Re: [Elecraft] {OT} Interesting Band Condx Website
Even though this is a simple display it seems to be fairly accurate and updated. 73, Sandy W5TVW On 7/6/2016 12:35 PM, 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 ebj...@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 arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Small QRP Xcvr Use Question
If you don't mind carrying a "load" (If you are not hiking/backpacking) I have found the Buddipole/tripod is a very excellent antenna from 40-17 meters in the horizontal dipole configuration at 9' using the 9.5' whips. 40 and 20 use same identical setup just changing the setting of the loading coils from one band to the other. Very effective and fairly easy to setup with an analyzer for "tweaking it". I usually use an FT-817 with it on CW or SSB. For something simple but not nearly as good and touchy to use, is a 33' wire a small tuner like the MFJ "pocket tuner" and an LED SWR indicator for tuneup used with a 17-30' counterpoise wire laid on the ground. MUCH lighter. Everything will fit into a 8 X 8 X 8 photo bag plus a spare battery pack (LiPO 16 v A/H 12 volt pack the size of a 7" tablet computer.) Will last 3-4 hours or more. The problem that rears its ugly head is you require a limb of a tree up at least 15 - 20 feet or more to raise the wire as high as possible. Performance with the Buddipole is better if you can stand the additional bulk of the bag and parts to carry. 73, Sandy W5TVW (NO! I don't walk very far! Too damned old for that.) On 5/24/2016 8:16 AM, a...@juno.com wrote: The easiest way to operate effectively from the field on 40/80 meters is via NVIS propagation. I use to do this with my Norcal-40 quite often when taking day hikes by putting up a dipole about 5 to 8 feet high. No feedline was necessary - the radio was at the center of the dipole and I was always surprised at how well I received stations (and them, me) out to a distance of ~400 miles. For higher bands I use a Par End-Fedz. Their "MTR" model designed for 20, 30 and 40m works well on 17m also without requiring a tuner. I usually hang it inverted V fashion. John AE5X http://ae5x.blogspot.com/ Putting a KX1 or KX2 in ones pocket is one thing; putting out a readable signal on 80 or 40 meters is something else and continues to challenge even the folks at home with full size rigs. LendingTree 4 Cards That Charge $0 In Interest Until 2017 On Balance Transfers http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3131/57445465d9fa254657c53st03vuc __ 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 ebj...@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 arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Digital Voice Mode - our future?
I could not agree more Don! There isn't much advantage for amateur radio to digital voice operations. Just another "kink in the wire"! No advantage at all. All the digital voice stuff I have heard sounds terrible at times. Motorola's system (proprietary no doubt!) can sound absolutely awful when signal conditions are bad. 73, to all, Sandy W5TVW On 9/17/2015 8:28 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: You have listed 3 digital voice modes that do not talk to each other. Furthermore, I recall that these are proprietary coding schemes. That is not "Ham Radio" in my mind. Ham Radio is "everyone can talk to everyone else", and those digital voice systems where you can only talk to those hams who have purchased the same brand of equipment as you have selected is more like commercial circuits where you want to shut out those who do not 'speak the same language that you do'. I don't think proprietary protocols belong on the ham bands - just my not so humble opinion. Yes, I am also opposed to proprietary data modes. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/17/2015 9:03 PM, Robert Nobis wrote: Take a look at the digital voice modes that are being used on the VHF and UHF bands: DMR, D-STAR and Fusion. __ 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 ebj...@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 arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX1: requesting recommended wire antenna lengths advice
Don: I have done almost the same thing here on portable outings. I use a 33' MFJ telescopic fibreglass pole. (What holds your up? I use a 4 prong hand cultivator with a 3' shaft. Hold pole on shaft with a couple of bungee cords. I'd like to scrounge the arrangement you use for the homebrewed 4:1/1:1 balun.) Otherwise I opt for the Buddipole at 9 feet as a dipole or a vertical with two drooping radial wires. I have also used very frequently the 33' single wire vertical and a Electraft T1 tuner. (The T1 is sometimes cranky to get to tune.) Never thought about using the dual 22 guage teflon wire as a twisted pair balanced line! Just using a vertical wire I frequently use a single radial, the length varying depending on the band. ALWAYS a problem is 80-30 meters. Usually done with a pair of drooping radials and a vertical radiator consisting of 4 Antenna arms (88 total) and a single 9.5 foot telescopic whip above the antenna arms. One Buddipole loading coil at base of vertical /antenna arms combination tuned for resonance. In many instances the trees, etc. for Inverted V dipoles 2' fibreglass driveway marker rods 2 feet long. I will try the teflon twisted pair feeder. Never thought of that. I have some old 75 ohm receiving twin lead, good for that sort of thing, but it is too oxidized to consider it reliable in the field! I try to avoid the loading coils in the dipoles except for the higher bands. Although the Buddipole works well as a dipole at 9 feet up sometimes the vertical whip is better on 20 meters. As I said, ALWAYS a problem at 80-30 meters to play with verticals with whips. Good tips. All of that can be a big guess without the trusty MFJ analyzer! 73, Sandy Blaize W5TVW On 4/19/2015 6:58 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: My best field antenna consists of a 32 ft. heavy duty push-up telescoping fiberglass pole which supports an inverted vee with radiator legs 22 feet long (of #22 teflon insulated wire). The feeder is twisted pair #22 teflon insulated wire (parallel feedline) 25 feet long. That feedline terminates into a balun which is switchable between a 1:1 and a 4:1 ratio (a smaller homebrew version of the Elecraft BL2). I carry a 25 foot length of coax to connect from the balun to the transceiver. That antenna loads and works well for 40 through 10 meters - I switch the balun from the 1:1 to the 4:1 position depending on the band in use and the best match. I also carry two additional lengths of #22 teflon insulated wire which I clip onto the ends of the radiator to extend the length if I want to operate on 80 meters. That is my portable antenna, and it works well for me. I prefer balanced antennas when I can use them. It is not 'backpack' eligible because of the 32 foot pole, but then I am not doing any backpacking these days. I can put my antenna up in several configurations. If I have a support for one end, I can set the antenna up as a dipole. If I only have the fiberglass pole, I support the center of the dipole at the top of the pole and use it as an inverted VEE (the most desirable and common configuration). In cases where I do not have much horizontal real estate to work with, I set it up as a vertical - the end of one radiator wire is tied to the pole and the other radiator wire is used as a 'radial' - 10 feet of it comes down the pole (the feedline is 10 feet above the ground), and the remainder of the 'radial' is hung on nearby shrubs and bushes in the best manner possible. So, three antennas in one - depending on the terrain and other available supports. 73, Don W3FPR On 4/19/2015 7:31 PM, J wrote: I'd also like to try a doublet of 60 to 88 feet; fed with a parallel feedline of made the same stealth wire as the antenna (no heavy ladder lines). The doublet would be more cumbersome (requiring one central support or else supports at each end). The antenna plus feeder length would be chosen to provide a relatively tame feedpoint impedance and reactance on the three bands; 40/30/20M. More research is needed on end- and center-fed (no coax) wire antenna lengths for the KX1 (and the KX3) __ 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 ebj...@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 arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Warm climate for a vacation/DX holiday
I have been to St. Croix years ago on business at the petroleum terminal on the South side of the island. Had some time to kill and enjoyed it immensely. Scuba/snorkeling tours were fun and beautiful. Prices reasonable. Good place for a expedition setup with a QRP rig and a Buddipole for some radio fun. (I didn't have a Buddipole or a small compact QRP rig at the time. That was about 25 years ago.) Also was in Jamaica, Antigua, the Bahamas, and Cayman islands, and Bonaire on ship radio repair jobs. I'm recently informed that one should stick to Western end of Jamaica, and avoid the eastern end of the island. Never had any problem on any of these places or been threatened when I followed recommendations of previous visitors. IF I EVER go to these places again, I'll be sure to get permits to setup with something like an FT-897, FT-817, or IC-703 using the Buddipole antenna system! Good luck and have fun! 73, Sandy W5TVW Now 78 and somewhat disabled like a creaky car! The urge is still there though to return! On 1/4/2015 12:12 PM, Jeff Cathrow wrote: What about the US Virgin Islands? That's where I'd make a beeline to if I could. There are ferries that run to St. John from Charlotte Amalie and brief, puddle-jumper flights to St. Croix and the British Virgins as well. Last time I was there was long before I was a ham but I really liked the place. American soil/sand, too. Hawaii (Big Island) is another great place to go if you know where to go. East Hawaii is much less touristy than the Kona side. Plenty of guest houses up in the Volcano rain forest where we used to live and also down around the quaint old town of Hilo. Have fun wherever you decide. 73, Jeff NH7RO http://turquoise-king.ebid.net http://www.louisferreira.org/Jeff_Cathrow.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 Message delivered to ebj...@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 arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] BNCs
YES The 75 ohm series are UG-260/U connectors, the 50 ohm series is the UG-88/U. If they don't have this stamped into the rear barrel of the connector, THEY ARE Counterfeits or JUST PLAIN TRASH! There is a lot of crap parts available at hamfests these days! Be careful what you buy!! 73, Sandy W5TVW On 10/13/2014 11:18 AM, Michael Walker wrote: Thanks Jim I was going to ask that exact question. For the amateur world, does it make a difference if a 75 ohm connector is installed on a 50 ohm feedline. You made it very clear for everyone. Thanks! Mike va3mw On Mon, Oct 13, 2014 at 12:15 PM, Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com wrote: On Sun,10/12/2014 6:32 PM, Acbross via Elecraft wrote: Don't know where anyone got the idea that BNCs made for RG-8x we 75 ohm. I worked in the tv industry for many years and we used hundreds of BNCs that were made specifically for 75 ohm video. By the way, RG-59 not RG-79. While you are entirely correct that there are 75 ohm and 50 ohm BNCs, the difference DOES NOT MATTER at HF, because the connector is such a small fraction of a wavelength and the difference is small. 75 ohm connectors were important with analog video because of the smearing of very fine detail in a high res image, and because studios do lots of patching and routing. 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 va...@portcredit.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 ebj...@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 arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] BNCs
The big difference of the 75 and 50 ohm connectors is the fit of the connectors to the coax size, NOT the center pin size which is the same. BNC connectors are really NOT constant impedance especially at VHF/UHF frequencies like proper N series connectors are. This makes no difference impedance wise on HF gear. I guess this is also why no one has standardized on a better connector for the HF frequency range instead of the PL-259/SO-239impedance bumps! 73, Sandy W5TVW On 10/12/2014 8:32 PM, Acbross via Elecraft wrote: Don't know where anyone got the idea that BNCs made for RG-8x we 75 ohm. I worked in the tv industry for many years and we used hundreds of BNCs that were made specifically for 75 ohm video. By the way, RG-59 not RG-79. Now days I build hundreds of cables for RF out of rg-58 and rg-8x BNCs and they use 50 ohm connectors not 75 ohm connectors. Remember that the impedance of coax is based on the ratio of the center conductor to the outer conductor and if you compare the 75 ohm connector you will see that the center pin is much smaller in diameter. Anyone need 200 silver plated 75 ohm BNCs? Art KC7GF Rf Stuff.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 ebj...@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 arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] RM-11708 proposal to FCC threatens CW and digital modes
think my comments on RM-11708 went thru. This is very serious to ANYONE who wants to retain narrow band digital communications like JT9 and PSK31 and RTTY!! Also to CW Dxers and contesters! If this passes, it will change amateur radio as we have known it forever. There will be no weak signal operation possible with the onset of digital noise in the analog receiver. IF THIS IS REALLY A NECESSARY DIGITAL MODE, it belongs somewhere in a segment of the phone band sub-band and NOT THE narrow band digital and CW band. I think this is REALLY a back door attempt to silence Continuous wave telegraphy..really! I hope the old timers and the newbies who are still hanging on to CW will write comments against this sneaky move ARRL is backing to satisfy mostly the Yacht crowd who want to access the internet via HF radio! It will violate the 300 baud or less rule of keeping wideband digital OUT of the narrow band digital space! Don't rely on the FCC to nix this RM as there isn't any real engineers at the FCC anymore, just lawyers, bean counters and political hacks running things there now. Proof of this is higher authorities bypassing FCC and making rules that stand now in the new 60 meter band. Please add your voices to the protest against RM-11708! 73, Sandy W5TVW On 6/23/2014 8:13 AM, jsdroys...@nc.rr.com wrote: Perhaps others like me are unaware of this proposed FCC rule that would allow digital communication modes 2.8 kHz in width to be used robotically in the CW and data sub-bands without regard to interference. ARRL supports this and evidently initiated it. http://www.arrl.org/files/media/News/RM-11708%20Briefing%20Memo.pdf However, information on websites savecw.com and saveRTTY.com indicates it would cause grave interference with CW and narrow digital modes. There is evidently a short window of opportunity to submit comments to the FCC about this, and there are instructions on the noted websites for how to do this online within just a few minutes. If you google for RM-11708 you can read some well-reasoned comments submitted by other hams to the FCC electronic docket. I can't evaluate the claims being made about ARRL's motivation but it seems important not to allow such bad interference, so I submitted a comment. Julie KT4JR __ 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 ebj...@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 arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Installing PL-259's
__ 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] OT: signature lines
__ 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] O.T.: End of (another) era
What I am curious about is: Will they stop the use of AM on the MW Broadcast band, the private/commercial VHF and UHF aircraft band, (that is picking the primary users of AM) and the amateur bands? Also will they decide that the use of CW will become illegal on the amateur bands, FM services to indicate calls signs, the aero NDB's and VORs using CW for ID indicators? To substitute some digital technology for these essential and simple equipment technologies just because they are out of date? Considering the non radio and non engineering political/legal types who are taking over as FCC Commissioners, I would bet they want to rub out the old systems from ceiling to floor! Considering the engineering types and the nostalgists and the growing interest of newbie amateur telegraphers, I would doubt it! The iPhone and cellphone still hasn't completely erased the CW rag chewer from the airwaves. It would be completely stupid to eliminate the root of radio Continuous Wave Telegraphy. It is slow, but it is simple and it WORKS. Why get rid of it. 73 to all, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Jim Lowman Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2013 12:03 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] O.T.: End of (another) era Hi Dave, On 7/16/2013 6:42 AM, Dyarnes wrote: Hi All, But CW is a conundrum. It takes skill! That is what seems to be disappearing from ham radio! Look at the decline in the ability of the average ham to build his/her own gear, let alone repair it! Admittedly, the radios we buy these days don't lend themselves to DIY repair, mainly due to the advanced technology of things like SMD's, etc. These days, if you have a problem, it usually means swapping out an entire board rather than replacing a single part. This is one reason that I didn't pursue electronics as a career. Back in the early 70s I was in the Air Force, working on FAA-style air traffic control radar systems. One unit that I worked on was tube-based, with probably 100 or more adjustments to keep it properly aligned (per channel - there were two of them). While the most common cause of problems was tube failure, we were required to troubleshoot and repair to the component level. Fast forward a couple of years, and we had installed a completely solid-state/digital auxiliary system. The only adjustment was the +5V; not that we ever had to touch that after installation. If anything failed, we had a flowchart to follow to determine the most likely *board* that was the problem! Power down, swap the board, power up, see if the problem disappeared. We were specifically prohibited from attempting to repair these boards in the field. The absence of a mandatory level of CW proficiency has clearly reduced the level of CW activity--except in contests! Interestingly, though, now that CW is no longer mandatory, a lot of newer hams (and some old ones too) seem to be having some sort of epiphany about the virtues of CW, and are voluntarily taking it up. Very interesting!!! I'm no psychologist, but it seems that humans respond more favorably to discovering things on their own, rather than being forced to do so. Heck, as afar as I'm concerned, anything to further my favorite mode of communication on the radio. The bottom line is that technology is apt to change everything! It might even substantially wipe away ham radio all together! It certainly has distracted newcomers who now seem to be nearly totally focused on computers. I have some serious concerns about the survival of ham radio itself, but for now, I think the biggest threat is CC R's! Hi. You got that right! It's becoming almost impossible to find a new home without CCRs. We're planning a final move in the next few years, possibly to KH6-land. My two challenges to the realtor: no CCRs and no HOA. Dave W7AQK 73 de Jim - AD6CW __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.3349 / Virus Database: 3204/6495 - Release Date: 07/16/13 __ 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] OT: Aircraft radio FM
NO! I wondered about that for YEARS, even when I was working in avionics! The REAL reason for using AM instead of FM is the FM capture effect. A slightly stronger signal on the channel will takeover the channel. You can't hear weaker signals thru it like AM. This was the real reason for sticking with AM for aviation.SAFETY in emergencies or distress conditions. Besides the usual 108-135 or so Mhz for AM aeronautical, the UHF (225-400 Mhz) the military uses is also still AM. I think Aeronautical AM will be around for many more years IF some dumb ass non engineer decides AM is Obsolete and screws things up. Seeing the present bright political appointees nothing would surprise me! 73 TO ALL, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Ken G Kopp Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2013 3:54 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net ; k...@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Aircraft radio FM I suppose the argument about no heterodyne with FM can be made, BUT ... AM aircraft radio has been around since the end of spark and steadily growing world-wide since that time. It was solidly in place -long- before FM was a gleam in Armstrong's eye. It remains that the staggering cost of conversion to FM is the real reason it continues today. 73! K0PP __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.3349 / Virus Database: 3204/6495 - Release Date: 07/16/13 __ 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] OT: Aircraft radio FM
Yes I read all about RCA screwing Edwin Armstrong on wideband FM. David Sarnoff had connections with the FCC to eliminate the old FM band (pre war) and have the 88-108 region allotted which made all of Armstrong's equipment obsolete. Also RCA claims to have invented a new wideband FM system to work around Armstrong's patents. Armstrong's wife finally managed to finally win out over the manufacturer's and RCA in lawsuits long after Armstrong jumped out of a hotel window in disgust and near broke from legal costs. I remember FM heralded after the war but nothing ever overcoming the AM broadcasters until years later when all the principals were dead by then! A sad story of corporate greed and corruption. (With the help of the FCC back then, a lot of whose engineers got plum jobs with RCA!) 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Phil Kane Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2013 6:21 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Aircraft radio FM On 7/16/2013 2:27 PM, Sandy Blaize wrote: I think Aeronautical AM will be around for many more years IF some dumb ass non engineer decides AM is Obsolete and screws things up. Seeing the present bright political appointees nothing would surprise me! It would have to come from the ICAO through the ITU before the FCC would consider it. Digital TV and FM came about because of lobby pressure on The Congress (money talks). I can't foresee a lobby for Aeronautical AM. Very few technical changes start with staff recommendations. 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.3349 / Virus Database: 3204/6496 - Release Date: 07/16/13 __ 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] QRP and amplifiers for same.
To ALL, Agreed, we should have clean signals as there is a plethora of lids who are only interested in getting the absolute amount of power out of ANY amplifier, be they simple, or super fancy. Too many GOOD amps are overdriven and cause a lot of trouble on the band they are used on, let alone the harmonic by products. Technically the regulations in a round about way say an SSB signal should be limited to a 3 Khz bandwidth MAX! There are way too many hi fi broadcast lids and such that seem to delight in putting their garbage into the next 3 khz channel up or down from the QSO they are in! Politeness seems to have vanished from amateur radio at times! NOTHING that the FCC writes into regulations, or forces the manufacturers to include in their products will eliminate the common mule headed LID operator. In my humble opinion, the ONLY way to properly tune a SSB linear amplifier up correctly, is by the two tone method. You will get the MOST talk power and cleanest signal this way with no guessing. 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Peter Lambert Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 2:42 PM To: n...@n5ge.com ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] QRP I think we ALL have an obligation to ensure our TX output is clean. We ALL share in the harmful results if we don't in the form of QRM that we complain about every day. These cheap amps have little or no output filtering and most do not have any real semblance of ALC making it very easy to overdrive them. The performance of all the Elecraft gear in this regard (and it's equivalent in receive) is stunningly good and in my opinion worth every damn cent. Best regards to the team at Elecraft for their efforts in making truly great quality gear !. It seems perfectly logical that a KX3 and 100W map should be around the same price as a K3-100. 73's Peter VK4JD -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Tom H Childers Sent: Wednesday, 19 June 2013 5:33 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] QRP What I thought was interesting was that for most of the models there were only one to three in stock. That makes me think they are selling like hot-cakes to the CB market, or they are trying to get rid of them. 73, Tom Amateur Radio Operator N5GE ARRL Lifetime Member QCWA Lifetime Member On Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:27:36 -0700, Richard Thorpe kis...@me.com wrote: QRP is looking better, I looked at the out the door price of the Elecraft 100W amp with tuner. Ouch! around $1300.00 bucks with tax and shipping I was imagining around $600.00 I'm way out of step. Yikes! a hundred watt KX3 is close to the price of a 100 watt K3. K6CG __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.3345 / Virus Database: 3199/6420 - Release Date: 06/18/13 __ 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] Question -in-general-?
What I HATE abou Gmail AND Google, they keep changing things for no good reason. Too much time spent on learning what the new features are which is sometimes a pain in the butt. 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Gary K9GS Sent: Sunday, June 16, 2013 3:10 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Question -in-general-? Hi Jim, Your post to the reflector is fine. I see you're a gmail user. That's the problem. Gmail, in a mis-guided attempt to keep your in-box uncluttered, treats the post coming back from the reflector as a duplicate and deletes it. See: http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/gmail/MHEZDkqCHEY If you spend some time on Google you'll find a lot of discussion. I manage a few e-mail lists and when this first came up with one of my users it drove me nuts. Just one more reason I hate gmail. On 6/16/2013 12:32 PM, Jim Harris wrote: *Hi.* *Why don't my postings to the Reflector ever go through?* *Jim..* *K1-4, S/N 2580* *K2, S/N 6405* *KX3, S/N 2917* *K3, S/N 2802* __ 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 -- 73, Gary K9GS Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com CW Ops #1032 http://www.cwops.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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.3345 / Virus Database: 3199/6415 - Release Date: 06/16/13 __ 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] why mix rf connector types within the product line?
Obviously you are not listening. In the Elecraft line, the QRP rigs ALL use the BNC connector. They work well. Adapters are available for BNC/binding Posts...very practical in a filed installation. Who wants to be bothered with perhaps the poorest connector ever devised for no big impedance bump, very poor connector in the VHF UHF range. (Any sharp repeater technician will curse the PL259 and favor the MUCH better N connector in the VHF/UHF range!) Three cheers for throwing the damned RCA phono plug out that was so pushed by Collins radio. They actually are BETTER at VHF than the PL-259/SO-239 which should have been made obsolete years ago. All I can say is Get used to making up the BNC plugs. They made the best choice for QRP stuff over the PL-259/SO-239 and the RCA plugs for RF use. 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Jeff Herr Sent: Friday, April 26, 2013 6:55 PM To: 'iain macdonnell - N6ML' Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] why mix rf connector types within the product line? I don't want to buy or make or use any adapters. Why not keep the connector consistent across the product line? That is the question! -Original Message- From: dse...@dseven.org [mailto:dse...@dseven.org] On Behalf Of iain macdonnell - N6ML Sent: Friday, April 26, 2013 16:53 To: Jeff Herr Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] why mix rf connector types within the product line? On Fri, Apr 26, 2013 at 4:36 PM, Jeff Herr her...@comcast.net wrote: I will end up taking the units (kx3 and that nice amp) with me as I travel. In effect now we are forced to need adapters. Or you could get some thing like: http://abrind.com/product/rg58au-rg8x-240uf-95tc-braid-100-foil-coax-cable-a ssemblies-bnc-n-pl259-sma-so23/pl259-to-bnc-male-jumpers/ I can't vouch for ABR's products (never tried them). Personally, I would make my own 73, ~iain / N6ML __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.3272 / Virus Database: 3162/6276 - Release Date: 04/26/13 __ 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] Is ham radio a sport ??
TOO MUCH, especially on weekends! Shouldn't there be a small segment of the bands set aside for non contest use? Or would this be asking too much?? 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Scott Manthe Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2013 8:05 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Is ham radio a sport ?? Many contesters consider contesting radiosport. 73, Scott, N9AA On 3/20/13 8:44 PM, Paul VanOveren wrote: The link is to a 1958 Sports Illustrated article, about Ham Radio being a sport. If you have seen it before, sorry for the bandwidth, but I found it interesting reading, maybe some others will also... http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1002473/index.htm __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 2641/6193 - Release Date: 03/20/13 __ 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] Is ham radio a sport ??
Bill, AGREED! Also don’t forget about 60 meters! A lot of people miss a “good bet” to contact some of the people they usually work on 80 or 40 meters when those bands are jammed packed on weekends with contesting! Unfortunately, for the most part, you can’t work 60 with old boatanchor gear. It is even more useful now that they have allocated a “new channel 3” instead of the one that always seemed in government use. Even though there is no contesting on WARC bands, there are times the propagation isn’t right for some areas you normally work on 80/40/20 meters (especially 80/40 for short skip stuff). It would be helpful to have a small section of the bands “off limits” for contesting on the CW-data and SSB segments of each band in areas that General/Tech class people or higher could use during the “tests”. I queried ARRL about it a couple of times. The ARRL Official Observers could be reporting those stations and times that the “violations” occurred. If you got more than say 5 contacts in the “off limits” segments, You could have you entire log disqualified. The “segments could be small, say 10-15 khz max.and leave a hole for those needing to work buddies across the continent. I didn’t even get an answer from them about this. What operating courtesy existed 20+ years ago and the use of calling protocols during CW contacts has almost ceased to exist now. Some of the “no coders” ARE trying, so it’s up to us old timers to “educate” them about on the air politeness, even if ARRL doesn’t care anymore. (They no longer put the “Operating an Amateur Station” chapter in the “Handbook” anymore!) Most of the “newbies” I have QSOed are willing to learn, but seem to be mimicking the techniques of the “hit and run” techniques used by the hard core contesters, most of which has no place in a casual polite QSO! Just my 2 cents worth from someone that’s pounded a key since 1951. All my stern “Elmers” are “SK” now I’m afraid. Sometimes they had stern words for us beginners back then. 73, Sandy W5TVW From: Bill Gerth Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2013 10:27 AM To: Sandy Blaize Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Is ham radio a sport ?? Sandy, Actually, ALL WARC BANDS (30, 17, 12 meters) are already off limits to contest activity. This is strictly enforced by contest organizers by rejecting any QSOs submitted for those bands. Although I am a contester, I don't enter every contest. The WARC bands offer a wide variety of propagation characteristics and I really enjoy using them. 73, BILL GERTH, W4RK Jefferson City, MO First Licensed 1954 CWOPS #459 4 States QRP Group KX3 (S/N 112) On Mar 21, 2013, at 10:06 AM, Sandy Blaize wrote: TOO MUCH, especially on weekends! Shouldn't there be a small segment of the bands set aside for non contest use? Or would this be asking too much?? 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Scott Manthe Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2013 8:05 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Is ham radio a sport ?? Many contesters consider contesting radiosport. 73, Scott, N9AA On 3/20/13 8:44 PM, Paul VanOveren wrote: The link is to a 1958 Sports Illustrated article, about Ham Radio being a sport. If you have seen it before, sorry for the bandwidth, but I found it interesting reading, maybe some others will also... http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1002473/index.htm __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 2641/6193 - Release Date: 03/20/13 __ 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 No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 2641/6194 - Release Date: 03/21/13 __ 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] The Old Days
It always pains me to no end when some of the older things are compared unfavorably to some of the newer technology. A lot of older things served us VERY WELL giving us what then were wonders when we had nothing else better! Spark telegraphy WAS a mess and crude! But it worked and saved a lot of lives at sea that would have been lost. It was replaced by CW or continuous wave Morse transmitters and regenerative receivers which were invented by the efforts of Lee deForest and Edwin Armstrong. Armstrong later invented the superheterodyne receiver which is still the standard receiver design! Radiotelephone started with AM or Amplitude Modulation which everyone used until SSSC (single sideband suppressed carrier) popularly known as just SSB replaced it very slowly after World War 2. Armstrong AGAIN invented wideband FM which didn't really take off until much after WW2 in broadcasting. It became a staple for VHF/UHF radio communication for business band, police and industrial use for two way communication. There are digitally enhanced forms of VHF/UHF radio now widely used such as cell phones and other types of devices only dreamed of not more than 2-3 decades ago! Ancient AM is still used today, but basically only for two purposes. One is AM broadcasting from about 550-1700 Khz. A holdover from ancient times dying but still alive and kicking Second it is used for aircraft communication from about 108-135 Mhz or so. An ESSENTIAL to safe airborne communications and safety. The military still uses it in the 225-400 Mhz band in mostly jet aircraft. WHY not SSB or FM? well because it does the job and it is reliable and the circuitry is much simpler! Yes we do have satellite communication...BUT..this requires very complex infrastructure which is much more subject to possible failure due the very complexity of the systems. Also very expensive in the first place. Lastly older Morse telegraphy commonly called CW by the last users: the Amateur Radio Service. You MUST learn to send and receive Morse code. It requires the simplest of transmitters and receivers and only the ability to use one's brain and ears! No complex interpreters in the form of other equipment is required (like digital computers) to send and receive messages. Messages can be sent in an encrypted form or a foreign language without the operator knowing what the message might contain! YES, maybe some people have declared it obsolete, but it is STILL useful and still practiced by hundreds of thousands of ham operators all over the globe. There is still a place for the old stuff along with all the newer, unusual, Gee Whiz technology coming out and being conceived YET by inventors and engineers worldwide. A lot of it is old but still is useful! Don't knock it too badly! 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: David Gilbert Sent: Tuesday, January 29, 2013 3:04 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] The Old Days That seems like an odd and unnecessary disclaimer, but in reply I'll offer the opinion that the ratio of vinyl to CD's is roughly the same order of magnitude as the ratio of AM to SSB in ham radio*... and I'm pretty sure that most people would say that CDs replaced vinyl long ago. That doesn't mean that AM is an invalid mode, at least not as long as the FCC still allows it, but I think it's pretty certain that the bands would be a horrible mess if everyone was still using AM. 73, Dave AB7E * Before anyone takes issue with my comparison, keep in mind that the ratio of vinyl to CDs is skewed to the high side because CDs themselves are declining in favor of direct downloads. On 1/29/2013 1:26 AM, tnny...@yahoo.com wrote: Jim Sir. Was AM replaced by SSB? Or, was SSB an alternate mode to AM? I'm sure this debate can and has been going on since the devil was a boy. Lets remind ourselves that this a Hobby and we are classified as AMATEUR. PS: Let us respect Eric's request, and irrespective of our opinion, agree to disagree. (((73))) Milverton. __ __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2890 / Virus Database: 2639/6064 - Release Date: 01/28/13 __ 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] The Old Days
I was personally in military avionics during the days of the SCR-522 and ARC-3 (both VHF). Later with the Collins ARC-27 and the RCA ARC-34 which were both UHF sets (225-400 Mhz.) I know FM was proposed by some at one time and it was nixed due to the capture effect and SSB also proposed but nixed due to additional complications of tighter frequency stability. They finally split the channeling to get more frequency space assignable by using smaller guard bands between channels. I was gone from the military avionics when that happened. In an Air National Guard group flying F-102A's at the time. They are now flying F-15's! That has been some time ago when everything was vacuum tubes! 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: NZ0T Sent: Tuesday, January 29, 2013 3:58 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] The Old Days The conclusion here may well be part of it. A coworker who worked in avionics in a former life told me that the use of AM for aircraft communications is indeed for the ease of tuning but also because a weaker station can be heard under a stronger one unlike with FM and its capture effect (likely true for digital). AM allows an air controller or other aircraft to hear an emergency call when another station is transmitting. Based on my experience, I have no reason to doubt his conclusion. 73, de Nate, N0NB Nate, that is exactly the reason AM is still used for aviation. 73 Bill NZ0T (old pilot). -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Don-s-comments-on-ESSB-and-AM-tp7569294p7569345.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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2890 / Virus Database: 2639/6064 - Release Date: 01/28/13 __ 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] The Old Days
What little bit of flying I did was in J-3's and the Aeronca Champion. Both had no electrical system and we paid attention to the tower and the donut gun for visual signals on the ground and in the traffic pattern. Once you got out of the pattern, you were on your own VFR only! A pilot had to keep his head out of his ass at all times to survive if he was prudent! 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Tuesday, January 29, 2013 6:38 PM To: 'Elecraft List' Subject: Re: [Elecraft] The Old Days That was the reason I was given when I was flying a lot in the 1950's. And, on more than one occasion it proved correct when another aircraft stepped on my exchange with the tower. Probably unbelievable to pilots today, but in the 50's it was common to fly into large commercial airports such as McCarren in Las Vegas, Lindbergh in San Diego or LAX Los Angeles International on tower blinker lights alone too! Talk about the old days Hi!! 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Walter Underwood Sent: Tuesday, January 29, 2013 1:23 PM To: Elecraft List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] The Old Days This is exactly why AM is used instead of FM. It has better weak signal performance and two signals mix linearly. wunder K6WRU __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2890 / Virus Database: 2639/6064 - Release Date: 01/28/13 __ 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] XP
How long will it be before Microsoft ditches Windows 7 users forcing them to delve into the NEW MAZE of Windows 8? Why does EVERYTHING have to be completely changed (It so seems to us loons who are not computer geeks) and are encumbered with the huge task of finding out where everything is (if it is actually still there!)Mostly for the purpose of refilling the Microsoft coffers!!! My old Millenium edition of Windows was a mess! I dodged Vista which turned a lot of folks upside down. My XP machine turned me upside down until I managed to change it to look like the old Windows 98 layout. If I try that with Windows 7, I have to buy the top end edition which I DON'T NEED! Windows 7 works great once you partially understand it and where your old haunts are in it, but it is VERY confusing to actually get where you want to go easily! I AM NOT A VERY GOOD PUZZLE ASSEMBLER! I am almost ready to go back to MS/DOS at times! I gather Windows 8 is a new maze! Do we have to go thru this crap every few years or when we buy a new computer? 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: David Christ Sent: Monday, November 26, 2012 11:39 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] XP Depends on what your needs are and the environment. We are still using laptops running 2000 pro for logging at field day. Work great. One problem with perpetual licenses is that they create no ongoing cash flow. To get more money you need people to buy new product. Thus it makes business sense to obsolete the old stuff as soon as you can without angering the customer base. Some of us drive 20 year old cars around town. As long as they do what is needed there is no need to buy new no matter how much the dealers try to convince us that our image is damaged by the rust spots and holes. David K0LUM On Nov 26, 2012, at 11:05 AM, Phil LaMarche wrote: Windows XP countdown clock ticks under 500 days Retirement deadline for Microsoft's longest-lived OS is 'ticking time bomb,' says migration firm Philip LaMarche 727-944-3226 727-510-5038 Cell http://www.w9dvm.com/ www.w9dvm.com http://www.flamgroup.com/ WWW.FLAMGROUP.COM K3 # 1605 KPA500 # 029 P3 #1480 KAT500 #50 CCA 98-00827 CRA 1701 W9DVM __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2793 / Virus Database: 2629/5920 - Release Date: 11/26/12 __ 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] Newbie ....
NO! You can remove the 40-15 board and then plug the 80/17 board in and replace the KAT1 tuner. Don't forget the reprogram the two new bands and you are in business. If you need to work anything on 40 thru 15, then you have to change the RF board again and reprogram the CPU again for the new 4 bands again. The reprogramming instructions are in the user's manual and easy to do after you do it once or twice. I have a K1 that has two extra 2 band boards. One covers 160 and 80, and one that covers 80 and 40. The 80/40 band is the board that usually gets used most. My 4 band board is setup for 40, 30, 20, and 15 like yours. You will enjoy the K1 very much. I didn't get the internal battery option because I didn't like the smaller loudspeaker. I usually have a 10 battery box for 2 ampere/hour NiMH cells externally' Have fun! 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: gos...@twcny.rr.com Sent: Saturday, November 24, 2012 12:24 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Newbie I have a K1 with 40 , 30 , 20 and 15 with the ATU and battery pack. Would there be room for the 2 band board with 80 and 17 ??? Looks mighty crowded in there !!! 73 es tnx !!! George Osier , N2JNZ __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2793 / Virus Database: 2629/5914 - Release Date: 11/23/12 __ 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] K1 Kit Question
My K1 has been a great rig. I originally got it with the 4 band board option setup for 40/30/20/15 meters. I later bought a 2 band board kit and set it up for 80 and 17 meters. Some time later I got a second 2 band board and purchased extra parts (all from Elecraft EXCEPT one crystal!) and set it up for 160/80 meters. 160 is NOT a stock Elecraft sub kit for the 2 band boards, but it works great on 1.8-1.9 Mhz on 160 for rare QRP forays there! Yes, you have to exchange the boards and do a quick programming to let the CPU know what bands are active and then reassemble the rig. Takes only a few minutes. For the most part, my rig stays on the 4 band option except midwinter when 160 and 80 are quiet. If some method of fine frequency control was available ( built in) it would be interesting to setup one band of a 2 band card for 60 meter CW! 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Phil Hystad Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2012 12:44 PM To: Elecraft list Subject: [Elecraft] K1 Kit Question I would like confirmation on how the K1 is configured for 2-bands, 4-bands, and 6-bands. I heard that for some of the configurations you must swap out boards. Now, I think that this occurs when your order the two band version originally and then get the 2-band option. I heard that these two boards occupy the same slot so if you want to have four bands without having to swap boards you should buy the 4-band version of the K1 to begin with. Similar question for the 4 band version and the use of a 2-band option board given a total of six bands. In this configuration do you need to swap out the 4-band module board and swap in the 2-band in its place to operate the 2 bands on the 2-band option board. Does any of this make sense? I would appreciate it if someone would confirm the way this works. My original plan was to get the 2-band K1 and get the 2-band option later but if this requires swapping boards I would likely get the 4-band option to begin with (maybe). Thanks, 73, phil, K7PEH __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2197 / Virus Database: 2437/5145 - Release Date: 07/21/12 __ 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] K1 Kit Question
I have the KAT1 tuner in my K1. If I wass going to do it allover again buy the T1 external tuner instead of the built in KAT1 tuner. IT covers a greater impedance range and makes band changing from 2 to 4 band boards MUCH easier. I would strongly recommend the K1-T1 instead of the K1-KAT1 setup. 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Gil G. Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2012 1:39 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K1 Kit Question Great. With mine, I did all the wrong things. Two-band filter board, and no backlit. I wanted to save a few bucks. Now I am thinking of getting the 4-band board, but no backlit still, too much of a pain to install after the fact.. The automatic tuner is a great option, but you can always install that later. The noise blanker, I don't know.. Probably something one would rarely use, but I imagine could save the day when you really need it.. I wish there was a 80/40/30/20 board, or even a 80/40/20… Maybe leaving one band off the 4-band board... Gil. -- New site: http://radiopreppers.com PGP Key: http://keskydee.com/gil.asc On Jul 21, 2012, at 2:32 PM, Phil Hystad wrote: Gil, and also Ray (previous message), Thanks for the comments. Yes, I will now definitely get the 4-band version (yes, and the backlit feature). phil On Jul 21, 2012, at 11:11 AM, Gil G. wrote: Hello, When buying the K1, you choose either a 2-band or 4-band filter board. There can be only one filter board in the radio at one time. For six bands, you would have either a 4-band board plus a 2-band board and switch between the two, or possibly three 2-band boards (I don't think anybody does that). For four bands, you would have either one 4-band board, or two 2-band boards (I don't think anyone does that either. The most used configuration is probably (40/30/20/15)+(80-17). Better get the 4-band module with your K1 first, even if you have to wait to save the extra $100. Also, do get the backlit option. Switching bands is a pain in the rear, especially if you have the automatic tuning board installed. You have to unscrew and remove the tuner, then switch the filter board, reinstall the tuner, close the box, then set the menu to use your newly install board.. Not something I want to do regularly, and certainly not in the field.. Gil. -- New site: http://radiopreppers.com PGP Key: http://keskydee.com/gil.asc On Jul 21, 2012, at 1:44 PM, Phil Hystad wrote: I would like confirmation on how the K1 is configured for 2-bands, 4-bands, and 6-bands. I heard that for some of the configurations you must swap out boards. Now, I think that this occurs when your order the two band version originally and then get the 2-band option. I heard that these two boards occupy the same slot so if you want to have four bands without having to swap boards you should buy the 4-band version of the K1 to begin with. Similar question for the 4 band version and the use of a 2-band option board given a total of six bands. In this configuration do you need to swap out the 4-band module board and swap in the 2-band in its place to operate the 2 bands on the 2-band option board. Does any of this make sense? I would appreciate it if someone would confirm the way this works. My original plan was to get the 2-band K1 and get the 2-band option later but if this requires swapping boards I would likely get the 4-band option to begin with (maybe). Thanks, 73, phil, K7PEH __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2197 / Virus Database: 2437/5145 - Release Date: 07/21/12 __ 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] Counterpoise vs ground wire ?
Counterpoise wires OR radials are a big help. They usually work better if elevated a foot or so, but this can be a dangerous situation to passers by AND operator of the station as well! Kids will ALWAYS get fouled up in them unless you are somewhere that is isolated from the usual inquisitive passer by. Length? that varies with ground you lay them on, conductivity of the soil, many arcane factors! I used to use at least 3 laid on ground made from loud striped small guage hookup wire. The MIL-SPEC stuff that is usually white with red/yellow/black tracer stripes. If you work the low bands (80/40/30 meters) placement sometimes get harder than shorter wires that can be used for higher bands (20-10 meters). SOmetimes a 30-40 foot long radiator will suffice for general use although I like to use an 85-90 foot antenna for 80/40, and the shorter 30-40 footer for the higher bands. Vertical or an inverted L. Have been using an MFJ 33' telescopic fibreglass mast that is easy to transport and can be erected and lashed with bungee to a garden type hand tiller tool that can be easily planted in ground with no rocks. Trees, hedges can be used for supports of there is no other way to suspend the wire. A small L section tuner can be easily constructed with a common dual 365 pf tuning capacitor and a coil wound on PVC pipe with make a handy antenna tuner (required in ALL instances!) You will be surprised at what you can do with QRP and jury rig antennas! Nothing beats having several coiled up bundles of hookup wire in various lengths (16, 33, 45, 85, 120') for the radials or the radiators. Some of the Buddy pole setups seem to work well sometimes not! For the most part I've found them to be more of a bother to erect and use and work no better than the right length radiator and counterpoise system at a fraction of the price of a BUddypole. No two locations are the same, so it is VERY difficult to describe what will work and what doesn't. I have worked DX like mad on 20 meters around midnight when the band is open with 5 watts QRP in a wood frame house with a 20' length of hookup wire hanging from push pin tacks at the junction of ceiling and wall. Counterpoise in this case, a wire running around the baseboard of the room. The key is trying it and you will find out what does and what doesn't work. I have had some very good results from the Elecraft T1 mini auto tuner working with my K1. The T1 has a MUCH greater matching range than the internal KAT1 tuner by the way! Long and short of it is I always use some kind of counterpoise/radial system, even if only one wire. Always use an end fed radiator that goes right to the hot terminal of the tuner output. No coax, no twinlead which is an awful liability mechanically to work with. Small light coax can have awful losses on an untuned dipole which can be a disaster when you are playing with 5 watts or less. Keep it light, keep it simple and EXPERIMENT. NO two setups are the same! 73, Sandy W5TVW Used to use HW-7, HW-8, HW-9 portable, Ten Tec PM series DC rigs, Tec Tec Argonaut, homebrewed stuff. My favorite still is the Elecraft K1! -Original Message- From: Ronald Nutter Sent: Sunday, July 01, 2012 1:49 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Counterpoise vs ground wire ? I am putting together a portable QRP kit that I can fly on a plane with me. Looking at several different antennas. With being a portable operation, what has worked best for some of you to ground the radio ? I am seeing references to some of the antennas that they need a counterpoise wire. Is this in addition to a ground wire ? Ron KA4KYI __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2180 / Virus Database: 2437/5104 - Release Date: 07/01/12 __ 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] Spurs on 15m from new laptop
One of my favorite bitches about some of the digital types. A lot of them DO NOT UNDERSTAND analog radio! Therefore they are unaware of the trash and hash digital gear is capable of emitting in copious quantities! Running the source down can be a big problem. Trying to do something about it can be heart rending! 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: VE3GNO Daniel Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 9:46 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Spurs on 15m from new laptop Than looks like is an internal notebook problem, I am wondering how they get FCC certification? I would advise to return it back due compliance issue..my 2 cents VE3GNO Daniel From: Barry w...@comcast.net To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 10:13:49 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Spurs on 15m from new laptop Received several emails suggesting the power supply. Spurs are still there when running on battery. Barry W2UP -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Spurs-on-15m-from-new-laptop-tp7555872p7555875.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 __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2425/4999 - Release Date: 05/14/12 __ 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] PACTOR iii
I haven't read the new part 97 yet, but by the old rules, it seems to me that internet access via amateur radio, unless there is only selective websites available, would be illegal, UNLESS it is an emergency! If someone can afford an ocean going vessel, sail or powered, can surely afford a marine communications setup and conduct his business via commercial public correspondence stations. INMARSAT has a service that requires minimum equipment and may by now, have internet hook up available. ( I have been out of the marine communication business now for almost 20 years, so I don't know if it is or isn't available) As a master of any vessel, recreational or otherwise, I would be derelict in my duty not to have communications equipment available to assure the safety of my crew, friends and other passengers on my vessel. AGAIN emergency communications is OK, but NOT routine communications regarding weather, navigation, etc.. My 2 penny's worth on this subject. 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Kevin Sent: Sunday, April 29, 2012 7:43 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] PACTOR iii Amen! There are a lot of Yachtsmen/women who got their license for one reason and one reason alone. To keep from paying for the Sail Mail subscription. it amounts to $250/yr or about $21/month uses marine frequencies and marine type accepted equipment and the ubiquitous/infamous SCS Pactor III modem. On 04/29/2012 07:19 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: However that said, Pactor III is a godsend for us hams that are cruising on our boatshere in the south pacific, I can send/rec email, and get all kinds of weather charts/info to make my sailing safer. Pactor III may not be for you, but it is for me And commercial or quasi-commercial traffic should be conducted on commercial frequencies not on top of amateur users whenever the damn PACTOR-bots decide to start transmitting. As one of the twelve who were on the ARRL committee that formulated the automatic and semi-automatic control concepts nearly 30 years ago, allowing *any* form of automatic control is one of the biggest mistakes in nearly 100 years of amateur radio - right up with phone patches in the amateur service. 73, ... Joe, W4TV -- R. Kevin Stover AC0H __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2411/4967 - Release Date: 04/29/12 __ 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] D-Star
Amen, amen! Ditto for the Proprietery PACTOR III Or anything else Proprietary PERIOD! This isn't what ham radio is all about! Can't agree with you more Don! 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Don Wilhelm Sent: Saturday, April 28, 2012 8:42 PM To: Greg Troxel Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] D-Star I agree fully, despite the article in the May issue of QST which glosses over the proprietary nature of D-Star. I am opposed to the use of proprietary protocols in ham radio. Ham radio to me is free radio. I have passed my license requirements, and should be able to use whatever modulation techniques are authorized by the FCC. The thought of paying for a license (even though that payment may be bundled with a transceiver purchase) is foreign to my views of ham radio. Certainly, I buy computers with Windows loaded, but I do not buy Icom transceivers with D-Star loaded. That is what is foreign to my view of ham radio. Until someone comes up with an open source and free to use substitute for the AMBE Codec that is owned by Digital Voice Systems, Inc., I will not be using D-Star. 73, Don W3FPR On 4/28/2012 9:17 PM, Greg Troxel wrote: I would hope that Elecraft would not add D-Star support; I think it's against the spirit of amateur radio, and particularly contrary to the kit culture, to have an on-air specification that an individual amateur is precluded from implementing without obtaining a patent license. __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2411/4965 - Release Date: 04/28/12 __ 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] A Real SOS (OT)
Mike, Interesting! I didn 't know you collected lifeboat radios! One of the neatest ones I remember was the little Marconi one whose name I cannot recall now. It came after the big heavy clumsy one they had named the Salvita or Salvor . My memory of it is too fuzzy now, too many years ago! Anyway it was in a rectangular case about same height and width of a shoebox but about two and a half times longer! I did 8364 and 500 khz CW/MCW and A3 voice on 2182. There was a Swedish set that was very nice for it's size,I think made by STC. It had a receiver for 8 mhz that tuned a limited band for CW and lots of tankers had two of them. One in the lifeboat and one in the forecastle of the ship. Several ships I did inspections on had an emergency antenna erected for that set, so it could be used to communicate during emergencies, if the tanker broke into two parts (which happened several times I gather) and left people stranded on the floating bow of the ship! It was reassuring when I did an inspection and actually called WNU Slidell on 500 khz and raised him for the test. It was easy enough to crank and work the key single handed. With the old RCA and Mackay sets it took 2 people to operate one of those, one cranking one operating. If they were still in use, I'd imagine one could build a tiny radio now capable of more than the old tube stuff that used to be around then. Mackay built a solid state lifeboat set, but it was an awkward thing to use and could have been much smaller and lighter for what it was. 73 Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Mike Morrow Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2012 5:56 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] A Real SOS (OT) Ron wrote: By 1980 receivers had grown very selective, but the fact was that a great many ships still used a regenerative receiver as the backup in case the main receiver was out of commission for some reason. The auto-alarm (AA) receivers were also designed to be broad enough to detect A2 (MCW) distress AA signals from 492 to 508 kHz. Typically the AA receiver was a dedicated unit of TRF design feeding simple electronics capable of detecting the distress auto-alarm signal of twelve four-second dashes with one-second spacing sent in one minute's time. The AA signal is one of the most interesting portions of the distress signal in the link to the Morse traffic containing the M/V Prinsendam/PJTA SOS. I recommend the web page ( http://www.qsl.net/n1ea/ )of N1EA, the assistant radio officer on the US merchant ship ship Williamsburg/WGOA that came to the rescue from 120 nm away after hearing the SOS DE PJTA signal. More details and background are provided, along with direct link to an MP3 version on the SOS traffic by clicking the SOS DE PJTA button on that page. Apparently, the decision to send the SOS was made by the Prinsendam's chief radio officer, Jack van der Zee, and not the ship's master. Very unusual! Also, the QRZ.COM page for the chief radio officer on the Williamsburg has a lot of interesting related information: http://www.qrz.com/db/ns1l Both radio officers of the Williamsburg are hams (NS1L, N1EA). Some of the signals in the link below sound like they have modulation. They do. MCW was the norm for emergency traffic so they could be copied even on a receiver without a BFO. Even the emergency lifeboat transmitters like the SCR-578 and AN/CRT-3 and commercial equivalents, plus all the larger lifeboat emergency receiver and transmitters like the RCMA ET-8053 (AN/SRC-6) and the Mackay 401-A (AN/SRC-6A) sent MCW on 500 kHz. That actually complicated their design and increased the power consumption (generated by a human on a hand-crank), compared to a simple A1 transmitter. (I collect these sets.) The possibility of an SOS not being heard at all in the bedlam is what launched the twice-hourly silent periods when all ships fell silent and the R.O.s listened on 500 kHz for three minutes. Yep, from minute 15 to 18 and 45 to 48 each hour. Any Morse traffic being sent on ANY maritime frequency MF or HF would be paused with a AS SP when minute 15 and 45 came up on the clock so that ROs on any frequency could turn their attention to 500 kHz. The old MF 405 to 535 kHz Maritime Morse band was an amazing place at night. For years I kept a bedside receiver tuned to 500 kHz. This link is a real SOS recorded in 1980 when the MV Prinsendam had an engine room fire and a flooded engine room. It begins with a series of long dashes. That was the standard opening that was supposed to set off automatic alarm bells on any vessels whose radio rooms were not operating at that moment. The bells went off on the navigating bridge and right over the bed were Sparks would be sleeping. Following the dashes the SOS and emergency message begins. http://mikea.ath.cx/www.n1ea.coastalradio.org.uk/EJM_CD3_Track03_SOS_de_PJTA.zip It has always been interesting to me that the radio officer
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] 1st CW QSO on 60M
Good plan! I have heard SSB folks just startup a QSO on USB when a CW QSO on the same channels is in progress. The interference isn't severe unless the signal is strong then you have trouble with the CW station! I have found especially amung some of the newer callsigns on other bands, they will startup a RTTY QSO right on top of a CW QSO. (Since they are not required to read Morse anymore!) The same thing is happening here on 60 meters effectively only thing is there are ONLY 5 channels available. We gotta learn to share the channels not QRM your competition off the channel. 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Nick-WA5BDU Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2012 6:37 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] [K3] 1st CW QSO on 60M I got in a CW QSO on the first day the new privilege became available. Pretty fun. I set up another bank of memories for the CW frequencies. Then I was thinking that it's kind of difficult to check for USB QSOs in progress with the way CW is required to transmit 1.5kHz above the USB carrier frequency. You're listening too high even if you go to USB mode and open the bandwidth. It's cumbersome. My next notion was to program the CW frequency into each of the five channels but put the USB frequency and mode into VFO B for each memory. That way I can just hit the A/B switch to monitor the channel on USB, tuned properly, proper bandwidth. If OK, I go back to VFO A and put out a call. With an asterisk in front of each channel's name, I can use VFO A to channel hop up and down the five channel band. One minor problem here is that VFO B doesn't follow along with the channel hopping. It might be useful if it did so. 73- Nick, WA5BDU __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2114/4857 - Release Date: 03/07/12 __ 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] FCC 60m Band Change Rules Published InFederalRegister On 03 February 2012 - Correction
See remarks included below... -Original Message- From: Dave New Sent: Saturday, February 04, 2012 11:55 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FCC 60m Band Change Rules Published InFederalRegister On 03 February 2012 - Correction Now I'm really confused. I thought I had it straight in my head, after slogging through all the info in the ARRL posts, etc., that we would NOT be able to have more than one PSK (or CW) QSO going on in a given channel, because we are required to always put the one PSK or CW signal at the same offset within that channel. NO! The PSK-31 signal is not required to stay on a specific frequency. It can be anywhere from the channel low frequency edge plus 100 Hz. up to the high frequency edge of the channel minus 100 Hz. (the confines of the 2.8 Khz channel width. (The channel is 3 khz wide, but there is a 100 Hz. Guard band at the top and bottom of the channel where no signal is emitted within.) On the other hand, the CW carrier frequency IS specified and being in the dead center of the channel and nowhere else! I remember being disappointed in the idea that we wouldn't be able to use a single channel or two as a virtual CW or PSK mini-band, thus making much more efficient use of the limited spectrum being made available to us. No, only the center frequency is available. One QSO per channel on CW, unless band conditions allow two pairs of stations to use the same frequency if they are not interfering with each other. The conclusion I reached was that even if that would be the most efficient use of the spectrum, that it would likely drive the primary users nuts trying to figure out how to shut up a whole crowd of users when they wanted to use the channel, thus the reason for barring us from stuffing the channel with multiple narrow-band signals. Did I somehow misread the whole thing? I see nothing in the info in the federal regiaster poosting about just a single user at once per channel. (Unless there is something there I missed!) 73, Sandy W5TVW : 2112/4788 - Release Date: 02/04/12 __ 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] FCC 60m Band Change Rules Published InFederalRegister On 03 February 2012 - Correction
All correct! It makes no difference what frequency you use on PSK! As long as the pair of tones are within the 2.8 Khz bandwidth of the Channel. There is a 100 Hz. guard band at the top and bottom edges of the Channel therefore the channel is only 2.8 Khz wide. Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Fred Jensen Sent: Saturday, February 04, 2012 12:48 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FCC 60m Band Change Rules Published InFederalRegister On 03 February 2012 - Correction I think we all need to be careful. In the case of USB, we put our suppressed carrier [i.e. dial reading on a K3] 1.5 KHz below the authorized center frequency. The USB energy is above that and fills the 2.8 MHz channel, and it's one QSO per channel. For CW, we are told to put our keyed RF signal *on* the channel center frequency. There is only one center frequency per channel, so again, it's one QSO per channel. CW and USB seem pretty clear. The two data modes aren't quite as clear. Data, as the FCC uses it is a 2K80J2D emission which wiki.radioreference.com defines as HF PACTOR-III. Again, the emission fills the channel and it's one QSO per channel. The FCC's RTTY is a 60H0J2B emission which radioreference.com defines as PSK31, which precludes what we hams define as RTTY [45.5 baud 170 Hz shift FSK]. What's not clear is where to place your PSK31 signal. If your PSK31 signal extends upward from your dial frequency, then the RO seems to say you put your dial frequency 1.5 KHz below the channel center frequency. Where you actually transmit your PSK31 signal above that doesn't appear to be specified as long as it isn't 2.8 KHz or more, which is a little strange. Given the one QSO per channel philosophy for CW, Phone, and PACTOR-III, I would think that they would want my PSK31 signal centered in the channel and it would be one PSK31 QSO per channel like the other emissions. It just doesn't say that explicitly. There are several references in the RO to various techniques for minimizing interference to Federal users, and that seems to be a driving factor behind the one QSO per channel requirement. If it's just me and you conversing, there will be natural, frequent breaks for a primary user to claim the channel. If the 60H0J2B emission type is intended to allow multiple QSO's within the channel, as happens now above 14070, there will be no breaks and no way for a primary user to claim the channel. I don't have the answer, if someone does I'd really like to hear it, but do I think we all need to be careful as 5 March rolls around. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012 - www.cqp.org On 2/3/2012 7:14 PM, Rick Bates wrote: Hi Sandy, If I read it correctly, we can use RTTY, Pactor and PSK modes (using USB if AFSK) and are limited to 2.8 KHz. It said we were NOT limited to those modes for data as it would suppress experimentation. __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2112/4788 - Release Date: 02/04/12 __ 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] Fw: FCC 60m Band Change Rules PublishedInFederalRegister (RE CW operation, PSK DON'TS)
BTW, most of the transceivers today offset the Receiver to a 600-700 Hz difference from the dial reading, other wise there would be no tone just silence received when the station that keys his rig up on the frequency your dial reads. Read your transceiver manual! This is sometimes a programmable offset, what ever is comfortable for the operator. Yes we are going to have to be careful to avoid any possible problems with Primary users of the channels we use! A further note on PSK-31. It is easy to generate spurious sidebands by over driving the transceiver from the PSK interface! Most people who do this, mostly newbies unknowingly, usually get unholy hell raised with them once or twice before they get things adjusted properly. Other PSK users will also raise hell with you for running TOO MUCH power! MOST IMPORTANT in PSK environments is use only as much as you need to maintain a QSO! Save yourself grief and the guy who might be next to you on the band from some by being very careful about this. It is REAL EASY to misadjust things so your signal isn't clean! Fortunately on 60 meters, your Linear Amplifier isn't allowed! 73 to all, Sandy W5TVW __ 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] FCC 60m Band Change Rules Published
I would presume that the reason they didn't include conventional RTTY is because of the excessive bandwidth. You can do the same thing with PSK-31 and MORE and with less power output. Add to that multiple simultaneous users of the same channel! It’s a natural for channelized bandplan channels. 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Mike Morrow Sent: Saturday, February 04, 2012 2:32 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FCC 60m Band Change Rules Published That channel will likely become the favorite 60 meter frequency for the several military and vintage commercial radio USB nets because the carrier frequency 5357 kHz can be precisely entered on units that can be set only in 1 kHz increments. All other 60 meter USB channels require the ability to set the unit on 0.5 kHz increments. It looks like there isn't ANY normal RTTY authorized, only PSK31. It would be hard to run normal RTTY with only a 60 Hz. bandwidth. The rules mention only 60H0J2B and the discussion explains why, due to the J2B designation, it is considered RTTY. The 2K80J2D Data mode seems to refers to PACTOR-III. But isn't PACTOR-III a commercial and proprietary protocol? The FCC seems to include it for some future use with non-ham emergency networks. So, the authorized emissions seem pretty simple: 150HA1A CW Morse telegraphy, transmitter dial on the channel center frequency 2K80J3E USB phone, transmitter dial 1.5 kHz below the channel center frequency 60H0J2B RTTY (PSK-31 sent on USB phone), transmitter dial 1.5 kHz below the channel center frequency 2K80J2D DATA (PACTOR-III sent on USB phone), transmitter dial 1.5 kHz below the channel center frequency I guess the only thing not specified is where the PSK-31 signal shows up above the carrier frequency. Don't most PSK-31 transmissions use something around 1000 Hz? I wish conventional 170 Hz FSK RTTY had been authorized. I don't know why that would be worse than USB Phone or PACTOR-III. 73, Mike / KK5F __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2112/4788 - Release Date: 02/04/12 __ 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] FCC 60m Band Change Rules Published
Joe, Did you see this indicated anywhere in the information that was in the Federal Register? I saw no indication that the PSK signal MUST be on some specific location within a channel. I do remember some random discussion about there being one user per channel at the same time, but this doesn't make sense for the efficient use of PSK-31. Being able to multiplex several QSO's at one time is a great advantage in a spectrum environment with little space per channel! If you see ANY reference to this in the Federal Register posting, let me know if I have overlooked it! 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Joe Subich, W4TV Sent: Saturday, February 04, 2012 2:45 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FCC 60m Band Change Rules Published I guess the only thing not specified is where the PSK-31 signal shows up above the carrier frequency. Don't most PSK-31 transmissions use something around 1000 Hz? In the discussion part of the Report and Order, the Commission made it clear that the PSK31 signal *must* be located on the channel center - there were not to be multiple signals per channel creating a mini PSK31 band. To comply with the Commission's intent, PSK31 should be operated with a 1500 Hz audio tone and the dial set 1.5 KHz below the channel center. If, as in the case of the K3, the PSK generator uses a subcarrier other than 1500 Hz, the dial frequency must be offset as needed to place the resulting PSK31 signal in the center of the assigned channel. 73, ... Joe, W4TV __ 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] FCC 60m Band Change Rules Published InFederalRegister On 03 February 2012 - Correction
To all, I no longer have the RO that was issued a few months ago. Can't locate it. Joe you must be RIGHT! My humble apologies! I say its absolutely Stupid but I guess Stupid is as stupid was as that movie saying went! In the Federal Register posting, the new 97.303 (h) states: 60 m. band: (1) In the 5330.5-5406.4 kHz band (60m band), amateur stations may transmit only on the five center frequencies specified in the table below.. THIS will not allow multiple PSK QSO's within the channel! SORRY! MY OVERSIGHT AND MY MISTAKE! To me, it's DUMB...but it will be the law! My apologies to all for getting so excited about this. I guess they are worried about the newbies being able to carry more than one hand grenade at a time! Excuse my dust fellows! 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Joe Subich, W4TV Sent: Saturday, February 04, 2012 4:12 PM To: Sandy Cc: k6...@foothill.net ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FCC 60m Band Change Rules Published InFederalRegister On 03 February 2012 - Correction On 2/4/2012 4:52 PM, Sandy wrote: All correct! It makes no difference what frequency you use on PSK! As long as the pair of tones are within the 2.8 Khz bandwidth of the Channel. WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! __ 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] FCC 60m Band Change Rules Published In FederalRegister On 03 February 2012 - Correction
Hey guys! I am planning on trying CW for the first time on 60 meters on the new channel 3 on 5358.5. Just hope the PACTOR stuff doesn't jump on that channel and claim it. It looks like there isn't ANY normal RTTY authorized, only PSK31. It would be hard to run normal RTTY with only a 60 Hz. bandwidth. 73, Sandy W5TVW Wonder if someone would be ready for a 60 meter RF card for the K1? -Original Message- From: Wayne Burdick Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 5:01 PM To: Dave New Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FCC 60m Band Change Rules Published In FederalRegister On 03 February 2012 - Correction It's on my list. I want to be the first one to make a 60-meter CW QSO anyway :) 73, Wayne N6KR On Feb 3, 2012, at 12:42 PM, Dave New wrote: Did I miss the conversation about how the K3 will handle the rule changes? Firmware update in the works, anyone, or do we have to manually program all the weird mode offsets somehow ourselves, using macros? Makes my head hurt... __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2112/4784 - Release Date: 02/03/12 __ 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] FCC 60m Band Change Rules Published InFederalRegister On 03 February 2012 - Correction
Firstly, if you read the Summary of the RO, it specifically states that for FSK emission designator is: 60H0J2D. 60 Hz being the bandwidth of the PSK emissions. Under ideal conditions, I would suppose that about 1.5 khz of space would be usable at least with a normal SSB transceiver on PSK-31. If the tones are much below 0.5khz you run into some distortion that seems to prevail on some transceivers and cause spurious signals, ditto above 2 khz. No doubt some rigs might work OK, some might not. Still several simultaneous QSO's could be accommodated in say a 1.5 =2 khz bandwidth with no problem if there wasn't a Power hog trying to outdo everyone else on the channel. One MUST be a Good neighbor and not run excessive power (even under the 100w PEP ERP requirement) in order for everyone to have his QSO with adjoining stations operating. A normal RTTY station would be much broader than allowed by the emission designator. PSK-31 can be a very delightful and reliable mode but one Lid can wreck a whole band of PSK channels using 2 khz of band space. 97.307 specifically assigns the 60H0J2B bandwidth designator in the addition/revision rules in the Federal Register for part 97. So it seems that PSK-31 WOULD be able to use more than one QSO in the channel space allotted per channel as long as there wasn't any spurious crud outside or inside the assigned channel. Most of the waterfall displays have frequency calibrations which can be very close if one sets up his transceiver's frequency correctly. The space used by each user of PSK-31 is limited to what the emission designator specifies and not the 2.8 khz bandwidth as is specified for PACTOR data. Being much narrower than PACTOR several PSK-31 co-users should be possible per channel. For CW the RO also says the CW signal will be 1.5 Khz above the suppressed carrier frequency used by the USB mode and one would assume that it would have to be within + or - 75 Hz of that center frequency. This would pretty much limit each channel to one CW QSO per channel at any one time. (emission designator for CW is: 150HA1A) Just an observation. We will find out what happens when March 5th comes and the new emissions are tried out. There probably WILL be some growing pains and also newbies who don't understand the problems that will pop up in channelized spectrum space in ham radio. I'm looking forward to operating both CW (and PSK-31 eventually when I get my interface for the FT-990 xcvr built) It should be fun and very useful having these additions to just voice modes on 60 meters! 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Rick Bates Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 9:14 PM To: 'Sandy' Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] FCC 60m Band Change Rules Published InFederalRegister On 03 February 2012 - Correction Hi Sandy, If I read it correctly, we can use RTTY, Pactor and PSK modes (using USB if AFSK) and are limited to 2.8 KHz. It said we were NOT limited to those modes for data as it would suppress experimentation. Since PSK is usually sound card based, keeping everything within the required 2.8 KHz means there will be less space (than say 14.07 MHz) for shared channel use. The one caveat I see is if one uses the FSK (or PSK in a K3) mode of the radio. You have to know if it is displaying the suppressed carrier frequency OR is it displaying the MARK frequency and adjust accordingly? For CW, use the channel center frequency (up 1500 Hz from the suppressed carrier frequency). Comments? Rick WA6NHC -Original Message- From: Sandy Hey guys! I am planning on trying CW for the first time on 60 meters on the new channel 3 on 5358.5. Just hope the PACTOR stuff doesn't jump on that channel and claim it. It looks like there isn't ANY normal RTTY authorized, only PSK31. It would be hard to run normal RTTY with only a 60 Hz. bandwidth. 73, Sandy W5TVW - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2112/4786 - Release Date: 02/03/12 __ 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] RF radiating appliances
Some interesting information on some of those links! One of the BIG problems we face is what I call the digital mindset. What I mean by this is some of the late technology telemetry devices that use something other than what used to be called analog transmission and reception systems. The digital engineers don't seem to understand the analog RF world and the havoc some of the digital devices are causing, especially in increasing the background noise levels and EMI levels. Take just ONE factor like the CFL lamps. A lot of these are operating in the 20-60 Khz. region and generating a plethora of harmonics that cannot be filtered out! I have noticed since the wholesale promotion of the CFL, a remarkable increase in EMI levels on just the amateur bands. Most affected is 160 meters with lesser effects as the wavelength of the amateur band decreases. (harmonics get weaker as their frequency increases.) Too many of these devices causing EMI seem to be protected by FCC Part 15 rules, so people who encounter the EMI are left pretty much to their own devices to remedy the situation. In some instances this can be very difficult to overcome and remediate. (I will not go into the problems Part 15 causes, this is a whole NEW and complex discussion in itself.!) I am sure there is a large degree of irrelevant connection to EMI/random noise generation and significant biological damage caused, but there may be indeed something to get alarmed about in some instances. I have no expertise in the biological field other than various papers I have read, some of which seem somewhat far-fetched. I do know that our LF/MF spectrum has gotten progressively noisier over the years especially as the lower parts of it are abandoned by the older analog use of it in communication and navigation technologies. This includes the spectrum from 10 Khz up thru the old shipboard CW and beacon bands, on thru the AM broadcast band into the low HF region to around 3-4 Mhz. The HF regions are becoming noisier too but not as intensely as the LF/MF regions discussed. A classic example of HF EMI has been already extensively discussed relative to the great BPL fiasco which the digital engineers had no real clue as to the intensity of the EMI generated/radiated in the HF spectrum. The regulators have forgotten that the radio spectrum at least from zero to VHF frequencies used to be recognized as a public resource but our modern FCC seems to be ignoring that sermon they used to preach about that issue. Can we bottle up the EMI for the benefit of both LF/MF/HF analog users of the electromagnetic spectrum generated by the enormous array of digital/switching devices so that present and future users of this space will still be able to communicate AND also not be biologically harmed by effects of the newer technology to the old? 73, Sandy Blaize W5TVW -Original Message- From: Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 3:43 PM To: 'David Christ' ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] RF radiating appliances David, that looks like a web page from the folks who wear tinfoil hats to protect themselves from cell towers. Before cell phones they were waging war against the pervasive field from our A-C mains power systems. Many modern appliances radiate a lot of RF energy, but it's not for communicating. It's noise from their internal switching power supplies or other logic circuits. It's often a huge headache for Hams operating HF rigs in the same house. The electrical power meters here do report wirelessly when the power company vehicle drives by, but only when interrogated by a transmitter in the power company reader's vehicle. That saves a lot of labor walking the neighborhoods reading meters, especially in rural areas. There are other forms of automatic meter reading in use too. This looks like a good rundown of that technology: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_meter_reading If people really see their electrical bills go up, IMHO it's because they are using more electricity with their new RFI-producing smart appliances, not because of a conspiracy by the power companies. More and more gadgets in our homes are never fully off, but keep a logic circuit alive. You know that's true if it has a remote control, but a number of dishwashers, washing machines, toasters, stoves, etc., are adopting the same technology, allowing you to touch a membrane switch or touch screen to start them rather than throwing a clunky 'mechanical' switch of some sort. They all add up to a parasitic or phantom drain that is a growing part of our national electrical demand and your energy bill. Here's more about that: http://icrontic.com/article/phantom_power It's a simple matter to read your own meter to monitor your usage for those who don't trust the power company. 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- My sister forwarded this link to me. I think this may be a different issue than Bill
Re: [Elecraft] Internet RFI Issue
This effect JUST might be the cause of my problems too. I am using Charter cable too and Wi-Fi from the shack to the master bedroom across the house. I also suspect too many g Wi-Fi protocol users on the very limited number of channels may be wrecking things at non-descript times! QRM if you will on the 2.5 Ghz. Wi-Fi band! If and when I can, I intend eventually getting an n protocol access point, installing a CAT 5 cable from the ham shack in adjacent building thru the attic to over the master bedroom and placing the access point in the attic space. If THAT is my primary problem, that should fix it! I hope! Give us a report when they get it sorted out Ron! 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2012 10:20 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Internet RFI Issue Since so many Hams today depend upon their internet connection in the shack I thought this might be of interest. A few weeks ago I started losing my internet service in the evenings. I have a Charter cable connection that had provided consistent 20 MBs downloads and 4 MBs upload speeds until then. Suddenly I was faced with evening download rates of 1 or 2 MBs and uploads of a couple of KBps - not enough to keep e-mail POP servers from timing out on short text messages! The next day everything was back to normal. I called Charter and they had a tech out to my place a couple of hours later. He showed me the spectrum plots of my internet signal over a number of days. Many evenings a huge surge of noise appeared that killed the S/N ratio. He explained that they've had to chase a number of these down in recent months. He said that it is often caused by a TV set with a direct internet connection for watching streaming programming. He explained that poor design causes some TVs to inject huge noise levels into the cable connection, apparently when the cable connection is not in use so the owner never notices it. They've had to track down a number of them in this area. He made some adjustments to increase my signal levels to help offset the effect of the high noise levels, and said they'd have a team searching all the node connections in the evenings to find the offender. It's something to consider if your operating is interrupted by poor internet service from a cable connection, especially during prime time hours. A slower connection may not be simply a heavily loaded system. Indeed, I've yet to notice any system loading my service. 73, Ron AC7AC __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4754 - Release Date: 01/19/12 __ 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] Tuning AL-811H
If you are interested in doing the job totally right when using SSB, the only way to be assured of good linearity in the amplifier, is to use a two-tone test oscillator fed into the audio input and a monitor oscilloscope that gives a trapezoidal test pattern. Yes, I know a lot of people use a CW carrier to do that and are successful at least some of the time. It is easy to mistune this way and NOT get good linearity and maximum `PEP output however. This degrades your signal and often times may disturb QSO's up or down the band with non-linearity products. Cheapest test scope used to be the Heathkit SB-610 which has a built in 2 tone test oscillator. I think Yaesu and Kenwood also made these as well. Once you get used to the procedure it is easy and fast and assures a very clean and potent signal. 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Ian Kahn - Ham Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2012 9:51 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Tuning AL-811H I have a question about tuning an AL-811H amplifier with my K3. When I used my FT-857D in the shack, I would tune to the antenna in FM mode. However, I don't have the FM filter on my K3. I tried tuning the amp using AM, but I don't have that filter either. So, what is the best mode to use that allows me to briefly transmit an uninterrupted carrier so I can get this amp set up and the settings written down? BTW, after going through this, the saving for the KPA500/KAT500 will soon begin. Thanks everyone for the assist. 73, --Ian Ian Kahn, KM4IK Roswell, GA km4ik@gmail.com K3 #281, P3 #688 __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4754 - Release Date: 01/19/12 __ 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] open wire feeders
The only LARGE problem that rears it's ugly head is a large amount of inductive or capacitive reactance often times present that the actual balun has to cope with. This dissipates power no mater what the VSWR on the open wire line happens to be. You WILL NOT be transforming a 50 ohm line to a 200 ohm line (4:1 transformer) OR a 50 ohm line to a 450 ohm line (9:1) There will be always some reactance present. If you run higher power (500-1000 watts or more) this may actually ultimately destroy the balun transformer itself! This effect doesn't seem to be as radical with choke type (ferrite beads over a run of coax) compared to a transformer type balun. I think you would be better off in the long run, in this instance with a choke type balun and use a coupler between to rig power source and the load Choke balun/ladder line/open wire feeder. The idea is to keep the coax part as short as possible and let the tuner deal with the oddball reactances that occur on the line. Over the years I have had troubles and seen other with same syndrome trying to let a transformer balun compensate for a impedance transformation under the duress of a HIGH reactance present which seems to destroy things eventually, AND radiate less useful power rather than it would other wise if the reactance was tuned out. I hope I am making myself clear. In my old setup before my XYL had a stroke, causing me to stop using a homebrewed balance line tuner (ladder line feeder entering the shack directly) worked most effectively. The dipole was 135' long at 50' and fed with about 110 feet of 450 ohm ladder line. I am unable to erect a similar antenna from the master bedroom where the rig is now and had to resort to using an end fed wire again. 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Robert G. Strickland Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 12:40 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] open wire feeders Don... Many hams - as I have done/do - use coax to get out of the house, connect it to a balun, and then connect twinlead from the balun to an antenna. There is a lot of commentary on this setup, but perhaps another time through would be helpful. The questions arise: - if the coax is short, say under ten feet, is this setup more or less equivalent to running the twinlead all the way from the antenna to the transmitter? - again, if the coax is short, will RG8 or 213 be sufficient to the task? - is there any advantage of one balun ratio to another [1:1, 4:1, 9:1]? Happy New Year, and thanks for your contributions here on the Elecraft reflector. ...robert On 12/31/2011 17:42, Don Wilhelm wrote: George, Short question, long answer follows -- Do to constraints at home, I no longer use open wire or ladder line feeders, but when I did use them, I found several things were true if you did not want them to radiate (and create RF in the Shack). My first rule is to use balanced antennas - off center fed antennas are famous for feedline radiation and RF in the shack. The second rule is to run the feedline away from the antenna at right angles for as great a length as you can manage, but certainly for a quarterwavelength - The feedline can pick up radiation from the antenna if this rule is not followed. Third is to run the feedline correctly - use nice gentle bends if you must change direction, support it using as few hangers as possible (if you can put the feedline under tension, you can get away with very few supports) but support it so it is stable even in the wind. Do not run it parallel to other conductors, but you may cross a conductor at right angles if necessary. The line should be spaced away from other objects by at least 3 times the spacing of the conductors. Lastly, If I could, use a true balanced tuner, link coupled is best, so if you see a Johnson Matchbox at a hamfest, get it. If you must use an unbalanced tuner, use a good balun at the output (see K9AY's info on baluns). BTW, do not assume that a 4:1 balun is the thing to use, the feedpoint impedance in the shack can vary wildly from very low to very high. If you do encounter a high impedance feedpoint on any band, that will place a high RF voltage point at the shack end - add or subtract some feedline to bring the feedpoint impedance down. If you do not understand how the feedpoint impedance changes with the length, take a look at the Antenna article on my website www.w3fpr.com 73, Don W3FPR On 12/31/2011 11:25 AM, w2b...@aol.com wrote: Those of you using open wire feed lines. How do you keep RF out of the shack? 73 George/W2BPI K2/100 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] Antennas
This particular technique using a half wave antenna as an end fed wire can be VERY dicey if you run high power, but as Ron says the efficiency rises as the ground losses fall. (Percentage wise) A way to get maximum use of a 100 watter or a QRP rig when your space available is small. Somewhere is this thread of discussions the balun is mentioned, especially the 4:1 one. IF you are using a 4:1 transformer type balun (the ones commonly wound on toroid forms) Losses MAY be high and also destructive to the balun if there is a large of amount of inductive or capacitive reactance the balun is dealing with! Do not assume the reactance is low unless you have measured it as such at the frequency of operation! Choke type baluns usually escape this destruction (burning up, overheating, core shattering, etc.) more easily than the transformer types! Don't forget one of the simplest networks there is, the L network, is also sometimes the most efficient yet devised. Most of the automatic type tuners are based on a multielement switching L network. 73 to all, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2011 2:43 PM To: 'David Robertson' ; 'Elecraft' Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Antennas Good advice David, but the earth affects the impedance of a dipole. When fed at the center a dipole exhibits a 75-ohm impedance in free space. But, when brought close to the earth (which most HF antennas are, electrically) the impedance is lowered. At the typical heights most of us hang our HF wires - say 30 to 60 feet above the earth - the impedance is closer to 50 ohms, especially on the lower frequency bands. Of course, Dipole refers to the fact that the length of the radiator is such that a voltage loop (maxima) occurs exactly at each end, hence it has two poles. So a simple radiator is a dipole at only one frequency or, for practical use, one Ham band. You can feed a dipole at any point along its length. The impedance is lowest at the exact center (at the current loop) and will rise as the feed point is moved toward either end. Center feed is probably the most popular because its impedance happily coincides with the impedance of common coaxial line. At this QTH, I have a 130 foot end fed wire in Inverted L configuration because my shack had to go at one end of the only clear run for a wire. It is a dipole on 80 meters and does exhibit very high feed point impedance. That requires a matching network that can handle very high voltages but has the advantage that very little current flows into the antenna and so very little current flows into the ground system, resulting in very high overall efficiency. 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- I get my elecraft mail in journal form so my response is delayed. I had to mention that people who make broad statements about feed lines and antennas should check the antenna book and handbook before producing the wrong information. Here is an example: The impedance of the feed line does not change the impedance of the antenna. A half wave length dipole at the proper height is still a 50 ohm feed regardless of whether it's fed with 50ohm line or 600 ohm line. Last time I checked a dipole (single wire 1/2 wavelength center fed) is 75 ohms. The part of the statement about impedance of the feed line is correct but with swr on the feedline the apparent impedance can can different Happy Holidays everyone. 73 Dave KD1NA __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1873 / Virus Database: 2102/4672 - Release Date: 12/10/11 __ 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] US 60 Meter Band Changes Approved by FCC
Another recent post by Don Wilhem as to commercial use of only USB is correct and has always been to my recollection. A bit of a history lesson is in order here. The use of LSB on 75 meters and USB on 20 meters (there was NO 40 meter voice band at the time!) in all probability is a phenomenon started by a phasing exciter known as the SSB Jr. and it's derivatives, the most famous one being the Central Electronics Model 10A, then the model 10B and 20A which were possibly the most popular factory made transmitters at the time. All these exciters had no USB and LSB markings on the mode switch, but they were designated SB1 and SB2. The reason this was done was due to the conversion process employed as the SSB signal was generated at 9 Mhz and heterodyned to either 14, or 4 Mhz with a 5 MHz VFO signal. Whichever position of the mode switch was used (SB1 in all probability, it's been too many years for me to precisely recall and not really important at this time for me to research it!) At any rate, the result was Upper sideband signals on 14 Mhz and lower sideband signals at 3.8-4.0 Mhz. Why switch the switch when changing bands to maintain the same sideband? Laziness prevailed! Convention started (LSB on 75, USB on 20) continued on 10 and later 15 meters by the use of USB and when voice was permitted on 40 meters, LSB there. The tradition has continued thru the present day. Commercial SSB has ALWAYS been upper, used extensively for Shipboard and aeronautical HF communication ever since. Some Fixed HF communications have made use of ISB in which the lower and upper sidebands carried simultaneously independent information on the two sidebands. In this case lower is utilized. It is rather difficult to get a radio receiver built for commercial use that is actually fitted with a Lower sideband filter unit! Many very fine receivers used in the maritime service are almost, if not impossible to actually find a filter module for to enable LSB use! Government users almost ALWAYS utilize Upper Sideband, hence the use of it on 60 meters where the Amateur Service is a secondary user of the spectrum space. Hope this clears up the WHYS of upper on high bands and lower on lower bands and why it started. My information is what I recall years ago, so don't hold me responsible for small errors or minute details about the why's and when's! 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Kevin Cozens Sent: Tuesday, November 22, 2011 10:54 AM To: K2 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] US 60 Meter Band Changes Approved by FCC On 11-11-19 02:36 PM, Mike Morrow wrote: Yesterday (18 November 2011), the FCC published its approval of changes to the US 60 meter band. [snip] (3) Three emission modes (CW, RTTY, Data) are authorized in addition to the existing USB mode. Is that a typo at the end of (3) above? It would be a break with (amateur radio) convention to use USB in that part of the radio spectrum. __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1873 / Virus Database: 2101/4630 - Release Date: 11/21/11 __ 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] US 60 Meter Band Changes Approved by FCC - CW Issues
The CW signal must be radiated on the center frequency. This won't make ANY difference except that you will have two memory settings for the same channel. One for SSB and data and RTTY modes, and one for CW mode which will simply occupy 10 memory slots. If the FCC engineers want to hear a 1.5 khz tone, that's THEIR problem, not ours. Maybe there will be some simple simon type doing any monitoring and he will have a reference frequency of 1500 hz. plus or minus what ever the tolerances are in PPM. As I said this ISN'T OUR WORRY. Will be nice to have a CW place to go that will be unmolested by contesters on weekends! When is this supposed to appear in the Federal Register anybody know? 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Mike Morrow Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2011 2:13 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] US 60 Meter Band Changes Approved by FCC - CW Issues I wrote: (3) Three emission modes (CW, RTTY, Data) are authorized in addition to the existing USB mode. There's interesting detail about carrier versus center frequency in the *new* Section 97.303: ---QUOTE--- (h) 60 m band: (1) In the 5330.5-5406.4 kHz band (60 m band), amateur stations may transmit only on the five center frequencies specified in the table below. In order to meet this requirement, control operators of stations transmitting phone, data, and RTTY emissions (emission designators 2K80J3E, 2K80J2D, and 60H0J2B, respectively) may set the carrier frequency 1.5 kHz below the center frequency as specified in the table below. For CW emissions (emission designator 150HA1A), the carrier frequency is set to the center frequency... 60M BAND FREQUENCIES (KHZ) Carrier Center 5330.55332.0 5346.55348.0 5357.05358.5 5371.55373.0 5403.55405.0 ---END QUOTE--- Note the *requirement*: For CW emissions ... the carrier frequency is set to the center frequency. For example, switching from USB Phone on 5357.0 kHz to CW on the *same* channel, the transmitter must transmit on 5358.5 kHz. That will produce a 1500 Hz tone in a USB receiver set to 5357.0 kHz. It appears that now a transceiver will need to shift not only the transmitter's carrier from 5357.0 to 5358.5 kHz, but also receiver's effective frequency up by the amount needed to produce the desired sidetone when tuned to a 5358.5 kHz CW signal. The wording in the new rule seems to introduce an unfortunate and valueless complexity for CW operation. Mike / KK5F __ 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] US 60 Meter Band Changes Approved by FCC - CW Issues
As to frequency tolerances, I have no idea. The commercial SSB tolerances used to be around 20Hz. I don't know what it is now. There isn't anything specified in the NRPM as to tolerances and I would assume the FCC is accepting whatever the precision of the current bunch of Japanese radios type approved are at present. I would not press this issue as we are likely to end up on the short end of the stick in some technical brawl as to what the tolerances should be, in all probability by non technical FCC types! My brain tells me to Let the sleeping dog lie! in this case. 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Rick Dettinger Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2011 3:24 PM To: Sandy Cc: Mike Morrow ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net ; TETRODE List ; Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: [Elecraft] US 60 Meter Band Changes Approved by FCC - CW Issues I am wondering what restrictions are placed on frequency accuracy? Would simple QRP rigs like the Sierra or maybe a modified K1 be suitable for operation on the 60 meter band? We are probably talking about less th at 200 Hz. deviation from the specified center frequency. Also, I don't think that the FCC engineers have randomly monitored any ham frequencies for at least two decades. We are now self policing. 73, Rick Dettinger K7MW On Nov 19, 2011, at 12:55 PM, Sandy wrote: The CW signal must be radiated on the center frequency. This won't make ANY difference except that you will have two memory settings for the same channel. One for SSB and data and RTTY modes, and one for CW mode which will simply occupy 10 memory slots. If the FCC engineers want to hear a 1.5 khz tone, that's THEIR problem, not ours. Maybe there will be some simple simon type doing any monitoring and he will have a reference frequency of 1500 hz. plus or minus what ever the tolerances are in PPM. As I said this ISN'T OUR WORRY. Will be nice to have a CW place to go that will be unmolested by contesters on weekends! When is this supposed to appear in the Federal Register anybody know? 73, Sandy W5TVW - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1872 / Virus Database: 2092/4626 - Release Date: 11/19/11 __ 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] US 60 Meter Band Changes Approved by FCC - CW Issues
My FT-990 and my old IC-735 both indicate the carrier frequency emitted by the radio. In the commercial realm the old SSB channels were designated as to the suppressed carrier frequency the channels being upper sideband as given for such operation in the marine and aeronautical assignments. Sometimes center frequency assignments were listed but this was a constant source of confusion, so they finally listed suppressed carrier frequency. The regulators is this case the FCC, want CW to use the center frequency. This was an arbitrary decision to keep CW in the center of the channel bandwidth. My YAESU FT-990 and other sets remember the mode and selectivity in memory as well as the carrier frequency. Therefore it is necessary to program the CW channels and USB channels as prescribed (center frequency OR carrier frequency) if you want to lesson the confusion for CW and USB assignments. Just programming ONE frequency and shifting between CW and USB modes WILL NOT CUT IT! I strongly recommend those who plan on CW and USB operation both do this! It will keep you out of trouble and keep the peace on the band better. This is one of the minus points of Channelized operation. 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Mike Morrow Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2011 3:47 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] US 60 Meter Band Changes Approved by FCC - CW Issues Sandy wrote: The CW signal must be radiated on the center frequency. This won't make ANY difference except that you will have two memory settings for the same channel. One for SSB and data and RTTY modes, and one for CW mode which will simply occupy 10 memory slots. The point to be taken is that most HAM transceivers, when the emission mode is changed from USB to CW, shift either the effective receive or the transmit frequency by the desired amount of sidetone frequency. They don't shift both the effective receive AND the transmit frequency. For example, a transceiver tuned to 5357.0 kHz on the dial in USB mode will produce a zero Hz AF output when receiving a transmitted signal of 5357.0 kHz, and a 1500 Hz AF output when receiving a transmitted signal of 5358.5 kHz. When the transceiver is shifted to CW mode, the receiver frequency typically remains 5357.0 kHz, while the transmitter frequency is shifted up to typically 5357.8 kHz (for 800 Hz CW sidetone). But the new FCC rules require that the CW transmit frequency be 5358.5 kHz, which will produce an undesirably high side tone to any USB/CW mode receiver set to 5357.0 kHz. If you are in a USB phone QSO on 5357.0 kHz, anyone sending a CW signal on that channel must do that using 5358.5 kHz. The phone boys will hear not the typically 800 Hz sidetone, but rather a high 1500 Hz sidetone! If the FCC engineers want to hear a 1.5 khz tone, that's THEIR problem, not ours. That's got NOTHING to do with the discussion. The new 60m rules will mandate that a CW signal be sent 1500 Hz higher than the USB carrier frequency on the assigned channel! This is the FIRST REQUIREMENT of this type in ALL of the history of ham radio. There are NO ham rigs today that are set to implement this requirement when, while set to to 5357.0 kHz, the mode switch is shifted from USB to CW! Beyond that, since most hams will not be happy with normal use of a 1500 Hz sidetone on 60m, new ham rigs will also need to shift the receiver frequency higher than that being used for USB phone mode, in order to produce an 800 Hz (or so) sidetone after the mode switch is taken from USB to CW. So...nothing in this discussion concerns any FCC desire for a particular receiver sidetone, but rather, additional issues that must be addressed by ham rig designers for multi-mode 60m operation that are significantly different than have ever been encountered. Mike / KK5F Maybe there will be some simple simon type doing any monitoring and he will have a reference frequency of 1500 hz. plus or minus what ever the tolerances are in PPM. As I said this ISN'T OUR WORRY. Will be nice to have a CW place to go that will be unmolested by contesters on weekends! When is this supposed to appear in the Federal Register anybody know? 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Mike Morrow Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2011 2:13 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] US 60 Meter Band Changes Approved by FCC - CW Issues I wrote: (3) Three emission modes (CW, RTTY, Data) are authorized in addition to the existing USB mode. There's interesting detail about carrier versus center frequency in the *new* Section 97.303: ---QUOTE--- (h) 60 m band: (1) In the 5330.5-5406.4 kHz band (60 m band), amateur stations may transmit only on the five center frequencies specified in the table below. In order to meet this requirement, control operators of stations transmitting phone, data, and RTTY emissions (emission designators 2K80J3E, 2K80J2D, and 60H0J2B, respectively) may set
Re: [Elecraft] US 60 Meter Band Changes Approved by FCC - CW Issues
WHO CARES? he FCC is the entity that controls Amateur operation and they have the last word. 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Matthew Pitts Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2011 4:09 PM To: Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] US 60 Meter Band Changes Approved by FCC - CW Issues Mike, This new requirement may not be driven entirely by the FCC; isn't 60 meters controlled by the NTIA? Maybe they are the ones that stipulated the shift in frequency; I don't know. Matthew Pitts N8OHU Sent from my Wireless Device -Original Message- From: Mike Morrow k...@earthlink.net Sender: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net Date: Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:47:34 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Reply-To: Mike Morrow k...@arrl.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] US 60 Meter Band Changes Approved by FCC - CW Issues Sandy wrote: The CW signal must be radiated on the center frequency. This won't make ANY difference except that you will have two memory settings for the same channel. One for SSB and data and RTTY modes, and one for CW mode which will simply occupy 10 memory slots. The point to be taken is that most HAM transceivers, when the emission mode is changed from USB to CW, shift either the effective receive or the transmit frequency by the desired amount of sidetone frequency. They don't shift both the effective receive AND the transmit frequency. For example, a transceiver tuned to 5357.0 kHz on the dial in USB mode will produce a zero Hz AF output when receiving a transmitted signal of 5357.0 kHz, and a 1500 Hz AF output when receiving a transmitted signal of 5358.5 kHz. When the transceiver is shifted to CW mode, the receiver frequency typically remains 5357.0 kHz, while the transmitter frequency is shifted up to typically 5357.8 kHz (for 800 Hz CW sidetone). But the new FCC rules require that the CW transmit frequency be 5358.5 kHz, which will produce an undesirably high side tone to any USB/CW mode receiver set to 5357.0 kHz. If you are in a USB phone QSO on 5357.0 kHz, anyone sending a CW signal on that channel must do that using 5358.5 kHz. The phone boys will hear not the typically 800 Hz sidetone, but rather a high 1500 Hz sidetone! If the FCC engineers want to hear a 1.5 khz tone, that's THEIR problem, not ours. That's got NOTHING to do with the discussion. The new 60m rules will mandate that a CW signal be sent 1500 Hz higher than the USB carrier frequency on the assigned channel! This is the FIRST REQUIREMENT of this type in ALL of the history of ham radio. There are NO ham rigs today that are set to implement this requirement when, while set to to 5357.0 kHz, the mode switch is shifted from USB to CW! Beyond that, since most hams will not be happy with normal use of a 1500 Hz sidetone on 60m, new ham rigs will also need to shift the receiver frequency higher than that being used for USB phone mode, in order to produce an 800 Hz (or so) sidetone after the mode switch is taken from USB to CW. So...nothing in this discussion concerns any FCC desire for a particular receiver sidetone, but rather, additional issues that must be addressed by ham rig designers for multi-mode 60m operation that are significantly different than have ever been encountered. Mike / KK5F Maybe there will be some simple simon type doing any monitoring and he will have a reference frequency of 1500 hz. plus or minus what ever the tolerances are in PPM. As I said this ISN'T OUR WORRY. Will be nice to have a CW place to go that will be unmolested by contesters on weekends! When is this supposed to appear in the Federal Register anybody know? 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Mike Morrow Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2011 2:13 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] US 60 Meter Band Changes Approved by FCC - CW Issues I wrote: (3) Three emission modes (CW, RTTY, Data) are authorized in addition to the existing USB mode. There's interesting detail about carrier versus center frequency in the *new* Section 97.303: ---QUOTE--- (h) 60 m band: (1) In the 5330.5-5406.4 kHz band (60 m band), amateur stations may transmit only on the five center frequencies specified in the table below. In order to meet this requirement, control operators of stations transmitting phone, data, and RTTY emissions (emission designators 2K80J3E, 2K80J2D, and 60H0J2B, respectively) may set the carrier frequency 1.5 kHz below the center frequency as specified in the table below. For CW emissions (emission designator 150HA1A), the carrier frequency is set to the center frequency... 60M BAND FREQUENCIES (KHZ) Carrier Center 5330.55332.0 5346.55348.0 5357.05358.5 5371.55373.0 5403.55405.0 ---END QUOTE--- Note the *requirement*: For CW emissions ... the carrier frequency is set to the center frequency. For example, switching from USB Phone on 5357.0 kHz to CW on the *same* channel, the transmitter must transmit on 5358.5 kHz
Re: [Elecraft] US 60 Meter Band Changes Approved by FCC - CW Issues
You CAN do it that way...BUT.if you doBE careful. If you make a mistake it may be costly to everyone who uses the band. I'm sure they will be doing at least a sample monitoring session during the early days after the allocations are final. THESE ARE CHANNELIZED frequencies and they have a tendency to be sure you are compliant with their rules! They may not be, but why take a chance. It's too easy to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I'd imagine SOMEONE is gonna be a bit touchy the first few weeks after this goes into effect. If you have the memories..USE THEM! No offense meant by above remarks! 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Mike Harris Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2011 4:38 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] US 60 Meter Band Changes Approved by FCC - CW Issues Maybe I'm missing something but isn't this what the VFO knob is for. Set the dial frequency to 5357kHz for USB, change to CW and set the dial frequency to 5358.5kHz Regards. Mike VP8NO On 19/11/2011 18:47, Mike Morrow wrote: Sandy wrote: The CW signal must be radiated on the center frequency. This won't make ANY difference except that you will have two memory settings for the same channel. One for SSB and data and RTTY modes, and one for CW mode which will simply occupy 10 memory slots. The point to be taken is that most HAM transceivers, when the emission mode is changed from USB to CW, shift either the effective receive or the transmit frequency by the desired amount of sidetone frequency. They don't shift both the effective receive AND the transmit frequency. For example, a transceiver tuned to 5357.0 kHz on the dial in USB mode will produce a zero Hz AF output when receiving a transmitted signal of 5357.0 kHz, and a 1500 Hz AF output when receiving a transmitted signal of 5358.5 kHz. When the transceiver is shifted to CW mode, the receiver frequency typically remains 5357.0 kHz, while the transmitter frequency is shifted up to typically 5357.8 kHz (for 800 Hz CW sidetone). But the new FCC rules require that the CW transmit frequency be 5358.5 kHz, which will produce an undesirably high side tone to any USB/CW mode receiver set to 5357.0 kHz. If you are in a USB phone QSO on 5357.0 kHz, anyone sending a CW signal on that channel must do that using 5358.5 kHz. The phone boys will hear not the typically 800 Hz sidetone, but rather a high 1500 Hz sidetone! If the FCC engineers want to hear a 1.5 khz tone, that's THEIR problem, not ours. That's got NOTHING to do with the discussion. The new 60m rules will mandate that a CW signal be sent 1500 Hz higher than the USB carrier frequency on the assigned channel! This is the FIRST REQUIREMENT of this type in ALL of the history of ham radio. There are NO ham rigs today that are set to implement this requirement when, while set to to 5357.0 kHz, the mode switch is shifted from USB to CW! Beyond that, since most hams will not be happy with normal use of a 1500 Hz sidetone on 60m, new ham rigs will also need to shift the receiver frequency higher than that being used for USB phone mode, in order to produce an 800 Hz (or so) sidetone after the mode switch is taken from USB to CW. So...nothing in this discussion concerns any FCC desire for a particular receiver sidetone, but rather, additional issues that must be addressed by ham rig designers for multi-mode 60m operation that are significantly different than have ever been encountered. Mike / KK5F __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1872 / Virus Database: 2092/4626 - Release Date: 11/19/11 __ 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] US 60 Meter Band Changes Approved by FCC - CW Issues
As usual with the government and all the ABC agencies, there are some bureaucrats who think they know but really Don't know or have a clue. Too bad it's that way, but unfortunately, we, the end users have to roll with the punches. Hopefully no one screws up and pops the big bubble for all. Same thing has been going on concerning the Coast Guard and the 600 meters allocations to be! It's like a bunch of 3rd graders in a sand box! 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Phil Kane Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2011 5:18 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] US 60 Meter Band Changes Approved by FCC - CW Issues On 11/19/2011 12:55 PM, Sandy wrote: If the FCC engineers want to hear a 1.5 khz tone, that's THEIR problem, not ours. Maybe there will be some simple simon type doing any monitoring and he will have a reference frequency of 8881500 hz. plus or minus what ever the tolerances are in PPM. This anomaly isn't the FCC's doing - it's NTIA's doing. It's their band, their channels, and they are calling the shots. We're lucky to get any 60 meters at all. I'm intimately familiar with how that worked. -- 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402 (FCC District Director - Retired) __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1872 / Virus Database: 2092/4626 - Release Date: 11/19/11 __ 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] ARRL Handbook special - Limited quantities
The reasons why I don't get a Handbook every year are simple. First they changed to a much harder to handle frontal size! This adds to the BIG liability they insist on keeping, which I list as my second reason for not buying one every year: the paper stock is much too heavy! This makes the whole book not as handy as it used to be! The third reason is the price has gotten astronomical! I would break it into two different sections. One that does most of the theory and design work, components specs., semiconductor information, etc. Another section that would describe projects (as they call it now!) This would be small gadgets to complete transmitters and do it yourself gear and antennas. Each volume small enough to easily carry and use, especially for us older amateurs who don't work out and develop the muscle to handle these heavy manuals! 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Jim McCook Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2011 10:17 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ARRL Handbook special - Limited quantities Eric, Next time I order a ARRL handbook, it will be AFTER they finally produce it in two separate volumes. My 5 pound 2010 version is far, far too unwieldy to use in most cases. I speak for many friends who stopped ordering because it got too heavy. I think they are finally getting the message, according to the receptionist at ARRL. 73, Jim W6YA __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1809 / Virus Database: 2085/4522 - Release Date: 09/27/11 __ 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] K1: Band options
I have a K1 with a 4 band board for 40/30/20/15. Also built a two band board for 160 and 80 meters. This isn't a normally kitted option, but it is easy to do with the two band board. Elecraft has ALL the parts to do the 160 meter band EXCEPT the crystal, which in my case I bought from International Crystals. It covers 1.8-1.95 (about) and works great. I also have a dual band 80/40 board which stays in the K1 usually thru the winter. 73, Sandy W5TVW -Original Message- From: Stephen Prior Sent: Monday, September 19, 2011 10:15 AM To: Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] K1: Band options Although I haven't received it yet, I have just picked up a very well spec'd K1 on ebay. It has the both the KFL1-4 (40/30/20/17 and 15m crystal) and the KFL1-2 which is for 40/20. I know that the two boards can co-exist to produce a six band transceiver - or at least that's how I read it, but clearly in my case there would be no benefit since 40/20 are already there on the four band board. I am wondering what would be involved in modifying the two band board for 80/15 - that seems to be an option at build time. Any advice gratefully received! 73 Stephen G4SJP __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1808 / Virus Database: 2085/4507 - Release Date: 09/19/11 __ 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] For Sale: Palm Radio Mini-Paddle
Wow! They went up since I got mine! I paid $70. I was VERY pleased with the Palm key! Great little thing! I can't stick it to my K1 or the K1 base as nothing is magnetic! I used the little strips of Sticky putty that is yellow or green or blue. Use that stuff for all kinds of temporary fastener applications and it is part of my portable station kitbag. I like the Palm key even better than my bigger Vibroplex Vibrokeyer paddle. It IS almost indestructible if you push the key back in the housing when it is stored! Only thing I have redone over the last few years is the cable connection to the plug that mates with the back of the paddle. Just normal wear and tear. Now to get my K1 operational again. Something blew the +6 volt regulator on the front panel board. Possibly the MPU. Haven't had time to finish troubleshooting it. 73 to all, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Ken Alexander k.alexan...@rogers.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 10:38 PM Subject: [Elecraft] For Sale: Palm Radio Mini-Paddle Hi Folks, I have for sale one Palm 817 Mini-Paddle. This is a very nice, small (1 x 1 x 3) paddle perfect for portable use. The Palm 817 is black to match a Yaesu FT-817 and come with a snap on magnetic base so it will stick to an FT-817's cabinet. Elecraft cabinets are aluminum so it won't stick, but that means you can remove the base and then the package is even smaller and lighter! Read about it and see it here: http://www.mtechnologies.com/palm/ Comes complete with: - Paddle - Quick mount and magnets - Cable with 1/8 inch plug - Instruction booklet - Box. Mine didn't come with a carrying case but I still have the cardboard box it came in. The paddle is darn near indestructible when retracted into its metal housing. The paddle is in very good condition but is made for users with a light touch...not ham-fisted lids like me! They currently retail for U.S. $109.95. Then subtract $12 for the travel case I don't have and call it $97.95 plus shipping from the website above. Elecraft sells them too but I couldn't locate the price on their website. I'll sell mine for U.S. $75.00, which includes shipping anywhere in Canada and the U.S.A.. Pay by Paypal or money order (or personal cheque if you don't mind waiting for it to clear). Many thanks, Ken Alexander VE3HLS __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1390 / Virus Database: 1518/3776 - Release Date: 07/20/11 __ 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] KN, BK, etc.
Been following, to an extent, this thread. Since ARRL has stopped adding operating procedures, Q signals, etc. and the proper protocol for telegraphic exchanges to the annual Handbook, the newbies have no place to go to find out what is proper and what is not. Contesters are famous at abbreviating proper protocol to shorten the contact time in hopes of higher scores. Many times this is confusing to the newbie and they are sort of left to their own devices instead of a proper how to... I find operating etiquette is sometimes very crude and rude and it is rather awkward to try and voice a correction to some people without getting them P.O.ed at you. We REALLY need to train the newbies to use correct and polite procedures instead of CB lingo and some of the shortened crap I hear nowadays. Where is THE OLD MAN columns that used to appear in QST years ago? 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Lou Kolb louk...@gmail.com To: elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 6:52 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KN, BK, etc. Ron, I would say MOST people don't 0-beat well. one of my favorite k3 features is how easy it is to spot and 0-beat with it. lou WA3MIX - Original Message - From: Ron D'Eau Claire r...@cobi.biz To: 'stan levandowski' sjl...@optonline.net Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 5:19 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KN, BK, etc. Stan, there's nothing like setting a good example. I was raised to understand that respect for the rules of our land is respect for our country. That is still my guiding principle. I, too (being old enough to remember laughing about the Geritol Set before becoming a member), continue to use prosigns exactly as the operating guides set them forth. I don't use them all, but commonly use SK at the end of my last transmission of an exchange with another station, KN if I don't want other calls breaking in (rarely used, but I do when the other signal is marginal or when we're exchanging important information), of course always DE between calls, and CL if I'm pulling the big switch and won't be listening for other calls. After a CQ I also tune up and down at least 1 kHz for calls. Some folks don't zero beat well, and there are still some xtal-controlled rigs out there - often QRP in the hands of a very interesting operator I'll enjoy chewing the rag with. I try hard to be charitable with those who use prosigns incorrectly but, regarding DE or this is, I will admit to a *very* curmudgeonly gut reaction (close to 'up-chucking') when I hear someone on phone reverse the proper order of call signs and say, This is K6AAA standing by for W1BBB. In a word, AARGH! 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- So I just keep operating in my old fashioned way, striving for accuracy and try to avoid picking up 'bad habits'. 73, 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 __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1390 / Virus Database: 1518/3774 - Release Date: 07/19/11 __ 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] L network problem solver?
Somewhere on the web I found a program that you feed in the vector impedance of an antenna ( say 123-j58 ohms) and it will give you the values of an L network to match this to a 50 ohm transmitter. Anybody recall where one of these calculators is on the internet? I had one on my former computer but the datat was lost when a big lightning bolt took out the machine! 73, Sandy W5TVW __ 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] Check this out
old FT-243 crystal holders? Jeese, now I do feel old! Was there any thing else in the 50's and later that you could take apart and change the frequency of? 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Tony Estep estept...@gmail.com To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, December 12, 2010 9:33 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Check this out Speaking of 50W on AM, this picture will make your mouth water if you're old enough: http://home.comcast.net/~bipi/pix/ranger1.jpg http://home.comcast.net/~bipi/pix/ranger1.jpgNote the little details: the parasitic chokes, the 6L6s in their iron cylinders, the output pi-net, the plate choke.if you want to put a bootleg AM station on the air from the jungle, that's what you need, right there in that pic. That, plus one of those old 1-ounce xtals in the FT-243 holder. 73, Tony KT0NY -- We don't want every single college grad with mathematical aptitude to become a derivatives trader. -- Barack Obama __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1170 / Virus Database: 426/3313 - Release Date: 12/13/10 __ 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] 6M CW
This phenomenon is not restricted to 6 meters! The same thing happens on HF as well: people looking for club numbers, grid squares, counties,etc., etc. The whole contest mentality has corrupted all the old and polite methods of establishing a QSO when there are no contests at all! Also the Elmers of today, aided and abetted by the ARRL, have all but completely eliminated the normal calling protocols of yesteryear. It isn't at all unusual to tune up and send a few V's and have someone just drop their callsign on you just ONCE! As I now an old timer in age and amateur radio, I wonder when this happens. Is this chap calling me? Is he just testing? Even if you send QRZ? de W5TVW K you may just get a callsign sent ONCE! Also people sending: DE W4ABC instead of calling CQ. Newer QRPers answering a CQ call just sending their callsign just ONCE! There isn't that all important OPERATING section still published in the Handbook! Guess the folks at ARRL thought they could make a few extra bucks by publishing a special book dealing with that subject that obviously everyone ISNT buying! I enjoy contests on CW doing QRP and usually these are limited to a small segment of the CW sub-band, and they don't seem to be on every weekend. 6 meters used to be a really fun band back in the AM phone days, but I didn't figure it would be degraded to nothing but hello, goodbye type contacts. Sorry for this, guess I sound like a grouchy old fart but where has all the politeness gone? 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: WILLIS COOKE wrco...@yahoo.com To: Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, July 05, 2010 2:29 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 6M CW I don't feel that way at all. A contact in which only grids are exchanged leaves me with little satisfaction at all. I at least like to exchange names and QTH. I get enough of the quicky QSOs with contests. I don't need more on six meters or digital contacts. I know I am out of step with the avant guarde, but I don't enjoy six meters much because of these quick exchanges. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ From: Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Mon, July 5, 2010 10:41:55 AM Subject: [Elecraft] 6M CW On Mon, 5 Jul 2010 08:29:08 -0700 (PDT), Ken McGuire wrote: I was frustrated at how slow the chats were on SSB (FM was even worse) - it seemed like they were wasting a perfectly good band opening ragchewing Yep. Same here. Often, an opening on any given path may be there only long enough to exchange the grid and report. It's quite frustrating to wait to call a station that was S9, then S7, then S5, then S3, then fumes, while the time is filled with innanity. When I turned down to the CW portion of the band, it almost sounded like a CW contest weekend. Yes. I've gotten to the point that I spend most of my 6M efforts on CW, only tuning up to the SSB portion of the band when nothing is happening on CW. And thanks in part to the proliferation of K3s, there is a lot more CW activity than there was only 5 years ago. 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 __ 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 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.830 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2983 - Release Date: 07/05/10 01:36:00 __ 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] Just got a K1 4 band K1 kit
Rob, If you plan to use it for contesting I'd set it up for 40/30/20/15 meters rather than 40/30/20/17 meters, as the newer WARC bands are not usually used for contests. I have two additional 2 band boards for my old 4 band K1: one for 160/80, and another for 80/40 meters. Usually the 80/40 meter board stays in during the winter and the 4 band board is used during the summer when people seem scared by the QRN on 80 at night! The 160/80 meter board gets used during periods of high 160 meter activity in midwinter. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Rob @ Peg Pohorence mcy...@yahoo.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, April 26, 2010 8:33 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Just got a K1 4 band K1 kit Hello All, Want to Buy ELECRAFT K1 Options, I have a Stock, 4 bans kit , and getting ready to build it! What options do you have for the Elecraft K1. that you are not using? thanks rob n8rt Sincerely, Rob N8RT.com , Peggy , and Maggie Sue Papillion No Man is a Failure, who has Friends From: It's a Wonderful Life __ 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 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.814 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2836 - Release Date: 04/26/10 01:31:00 __ 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] K1 - # 2793 is on the air!
Congrats Keith! You are gonna REALLY be pleased with that rig once you lerarn the menus. Great receiver and nice sounding transmitter. I built my Serial #1178 some years ago. BEST QRP rig I have ever owned. Have only the KAT1 tuner, but also have a T1 tuner when that fails on 80 meters in the field. Built mine originally with 40/30/20/15 meters. Only part I have replaced has been the tuning pot. Subbed the all metal one and have yet to wear it out. It has been a stellar rig in every way. I have two additional 2 band boards for it: one for 80/40 (the bands I work most in winter time) and one for 160 and 80. I made around 20 contacts with it and an 85' end fed wire on 160 the last ARRL 160 meter contest, just for fun. Didn't submit the log. The filter can be made narrow enough to seperate th huge wall-to-wall string of stations that get on during the 160 tests! Wish people would spend more time on this band in winter time. It would be m uch better than 80 for short haul QSO's! 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: K Price kprice2...@yahoo.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, April 11, 2010 9:22 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K1 - # 2793 is on the air! Just wanted to thank everyone for helping me get this great radio built. I also wanted to thank those involved with the Nabble site. I have used it several times to save myself some headaches. This includes last night when I was about to cut the trace on they KAT1. Thankfully the documentation didn't match the board so it made me stop and wonder. A quick search of Nabble and once again I had not read the directions completely. Anyway, building a K1 has been a goal of mine for a long time. I started with some very small (cheap) kits to build up my confidence. Compared to the documentation in other kits I can see why everyone brags on the Elecraft manuals. The only times I messed up (which were several) it was not due to the document. Rather, it was me skipping a step or not reading the entire step before soldering. Not sure what I will build next but I feel certain another Elecraft rig will be on my desk. Listen for K1 #2793 on 40, 30, 20 or 17 meters! 72, Keith Price (WA5LPW) 901-763-1275 (home) / 901-409-1432 (cell) Micah 6:8 (NIV) He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. www.wa5lpw.com FISTS Member # 12699, SKCC # 3004 Flying Pig QRP # 1553, NAQCC # 1797, QRPARCI # 12927 __ 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 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.801 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2805 - Release Date: 04/11/10 13:32:00 __ 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] K1-4 Bands
NO! Not without some majaor redesign. I like you would prefer it instead of 40/30/20/15! I have a two band 160/80 board (160 isn't a standard offering but Elecraft has all the parts except the crystal!) Also have an 80/40 meter 2 band board I use in winter time. Great little rig. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: w2b...@aol.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2009 12:21 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K1-4 Bands I just ordered a K1-4 to build after the first of the year. I wanted to build it for 80-40-30-20. But there is not a 80 meter option listed. I really do not want to mess with using 2 boards. Is there a way for me to add 80 meters to the 4 band board? Thanks George/W2BPI __ 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 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.717 / Virus Database: 270.14.115/2577 - Release Date: 12/20/09 01:35:00 __ 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] K1 -: internal tuner or external T1 tuner?
I have an internal K1 tuner and a T1 tuner. The T1 has a much larger impedance range and will match stranger loads than the KAT1. The big advantage of the KAT1 is that it is an internal pcb that is always there and it also will remember settings for each band on the same antenna so you can switch between 40/30/20 and 15 without having to retune again. Generally, I use the T1 more often now than the built-in KAT-1. If I was repeating the rig again, I'd opt for a T1 rather than the builti-in KAT-1. 73, Sandy W5TVW K1 #1178 - Original Message - From: Brian Pepperdine brianpepperd...@sympatico.ca To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, September 04, 2009 1:42 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K1 -: internal tuner or external T1 tuner? Hi all. With the K1, is it better or equal to have the internal tuner built and installed internally in the K1 or is there a performance factor (better?) to use the external T1 tuner? Thought I would ask and get something ordered before the price changes. tnx Brien VE3VAW __ 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 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.76/2345 - Release Date: 09/04/09 05:51:00 __ 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] Interesting S-meter on new QRP radio
Looks interesting. Wonder of wonders, a Japanese no frills radio! Something rare these days of whistles and bells galore (that you never use!) [Not to mention all the cell phones that do everything but feed you or wipe your butt!] I'd guess the FCC hasn't type approved it yet for entry into USA. Do they still have anyone employed who is technically capable of this procedure anymore? Seems like EVERYONE at the Commission is a lawyer or a bean counter If anyon e finds out a price in Dollars or Yen, let us know. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Bob Nielsen n...@clearwire.net To: elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2009 8:28 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Interesting S-meter on new QRP radio Here's a bit more information, sounds interesting: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/lapthorn/ht200.htm Bob, N7XY On Aug 23, 2009, at 6:09 PM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: If I saw that across the room without looking real close, I'd leave thinking it was an Elecraft. What's that about the sincerest form of flattery (or trademark infringement)? On Sun, Aug 23, 2009 at 8:39 PM, Lou Aguilark...@mac84.com wrote: http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4tFAJ0ZY9hE/So_pkd6xMHI/ChM/ Uw49ZdDTibY/s640/DSCF0113.JPG I like the S-meter on this new radio from THP! Looks familiar. de KN1W __ 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 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.65/2322 - Release Date: 08/23/09 18:03:00 __ 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 K1 on the way - Band Module Questions
The 4 band board can be only used on 40/30/20 and 17 OR 15 meters. That's the way it's designed and your only option is whether the topmost band will be 17 or 15 meters. two band boards can be built for anything from 160 thru 15 meters. 160 is not a standard Elecraft stock band, but all the parts can be obtained from Elecraft except the crystal! Eventually someone will come up with the parts required for 12 and 10 meters I'm sure when they bands get usable again. You will have a lot of fun with that rig and it's the best QRP rig I've ever owned...so far. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Gary W. Marklund g...@marklund.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, July 24, 2009 7:06 PM Subject: [Elecraft] New K1 on the way - Band Module Questions I should receive my new K1-2 with KAT1 tomorrow or Monday. I ordered 40M and 30M for starters. I will add others shortly. My question is regarding modification for other bands. I've seen replacement parts lists for 12 and 10 M. Is there any reason the KFL1-4 is limited to 40/30/20 and 17 or 15? What if I wanted to build a four band module as say, 30/17/12/10 meters? Is there something inherent in the KFL1-4 that prevents this? Thanks, Gary KJ7RT __ 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 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.392 / Virus Database: 270.13.27/2258 - Release Date: 07/24/09 05:58:00 __ 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] OT: transistor theory flaw
This reminds me of Major Edwin Armstrong's saying he used so much, especially when he was told by Crosby that wideband FM would not be practical. Amstrong retorted to himself with It's what we know that ain't always so! (or something very close to that.) I have seen phenomena regarding grounding of marine transmitters and presence of RF in strange places where it should not be MANY TIMES. Also other things regarding feeders and antennas on ships that would not work as advrtised, or as the engineers claimed they would! I still have one occurnce of something that happened during trouble shooting of a 35' shipboard vertical with a top hat that occurred on the 425-515 Khz. band nobody yet has given me a valid explanation for. The experts are not always even close to right all the time! 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Ron D'Eau Claire r...@cobi.biz To: 'Elecraft Group' elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:00 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: transistor theory flaw Tnx Mike. It reminds me that vacuum tube theory wasn't understood for many years after they were developed. Shoot, here in the USA DeForest thought a vacuum tube *needed* some gas to work properly (and his tubes all had abysmally low gain as a result). If what the learned experts knew was right, Marconi would never have been successful. For decades they had stated that electromagnetic (radio) waves were useless for communications over any significant distance. What everyone knows, including everything we learned in school, is always open to question. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- I just read this short article and thought many on the list might find it interesting: http://eetimes.com/news/latest/showArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=NQXUQGBIEWGHCQSN DLRSKH0CJUNN2JVN?articleID=217600659 If that URL gets broken, here is a smaller url to the same: http://tinyurl.com/o4cwpj 73, Mike ab3ap __ 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 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.339 / Virus Database: 270.12.43/2139 - Release Date: 05/28/09 08:10:00 __ 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] OT: transistor theory flaw
I have ALWAYS abhorred and loathed the title: Expert. I am always skeptical of people who use that title. Reminds me of an old ancient saying: The MORE we knowthe more we find out we DON'T KNOW. Many of the pop scientists of our time hide behind the title EXPERT and their many degrees in order to avoid being questioned about their theoretical beliefs, thereby relieving them of being accused of making an error. I do not trust such people at all. As a field engineering type, I have been guilty of thinking I might know ALL the idiosyncrasies of a particular inanimate piece of electronic apparatus.only to be surprised, eventually when that piece of gear breaks and all you have learned winds up being invalid, and you must dig deeper to find out what the problem is! (In other words, that piece of gear has made a monkey out of you, and humbles what knowledge you have collected until that incident!) My two penny's worth. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Matt Palmer kd8...@gmail.com To: Sandy ebj...@charter.net Cc: Ron D'Eau Claire r...@cobi.biz; Elecraft Group elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2009 9:52 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: transistor theory flaw I disagree, the experts are always right, its just the people who are claiming to be an 'expert' are not always so. I hear this in a commencement speach this year keep a healthy disregard for the impossible and all engineers should have this. This 'flaw' in transistor theory only presents itself in high density IC if you read the article, and I would suspect it has to do with no longer being able to follow partical theory, which is what works for discrete transistors, soon as things get small enough, wave theory takes over, and common conventions are no longer valid, however maxwells equations always apply to both... its just the terms you ignored in certain cases start to become significant. I would bet this follows the press release model found here: http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=1174 and some liberties are being taken with interpretation. Matt W8ESE Former KD8DAO http://blog.MattIsKichigai.com On Thu, May 28, 2009 at 9:42 AM, Sandyebj...@charter.net wrote: This reminds me of Major Edwin Armstrong's saying he used so much, especially when he was told by Crosby that wideband FM would not be practical. Amstrong retorted to himself with It's what we know that ain't always so! (or something very close to that.) I have seen phenomena regarding grounding of marine transmitters and presence of RF in strange places where it should not be MANY TIMES. Also other things regarding feeders and antennas on ships that would not work as advrtised, or as the engineers claimed they would! I still have one occurnce of something that happened during trouble shooting of a 35' shipboard vertical with a top hat that occurred on the 425-515 Khz. band nobody yet has given me a valid explanation for. The experts are not always even close to right all the time! 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Ron D'Eau Claire r...@cobi.biz To: 'Elecraft Group' elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:00 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: transistor theory flaw Tnx Mike. It reminds me that vacuum tube theory wasn't understood for many years after they were developed. Shoot, here in the USA DeForest thought a vacuum tube *needed* some gas to work properly (and his tubes all had abysmally low gain as a result). If what the learned experts knew was right, Marconi would never have been successful. For decades they had stated that electromagnetic (radio) waves were useless for communications over any significant distance. What everyone knows, including everything we learned in school, is always open to question. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- I just read this short article and thought many on the list might find it interesting: http://eetimes.com/news/latest/showArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=NQXUQGBIEWGHCQSN DLRSKH0CJUNN2JVN?articleID=217600659 If that URL gets broken, here is a smaller url to the same: http://tinyurl.com/o4cwpj 73, Mike ab3ap __ 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 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.339 / Virus Database: 270.12.43/2139 - Release Date: 05/28/09 08:10:00 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft
[Elecraft] Multicore solder specifications?
I have a pound spool of Mulicore solder I'm looking for info on! It smells odd when used and the flux doesn't work too well. Numbers on end of spool below: Sn63X32B, 21 swg guage then numbers: D973/815 Anybody have any clues? 73, Sandy W5TVW __ 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] Can a 1N4007 Be an Effective Relay Snubber?
I've used nothing but 1n4007's for years now for relay snubbers. They work just great. I don't bother with the slightly cheaper 1n4001's and that sort. You can get the 1N4007's cheap enough and use one type diode for everything. Some of the manufacturers don't put any identifcation on the diodes other than the cathode stripe which makes identifying the difference a pain in the butt. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Bill Coleman aa...@arrl.net To: Jack Smith jack.sm...@cliftonlaboratories.com Cc: 'Elecraft' elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2009 9:54 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Can a 1N4007 Be an Effective Relay Snubber? On Apr 8, 2009, at 2:22 PM, Jack Smith wrote: The Cliff's Notes version is that the turn-on (note I said turn-on, not turn-off) time of a 1N4007 diode is sufficiently fast to be a very effective relay snubber. Interesting! It's always true that experiment trumps theory. Curious, though, that you would promote using a 1N4007 as a snubber for a 12 volt relay. It would make more sense to use a 1N4001, which has virtually identical characteristics as the 1N4007, except for the reverse breakdown voltage. The 1N4001, with a reverse breakdown of 50 volts, it will withstand the relay energizing voltage of 12 volts. The 1N4001 can be purchased for about a penny each in bulk. The 1N4007 is about four times more expensive. That's a three cent difference. And, you know, hams are cheap. grin Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.329 / Virus Database: 270.12.27/2112 - Release Date: 05/13/09 07:04:00 __ 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] FCC Memories [was: Attitudes]
I had several ship inspections in Mobile, Ala with Amgelo Ditty doing the inspections! He doesn't overlook anything! I remember years ago when one Jerry Freeman came to the New Orleans FCC office and played havoc with the CB'ers and a few hams in the area. He liked to brag about his Johnson Desk at the time. He moved eventually to Norfolk, VA and I heard sat behind his big desk wearing his revolverbecause he could! Quite a character. He is SK now. I used to see Leroy Bud Hall on most of the Ship Inspections I did in New Orleans, but haven't seen him in years. I don't know if he is retired or still at the New Orleans office. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Phil Kane k2...@kanafi.org To: Stephen W. Kercel kerc...@suscom-maine.net Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, May 09, 2009 5:24 PM Subject: [Elecraft] FCC Memories [was: Attitudes] On 5/9/2009 1:35 PM, Stephen W. Kercel wrote: Despite having passed the commercial Second Class CW back when you still had to draw schematics, the Amateur Extra back when there were both code receiving and sending tests (back in the day, if you took the test from Angelo Ditty in the Atlanta FCC office you were more likely to fail sending than receiving), When I first joined the FCC staff (after 10 years in the private sector) in 1967, Angelo and I shared a room in the San Francisco District Office for a year until he transferred to Tampa and later to Atlanta. He was quite a guy - half German, half Sicilian. He'd give you the shirt off his back as long as you didn't challenge or contradict him, whether he was right or wrong. He was known for being a very detailed ship radio inspector and CW freak. Out of the office he had a fully-grown de-clawed and de-fanged cougar as a house pet. The cat died before he reached Atlanta. He and I worked quite a few cases together in that one year. He retired from the FCC several years before I did, and although there is an FCC Alumni Reflector we've lost touch. Thanks for the memories even if it is off-topic for those who never met him. -- 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane (Esq. / P.E.) 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 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.325 / Virus Database: 270.12.23/2106 - Release Date: 05/09/09 06:54:00 __ 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] My Attitude
You're right Ron. Most of us are appliance operators now. I still like playiung with my small homebrew rigs and the TCS. Only regret is I wished they'd kept at LEAST the 5 WPM requirement for Amateur Extra. I got mine back in the early 60's when you had to do the 20 WPM test at the FCC's office. Actually, I took three codes tests that day: 16 WPM groups, 20 WPM plain text for 2nd Class Radiotelegraph, and 20 wpm for Amateur Extra. This was followed by the elements for 2nd Class Ship Telegraph. Was a long day! 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Ron D'Eau Claire r...@cobi.biz To: 'Elecraft Discussion List' elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, May 09, 2009 4:20 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] My Attitude Dave, NM4M wrote: QST, you will find that each generation of hams states how much easier the ones that came behind have it. Its human nature. - What a Ham needs to know to put a rig on the air today requires only a tiny part of the technical knowledge that past generations needed to know. Installing and repairing equipment also has grown more complex, just as all the various modes and procedures has made operating it more complex. Some people do it all. Others specialize. Most Hams do a little of both. Even commercial licenses reflect this. Today a shipboard Communications Officer may be licensed to operate the critical communications equipment, but he/she is not allowed to repair or tinker with it in any way. In the past, of course, Sparky was expected to do it all. If a modern Communications Officer wants to do repairs, he/she needs two difference licenses from the FCC. Many ships find it more practical to simply carry spares and let defective equipment be handled by specialists in port. Ron AC7AC __ 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 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.325 / Virus Database: 270.12.23/2106 - Release Date: 05/09/09 06:54:00 __ 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] Can a 1N4007 Be an Effective Relay Snubber?
I have used 1N4007 diodes for this purpose and had no trouble! The last relay I took care of was the keying relays in the old Navy TCS-12 transmitter I have. If you get across the key contacts when you are sending, the collapsing relay coil fields will give you quite a belt! Diode installed and no more problems! 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Jack Smith jack.sm...@cliftonlaboratories.com To: 'Elecraft' elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 2009 1:22 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Can a 1N4007 Be an Effective Relay Snubber? To answer, I hope definitively, the question is a 1N4007 power diode too slow to be used as a relay coil snubber, I've updated my December 2007 diode turn-on time measurements with data taken this morning showing the effectiveness of (a) no snubber; (b) 1N4148 snubber and (c) 1N4007 snubber with a typical small relay switched by a 2N7000 MOSFET transistor. I've also looked at the how much the relay release time lengthens when a snubber is added. (Of course, the specifics are dependent upon the particular relay but the concepts are similar.) The details are at http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/diode_turn-on_time.htm The Cliff's Notes version is that the turn-on (note I said turn-on, not turn-off) time of a 1N4007 diode is sufficiently fast to be a very effective relay snubber. The data also shows that a diode or MOV or other technique should be used to control inductive field decay voltages. Jack K8ZOA www.cliftonlaboratories.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 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.285 / Virus Database: 270.11.47/2047 - Release Date: 04/08/09 05:53:00 __ 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] Can a 1N4007 Be an Effective Relay Snubber?
The flux can be very considerable! As the flux collapses it can induce a very high voltage transient across the coil far exceeding the voltage produced to energize the relay. There is a certain amount of energy stored there in many instances. The 'back EMF pulse can wreak havoc with solid state gear and shock the hell out of someone who happens to be across the circuit when the field collapses! Seems like I was havinga discussion of neon tubes (NE-2?) across relay coils in the old ARC-27 UHF aircraft transceiver (a true boat anchor piece of gear!). These were probably primarily to limit the pulse to whatever the ionization potential of the NE-2 is. (probably around 60-65 volts?) Silicon diodes didn't exist in those days or they probably would have been used instead. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Paul Christensen w...@arrl.net To: 'Elecraft' elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 2009 4:11 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Can a 1N4007 Be an Effective Relay Snubber? To answer, I hope definitively, the question is a 1N4007 power diode too slow to be used as a relay coil snubber, Just curious -- over the years, I've seen references to the main purpose of the snubber diode being used; (1) to decrease the action time of the relay, since the decaying flux of the relay coil tends to keep the contacts engaged (NO), or disengaged (NC) longer than necessary after voltage is removed from the coil; and (2) to primarily protect a solid-state switching device (e.g., an open NPN collector) from damage, also being caused by the snap of the decaying flux of the relay coil. I realize both uses of the diode are valid, but it seems that unless there's an extremely high flux developed by coil, the primary purpose of the diode is for relay speed, rather than switching device protection. Paul, W9AC __ 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 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.285 / Virus Database: 270.11.47/2047 - Release Date: 04/08/09 05:53:00 __ 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] I think its time for me to apologize to the group.
Many eons ago, I got intensely interested in QRP. This was the era of the bantam 1 watter made from a BC-746 tuning unit. The ones that were used in the early horsy talkies or pogo stick transceivers. Forget the SCR number! My first fun QRP 'fone rig was a slightly modified BC-611 Handy Talky on 3825 Khz. The biggest thrill I ever got was working ZL one night on 20 CW with a Ten-Tec PM3 CW transceiver. Seems like it ran about 3 watts out. I didn't think that was possible.How can you work New Zealand using a power level that was about enough to light a #47 dial lamp! There is definitely a place for QRP in amateur radio. Everything isn't contests (the current craze!), or DXCC or WAS or whatever. I guess the magic of cellphones and the internet has diminished the wonder of just working another station without wires. Also without a computer acting as the interpreter or 'go between' between hams using digital modes, etc now. CW? Another wonder, albeit and old one, that allows communication between two operators who can't speak or understand the other's language, yet both can exchange Q signals etc. and messages easily. All without the aid or crutch of a computer in between! I was never a BIG DX chaser. Guess I belonged to the old rag Chewer's Club because that's what I enjoyed. Too bad I realized the value of Morse when I was middle aged instead of when I was younger. What's fun depends on what you like. There are those who want to run everyone else off the bands if they are doing what they consider no fun. 73 to all, Sandy W5TVW PS: I think the Pogo stick was the SCR-511? Anybody remember? - Original Message - From: Ron D'Eau Claire r...@cobi.biz To: 'Elecraft_List' elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2009 6:55 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] I think its time for me to apologize to the group. Don wrote: Point of information - the QRP crowd got me back into the area of ham radio that I enjoy the most, and that is experimenting and homebrewing. -- That's been what kept me active among the QRP crowd too. And I felt disappointed one time when a very nice fellow with whom I'd exchanged many QRP QSO's and mail about designs and our current projects got really upset and broke off contact when he realized I also ran QRO, even though it was only 100 watts. But they are, as Don said, the very few, just there are some who say homebrew rigs should be banned or CW should be outlawed (or SSB, or this or that digital mode). As long as Hams are members of the human race we'll have the whole spectrum of humans involved. Ron AC7AC __ 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 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.8/1985 - Release Date: 03/05/09 07:54:00 __ 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] K1 and PSK
There is no provision for PSK with the K1. It was designed for cw ONLY with no way to inject the proper signals for PSK. The K2 with the SSB addition should do PSK just fine. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: John Wiener ja...@fuse.net To: Elecraft email email elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, January 30, 2009 11:08 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K1 and PSK Happy to report that my freshly built K1 is OTA Can someone direct me to information on how to hook up my SL1+ to the K1 to do PSK? I use an iMac and already have USB interface between it and the signalink. Need to know how to do PTT. Thanks, John AB8O ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.15/1924 - Release Date: 1/29/2009 5:57 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Contesters and Band Conjestion
We CW casual QSO people do have trouble with RTTY people all over the place. Many times 30 meters no good for short path QSO's. We need to put pressure on FCC or whoever to allow CW on at leat a couple of the 60 meter channels setup for SSB only. Would be easy about 200 Hz lower than supressed carrier frequency and still be in the alloted channel, and for the most part, not QRM SSB on same channel. But then, too many commissioners and lower level people are NOT ENGINEERS! This would allow casual CW QSO's on a band that propagation would probably be possible for short path stuff when 30 meters is tanked for that. Thanks to the reduction of 80 from 3500-3600 instead of 3500-3700 the RTTY guys are in a quandry, NTS die hards in a quandry and CW people in a quandry! The other bands were more sensibly reducedwhy didn't they follow the same pattern for 80 meters and the NTS+CW+NTS guys would still be where they were before basically! 80 meters has been terrible since the change. For everyone except the voice guys who seldom use the 3.6-3.7 segment! 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, January 05, 2009 7:42 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Contesters and Band Conjestion On Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:29:31 -0600, Tom wrote: Yep, contests are much more important than gentlemen's agreements and courtesy these days. (IMHO) The reality of worldwide frequency allocations is that on some bands, contesters MUST violate bandplans to work stations outside their own country. On 40M, for example, JA stations have a rather limited bandwidth to operate RTTY and it's pretty low on the band. On 80M, RTTY cannot operate above 3600 kHz due to a rather dumb error made by a low level FCC clerk who rewrote the ham Rules several years ago. One of our club members, operating from Aruba (in the Caribbean) made 409 contacts on 80M, 809 on 40M, 1,127 on 20M, and 869 on 15M. This is in 24 hours of a 30 hour contest period. That means there were at least that many active stations that had to cram into the spectrum that the FCC gives us. There are similar conflicts with SSB operation worldwide, especially on 40M. Our club alone had 77 members on the air in the contest. There are MANY times when I can tune across 80M during hours of darkness and hear NO signals at all. There are MANY times I can tune across 40M and hear fewer than a dozen CW signals and half that many PSK signals. On a non-contest weekend, perhaps twice that number. Assuming two people per QSO, that means casual QSOs are sharing a band with a FAR larger number of contesters. In other words, casual operators are simply a few percent of the total number of hams using the band. Heck -- a good contester can easily run 50 QSOs per hour using a few hundred Hz bandwidth (if he's got a K3) and the top contesters run at twice that rate. The good contesters I know all listen before transmitting, and ask if the frequency is busy if they hear nothing. But band conditions change, sometimes rather quickly. A station can be running on a frequency for an hour, and conditions change so that you and he are now hearing each other. No one is being discourteous, it's just band conditions. Last week during Stew Perry, I'd been running a frequency for a half hour, and was making Qs as far as the east coast (I'm near SF). A W2 shows up, doesn't hear me (he probably had a big noise level, or maybe was on a Beverage pointed to EU), so no matter how many times I told him QRL, he ignored me. Discourteous? Probably just his local noise. Note also that contests never use the WARC bands. 30M is a great band for CW ragchewing, and I've never heard it crowded (except when a couple of really rare DXpeditions are there at the same time)! 73, Jim Brown K9YC VP -- Northern California Contest Club ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.3/1877 - Release Date: 1/5/2009 7:20 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Fw: [Elecraft] OT: new SS amps...more
The amplifier I was thinking of was the Metron! They seemed to be very well made and almost indestructable from what I heard from the Texas bunch on 40 SSB way back. - Original Message - From: Sandy ebj...@charter.net To: wrco...@flash.net; Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2008 8:36 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: new SS amps No, but a popular mobile amp that ran 600 watts were selling for considerably less. I used a Henry 2K-2 for years until it good too damned heavy for this old man to horse around! I now have an Ameritron AL-811H Much lighter and 500 watts is very adequate. Will run more, but why do it as the 811A's I have will last a long time at 500 watts CW. Solid state would be niceBUT. Hard to by on a retirement fixed income. 73, Sandy W5TVW Been listening on 3546.5 nights around 0200-0300Z on the little rig inside. - Original Message - From: WILLIS COOKE wrco...@flash.net To: Sandy ebj...@charter.net; Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2008 7:32 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: new SS amps Sandy, did you ever take a look at what a kilowatt amp cost in 1955? It would be more than than $3,000 when $3,000 was a year's pay for most. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ --- On Sat, 12/20/08, Sandy ebj...@charter.net wrote: From: Sandy ebj...@charter.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: new SS amps To: DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL doug...@gmail.com, Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Saturday, December 20, 2008, 5:14 PM Who can afford almost $3K? Ham radio getting way outta my league! 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL doug...@gmail.com To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2008 4:30 PM Subject: [Elecraft] OT: new SS amps I just ran into this by accident. http://www.ameritron.com/catalog/Ameritron_2009.pdf See page 9. No stated expected delivery Not enough specs for my liking, but still, rather interesting. Is this contest grade? Who knows? de Doug KR2Q I have no vested interest in this company. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.19/1857 - Release Date: 12/19/2008 10:09 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.19/1859 - Release Date: 12/20/2008 2:34 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.19/1859 - Release Date: 12/20/2008 2:34 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: new SS amps
Who can afford almost $3K? Ham radio getting way outta my league! 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL doug...@gmail.com To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2008 4:30 PM Subject: [Elecraft] OT: new SS amps I just ran into this by accident. http://www.ameritron.com/catalog/Ameritron_2009.pdf See page 9. No stated expected delivery Not enough specs for my liking, but still, rather interesting. Is this contest grade? Who knows? de Doug KR2Q I have no vested interest in this company. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.19/1857 - Release Date: 12/19/2008 10:09 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: new SS amps
No, but a popular mobile amp that ran 600 watts were selling for considerably less. I used a Henry 2K-2 for years until it good too damned heavy for this old man to horse around! I now have an Ameritron AL-811H Much lighter and 500 watts is very adequate. Will run more, but why do it as the 811A's I have will last a long time at 500 watts CW. Solid state would be niceBUT. Hard to by on a retirement fixed income. 73, Sandy W5TVW Been listening on 3546.5 nights around 0200-0300Z on the little rig inside. - Original Message - From: WILLIS COOKE wrco...@flash.net To: Sandy ebj...@charter.net; Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2008 7:32 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: new SS amps Sandy, did you ever take a look at what a kilowatt amp cost in 1955? It would be more than than $3,000 when $3,000 was a year's pay for most. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ --- On Sat, 12/20/08, Sandy ebj...@charter.net wrote: From: Sandy ebj...@charter.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: new SS amps To: DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL doug...@gmail.com, Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Saturday, December 20, 2008, 5:14 PM Who can afford almost $3K? Ham radio getting way outta my league! 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL doug...@gmail.com To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2008 4:30 PM Subject: [Elecraft] OT: new SS amps I just ran into this by accident. http://www.ameritron.com/catalog/Ameritron_2009.pdf See page 9. No stated expected delivery Not enough specs for my liking, but still, rather interesting. Is this contest grade? Who knows? de Doug KR2Q I have no vested interest in this company. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.19/1857 - Release Date: 12/19/2008 10:09 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.19/1859 - Release Date: 12/20/2008 2:34 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 headphone selection?
I used a couple of variations of the stereo headphones with my K1. One was the plain vanilla RCA $5 ones at Dollar General worked great. I also use some Sony earbud Stereo phones that were $10 at Wally World. The K1 doesn't seem fussy about either. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 5:38 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K1 headphone selection? I was searching the archives for suggestion for a good quality portable headsets for the K1 taking into account (1) good low end response, (2) comfortable to wear for a few hours and (3) good volume and (4) good sensitivity. Many of the stereo headsets are about 32 ohm and not sure if that rules these out performance wise. I am trying to avoid buying 4 or 5 sets and hoping to gain from the LIST's vast experience. To spare the bandwidth on the LIST you can send comments directly to ardujenski AT aol.com Thank you Alan KB7MBI Woodinville, WA **Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and favorite sites in one place. Try it now. (http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-dpicid=aolcom40vanityncid=emlcntaolcom0010) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.13/1827 - Release Date: 12/3/2008 5:41 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] ATU vs. External Tuner
I have a situation that is similar! I have a 40 meter dipole in the attic of a single story ranch type home. Diope elevation about 12 feet, with ends bent at 90 degrees to make it fit in attic. It is fed with 75 ohm twin lead. I am using it as a dipole on 40/30/20 meters OK with a K1 and a T1 external tuner. Results pretty good considering on those bands. I have also used it on 80 and 160 meters by shorting the feeder and connecting to the hot (center conductor on BNC jack) and a counterpoise to the ground connection on the T1. Results were usable on 80 meters and 160 even though it is a stretch on 160! Could fairly constantly work a station 200-250 miles distant with weak signals on that band. I haven't a lot of radio time available these days as my XYL had a stroke last year and duties around the house keep me busy and away from getting on the air. I do have an HF Packer amplifier I built a few years ago, and it gives me around 25-35 watts on all bands with around 2 watts drive from the K1. Eventually I plan on getting an Inverted L antenna up on that side of the house in the trees and working it against a counterpoise and ground rod. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: John Buck [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Frank MacDonell [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, October 26, 2008 4:19 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ATU vs. External Tuner Frank, Since the dipole is in the attic, you are probably not getting perfect swr without a tuner. The antenna is a compromise unless you have a very large attic with little metal near by. If you have trimmed it for resonance at 40 meters I assume it is quite a bit shorter than a standard dipole due the proximity of the roof and wood work. If the dipole is actually resonant at 40 meters then it will work poorly on 20 meters even if you can match it at the radio with some combination of feedline and tuner. Please note that a perfect dipole up high in the clear will not be 1 to 1 swr at resonance but will be 70 to 90 ohms. Do not fall into the trap of trying to obtain a perfect match on every band. I would try a non resonant length (g5rv style) fed with coax. It will be more effective on multiple bands and the SWR will not be too high to tune as it is on the second harmonic with a resonant dipole. The antenna center impedance of the g5rv lengths (102' or 88' if in the clear) avoids extreme high impedances on several of the HF bands. The coax losses should be be acceptable on most bands. I would certainly try that with the K3 tuner If you have carefully trimmed the 40 meter for resonance in place in the attic, try adding about 25% length and if necessary folding the ends to fit. There is nothing wrong with trying fan dipoles if you have the space and can trim appropriately. I am sure others will correct my ball park numbers. I also would not get carried away about the perfect feedline length for feeding a g5rv. The best feed line is the shortest one that goes from the antenna to the tuner. That said, if the coax line is very long, then a remote tuner is nice. The K3 tuner is excellent. I would use it . If you fall into a good automatic remote tuner use that. But consider the fact that resonant antennas to not necessarily radiate better than properly tuned non resonant lengths. John KH7T Frank MacDonell wrote: I have a k3 with internal antenna tuner connected to a 40 meter dipole in the attic. Will the internal ATU work for me visiting other bands or would I be better off installing a tuner between the rig and the antenna? Is an auto tuner more preferred than automatic? Thanks to all for your time. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.3/1747 - Release Date: 10/26/2008 9:27 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX-1 vs K1 Side-tone
Keith, Don't forget the LCD illumination mod. That is essential for dimly lit rooms or outside at night portable operation! You will have a lot of fun with the K1. Great little rig. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, October 06, 2008 7:40 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KX-1 vs K1 Side-tone Thanks Don, that just about seals it for me then - K1 (fully loaded) for Christmas! 73 Keith GW4OKT -Original Message- From: Don Wilhelm [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 07 October 2008 10:37 To: Williams, Keith R SEIC-AL Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX-1 vs K1 Side-tone Kieth, The KX1 sidetone is generated by an MCU output and is sent through an RC filter to smooth it, so the result is more sine wave-like than a square wave (but it is not perfect). The K1 uses a DAC output for the sidetone, so it should be more like a real sinewave. 73, Don W3FPR [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am trying to decide on my next kit purchase, either KX1 or K1. I read reviews on the KX-1 indicating the side-tone is a square wave, which I am not keen on; is the K1 side-tone the same? I really would like a good sine wave if possible. Keith Williams GW4OKT ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.173 / Virus Database: 270.7.6/1712 - Release Date: 10/7/2008 9:41 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Ferrite transformer losses, 43-foot vertical and the K3
Absolutely, Don! My main message was to watch the baluns for heating. During a contest or a long winded transmission, you can really screw up a nice ferrite balun QUICKER than one thinks. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, September 20, 2008 8:59 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Ferrite transformer losses, 43-foot vertical and the K3 Sandy, You are correct that using a balun (either 4:1 or 1:1) is not necessarily the most efficient solution. The 'old fashioned' link coupled tuner will most always be more efficient. When the feedline input impedance (and that has nothing to do with the characteristic impedance of the feedline) is close to the output impedance of the balun, the balun will be just almost as efficient as the link coupled balanced tuner, but that rarely happens in practice. Yes, using a balun following an unbalanced transmatch is a compromise. It lends itself to easy bandswitching and its associated convenience. If one is searching for the most efficient antenna tuning mechanism, then either dedicated resonant antennas are required, or one must accept the inconveniences of changing coils in a simple balanced link coupled tuner or accept the compromises of an easy bandswitching system. The old Johnson Matchbox was an effort to provide bandswitching convenience with a link coupled balanced tuner, but even it has limited matching range compared to the simple single-band tuner designs. Bottom line, one must either accept the compromises dictated by the conveniences of bandswitching or accept the inconveniences of using the most efficient tuners that can be constructed. There is no 'best of all worlds'. 73, Don W3FPR Sandy wrote: When a high VSWR exists with a toroid ferrite balun due to a high inductive or capacitive reactance and the toroid begins to heat, the losses will rise to quite unacceptable losses and can possibly destroy the balun itself, even tough the tuner used appears to have reduced the VSWR on the input side of the circuit to a very low value. Generally a 4:1 or 1:1 transformer type balun should be preferably used for just a resistance transformation, not where there is a highly reactive component on the output side of the balun. Lots of people get away with this situation, but it isn't a very good idea. I commonly did this for years with very large ferrite cores and a vanilla high pass T network tuner (like the many MFJ and other T network tuners) For the last 15 years I have used nothing but the common Parallel type balanced line link coupled tuner configuration and had extremely good results with the old fashioned and sometimes very cranky to get setup right circuit. choke type baluns (the ones that traditionally use a large number of ferrite beads on a length of coaxial cable) are much less troublesome than the transformer type. If your balun setup runs cool, then you probably have hit upon a length of feeder that is just right and you are OK. If it is running warm then you are treading on dangerous ground and things may be getting ready to surprise you one day with a catastrophic failure, especially when you run the legal limit! This no matter what the VSWR meter says between the tuner and the ferrite balun in question. 73, ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.7.0/1682 - Release Date: 9/20/2008 10:24 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Ferrite transformer losses, 43-foot vertical and the K3
When a high VSWR exists with a toroid ferrite balun due to a high inductive or capacitive reactance and the toroid begins to heat, the losses will rise to quite unacceptable losses and can possibly destroy the balun itself, even tough the tuner used appears to have reduced the VSWR on the input side of the circuit to a very low value. Generally a 4:1 or 1:1 transformer type balun should be preferably used for just a resistance transformation, not where there is a highly reactive component on the output side of the balun. Lots of people get away with this situation, but it isn't a very good idea. I commonly did this for years with very large ferrite cores and a vanilla high pass T network tuner (like the many MFJ and other T network tuners) For the last 15 years I have used nothing but the common Parallel type balanced line link coupled tuner configuration and had extremely good results with the old fashioned and sometimes very cranky to get setup right circuit. choke type baluns (the ones that traditionally use a large number of ferrite beads on a length of coaxial cable) are much less troublesome than the transformer type. If your balun setup runs cool, then you probably have hit upon a length of feeder that is just right and you are OK. If it is running warm then you are treading on dangerous ground and things may be getting ready to surprise you one day with a catastrophic failure, especially when you run the legal limit! This no matter what the VSWR meter says between the tuner and the ferrite balun in question. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: n4lq [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Phil Debbie Salas [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, September 19, 2008 8:54 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Ferrite transformer losses, 43-foot vertical and the K3 Phil. Questions: 1. Why would one use a balun when both the antenna and coax are unbalanced? Wouldn't a unun be appropriate? 2. What are the swrs at the balun? The swr at the K3 doesn't tell us much since the length of the coax affects it greatly. Steve Ellington N4LQ [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: Phil Debbie Salas [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, September 19, 2008 4:21 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Ferrite transformer losses, 43-foot vertical and the K3 Because of some earlier discussions here, I wanted to actually measure losses in a 4:1 ferrite transformer. I wanted this info as I have a home-brew 43-foot vertical and these transformers are what seem to be recommended for matching to this antenna. I used a FT240-61 ferrite toroid which has a permeability of 125. I chose 16-gauge speaker wire to experiment with. This is because I want to eventually use high voltage wire, and 16-gauge is the largest gauge 2-conductor high-voltage wire I could find (McMaster-Carr 9634T701 @ $2.65/foot). I built a 4:1 unun, as I am feeding an unbalanced vertical antenna. And I decided to go with a voltage balun as this is a simpler structure than a current balun or unun. With a little experimentation, I was able to build a very good 1.8-30 MHz 4:1 unun. This consists of 12-turns of the 16-gauge speaker wire on the FT-240-61. As the voltage balun is a little inductive causing degradation at the higher frequencies, I tuned this out with a 33pf capacitor across the 50 ohm input. This gave me a transformer with 1.2:1 SWR at 1.8 MHz, but less than 1.1:1 from 3.5-30 MHz. In order to measure loss, I built a second identical transformer and connected these back-to-back. I measured insertion loss with both an Array Solutions PowerMaster, and a Tektronix TDS-2200 digital oscilloscope. I made all measurements with 20 watts of RF power on my workbench. Bottom line: Loss through both transformers was less than ½-watt (20 watts forward power) from 1.8-30 MHz. This is just a little over 1% of loss in each transformer. Even if my measurements are off by a factor of two, this is still pretty much insignificant loss. Next I installed one of these transformers at the base of my 43-foot vertical. My radial system isn't the best in the world because of the space I'm restricted to. I have about a dozen random-length radials with lengths up to about 50-feet. My transmission line is 60-feet of Andrew ½-inch Heliax that transitions to a 3-foot section of LMR-400 inside my house going to the K3. My Array Solutions PowerMaster is located immediately at the output of the K3. The SWR measured with the PowerMaster was as follows: 160: 4.9:1 80: 6.3:1 60: 3.3:1 40: 3.2:1 30: 3.2:1 20: 3:1 17: 2.1:1 15: 1.9:1 12: 1.4:1 10: 2.2:1 Obviously, these mismatches are easily handled by the internal K3 auto-tuner. And line loss is minimal because the mismatch isn't very high, and the transmission line is very low loss. The 16-gauge speaker wire on the FT240-61 core seems to be working fine even with 600 watts out of my ALS-600 amplifier. However, I do have
Re: [Elecraft] WTB: 10-MHz Test Oscillator Wanted
Keep an eye out on the e=place!! Look for a Measurements Corporation Model 111 crystal calibrator. They can be zeroed to WWV and stay within just a few parts per million if kept on all the time. I have seen them quite cheap at time there. Excellent little oscillator. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Alan D. Wilcox [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2008 4:47 PM Subject: [Elecraft] WTB: 10-MHz Test Oscillator Wanted Hello, Want 10-MHz crystal oscillator that puts out a volt or so for frequency counter calibration check. Must have cap to set freq zeroed onto WWV for a few minutes operation; no long-term stability required. Something like the XG1 ... battery, BNC, not fancy. Thought this would be simple search ... a kit-builder's project. Guess nobody's making such a kit. Anybody have or know where to get? Thanks, Alan -- Alan D. Wilcox, W3DVX 570-321-1516 http://WilcoxEngineering.com Williamsport, PA 17701 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.5.0/1555 - Release Date: 7/16/2008 6:43 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 band module.
RIGHT! I haveso farhave three band cards now. 40/30/20/15 four band, 80/40 two band, 160/80 two band. IF it EVER opens again, 10 meters would be nice! Lately, I have been using my K1 with the T1 external tuner as it's range is a bit greater than the internal tuner. I wondered if say an 80-10 meter version would be possible with two piggy back boards sacrificing the internal tuner space? 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Mike Morrow [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 9:17 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K1 band module. The K1 can remember settings for 6 bands... It'll do even better...it stores data for nine bands. The K1 MPU stores a display calibration adjustment for each ham band that the K1 MPU allows to be assigned to a filter board. Although there are only six HF bands provided by Elecraft for the K1 (80/40/30/20/17/15 meters), if one designed filter boards for the nine bands that the K1 MPU can assign to a filter board (160/80/40/30/20/17/15/12/10 meters), a band-specific display cal adjustment will be stored for *each* of those nine bands. Mike / KK5F ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 8.0.101 / Virus Database: 270.4.1/1519 - Release Date: 6/25/2008 4:13 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Re: USB on all bands ??
As long as I worked for Marconi Marine and later Mackay Radio, I don't ever remember having a shipboard receiver that would work lower sideband. I have a Siemens E-410 solid state set that is absolutely top notch and has provisions for a LSB module, but I have never been able to find one! The DEBEG guys in Germany, who I got a service manual from never recalled even seeing a LSB module. I had a couple of them\ looking in flea markets there and they never turned up one. Letters to DEBEG and Siemens turned up nothing. Siemens says they didn't make many modules and had none in stock at any price. I had a PRC-74 for a good while and finally sold it as there was no LSB. Helluva a good working and very rugged radio. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Mike Morrow [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, May 25, 2008 11:07 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Re: USB on all bands ?? The convention currently in use is merely traditional and reflects military preference for standardization (due to channelization) promulgated in the early days of SSB. LSB use on 40m and below is *strictly* a HAM convention. Military, commercial marine, and civil aviation standardized on USB from the very earliest days of the SSB era. Almost all *early* non-shipboard US military sideband sets offered *only* USB mode. This includes the late 1950s USAF AN/ARC-65 and the USN AN/ARC-38A sets for aircraft, and the AN/GRC-106 and AN/PRC-47 for ground service. These were among the earliest SSB sets in common military use. The succeeding generation of sets offered selectable sideband. This includes the USAF AN/ARC-58, USN AN/ARC-94 (618T-2), AN/FRC-93 (KWM-2A), AN/URC-32, AN/URC-58 and AN/GRC-165 (Harris RF-301), AN/PRC-74, RT-618/URC, T-827/URT, R-1051/URR, etc. But these all date from the early 1960s and later, long after HAMs had settled on LSB on 40m and below. Even though some later sets offered LSB, or even ISB, it was almost never used. When I was associated with US military communication systems, the only time I ever saw LSB used on a military frequency was on Military Affilliated Radio System (MARS) nets. Since MARS is comprised mainly of HAMs, years ago *some* circuits followed the HAM convention for net frequencies below about 7.5 MHz. But even MARS eventually went completely to USB. Mike / KK5F ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 8.0.100 / Virus Database: 269.24.1/1465 - Release Date: 5/25/2008 1:22 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] USB on all bands ??
One of the original theories for the LSB/USB differences was brought about by the use of a 9Mhz. IF frequency in some of the early SSB gear. Originally, there was no voice modes at all on the 40 meter band. Also 15 meters hadn't been opened yet and there was little SSB activity on 10 meters. Hence, the primary SSB activity was mainly on 75 and 20 meters. Generating SSB on 9 Mhz. was chosen for ease of operation and also to minimize spurious mixing byproduct signals. This was heterodyned to 4 and 14 Mhz bands by use of a 5 Mhz VFO (hence 14-14.3 and 3.8-4.0 Mhz bands used the same VFO range.) If Upper sideband was selected on the 9 Mhz. SSB generator, this would result in USB on 20 meters and LSB on 75 meters for basically the same VFO range. The first widely popular SSB transmitter was the SSB Jr. exciter which came out in GE Ham News as I recall. The circuit was adapted and refined by Central Electronics when they manufactured their then famous model 10A and later, 10B exciter/transmitter. A paltry 10 watts SSB! SSB advocates were quick to point out how well SSB got out compared to AM voice using much less power and band space. The practice of using LSB on 75 and USB on 20 continued, as changing over would necessitate turning another switch, and the practice of not switching sidebands in the 9 MHZ. SSB generator had been the norm for several years so the practice persisted. For those who don't know it, the phasing method of generating SSB was the most used method in the beginning and lent itself to homebrew construction from junkbox parts of SSB gear in the early days. HF filters were then very expensive, and few amateurs who built gear could afford the Collins mechanical filters! The complex crystal filter much used these days, hadn't come into widespread use yet. When 40 meters was eventually assigned a voice sub-band and 15 meters was opened, the practice of USB from 20 meters to 10 meters and USB on 160-40 meters was established. I have no idea just who established it! ARRL? General use? The little band of SSB advocates in a world of AM diehards? Ideas any of you old timers? When use of SSB became popular in commercial marine radio circuits and eventually the military and aeronautical long haul communications, Upper Sideband was standardized for these services. (By the FCC?) The amateur services did not follow suit. Should we do that today? Some people say yes, some say leave it as it is. It WOULD simplify manufacturing the radios by elimination of un-needed parts/switching devices. I would imagine very little vacuum tube homebrew gear is still in use that worked only USB on 20 and LSB on 75 meters! Anyway, that's the WHY of sideband use on the ham bands today digging back to when SSB was for all practical purposes, non-existent practiced by a few radical amateurs during the days of what turned out to be mostly unstable receivers in the old days. Am was too easy to keep using on the hundreds of watering holes on 75 meter AM for local operation before the widespread popularity of 2 meters! 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Jim Miller [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, May 23, 2008 10:37 PM Subject: [Elecraft] USB on all bands ?? - Original Message - From: Ron D'Eau Claire [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, May 23, 2008 5:38 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Dayton Discovery [OT] .snip.. Indeed, one of the first things I expect to see is pressure on Hams to adopt USB as the standard sideband on all Amateur bands so the manufacturers don't have to consider sideband switching in their product offering. Ron AC7AC Anybody been around long enough to explain the theory behind the use of LSB on the lower bands vs. USB higher up? What is the advantage to doing so? 73, de Jim KG0KP ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 8.0.100 / Virus Database: 269.24.1/1464 - Release Date: 5/24/2008 8:56 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Palm Mini-Paddles?
I have a Palm mini paddle and it woprks great and has held up well. Mine was a lot cheaper than $95! Guess I got it when the Euro hadn't gone up and the Dollar hadn't plummetted! Seems like it was $65. Use it with the K1 and best tiny key I've used so far. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Mike Geddes [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2008 8:21 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Palm Mini-Paddles? Looking for some portable paddles to use with my K2. Do any of you use the Palm Mini-Paddles? Are they really worth $95, their current selling price? Also, I wonder how they compare with the Paddlettes at $70 shipped? I would be interested in hearing your thoughts. 73, Mike N4JX ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.5/1400 - Release Date: 4/27/2008 9:39 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Palm Mini-Paddles?
I forgot to mention. I stick mine down in place with the yellow or blue sticky clay you get at office supply places. Works great and doesn't damage the housing of the key. I didn't opt for the magnetic inserts as the K1 doesn't have anything they will stick to! Didn't want to drill the side of the K1 to mount the base either. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Ron Foster [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'Mike Geddes' [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2008 9:21 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Palm Mini-Paddles? Mike, I have a set of them for my K2. They are very well made and I like them a lot. The packaging is excellent for protecting them in transit. The detachable cord is also very convenient. The feel is a little soft (as noted by a previous post) because the paddles flex a bit but in my opinion that's a nit. My CW is neither better nor worse than on my Bencher and I haven't noticed any fatigue on long runs. I would not hesitate to buy another set even though they are a bit pricey. For what it's worth Ron - W2RIP -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mike Geddes Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2008 9:21 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Palm Mini-Paddles? Looking for some portable paddles to use with my K2. Do any of you use the Palm Mini-Paddles? Are they really worth $95, their current selling price? Also, I wonder how they compare with the Paddlettes at $70 shipped? I would be interested in hearing your thoughts. 73, Mike N4JX ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.5/1400 - Release Date: 4/27/2008 9:39 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] CW Mistakes
I think Ron has hit quite a few key things below. One of the things I find VERY lacking is, no one has taught some of the newbies to CW the proper protocol of procedures that used to be taught. Exchanges omit a lot of stuff no doubt copying procedures common in contests. A few examples are people calling CQ 5-10 times and DE their callsign once or twice, then repeat this procedure again 1-2 times! Another common thing is after I call a CQ thusly: CQ CQ CQ DE W5TVW W5TVW W5TVW K. I hear someone usually a little off frequency, delayed a bit and among other stations 1-2 khz. away just send: W1ABC. This can be VERY annoying. Is this station calling me? Why didn't he AT LEAST send: W5TVW DE W1ABC K? Stations sending a 3 X 3 CQ call ending in KN! Is this because ARRL saw fit to stop putting this information in the Handbook and make more money selling you another operating manual? They used to publish a concise small booklet with proper CW procedures, the Q code, abbreviations and other niceties for 10-25 cents. Most of the time they would send one to you free if you requested it. It was sort of a Manners etiquette book for the radio amateur. Some of the new band expanded Technician guys are trying their hand at really doing some CW operation. There isn't a plethora of old timers around these days who teach them what's polite and what's impolite. I agree wholeheartedly about people trying to send too fast, skimping on inter word spacing, garbled or badly timed sending and mistakes galore. If you slow these guys down a bit, most of them send very copyable CW without all the mistakes. There are a lot of newer hams out there really trying and I think they should be encouraged to preserve our now ancient art of Morse telegraphywhich is, by the waystill very useful in spite of it's antiquity! 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Ron D'Eau Claire [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'Frank MacDonell' [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, April 25, 2008 7:02 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] CW Mistakes Yep, there are no mistakes bigger than: 1) Being afraid to get on. 2) Letting a self-important bad operator discourage you because he/she can't or won't QRS to your speed or tells you that you don't have the skills to get on CW, or to operate on a specific band. (I worked a guy who told me he never used 20 meter CW because he was told by some idiot that it was a expert operator's band and folks there didn't tolerate anything less!) The rule is that the Amateur Bands were created for newbies. That's one reason why we call it Amateur: You don't have to pass a professional competency test to get on the air. Let's turn it around and point out good operating practices. These apply to newbies and OTs alike. (One of the advantages of having been pounding brass for well over half a century is that I have personal experience with both.) 2. Send at the speed at which you can copy well. 3. Within your range, always match the other station's speed. 4. Listen and listen. After CQ, listen all AROUND your frequency, especially if you're near one of the QRP watering holes (e.g. 7030, 7040, 14060, etc.). There are a significant number of crystal controlled rigs out there who can't zero beat you. Also some simple rigs don't compensate for their receive BFO offset, so they're several hundred Hz off their transmitting frequency. And there are those still trying to figure out the controls on their rig ;-) 5. If you missed something, don't be afraid to ask for a repeat. 6. Give HONEST signal reports. If the other guy doesn't like it, he's not worth your time anyway. I get my OT ire up when some guy says my sig is 589 but too weak to copy well! (That's often excused by saying he has a huge QRN level. That's fine, but then the R - readability - is NOT 5. The correct report might be 389 hvy QRN OM. 7. Remember that the T in RST refers to modulation on the station's carrier, not to chirp, clicks or any other aberrations. If present, they deserve separate comment. A station with chirp might have a signal report of 569C meaning a clean tone but chirp. If anything else is amiss please tell the guy in plain text (that's true for phone too). Did you notice that I skipped number 1? That's because it's too important to put anywhere but last: 1. Have fun! Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Before I get on the air. What are some of the most common errors for beginning CW Operators. Thanks -- Frank KD8FIP ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.4/1397 - Release Date: 4
Re: [Elecraft] Alternatives to PowerPoles?
Some time ago, I had standardized on the standard size 4 pin flat Molex connector. On low drain (less than 10 amps peak) I just used two pins, 1 and 4. For high drain 100 watt rigs, I used all 4 pins, 1,2 in parallel, 3 and 4 in parallel. This worked fairly well and everything I had used these. The Anderson connectors seemed much more compact and I have had no troubles except trying to mate Tyco AMP copies with the APP connectors. I found the Tyco stuff's quality was very poor compared with Anderson. I have had NO troubles with the roll-pins keeping the connectors from sliding apart. I usually crimp mine using a universal AMP hand tool I've had for years. You have to be careful after crimping and pay attention that the tongue of the connector isn't bent up or down too much to allow the spring in the body of the connector to function properly. I've converted everything to them and they have worked well for me. 73 to all, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2008 10:07 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Alternatives to PowerPoles? In a message dated 4/6/08 11:00:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: APPs are bad design, bad technology, just bad why? What would you use instead? Particularly given the desire for a genderless connector that can carry considerable current (20+ Amps)? Not trying to argue, just wondering about alternatives. Ten Tec and some others use Molex but they're not genderless, they're one-use, etc. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Planning your summer road trip? Check out AOL Travel Guides. (http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/united-states?ncid=aoltrv000316) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.8/1363 - Release Date: 4/7/2008 8:56 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 comments?
The K1 is easy to build (although I had to use a binocular magnifier to read the micro printing on some parts with my 70 year old eyes!) Really nice kit. The receiver is super decent! First time you fire it up it sounds like it will be deaf. Almost NO internally generated noise. The variable selectivity works very well! Operating features are very adequate once you get used to what this little jewel will do. I found the biggest deficit was that it worked only 2 or 4 bands. I have the 4 band card setup for 40/30/20/15 meters, and an addtional TWO 2 band boards setup for 160/80 and 80/40 meters. The 80/40 meter board came in handy when the higher bands went bust a couple of years ago in the bottom of the current sunpot minimum. I'm looking forward to eventually building another 2 band custom board when 10/12 meters picks up. (The ROM on main board setup for use on all bands from 160-10 meters, but factory options not yet available for 10/12 and 160 meters.) It IS fun to use. The external T1 autotuner is more flexible than the internal KAT1 tuner, especially on 160/80 meters. I have the internal KAT1 and a T1. Having used all of Ten-Tec's old PM Power mites series (PM-1, PM2, PM-3), all the Heathkits (HW-7/8/9) and some homebrewed stuff, the K1 is the BEST QRP CW transceiver I have used so far.I have frequently used it in the field and it has performed extremely well. Couldn't be more pleased with it. 73, Sandy W5TVW K1 Serial #1178 - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 10:34 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K1 comments? I recently received my first Elecraft kit a K1. I don't see any postings relating to this rig. Every posting seems to be about the new K3 and sometimes the K2. Someone must be still interested in the K1 out there. Are there any comments on this radio . for instance; how was it to build, is it fun to use, does it have a decent receiver, etc, etc. Please tell me something about your experience with your K1. Thanks ... Bud, NY1Z ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.3/1354 - Release Date: 4/1/2008 5:38 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Straight Keys, Paddles and Bugs
Having worked CW for some years..I would say stick with a straight key until you have at least reached 7-10 WPM with no problem. Going to a Vibroplex key then would be OK as even I find it difficult to send really good CW on a bug or an automatic key at less than 13-15 WPM. Once competent at 15 WPM or more, then you can graduate to a single or iambic paddle automatic key. I have heard a lot of garbage sent on automatic keys by inexperienced operators. It is awful to copy. Also usually full of errors. I'd much rather have a QSO with someone at 10-12 WPM with no errors than have someone trying to race along at 20-25 WPM and every third word is messed up! I have heard sent and sometimes have sent almost tape machine quality CW at 20-25 WPM with a really good straight key (in this case a Marconi Marine type 365 straight key). But it does get tiring at the higher speeds! Nothing is worse than chopped up sending with an automatic key. It's kinda like someone talking with a mouthful of food. The more perfect the sending and spacing, the easier it is to copy. As for sending with a keyboard, I compare that with using an automated computer program to make contest contacts.what's the object of the exercise? The keyboard won't make a better CW op out of you and the robot contesting program won't make a good contester out of you. (In reality) 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: WILLIS COOKE [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, March 23, 2008 10:30 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Straight Keys, Paddles and Bugs It seems that there is some disagreement as to whether a beginner should start with a Straight Key or Paddles and Keyer. I favor the Straight Key, but I can see some merit to the Paddle position. If you are just getting started with CW, by all means, don't let the disagreement prevent you from picking one and getting started. Just don't try to learn with a keyboard, it will not teach you anything except how to type, and leave the Bugs alone until you approach 20 wpm, the minimum code speed for which they were designed. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.8/1339 - Release Date: 3/22/2008 4:43 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] New Contest Transceiver
WARC bands are OK, but short paths that occur on 30 meters are very rare. It would have been nice if FCC had authorized CW dead on the carrier frequencies of the 60 meter channels! This when 80 and 40 is loaded with contesters on weekends. I still get the idea FCC wants to end Morse for good. The ARRL seems to be going along with this trend. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Charlotte Bob Higgins [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Sandy [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Shaun Oliver [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Bill W4ZV [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 6:05 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Contest Transceiver Since the FCC decided to throw away Morse code, courtesy has all but disappeared, and contests have almost totally taken over. There is little places to go and have a CW QSO anymore. Most of the CW ops nowadays seem to be contesters so you either join them or stay off the air. There seems to be no place to go anymore on HF. WARC bands? -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.7/1335 - Release Date: 3/19/2008 9:54 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] New Contest Transceiver [OT]
Morse IS being used, whether the regulators like it or not. For a while ( may still be?) Morse was BANNED on the MARS frequencies. Morse is certainly popular for contest and QRP use, and probably still on the rise. How much Morse? All one has to do is listen on 160 meters during the ARRL or CQ 160 contests! Too bad there isn't more activity except at contest time. I'm hearing a lot of slow speed Morse QSO's now where the old timers used to congregate. Perhaps this sort of activity will increase. I still contend there should be some small sub-band where digital/RTTY and voice modes are forbidden and there is nothing but Morse even if only 10-20 khz. of the low end. 73 Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: David Ferrington, M0XDF [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Charlotte Bob Higgins [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Sandy [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Shaun Oliver [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Bill W4ZV [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 6:35 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Contest Transceiver [OT] Is this actually true? I'm not clear on what happened in the US with no longer requiring a Morse cert. and would like someone to set me straight (I really mean that, I'd like to understand the real story). My understanding is: 1) the requirement for a morse cert was removed from the license 2) this allows you to get a license and operate without morse 3) the FCC did not 'throw away Morse', just removed the requirement to have it In the UK, this same action in 2003 has resulted in more newcomers (since Morse is no longer an obstacle) and in fact, more people wishing to learn Morse (myself included) since on using HF, it becomes clear just how significant CW is to making contacts, especially DX. So, by no longer forcing people to learn Morse, we have encouraged more to do so. In my limited experience, courtesy not slowing slipping away, lack of it is in the minority. And mostly the usage of that term is used when describing large contests where band plans get ignored. I don't wish to get into the Contest verses DX type issues. There does seem to be a concern that SSB contests wipe out the CW parts of the band during the contest. I would have thought that applied far more here than in the US where my understanding is the band plan is mandator - in the UK is advisory (provided you stick within the spectrum allocation). Contests are on the rise yes, but I don't think that can be blamed on the removal of the Morse requirement - surly if anything, this indicates a greater usage of CW (assuming we are talking CWE contests). In fact, are contests on the increase or is it just poor DX conditions making it appear that way? On the question of where to go to use Morse, what about the freq. used by FIST members. Just because they are used by FISTS, does not prevent anyone from using them (no-one owns a freq.) and if you hear someone calling CQ FISTS, work them. FISTS members are happy to work anyone and are not exclusively FISTS - and if you find someone is, then they should not be a member of FISTS, IMHO. There freq. are found at http://www.fists.co.uk/index_files/FREQS.htm 73 de M0XDF / FISTS #12575, K3 #174, HexKey #375 -- One can pay back the loan of gold, but one dies forever in debt to those who are kind. -Malayan Proverb On 19 Mar 2008, at 11:05, Charlotte Bob Higgins wrote: Since the FCC decided to throw away Morse code, courtesy has all but disappeared, and contests have almost totally taken over. There is little places to go and have a CW QSO anymore. Most of the CW ops nowadays seem to be contesters so you either join them or stay off the air. There seems to be no place to go anymore on HF. WARC bands? -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.7/1335 - Release Date: 3/19/2008 9:54 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] New Contest Transceiver
The Japanese seemed to have gone ape on whistles and bells on the new radios! I enjoy some contests, but the contest thing has gotten way out of hand to my thinking. On weekends, what used to be normal ragchew get-togethers have gotten to be battle the contesters for a space just to talk! I have also seen a lot of talk about computer controlled automatic loggers that also answer calls and make your contacts for you with little intervention. What's the challenge there? I do enjoy some sprints on QRP, but there are too many contests nowadays for a fellow to find a spot on the band to shoot the bull like we did in the old days. Since the FCC decided to throw away Morse code, courtesy has all but disappeared, and contests have almost totally taken over. There is little places to go and have a CW QSO anymore. Most of the CW ops nowadays seem to be contesters so you either join them or stay off the air. There seems to be no place to go anymore on HF. I don't think I will be even thinking of buying a K3 or especially an IC-7700 unless I win the Lottery now. It's hard enough buying gasoline to attend hamfests now. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Shaun Oliver [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Bill W4ZV [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 5:58 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Contest Transceiver I'm sorry to sound like some kind of whining bitch, but, is it me, or is amateur radio fast becoming a pissing contest of sorts to see who has the flashiest rig at the cost of a new car. I for one refuse to spend that amount of money on a hobby I know I'll get alot of fun out of. I'm not completely sure about contests and what place they hold within the amateur community, but I'm sure there's a place and a reason for them. hell, I might even try my hand at a couple when I finally gain me ticket. you don't need the latest icom or kenwood or yaesu, which you'd have to take out a mortgage to own, half the fun as far as I'm concerned is working with what you have. and sometimes, that might be a pile of cow shit, some duct tape, fencing wire for a feeder and a couple of aluminum coke cans for a matching circuit, and an old valve radio that's been beaten to death and still manages to put out it's full power. if the above works, why change? me, I'm all for having a nice long chat with the fellas and working a little dx occasionally. I use to like to do that on the chocolate box but, there's too many fools there for that to be any fun anymore. sorry if I sound whiney but, yeah there you have it, my 2 cents worth. On 18/03/2008 9:47 PM, the old scribe known as Bill W4ZV was able to impart this pearl of wisdom: W7is wrote: If your interested in seeing the latest offering of a contest grade transceiver, take a look at this link. Reading their brochure is a real hoot!! During the next 10 days it will be making its official debut. Not news. IC-7700 was announced about the same time (i.e. Dayton last year) as the K3. You too can spend twice as much as a K3, with no Sub RX and get worse performance. I'm sure the contest gang will gobble these up...NOT. You could buy 2 fully K3s outfitted for SO2R for less than one IC-7700...but it sure is pretty! ;-) 73, Bill ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.7/1333 - Release Date: 3/18/2008 8:10 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Another source for Anderson PowerPole type connectors
I did some tests on them a couple of years ago. Got a bunch of samples from Tyco as they offered many colors. This was for an engineering project I was doing. The connector shells interlocked horribly with each other. Most were way too tight. In this application, there were going to be several gangs of 5-8 connectors linked inline as plugs/sockets. The internal contacts did not have the same spring as the Anderson ones. I was very disappointed with the Tyco product and considered it very inferior to the Anderson ones. Glad I got samples instead of spending the money to buy a bunch of them and have a bomb out on the project. I say steer clear of the Tyco/Amp product. The Anderson product much more consistant and of better quality. 73, Sandy W5TVW Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Another source for Anderson PowerPole type connectors Jim: UNofficially, I've been told that they may not be 'quite' as good as the 'real' APPs, and that they might not fit together as cleanly, or fit into existing APPs as cleanly. However, this is STRICTLY hearsay to me as I've not tested them. FWIW - If you go to the Cable Xperts web site, they have them 30A IN PAIRS for $0.59/pair. However, the shipping might eat up the cost savings unless you can get a group order going. My RC order placed an order and the total cost per pair ran $0.62/pair. About as good as I've found anywhere. 73, Tom N0SS At 06:07 03/04/2008, you wrote: A friend of mine found them in the April 2008 Mouser catalog. The Anderson type connectors are shown on pages 1284 -1285... They now have a posted type contact so you can attach the connector to a circuit board. You can also go to www.mouser.com and go to mouser stock number 571-14459571 to open the first entry for the AMP Power Series... Price wise, I'm not sure how they will compare to PowerWerx on shipping, but Mouser does not have a minimum order to my knowledge and they have never charged me anything more than actual shipping. I looked, but I did not find the crimper in Mouser's catalog. It's probably there, but knowing AMP, it is probably a lot more expensive than the real good one offered by PowerWerx. I have that one and it's definitely worth the money if you use a lot of the connectors. Jim - W0EB ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.21.4/1310 - Release Date: 3/4/2008 8:35 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Re: Mobile/portable antennas
This is an interesting post! As far as dipoles are concerned.Some years ago, I was operating portable with a Ten-Tec PM3A (40/20m.) and then the first Argonaut they built. Some of my best results was with loaded dipoles. Dipoles very short for the given band I was operating on. I remember the 40 meter one was about 15' long overall. It consisted of a center section of about 5-6' each leg, the loading coil (in each leg) then the last 12-15 of wire...mainly a tuning stub so to speak. The loading coils were wound on 3/4 polystyrene tubing forms. Antenna elements were #24 hookup wire. Feeder was a short length of RG-74/U (LOSSY on the higher bands!) They were erected from 6' to around 15' high. The tuning was VERY sharp, you could move maybe plus or minus 10-15 khz or so for around a 1.5:1 VSWR... They did work better than any vertical whip I tried. On the other hand 20 years later (NOW!) I found it difficult to setup such an antenna EASILY in say a parking lot or a cow pasture (no trees!) The 33' Fiberglass pole is easy to setup and does work, albeit not the best there is! I have never tried the commercial loaded dipole antennas like the Buddipole? Had an idea to use something homemade and similar using some telescopic inner elements, easy to change loading coils and telescopic end elements in a loaded rotating dipole configuration, but never got around to doing this! Something less than 20' long on 80 and less on the higher bands, light and easily transportable, easy to setup, maybe using the fiberglass mast not quite telescoped to full height...(25'?) to take advantage of the stouter section below the fishing rod tip sections. (This is the MGJ 33' pole) The BIG disatvantage of the loaded antenna was a narrow bandwidth, especially with hi-Q loading coils. Someday maybe I'll try it again configured as outlined above. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Mike Morrow [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2008 6:23 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Re: Mobile/portable antennas . I have used this very expensive combo a number of times in the past seven years at campsites in the Arkansas Ozarks and the Tennessee and Alabama Appalachians. For comparison purposes, I also set up a simple home-made multi-band wire dipole ($20) at nine feet above ground. I made contacts on 40m through 10m using both antennas. In *EVERY* instance, on *EVERY* band, the vertical installation was 2 to 4 **S-units** lower in receive and transmit performance, compared to the dipole. I found NO exceptions to this. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Re: Portable Antennae
This is the thing I use the most. I use the MFJ 33' Fiberglass mast. Small hookup wire for antenna elements. 33' vertical and at least 2, preferably 4 radials laid on ground 90 degrees apart. White insulated mil-spec type wire used (24-26 guage) with tracer stripes. White wire wasy to see and helps prevent people tripping over the strands. Also have tried an 85' L antenna (33' vertical, 52' horizontal). It is harder to support easily and no good in parking lot or away from trees for support of the far end. The vertical is very quick to setup and takedown. Doesn't require and weights or slinghots to get the far end supported over a tree limb. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Chris [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, March 03, 2008 1:00 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Re: Portable Antennae hi over the years ive done a good bit of portable work. and the best antennae i have used is a vertical . i use a dk9sq 33ft mast with 33ft copper wire taped to the mast ( 1/4 wave on 40m) an atu and ground wires or on a nice day the wire conected to my k2. useing the atu in the k2 to work other bands ive worked all over the world so me im happy with vertical ants dont take much room and quick to put up wish you goodluck with what you use and most of all good fun chris g0wfh ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.21.3/1308 - Release Date: 3/3/2008 10:01 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Noise Reduction Recording
SOunds like plain old white noise to me. I get plagued with the same stuff during the day sometime. What is the difference in noise level with the antenna connected and disconnected? 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: David Ferrington, M0XDF [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Crafters Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, February 25, 2008 2:47 AM Subject: [Elecraft] [K3] Noise Reduction Recording I'm still having trouble determining if what I hear is noise that NB should get rid of. This is because I'm a relatively new Ham without the experience to know what I'm hearing. So I have made a recording on the noise and it is available from http://homepage.mac.com/davidferrington/FileSharing2.html I have recorded 3.740MHz in 5 second tracks with a tone between each change of NR setting, viz: 5 seconds of no NR, 200mS tone @ 700Hz 5 seconds of NR F1-1, 100mS tone at 1400Hz 5 seconds of NR F1-2, 100mS tone at 1400Hz 5 seconds of NR F1-3, 100mS tone at 1400Hz 5 seconds of NR F1-4, 200mS tone at 700Hz 5 seconds of NR F2-1, 100mS tone at 1400Hz etc. I have found no NB setting that affects this, I can possibly hear a very slight change, but it does not cancel the noise. I can do the same for the NB settings if people wish. I would appreciate some feedback on this please, is this just broadband hash in my urban neighbourhood from er, broadband and wall warts etc? Mail me off list if you'd like me to mail you a copy of the file direct. 73 de M0XDF / K3 #174 -- Why should I fear death? If I am, death is not. If death is, I am not. Why should I fear that which cannot exist when I do? -Epicurus, philosopher (c. 341-270 BCE) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.21.1/1297 - Release Date: 2/25/2008 9:22 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
