Re: [Elecraft] Li-ion vs. LiFePO4 was Re: K2 alive again, yay!
That list looks to be pretty much in favor of LiFePo4. Highest energy density is only one factor; overall practical use I would judge to be more important, and safe. ...robert KE2WY On 21 Jul 2021 18:31, Louandzip via Elecraft wrote: Certainly there are pros and cons. Here a list of some of them. Everybody will weight these differently in deciding what to use. - Highest energy density: lithium-ion - Good energy density and lifecycle: lithium iron phosphate - Stable chemical and thermal chemistry: lithium iron phosphate - No thermal runaway and safe when fully charged: lithium iron phosphate - Portability and lightweight characteristics: lithium-ion - Long life: lithium iron phosphate and lithium-ion - Low costs: lithium iron phosphate . Lou W7HV On Wednesday, July 21, 2021, 11:41:35 AM MDT, Rajiv Dewan wrote: Another advantage: 2 to 4 times as many charge-discharge cycles. Raj N2RD — Sent from my mobile Rajiv Dewan rmde...@gmail.com On Jul 21, 2021, at 12:46 PM, Bill Frantz wrote: LiFePO4 has several other advantages, besides not swelling during charge. (Swelling is what caused fires in early devices in places like airplanes. They contained the battery with no room for expansion resulting in burst cases and exposed lithium.) The other ones that come to my mind are: Cold weather performance. (My winter FD LiFePO4 was reliable at -15C (5F), unlike my Li-ion laptop.) Low self-discharge. Voltage compatibility with "12V" systems. There are probably others. 73 Bill AE6JV On 7/21/21 at 9:31 AM, elecraft@mailman.qth.net (Louandzip via Elecraft) wrote: Agree, but the consequences of mismanagement can be more, uh, consequential. If not for their easier management and fewer hazards, what's the point of much lower energy density LiFePO4 batteries? --- Bill Frantz|Security, like correctness, is| Periwinkle (408)348-7900 |not an add-on feature. - Attr-| 150 Rivermead Rd #235 www.pwpconsult.com |ibuted to Andrew Tanenbaum| Peterborough, NH 03458 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rmde...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to louand...@yahoo.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 alive again, yay!
Doug... Before buying the lead-acid battery, investigate the Lifepo4 battery custom developed for the K2. Much lighter and more hours of operation. https://www.batteryspace.com/custom-lifepo4-18650-battery-12-8v-4500-mah-57-6wh-7a-rate-w-pcb-and-connector.aspx Also, search the archives for the history of this battery/development. Happy K2'ing. ...robert On 19 Jul 2021 02:50, Douglas Hagerman via Elecraft wrote: Thanks to Don Wilhelm for his multiple suggestions on my problems with the K2 A to B kit. Turns out that my main error was insufficient stripping of the leads on the RFC 11 replacement toroid wire. Also I had some confusion deciphering the value of one of the resister packs. But in any case, the radio is back to normal now!:-) Next step, adding the the immensely heavy internal lead-acid battery. In the meantime, I am hoping to get my K1 on the air in the Flight of the Bumble Bees this coming weekend. Doug, W0UHU. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K4 Experience
Does the choke cause a significant sag in the antenna? For 40m maybe not; my 80m dipole with a choke looks like a V antenna, and I'm reluctant to increase the tension in the support ropes to the point where the the antenna starts to flatten out. ...robert On 6 Jul 2021 02:30, Jim Brown wrote: An important part of the antenna system is a serious common mode choke at the feedpoint if each antenna, so that current coupled from the feedline doesn't fill in the antenna's nulls. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Intro - just scored a K2
Jerry... I'm not an expert on the K2, just a die hard fan. Others will advise you on the upgrade(s). I'm pretty sure the upgrade "kits" are available from Elecraft. That said, once you're satisfied with your upgrade you can go all the way a purchase the complete, current kit from Elecraft and put that together. Hardly anything beats that for fun. Welcome to the K2 cool aid drinkers club. ...robert On 22 Jun 2021 12:51, jerry wrote: Greetings, Name is Jerry, call KF6VB. Been a ham since 1970. For some strange reason, my interest in amateur radio always peaks at the bottom of the sunspot cycle. No, I don't understand it either :). Lately, I've been playing a lot with CW & QRP radios. Got a uBITX "kit" from India. In quotes, because it was assembled and tested, you just mount the boards in the case. Then a "QCX+" kit from Hungary - this was a real kit, you solder in the parts. I discovered that I *really* like electronic QSK ( aka full-breakin CW ). The QCX+ does it really well. But it's only one band. I built it for 40M, but during the day, the action is mostly on 20. The uBITX is multi-band, but does not do QSK. What to do? I investigated converting the uBITX to full-break, but that turns out to be a very big deal. As in "Nobody's done that yet". ..So yesterday I pulled the trigger on an Elecraft K2 on Ebay. Waiting with bated breath for that box in the mail. It's an early serial number - 00845. It seems that a lot of changes took place over the years - and Elecraft doesn't show a manual for it - their download site only shows the manual for "Rev B" PC boards. I see that they still have some parts and accessories for this unit - and the SSB module is not too expensive. - Jerry KF6VB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] best grounding technique
It seems that there are two ways of running grounding wires in the shack: FAN - from a common ground point, individual grounding wires are run to each piece of equipment; LINKING - a ground wire is run from each piece of equipment to the next and eventually ending in a common ground point. What's the group wisdom on the relative merits of these two approaches to running grounds in the shack? ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Long messages
I'll second/third Thunderbird as a excellent email client. I've been using it for 15+ years, and I've never been disappointed or frustrated. It's power and flexibility are truly note worthy. ...robert On 1/4/2021 03:04 PM, Phil Kane wrote: On 1/4/2021 4:11 AM, Lyn Norstad wrote: I have never used Thunderbird, but it sounds like what I am doing with Outlook. I have it set up with Folders and in some cases, Sub-folders, where everything goes as per established sort rules. In addition, because I have so many folders, I have a "Favorites" section of the display where I can see certain folders in addition to in their proper location in the main list. Does Thunderbird do something special? I could use some email magic. Yes, T-Bird does all that and more. It is far more stable and secure, and includes provisions for Dual-Key Encryption in current versions. It even has a routine to transfer your file structure and address book from Outlook into T-Bird "hands-free". Totally customizable. I've been using it ever since I switched from IBM OS/2 to Windows almost 15 years ago. 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402 From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Genius vs. Stupidity
Another good one: "It's not what you don't know that's the problem, it's what you're sure about that ain't so." On 12/24/2020 03:56 AM, Phil Kane wrote: On 12/23/2020 4:35 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: I really like that quote from Albert Einstein. Ignorance can be cured with information, but stupidity lives on in its dismissal of facts and information. My favorite quote from Einstein that he never said is: "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402 From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] XG3 battery level indicator
Jim...
Thanks for that. In my case, the output level that is selected starts a
slow blink after in 5-15 seconds. I can't find anything in the manual
that explains this.
...robert
On 11/26/2020 06:17 AM, Jim Rhodes wrote:
Slow flash of the 0 dBm LED.
On Wed, Nov 25, 2020 at 10:42 PM Robert G Strickland via Elecraft
mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>> wrote:
What is the indication that the XG3 battery is low?
..robert
--
Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY
rc...@verizon.net.usa
Syracuse, New York, USA
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net <mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to jimk...@gmail.com <mailto:jimk...@gmail.com>
--
Jim K0XU
j...@rhodesend.net <mailto:j...@rhodesend.net>
--
Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY
rc...@verizon.net.usa
Syracuse, New York, USA
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] XG3 battery level indicator
What is the indication that the XG3 battery is low? ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 purchase considered
Barry... No pops from K2 #5957 in any signal environment. Did Elecraft say that was normal? ...robert On 11/21/2020 02:39 AM, barry halterman wrote: I will throw my two cents in on this. Quite frankly, I do not see how a K2 got the reviews it did over the years. I put one together in July to do something during lock down. After assembly, which was really a pleasure, and in two or three weeks after, I noticed a disturbing pop when tuning around strong cw stations. The s meter would jump to maximum signal strength and my ears took a beating with the loud pop! The rig went back to Elecraft for evaluation and I was told with this type of PLL circuit design, this is the nature of the beast. Having known this irritating pop is nature of the beast, I would have saved my money!! I want to say that Elecraft made a modification to help with the strong pops and I am very thankful for that and the the terrific service, but the pops are a big annoyance to me even with the suppressor. I still am evaluating if I want to keep this thing or put it up for sale. K3bo On Fri, Nov 20, 2020, 9:11 PM Macy monkeys wrote: Agree. I have had a parade of 'better' rigs come and go through the shack...but my K2 built over 20 years ago is still here. John K7FD On Nov 20, 2020, at 5:41 PM, Robert G Strickland via Elecraft < elecraft@mailman.qth.net> wrote: John... Jim has the resume to back up his opinion(s) which I do not have. His view point always merits serious consideration. For myself, building the K2 was/is one of the "peak experiences" I have enjoyed as an amateur radio operator. While I now use a K3s - and it is a "better" radio - I have continued to use the K2 regularly over the years. I never fail to smile when it powers up, and the two of us go on the radio journey of the moment. It is my go-to radio for field day. When I bought it there were no other options, while today, the KX2/3, K3/s, K4 are all excellent radios that should be considered; you can't go wrong with any of them. That said and speaking for myself, I would sell any of the "better" radios in my possession before parting with my K2. When you go on to better and better rigs, you'll never regret the time spent with the K2. This reads like a "testimonial," and I suppose that it is. No offense to anyone meant. Just one ham's opinion. ...robert 11/20/2020 06:54 PM, Jim Brown wrote: On 11/20/2020 10:07 AM, John Daws wrote: Am really tempted to get a K2 to use alongside the above- I have an experienced builder here in the UK. Everything I have read about the K2 excites me!! Most of the fun of the K2 is in the building. The newer rigs (K3, K3S, KX3, K4) are better radios. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to macymonk...@charter.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to kthre...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 purchase considered
John... Jim has the resume to back up his opinion(s) which I do not have. His view point always merits serious consideration. For myself, building the K2 was/is one of the "peak experiences" I have enjoyed as an amateur radio operator. While I now use a K3s - and it is a "better" radio - I have continued to use the K2 regularly over the years. I never fail to smile when it powers up, and the two of us go on the radio journey of the moment. It is my go-to radio for field day. When I bought it there were no other options, while today, the KX2/3, K3/s, K4 are all excellent radios that should be considered; you can't go wrong with any of them. That said and speaking for myself, I would sell any of the "better" radios in my possession before parting with my K2. When you go on to better and better rigs, you'll never regret the time spent with the K2. This reads like a "testimonial," and I suppose that it is. No offense to anyone meant. Just one ham's opinion. ...robert 11/20/2020 06:54 PM, Jim Brown wrote: On 11/20/2020 10:07 AM, John Daws wrote: Am really tempted to get a K2 to use alongside the above- I have an experienced builder here in the UK. Everything I have read about the K2 excites me!! Most of the fun of the K2 is in the building. The newer rigs (K3, K3S, KX3, K4) are better radios. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] k2 cw filter settings
Carlos... The numerical values associated with the K2 filter settings are approximations, used mostly for reference when adjusting the filters. They do not indicate the "exact" filter bandwidths, etc. Aligning the K2 filters is best accomplished following the instructions on Don Wihelm's site, http://www.w3fpr.com/. Look at the bottom of the main page for "K2 Filter Alignment." Don is an expert authority on the K2, and his instructions are just about the standard for aligning the filters. ...robert KE2WY On 10/20/2020 07:35 AM, carlos popelier wrote: for the cw filter values in cw like fl2 0.70 is this 700hz? and if you make a change to fl2 0.50 most one updating bf2 as well to other values carlos on6cn -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] test
-- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] [OT] contest ranking - is this a scam?
I recently received an email from "World Amateur Radio Contesting Association" informing me that my world ranking [in contests] had just increased 500 or so places. This sure sounds like a scam to me, but thought I'd check around before trashing it. Anyone know anything about this one? Thanks ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] stripping insulation from enamel wires
Thanks for the many replies. I should have mentioned that the wire to be stripped comes from Elecraft in the K2 antenna tuner kit. Elecraft recommends the solder pot or the solder iron; they discourage using a lighter/flame. ...robert On 6/12/2020 02:02 PM, Robert G Strickland via Elecraft wrote: Here's an old problem that I've never solved: how to strip the enamel insulation from wires for winding toroids. The instruction say: -dip in a solder pot which I don't have -use a soldering iron to, presumably, burn the insulation off which has never worked for me. Leaving soldering pots aside, the hot iron approach has never burned off any insulation even with tip temp's hovering around 1000F. Just doesn't happen. Maybe it's the soldering iron, maybe my method, but whichever, the enamel insulation just sits there. I end up using a file to scrape off the insulation which is tough on the wires and hard to predict when enough is enough. Any insightful hints? Thanks much. ..robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] stripping insulation from enamel wires
Here's an old problem that I've never solved: how to strip the enamel insulation from wires for winding toroids. The instruction say: -dip in a solder pot which I don't have -use a soldering iron to, presumably, burn the insulation off which has never worked for me. Leaving soldering pots aside, the hot iron approach has never burned off any insulation even with tip temp's hovering around 1000F. Just doesn't happen. Maybe it's the soldering iron, maybe my method, but whichever, the enamel insulation just sits there. I end up using a file to scrape off the insulation which is tough on the wires and hard to predict when enough is enough. Any insightful hints? Thanks much. ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] solar- battery info request
I'd appreciate one/some references for getting into battery and solar power for portable operation. Thanks in advance. ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: The Colpitts mystery
I once spent 15+ years racing bicycles, officiating and promoting races. During the same period lots of bikers tried their hand at building bike frames. This required design, fabricating brazing jigs, and the actual torch work. A few became known builders while most just gave it up as too complex and demanding. All, I assume, continued to ride and race. Moral of this story is that one doesn't need to know how to build a bike frame from scratch in order to enjoy biking. Most racers [the 40+ wpm contest folks...?] then and now couldn't tell you very much about bike frames other than "fit, doesn't fit." Same with cars. My father used to say that "back in the old days" you worked on your car all day Saturday in order to take the family on a Sunday ride. Try that with today's cars. So, perhaps the same goes with radio electronics and ham radio builders and circuit designers. Once, you had to build your own to get on the air. However, other than fun, does anyone here want to do a contest on a crystal set? Probably not. The trade off seems to be between simple and limited versus complex and limitless. The info is there for those who have and/or develop a keen interest in electronics. The rest can appreciate the wonder of it all while enjoying the "front panel" of their radios in their daily QSO's. ...IMHO ...robert On 5/1/2020 03:42 AM, Josh Fiden wrote: The barrier to entry certainly isn’t what it used to be, but that’s probably a good thing. If someone gets on the air and has fun (even FT8 hihi), I really don’t care if they can recite Ohm’s law or not. When they are interested, it’s as easy as picking up a copy of the ARRL Handbook. Doesn’t have to be an oral tradition. As long as I can call CQ and get an answer, things aren’t too bad! 73 Josh W6XU (WN6VUD 1972, WA6VUD 1973) Sent from my mobile device On Apr 30, 2020, at 8:30 PM, Dean L wrote: We all have similar stories, sad part is, there are extra class licensees that dont know any more about oscillators than ohms law or caculating the length of a half wave dipole. The ones to "tell the tell" ain't gonna be around forever, few of us left, ain't no more coming over. 73 Dean K2WW __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] New Mystery: Copying groups vs plain language text (Rather OT)
f folks here here have copied groups for a living and might know the answer. Incidentally, Jettie Hill, W6RFF [SK], once told me that in WW2, he had to learn to sight-read inked tape at 45 or 50 WPM. I think that would have caged my eyeballs. [:=) 73, Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW Sparks NV DM09dn Washoe County On 4/30/2020 9:36 AM, Phil Kane wrote: On 4/29/2020 10:31 PM, Edward R Cole wrote: CW test had been downgraded to a multiple question exam about plain language text message vs the five mixed character groups back in Detroit. The ham CW test was always plain language text. 5-character groups were only for the Radiotelegraph CW exams. 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] test
-- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Comments from Special Forces personnel on KX2 use
One such letter cancels a year of gripes. Be proud, Elecraft. ...robert KE2WY On 3/2/2020 14:52, Wayne Burdick wrote: Hi all, I forwarded a few questions from HF Pack list members to a Special Forces commander whose unit has been using KX2s in the field for three years. He passed along the following additional comments: "We prefer to use Off Center Fed Dipoles (OCFD). They work for us because they present a consistent, predictable mismatch on the frequencies we use. I made a few small baluns out of binocular cores that are 4:1, which handle the output of the KX2 on Voice, CW and digital all day long. Typically the dipoles are strung up arms-reach-high in the field, which gives us easy 300 - 400 mile range in our KX2 nets. If we're fortunate enough to have a tree, that OCFD with a center height at 10 to 15 feet or so works perfect for NVIS, at least for us. "You'd be proud to know my KX2 has survived remote jungles, 14-er peaks in Colorado, -30 degree F temps, a helicopter crash, and gunfights / IED blasts I think the radio has held up better than I have." He closed with: "Feel free to hit me up with any additional questions from the gang and I'll do my best to answer." 73, Wayne N6KR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 On The Air!
Congratulations, Mark... The K2 is a wonderful radio, all the way from bags of parts to your first on-the-air QSO. IMHO, it is one the historic radios in the history of amateur radio. You may own or someday buy a "state-of-the-art" radio but such a rig will never replace that spot in your heart for your K2. Have fun. ...robert K2 #5957 On 1/27/2020 04:20, Eric Norris wrote: Congratulations! I second that emotion. I built mine 15 years ago--most fun building project ever! More fun than an HW-101. More fun than an HW-16. Way more fun than a Twoer. May the QSO-eating grin never fade. 73 Eric WD6DBM On Sun, Jan 26, 2020, 12:32 PM Mark Yergin wrote: I’m proud to report that K2 #7867 is on the air! Just completed my first QSO with Albert, K3AAR, on 40M CW running 5W into an EFHW. Al responded to my second CQ. I started building in February of 2019, took most of the summer and fall off, then finished it up over the last few weeks. Thanks to all on this list who answered questions and gave advice during the build. In particular thank you Don W3FPR for your direction during a couple of rough spots on my end. So glad that Wayne and Eric continue to offer this excellent kit, and I encourage anyone who has ever considered the K2 to go for it. It’s well worth the effort. Mark W8EWH __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to norrislawfi...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Copying CW at high speeds
Jim... I am curious about which "... things do occur..." that help along the QRQ way. Thanks for your interesting thoughts. ...robert On 12/29/2019 03:16, Jim Danehy wrote: The electrical pulses from your ear to your brain travel at extremely fast speed. The speed of light in a vacuum is 186,282 miles a second ; about 670,616,629 mph. My point ? At QRQ CW speeds something occurs that you normally do not encounter at slower speeds. Look at a dictionary. Many words start with a common pattern. After 5 or 6 letters there are alternatives. At QRQ speed Your brain is actually ahead of what your ear is feeding your brain. It is giving you a choice of words to choose from. The task is to choose the correct one. You are aided in that choice by the context of the message. I don’t know why this occurs. But it does. So when you learn to copy Entire words rather than letters ; this is the phenomenon that occurs at high speeds. It helps but it can also throw you a curve ball. That is where message context enters the equation. When you copy entire words rather than all the letters you have assistance. Your ability to copy faster speeds will improve with time. I only mention this as things get better the longer you stay with it. It is called getting over the hump. Or through the walk. It usually appears more difficult to increase your speed. However things do occur that help you achieve the ability to copy entire words. Then QRQ CW becomes conversational. Kind of like auto fill with computer typing. 73 Jim W9VNE / VA3VNE Sent from my iPhone __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Reaching Across the Chronological Divide
at involve independent action throughout the contest with the comparison occurring at the end, and often weeks or months later.? Video games require different but otherwise comparable proficiency (both mental and physical) but involve real time counter moves to any opponent. The closest we hams come to offsetting somebody we view as competition is to steal their frequency or QRM them.? I'm not at all suggesting that we do any such thing, but a contest where we could take some action that subtracted from somebody else's score is the kind of thing I'm talking about.? And no, I don't know how to do that either, but it illustrates what I'm talking about. It's not any surprise to me that contesting is one of the few surviving ham radio activities with high participation.? Even ragchewing has practically died out, and if anyone disputes that take a look at how much time you spend each week reading email reflectors versus being on the air (other than in a contest). I'm not really sure what Wayne was referring to here, and maybe he implied that same thing that I'm saying, but we aren't going to bring young folks into the hobby by trying to convince them that the same things that appealed to us 40 years ago are going to appeal to them.? This isn't a communication or publicity problem. In spite of the comments from hams I've seen over the years, most young people pretty much know the general framework of ham radio and they've simply rejected it in favor of other things.? There are always a few exceptions, of course, but I'd bet $100 that the bulk of those young people who pop up online or in QST as shining examples of young blood in the hobby are nowhere to be found two years later. If for any reason we want young folks to embrace the hobby, the hobby itself is going to have to adapt.? That most of us seem unable to understand that fact is probably another facet of the problem ... we're old and inflexible (in both appearance and in fact), which doesn't help the image of the hobby one wit.? The pictures from Dayton or any other hamfest have the same appeal as if they were taken at a Lawrence Welk concert. I guarantee that those of us who are still above ground five years from now will be having this same discussion, and it won't be because we weren't persuasive enough. 73, Dave?? AB7E __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to ww...@hotmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] N1MM Logger sending CW to K2
Mike... I have this connection working. However, I use a microHAM CW interface between the radio and computer with its router software [sets up virtual ports and WinKey functionality] . This setup works cleanly and reliably. I'm no expert in this area, but my reading here on the list prompts me to say that a direct computer-to-radio setup for the K2 may not be possible. I'm sure others with expertise will help you out. ...robert On 12/14/2019 19:33, NJMike wrote: I am trying to setup my K2 with N1MM Logger so that I can send CW and phone from my Windows 10 tablet to the K2. I have the KIO2 cable built and just purchased the KUSB converter. I updated the driver for the converter (although I find no instructions that say this needs to be done). N1MM Logger now follows the radio band and correctly logs the contact. However, I cannot send CW from N1MM Logger to the K2. I get the following error message at the bottom of the Entry window: "Unable to send this CW because there is no CW port set in Config: " The user manual for N1MM Logger makes this comment: "N1MM Logger does not support the K2 “virtual keying” feature using commands sent to the K2 serial port." So I am confused as to whether or not it is even possible to set this up. Has anyone been able to do this? Any help is appreciated, and thanks! Mike -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Reaching across the chronological divide
I have read with interest the various postings on this thread. To pick one out, Dave AB7E's analysis is, IMHO, spot on. As times roll on, various aspects of cultural life change, also. "New technologies" of whatever form will naturally catch the general interest, while old ones will diminish to the status of niche interests for the few. Young people generally are at the leading edge of taking up the new, while old folks hold on to the trailing edge of the old for all the usual reasons. I had an MG-TD with a broken starter in my youth; I crank started it for a year. Many funny stories, lots of fun, and some skill acquisition [pull up, don't push down]. But, I don't think that those "positives" which I fondly remember would prompt many young people to adapt a crank-start car. My father was interested in many things. He taught me to make black powder, and I blew the front off the kitchen stove [long story]. He would draw one-tube radio schematics on the back of paper napkins. Interesting for me for the novelty and for my father's interest. He/we bought an AM 3-tube radio from an electronics store in Washington DC which we built together. That was fun, although I don't remember using it much. When I started in ham radio at age 16, I followed the lead of a ham friend who got me started with code, and a big time DX operator who was an engineer at the weather bureau technical labs who owned a Collins 75A-4 and had built himself a 3-el 40m yagi [came down in the first big winter storm]. I bought a Heathkit DX-20 and a used National NC-98, a total investment of under $100. The antenna was a single wire that ran under the window and out to a back yard fence [length 30ft, hgt 15ft]. I actually worked some people! I learned CW for the simple reason that it was the only mode that I could afford. I majored in EE in college and spent 10 years in that line of work. And so on... When I got back into ham radio in 1989 at the age of 49y/o, several things were different. I had money to buy decent equipment. I owned my own home which made antenna construction MUCH easier. I had an adult's sensibility about technical stuff. I found CW interesting as a "second language." "Communicating" was not the goal but rather the proof that I had successfully mastered various technical challenges. Tinkering with antennas [the quad went up and down regularly] and computer modeling of same was interesting. The QSO/communicating was not primary but, again, the proof that I had solved some antenna problem. Hunting DX and contesting became my central focus, again as proofs that I had the station set up as best as circumstances allowed and that my operating skill set was up to the challenge. My take away from all this is that unique factors in my life have prompted and supported my interest in ham radio. I don't think that "fun" has ever been the primary motivation - although I do enjoy a good run in the CQWW-CW. The learning and acquisition curve in the hobby has always matched my resources at any one time. Today, the cost and complexity of the hobby is pretty steep. Given the difficulty in getting young people involved in STEM interests and studies, the idiot-proof nature of the consumer digital world, the low value placed on hardware curiosity and tinkering [nothing is fixed, just replaced], and the cultural focus on immediate gratification, is it so surprising that ham radio is a difficult sell? All IMHO. ...robert On 12/14/2019 02:24, Wayne Burdick wrote: Hams of a certain age, including yours truly (first licensed in 1971) recall their excitement on joining the hobby: there was the promise of contact with faraway places, collection of vivid QSL cards, mastery of esoteric equipment, synchrony with the rhythms of Morse code, and the crafting of antennas to harness action at a distance. Most of us still feel that spark, occasionally--some on a daily basis--experiencing the wonder all over again. While the accoutrements and equipage of youth have evolved over the decades, their DNA has not. Somewhere, nestled between the genetic codes for half-pipe snowboarding, Instagram, Juul, and ambient house, there's a dormant sequence for the Radio Art waiting to be stirred. Is there a Battle Royale for ham radio? A tactical RPG? What is our sorcerer's stone? Our rap? Will Gen-Z or Gen-Alpha tickle the ionosphere, and if so...why? To hand our batons across the chronological divide, we'll need empathetic, open-ended inquiry. 73, Wayne N6KR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered
Re: [Elecraft] [K3S] Side tone, SPOT discrepancy
Thanks for the replies. No, CW is not in REV, and radio is not under computer control [though it is hooked to the computer for N1MM and LPan]. But, the strangeness occurs regardless of side tone pitch, band, filter width, filter center, and whatever. I can just ignore the selected pitch so long as the actually operating pitch is acceptable and tunes right. But... that's an itchy way to do things, and I'd like it to be "right." ...robert On 10/21/2019 23:40, Robert G Strickland via Elecraft wrote: When using SPOT to have the radio tune to a received signal, the following is the result: the radio tunes to the received signal correctly as indicated by the CWT graph, but this frequency is some 50-100cps below the selected side tone frequency. In other words, after auto tuning, if PITCH is selected, the side tone pitch is significantly higher than the received CW pitch to which the radio has auto tuned [hope this is clear]. The particular side tone pitch selected doesn't effect this result. EG, select 450cps side tone pitch and the radio tunes to around 400cps Note, this is after the radio has been through Elecraft maintenance for another problem and subsequently certified as operating within specs. What's happening? ..robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] [K3S] Side tone, SPOT discrepancy
When using SPOT to have the radio tune to a received signal, the following is the result: the radio tunes to the received signal correctly as indicated by the CWT graph, but this frequency is some 50-100cps below the selected side tone frequency. In other words, after auto tuning, if PITCH is selected, the side tone pitch is significantly higher than the received CW pitch to which the radio has auto tuned [hope this is clear]. The particular side tone pitch selected doesn't effect this result. EG, select 450cps side tone pitch and the radio tunes to around 400cps Note, this is after the radio has been through Elecraft maintenance for another problem and subsequently certified as operating within specs. What's happening? ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Radio clocks, internet and security!
I follow those who counsel and implement "caution" with all the modern/current internet connections and digital wonders. Just because something is possible doesn't mean it's wise. I have had one - yes, one - virus infection in 34 years of being online with minimal firewall and virus protection. I attribute this to strict caution in opening, responding, and searching internet content of any and all kinds. There's a Supreme Court maxim about not taking any and all cases that I think applies here: "Resist the entering wedge." ...robert KE2WY On 10/19/2019 00:08, Walter Underwood wrote: A zillion years ago, I was maintaining some ???groupware??? for engineers at HP (Notesfiles). I was amazed to learn that some people used a different set of commands than I did. They found some bugs in those clearly superfluous commands. Despite their obviously mistaken approach to using the software, I fixed the bugs. :-) So, be open to different uses of a product. Me, I keep Pacific time on my watch and UTC on my KX3. I log my SOTA activations in UTC. I reset the KX3 clock before each activation. wunder K6WRU Walter Underwood CM87wj http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog) On Oct 18, 2019, at 4:54 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Chuck and all, How many actually use the clock in the K3, K3S, KX3 or KX2? I certainly don't. In the case of the KX3 it is used to time the charging of the internal batteries - good use. I can see a ham without a watch or cell phone to want the rig to display the time for logging, but for me, my good old Timex on my wrist tells me what time to log. The clock in my KX3 is more difficult to access than simply glancing at my wrist! I have never even set the clock in my K3 or KX3! Nor do I feel a need to do so. As far as the K4 Linux software/firmware being internet connected, I have my reservations about that. I have enough stuff connected to the internet, and someone will have to demonstrate the benefit of my ham radio being connected to the internet in addition to my computers. If connection of the K4 to the internet is to be done, I have concerns about security and personal privacy. Even Linux is subject to bad stuff from the internet - it is not entirely secure, it is just that the number of users is small compared to other OS versions and hackers just do not bother for most cases. When my refrigerator or microwave begins to listen in to my conversations, I begin to worry about the BIG Brother consequences. BTW, I do not have an Alexa or Siri device for those security reasons. I can easily use a switch on the wall to operate a light switch and it is secure. I can turn on my home theater or my computer AV application when I want to hear music or view videos. Call me old-fashioned, but I like to have control of my environment. The Internet Of Things seems to be fraught with exposures and dangers that I am not willing to accept. 73, Don W3FPR On 10/18/2019 2:03 PM, hawley, charles j jr wrote: Is a more accurate clock possible? I imagine that depends on available chips but it???s a common topic. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to wun...@wunderwood.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] 100w option fan control problem
Don... Setting the PA temp to room temp got things rolling. It was reading 30C when I got to it. No idea how that came about. Thanks much. ...robert On 9/20/2019 19:07, Don Wilhelm wrote: Robert, Check the voltage at KPA100 U1 pins 11 and 12. Then set the K2 secondary menu to PA ON and tap DISPLAY. You should see Fan NOR, Fan LO-HI, then Fan HI with subsequent taps. With FAN NOR and the KPA100 quite cool, both U1 pins 11 and 12 should be at 12 volts. With FAN LO-HI, U1 pin 12 should go to near zero volts and the fan should run at low speed. Pin 11 voltage will drop a bit, but should be higher than 5 volts. With FAN HI, the voltage at pin 11 should drop to near zero and the fan should go to high speed. Now if the fan did not start at the LO speed, put a resistor in parallel with R31 - I would suggest starting with 1k and then going to a lower value if it still does not start. Some fans need a bit more current to start. After all that, put the fan back to NOR and then let the KPA100 and K2 return to room temperature with no power on (about 1/2 hour). Measure your room temperature and convert to degC if your thermometer does not have a C scale. Turn the K2 on and do CAL PA TEMP - set the value at your room temperature in degC. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/20/2019 2:33 PM, Robert G Strickland via Elecraft wrote: I cannot get the fan in the 100w module to spin at any setting of the fan control option in PA/SEC/fan. I have not looked back there when operating, so don't know if fan is spinning up when the amp starts to get warm. Suggestions? Thanks. ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] [K2] 100w option fan control problem
I cannot get the fan in the 100w module to spin at any setting of the fan control option in PA/SEC/fan. I have not looked back there when operating, so don't know if fan is spinning up when the amp starts to get warm. Suggestions? Thanks. ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] (K3S) PA temp/calibrate problem
I have K3S #11832 factory assembled/tested. Came home, worked well for several month plus and now this... On start, I get error message PA1. When checking the it indicates 57C upon a cold start. When trying to calibrate the PA temp, the available adjustment range varies between 57C to 97C which doesn't seem right by any understanding. The front panel temp is around 25C which I take to be correct. Also, I cannot get the cooling fans to run with any setting of CONFIG switches or radio conditions. I've read every manual that I have but cannot find anything that points me in the right direction. Any and all suggestions much appreciated. Thanks. ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] DXE Clifton Labs Z10000 Buffer Amp
Don... I got one of the original Clifton Lab boards and installed it in my K2 [after you had serviced the unit]. Installation required a choice of pick off points: right after the first mixer, and somewhere else a bit more isolated [don't have the instructions before me]. I chose the first. It works very well although the LO leakage is significant and results in a pretty big birdie on the pan display. This is not really a problem. That said, do you have any experience with this item using the more isolated pick off? If so, does the isolated pick off eliminate the birdie from the display? Thanks for your comments. ...robert On 8/19/2019 15:27, Don Wilhelm wrote: Clark, I have installed the original Z1 buffer amp in several K2s. They work very well. The DXE version is prebuilt, and should simplify installation. I see 3 reviews on the DXE website (but none for the K2), and they all show it as excellent and easy to install. 73, Don W3FPR On 8/19/2019 10:54 AM, Clark Macaulay wrote: Looking for comments about the reissue of this amp as I'm considering adding a panadapter to my venerable (and very capable) K2. There is only one review at DXE and it is not very complimentary. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3S subreceiver sound "problem"
Thanks for the suggestions. The subreceiver is on MAIN. I set the selectivity for about 2kx in both receivers so that they are both using the basic SSB filters, ie no 400cps filter in the sub-. I re-checked all signal processing switches [ie, NR, NB, ATN, etc] to make sure they were the same. I set both receivers to the same frequency, both band noise and signals. I checked the rcv equalization; I don't think that the two receivers can be set up with different profiles, at least I couldn't do it. I turned off my hearing aids [the audio parameters of my hearing in both ears are pretty closely matched]. So, slightly better suggesting that some of the dullness was mismatched setup. However, the sub- is still duller than the main. It's like the there's a high freq cut on the sub-. In some respects it sounds like there's some audio distortion through the sub- that's not there in the main. That's it for the moment. ...robert On 7/2/2019 00:02, Robert G Strickland via Elecraft wrote: I put "problem" in quotes because it's not clear where the "problem" is: me or the radio. I recently purchased an Elecraft assembled and tested K3S with a subreceiver and its own 400cps filter. The main receiver has the following filters: 2.8, 1.9, 500 & 200. When I listen to both receivers through good quality headphones, the subreceiver sounds muffled, dull, maybe a bit less volume when the gain and audio settings are identical, all the while the main receiver is crisp and clear. Reversing the head phones reverses the effect which, I think, rules out my hearing and hearing aids. Reversing things with the A/B switch makes the left channel muffled and dull. I've tried a whole lot of different setup parameters, read the manual and Cady's book carefully, but I can't come up with anything the brightens up the subreceiver. Any suggestions? Thanks. ..robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K3S subreceiver sound "problem"
I put "problem" in quotes because it's not clear where the "problem" is: me or the radio. I recently purchased an Elecraft assembled and tested K3S with a subreceiver and its own 400cps filter. The main receiver has the following filters: 2.8, 1.9, 500 & 200. When I listen to both receivers through good quality headphones, the subreceiver sounds muffled, dull, maybe a bit less volume when the gain and audio settings are identical, all the while the main receiver is crisp and clear. Reversing the head phones reverses the effect which, I think, rules out my hearing and hearing aids. Reversing things with the A/B switch makes the left channel muffled and dull. I've tried a whole lot of different setup parameters, read the manual and Cady's book carefully, but I can't come up with anything the brightens up the subreceiver. Any suggestions? Thanks. ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K3s availability
Will the K3s continue to be sold? The Japanese manufacturers sell several radios at different price points with different specifications. Would it be able and profitable for Elecraft to keep the K3s in production? ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K4 Press Release
Hank... I just bought a K3S with subreceiver. Now that I've seen the K4 I'm glad I got a K3S. I'm sure I could learn every bell and whistle of the new unit, but would rather operate in my small way and leave the communications engineering stuff to others. I'm glad that Elecraft maintains its position at the bleeding edge of amateur radio design and implementation [as I'm sure the K4 will demonstrate]. It's just that I'm still partial to the K2, and for me the K3/s is just a supercharged K2. I was satisfied with my MG-TD, and while appreciating the Porsche Spider, I never pined away for one. Congratulations, Elecraft! ...robert On 5/17/2019 00:38, Larry Shapiro wrote: Don’t say that.. I just bought two K3s packages.. Larry K6ro Sent from my iPad On May 16, 2019, at 7:17 PM, wrote: I wonder when the K3S and P3 will be discontinued? Hank K4HYJ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of W0FK Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2019 7:22 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K4 Press Release Reported on QRZNOW https://qrznow.com/elecraft-k4-high-performance-direct-sampling-sdr/ - St. Louis, MO "The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits." Albert Einstein -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] FS K3-100
K3 Ser# 6232 for sale 100w amp module New synthesizer No filters or other add-on modules Frank Kady K3 manual Elecraft K3 operating manual Just back from Elecraft where it was brought up to date, tuned, and given a clean bill of health. "Equals or exceeds original specifications." Elecraft maintenance certificate included. This radio was used at my base QTH for the last several years. No out of country excursions. No smoking. No abuse. Mint condition. I will pay shipping within continental US and Canada. Outside USA/Canada, I will pay that portion of shipping from my QTH [Syracuse NY] to nearest port of entry. Price: best offer of $1200.00 US or more; two week bidding window. If duplicate offers, earliest offer accepted. Payment: money order or bank check. For personal checks, I will hold the radio until check clears. If you have any questions, please email me. I just bought a K3S, and this K3 is surplus to my needs. It's a really fine radio. You'll like it. ...robert KE2WY -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Will there be a K4
Keep it modular. Keep the "basic unit" simple. Focus on performance, not bells and whistles. Keep the UI simple and direct, functional, not "cute." Remember that there's no "forever upward;" asymptotes do exist. Investigate how the price can be brought down [if at all] without sacrificing performance or company financial stability. Remember that while the K3'etc is a great radio, the company behind the radio is as great as the technical stuff. Nourish the company. Thanks for asking! ...robert On 3/24/2019 5:14 PM, Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft wrote: Inquiring minds want to know: What would you all like to see as a ???K4??? ? Eric elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2 filter alignment problem
Don... Bingo! The F4 filter setting was too narrow, as you advised. Also, the BFO was somewhere off from where it belonged. Once I got those two item adjusted everything worked as per specs. I was impressed that the BFO values that you quoted were more or less right on. Seems like you have some experience with the K2 :-). Thanks much for your time and attention, as always. Have a good day. ...robert On 4/11/2019 14:00, Don Wilhelm wrote: Richard, Try widening the FL4 filter out to 0.2 instead of 0.1. With the more narrow setting there is often more attenuation with little actual reduction in width. When aligning the BFOs, pay attention to the DAC values (and/or frequencies). The ones for CW must be less than the filter center and those for CWrev must be greater than the filter center. Normally the CW FL4 will have a BFO frequency near 4913.12 and for CWrev a frequency near 4914.3 kHz. Make certain when aligning the filters with Spectrogram you use a source of wideband noise. If you are using 'antenna noise', be certain there are no signals nearby. 73, Don W3FPR On 4/10/2019 9:28 PM, Robert G Strickland via Elecraft wrote: I have aligned my K2 crystal filters with Spectogram many times, but this time I've run into a problem that I can't figure out. Using Don's [and the manual's] instructions, I can align F1,F2,F3 in decreasing bandwidths. All works as per expectations. On F4, the alignment goes "ok," [as per Spectogram] but when I use it with on-the-air signals, the signal "disappears" and shows up about 900 cps lower and in "reverse" orientation [BFO on opposite side]. When the signal disappears, I can change filters [F1/F2/F3] and it's right there where it should be with the bandwidth getting narrower as expected. But, switching to F4, it's gone. I have tried changing the BFO frequency throughout its whole range when in F4, thinking that I've aligned it on the "wrong" side. No luck. I'm stumped. Any and all suggestions welcomed. -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K2 filter alignment problem
I have aligned my K2 crystal filters with Spectogram many times, but this time I've run into a problem that I can't figure out. Using Don's [and the manual's] instructions, I can align F1,F2,F3 in decreasing bandwidths. All works as per expectations. On F4, the alignment goes "ok," [as per Spectogram] but when I use it with on-the-air signals, the signal "disappears" and shows up about 900 cps lower and in "reverse" orientation [BFO on opposite side]. When the signal disappears, I can change filters [F1/F2/F3] and it's right there where it should be with the bandwidth getting narrower as expected. But, switching to F4, it's gone. I have tried changing the BFO frequency throughout its whole range when in F4, thinking that I've aligned it on the "wrong" side. No luck. I'm stumped. Any and all suggestions welcomed. ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Will there be a K4
Some thoughts on the K4... Make/keep it modular. Start with a basic radio that provides an excellent electronic foundation for whatever builds on top of it. The model in this respect is the initial K3. This allows for flexibility in configuring a radio that can accommodate the different needs/desires/budgets in the ham community. It also provides for a manageable initial price with the cost of future "expansions" spread out over time. By the way, "upgrade" makes the basic radio sound as if it's a dummied down version that needs more expensive stuff to make it worth while. "Extensions" sounds like what it is without short-sheeting the basic unit. Resist the call to include every ham shack wire and gadget in the basic radio. Doing so compromises the "modular" criteria and ends up with an "all things for all people" radio that tends to satisfy hardly anyone. Not to mention cost of production and repair and the operating complexity that many hams will reject. Concerning this last point, remember all those who complain about the complexity of stacked menus. Personally, I would not include touch screens. A touch screen for radio control seem to me to be an individual interest/appreciation that does not, by its self, increase radio usability and capability. Just because a technology can be applied to a given function does not mean that doing so will enhance that function. Of course, marketing issues can influence this decision. But note that contest stations, DX-peditions, and discerning operators do not seem to be put off by the simple, almost rudimentary UI of the K3-S. I would think that capability, extendability and packaging are the major selling points, not bells, whistles and cosmetics. All that said, I'm confident that the Elecraft team will do the right thing, both for the health of the company and the enjoyment of the amateur radio community. ...robert On 3/25/2019 12:25, Gordon LaPoint wrote: I would love an SDR (I have an ANAN-10e) with a front panel and the software for the computer, best of both worlds. I have an Apache Labs ANAN-7000 DLE Mk2 (without computer) on order, but would love to replace that with the K4, that is full SDR with dual ADC's like the ANAN-7000. I have a K2(10Watt) and a K3 (updated, but not USB module), KPA/KAP 500 combo and will keep all of the Elecraft equipment. I love the bandscope that I can click on with the mouse and tune the radio to a signal, the K4 needs a band scope on the computer screen when used with a computer! PureSignal on TX is now a must, get ahead of everyone, except the Apache Labs radios. Better noise reduction, (even the ANAN-10e has better) CW as good as the K3, or better. That is a good start, lets see what others come up with. Gordon - N1MGO (long time K3 user) On 3/24/19 8:14 PM, Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft wrote: Inquiring minds want to know: What would you all like to see as a “K4” ? Eric elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Tinnitus and the K3 RX EQ and Related Variables
A friend who was slowly going blind commented: "Blindness cuts you off from things; deafness cuts you off from people." For most folks most of the time, deafness is gradual and therefore unnoticed - for the most part. The world slowly becomes more distant, the deafening person more isolated. Don't let this happen! Seconds and thirds to those earlier in this thread who said much the same thing(s). ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Tinnitus and the K3 RX EQ and Related Variables
Dick... I've used ReSound for about 10+ years. I'm on my third pair - the latest being brand new - and I've been very satisfied with their performance. The newest pair has blue tooth connectivity to just about everything as well as all the latest bells and whistles. There is an APP available that enables more control, almost to the extent that one gets at the audiologist. My hearing is the typical, old age [79y/o], significant loss of higher frequencies and moderate loss across the lower audio spectrum. I do not have tinnitus. I operate almost exclusively CW, and if I'm going to be on the air for a while I take the hearing aids off. Natural frequency tailoring! SSB presents its own challenge to the hearing impaired; I'm sure you'll get good advice from others on the reflector that operate that mode. ...robert On 3/28/2019 15:03, Dick Dickinson wrote: Age 70. I have a different hearing related problem as well as tinnitus. Background noise on my rig above about 2.4kHz seems awfully hissy to me. Above that point I have to start using the filters in my head to try and shut the hissing out. The mental filtering takes some effort and can lead to fatigue. I'm not sure how this came to be for me, but perhaps it is what became to seem natural for me after listening to HF SSB through a pair of cascaded 2.4kHz filters (Icom IC-751A) for 16 years. And even with that, I'd tend to crank the passband tuning towards the lower end. In my setup, I run my K3 through an LP-Pan, NaP3 software and onboard 192kHz sound card. In NaP3/K3 I rarely run the filters above 2.4kHz top / 0kHz at the bottom. As well, I use NaP3's equalizer dropping several dB above 4kHz. The rest of the audio system is a 5.1 surround sound receiver with decent bookshelf speakers + subwoofer. I can tolerate wide band audio above 2.4kHz as long as it is well above the noise level, but generally don't find the audio above that range as particularly useful. Costco - A good ham friend of mine, somewhat older than myself used to swear by the Costco hearing aids. He was a PhD EE and had a pretty good appreciation for audio. I'm not sure if Costco offers different brands, but if there is a make that most agree on, can someone mention that here? Dick - KA5KKT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] 1500 W is a lot of power
There's also the traditional maxim: Get an amp, meet the neighbors. ...robert On 3/11/2019 20:07, Al Lorona wrote: About two months ago I posted that amateur radio needs a tutorial, 'What to expect when you get an amplifier'. As we see again and again here even basic things like cables, connectors, grounding, and house wiring that work fine at 100 W may be inadequate for 1500 W. We need guidance to study our stations piece by piece to ensure those pieces can handle these power levels without failing or causing problems. Al W6LX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3S] sub receiver filter recommendation
Thanks to all respondents. To clear up one point... "Migration," as per Elecraft, means to transfer whatever components in a K3 that will work to a K3S. In my case, just filters. I end up with a new K3S and the original K3, ie two radios. I have never operated SO2V in a contest. So, my curiosity is focused on which CW filter in the sub-receiver, if any, works best in the SO2V contest environment. With the K3, I have usually run with the 500cps filter, so I'm guessing there should be no significant difference when operating SO2V. But, I want(ed) to get a feel for this mode from others who have used it in contests. The Elecraft 400cps filter seems to be slightly preferable to the 500cps filter for reasons cited. Diversity is not an option here [limited antennas]. Again thanks. ...robert On 3/11/2019 01:59, Robert G Strickland via Elecraft wrote: I am migrating my K3 [Ser# 6232] to a K3S with a sub-receiver. In the K3S main receiver I will have the following crystal filters from the K3: 2.8Kc 8-pole Elecraft 1.9kc ?-pole Elecraft 0.5kc 8-pole Inrad 0.2kc 5-pole Elecraft I operate almost exclusively CW in contests and DX chasing. in contests, I anticipate using the sub-receiver in a SO2V arrangement, the main receiver in S&P and the sub- in running. Given this operating arrangement, which single crystal filter in the sub- would be "best?" I understand that personal preferences play a big part in choosing a filter, yet I'm wondering if there's a broad consensus in the filter width that most folks choose, most of the time, in this application. Thanks in advance for any and all opinions and advice. ..robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [K3S] sub receiver filter recommendation
I am migrating my K3 [Ser# 6232] to a K3S with a sub-receiver. In the K3S main receiver I will have the following crystal filters from the K3: 2.8Kc 8-pole Elecraft 1.9kc ?-pole Elecraft 0.5kc 8-pole Inrad 0.2kc 5-pole Elecraft I operate almost exclusively CW in contests and DX chasing. in contests, I anticipate using the sub-receiver in a SO2V arrangement, the main receiver in S&P and the sub- in running. Given this operating arrangement, which single crystal filter in the sub- would be "best?" I understand that personal preferences play a big part in choosing a filter, yet I'm wondering if there's a broad consensus in the filter width that most folks choose, most of the time, in this application. Thanks in advance for any and all opinions and advice. ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [K3] questions about using a sub-receiver
If/when I install a sub-receiver in my K3 [SN 6232] will I be able to hear each receiver separately in each side of my stereo headphones? If so, ok. If not, is there some way/work around to make this possible? Is the DSP of the basic radio able to have two concurrent settings, one for each of the receivers? Or, does each receiver have to share the same settings? The same question concerning crystal filters: can one receiver be using its narrow filter while the other receiver uses a wide filter? Or, do the filter selections track each other between the two receivers? Thanks in advance for any and all responses. A good day to all. ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2 still a viable portable contest station?
Paul... I've used my K2 on Field Days, operating CW on 40m into a temp dipole. I've had no trouble landing close to 500 contacts, and my goal this year is 600. Aside from the "elan" of using the K2 "in the field," the radio always performs flawlessly with more than sufficient sensitivity, selectivity, and features for the FD environment. DX contests from outside the ZI may present different challenges, but I would think it worth while to at least give the K2 a chance to show what it can do. ...robert On 2/26/2019 14:32, Paul Gacek via Elecraft wrote: I’m heading down to Costa Rica tomorrow with a couple of friends to participate in the ARRL DX Phone contest. Last year we took my KX3/PX3/KXPA100 combo and were pretty happy all round with it (the KXPA100 did seem to get upset periodically which always happened when I was off shift, resulting in me being rudely awakened…). The station has evolved a bit and in addition to my KX3/PX3/KXPA100 combo we will have a K3. One big attraction of the K3 is its RX antenna port so we can use a K9AY RX antenna. While the K3 is unlikely to be a permanent fixture of my portable station going forward I’m curious about people’s perspective of the efficacy and viability of a K2/100 with the 160m/RX port option as a station in a contest (I have the DSP option too). I’ve seen the Sherwood data etc and I know the KX3/K3 are “better” radios but we are a 100 watt low power station with a variety of antennas (Buddipole, OCFs, Hexbeam etc) and maybe the K2/100 to all intents and purposes is good enough such that we essentially nab as many stations as the K3 would with the same antennas. Any feedback is welcome. Paul W6PNG/M0SNA www.nomadic.blog <http://www.nomadic.blog/> __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] New K2 build
Bruce... Congratulations! Don is the one to answer your specific question(s). I'm just glad for you and the fun you're about to have. It's just a great radio, and I'm sure that, in the end, you will be much more than satisfied with yourself and with the radio. ...robert On 1/20/2019 18:32, Bruce McCartney via Elecraft wrote: I have taken advantage of Elecraft’s National Hobby Month offer and now have a K2 plus KSB2 SSB Option, KNB2 Noise Blanker, KAT2 20W Internal ATU to build. My query is: do I build first the K2 transceiver as CW only, then add in the options as completed? From reading the manuals, components have to be removed from the completed K2 before the addition of some options. It seems a shame to undo work. Old blogs mention a Rework Eliminator kit which would have been a solution to my dilemma, but these are long since discontinued. So, do I build first and add options later? I'd be pleased to hear from other K2 builders. I must add a huge kudos to both Elecraft and UPS - California to Scotland - 46 hours from ordering to delivery! What service! Thank you. Bruce GM4BDJ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft-K3] K3S Comparison table finalized (link attached)
I can' get this, latest link to work either. ...robert On 1/14/2019 04:11, John Hiatt wrote: It appears to be linked from the K3S Transceiver Product page, on the Manuals tab toward the bottom of the page, but here is the current link: ftp://ftp.elecraft.com/K3S/K3S_comparison1.pdf John, KC7DRI From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net on behalf of Bob Wilson, N6TV Sent: Sunday, January 13, 2019 6:45 PM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft-K3] K3S Comparison table finalized (link attached) The link below no longer works. Where is this document now? 73, Bob, N6TV On Sat, Jul 7, 2018 at 9:05 AM N6KR wrote: Our detailed, two-page comparison table between the K3S and IC-7610 is now complete: http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3S_comparison1.pdf I�d like to thank everyone who reviewed the table for content and accuracy, including several who own or have used both radios. Many of your suggestions were incorporated. As a result, the table now captures those aspects of the performance, portability, and user interface of the K3S that are most important to current and prospective owners. The table is an excellent starting point. If you still have unanswered questions about K3S features, theory of operation, etc., feel free to email me directly. (In fact, if you�re within driving distance of my QTH in Belmont, CA, stop by for a demo :) 73, Wayne N6KR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to hid...@hotmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Off-topic, but I need help.
I'm with Don on this one. I use Mozilla Thunderbird for email, and its filters allow just about any degree and depth of sorting that one might like. Message boards are a chore, IMHO. The Elecraft list is an example of a wide breadth of topics that virtually demand some sort of filtering to allow a specific point-of-entry. ...robert On 12/29/2018 12:47, Don Wilhelm wrote: Barry, Nabble is not controlled by Elecraft, contact the Nabble administrator about that problem. The only email group that Elecraft controls is the Elecraft email list from elecraft at mailman dot qth dot net. Please *don't* switch to a message board! I can't find anything on those things. I have my filters all set up for the Elecraft reflector. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/29/2018 6:03 AM, Barry wrote: I think there's something more broken with Nabble, as there are plenty of posts that include the model number in the title that aren't filtered to the correct subgroup. I really wish management would join the 21st century and switch from email to a message board to eliminate all the useless emails for those of us who don't own every Elecraft product. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Less Than Perfect Antennas [was Flumoxed]
Ron... Would such an antenna cut for 80m, fed with ladder-line, and used on 40m, be a better performer on either band than an 80-40m fan dipole fed with 72ohm coax? Leaving all other extraneous but influencing parameters aside. I have the second antenna; the weight of all that wire and the coax with a ferrite balun results in a significant sag. I'm wondering if the first antenna, lighter and higher in the air, would perform better? Thanks. ...robert On 12/6/2018 14:54, Don Wilhelm wrote: That statement is true - however --- The problem is not radiation from the conductor, but how to get the RF current into the conductor and not in other unintended places. For those who want to build their own antennas, I suggest starting with a resonant dipole fed in the center. That provides a good match for 50 ohm coax, and a good current mode choke (balun) at the feedpoint keeps RF from flowing back onto the outer shield of the coax which can create a lot of RF in the Shack. Off Center Fed, and End Fed antennas can be made to work with more care. The feedpoint impedance does not match coax, and special care must be used to keep the RF on the radiator rather than coming back into the shack. I realize that OCF and End-Fed non-resonant antennas are popular because they can be used on multiple bands, but there are problems feeding them while keeping the RF on the radiator and not in unintended places such as the shack. For those who want multiband operation, I still suggest a center fed radiator fed with open wire or ladder-line to a good current mode choke balun at transition point to coax is a better choice than OCF or end-fed antennas - keep the coax short and use a tuner that can match the resulting impedance. Make the length of the dipole approximately the length of a half-wave at the lowest operating frequency desired. It will be more "tame" for RF in the Shack than many OCF or End-fed antennas. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/6/2018 8:56 AM, ANDY DURBIN wrote: "RF current into a conductor will radiate, even if it's at eye level." __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] (OT) CQWW CW band noise
Barry... Whenever I took the head phones off it sounded like I was in some sort of echo chamber. Things better today, but horrible last nite after the contest. I spent a lot of time on 20 just to escape the 80/40 noise. If I had to listen to that stuff all the time I might take up stamp collecting! ...robert On 11/26/2018 23:46, Barry wrote: Life was miserable on 80 Friday night and part of Sunday here. It was so bad 80 wasn't much fun. 40 and 20 were better, but still noisy. 73, Barry K3NDM -- Original Message -- From: "Robert G Strickland" To: "Elecraft" Sent: 11/26/2018 6:33:50 PM Subject: [Elecraft] (OT) CQWW CW band noise Was it me/here, or did others encounter high band noise conditions during the CW WW? ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to barrylaz...@gmail.com -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] (OT) CQWW CW band noise
Mike... The contest was as much about getting the K3 set up for the noise as it was making contacts. I tried just about everything. Mind sharing what settings you used? ...robert On 11/26/2018 23:49, Mike Furrey wrote: Yes, Higher at night than during the day. We did have rain move through Friday and Sunday here in East TN. NR in K3 helped a lot. 73, Mike On Monday, November 26, 2018 6:35 PM, Robert G Strickland wrote: Was it me/here, or did others encounter high band noise conditions during the CW WW? ..robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] (OT) CQWW CW band noise
Was it me/here, or did others encounter high band noise conditions during the CW WW? ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 slug-tuned inductors
Don... Where did you find a ceramic screwdriver? ...robert On 9/21/2018 21:52, Don Wilhelm wrote: Chuck and all, Those particular inductor cores with the narrow slot are difficult to break, and they seldom stick. Since I adjust them during repairs, I would wear out many tuning tools in short time. I bought a ceramic screwdriver with a 1/8 inch wide blade. I have another with a 5/32 inch wide blade that I use for adjusting those new trimmer capacitors in plastic cases. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/21/2018 5:00 PM, hawley, charles j jr wrote: I would get a new wand or file one down. Some of those things get difficult to turn and the screwdriver breaks the core. Is there anyway to loosen them up before they break? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3
My K3, #6232, has never had a single problem of any sort. Go figure. ...robert On 7/30/2018 22:27, Petr, OK1RP/M0SIS wrote: Ken unfortunately I have to let you know that it appears time to time on my K3 even although it has golden pins upgrade by Elecraft... :( 73, - 73 - Petr, OK1RP "Apple & Elecraft freak" B:http://ok1rp.blogspot.com G+:http://goo.gl/w3u2s9 G+: http://goo.gl/gP99xq -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] "The Elecraft Story"
I've often thought of alerting a business school that does case studies to the success of Elecraft and seeing what they would do with it. Small start up, enthusiastic partners with technical know how, define a nitch, fill it expertly, plow resources back into the company, expand nitch, establish excellent customer relations, conquer the world, etc. I still might do so. ...robert On 7/27/2018 14:52, N4ZR wrote: It strikes me that an article, or even a book about this would be welcome. Or has it already been done? If so, a reference would be appreciated. -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] How to recover emails
Here's the hardware/software setup: Windows machine Win7 Thunderbird mail client Verizon server [actually, it's now Yahoo mail w/ Verizon address] I checked out the various sources of back emails, but none seem to allow downloading of actual emails. I had culled incoming emails, saving various threads of interest for later reading. That effort may be lost at this point. Searching archives for the specific lost threads may be at best a labor of love. We'll see. Thanks for the various suggestions. ...robert On 7/13/2018 17:10, Jack Brindle wrote: It would help a lot to know what email platform you are talking about. Gmail? Apple mail.app? Windows Outlook? Thunderbird? Something else? Without that only generic help can be offered. At least we are pretty sure it isn’t on the K3 or KPA500… 73! Jack, W6FB On Jul 13, 2018, at 9:44 AM, Jim Rhodes wrote: Just a suggestion that experience taught me. Look in all of your email folders. Could be the labels got changed and they ended up in an unintended folder. Jim Rhodes K0XU On Fri, Jul 13, 2018, 11:32 Robert G Strickland wrote: While I was reading emails from/for Elecraft, the cat sat on the keyboard and somehow deleted all my Elecraft mail; note, they didn't go into the Trash or Junk bins. Just gone. Is there a way to get blocks of past emails from the list server, either individually or in aggregate volumes [I forget the term for this]? Thanks. ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to jimk...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to jackbrin...@me.com -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] How to recover emails
While I was reading emails from/for Elecraft, the cat sat on the keyboard and somehow deleted all my Elecraft mail; note, they didn't go into the Trash or Junk bins. Just gone. Is there a way to get blocks of past emails from the list server, either individually or in aggregate volumes [I forget the term for this]? Thanks. ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] [K3] factory upgrade to K3(s)
If I send my K3 w/ new synthesizer into Elecraft for the full K3(s) upgrade, what will such an upgrade include and what will be the approximate cost. Thanks. ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Field Day rig experience
Will... A small nit... perhaps my ignorance... but, I think that the roofing filter [by whatever name] comes after the first mixer, at the so-called IF frequency. Your points are well made. I think the far out SDR's speak more to what can conceivably be done versus what's the design approach that best meets a broad range of desirable receiver parameters. Elecraft seems to have found the sweet spot in the battle of trade offs. ...robert On 6/12/2018 15:49, WILLIE BABER wrote: More then one so2r operator has noted that the 7300 will overload in an so2r situation so that you cannot clearly hear on 7300 when the other radio is transmitting (yes, on a different band). Since the 7610 doesn't have a front-end either, I imagine that it will do the same. Sherwood himself notes that using the SDR radio (i.e, without a superhet front-end) means reducing gain to limit ADC overload, but he has also suggested that blocking dynamic range is over-rated. Generally this is true, dynamic range is over-rated if you are using one radio. However, blocking isn't over-rated in a field day situation (more than one radio) or if you have a neighboring op running high power, or in legal-limit multi-op situations (with antennas relatively close to each other), or in legal-limit so2r. Reducing sensitivity works to prevent ADC overload on the lower bands where sensitivity is not needed in the first place but on 15m through 6m one can use the sensitivity. While SDR radios have their advantages, some of the advantages of superhet radios still exist today, namely, that a so-called roofing filter front-end (which is just a mode-specific filter ahead of the first mixer) will deliver outstanding blocking AND as much sensitivity as required (compared to SDR). I don't see any way around this fact (at least not yet) and you can see the difference in the Sherwood numbers. 73, Will, wj9b CWops #1085 CWA Advisor levels II and III http://cwops.org/ On Sat, 6/9/18, Wayne Burdick wrote: Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Field Day rig experience To: "Bill" Cc: "Elecraft Reflector" Date: Saturday, June 9, 2018, 10:34 AM > On Jun 9, 2018, at 5:24 AM, Bill wrote: > > Along the line (lightly discussed under "K3- AF Knob") of what rigs are used for dxpeditions and Field Day.. How do the new technology ICOMs (7300 and 7610) do under the "several rigs on the same band" conditions? The size, weight, and cost factor is inviting for the 7300 - BUT!!! Is it up to the job? Close to up to the job? Or, better left home during these events? Hi Bill, Hopefully you’ll get some responses to this question from those with direct experience. But looking at it theoretically: both the 7300 and 7610 are direct-sampling radios with about 25-30 dB less blocking dynamic range than the K3 or K3S. On Field Day this could have a definite impact when using multiple transmitters on the same band, or even on different bands, depending on antenna spacing and power level used. Dynamic range of all of these radios is quantified in the receiver performance table at www.sherweng.com, specifically the fifth column (“100 kHz Blocking”). Wayne __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to wlba...@bellsouth.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Flex6400M vs K3S/100+P3
Gerald... I can't comment on the relative virtues of the two radios beyond what you can find on the Sherwood site. I have a K3 with the new synthesizer, and I am completely satisfied. That said, there's another factor you won't find on the spec sheets: the Elecraft company and the community of Elecraft equipment owners. I cannot imagine a more responsive company in all respects, and the community here on the listserv is bright, engaging and ready to help and share opinions at the drop of a 4CX2000. Can't be beat. ...robert On 6/5/2018 23:28, Gerald Capodieci wrote: Any thoughts on these totally divergent approaches would be greatly appreciated Kd6et. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 VFO encoder / control board close fit
Mark... All else aside, I'd suggest using good quality electrical tape, perhaps even two layers. It won't slip and has a better half life than paper. ...robert On 5/6/2018 02:58, Mark Petrovic wrote: While performing the initial power on tests on my K2 S/N 7809, I noticed that the VFO knob/display tuning test produced a sluggish, intermittent, or no change in display when I turned the knob in either direction. I proceeded to remove the two chassis screws securing the control board to the front panel board. This allowed the control board to relax and slightly fall away from the front panel board, toward the back of the radio, opening up the space between the front panel encoder board and the control board. The display was at once responsive to knob turning on all RATE settings. Next, I slipped a piece of paper between the encoder board and the control board, then reattached the control board to the front panel board with the chassis screws. The display continued to be properly responsive to knob movement. When I tugged on the paper to see how tight the fit was, it resisted being slipped from its position. It was fairly pinned down. Here is a photo of the control board backside taken at a glancing angle, showing the joints for J1 in the foreground, and the pins of the U6 socket behind that. The socket pins should probably be trimmed, which I did not anticipate. The other joints, while not necessarily overly beautiful, I'll also check for height. It's not clear to me which pins on the encoder board are shorting to which pins on the control board, but it seems clear that some are. https://photos.app.goo.gl/KDzlAixNghg2tmhy1 If after trimming the U6 socket pins the problem persists, I'll leave the paper slip in, but I don't feel great about it. The paper could fail on these sharp solder joints given vibration over long periods of time. Has anyone else had an experience like this where the front panel board meets the control board? I believe the manual talks warns about this condition. Thank you. Mark AE6RT -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] [K2] auto tuner capabilities
I've seen and read a great deal about feeding random lengths of wire, usually end fed, in QRP operation. All sorts of tuners and counterpoises are proposed and discussed. Question: is the K2 auto tuner sufficient and effective in these types of situations? I'm thinking of building and installing one, and I'd like to know if the tuner will take care of "most" arrangements, or will I still need something outboard. Thanks for any and all comments. ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] (K2) CW key
I am searching for a small CW key that will attach to the K2 bail. I think Elecraft has/does sell such an item. If not, directions to any other source for such an item would be appreciated. Thanks. ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 on the silver screen
I also think that Elecraft would make a good case study in a business school [Harvard?]. Small, hobby oriented start up that goes on to become a leader in its field, showing how a one-of-a-kind product plus excellent first-person support leads to success. Might send that idea along to Harvard myself. ...robert On 2/28/2018 01:58, James Walker wrote: Yes, that would be quite a movie. It’s about time the world found out about the joys of being an Elecraft user. Jimmy Walker WA4ILO Macon, GA On Feb 27, 2018, at 2:21 PM, Hans Bonnesen mailto:hans.elf...@me.com>> wrote: Being just a few days off the OSCARS, wouldn’t it be great to have the story of the K2 Immortallized. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] How many K2's sold
I wonder how 8000-ish compares to various Japanese transceivers. While building it is an adventure all to itself, I don't think it would have sold so well if the resulting radio was not such a good performer. I sub my K2 in for the K3 periodically just to stay fresh with its operation. Always a treat. ...robert On 2/6/2018 23:47, Don Wilhelm wrote: Robert, I certainly have not seen the latest serial number, but I recall that the latest that has been sent to me for repair, alignment and calibration was in the 7700 serial number range. Coming close to 8000 K2s out there. On 1/30/2018 2:46 PM, Robert G Strickland wrote: As the subject says, how many K2's have been sold to date? ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] How many K2's sold
As the subject says, how many K2's have been sold to date? ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Re who would spend 30 hours building a k2?
I think that building the K2 has to be an end in itself. I have more pictures of various pieces taped to colored construction paper than I do of the radio itself. Other pictures feature my method of winding toroids. Then, at the end of building, you step over the "building finish line" to discover that you own one of the really great radios in the history of amateur radio. Then the operating fun begins. ...robert KE2WY On 1/30/2018 23:23, Mel Farrer via Elecraft wrote: Beyond that, the manuals are VERY detailed and for most part as complete as one could expect, HOWEVER, the builder needs to have the mental attitude to take a step back and think like you are just starting and reread and recheck every step. When you do, it IS a very rewarding experience and LOTS of FUN. Mel, K6KBE From: Ron D'Eau Claire To: 'W4EDN' ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, January 30, 2018 3:05 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Re who would spend 30 hours building a k2? If you are interested in building as well as operating it's a pleasant experience. Just like a 10 mile hike, you do it one simple, easy step at a time. Those who seem to have had trouble just wanted a K2 to operate and tried to put the kit together as quickly as possible without double-checking their work at each step along the way. 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of W4EDN Sent: Sunday, January 28, 2018 4:52 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Re who would spend 30 hours building a k2? I bought a used k2 and just spent 12 hrs building a Kant-100. The k2 looks like a bigger challenge . Mine had the 100w amp included. Bill Sent from my iPod __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to r...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to farrerfo...@yahoo.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Who would spend 30 hours+ building an Elecraft K2? (plus: special pricing)
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 S/N.7723 Lives :)
Joe... I agree with your comments about the K2's electro-mechanical design. As I was building mine I was in constant awe at how perfectly all the pieces and parts fit together. I was expecting the usual "file work" to make things line up and/or fit. Boy, was I surprised! The assembly manual also deserves a shout-out for clarity and completeness. ...robert On 11/10/2017 23:11, Joseph Reed wrote: That Elecraft has shipped K2 #7223 is pretty amazing. I built 1331 (a doppelgänger) a long time ago. I built 5226 also a long time ago. Gosh, building them and the accessories were the best kit builds I ever did. The suggestion that it has achieved a place along the HRO-60, Gold Dust Twins, S Line or Drakes does merit the K2. Unlike Heathkit point to point wiring it was replaced by a modular PCB mounting scheme. That was revolutionary and made so many succeed. I would vote the K2 into the radio hall of fame based on the innovative modular design. Joe N9JR On Nov 10, 2017, at 4:20 PM, Robert G Strickland wrote: Martin... Congradulations on K2 #7723. As you are and will discover, it's an excellent radio that will still hold its own with modern radios. True, not so many bells and whistles, just pure radio performance. You'll run across a steady stream of comments to the effect "... expensive radio X was down so I put the K2 back to work and was surprised at how well it performed and how much I liked it..." To my mind, it has achieved a place beside the HRO, 75A4, S-Line, Drake, K3 [and a few others] in the radio Hall of Fame. Have fun with the extra modules. ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 S/N.7723 Lives :)
Martin... Congradulations on K2 #7723. As you are and will discover, it's an excellent radio that will still hold its own with modern radios. True, not so many bells and whistles, just pure radio performance. You'll run across a steady stream of comments to the effect "... expensive radio X was down so I put the K2 back to work and was surprised at how well it performed and how much I liked it..." To my mind, it has achieved a place beside the HRO, 75A4, S-Line, Drake, K3 [and a few others] in the radio Hall of Fame. Have fun with the extra modules. ...robert On 11/9/2017 01:06, Martin Sole wrote: Just to say, that 7723 is alive and kicking albeit in a bare bones QRP CW only format for the time being. I bought this as a way to pass a little time stuck out in the desert and it did the job superbly. Initial testing went well though I am a little concerned that the 20m sensitivity is a little down, might just need a more careful alignment of the bpf. I also need to do a proper setup of the IF filters with the pc. Back home now and on some antennas it seems to be playing nicely. The SSB module, 160m, NB and I/O kits are on hand and will join the family soon. Interesting to note the K2 was, according to Wikipedia, prototyped in October 1997, so that radio is 20 years old and still being produced and more importantly I think is still relevant. Has that bettered the Collins S line? So one of the very latest K2's joins one of the earliest K3's S/N 298. Now I'm starting to think that might need some updating but I'm not sure if there have been any major upgrades to the K3, barring the synthesiser and the S of course. Martin, HS0ZED __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] (KPA-500) running on 110v
What's the conventional wisdom on running the KPA500 on 110v? At my previous QTH I had 220v, so never had to face this issue. In my new QTH there's no 220v -yet. The operating environment is 100% cw with occasional contests. Thanks for all opinions in advance. ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Some K2 notes after completion
Anthony... I wouldn't say it's a "basic" radio but rather that it is just about a state-of-the-art radio without bells and whistles. What the K2 does it does just about as well as any of the "modern" radios. You'll enjoy it more and more as you use it. ...robert On 08/12/2017 14:00, Anthony Clare wrote: Hello all. I just wanted to pass along a few tidbits after the completion of my K2 (2 months ago). First, I want to thank Don for his patience during my low BFO level issue. In the end, none of the normal fixes alone seemed to work. However, that problem was solved by changing a capacitor value in combination with the usual fixes. I did learn how critical the installation of the BFO toroid was for proper level and frequency range. Unfortunately, in my case, it was not quite enough in itself. All good now, though. I thought I did a good enough job installing C70. I did not. Sure enough, during some field day testing, I had the horrible distortion on signals around 7185 kHz. I shortened up the one lead on C70 just a little more. Problem solved! Do not leave ANY extra length on those leads! I am curious how others have dealt with the new tuning knob. It is a nice knob, but will not reach the felt pad on the front panel. I suppose you could stack a few pads, but you would need to fill at least a 3/16" gap. On my knob, I attached a thick brass disc that fits within the indentation on the back of the knob and is drilled out in the center the clear the shaft nut on the encoder. This fills the space behind the knob. Since the disc is smaller in diameter, it does not interfere with the display bezel. I was going the drill and tap the back of the knob and use countersunk screws on the disc to hold it. However, I super glued the disc to the knob to perform a temporary test and it did not want to come back off for drilling. I guess I do not need the screws after all. Overall, I have been enjoying this rig and have been very pleased with the performance and the amount of functions built into the programming. I was a little worried about spending a lot of money for such a basic radio, but it bothers me less every time I use it. Have a good day, Anthony n3kcb __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 For Club Radio?
Tom... I have used my K2 on three field days recently and am about to take it on the club field day coming up. Works great. I have a K3 with KP500, so I do have some experience comparing the two. Obviously, the K3 is the "better" radio. That said, the K2 is really close. Added to that is the fun of building it and the K2 mojo. It's not hard to operate, allowing for the nested menus. The average ham can get with it pretty quickly. Fond memories of Missoula and Montana from the 60's. ...robert On 05/12/2017 22:45, Tom Hellem wrote: Our local radio club is considering the purchase of a K-2/100 to be used as a club radio. Its primary useage will be as a contest radio for events like Field Day, etc. I am looking for input from you list members who have experience with the K-2 as to its suitability for this purpose. I personally am not familiar with the radio and my concern would be mainly in the area of ease-of-use for those operators who are not especially experienced or knowledgeable in using modern transceivers. Thanks in advance for any input you might offer. 73 Tom Hellem K0SN Missoula, MT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500 vs New 1500 watt amp
Wayne... Yes! The "big" switch, thereby demonstrating flexibility in matters of output power. "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds" as Emerson would say. (I assume at least an upright knife-switch, bolted to the floor and connected to bank of van de graaff generators...) Have a good day. ...robert ke2wy On 04/21/2017 16:31, Wayne Burdick wrote: Our philosophy at Elecraft is to cover both ends of the spectrum. Figuratively speaking. When the bands are open, the birds are singing, and the sun is shining, you’ll find us outdoors using a hand-held KX2 at 10 watts with a whip. But late at night, when propagation is in the tank and that rare DX station peeks over the horizon for a once-in-a-lifetime fleeting moment, seconds count and size really does matter. At these times, we flip the big switch. Wayne N6KR On Apr 21, 2017, at 9:02 AM, Roy Koeppe wrote: Aboot: "And the reason you "need" the extra 1000 W is that the others in the pileup are all running max power. A typical arms race, with tempers to match." Apparently none of you here ragchews on 80M CW roundtables at sunrise times during spring/summer thunderstorms seasons across the country! That's the reason QRO was born... 73, Roy K6XK Iowa __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to n...@elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] For Sale: Elecraft K2
Money well spent, imho. ...robert On 03/28/2017 03:02, Harry Yingst via Elecraft wrote: I should have said a great deal. I just spent about 1600 on my k2. I didn't go with the amp but added the tuner, battery, ssb, af filter, noise blanker, etc. Original message From: Jim Allen Date: 2017-03-27 9:57 PM (GMT-05:00) To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] For Sale: Elecraft K2 -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft] Idea: HF Flash Mobs
I'm with R.Heinlein's Dad. Mine is a 12in log-log Duplex Decitrig. Sits on the radio bench, ready for instant calculations. Showed it to a newly minted EE at work once and he reacted like it was an alethiometer. ...robert On 01/22/2017 03:43, Mike Herr wrote: Sounds like an excellent idea. BTW - Our club has done flash field days - we gather at the donut shop and head out to an point only known to the planner. We set up, operate for 4 hours or so, and then head home. -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 on the air!
Ken... Few things in radio life bring as many diverse pleasures to bear on a single item as the K2. Some are for sale from time to time, but I dare say that most K2 owners hang on to them to the end. Welcome to the "club." ...robert K2 #5957 On 01/09/2017 03:09, ken mcmahon wrote: I made my first SSB contact on my K2 (kit) this afternoon. 10 watts on 7.240 (40 meter swap net). How satisfying to get a 'clean' audio report from Chris AI6U in Sacto! Thanks for all the help from this list! Best 73s, Ken WZ6P __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 Filter question
Mike... The K2 does not have individual filters like the K3. It has a set of serial crystals in a lattice filter arrangement [sic] that can be voltage biased to yield various effective filter widths from very narrow to broad. There are provisions to select three/four pre-programed filter widths per mode [not quite sure of this one]. The various widths are set up in the filter calibration mode of the K2. W3FPR Don Wilheim's site has all sorts of information on general principles as well as step-by-step instructions for setting the filter widths in the K2. An auxiliary program called "Spectogram" is used to portray the filter widths on the computer screen so that one can see the shape/bandwidth of the filter during setup. In my experience, the filtering system in the K2 is quite effective. Others will no doubt add to this limited description of the K2 filtering method and results. ...robert KE2WY On 01/08/2017 16:10, Mike Smith VE9AA wrote: Hello from NB, It's Mike, VE9AA...I own a K3 but almost never use it (only for FD and portable ops -I've used it twice in my year of ownership) I am thinking about maybe buying a used K2/10 with many options,(no DSP board I don't think) but as I don't know a thing about the K2 (and after reviewing the Elecraft website) I had this hopefully simple question. (I have not yet contacted the seller) Are there optional CW filters still available for the K2 or does it come with them all built in ? I do mostly CW so was looking at doing most of my operating with a 200-300Hz filter.(and perhaps with a 1.8kHz SSB filter when I am on phone) I apologize if the answer is overly obvious ! Thanks much, dit dit Mike VE9AA Mike, Coreen & Corey Keswick Ridge, NB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] (OT) hex beam users
I'd like to talk off-list with anyone currently/past using a HEX beam. I am specifically interested in 3-band versus 5-ban performance [I am mostly a contester]. I'm also interested in ability to use a 3-band model on 17/12m with the KAT500. Another topic is putting the antenna on a rotating aluminum mast/tower: weather reliability, rotating guy collars and feed line routing are topics of interest. Any other useful tidbits of info on this antenna are much appreciated. Thanks in advance. ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Fwd: Re: K3 signal at 28004
I have an original K3, #6232, with the new synthesizer. I hear the signal at 28.004.55. It is S5 with the KAT500 turned on in either the AUTO of MAN mode. In the BYP mode or with the KAT turned off, the signal is still there but drops to an S3. Interesting that while "everyone" hears it, not everyone hears it at the same, exact frequency. Also, no one else has mentioned being able to hear it, however faintly, with the tuner off or in the BYP mode. ...robert, KE2WY On 12/11/2016 16:54, Mark E. Musick wrote: I have a K3S and the signal is at 28004.15. It is coming from the KAT500. The signal is there even when the KAT500 is turned off from the front panel. It vanishes when the KAT500 is disconnected from its power supply. I seem to remember a discussion about this before, but I never checked my KAT500 for the symptom. Jim, what was the mod? I assume it is something Elecraft supplies and we can install it ourselves? Mark, WB9CIF -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Mike Harris Sent: Sunday, December 11, 2016 1:24 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Fwd: Re: K3 signal at 28004 Forwarded Message Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 signal at 28004 Date: Sun, 11 Dec 2016 10:23:38 -0300 From: Mike Harris To: James Bennett I have that signal on my K3 without any other Elecraft peripherals wrapped around it, internally it is pretty well stuffed with options. However, I have installed the K3s KIO3B and KXV3B and observe the following: With the antenna connected and using the 500Hz 5 pole CW filter if I tune off 1kHz and set the dBV metering to 0dBV+/- on the noise floor when re tuning to the signal I see 3dB+/- increase. Enabling PRE 1 and re zeroing the dBV reading on tune increases to +11dBV+/-. Enabling Pre 2 and re zeroing the dBV reading on tune the signal has vanished. Pre 1 and Pre 2 are not co located and it is possible that layout is determining what is being picked up internally. Maybe a K3s owner would like to report the presence or not of this signal. The K3s RF board has apparently been redesigned making it quieter. Cycling the preamps on an weak external signal coming in off the antenna, results in the expected changes in signal and noise, that is when Pre 2 is enabled the external signal doesn't vanish. This will need to be re visited using my XG3 on 1uV to eliminate QSB effects. Regards, Mike VP8NO On 11/12/2016 02:51, James Bennett wrote: Hank - I had that same signal at 28.004 and it was caused by my KAT500, as I recall. Elecraft has a fix for that - simple mod to the KAT500, if I recall correctly. Do you have a KAT500 and have you possibly removed power from it? If so, that's probably where your signal has gone. Just a guess Jim Bennett / W6JHB Folsom, CA On Dec 10, 2016, at 5:30 PM, HankP wrote: Ok I give up - I always have a strong signal about 28004 on my K3 and it was there this morning just like always and most all day - now its GONE and the rx seems like its still working normally -107 dBm on the P3 for the 1 uv in . TX ok too. Just no 28004 ??? What is the magic ?? Hank K7HP __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to markmus...@sbcglobal.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] (K3) APF and selected bandwidth
When using the APF, does it make a difference which bandwidth has been selected? Or in other words, does APF work better on top of a narrow or wide bandwidth, or is selected bandwidth irrelevant? Thanks. ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] In Praise of the K2
I've had my K2 for 10+ years and use it for Field Days, trips up the hill to visit the kids, and any other portable events. It is always up to the task in every respect. I wouldn't think of selling it. The K3 line is wonderful, and I'm fortunate to be housing the three of them. But, the K2 remains the patriarch of the bunch. ...robert On 09/03/2016 01:44, David Inger wrote: I have a 12-13 year old K2/100 that doesn't get use much any more except at occasional vacation rentals. I keep thinking it's time to sell it. In June, I sent it to Don Wilhelm to "tweak and peak" it. It came back from Don with a new alignment and a clean bill of health. Right now I have my K3 in pieces to do various upgrades, i.e., more filters and several "K3s upgrades." So the K2 is back in line plugged into my KPA-500 and KAT500 tuner. What a great little radio the K2 is! Sounds great, adequate filtering, and drives the KPA500 to full power with about 20-watts from the K2. I know there have been tons of technical improvements found in radios such as the K3 series and the KX3 (not to mention some other brands), but it is amazing how competent the K2 is. There is no way it can be considered obsolete. I think it going to stay in my shack for a lot longer! 73 de K6SBA David in Santa Barbara, CA -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2, FD, and N1MM
My previous attempts to key either rig using the DTR/RTS lines direct from N1MM [with appropriate cables] never worked for me. So, I went with the microHAM CW keyer to interface computer and radio via the microHAM Router port emulation software and supplied cables. Works flawlessly. My K2 has the 100w addition with its DB9 jack. For FD, the club uses the N3FJP logging program. Using the CW Keyer, all connections are the same as the with K3/N1MM, and it too works flawlessly. The CW Keyer came with a CAT cable [1/8" plug to DB9 connecter] appropriate for the K2 [built and in use before the K3]. The same cable works with the K3. So, as Guy states and Don infers, using an interface device is probably preferable to a direct computer-radio setup. YMMV and OMD. ...robert On 07/08/2016 02:24, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: One N1MM/MM+ thing doable on a K3/3S you cannot do with a K2 is to use DTR or RTS to the transceiver for logging program driven internal CW keying. It's not in the K2 firmware, and the leads are not in the K2's DB9 jack. You have to break out the keying and provide *some* external device to key the K2. I use a Microham "CW Keyer" box (very small) to drive my K2 in contests, and it works seamlessly. Splits out everything I need. I have a cable which pulls off TXD, RXD and signal ground from the K2's DB9 connector on one end and uses mini-phone-plug tip ring and sleeve to the CW Keyer. Another cord to the K2 key jack, another for power to the CW Keyer, and a single USB cord from the CW Keyer as the only connection to the computer. The Microham driver software for the CW Keyer serves everything up to N1MM as virtual serial ports. Paddle connects to the CW Keyer. The integration of the K2 with a KPA100 is seamless, even in a separate enclosure, and PTT is not needed. N1MM+ is flawless with the K2 with my Microham CW Keyer setup. 73, Guy K2AV On Thursday, July 7, 2016, Don Wilhelm > wrote: The K3 can use a standard serial cable, the the K2 *cannot*. The only connections for the K2 from the computer is pins 2, 3 and 5 in the cable - those are TXD, RXD and Signal Ground. All other pins in the K2 AUX IO connector (note that it is *not* an RS-232 connector and is not labeled as such) are internal K2 signals to operate external Elecraft devices such as the KAT100, XV transverters and the KRC2. The use of a standard PC serial cable between the K2 and the computer can damage both the K2 and the computer serial port. If you have no special computer connection cable with your K2, then build the cable described in the KIO2 or KPA100 manual or if you have the KAT100, build the cable shown in that manual. N1MM fully supports the K2 unless something has changed quite recently. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/7/2016 7:31 PM, Nr4c wrote: In wondering if the same serial cable dorks withe both radios. I thought the K2 cable was different. Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill On Jul 7, 2016, at 6:38 PM, PHILIP GRAITCER wrote: I got the K2 out for Field Day and it performed great! I’d never used the K2 with a computer, so I hooked it up and set up N1MM for the contest. I was unable to get the function keys to operate and N1MM was a little unstable, sometimes locking up. I was able to log contacts, but couldn’t send code. This isn’t the case when I use the same setup with my K3. I’m thinking that there are incompatibilities between the K2 and N1MM, probably due to the age of the K2. But I am not very capable with computers. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to k2av@gmail.com -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] custom LiFePO4 pack
Steve... Thanks for your effort in making this battery available. I'll be buying one. Perhaps Elecraft can make them available like they did for the Powerwerx switching powersupply. I do agree: many peers for the K2 yet none really better. The new Elecraft portable radios are nifty, and I fully understand their popularity. That said, my K2 is still in use [470 Q's on 40m CW during FD] and a LiFePO4 battery will be a nice upgrade. ...robert On 07/07/2016 16:09, inventor61 . wrote: Gents Recently I saw some commentary regarding a LiFePO4 pack for the K2. There is already one made specifically for the application, intended to replace the gel cell option in the rig and to use the bracket provided for same. The picture on the web link below is slightly inaccurate in that the wiring pigtail has a 'flying' lead so it is a 1:1 replacement for the Elecraft gel cell assembly. http://www.batteryspace.com/custom-lifepo4-18650-battery-12-8v-4500-mah-57-6wh-7a-rate-w-pcb-and-connector.aspx As a *very* happy owner of this pack, I have to share that I am not affiliated with the producer in any way. This pack is purposefully made to charge using a LiFePO4 charger, available from the battery supplier, via the radio's DC input jack, and works with the battery switch on the K2 in a manner according to specifications I provided. Several design options were considered in the process of creating the specs and I believe the best balance of these were selected. When I am charging the internal pack with the LiFePO4 charger I am not operating the radio (although it is possible); when I am operating from mains, I use the KX33 supply from Pro Audio Engineering. In some qualitative testing I am able to get roughly 80% more operating time per charge than I was with the gel cell and at less weight. The K2 is aging gracefully. Newer radios for field use beckon but still manage only to be just peers, not better. Steve KZ1X __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] {OT} Interesting Band Condx Website
Interesting and probably useful ...robert On 07/06/2016 17:35, stan levandowski wrote: This website just came to my attention. Perhaps it might be of interest to others. http://www.bandconditions.com/ Stan WB2LQF __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Annual Field Day tips (including a few new ones)
on the isolation amp, set MENU:RX ISO to ON. This has no effect on performance. The KX2 doesn't have an isolation amp, but isolation is very good when the preamp is on. Have fun! 73, Wayne N6KR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] (K2) distortion on CW receive
Don... Thanks. With the DSP function OFF, the audio is fine. I forgot that one. Yes, you did a repair and complete alignment several years ago. Excellent work, and I haven't touched anything since then. I don't remember the chart of filter settings, though that is a while back, and who knows... Thanks again. Hope and trust that you and yours are well. ...robert On 06/15/2016 22:56, Don Wilhelm wrote: Robert, Do you have the KDSP2 installed? If so, check the nr and nt settings in the DSP menu. If you see a dot before either or both, turn them off and see if the distortion goes away. Those functions, if used with aggressive settings will cause distortion. The sidetone is fed separately and does not go through the DSP processor. If that is not the problem, then you likely have mis-aligned IF filters. I recall I have worked on your K2 before, and you should have a chart of the filter settings. I can tell you how to restore the proper settings via off-list email. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/15/2016 6:11 PM, Robert G Strickland wrote: #5957 has been on the shelf for a while [2yrs]. When fired up in prep for Field Day, the received CW tone is significantly distorted in head phones on all bands. The side tone frequency set is very clean as is the adjustment for side tone volume. I have no test equipment at this time, so it's pretty much menu items and adjustments or send it to Don. Suggestions welcome. Thanks. ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] (K2) distortion on CW receive
#5957 has been on the shelf for a while [2yrs]. When fired up in prep for Field Day, the received CW tone is significantly distorted in head phones on all bands. The side tone frequency set is very clean as is the adjustment for side tone volume. I have no test equipment at this time, so it's pretty much menu items and adjustments or send it to Don. Suggestions welcome. Thanks. ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] latest K2 serial #?
The dates of the two sites mentioned are pretty old. I imagine that any such mods or similar changes were incorporated in later K2's. Is this the case? ...robert On 03/22/2016 14:06, Bill W4ZV wrote: KC6CNN wrote They K2 might be old school, but you got to love the sound they have with CW. It is so easy on my ears. It's even better if you fix the horrible distortion in the sidetone! It was so bad that I found it difficult to zero-beat stations by ear. TF3MA mod: http://www.raunvis.hi.is/~matti/TF3MA/sidetone_tf3ma.html KT5X addendum: http://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/elecraft/2006-November/061425.html 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/latest-K2-serial-tp7615395p7615446.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] OT noise on 17m
Can someone help me understand the "noise" on 17m - and elsewhere - right now? It repeats every 17kc, very strong. Perhaps some sort of over the horizon radar? Is it general or just something in my neighborhood? Thanks much. ...robert -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3/K3S noise blanker performance greatly enhanced (at my QTH) -- need testers
ise blanking purposes. And maybe the 15 kHz filter for SSB use, if applicable. For example, we might add more selections to the DSP blanker parameter (presently t1-1 to 3-7). Suggestions welcome. 73, Wayne N6KR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] P3 vs. other panadapter options
I use LP-Pan2 with a M-Audio 96k sound card internal to the computer. Software is NaP3v4. The screen [for all applications] is a 21" LG. The computer is an DIY AMD 2.1Ghz cpu, 2G ram, running Win7-64 [it's pretty long in the tooth]. I use a microHam CW keyer interface with its Router port-sharing software. Contest logging is N1MM. So... The choice of LP-Pan is dictated by space requirements; no room for another box at the operating position. So, my choice is not based on A-B comparisons/performance. Otherwise, all K-line station. I have never had any problems with the computer supporting LP-Pan and its software, N1MM, and browser all at the same time. I can fit all of the necessary and desired optional windows for all software on the screen during a contest. NaP3 has never given me any trouble albeit it's no longer supported by its author. No question that getting LP-Pan setup and running is more demanding than the P3 which, so I hear, is pretty much a turnkey operation. That said, once online, the LP-Pan setup is stable and runs constantly throughout a 48hr contest without a hitch. In contests, I run the NaP3 display at around 14"x4" on the LG monitor - very pretty and helpful. Some use a dedicated monitor for their panadapter; however, I have not found that necessary to provide the info that I "need" during a contest. Issues of cost are an individual matter. How one balances all these parameters is, again, an individual matter. Either way ends up with a useful tool. I can't imagine operating without a panadapter at this point. So, prepare to get "hooked." ...robert On 12/24/2015 16:47, Juliean Galak wrote: I'm planning on getting a K3s and am wondering about panadapters. There's obviously the P3, but there are also the computer-based I new like the lp-pan, or using an sdr. I kind of like having one less box on the desk - there'll be a computer there no matter what. How's the quality of these solutions compared to the p3? Especially the integration? Thanks, Juliean KD2JPF __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Fwd: Re: [OT] increasing CW copy speed: practice slow -v- practice fast
Bob... Yes, I have used your comments to infuse a new energy into the business of "speeding up." At the moment, still using 5-letter groups and Rufz, I start with the "dot" letters, e/h/i/s with U & V, at around 20wpm and spends several trial at that task. Then, the full alphabet at 30wpm with the previously mentioned "ignoring the first letter." As you no doubt expect, the 5-ltr groups at 30wpm are going better. I increase the speed one ltr/min per trial up to around 35wpm at which point there are more mistakes. Then, I drop back to 30wpm and start the process over again. I do as many sequences as can comfortably fit into your 10min window. It's fun, and I imagine that speed is picking up. Thanks for your contributions to the discussion. Again, thanks to Elecraft for making space for this thread. ...robert On 12/8/2015 05:06, Robert Harmon wrote: Robert, Human nature being what it is all of us put what we think is beneficial "time in the saddle" on the air but we become complacent and migrate back to easier copy and we are kidding ourselves and not really exercising our copying speed abilities. Ask me how I know this :-) Time in the saddle is not the nirvana for higher speed CW. Try the exercise Robert then report back. It is only 10 minutes a day. As a sideline to being a ARRL VEC, I teach morse code to new hams and hams that want to improve their CW skills. I cant take credit for this exercise. I finally took the advice from other high speed ops and found it to be the most efficient and fastest method for me in advancing my copy speed. It is necessary to spend ten minutes in quality training time a day for a few weeks. (I wouldnt call that intense, hihi) Then enjoy "time in the saddle" but do your 10 minutes regularly for awhile and see what happens. ! 73, Bob K6UJ On 12/7/15 5:27 PM, Robert G Strickland wrote: Bob's approach to increasing speed once a basic level of cw proficiency has been achieved speak directly to my original thoughts on the subject. Using a 5-letter group of random letters as the practice message, then my question, in terms of Bob's approach, could be stated as follows. Which is the quickest way to achieve some target speed: to start the group at a speed where only one/two character are correct, or to start where three/four are correct? I have no doubt that with the regular and intense "concentration" that Bob advocates, any method [within common sense limits] will result in higher copying speed. That said, which starting point is going to get the operator to the target speed the quickest? I don't know. Most of the folks who can comfortably copy at speeds in excess of 30wpm seem to be from the "old school" in that many learned in the military and have been at it a very long time. I have to believe that their speed developed over time with continuous usage/practice. Nothing beats time in the saddle. An interesting "experiment" would be to take a bunch of hams who can copy at 20wpm, divide them into the two approaches being discussed and "measure" how long it takes each group to be comfortable at 30/35wpm. A human factors issue is a person's task motivation and tolerance for frustration. Starting with only one character correct out of five may be pretty daunting for some and a piece of cake for others. But, that's a separate issue. Enjoying and learning from the discussion. Thanks Elecraft! ...robert On 12/6/2015 08:00, Robert Harmon wrote: Bill, We are not discussing entry level code learning. We are discussing increasing your code speed on receive. And speed is vitally important ! K7QQ is not the only one that can copy high speed CW, there are many of us out here. Transitioning to higher speed copy can be done through systematic and regular exercise. I have been a CW operator for over 40 years and it wasn't until fairly late in the game that I accepted the advice from several high speed ops on how to progress past mediocre copy speed. ( I will share this below) First we need to realize there are two distinct types of training for CW. The first is developing your rote memorization skills for learning the characters. I recommend the Farnsworth method for this. With Farnsworth the characters are sent faster than the words. For instance at 10 wpm each character is sent at 20 wpm but enough time is added to slow down the rate to 10 wpm. The ARRL adopted this method years ago for their morse code training materials and the W1AW morse transmissions. For example when W1AW is sending at 18 wpm the characters are sent at 20 wpm. Now to increase your speed you need to approach your training differently. (which is the subject of Roberts original post) There are different variations of the training used to increase your speed but they all have a common denominator. They all in some form or another introduce copy
Re: [Elecraft] [OT] increasing CW copy speed: practice slow -v- practice fast
Clever, Josh. I have never thought of doing that with Rufz. I'll incorporate them tonight. ...robert On 12/9/2015 22:18, Josh Fiden wrote: Some very useful info in this thread! I can do fine running contest exchanges at 30-35wpm, but my conversational CW is very poor. Here's my approach to work on this: From the various links provided, I put together a list of some Q-codes, common CW abbreviations, and the CW academy list of 100 most common words. Then loaded them as "callsigns" in RufzXP. Works great! Now to keep up 10+ minutes per day of practice with the goal of recognizing these as words rather than individual characters. The list below can be cut and pasted into a text file if you want to try it! 73, Josh W6XU the they when come on their your well be we make its with what good way to say can over he so some even of her like think as up could new and she time also you out them want a or no back do if see because in an just after at about other any that will him use this who than these have my know two but get then give I one take how his which now day it all person our by go look most for would into work from me only us not there year first QRL QRM QRN QRS QRT QRZ QSL QSO QSY QTH QRX ABT AGE ANT BEAM BK C CL CPY CQ CUL DE DX ES EL FB HI HW HR K LID LOOP NAME OM OP PSE R RPT RST RIG TEST TU VERT WATT WX YAGI YRS 73 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Fwd: Re: [OT] increasing CW copy speed: practice slow -v- practice fast
Don... For sure, individual differences make for a big difference, both in the rate of learning and the appropriateness of any one approach. I think we all agree that "stretching your current copying speed" is the only way to get faster. That's certainly my experience. I think my curiosity comes down to how much "stretch" is the sweet spot [individual difference aside]. Lots of stretch - few characters/words copied, versus some stretch - most characters/words copied. Speaking of individual factors... I was just practicing with Rufz and noticed how long I "hang" on the first character which inevitably leads to subsequent errors. So, I pushed myself to almost "ignore" the first character and move right along. Overall error rate dropped significantly. So, yes, lots going on. Nothing beats practicing, for sure. Have a good day. ...robert On 12/8/2015 01:46, Don Wilhelm wrote: Robert, What is missing is that each person learns at a different level and pace. Each of us has our brains "wired differently". In other words, what will work well for one person does not mean that it will work well for all. The quickest way to increasing CW speed is to get on the air and start copying stations that stretch your current copying speed. In other words, push yourself to higher speeds even if you cannot copy everything. ARRL Code Practice is good up to 35 WPM, so try that, but on the air conversations may drop you back to 25 WPM because of CW being sent imperfectly. When you can copy imperfect code (from a bug or keyer without perfect spacing), then you have 'arrived'. There is no substitute for practice - I advocate the 10 minutes a day at trying to copy above your comfortable speed limit. More time than that leads to frustration. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/7/2015 8:27 PM, Robert G Strickland wrote: Bob's approach to increasing speed once a basic level of cw proficiency has been achieved speak directly to my original thoughts on the subject. Using a 5-letter group of random letters as the practice message, then my question, in terms of Bob's approach, could be stated as follows. Which is the quickest way to achieve some target speed: to start the group at a speed where only one/two character are correct, or to start where three/four are correct? I have no doubt that with the regular and intense "concentration" that Bob advocates, any method [within common sense limits] will result in higher copying speed. That said, which starting point is going to get the operator to the target speed the quickest? I don't know. Most of the folks who can comfortably copy at speeds in excess of 30wpm seem to be from the "old school" in that many learned in the military and have been at it a very long time. I have to believe that their speed developed over time with continuous usage/practice. Nothing beats time in the saddle. An interesting "experiment" would be to take a bunch of hams who can copy at 20wpm, divide them into the two approaches being discussed and "measure" how long it takes each group to be comfortable at 30/35wpm. A human factors issue is a person's task motivation and tolerance for frustration. Starting with only one character correct out of five may be pretty daunting for some and a piece of cake for others. But, that's a separate issue. -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Fwd: Re: [OT] increasing CW copy speed: practice slow -v- practice fast
ot;comfortable" copy speed to upwards of 30 to 35 wpm and more. You will be able to really enjoy morse as a language. You will sit there and listen to sentences and paragraphs go by in your head with complete understanding. It is very enjoyable ! 73, Bob K6UJ On 12/5/15 11:54 AM, Bill Rowlett wrote: The best way to learn CW is the same as learning any language, by the sound of the letters or charters. The speed you use to practice is not important, it is writing down the letter when heard, over and over again. K7QO has a CW program on his site which does just that. Also, it is finding the time and dedication to put in the time needed. K7QO by the way has won copy contest at over 100wpm, he knows what he speaks. Just my two cents. Now, back to the practice. 73 and good DX Bill KC4ATU On Dec 5, 2015, at 2:37 PM, Kevin Stover wrote: I've always thought the Farnsworth method was directly responsible for the "10 wpm wall" newcomers were running into. Reading "The Art and Skill of Radio Telegraphy" Pierpont says the same thing. By stretching the time between words you give people more time to translate. if your going to copy Morse faster than about 10wpm you don't have time to translate. You have to know the character as soon as you hear it without using the look up table in your head. The Koch method has no exaggerated spacing between words or elements. You want to be proficient at 35 wpm, you practice with dit/dah and word speed set for 35 wpm. Building speed on the air is great as long as the code you are copying is "good" code meaning close to properly spaced and timed code. The nice thing about the computer programs is they send perfect code. With G4FON you can make it more realistic by adding QRM, QRN and QSB in varying levels. The only thing your missing is an old timer on his bug sending with the "Lake Erie Swing". -- R. Kevin Stover AC0H ARRL FISTS #11993 SKCC #215 NAQCC #3441 --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus __ Elecraft mailing list Home:http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by:http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list:http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered tokc4...@hotmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home:http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by:http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list:http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered tok...@pacbell.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rc...@verizon.net -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
