Re: [Elecraft] FCC 60m Band Change Rules Published In Federal Register On 03 February 2012
Thanks for the update, Mike. Just so nobody get in trouble, the effective date is March 5, 2012, as specified in the notice. (I guess they don't know it's a leap year.) 73, Terry N6RY On 2012-02-03 6:05 AM, Mike Morrow wrote: > The new FCC 60 meter band rules that were announced on 18 November 2012 > > > http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db1118/FCC-11-171A1.pdf > > have finally been published in the Federal Register today, 03 February 2012 > > http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-02-03/pdf/2012-2477.pdf > > That means they become effective 30 days from today, on 04 March 2012. > > Summary: > > (1) Use of the existing 5366.5 kHz (carrier) is removed, replaced by 5357.0 > kHz > (carrier, for all modes except CW). > > (2) Maximum ERP raised from 50 to 100 watts PEP. > > (3) Three emission modes (CW, RTTY, Data) are authorized in addition to the > existing USB mode. NOTE: CW mode carrier must be on the assigned > frequency, > of the authorized channel, not 1.5 kHz below the assigned frequency as > it is > for other authorized modes. That makes a significant difference when > switching between CW and any other mode! > > 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] KX3 LO injection
On 2011-06-02 1:25 AM, Julian, G4ILO wrote: > Dave KK7SS wrote: >> Just thought I'd ask, as there are two common ways to do it: >> One is to shift the filter passband and the other is to adjust the LO >> injection frequency. >> >> My IC7200 had the 'hiss' problem. Using IF shift would reduce it but would >> also tend to muffle the audio. Didn't like that. :( > But shifting the LO injection frequency would worsen the carrier > suppression. I used to spend a lot of time fiddling with analog rigs trying > to do the same thing. Got it sounding nice, then noticed that when I keyed > the mic the output meter was showing a reading even though there was no > modulation. :( I run my K3 in SSB with the filter centered on 1.4kHz and it > sounds great to me. > > - > Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222. I suspect the KX3 will use the equivalent of the so-called "phasing method" of SSB generation (but digitally, in DSP software). I don't think there will be a xtal filter like in the older analog radios, so the carrier suppression shouldn't change. All of the filtering (except perhaps for the baseband "roofing filter") will probably be via DSP. Eventually, the Elecraft guys will give us more details of the radio design so we can eliminate the guesswork. Keep clam, Terry N6RY __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Time to Update Gift-Giving Guide for Non Hams
Now that the K3 and most options are shipping from stock, these should be added to the Gift Guide, along with the new Elecraft phone number. 73, Terry N6RY __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] K3 - Numeric SWR Display
If you have 1:1 SWR at the transmitter, you must have a 50+j0 load at the other end of a 50 ohm coax, regardless of the line length. Using a Smith Chart will just show a dot at the center. (Of course, if you have a very lossy line, it could be a little off 50 ohms at the load.) This also assumes that you have a reasonable balun at the antenna, so the outside shield of the coax isn't a coupled part of the antenna that radiates. As for the MFJ-259B, it can be a great tool, but it can also give some pretty crazy readings, especially in the presence of other nearby transmitters, even when well out of band. I see postings almost every week on the Topband list about strange feed impedances of an inverted-L that are probably getting a 100 milliwatt signal from the local AM station. 73, Terry N6RY At 03:52 PM 2008-09-17, Bill W5WVO wrote: I should add that you CAN adjust an antenna for minimum SWR at the transmitter, but when you do that, you are in all likehood including some non-zero feedpoint reactance in the net impedance, and this is being observed through the length of your transmission line, which then becomes part of the overall load the transmitter sees. If you subsequently change the length of the transmission line, you will no longer have Z=50 ohms at the transmitter. If you tune the antenna for TRUE resonance (zero reactance, R=50), then you can put any length of transmission line on it that you want to, and it will behave just the same. I know we all got along without the MFJ-259B for years, just going by guess and by gosh (or sweating over Smith charts), but now that we can actually tell what is happening in an antenna so easily, it's crazy not to use one. Beg, borrow, steal, or if necessary buy one, and learn how to use it. You won't regret it! Greatest thing since CW killed King Spark. :-) Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: "Bill W5WVO" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 4:39 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Numeric SWR Display > Actually, looking at transmission line SWR at the transmitter is a > poor way to adjust an antenna. To get it right, you need to use a > complex impedance analyzer like the now-ubiquitous MFJ-259B (or > equivalant instrument), and put it as close to the antenna > feedpoint as possible. Adjust as close as you can get for Xc=0, > Xl=0, R=50. You can't do that with an SWR bridge! :-) > > Bill W5WVO ___ 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] Recommended K3/100 filters
At 09:33 AM 2007-12-10, Dave G4AON K3/100 #80 wrote: I don't have any 5 pole filters, so cannot comment on how they perform relative to the 8 pole types. There is certainly a noticeable improvement when the bandwidth is reduced beyond the 400 Hz mark and the narrow filter is automatically switched in. For CW I wouldn't want to rely solely on the 2.8 KHz filter. Dave, Perhaps you can comment on what sort of improvement was noted when the 400 Hz filter was switched in. Noise? Steeper skirt selectivity? Impulse response (ringing)? IM products? Thanks & 73, Terry N6RY ___ 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 NB
At 05:37 PM 2007-08-31, VR2BrettGraham wrote: With the British & now Chinese woodpeckers seemingly here to stay with us, I wonder if it might be possible to do some 'predictive' blanking with the hardware NB gate (does anyone remember the AEA WB-1)? How about some simple countermeasures (for a future firmware release): Blank, then transmit an equal length pulse (on a clear frequency, of course), with optional automatic ID every N minutes. I'm sure we have some real "spooks" on the list who could suggest a much better protocol... Keep clam, Terry N6RY ___ 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 Question
At 11:41 AM 2007-08-23, Don Rasmussen wrote: Assume a non-contester is looking at a K3. There would be no need for a second receiver nor the absolute selectivity of the K3. Aside from those points, can anyone suggest how the K3 might compare to the Kenwood TS870? If you operate 160m or SWL in the tropical bands, the phase-locked dual receiver in the K3 could be beneficial for diversity (binaural) weak-signal reception using two separate antennas. 73, Terry N6RY ___ 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 filter widths re: speech intelligibility
At 12:09 PM 2007-06-29, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL KR2Q wrote: http://www.polycom.com/common/documents/whitepapers/effect_of_bandwidth_on_speech_intelligibility_2.pdf Don't confuse single single intelligibility of speech (and especially speech quality) with speech intelligibility during heavy band qrm. It's always a balancing act. Argh. This is why I have forgotten "the phone" and concentrate on cw. This article is interesting, but it isn't completely relevant to radio links, where increasing the receiver bandwidth usually decreases the signal-to-noise ratio. 73, Terry N6RY ___ 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] Sherwood report and K3 agc
At 10:37 AM 2007-06-08, Don Rasmussen wrote: The K2 sounds better to me in both examples. Elecraft] Sherwood report and K3 agc Subject: [Elecraft] Sherwood report and K3 agc From: "Tom Hall" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Marteinn Sverrisson TF3MA wrote: "If K2 sounds better than most modern rigs, then listen to the soundfiles on http://www.qslnet.de/member/df7tv/nc2030pn.html and compare the sounds of NC2030 and K2, in my opinion the NC2030 is far superior sounding under these conditions, compared to K2, judging from these recordings." Which one is which? There is a tremendous difference in the audio bandwidth that makes it hard to compare the two. (The spectrum plots in WMP are very different.) Thanks & 73, Terry N6RY ___ 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] Morse *TEST* code elimination
At 08:10 AM 2006-12-16, Weymouth Walker wrote: Between this and BPL, maybe I'll take up model railroading after all ... Sadly, model railroading is a dying hobby, too. Everyone at a recent model railroad show here were either under 6 or over 60 years of age (except for a few young adults that were caretakers for the <6 and >60). What you need to take up is video gaming. However, I understand that insufficiently sturdy remote control straps can make it mandatory to wear a helmet and keep your home insurance policy current. Keep clam (as they say in storm battered Seattle), Terry ___ 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 Wullenweber Array
At 11:02 AM 2006-12-01, Phil Kane wrote: On Fri, 1 Dec 2006 09:40:47 -0700, Bob Cunnings wrote: >While we're at it, I remember that an FRD-10 was in operation at NSGA >San Diego which we called the "Dinosaur Cage". That was eons ago, >don't know if it still exists. Imperial Beach. AFAIK it's been gone for quite a while. When I first joined the FCC in the late Sixties, there were several such monitoring installations that were co-located with NSG facilities using their Type Ws. The huge array in Imperial Beach was still there when I passed it last month. It's hard to miss! http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=872&c=&t=k&hl=en&ll=32.593603,-117.129053&z=17 (The text on this page is confusing: the Navy Training Center referred to is in San Diego.) From http://www.nbc.navy.mil/index.asp?fuseaction=information.infoWhoWeAre The Silver Strand Training Complex, formerly known as the Naval Radio Receiving Facility, has become the premier training facility for the Navy's special forces. This facility is referred to locally as, the "elephant cage", which is the nickname of the large "Wollan Weber" circular antenna. The antenna area was used to provide primary communication links for the Navy's submarine community. Today this 450-acre facility provides an excellent training environment with waterborne approaches from both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay sides. The city-like layout of the base also provides a realistic site for critical urban warfare training. So what if they can't spell the name of the array... 73, Terry N6RY Carlsbad, CA ___ 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] k2 iambic modes
At 11:21 AM 2006-01-25, Dan Barker wrote: The fru-fru is about character completion. If I want to send a C, as in CQ, I squeeze the paddles. I'll be sure the dah paddle closes first and since I'm holding both, the keyer will send dahdidahdidahdidahdidahdit until I let go. I let go OF BOTH paddles during the second dah. Character completion sends another dit and the C is complete. I believe the A camp has to hold both paddles (or only the dit on - doesn't matter) until the final dit begins, and then let go. My addled brain can "let go of both" during a dah at three times the speed it can manage to "let go of both" during a dit. So, I'm a B'er. But if you only want a 'K', you have to let go during the dit (or a little after, depending on the mode B implementation). It sure would be nice (for me, anyway) to be able to custom tweak the timing to something half-way between A and B. 73, Terry N6RY ___ 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] Horizontal Loop Antenna
At 11:58 AM 2005-12-21, Kevin, N8IQ wrote: I've been thinking about what kind of antenna to put up. With my height and deed restrictions, I'm quite limited. I've thought about putting up a horizontal loop antenna. Basically I was planning to run some enameled magnet wire around the perimeter of the roof (I have no plans on running more than 10 watts). The wire would lay under the shingles so it can't be seen. The antenna will be 1 WL long on 80 meters. I'll run coax down to the K2 + ATU. This is similar to "The Loop Skywire" described in the November 1985 issue of QST. Anyone have experience (or see a problem) with this antenna? Kevin, Just be sure that the high voltage points on the antenna are well insulated from your shingles. The voltages are maximum at 1/4 wavelength away from point on the loop which is opposite the feedpoint (and every 1/2 wl from those points on 40m and higher bands). Even with 10 watts, you could see about 200 volts (rms) RF present. When the shingles are damp, you may see a bit of detuning from increased capacitive loading (and a little extra loss). I used a 30 foot high horizontal loop (1 wl on 80m) at my Seattle QTH and was quite pleased with its performance on 80m-10m. One side ran closely parallel to the aluminum gutter above the second story. The remainder of the loop was stretched to trees across a small creek. Feed was through a short length of 300 ohm line and a link-coupled balanced tuner. The loop was originally made from stealth #26 magnet wire, which was fine for RF (100 watts), but was often trashed by falling tree branches. It was later upgraded to bare #22 and the mechanical problems were nearly nonexistent (and it was still nearly invisible). When I started to get ice buildup, I connected the loop to a low voltage DC supply which warmed the wire enough to melt the ice off. ARL 61, Terry N6RY ___ 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] SKN History
Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: nor, as it is sometimes rumored, did I go to grade school with Gugliemo Marconi... and Jim KL7CC wrote: Yeah, but we heard you used to date his sister! Hmmm, wasn't her name Maria Olivia Ramona Silvia Elena? 8-) Keep clam, Terry N6RY ___ 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] Helix-wound EDP
At 06:37 AM 2005-12-14, Thom R LaCosta wrote: What I was hoping to do was have a helix that acted like a w3edp, ie, a multi-band antenna. So, if the edp is 87 to 89 feet, would that mean that a helix might be 174 to 178 feet of wire wound on the form? Thom, The comments you have already received have been excellent. Helical antennas are a great source of confusion to many hams and SWLs. The main thing to keep in mind is that winding an antenna wire onto a relatively small form changes almost every characteristic of the antenna. The harmonic resonances will normally not occur as they would if the wire were straight, the directivity and pattern will usually be different, the feed impedance will be different (usually lower), and the bandwidth and efficiency will be lower (much lower if the length of the helix is much smaller than the straight wire version). To a very rough approximation, a small diameter helix (aka "normal mode") acts much like a straight wire that is the length of the helix form, but with a lumped loading coil in the middle. Hmmm, sounds like a mobile antenna... You can't fool mother nature by winding a 10-wavelength rhombic onto four 0.05 wavelength long coil forms. It would be great if you could! 8-) BTW, the latest version of EZNEC (4.0) has a nice feature that makes it easy to create models of helical antennas (subject to limits on the maximum number of segments.) I can model a helical design if you like. Keep clam, Terry N6RY ___ 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] Heil Goldline too weak - Mic recommenda tion?
At 06:03 AM 2005-12-10, W3FPR wrote: It is a well known fact that the Heil HC4 and HC5 mic elements have an output level 6 to 10 dB below that of most other ham mics. Transceivers with a mic gain control can usually handle the lower output, but those without the control (notably Elecraft and ICOM) have difficulty with Heil mics. ICOM transceivers do have mic gain controls, but the older ICOM models are designed for mics with internal preamps. I have a standard Heil headset that I use with a Heil HMP preamp to drive my IC-765. It uses the +8v line from the ICOM 8-pin plug for power. 73, Terry N6RY ___ 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 Precise Alignment (Svc monitor?)
At 05:11 PM 2005-08-11, k4zm wrote: A service monitor is a piece of test equipment that contains a calibrated frequency generator calibrated output in both frequency and amplitude, a frequency meter for measring and setting an oscillator ot the correct frequency and usually a deviation and amplitude modulation meter. Some even contain a spectrum analyzer and wattmeter in them. It is an all in one service instrument used in the two way radio service shops. When I worked for a power company in the 1980's, the radio service techs just called it a "Cushman". Like this one: http://www.eham.net/classifieds/detail/175153 Even when other manufacturers got in the game, the guys still called them Cushmans. Keep clam, Terry ___ 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 antenna question
At 07:13 AM 2005-07-28, Lloyd Lachow wrote: Posted for Eric N0HHS KX1 #670 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: So I have settled on a 26-28' wire with a 16' counterpoise. I found that a 24' wire working against a 16' 'poise would not always load up on 40m--it needs to be at an obtuse angle to the plane of the counterpoise to tune well on 40m with the internal tuner. In contrast, the 26-28' piece will tune to <2:1 on 40m even if strung carelessly over doors, picture frames, or whatever else is available (e.g. in a hotel room with windows that don't open). 20 and 30m seem to tune fine with the 24'/16' ant, even if suboptimally deployed. Question: Assuming both tune up about as well, do you think the 24' ant with a longer (33') counterpoise will radiate better on 40m than a 26-28' ant with a 16' 'poise? I realize there are many uncontrolled variables involved, but maybe it is simpler than I think? The feedpoint capacitive reactance with 27-foot antenna wire and a single 16-foot counterpoise wire is quite high at 7 MHz, on the order of 680 ohms, depending on proximity to ground, etc. You might want to try adding a second 16 foot counterpoise wire, separated from the first by 45 degrees or more. This causes the reactance at the feedpoint to drop to around 450 ohms, which should make for an easier match (and less loss in the KX1 tuner). In my EZNEC model, with the two 16-foot counterpoise wires 2 feet above average ground, the overall efficiency rises by about 1 dB, as well. This configuration appears to produce relatively good efficiency on 20 & 30m, too. Using a single 24 foot counterpoise wire might be a workable compromise. The 40m reactance is around 420 ohms. However, the 20m impedance rises from 225+j523 to 289+j977 when going from a 16 foot to 24 foot counterpoise, so some experimentation might be required to see how the KX1 handles this. A single 33-foot counterpoise wire is about 1/2 wl on 20m, so it might make matching there difficult due to the resulting high impedance. The overall losses increase by around 3 dB, too. On 40m, my model also shows slightly lower efficiency (-1 dB or so). This might seem odd, but since the counterpoise wire is longer than the "antenna" wire and it carries at least as much current, there is a tendency to have more radiation from the counterpoise than the "antenna" proper. Since the counterpoise is probably closer to ground, etc., the losses may be somewhat higher and the pattern degraded. (Note that using two 33-foot counterpoise wires, 180 degrees apart is a different story on 40m. This is a common "elevated radial" configuration and the efficiency is much better since the radiation from the two wires tends to cancel in the far field. Of course, the impedance would still be high on 20m.) 73, Terry N6RY ___ 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] Iambic mode faux pas
At 08:18 AM 2004-08-17, blake wrote: So how many mode "A"ers are there out there? Am I the only mode B paddle pusher? I never could figure out how anyone could send with a mode B keyer. If you try to send a 'K' and don't release the dot paddle before the second dash starts, you get a 'C'. I can do that at 5 WPM if I concentrate really hard, but at any higher speed, no luck. The original Curtis CMOS keyer chip was mode A, and he later made a mode B (and A/B) chips for all those who were forever cursed by learning to iambic sending with some of the early TTL iambic keyers from QST. They had what became known as "the trailing dot problem" and fixes for their logic were offered. I still have one of the original TTL keyers in my collection and can only use it with a single lever (non-iambic) paddle. My vacuum tube keyer from the 1965 Handbook works just as well. Keep clam, Terry ___ 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
