board. Does anyone have any suggestions about how I could start tracing this fault? Should I try compressing the red turns on L2, or the green or red turns on L1? Thanks, Martin. VA3SIE. ___ 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] Wire Antennas and feedline for the KX1
Hi, Chuck. I usually don't add the transmission line in the EZNEC model, just the source. I then take the source data for the frequency of interest and plug it into this tool where I can play around with different kinds of feedline, add a balun, calculate optimal feedline lenghts, etc: http://www.ac6la.com/xlzizl.html 73 Martin. ___ 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] Hearing CW - Fundamental Keying Waveform?
Hmm, Any detectable chirp seems to drive some of today's ARRL "Official Observers" into near apoplexy but I enjoy hearing it! That's interesting. Which FCC or ARRL guideline mentions chirp, or otherwise attempts to regulate the keying waveform? I had a look through our Canadian guidelines: RIC 2 - Standards for the Operation of Radio Stations in the Amateur Radio Service I can't find anything about chirp, although there is a clause about frequency stability, and I suppose that chirp could be defined as frequency stability over a period of time equivalent to a code element. But I rather think that it means drift and not chirp. So - as long as I keep to 6kHz bandwitdh and 1kHz on 30m, then it looks like I'm allowed to have chirp on my signal. Now where do I need to solder a small cap on the KX1 to introduce some nice distinctive chirp on my signal?... 73 Martin. VA3SIE. ___ 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 VFO noise
Hi, Mike. I only ever hear VFO "clicking" when there is a very strong adjacent signal. For example one time I was using a 44ft doublet at 30ft at a campsite, and I was operating on 30m, around 10.120MHz. Suddenly a very very strong commercial RTTY station started up around 10.130MHz. Now when I tune from 10.120MHz down to 10.110MHz I get "faint clicks" as I tune. If I tune from 10.120MHz up to 10.130MHz, the clicking got stronger. So I assume it's something connected to the AGC? I don't know if that helps :) 73 Martin. ___ 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: [QRP-L] Japan Ham Fair 2006 photos,
Hi, Folks. Some confirmation from Nobuki: -- Forwarded message -- From: THP info <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Aug 23, 2006 7:55 PM Subject: Re: HT-200 Question? To: Martin Gillen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello, Extracted specs are ; Freq. : 1.8 ~54MHz RX :0.5~54MHz Mode : SSB, CW, AM. FM DC : 13.8V TX 4A max RX1A max Size : 154w x 56 h x 175 d mm Wt :2.0kgs TX P.O. : 10W HF, 20W 6m RX : Double Conv. Superhet. IF : 45MHz, 2nd 455kHz AF : 1W We will disclose as we know more about teh new toy ! 73, Nobuki, JA1DJW - TOKYO HY-POWER LABS., INC. 1-1 Hatanaka 3chome, Niiza Saitama 352-0012 JAPAN Phone: 048-481-1211 FAX: 048-479-6949 e-mail : [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://www.thp.co.jp - - Original Message - From: "Martin Gillen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 12:00 AM Subject: HT-200 Question? Hi, I was hoping you could confirm something? I was quite excited to read about the new HT-200: http://www.onjapan.net/2006/hamfair/img_1960.jpg I do not read/write Japanese :) I read that: Current on Transmit = 5A. Current on Receive = 1A. Is this correct? Do you have an english translation of the HT-200 specification? Thanks, Martin. ___ 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 Ext. Speaker
Hi, Dale. I bought a set of Nexxtech speakers for my KX1: http://tinyurl.com/l7ql3 They develop a huge amount of audio and they fold together to a package about the same size as the KX1. Very light and Li-ion batteries last a LONG time (I'm still on my first set after 6 months...). I'm very happy with those, esp. for back packing. The only problem is the length of the cord they came with (about 1 foot) but that was easily solved with an extension :) 73 Martin. ___ 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] After re-winding L3 on KX1 (as per errata) - need to re-align?
Hi, I finished the first step of the 80m installation - rewinding L3 on the KX1 board to have more windings. Rather than press on and install the 80m board I'm taking the rig out to play for field day. Should I perform the alignment steps again? Will the KXAT1 need re-aligned? I'm not really sure what role L3 plays and what the effect of the different inductance will be... Thanks, Martin. ___ 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] telescoping poles
Hi, Vic. Of course the pole has to be guyed as well. I should have mentioned that using the short pipe with 3 steel rods (about 1 foot each extends into the ground), there is enough stability to support a 20 foot fiberglass fishing pole and a #26AWG 88ft dipole fed with radio shack twinlead without any guying, in low or moderate wind conditions. Of course the ends of the dipole act as guys to some extent. I use 6ft tall fiberglass driveway markers for my inverted vee ends. Views of the whole antenna: http://www.sunim.plus.com/maple/images/martin_ant.jpg http://www.sunim.plus.com/maple/images/naqccsprint_pole.jpg - Martin. Martin Gillen wrote: Or homebrew your own sand spike like I did. 1 or 2 feet of 3/4" PVC pipe, an pipe end, 3 stainless steel rods and a couple of jubilee clips (hose clamps). I made one simply by drilling a hole in the center of a PVC pipe cap and putting a long bolt (about 4 inches -- 10 cm) through it. Then I ground a point on the end of the bolt. Of course the pole has to be guyed as well. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ 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] telescoping poles
Hi, Jerry et al, It is a tube with a spike on one end Or homebrew your own sand spike like I did. 1 or 2 feet of 3/4" PVC pipe, an pipe end, 3 stainless steel rods and a couple of jubilee clips (hose clamps). Attach the pipe end piece to the pipe. It is probably slightly thicker than the pipe. Drill 3 notches in the pipe end which will guide the 3 steel rods and keep them equidistant around the pipe, and secure with the jubilee clips, one around the end piece, one in the middle and one near the top. http://www.sunim.plus.com/maple/images/martin_op.jpg http://www.sunim.plus.com/maple/images/naqccsprint_work.jpg 73 Martin. ___ 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] Poles
Hi, Benny. My last and best is Spiderbeam product of still stronger material, 40 ft high. Very handy telescope. Spider must sell beams also in US, I think. Look for www.spiderbeam.net Yes - The Wire Man sells them for $99USD+Shipping. http://thewireman.com/index.shtml 73 Martin. ___ 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] Curiosity
Hi, Folks. I had an interesting experience yesterday. I was "practicing" using a desoldering tool as I have never used one before and wanted to get my choreography figured out before I start desoldering components to install the 80m module, so picture this: The KX1 board is sitting in a plastic (yuch - I know...) PCB vise which is attached to a wooden bench. My weller soldering is not plugged in. My FT-51 is monitoring the local repeater. The cable between the soldering station and the soldering iron runs very close to the FT-51 rubber duck antenna. OK - so I touch the tip of the soldering iron to one of the solder pads on the PCB, and I get a humming from the FT-51. Remove the tip, the humming goes away. Touch the tip to the pad and the humming starts again... What on earth could be causing this? Neither the KX1 board or the soldering station are powered, and the hum is only present when the soldering iron tip touched the board. Now - in retrospect I suppose it was pretty dumb to touch the iron tip to the board when the board is "floating" in a plastic vice and the soldering station is "floating" as it is not plugged in... I am wearing a grounding strap but I'm only touching the vacuum pump and soldering iron... Hope I didn't fry anything :) But I am curious what the humm is. I'm assuming it's 60Hz being picked up by the soldering station perhaps through the cable, but I don't now why the hum is only present when I touch the soldering iron tip to the KX1 board. 73 for now, Martin. VA3SIE. ___ 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] 10 meter replies
Hi, Ron. See you on 10 when it opens! It's open most days at the moment afternoon. For the past week I've scanned the beacon segment around 12pm and I am consistently hearing beacons across the continental US from a receiver in London Ontario Canada. Some slow QSB but these beacons are mostly operating CW at QRP levels so QSOs should be possible. Right now as I write this (2nd June 1615UTC UTC) I'm listening to N4HLF/B and W3HH/B in Florida and KG4VVV/B in South Carolina, from London Ontario. The antenna is a 3.5m HF whip at 11m AGL feeding back to an Icom PCR-1000 via ~30m of buried Belden9913, so nothing spectacular :) I'm listening to 28.272MHz in CW mode with the IF set to 6kHz. There are a couple of weaker signals too that could be resolved with some judicious filtering, see the spectrum at: http://www.sunim.plus.com/28272khz.gif Audio file is here: http://www.sunim.plus.com/28272khz.mp3 I'm looking forward to getting my 10m highmite on the air!!! 73 Martin. ___ 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] KXB3080 Manual - minor mistake but important for newbies?
Alex, The local electronics store had WESD51D stations on sale when I went looking last year for the initial KX1 build... The Elecraft mojo was working for me even BEFORE I started building! I'm holding out for the 'Low Static' Soldapullt now - they had to back order it for me! - Martin. On 4/4/06, Ron D'Eau Claire <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Martin wrote: > > I know it's minor but 0.05" is more like 1.3mm than 0.13mm... > > - > > Thanks Martin!! All the field testers, Wayne, Gary and I all missed it! > > It's doubly embarrassing for me because I live in metric. Here in the USA > much of the scientific/technical stuff is all in metric and I normally > convert back to English units for something like this. Shoot, I even cook in > Metric. All my recepies are in grams and milliliters. > > I peeked and see that we had it right in the KX1 manual too. > > Ron (fumble-fingers) AC7AC > > > ___ 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] KXB3080 Manual - minor mistake but important for newbies?
I was just going out to buy equipment to build this when I noticed: > Fine-tip temperature-controlled ESD-safe soldering station with 700 to 800°F > tip > (370-430°C). Recommend a spade tip approx. 0.05" (0.13 mm) wide. Do not use a > high-wattage iron or soldering gun since this can damage pads, traces, or the > parts > themselves. I know it's minor but 0.05" is more like 1.3mm than 0.13mm... Looking forward to getting my 80m on the air! 73 Martin. ___ 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] Strange: KXAT1: SWR goes up, but so does forward power?? +Baluns
Hi, I recently built a W1CG low power balun (Guanella 4:1 two-core design). I'm pretty new to amateur radio and my on-air results were pretty confusing to me so I was hoping someone could help me understand what is or may be going on here: For these tests I was using an inverted vee dipole, each leg 32ft (64ft total length), fed in the center with 32ft radio shack 300 ohm twinlead, held aloft by a 20ft fiberglass fishing pole, with the ends held 6ft off the ground by fiberglass driveway markers. Rig was a KX1 with KXAT1 ATU. Forward power and SWR readings taken from the KXAT1 (ie. no external metering). I started by connecting the twinlead directly to the KX1 using a binding post to BNC adapter. I was able to tune the radio on 40m, 30m and 20m to under 1.5:1 SWR, often 1.0:1. Power out read as: 1.5W on 40m 3W on 30m 2W on 20m I then replaced the binding post to BNC adapter with the 4:1 balun. Now the SWR increased on all 3 bands: 1.8:1 on 40m. 3.2:1 on 30m. 4.2:1 on 20m. On 20m and 30m there was a noticeable attenuation of signals but 40m sounded fine. So... so far it looks like the antenna simply didn't need the impedance transformation, and has degraded all 3 bands. I gave up on 20m and 30m with the balun due to the high SWR. However the odd thing I noticed was that the forward power reported by the KXAT1 on 40m had increased to 3W! So... I established contact with a station and asked him how my signal sounded with and without the balun. Here is the summary: Without Balun: KXAT1 SWR 1.0:1 KXAT1 Forward Power 1.5W Signal report: 579 With Balun: KXAT1 SWR 1.8:1 KXAT1 Forward Power 3W Signal report: 599+ I switched the balun in and out a few times to accound for fading. So I am left confused. Why did the SWR go up if the forward power also went up? My working theory is that the antenna fairly well matched already on all 3 bands but unbalanced. Adding the 4:1 balun had two effects: (1) Impedance transformation (2) Balance the transmission line (& dipole). The impedance transformation wasn't actually required and actually placed the impedance outside the KXAT1 matching range on 20m/30m, and degraded the SWR on 40m, but the balancing of the transmission line meant more energy radiates from the dipole elements and not from the transmission line. So the data seems to be telling me that this antenna could really use a 1:1 balun. What am I missing?? :) 73 Martin. ___ 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 s/n 1287 now a four-bander
Hi, Chuck. I'm just curious - did you have the 30m option already installed, and was it easy to unsolder it? If so, did you use solder braid or a plunge vacuum desoldering tool? How did that go? Thanks, Martin. ___ 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 signals peak at low audio beat frequency
Hi, Mike. I noticed exactly the same thing here. In fact the passband ripple of my KX1 is pretty bad, 600Hz is actually in a trough not a peak! And when I narrow the filter to the narrowest setting it centers on around 480Hz. Neither of these is a fairly significant issue in practice though. If I have occasion to use the filter in its narrowest position then I zero beat first then use the RIT to move the signal down to 500Hz before closing the filter to its narrowest position. Most of the time my filter stays in one of three positions: 5 oclock - fully open - Quiet band. 12 oclock - halfway open - Fair amount of QRM. 9 oclock - about 2/10 open - In the 9 oclock position the audio peaks (to the ear) at 600Hz so this is the most useful position for zero- beating. I almost never close it right down (7 oclock position) however I did last weekend when I had a station come on 100Hz away from my QSO and he couldn't hear me. In this situation I use the RIT control to send the wanted signal to 500Hz after zero-beating at 600Hz. Does that help? By the way Michael VE3WMB mentioned before that he has the same ripple pattern in the ten-tec scout and it may be a feature of the Jones filter design. After all the component count in the KX1 is tightly controlled and there are tradeoffs because of that. http://www.ac6rm.net/mailarchive/html/elecraft-list/2004-06/msg00906.html 73 Martin. ___ Win a BlackBerry device from O2 with Yahoo!. Enter now. http://www.yahoo.co.uk/blackberry ___ 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] FYBO 2006 VA3SIE & VE3WMB Outing
Hi, Michael VE3WMB and Martin VA3SIE set up a vertical and an inverted vee in Britannia park in the City of Ottawa. It was 38F and we had some wind-chill, but it didn't snow and we even had little snatches of sunlight. We operated casually for just 3 hours of the contest. Here is our story: http://www.sunim.plus.com/contests/fybo2006/ What a fun contest!! 72 es 73 de Martin VA3SIE. ___ NEW Yahoo! Cars - sell your car and browse thousands of new and used cars online! http://uk.cars.yahoo.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] 14.9V to KX1?
Hi, Chris. > Ah, good catch Tom - it drops to under 13V under Tx load. > I'll look for something else. 13V is still well within the specified range. As long as that 13V is developing enough RF does it matter that its 2V below the RX voltage? If it were dropping to 7V on transmit I'd be more worried :) - Martin. ___ To help you stay safe and secure online, we've developed the all new Yahoo! Security Centre. http://uk.security.yahoo.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: RE: [Elecraft] T1 Antenna Considerations
Hi, Peter. Please excuse my ignorance I'm fairly new to amateur radio ;) But I have a question: > The only reason that the "use the nearby bushes" > construct now can be tuned by the T1 is that the > impedance goes low because a part of the antenna is > lying "on the floor" now, giving high capacitance > against ground which allways lowers the impedance. Yes, I understand that; any radiation from the counterpoise is effectively lost into the ground. However another antenna I have used is a 66ft length of wire at 15feet, fed in the centre with 300 ohm twinlead. In this case, the driven half of the wire is still 33ft long - but I get really low SWR om 20m and have worked DX with it, So why does that work? Is the feedline doing something to help me out here? Or is a dipole just a completely different scenario altogether? Thanks, Martin. ___ Yahoo! Exclusive Xmas Game, help Santa with his celebrity party - http://santas-christmas-party.yahoo.net/ ___ 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] T1 Antenna Considerations
Hi, Mick. > please can someone explain why this is important As previously stated a halfwave end fed wire represents a very high impedance which is outside of the matching range of the T1. But thats with no counterpoise or fed against a ground stake. I have found that a halfwave long wire works as long as it is fed against a raised counterpoise, ie. a wire lying over some nearby bushes. In this case it works because the two wires are really an off center fed dipole with the radio in the middle. The end fed halfwave wire does have some interesting characteristics and people do use them, for example they are quick to erect DX antennas because they gave a very low angle of radiation. You just have to make another matching circuit to bring the imedance into the matching range of the T1. Check these web pages for details: http://www.aa5tb.com/efha.html http://www.njqrp.org/n2cxantennas/halfer/index.html http://www.angelfire.com/electronic2/qrp/efhwt.html http://hometown.aol.com/n0lx/triband_tuner.html http://www.arsqrp.com/ars/pages/back_issues/2000_text/1100_text/phased.html For excellent antenna information in general try: http://www.cebik.com/radio.html > i wish to use this tuner on the following bands 20/15/10m > so a suggested wire length would be appreciated I only have > 40ft of space to play with. Is that 40ft by 40ft or is it 40ft by 10ft :) ... Are there any trees or other antennas in that space? What kind of contacts are you interested in making? QRP? QRO? Local? DX? One antenna for all bands or separate antennas? For example if you are interested in DX, you can probably fit a full wave loop for 10m into your lot, or even a cubical quad which would give excellent performance. For local contacts you could consiter a doublet fed with twinlead or even a fan dipole fed with twinlead. If it's just a single wire length, are you planning on feeding it at the end? Or in the centre? Against a counterpoise or against ground? For a quick throw-wire I'd use 42 feet with a 14ft counterpoise. Bend the extra 2 or 3 feet at 90 degrees if you have to make it fit into your 40 feet. You could also use linear loading by using twinlead to put up a folded dipole, or many other ideas. Martin. VA3SIE. ___ To help you stay safe and secure online, we've developed the all new Yahoo! Security Centre. http://uk.security.yahoo.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: RE: [Elecraft] KX1 Ideas
Hi, Simon. Jim, W0EB, wrote: The internal AA pack is included with all KX1's, so buy some good alkaline batteries to take with you anyway as they might come in handy. The rig will take its power from whichever input has the highest voltage, so yes, the small gel cells will be very useful as well. You should get 4 watts out with the 12V gel cells, and 1.9 or so with the AA's. I'd suggest lithium batteries instead. They are much lighter than the alkalines and last for longer. Buy one set and fit them internally then never let your external gel cell get below 9V and you will always have the lithiums to call on in an emergency :) If you want to run the gel cell down below 9V often then install a connector on the internal battery line and you can take the case off and reconnect the lithiums in an emergency. Regards, Martin. ___ To help you stay safe and secure online, we've developed the all new Yahoo! Security Centre. http://uk.security.yahoo.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] balun
Hi, Mike. I routinely feed a 66ft dipole with 300 ohm TV twinlead by hooking it directly to the KX1 using a BNC to binding post converter. The KX1 ATU seems to match this quite nicely. The antenna performance seems to be very good. I have a BLT tuner on order; when I get it built I will compare how the antenna performs with/without a balun. Martin. ___ How much free photo storage do you get? Store your holiday snaps for FREE with Yahoo! Photos http://uk.photos.yahoo.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] Maple Island 2005 - Story, Photos & Log.
Hi. VA3QV and VA3SIE activated Maple Island (C.I.S.A #ON277) on Sunday 25th September. We contacted 68 amateurs in 3 countries using QRP to the field equipment. Our website contains photographs, story and our log. http://www.sunim.plus.com/maple/index.html Thanks to anyone who contacted us, we had a real fun day!! Martin. [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ How much free photo storage do you get? Store your holiday snaps for FREE with Yahoo! Photos http://uk.photos.yahoo.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] Reminder: Maple Island 2005 QRP Operation this Sunday 25th.
Hello. This is a reminder that VA3QV & VA3SIE will be activating Maple Island for the Canadian Island Award Program this Sunday 25th September. Full information about this upcoming event can be found at the following website: http://www.sunim.plus.com/maple/index.html If you hear or work us please use the report card at the website above to send us a report. WHEN: Sunday 25th September 2005 - 10am EST to 5pm EDT. WHERE: Maple Island, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. CALLSIGNS: VA3QV, VE3RC POWER: QRP, <5W ANTENNAS: Low delta loop, Inverted Vee, random wires. SCHEDULE: VA3QV: VE3RC: 9am-10amSETUP SETUP 10am-11:00am3.760 SSB* 7.026 CW 11am-11:15am+ 3.815 SSB 7.026 CW 11:30am-11:45pm+144.260 SSB, 146.535 FM 7.026 CW 12:00pm-12:15pm+3.815 SSB 7.026 CW 12:30pm-12:45pm 50.128 SSB 7.026 CW 1:00pm-1:15pm+ 7.260 SSB 14.026 CW 1:30pm-1:45pm+ 144.260 SSB, 146.535 FM 14.026 CW 2:00pm-2:15pm+ 7.260 SSB 14.026 CW 2:30pm-2:45pm+ 50.128 SSB 14.026 CW 3:00pm-3:15pm+ 14.260 LSB 7.026 CW 3:30pm-3:45pm+ 144.260 SSB,146.535 FM 14.026 CW 4:00pm-4:15pm+ 14.260 SSB 7.026 CW 4:30pm-4:45+pm 50.128 SSB 14.026 CW 5pm CLOSE CLOSE *Bob will control the pot hole net QRP from the island! Note: At other times we may call on standard calling frequencies. Synopsis: "We will operating two QRP stations from Maple Island to activate it for the Canadian Island Award Program. We will be packing all our equipment in on bikes, so we will be using light field antennas and QRP power levels. We are hoping for between 25 to 50 contacts with amateurs from as many different countries as possible. Please check the website shortly before the event for any breaking news" ___ Yahoo! Messenger - NEW crystal clear PC to PC calling worldwide with voicemail http://uk.messenger.yahoo.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] 33.25ft vertical with KXAT1 - Why did it work?
Hi. I was trying to build a field portable quick to install antenna and I really liked what I read about an end fed halfwave having a very low angle of radiation and only requiring a very short counterpoise however I remembered that the KXAT1 manual stated not to use lengths near a halfwave as they would be outside the matching range. So... I decided that I would cut an antenna to 33ft (20m halfwave), and then I would cut it back a foot at a time until the KXAT1 found a match. I started at 33.25ft vertical but I did leave a pair of 18.5ft counterpoise wires running at about 2 feet above the ground connected to the ground terminal. I tuned up and ... 1.2:1 match on 20m! I then proceeded to work KF6GC with 2W (almost 4000km) in the middle of a K Index = 8 solar storm! So I know the antenna worked well. I modelled it in EZNEC and the impedance at the base of that antenna should have been 970 + j 1700 ohms, so I am surprised that the KXAT1 was able to match it. Any comments? Was it because I left the counterpoises connected that it worked so well? If I remove the counterpoises in the NEC model the impedance increases and becomes inductive to 1456 - j 1819 ohms. Comments? PS. I am only learning in this stuff so forgive any overly simplistic analysis!! Thanks, Martin. VA3SIE. ___ To help you stay safe and secure online, we've developed the all new Yahoo! Security Centre. http://uk.security.yahoo.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: Re: [Elecraft] KX1 Antenna Idea
Hi, Chuck. I have a question about your feedline: > I have made up some feedline using #28 teflon insulated > solid wire wrap wire held together with heat shrink > tubing. The characteristic impedance is not important and > it is low loss. I measured some #26 twisted pair once and > it's impedance is about 180 ohms. I know that coax can be looped around 5 times to create a balun near the dipole feedpoint. Can twisted pair be looped around to create a balun also? Also, what was the distance between the twists? I'm interested in making one to feed a dipole for my KX1 field kit :) How can you measure that a balun is being effective? Thanks, Martin. [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ Yahoo! Messenger - NEW crystal clear PC to PC calling worldwide with voicemail http://uk.messenger.yahoo.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] QRP Island Event Notice - 25th Sept - Maple Island, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Hello. Full information about this upcoming event can be found at the following website: http://www.sunim.plus.com/maple/index.html WHEN: Sunday 25th September 2005 - 10am EST to 5pm EST. WHERE: Maple Island, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. FREQUENCIES: HF SSB - 3.815MHz, 7.260MHz, 14.260MHz HF CW - 7.026MHz, 14.026MHz VHF - 50.125MHz, 144.2MHz, 146.520MHz CALLSIGNS: VA3QV, VA3SIE POWER: QRP, <5W ANTENNAS: Low delta loop, random wires. Synopsis: "We will operating two QRP stations from Maple Island to activate it for the Canadian Island Award Program. We will be packing all our equipment in on bikes, so we will be using light field antennas and QRP power levels. We are hoping for between 25 to 50 contacts with amateurs from as many different countries as possible. Please check the website shortly before the event for any breaking news" ___ Yahoo! Messenger - NEW crystal clear PC to PC calling worldwide with voicemail http://uk.messenger.yahoo.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 Weak Audio on 20M
Hi, Mike. You're right. This is normal behaviour for the KX1. The S meter is lower on 20m because it driven by an audio derived AGC, and audio levels are lower on 20m due to the design of the radio. It does work though... with a 20-40 foot wire vertically in a tree, in good solar conditions, around 6pm in the evening you should see the S meter pegged to max for quite a few of the stronger signals, but the weak or medium ones will not cause any S meter indication. I find at other times or on my 10ft indoor RX antenna, because signals are weaker, the S meter does not usually show any LED segments for any signals on 20M. Have you calibrated the S meter? I have mine calibrated so that background atmospheric noise on 40m causes the first LED segment to flicker. On 20m/30m there is usually no LED segments lit when there is no signal, and on 20m it takes a fairly strong signal to light any segments. My LED menu settings are: H 3 L 75 For comparison. Don't forget to perform the S meter calibration on your "real" antenna not just with 10ft wire connected in the shack ;) The receiver sensitivity is fine though as you pointed out. I have had most of my contacts on 20m and even to the Azores Island (8,500 km per watt!). Using earbuds over standard earphones helps because they limit the external noise due to the fact that they fit tightly into the ear canal. Some people have suggested using earbuds with a greater sensetivity rating. I have Sony MDR-E848 earbuds which have a sensetivity of 108 dB/mW and a pair or earphones (not earbuds) with a 117 dB/mW rating. I can hear no difference, I need to max out the AF gain on 20m for both. There is a behaviour of the KX1 which you will also discover. Very strong signals cause a weak "mirror image" of the signal on the other side of the carrier frequency. I'll explain what I mean: For a weak or moderate signal as you tune the radio you will hear the signal start high in pitch and get lower or start low in pitch and get higher depending on the tuning direction. Once the signal is either too high or too low in frequency that it is outside the receiever's passband you will not hear the signal again if you continue tuning in that direction. For a strong signal however if you tune in the direction that the signal goes from high pitch to low pitch, and continue tuning after the signal is no longer audible you will hear the signal again but much weaker, rising in pitch (while all the other signals are lowering in pitch). This is an indication of a very strong signal! Martin. VA3SIE/QRP/P. ___ Yahoo! Messenger - NEW crystal clear PC to PC calling worldwide with voicemail http://uk.messenger.yahoo.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] Small Straight Keys for /P or Travel
Hi, Jay. I have one of the keys that Michael mentioned but I got it a lot less than Morse Express are selling them for! I bought mine on ebay from: http://feedback.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback&userid=alex550_2&frm=1728 I'm very pleased with it! Martin. ___ Yahoo! Messenger - NEW crystal clear PC to PC calling worldwide with voicemail http://uk.messenger.yahoo.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 Question
Hi, Paul. I find the opposite to be true! When I connect my 26ft wire to the BNC centre connector the receiver comes alive with signals! When I connect the 16ft counterpoise to the outer of the BNC, the receive level doesn't change at all. But it does match better :) I also get much better signal reports when my counterpoise is elevated 4 feet from the ground than when it just lies along the ground, so the counterpoise is playing a more active role on the TX side than the RX side. How long was your random length of wire? By the way if you go for the Pomona BNC to binding post adapter, be sure to get thick enough bannana plugs. I got radio shack solderless bannana plugs and they are a "loose fit" into the pomona adapter. They are very loose when connected horizontally into the "main" bannana plug sockets of the adapter. I have to insert them into the vertical holes, where they are a bit tighter of a fit. But they still aren't all that tight... when it's windy and my wire is flying around, the movement of the bannana plug causes a lot of noise in the receiver. Martin. VA3SIE/QRP/P. Ottawa, ON, CA. > If I insert a long random length wire > into the KX1 I don't hear receive too many > signals; advance or retarding the RF gain has > little audible effect in the headphones. But, > when I also attach a wire to the outside of the > BNC connector and then to a ground, the receiver > comes alive with signals. ___ Yahoo! Messenger - NEW crystal clear PC to PC calling worldwide with voicemail http://uk.messenger.yahoo.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 #970 alive & kicking!
Hi, All. My KX1 is complete and I passed my morse exam on Thursday so I am now on the air... mostly using around 2W to a wire vertical in a tree in various parks in and around Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. So far I have worked WA4NVD in Virginia, VA3FAC in Willowdale and W9ZN in Chicago! Next I'll be working you! 73 Martin. VA3SIE/QRP/P ! ___ How much free photo storage do you get? Store your holiday snaps for FREE with Yahoo! Photos http://uk.photos.yahoo.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 30m module - Hand capacitance effect?
Hi. I noticed last night that if I am listening to 30m and I place my hand on the case of the KX1 (anywhere on the case but especially over the 30m module), that the signals get a bit quieter. I'm wondering if it's a capacitive effect since the 30m module components are separated from the case by only a thin rubber foot... I have 26ft wire connected as an antenna and about 15ft as a counterpoise. I wondered if the 30m module wasn't grounded properly but I don't suppose it would work at all if the ground wire was broken (mind you if I remember correctly there are two ground hookups - maybe one has given out). Can someone else with a KX1 confirm this behaviour? It doesn't happen on 20m/40m. Thanks, Martin. VA3SIE. ___ Yahoo! Messenger - NEW crystal clear PC to PC calling worldwide with voicemail http://uk.messenger.yahoo.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] Protecting the KX1 from short - fuse on the internal batteries?
Hi, I'm a bit paranoid about frying the KX1 due to a short to ground one of these days, with the radio rattling about in my bike paniers! I was wondering therefore if anyone has found an inline fuse small enough to install on the positive battery lead from the internal battery holders to the PCB? That way if I get a short the internal batteries won't just dump a large current through the short!! Thanks, Martin. VA3SIE. ___ How much free photo storage do you get? Store your holiday snaps for FREE with Yahoo! Photos http://uk.photos.yahoo.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] KXAT1 with short whip antennas?
In-reply-to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi, Ron. A very informative answer, thanks! I was thinking purely in terms of the electrical characteristics of the antenna when I read the manual, not the physical, because to me it was obvious that a whip should not be directly connected to the KX1. Makes much more sense now! Thanks, Martin. Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.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] KXAT1 with short whip antennas?
Hi, Leigh. Thanks for the informative reply! I hadn't thought about the ground since that is the bike frame! I'll have to lookup Budd's information and see what value of inductor to use there or how to calculate it... I'll also have to lookup Canadian height regulations for a mobile antenna :) Thanks again, Martin. --- "Leigh L Klotz, Jr." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Martin, > The Maldol 20M whip is fine with a radial 10-16ft > and a 1ft or so piece > of bus wire clipped to the top with an alligator > clip, at any angle. I > worked Florida from Toronto on vacation twice with > that antenna, acting > on Wayne N6KR's lead. But on a bike you may want > something better as > you havbe the opportunity (and mechanical need) to > hold something more > substantial, such as a Hamstick or a CB whip. Watch > the height > regulations though! The ground will be different, > especially on the low > bands. Budd W3FF operates his Buddipole on a bike > with great success > and he uses an inductor in series with the ground to > the bike frame on > 60M. I have heard Budd work the south pole on it > SSB! > 73, > Leigh. > On Mon, 25 Apr 2005 8:20 am, Martin Gillen wrote: > > Hi. > > I read the manual for the KXAT1 and the advice for > antennas states that > > short whip antennas should only be used in > emergencies. > Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.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] KXAT1 with short whip antennas?
Hi, Paul. You may be right! I didn't think about the physical aspect of it. For bike mobile I would be mouting a whip behind me with coax running forward to the rig in a front basket, I wouldn't even have considered actually attaching a whip directly to such a tiny radio! Martin. --- Paul Bruneau <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > On Apr 25, 2005, at 11:18 AM, Martin Gillen wrote: > > > Hi. > > > > I read the manual for the KXAT1 and the advice for > > antennas states that short whip antennas should > only > > be used in emergencies. > > > > Text of the manual included below. > > the way I read it, the manual is concerned about the > mechanical > connection being physically damaged by the leverage > of a whip being > directly connected to it. Is that how you are > reading it too? > > I'd love to do some bicycle operating myself, but I > think I would not > want to use the radio as the only anchor for such an > antenna. > > > Whip Antennas: Short whip antennas connected > directly > > to the KX1 may damage the antenna jack or PC > > board, and so should only be used in an emergency. > > They are also very poor radiators. > > Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.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] KXAT1 with short whip antennas?
Hi. I read the manual for the KXAT1 and the advice for antennas states that short whip antennas should only be used in emergencies. Text of the manual included below. This seems strange because when I read the HFPack yahoo group I can find lots of HAMs who are using the KX1/KXAT1 with various HF whips attached to bicycles with varying degrees of success. Any HF whip connected to a bicycle must be a "short" whip, probably loaded. Anyone have an opinion or personal experience who can shed some light? I'd like to fit the KX1 to my bike! Martin. Manual text: Backpacking Verticals: The KXAT1 may improve the match to a backpacking-style vertical. If the antenna has a loading coil, you should first adjust it for minimum SWR, since such antennas can be very narrow-banded. Set the ATU menu entry to CAL mode (bypass) for this purpose, then back to TUN mode to further match the antenna using the KXAT1 (if necessary). Whip Antennas: Short whip antennas connected directly to the KX1 may damage the antenna jack or PC board, and so should only be used in an emergency. They are also very poor radiators. Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.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 Construction Tip - How to tell apart the nylon screws from the metal.
Hi. The KX1 kit comes with some metal screws and 2 nylon screws. They are both the same thread size and height and they are both black, however there are three ways to distinguish them: 1) The nylon screws have a single slot accross the entire head; The metal screws have a philips head. 2) Drop them onto a metal plate from a height of about 10cm. It should be possible from listening to the sound they make which are metal and which are nylon. 3) Try to pick them up with a lightly magnetised screwdriver. Martin. Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.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 Uncalibrated S meter - only showing one LED bar - normal?
Hi. I have not yet calibrated my S meter but I noticed that when I tune in a really strong 40m CW morse signal that the S meter is only showing 1 intermittant bar, same as for weak signals. I even have this one intermittent bar when there are no signals present. I'm wondering if there's a problem with the AGC, or is it normal? I'm using about 10m or wire as the antenna. Thanks, Martin. Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.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 alignment - don't peak a birdie!!
Hmm, Just in case others can benefit from my own stupidity: The manual says hook up headphones, power and an antenna and go find a weak 20m signal, and then peak it up with the 20A and 20B trimmers. So I start tuning around at 11pm and the band is closed, so I decide to look for some QRM and peak up on that. I come accross a strong CW signal around 14.066 and I start fiddling with 20A and 20B. I can peak it with 20B but 20A doesn't make any difference at all. OK, I figure (from the manual) that maybe the AGC is working on it, so I go in search of another weaker signal. Great, found one. Again, 20A and 20B are making no difference. So I pull the antenna out. Signal is still present. Oops! It's an internally generated signal. Back to 14.066 ... that's still there too :) Ah, well. The moral of that story? If you're using a QRM signal (ie. a CW tone that may not be external, ie. it's not morse code), then disconnect the antenna to make sure it's not locally generated. Now both 20A and 20B can peak it up! Oops. Martin. Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.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] Peaking the KX1 ?
Hi. I was peaking my KX1 according to the phase II alignment instructions when I discovered that the trimmer capacitor can be turned right through 360 degrees. My question therefore is... how much should you turn it? Does it make any difference if you go through 360 degrees more than once? Can you damage it by turning it too many times? Or if you turn it through ONE 360 turn and hear a couple of peaks, choose the biggest peak, is that the procedure complete? Thanks, Martin. Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.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 - Normal position of the AF gain control?
Hi. I was aligning my receiver yesterday (Phase II). I noticed that the AF gain seems to be exponential, which is to say that rotating it from 200 degrees (fully left rotated) up through 0 degrees (halfway) produces only a little bit of volume increase. Rotating from 0 degrees to 90 degrees brings the volume up to what I would consider a normal level, then from 90 degrees to fully rotated to the right causes a very noticeable increase in volume. So my KX1 will have the volume control 3/4 rotated (pointing at about 110 degrees) most of the time. Is that normal, or perhaps my headphones were of the wrong impedance? Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.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] Re: KX1 part 1 resistance checks - fail. Any suggestions?
Hi, Reflectees. I did resolve my resistance problem. Gary pointed out that I should really be using a DIGITAL multimeter, so I went out and got myself one, and all the measurements make a ton more sense. I noted that the AC voltages were out too in the first test & alignment point; The analogue multimeter was registering AC voltages of 100V+ !! The digital meter said 3mV ... :) ... Here's Gary's response (in case anyone else runs into this problem)... Martin, All resistance measurements in the manual were taken with digital meter, not an analog meter. An analog VOM will often give much different measurements if a semiconductor is in the circuit being tested. D2, D3 often have a little reverse leakage, so they may not show infinite ohms in one direction. Some ohmmeters will give different readings when measuring active devices. Some of them will forward bias a semiconductor while others will not. The main thing we are looking for with resistance checks, is solder shorts or opens. The absolute values are not terribly important as long as they are in the ballpark or do not measure much less than is expected. An infinite ohms reading is OK if >100K is specified. Reversing the ohmmeter probes will also often produce different ohmmeter readings if a semiconductor junction is involved. -- 73, Gary AB7MY = [EMAIL PROTECTED] Elecraft Technical Support Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.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 part 1 resistance checks - fail. Any suggestions?
Hi. I'm using a modern ANALOGUE multimeter to do the resistance checks on my KX1. I have performed the visual inspection and everything looks good; There were no problems during construction YET some of the resistance checks fail, and I'm wondering what it could be... U3 pin 3 is < 5 ohms ... good. But U3 pins 5, 6 and 7 are all around 2K. They're supposed to be >10k. I checked the calibration with a 2.7k resistor and pins 5, 6 & 7 to ground all come in below that resistor by around .7k. Also, I get odd behaviour with D2/D3. With switch S2 in one position, I get infinite resistance for the banded end of D2 and D3 regardless of the position of S1. With switch S2 in the other position, I get 1.8k on both D2 and D3 regardless of the position of S1. One of those is supposed to be >10k. So something is wrong! But I'm not sure what... Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.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 Alignment and Test - Part I - Power Supply - Batteries OK?
Hi. Really dumb question. I don't have a power supply unit but the alignment & test instructions state: Connect an 8 to 14 VDC power supply to J1 with the positive (+) lead to the center pin. Do you think I can just put 6 AA cells into the supplied battery holders in series to generate 9V, and use that in the alignment phases? Is there enough current there? Is it stable enough? Thanks, Martin. Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.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
