[Elecraft] Wayne and Eric's Presentations

[Mike Lichtman via Elecraft]

Congratulations on a great job. I thoroughly enjoyed both your presentations. I 
plan on purchasing a K4 after the dust settles so I was fascinated by how much 
higher this radio will “move the bar”. 73 Mike KF6KXG
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[Elecraft] Antenna or KAT500/KPA500 Problem

[Mike Lichtman via Elecraft]

Every so often at random after I have been on SSB for a while  ( 80m with 
about 450w and a 1.1 to 1 SWR)  my tuner jumps to retune or the amp faults and 
switches to standby. I am using a Van Gorden full size (102’) G5RV as 
an inverted vee. The 31’ matching section is 300 ohm twin lead and, even though 
it has been up for 10yrs, is still flexible. Van Gordon is now out of business. 
The twin lead goes into a 3/4” pvc pipe and coax comes out the other end.
I am thinking that the 12” long pipe section has ferrite beads to cut common 
mode currents. I don’t know what wattage the ferrites are rated for. 
   Someone suggested that the ferrites might be heating up and causing my 
problem since the problem occurs after being on the air a while and could be 
thermal. 
My questions are:
I have some new 450 ohm ladder line. Should I replace the 300 
ohm with it? I know that most G5RV’s on the market today use 450 ohm not 
twinlead. If so what kind of line isolator is needed or what balun?  Should I  
just replace the ferrite beads — and if so with what no. and mix. Can I just 
use an ugly balun (coiled coax). All thoughts are appreciated. The antenna 
itself has worked fine for me on all bands (80 thru 10) and I have worked all 
continents except Antarctica. Thank you in advance and 73 Mike KF6KXG

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[Elecraft] New Product and K4 Suggestions

[Mike Lichtman via Elecraft]

In reading the K4 product suggestions posted so far, noise blanker/noise 
elimination seems to be a common thread. I have written in the past about the 
need
for improvement in the NB and NR on my KX3. I would like to see Elecraft come 
out with a really affective noise reduction unit (can be stand alone).
It could combine improved versions of the NB and NR, a phasing unit (like the 
MFJ 1026-which really works well), and audio filtering. With all the noise on
the bands lately, this would be welcomed in the marketplace.
 As far as the K4, the most common suggestions seem to be to change the 
color of the display, get a monitor screen / blend the P3 and K3. All front 
panel issues.
While Elecraft has featured the modular approach, I think expanding on this 
might be the key to pleasing a variety of tastes in a cost efficient way. Have 
two choices of front panels that
tailor the K4 to different displays and knobs vs touchscreen. The transceiver 
internals could continue to be modularly upgraded (like the K3 to K3S) and the 
front panels could be made
backwards compatible to the K3/K3s in the Elecraft tradition. This would place 
the upgrades in an affordable price band and could be done incrementally. 
Most hams can afford $1000 to $2000 but not $5000+.73 Mike KF6KXG
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[Elecraft] KPA 500 Can you use it on AM?

[Mike Lichtman via Elecraft]

Thank you to Don, Alan, Bob, and Grant for your responses to my question. When 
I use it for AM, I will keep it to around 75 to 80 watts to have a safety 
margin. 73 Mike KF6KXG
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[Elecraft] KPA 500 - Can you use it on AM?

[Mike Lichtman via Elecraft]

I know the KPA 500 is designed for SSB and CW, but I have always wondered if 
you can use a KPA500 on AM and, if so, what would be the maximum wattage you 
should use? The manual
doesn’t say anything about it.  73 Mike KF6KXG
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[Elecraft] Query for new DSP features

[Mike Lichtman via Elecraft]

Wayne,
I would like to see an improved Noise Reduction that doesn’t lower the 
volume or distort as much. Also the digital mode decode has never really worked 
well for me and, yes, 
I read the manual about using it. Could you have the digital choices RTTY, 
PSK31, etc. instead of the current settings like FSK, data, etc?
Pie in the sky thought — Having the radio identify the type of digital signal 
being received with a word in the display and automatically change 
modes/settings to accommodate it.  73 Mike KF6KXG
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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 164, Issue 13

[Mike Lichtman via Elecraft]

I just received mine. It was ordered nov 27th and arrived today in CA. I never 
received anything other than an email receipt too. With Xmas mailings going on 
give it 3 wks then contact them if needed. Mike KF6KXG

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 14, 2017, at 2:42 PM, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:
> 
> Send Elecraft mailing list submissions to
>elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net
> 
> You can reach the person managing the list at
>elecraft-ow...@mailman.qth.net
> 
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of Elecraft digest..."
> 
> 
> Today's Topics:
> 
>   1. Re: K3 / RF gain - S meter issue (carlo bianconi)
>   2. Re: FA-VA4 (Art)
>   3. Fwd: [PVRC] Voice waveform asymmetry limits your loudness
>  (Jim Miller)
>   4. Amplifiers (Brian Heinitz)
>   5. Re: K3 / RF gain - S meter issue - Similar issue (Dan Atchison)
>   6. Re: Amplifiers (Wes Stewart)
>   7. Re: KPA1500 (Wayne Burdick)
>   8. Re: FA-VA4 (Peter LaBissoniere)
>   9. Re: K3 / RF gain - S meter issue - Similar issue
>  (Bob McGraw K4TAX)
>  10. Re: KPA1500  (!) (Roy Koeppe)
>  11. Re: FA-VA4 (Jim Graves)
>  12. Re: K3 / RF gain - S meter issue (Bruce Meier)
>  13.  K3 / RF gain - S meter issue - Similar issue (Dan Atchison)
>  14. Re: FA-VA4 (Don Wilhelm)
>  15. Re: K3 / RF gain - S meter issue - Similar issue (Wes Stewart)
>  16. Re: FA-VA4 (n...@arrl.net)
>  17. K2 Knob (Michael Raskin)
>  18. KPA500 - fan noise (Bill)
>  19. Re: K2 Knob (Don Wilhelm)
>  20. FS: K3 RemoteRig from Elecraft (James Wilson)
>  21. KPA1500 First RF Review (W0FK)
>  22. Re: KPA1500 First RF Review (Wayne Burdick)
>  23. Re: KPA1500 First RF Review (AB4IQ)
>  24. Re: K3:  2 meter SSB/CW Capability Questions (Phil Hystad)
>  25.  KPA1500 First RF Review (John Harper)
> 
> 
> --
> 
> Message: 1
> Date: Thu, 14 Dec 2017 16:32:56 +0100
> From: carlo bianconi 
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 / RF gain - S meter issue
> Message-ID: <5600e5de-b3ea-4870-4e5e-89aa21a52...@gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
> 
> Hi Bruce,
> 
> try to reload the factory data calibration before doing the calibration 
> with a generator.
> 
> Usually it works.
> 
> 73, Carlo
> 
> Carlo Bianconi Telecomunicazioni Official Elecraft Dealer Via O.Trebbi 8/B 
> 40127 Bologna - Italy Ph. 0515878825 mail carlobianc...@iol.it 
> www.carlobianconi.com
> 
> Il 14/12/2017 14:38, Roger D Johnson ha scritto:
>> Is the S meter supposed to read 60 over 9 when the RF gain is turned 
>> all the way down?
>> 
>> Mine reads 30db!
>> 
>> 73, Roger
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> On 12/13/2017 9:10 PM, Wes Stewart wrote:
>>> I would first perform the RF Gain calibration using the K3 Utility. 
>>> The calibration program measures gain characteristics and applies 
>>> software correction.
>>> 
>>> Then run the S-meter calibration.
>>> 
>>> Wes? N7WS
>>> 
 On 12/13/2017 2:25 PM, Bruce Meier wrote:
 Looking for suggestions here from someone that might have 
 experienced this
 same issue - -
 
 
 I have (2) K3 units (not the S model) that are acting different when 
 the RF
 gain adjustments are turned fully counter clockwise.
 
 ?? Unit one ? s/n 1062: When the RF gain is decreased to full counter
 clockwise position the S-Meter registers full scale (60db over S9) as
 expected.
 
 ?? Unit two ? s/n 1193:? When the RF gain is decreased to full counter
 clockwise position the S-Meter registers only S8.
 
 ? Facts:
 
 ?? With the exception of the S-Meter readings with RF gain settings, 
 both
 units are working fine
 
 ?? Both units have ?almost? all mods installed.? If not all, they 
 are at
 least both the same.
 
 ?? Both units are running the same version of microcode (5.54) 
 (2.88) (2.88)
 (1.26)
 
 ?? Both units seem to register very close actual RF gain of stations 
 when
 connected when tested on the same antenna
 
 ?? Both units have the new synthesizers.
 
 ?? Both units have second RX
 
 ?? In both cases (both units) I can hear the audio level decreasing 
 linearly
 as expected as the RF gain is turned counter clockwise
 
 I have tried to initialize the K3 and reload the firmware resulting 
 in no
 change to the RF gain / S-Meter readings.
 
 
 Elecraft Tech Support suggested:
 
 ?? Calibrating the s-meter ? did nothing
 
 ?? Next suggestion ? send the rig to California.
 
 
 Anyone have this issue and fixed it??
 
 
 73,
 
 Bruce N1LN
>>> 
>>> 

Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzers

[Mike Lichtman via Elecraft]

It would be nice if Elecraft had their own branded analyzer. It could be a semi 
kit like the 
graphing one being sold from Germany. 73 Mike KF6KXG 
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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 141, Issue 13

[Mike Lichtman via Elecraft]

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 10, 2016, at 6:45 AM, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:
> 
> Send Elecraft mailing list submissions to
>elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net
> 
> You can reach the person managing the list at
>elecraft-ow...@mailman.qth.net
> 
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of Elecraft digest..."
> 
> 
> Today's Topics:
> 
>   1. KX3 beta firmware rev. 2.38: 15 Watts max output on80-20 m,
>  and PSK63 mode (Wayne Burdick)
>   2. Re: Elecraft Website back up today for Verizon FiOS & DSL
>  customers (Neil Zampella)
>   3. KRC2 for the K3 (AD6XY)
>   4. Re: KY Command (Richard Ferch)
>   5. Command for RX Ant (DGB)
>   6. Re: Command for RX Ant (Rich)
>   7. Re: KY Command (Wayne Burdick)
>   8. (K3) Low output power on 15 meters (new KYSN related ?)
>  (Bruce Meier)
>   9. Re: (K3) Low output power on 15 meters (new KYSN related ?)
>  (Ken K3IU)
>  10. Re: (K3) Low output power on 15 meters (new KYSN related?)
>  (Wayne Burdick)
>  11. Re: (K3) Low output power on 15 meters (new KYSN related?)
>  (Vic Rosenthal)
>  12. Re: KRC2 for the K3 (Laurent F6DEX)
>  13. K2 Memory (Tomy Ivan)
>  14. Re: (K3) Low output power on 15 meters (new KYSN related ?)
>  (Bob McGraw K4TAX)
>  15. KXPACBL for sale (drpro)
>  16. Re: K2 Memory (Don Wilhelm)
>  17. Controlled Envelope SSB (David Anderson)
>  18. For sale KRX3, BPF3 and filters (Erik Basilier)
>  19. Re: Controlled Envelope SSB (NC3Z Gary)
>  20. Elecraft K3/100 for Sale (alvaro gaviria)
>  21. Re: For sale KRX3, BPF3 and filters (Erik Basilier)
>  22. KXV3A For Sale - $95 Shipped (Richard Thorne)
>  23. Re: Controlled Envelope SSB (Al Lorona)
>  24. For sale/look for CW filter (Jan Babinec)
>  25. Re: Controlled Envelope SSB (David Anderson)
>  26. [PX3] - symmetrical reflections about the center point (kevino z)
>  27. Re: Controlled Envelope SSB (NC3Z Gary)
>  28. Re: [PX3] - symmetrical reflections about the centerpoint
>  (Don Wilhelm)
>  29. K3S VFO-A Dial Knob (Tom Lizak)
>  30. FS:  P3 SVGA Video Adapter/FFT Processor add in kit (Jim Spears)
> 
> 
> --
> 
> Message: 1
> Date: Fri, 8 Jan 2016 20:59:47 -0800
> From: Wayne Burdick 
> To: Elecraft Reflector 
> Cc: "k...@yahoogroups.com" 
> Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 beta firmware rev. 2.38: 15 Watts max output
>on80-20 m, and PSK63 mode
> Message-ID: <106fc469-9e46-4b88-af38-51d169b8b...@elecraft.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252
> 
> KX3 beta firmware rev. 2.38 is now available on our KX3 software page:
> 
>http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/KX3_software.htm
> 
> See instructions on this page for loading beta releases.
> 
> This release includes two new features:
> 
> The new 15-watt level applies only to 80-20 meters, and is still considered 
> somewhat experimental. Several dozen field testers have been using it with 
> excellent results, but we can't guarantee that every KX3 will actually put 
> out a full 15 W. Supply voltage is one limiting factor. We strongly recommend 
> the use of 13.8-14 V whenever possible. This is especially important when 
> you're driving an external amplifier and using one of the linear modes (SSB, 
> AM, PSK-D, or audio data modes).
> 
> PSK63 is twice as fast as PSK31. Rather than copy it on the KX3's VFO B 
> display, you may want to use the Terminal function of KX3 Utility, or use a 
> PX3 with text decode turned on. This data mode is especially popular in 
> Europe.
> 
> Rev. 2.38 also corrects a problem with some KX3-4M (70 MHz) modules that had 
> lower than normal power output.
> 
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
> 
> 
> * * *
> 
> MCU 2.38 / DSP 1.37, 01-03-2016
> 
> ? POWER OUT NOW 15 WATTS MAX, 80-20 M: On 80-20 meters, the PWR control can 
> now be set as high as 15 W (max is still 12 W on other bands). Supply voltage 
> must be over 12.8 V on key-down as indicated by the KX3?s voltage display 
> (tap DISP, rotate VFO B). Note: The KX3 will automatically reduce power as 
> required if current, SWR, or temperature is excessive, or if supply voltage 
> is too low. If a band other than 80-20 m is selected, power output will be 
> cut back to 12 W max. It must then be manually set above 12 W after switching 
> to 80-20 m.
> 
> ? PSK63 MODE ADDED: Tap DATA, rotate VFO B until PSK D is displayed, then use 
> VFO A to select 31 or 63 baud. The default is PSK31.  
> 
> ? 4-METER POWER OUTPUT IMPROVED: Changed IF band-pass filter configuration to 
> increase drive level on 4 meters. This should improve 4-meter power output in 
> cases where it was marginal due to filter rolloff.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 

[Elecraft] KX3 Notch Filter (Was Noise Blanker Comments)

[Mike Lichtman via Elecraft]

   Wayne,
   While on the subject of DSP filtering,  I have always felt that my 
notch filter on the KX3 wasn't as useful as it could be since it drops the 
volume so much compared to my other radio. Are others noticing this too? Any 
suggestions?  73 Mike KF6KXG
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Re: [Elecraft] Product Idea for Elecraft

[Mike Lichtman via Elecraft]

I second Jose's suggestion for the development of a lower power stand alone 
auto tuner. I love the Elecraft tuners in my KX3 and KXPA100, but want to 
replace my LDG tuner for my FT950 which takes longer to tune, is noisier, and 
won't achieve as good a tune as my Elecraft. I would like it to handle 200 
watts so it has some headroom.  

73 Mike KF6KXG
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Re: [Elecraft] Partially Assembled K2

[Mike Lichtman via Elecraft]

Louis,
 Take a complete inventory of what you need and then call Elecraft. They 
are still selling this kit. With the great customer service they offer,  I'll 
bet they can supply you with what you need at minimal cost if it is just a bag 
of components like resistors. Good luck and keep us posted how it works out for 
you. 73 Mike KF6KXG
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[Elecraft] IQ output of KX3 to PX3

[Mike Lichtman via Elecraft]

I received this bulletin from Elecraft a while ago when I was trying to 
diagnose a problem. I think it has what you need. 73 Mike KF6KXG
ELECRAFT KX3 Application Note
Determining I and Q signal output levels
Revision A, February, 2013
Copyright © 2013, Elecraft, Inc.; All Rights Reserved
Background
The KX3 provides a way to connect to popular Software Defined Radio (SDR) 
programs. Most of these
programs utilize a PC-based soundcard to import the I and Q signals into these 
programs. This Application
Note discusses the I and Q signals provided by the KX3 for this purpose.
Determining the I and Q signal levels in the KX3
Equipment required:
• Dual channel Oscilloscope with at least 10mv per division sensitivity
• Signal Generator with -73dbm output. An XG3 or equivalent will work.
• 2.5 mm Stereo phone plug or other means to bring out the I and Q signals from 
the I/Q Jack
Procedure:
1. Connect the oscilloscope vertical inputs to the tip and ring of the phone 
plug and plug into the IQ output
jack
2. Set up signal generator to supply a S9 (-73 dBm ) signal to the KX3 antenna 
connector.
3. Tune the radio to the signal supplied by the signal generator.
4. In the KX3 menu go to  RX I/Q  Set it to On
5. With the Oscilloscope set to 500us per division and 10 mv you should see 
something similar to the
picture below. Note that one trace is shifted in phase to the other by 90 
degrees.
Elecraft • www.elecraft.com • 831-763-4211
Guidelines for using a KX3 I and Q signals with an SDR
• Check configuration of your PC's soundcard for Recording devices and levels. 
We have
found that many PCs default to Line level inputs rather than Mic level inputs.
• Confirm that the Mic input is set up for Stereo inputs. We see many PC's - 
laptops mostly -
do not have a 2nd channel for the Microphone input. This will not work, of 
course, with the
KX3/SDR setup as there are 2 complete channels required for I and Q signals to 
be
amplified.
• Once set up for Mic input, ensure that all Input Level sliders are set to 
their mid point.
Many drivers will have a +10/+20dB boost slider. Noise floor will rise with its 
use but the
signal will appear in an SDR easier. We have seen that some soundcard drivers 
will also
provide a handy bar graph of VU metering to allow you to see whether there's 
I/Q coming
into the PC.
• Bring up whatever SDR software program and ensure that it has been configured 
to select
the appropriate soundcard links for input and output.
• Monitor the levels of the I/Q with that program. Most of the SDR programs 
have some
form of level indicator for input.
Eliminating Ground Loops with PC soundcards – Hum and Noise
At times, we get reports of noise and hum on the I and Q signals. Typically, we 
find this is due to
use with a PC with floating soundcard inputs which may create ground loops. In 
turn, this creates
extra noise on the I and Q signals input into the soundcard. Additionally, 
noisy brick power
supplies can raise the noise floor further.
Generally, the use of isolation transformers will break the ground loops 
between a PC soundcard
and the KX3's outputs. These are typically available from Radio Shack, 
PAC-Audio and
Amazon.com, although some adapting of the connectors may be required for the 
2.5mm connector
on the KX3 I/Q port.
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