[Elecraft] Re: Unstable AGC
This is a follow up to my prior posting about the AGC cutting power back to less than a watt in continuous modes like PSK31. Thanks, folks, for the advice several of you sent. No, I don't believe it's RF--for one thing, I rather doubt a few watts can louse up the system, when 100 watts on the Yaesu (switched in and out by two simple changes to the Rigblaster connections) are RF "cold" in the system. I can't tell what starts the AGC aggressively knocking down the power, except I think I can induce the problem by overdriving. Then, I can't fix it until the K2 is off for a while or I fiddle with it in an unrepeatable pattern. Perhaps, still, it is a heat problem. At full steam, when the K2 is running right, it idles in PSK31 at about 3 watts. Text transmission kicks it to 5 watts, and the steady tone at the end of transmission kicks it momentarily to 7 watts. This seems to be the norm for proper 5 watt operation, and IMD is minimal, according to reports. And, I think the K2 will run this way without the annoying cut back so long as I make sure the AGC light remains off entirely (i.e. no bar even flickers in AGC meter mode). However, there is something in the AGC which, once "set" by slight overdrive, won't return to normal unless the rig is off, or the radio is played with by making band/power/freq/input changes of various kinds. It is puzzling. Note, I only do digital modes on 20 meters, where the beam is either very low SWR or the LDG automatic antenna tuner kicks in and brings the SWR down to 1:1 as seen by the K2. Anyway, I have rediscovered the hardiness of the old Yaesu 757 GX, whose specs allowed for continuous operation in high duty cycle modes. And these days, with sunspots in the zero range, PSK31 is much more fun at 75 watts than at 5 watts--and this from a confirmed QRPer. So, I reconnected the desk mike to the K2 (and the keyer, of course). Thanks again for the suggestions--anybody else experiencing something similar? Preston Douglas WJ2V ___ 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] Unstable AGC?
Hello Elecrafters, I have recently gotten back to digital modes with the K2. It is a ten watt K2, not the 100 watt version. Readers of QRP-L may recall my post about tracking down trouble with the KI02 which turned out to be a blown IC on the KI02 board. Now, another problem has (re?) appeared. I think it has always been there, and it led to my doing the mod to adjust the audio input AGC line on the SSB board some time ago. But, it still is happening. Here's the problem. After adjusting the transmitter for either SSTV or PSK31, with any of the standard programs, the output stubbornly falls off to less than a watt, unpredictably. When I first adjust the output for PSK31, for instance, the radio idles at 3 watts and jumps to well over five watts when there is signal--and can even jump to nearly 7 watts when the program goes into the steady tone before it changes over to transmit. I'm keeping the K2 output setting via the front panel power control at five watts. I'm not feeling any signs of heat underneath the K2, so I'm not thinking overheating. The sound card is NOT unstable, as it puts out a stable drive to my old Yaesu 757GX (which I can drive consistently from 5 to 100 watts, without instability of output.) The interface is a commercial interface with a back panel pot to adjust mike input (so there's not much chance the input is too low). Any thoughts on this? Is this a common problem? Oh, and I note that switching to CW gives full normal output. Since the Yaesu is now 20 years old or so, it doesn't do Ham Radio Deluxe, which is a great way to operate the K2. Otherwise, I'd just use the Yaesu with the power cut. PSK31 doesn't need a 100 watt rig--five watts are almost always plenty.I hate the idea of having to add another rig to the shack, just for digital modes and computer controlled operation. Thanks for suggestions. Preston Douglas WJ2V 216 Harborview North Lawrence, NY 11559 ___ 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] Oops, subject missing--s/b troubleshoot KI02
Sorry, clicked on send and then remembered I hadn't put a subject on message about my KI02. 72, Preston WJ2V ___ 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: Elecraft Digest, Vol 28, Issue 5
Hi Folks, I read this list on a reasonably regular basis, and I don't remember seeing this problem. I have a old K2 (serial number 191) with SSB, KI02, and the mod for bandwidth improvement on PSK 31. Along the way, a firmware upgrade was installed. No, I'm not selling it! The problem is with the KI02, the serial port adapter. It worked fine until a few weeks ago. Today, as part of the troubleshooting project, I finally got around to trying it with a second computer, and neither computer can read the K2. No, it's not a program problem, as I tried the usual stuff, including HRD, all of which worked previously. And yes, the cable has been opened and checked at both ends. No loose connections. Yes, too, the "Port" is "on" in the menu. This tells me the K2 can see it. However, when I tried to send and receive data using Hyperterminal, a weird thing happened. Sending "SW01;" turns off the port! According to my manual, this is supposed to change bands, not turn the port off! This is repeatable, and happens with both computers. Is this evidence of a damaged IC on the KI02? Note, I have a load, clear oscillator signal at 16.29. Suggestions? By the way, I have a vacuum desoldering machine, so removal and replacement of defective through-hole ICs is trivial. Is that what I need? A new chip? The schematic shows that the I/O is not buffered or protected, so I am figuring that's what needs to be done? What say engineers? 72, Preston Douglas WJ2V ___ 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] The "right" tool for removing IC pins
There has been much talk here and on other lists about the safe/correct way to remove ICs from circuit boards. Conventional ICs (as opposed to the surface mount jobs, which are another whole animal) can be removed cleanly and easily with a vacuum desoldering machine. Handheld vacuum poppers are not a good substitute for a motorized desoldering machine. For one thing, the popper's recoil will pull it off the work as it discharges. If you've ever used or seen one of these desoldering machines in action, they are nothing short of amazing. You put the tip over a pin, and it sucks the hole clean and dry in a fraction of a second. Do this fourteen times, and the IC can be easily removed intact with two fingers. The holes left behind are so clean that a new IC will drop right in as if they were virgin. So, if you're building your dream K2, and you make an IC mistake, you want to find a local ham who has one of these machines. They're too expensive (upwards of $200 used) to buy for a one-shot deal, but they are the kind of tool you'd want around a serious workbench--kind of like a good oscilloscope. And they require maintenance. My suggestion is to get on the local repeater and ask who has one, rather than trying to wrestle the pins out of a hot circuit board. If you're local to me (Long Island) just ask. I have a working desoldering machine. Yes, you can clean out an IC using a combination of solder wick and vacuum poppers; but you will almost certainly do some damage to the traces/holes in the process, particularly on boards with plated through holes. Better to find someone to give you a couple of minutes of time with a desoldering machine. 72, Preston Douglas WJ2V ___ 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] Algorithm for Tuner
I've always thought that the simple bubble algorithm was amazing.I mean, if you weren't worried about wearing out the relays, and time weren't a factor, you could simply test every possible combination of L and C, and re-order them in pairs until the best combination bubbles to the top. This somewhat crude, but simple algorithm was used to alphabetize lists in Basic programs written since Basic was invented.It ought to be possible to program a variant which would use a simple sampling list of 50 combos to get a few "dips" , bubble them for best SWR, take that LC combo and then test the nearest, say 100 combinations, plus and minus these settings to maximize with a bubble test to find the best match. Explain to me, without telling me how dumb I am, why this won't work. Preston Douglas WJ2V ___ 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] Ernesto's Hex Key Covers
Hi Gang, I received my Hex Key cover from Ernesto today, finally. This was, frankly, after I sent a number of escalating strong emails, suggesting that he is not supposed to accept money in May and send goods in August. To his credit, he remained a gentleman, despite his less than candid early promises which even included a false tracking number a month or two ago. I would have to say the quality of the cover is adequate, though certainly not commensurate with the beautiful finish on my new Elecraft Hex Key. The base of the cover is made of plywood, not uniformly finished, but the plexiglass top is clean (one scratch, but not significant). Considering the aggravation factor, I would certainly not order another cover from him. Unfortunately, I am not aware of any competing business, so if you have to have a cover, he may be the only game in town. If you do order from him, keep after him and be prepared for a long siege. 72, Preston Douglas WJ2V ___ 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] Ernesto's Hex Key Cover
Hi Guys, Has anyone ordered a cover from Ernesto in Puerto Rico? How did it work out? I ordered my Hex Key cover from him by postal money order (his only accepted form of payment) in MAY. Despite numerous cordial emails from him advising that the cover was completed and promising a tracking number, I've received nothing. Anyone else have a problem with him? I have postponed opening my Hex Key box until the cover came, so it would remain dust free in my shack, but this is becoming silly. Preston Douglas WJ2V ___ 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: Elecraft Digest, Vol 15, Issue 1
Hi Elecrafters, I recently posted a tongue-in-cheek note about using the K2 by remote computer over a network. But now that my new Dell is actually on the way, and the "old" 1.3 Gig Dell is going into the shack, I am close to realizing a dream of operating my K2 via network. I really like Simon's HRD, but, as users already know, it does not do audio. In the shack, of course, that is no problem. However, since it has such competent network abilities, it should be a natural for full remote, if sound can be networked as well. Are there folks out there using this software with sound, over an 802.11b/g network? What additional software are you using to make it work? Are you having compatibility problems? I know that K2 Remote works (it is also a neat program), and could try that--it's just that HRD is so comprehensive. So, anybody doing this? 72, Preston Douglas WJ2V ___ 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's Key
Hi Elecrafters, Well, the KX1 I bought at Dayton is finished, including all of the options. Honestly, the hardest option was the KX1 key. I find that sometimes with mechanical construction I am spatially challenged. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out the drawings! Finally, after a number of dumb false starts, I got them together. They are still a bit touchy--I don't know why they go into occasional paroxysms of dashes--the manual says I may have to file down the silver wire a bit--are the tolerances that close? Anyone else experience the same maybe problem? Thanks. Preston Douglas WJ2V Oh, did I mention the KX1 is neat? ___ 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 power out
Hi Folks, I just completed a new KX1 serial number >1000. It passed all checks and seems to be working perfectly, except I find the power out is marginally low. I use a WM-1 which is carefully calibrated. In my case, at 13.4 V, I get 2 watts out on 20M and 3 watts on 40. This appears to be just within specs for 40, and at least 500 mw low on 20. I am a very experienced builder, including two K2s and two K1s. Are my results within the normal range, or suggestions? Preston Douglas WJ2V ___ 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] Hex Key Cover
Hey Elecrafters, One of the things that followed me home from Dayton was an Elecraft Hex Key. Eric mentioned that there is a fella out there who makes covers for it. Would some kind soul post the email or web address of the cover maker? 72, Preston Douglas WJ2V ___ 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: Elecraft Digest, Vol 6, Issue 4
Hi Elecrafters, This is a report on using my OLD serial number (191) K2 on PSK31. I have used it for some years now, unmodified, which required keeping output to less than 3 watts. This is fine in good conditions, but a little more power is now often necessary as the sunspots have begun to decline. Also, I recently purchased a neat device called PSK31 Meter ( http://www.ssiserver.com/info/pskmeter/) which samples your outgoing PSK31 signal and, optionally, will AUTOMATICALLY cut back your sound card volume control to modulate at an optimum IMD. I put one in line in my shack and confirmed that I have to cut the power WAY back on the K2 to keep a decent IMD. So, I modified the AGC as described on the Elecraft site. I got real lazy and used their very inexpensive parts kit (I couldn't find the electrolytic in my parts collection, so I wimped.) While I generally hate to open a solid working radio--it ain't broke--I did the mod in a few minutes. Now, the PSK31 Meter hardware/software is perfectly happy to allow the K2 to push out over 5 watts in idle and nearly ten in peak modulated PSK31. I keep it down a bit to protect the finals, but the K2 seems happy since it is running into a flat SWR. I do find that my P300 PC in the shack is stretched to the limits running both Digipan and the PSK Meter software, and I suggest anything over a P500 with >256Megs of memory should handle this just fine. I have to kill my Norton Antivirus and Network Monitor TSR 's to squeak out the needed processing. Anyway, the mod really works, and it is obviously worthwhile if you have an old serial number. Incidentally, if you are thinking of upgrading the computer in the shack, keep in mind the new emerging digital modes. Sending and receiving JPG files (NOT SSTV) requires serious computing power to run the conversion system in the new DIGTRX program (http://www.kiva.net/~djones/digtrx.htm). My old P300 can take up to ten minutes of processing time to convert one picture. So, if you are going to change your computer "box," think about putting a gig or two of processing power down there in the shack. I guess it is time to move my 1.3 gig Dell down there--the family is complaining that it is too slow! Unbelievable how fast the state of the art changes. Finally, if you've read this far, I have two cents to add to the discussion about SSB and the K1. I think this is related to the universal QRP dream. We want a miniature (pocket-sized) rig with digital readout, multi-band, all-mode and with a competitive receiver. We aren't so interested in output power, but 5 watts is needed. We would be glad to struggle with surface mount to build such a rig if Elecraft sold it. So, Eric and Wayne, I don't know why you haven't done already. Just because nobody else can do it is no excuse. If you cut the sleep down to four hours a night, you can have this done by the New Year. :-) Preston Douglas WJ2V ___ 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
