[Elecraft] [K2] LiFePO4 replacement for internal SLA battery in K2

[inventor61 .]

Hello

My older K2, #771, is still in use after almost 16 years since I built it.

I have the internal sealed lead-acid gel cell battery option.  I have the
charge circuit slightly modified using the kit from ProAudio Engineering,
and I use their superb external power supply as well.

I get great results, but I know one day this battery (the 2nd I have had)
will eventually need to be replaced once again.

I contacted Batteryspace.com and asked them to fabricate a LiFePO4 pack
that matched the dimensions of the SLA in my radio, and to also include a
matching Elecraft pigtail to plug in to the PCB connector, with a
protection circuit board to prevent over discharge, shorts, and the like.

The SLA is rated at 2.9Ah and the new LiFePO4 pack is rated at 4.5Ah.  The
new pack also has the benefit of running at a slightly higher voltage for
most of the longer discharge curve.

One key operating difference versus the SLA is that you should not
continuously float charge the LiFePO4 pack.

The new pack is not inexpensive, but it roughly doubles both the discharge
period and the cycle life of the SLA.

The new pack has shipped and I expect to get it after Labor Day / Shelby
weekend.  The pack has to come via ground (to NC from W6) due to the hazmat
restrictions on such cell packs.

If you look at their website, the pack is now listed :: item CU-J1087 (prod
id: 9647).

I will report back here after I get the pack and try it out.  I am not
affiliated with this firm in any way.  Rather, I am reporting this
information as a courtesy to the other Elecrafters who recently mentioned
the need to replace their K2 SLA batteries.

73

Steve KZ1X
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[Elecraft] [K2] LiFePO4 replacement for internal SLA battery in K2

[inventor61 .]

I have recently received the LiFePO4 battery pack I ordered for the K2 and
which I mentioned in an earlier posting.

Upon receipt I checked it out mechanically.  It looks very nicely made.
The supplied pigtail is terminated with the mating internal K2 Molex DC
connector.

I charged the new pack using a precision lab type CC/CV power source and it
accepted a full charge, according to my expectations.  After 48 hours, the
pack, with no load applied, dropped about 0.6V also as expected.

I did not yet try to install the new pack in the K2 but the micrometer says
that it will perfectly fit the Elecraft KBT2 bracket for which the new pack
was purposefully designed.

This pack *is *equipped with a protection card, limiting short circuit
current, over voltage, and under-voltage (low voltage disconnect); the
latter is to prevent ruining the pack by leaving it across a load.

The pack does *not* have a balancer built in.

I recognize the possibility that this can reduce the ultimate pack capacity
over time, but I have also looked into the matter in some depth (and I have
a background commercially in both primary and secondary cell / pack design
trade-offs).  I feel comfortable with my decision to not equip this pack
with a balancer, which among other things would have made the physical
dimensions of the pack not match what was needed in this radio.

The pack cannot be charged correctly (in most all states of discharge)
using a conventional constant-voltage external power supply on the K2.
Instead, after I retire the SLA, I will use a CC/CV type charger intended
for the purpose.  Further, the LiFePO4 pack should not be floated
indefinitely in CV mode.

The primary challenge I see with the setup as it is shipped from
Batteryspace is that the pack's stock cabling is not configured for for the
KBT2 battery disconnect switch to be placed in series with the pack.  This
switch would allow me to operate the K2 from a conventional power source
such as the Pro Audio Engineering PAE-KX33 unit.

To get around this problem, I will use suitable connectors and arrange for
the KBT2 power switch to be inserted in the (+) lead between the new pack
and its Molex fitting.  I will also inform the very helpful gentleman at
Batteryspace about a good way to redesign his pigtail to make this work for
other people.

I do not wish to (and will not) add a separate battery charge jack on the
radio.

The advantages of the SLA are that it is rather robust, can float charge
from the typical power source, and is relatively inexpensive.

Weight may or may not be an advantage.  The SLA certainly gives the K2 some
heft and a solid feel.  But it's not light and portable use often requires
lugging the radio about.

The advantages of the LiFePO4 pack are significantly longer run time from a
charge (I am thinking 2x), and an anticipated much longer service life.

I will report once more sometime in the future after I have suitable
real-world  experience using the new pack.   It may be some time before I
make this report; in relative terms however, it won't take too long since
I've been on this reflector daily for about 16 years.   ;-)

73  Steve KZ1X
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[Elecraft] [K2] LiFePO4 replacement for internal SLA battery in K2

[inventor61 .]

I had strongly considered the LiPo type secondary-cell power packaging
option and rejected it.

Energy density in that chemistry/package is amazing of course.  But that
equation is also true of a bomb.  I have no problem with the LiPo in my
iPad, Galaxy S5 phone, and laptop, so, it's not a blind bias.

It doesn't take too much YouTube searching to find dramatic examples of
LiPo powered RC vehicles and the like bursting into flames.

There's a good reason that *all* these lithium cells are considered hazmat
now, not just the lithium thionyl chloride ones ... on failure, those burn
and emit nerve gas; they are Class 9 hazmat!  They are also not
rechargeable anyway.

Because this particular power pack would be fully enclosed in the
metal-cased K2, and would be in the 9 ampere-hour range in this desired
form factor ... if such a LiPo pack decided to self-immolate, the rig would
not only be destroyed but I'd have a real secondary incendiary hazard on my
hands.

The charging, power regulation and protective circuitry, etc., needed to
use the LiPo chemistry/packaging inside a K2 took that consideration off
the table for me.  YMMV.

The 'safe-failure-mode' secondary-cell chemistries I considered were NiMH
and LiFePO4.

The NiMH almost won.

By the way, I have the special spot-welder device and strap/bracket
supplies needed to fabricate my own packs.  Extensive experimenting with
NiMH cells really had me convinced to go that way for some time.

Then, I got some newer LiFePO4 cells and also some new LiCoO2 cells, and
started the "2015 edition" revisiting of the selection analysis.  I had
last looked at the issue in 2010.

It didn't take long before my own clumsiness lit one of the 18650-size
LiCoO2 cells up.  I caught the mistake just as it was about to get really
serious.  Lesson learned.  Now I know why the manufacturers of those
include the built-in-per-cell safety circuit option!  The cells I tried
were the 'raw' and unprotected type, selected purposefully so as to not
have the size, cost, and loss of the protective circuitry.  For these and
other reasons, this chemistry/packaging option was rejected for the
particular use-case.

I could not achieve a better-than-the-SLA result with NiMH.

Hope my describing a portion of the ferreting process in a bit more depth
is of use to others.

The K2 is a remarkably competent field radio.  Being able to actually use
it in the field, conveniently, makes my now-teenage rig all the more
valuable to me.  Having a modern internal power source will just be icing
on an already tasty cake.

73  Steve KZ1X
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[Elecraft] [T1] T1 autocoupler with low power transceiver

[inventor61 .]

The SoftRock radios are indeed inexpensive and interesting, and can be used
for WSPR and similar.

A better choice, however, could well be the Peaberry V2 replacement, soon
to be available again from Omnia SDR.  See the URL:

http://www.omnia-sdr.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=65

This radio covers up to 4 bands instead of just two, costs only slightly
more than the Ensemble TXRX, is the same form factor as the Ensemble,
requires no sound card, is compatible with all SoftRock Si570 control
software, and, it directly connects to and commands the Elecraft T1 tuner.

Another poster made a comment regarding the possible incorrect choice of
the Elecraft T1 autocoupler for a particular application.  One might
instead consider that the T1 is an ideal choice, and then select a radio
that works better as an integrated-system element.

73 Steve KZ1X
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[Elecraft] [T1] T1 autocoupler with low power transceiver

[inventor61 .]

It was pointed out to me that the radio I referred to was not currently
available.

I did say 'soon.';-)


The new kit is to be available in January.

I am unaffiliated with Omnia SDR.
However, I did build three of the Peaberry radios, and still own one of the
original model.
The Omnia folks have taken over production from AE9RB.

They have a Yahoo! group where product information is shared.


Steve KZ1X
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[Elecraft] [K3] WSJT-X settings for K3

[inventor61 .]

I have tried the last two versions of WSJT-X and there seems to be some
problem with the rig control for the K3.  I get error messages, something
about the program not being able to read the mode of the radio's second
VFO.

As is often the case, a pretty cryptic error message is what's offered,
mostly intended for the programmer, not an end user.  I think the program
uses hamlib for radio control options.

Many attempts at different settings were tried, and the one that works best
is to set it for no programmatic rig control, at all (other than RTS for
PTT).

I have no problem with my K3-P3-KPA500 station, or with other control
programs, just WSJT-X.  I use only 'real' UART based COM ports, so, that's
not the problem.

Anybody experience similar?
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Re: [Elecraft] [K3] WSJT-X settings for K3

[inventor61 .]

James

Thanks for your reply.  For some reason my name-and-call signature line got
chopped off my initial reflector posting.

I have the new WSJT-X v1.4 installed now.

The problem is also experienced by others, according to the many private
responses I got, there appears to be a bug in the hamlib file for the K3,
and the authors are apparently aware of it.

Tnx 73

Steve KZ1X

***
On Jan 9, 2015 12:27 PM, "James Bennett"  wrote:

> Mr. Inventor61 (call??) - I’ve been running my K3 (full K-Line here, too)
> with WSJT-X v1.3, r3673 for quite some time with no problems. WSJT-X is
> able to control the rig’s band setting and I also use the split feature
> with no issues. I’d be glad to compare settings with you if you’d like. It
> ought to work fine for you. Drop me an email offline and we can try to get
> it sorted out.
>
> 73, Jim / W6JHB at ARRL dot NET
>
>
> > On   Thursday, Jan 8, 2015, at  Thursday, 7:13 PM, inventor61 . <
> invento...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > I have tried the last two versions of WSJT-X and there seems to be some
> > problem with the rig control for the K3.  I get error messages, something
> > about the program not being able to read the mode of the radio's second
> > VFO.
> >
> > As is often the case, a pretty cryptic error message is what's offered,
> > mostly intended for the programmer, not an end user.  I think the program
> > uses hamlib for radio control options.
> >
> > Many attempts at different settings were tried, and the one that works
> best
> > is to set it for no programmatic rig control, at all (other than RTS for
> > PTT).
> >
> > I have no problem with my K3-P3-KPA500 station, or with other control
> > programs, just WSJT-X.  I use only 'real' UART based COM ports, so,
> that's
> > not the problem.
> >
> > Anybody experience similar?
> > __
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> >
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> > Message delivered to w6...@me.com
>
>
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[Elecraft] [K3] KXV3A for sale

[inventor61 .]

I am selling the KXV3A module from my K3 #6108.

I have replaced it with the KXV3B.

I am including the unused accessories included with the new unit,
along with the original printed documentation.

This would be an ideal addition to a K3 that didn't have this interface
before,
and is being offered at a substantial discount to the current model.

$125 includes insured domestic USPS Priority Mail shipping.  PayPal
preferred.


Steve KZ1X/4
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[Elecraft] [K3] KXV3B installation

[inventor61 .]

Tap '9' when the KXV menu item is displayed.

The same thing happened to me.

Works great now.

K3 # 6108, fw v5.26


Steve KZ1X/4
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[Elecraft] [K3] ideas for re-purposing our old K3 synthesizers

[inventor61 .]

I printed out the schematic of the original K3 synthesizer module.  The
diagram says 'rev. A4' and is dated 8 Jan 2010.  Hope that's close to the
as-built!  (probably is)

This gizmo appears to have an output range from 8.7 to 46 MHz.  I don't
know how much sauce it can develop but I have to imagine +10 dBm or so into
50 ohms, I bet it's flat across that range, and it looks like the thing
would be whistle-clean.

To get that, it needs a tight 49.38 MHz reference oscillator (I found a
0.5PPM TCXO for ~$30 from mainland China), and several common DC supply
voltages.

It also needs a small microcontroller or other way of providing the correct
serial peripheral interface command lines and interaction.  That processor
would also control the output frequency, perhaps with an encoder, or
whatever human interface might make sense.

But first, I am trying to see if developing a 'host' PCB would even be
fiscally wise to design and construct.  I mean, who needs a 8.7 to 46 MHz
VFO?

And, how mad would Eric or Wayne be with me about the ... um ...
semi-inverse engineering research ... I'd have to do to make this thing
operate?

On the other hand, I wager there's a thousand-plus of these modules sitting
around the planet looking for something to do.  The capitalist in me is
intrigued.

So, a bit of market investigation here:

a)  what would you do with such a device if you had one?  bench signal
generator?  beacon transmitter?  VFO for another radio?

b)  would you pay, say, $100 for a host board to operate your now-surplus
synthesizer?

c)  if someone *else *needed YOUR spare module for THEIR project, what
would you be willing to sell it to them for?  Free?  $25?  More?

73 es tnx
Steve KZ1X/4

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[Elecraft] [K3] ideas for re-purposing our old K3 synthesizers

[inventor61 .]

Based on the feedback I've received:

-- Lots of people are willing to give away their old KSYN3 modules, for
just the shipping costs

-- No one has an immediate application for the devices other than their
original purpose

-- The fear I had that controlling these things was rather complicated was
confirmed and amplified

-- It's not worth $100 to make the thing 'play' by itself


All quite illuminating.  Thanks for the bandwidth everyone.

73
Steve KZ1X/4
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[Elecraft] [P3] video of new TX monitor unit in operation

[inventor61 .]

Hello


Is there now, or will there soon be, a video of this unit in operation?


Thanks

Steve KZ1X
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[Elecraft] [HAM] The HamShield

[inventor61 .]

As an alternative to the Kickstarter project ...

The HobbyPCB RS-UV3 triband FM VHF/UHF building block is also available
(shipping now, no pledge needed), has a really superbly designed RF
section, can operate independently from an Arduino, plugs into an Arduino
as a shield if desired, and has many built in features.  It would be the
heart of a really neat radio-remote system for Elecraft gear!

http://www.hobbypcb.com/products/rs-uv3

HobbyPCB's principal engineer has won several ARRL design awards and is
also the guy shown holding his Elecraft K2 at the South Pole:

http://www.elecraft.com/PictureGallery/KC4_sign.jpg

I'm not affiliated in any way with HobbyPCB.  I do have their HF amp kit
and also the new RS-UV3.


Steve KZ1X
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[Elecraft] [K3] Noctua fan

[inventor61 .]

Is the Noctua fan mentioned in a previous thread a plug-level replacement
for the stock Elecraft K3 fan?  That is to say, have others purchased some
version of this fan and successfully drop-in replaced the 'old' one,
experiencing an improvement in sound level or otherwise?   My K3 is #6108
... late 2011 vintage.

Thanks

Steve KZ1X/4
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[Elecraft] [OT] end-fed halfwave antennas

[inventor61 .]

My Elecraft rigs are connected to guyed, end-fed half wave vertical
monopole antennas, one each on 30 meters and 40 meters.  I use
tapped-L-parallel-C matching networks at the base of these antennas, which
are ground mounted and insulated.

They radiate at the horizon, or darned close to it, and don't need any
inconvenient ground radial wires, or even a particularly low impedance
earth.  To me, that fact alone was worth any other effort.

I got inspiration for my antennas from similar designs used at the
following addresses ... each have historical markers, incidentally ... if
you are curious, you can use Google Maps to see them yourself:

764 Tylersville Road, Mason, Ohio

8068 Concord Road, Brentwood, Tennessee

While the hams who designed and installed these antennas had bigger budgets
than I do, they had the same goals.

For portable use, if you can manage an overhead tree branch at a suitable
height, only 60 feet of wire interrupted in the center with 47 microHenrys
of L yielded a center-loaded EFHW I used *very* successfully on 80 meters.
Again, no radials needed, a major consideration to me.  The feedpoint
impedance was quite high, so the matching network I had to make was
interesting but still do-able.

Steve KZ1X/4
K2 #771
K3 #6081
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[Elecraft] K2 internal battery

[inventor61 .]

Harry

Having done the change myself and helping the vendor make the customization
for the K2, I would have to recommend the Batteryspace item CU-J1087-V1.

The "V1" connectorization allows for a drop-in incorporating the back panel
cutoff switch

There's a thread about all this from late August - early September 2015
that contains verbose detail regarding this topic.

With the hindsight of a year and a half plus experience, I'm even more
happy with this setup now than I was then.  I do use their 'matching'
charging brick.

Steve KZ1X
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[Elecraft] K2 internal battery

[inventor61 .]

Harry

I use the Batteryspace charger recommended for that pack and simply plug it
into the radio.
I had to select the model with the right plug to match the rig.
I flip the battery switch  on the K2 'on' for charging.  The charger shuts
itself off when done.
No radio alterations or anything else are needed.  I did not want to drill
holes or add switches.
I do *not* operate the radio while it is charging, although doing so won't
cause any damage.
The charger is a switching supply and is RF noisy.
The LiFePO4 pack provides 2x to 3x the portable run time that the gel cell
did.
The new pack also appears to have a lower self discharge rate.  I can go
months after a full charge.
For use while at a fixed location I have a RF quiet power supply from Pro
Audio Engineering
.
This power supply does not charge the battery, so, you just flip the
battery switch off.
Oh, I should mention, the new LiFePO4 pack is designed specifically to fit
inside the Elecraft bracket that comes as part of the internal battery kit.
Since I already had that internal battery it was easy to change it out.
If you are doing this from scratch maybe Elecraft will sell you just the
bracket and switch (the kit less the gel cell and wiring which are part of
the internal kit).
If you accidentally leave on the 'regular' power while the battery switch
is on, the battery will not charge fully.

Steve KZ1X
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[Elecraft] K2 internal battery

[inventor61 .]

I was asked several times on private messages for this information.
Note:  I am not affiliated with the supplier in any way.

The discussion was for a custom replacement for the 2.9 Ampere-hour gel
cell used in the Elecraft KBT2.

The replacement suggested by me is a rechargeable 4.5 Ampere-hour LiFePO4
pack.
It fits where the gel cell does, in the Elecraft custom internal bracket.
It is almost exactly half the weight.

Batteryspace item CU-J1087

http://www.batteryspace.com/custom-lifepo4-18650-battery-12-8v-4500-mah-57-6wh-7a-rate-w-pcb-and-connector.aspx

see detailed text in 'prewired' part of product description

matching charger:

http://www.batteryspace.com/smart-charger-1.5a-for-12.8-v-lifepo4-battery-pack.aspx

use the version with the 5.5x2.1mm plug




Steve KZ1X/4
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[Elecraft] [KPA1500] A/B antenna switch function

[inventor61 .]

When the amplifier is *off* (from the front panel power control; mains AC
on) what is the function of the A/B switch?

Steve KZ1X
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[Elecraft] [K3] Ballistic tuning and other feature musings

[inventor61 .]

Seems like some requests for ballistic tuning have returned to the
reflector after a long quiet spell.  Ballistic tuning is what the JA radios
do when you spin their VFO knob faster; it senses the rotation dynamic and
increments the tuning differently until the rotation speed goes 'back' to a
slower rate.

As a response to the original ballistic tuning feature request made shortly
after the K3 was introduced, a firmware update implemented an option where,
if enabled, the offset encoder (lower right-corner knob) would act as a 1
kHz rate auxiliary 'fast' VFO.

Just like the band-stacking register feature, if one comes 'from' a rig
that had that feature ... to one that doesn't, it's a change that takes a
bit of adjusting to get used to.  Some love having it; others decidedly do
NOT.  Even harder when you have two rigs and one has it and the other
doesn't!

(The TenTec Omni VI had band-stacking registers but not ballistic tuning.
That was weird.)

I know that the K3 cannot ever have *real* band stacking registers, even
with the K-Pod.  There's no dedicated per-band button on the radio so,
that's that.  Some have tried to tell me to use other buttons in a
convoluted two-step process.  Ergonomically, that's even worse, to me, than
not having the feature to begin with.  I always wanted the KPA500 per-band
buttons to be able to enable a band stacking register function on the rig
itself, but that doesn't seem to be possible either.  Alas.

With the advent of the new synthesizers and the better-weighted knob, I do
think an optional ballistic tuning feature would be a welcome addition to
my K3.  I'd turn that feature on instead of the offset-knob coarse VFO, or
maybe have BOTH enabled.  Others would prefer it be left off.

... say ... while I am on the stump, what happened to the other 'board
level' modification for the K3 that was talked about several years ago?  I
added the synthesizers and other updates to my K3.  Was waiting for the
"big board" to become available.

73 HNY
Steve KZ1X/4
celebrating 18 years being on this reflector, every day
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[Elecraft] [OT] FS: raising cash for Elecraft goodies

[inventor61 .]

 Hello.  I am selling off three items I have in my not-in-current-use
inventory.
They might be interesting to many Elecrafters.

Item #1
Peaberry V1 SDR, built by me, mounted in now-unavailable KM5H case. $25
plus shipping.
See web page:
http://ae9rb.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1
Set up for 20-30-40. Hooked it up to HDSDR and it seemed to work fine.
The case top has been repainted.

Item #2
NJQRP PSK80 Warbler, $25 plus shipping. See web page:
http://www.njqrp.club/warbler/index.html
Includes an uncut, still-in-factory-wrapping matching model LMB-139 case;
costs about $12 new by itself.

Item #3:
Hewlett Packard Z3801A type GPS disciplined oscillator, packaged as
accessory from former Nortel cellular base station. Manual for electrically
/ mechanically same device is here:
http://www.leapsecond.com/museum/z3801a/097-z3801-01-iss-1.pdf
For feeding precision 10 MHz signal to Elecraft K3 reference on K3EXREF
accessory module. Includes power supply and N male-SMA female adapter for
GPS antenna. Ready to connect to suitable GPS antenna and radio. $199 plus
shipping.

Paypal preferred. Replies off list, please.

73 Steve KZ1X
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[Elecraft] [K2] looking for method to get K2 to send serial output via KIO2 without prompt

[inventor61 .]

My K2 #771 has a KIO2 that has no serial data output.

This appears to be due to a problem ... in the other direction.

I can see my inbound ASCII commands (e.g., FA;) at pin 6 of U1 on the KIO2
board.

However, the MAX1406 shows only rail at the corresponding TTL side.

I presume the MAX1406 has popped ...

It would be great if I could see if it worked "the other way" in other
words, if the K2 could somehow be made to send at least something out the
TX port without being prompted.

As you can see, because the KIO2 appears to not be able to send the
received data to the main MCU, I can't get the MCU to speak.

All other radio features operate perfectly.  #771 will be 20 years old this
December.

Any ideas?  Other than the obvious 'replace the MAX chip and see what
happens.'

Steve KZ1X
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[Elecraft] [OT] RS-35M noise

[inventor61 .]

Peter

I now have the prototypes completed of a composite material cover to
replace Astron 35A size power supply covers.

This solves the acoustic noise problem.

The new cover looks terrific and is a 1:1 swap with the old one.

I went through *exactly* the same problem you describe, and then buying the
same replacement supply, then modifying it, ad nauseum, before fixing the
original issue.

I expect to be able to produce these (it's done on a CNC machine) in the
coming weeks.
I have several requests already.

I do not yet know the cost but it won't be outrageous.
Would this interest you?  It has certainly interested others!

73 Steve KZ1X
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[Elecraft] [K2] looking for method to get K2 to send serial output via KIO2 without prompt

[inventor61 .]

Ingo

I agree, that would be ideal.

The problem, of course, is that if the MCU never gets the TTL equivalent of
the ASCII request, it won't respond.

Hence the issue.

What I had hoped to find out is if there's any keyboard or other sequence
that would cause the K2 to send data autonomously ... again, without any
data prompt.

This ability would allow me to show that the TX data side of the setup was
in fact operational.

I have since that message used an oscilloscope to see that the ASCII RS-232
data **is** getting level-translated and DOES appear on the correct pin of
the main MCU, revision 2.04 firmware.

I swapped out the v2.04 MCU for an earlier revision chip I had in the
junque drawer..

This older chip may or may not have had the same problem it's been
years since I upgraded to the 2.04 firmware so I do not recall ... and
since both MCUs exhibit the same lack-of-response to any inbound serial
command, I suspect I need a new MCU, not the Maxim chip.

Steve KZ1X
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[Elecraft] [K2] Follow-up for serial data I/O issue

[inventor61 .]

Thanks for the several on and off list replies to the dilemma I was seeing.
The problem turned out to be an edge case failure of the USB serial
converter.

It works fine when DE9 pins 2&3 are strapped (hard loopback) but it doesn't
work with the radio.

Changing to a real UART port solved this issue immediately.

NOW ... the original issue can be addressed!

->  The K2  auto-info meta command is *not* sticky.

It does not 'stay' across radio power cycles.
I had hoped this command would be written into the NV memory chip.

Not likely at this stage that Elecraft would issue an updated MCU that did
this.
I guess I could ask!   ;-)

Steve KZ1X
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Re: [Elecraft] [OT] RS-35M noise

[inventor61 .]

Hank

I am only fabricating new top covers for the 35A size Astron units.

For the majority of acoustic noise situations in the 35 amp size units (the
variable and the fixed voltage models) the height of the steel cabinet is
insufficient to keep the sheet metal of the lid away from the flux lines of
the transformer.

The resulting eddy currents decay and 'fight' against the transformer field
itself.
This results in the buzzing type hum people experience.

Over time this vibration can loosen the transformer windings so it can buzz
by itself.
But generally, the bulk of the objectionable acoustic noise is from the top
cover..

You can confirm the cause by simply removing the cover and operating the
supply.
There are only seven screws, as you probably already know.

Suitable electrical safety precautions are to be taken, of course.

If you have a 35A Astron unit and by the above method you can show yourself
that the buzzing/hum noise is a result of the magnetic coupling /
circulating current scenario I have described, this new composite cover
will solve the problem - as well as reducing the obvious waste heat from
the supply.

Steve KZ1X

On Sun, Jun 9, 2019 at 6:17 PM HB  wrote:

> Some more of the factory cork pieces between the transformer and case
> fixed mine up – the 50 also.
>
>
>
> Hank
>
> K4HYJ
>
>
>
> *From: *inventor61 . 
> *Sent: *Sunday, June 9, 2019 1:48 PM
> *To: *li...@w2irt.net; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> *Subject: *[Elecraft] [OT] RS-35M noise
>
>
>
> Peter
>
>
>
> I now have the prototypes completed of a composite material cover to
>
> replace Astron 35A size power supply covers.
>
>
>
> This solves the acoustic noise problem.
>
>
>
> The new cover looks terrific and is a 1:1 swap with the old one.
>
>
>
> I went through *exactly* the same problem you describe, and then buying the
>
> same replacement supply, then modifying it, ad nauseum, before fixing the
>
> original issue.
>
>
>
> I expect to be able to produce these (it's done on a CNC machine) in the
>
> coming weeks.
>
> I have several requests already.
>
>
>
> I do not yet know the cost but it won't be outrageous.
>
> Would this interest you?  It has certainly interested others!
>
>
>
> 73 Steve KZ1X
>
> __
>
> Elecraft mailing list
>
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>
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>
>
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
> Message delivered to h...@optilink.us
>
>
>
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[Elecraft] new K2 accessory / feature

[inventor61 .]

I worked with WA2EUJ at Hobby PCB to modify that amplifier's firmware so
that my amplifier would connect to my nearly-20-year-old K2 and add
automatic band changes and one-cable interfacing.

The video shown at this URL describes what was done and the results.  I am
happy to back this up, as the initial field user with the most hours on the
setup.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq9eB8hHLmc

Here's yet another reason to dust off that terrific K2 that may be just
sitting in storage or on a shelf, forlorn and silent, yet still a magic
little gray box that changed the hobby a generation ago.

73  Steve KZ1X
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[Elecraft] [K2] custom LiFePO4 pack

[inventor61 .]

Gents

Recently I saw some commentary regarding a LiFePO4 pack for the K2.

There is already one made specifically for the application, intended to
replace the gel cell option in the rig and to use the bracket provided for
same.  The picture on the web link below is slightly inaccurate in that the
wiring pigtail has a 'flying' lead so it is a 1:1 replacement for the
Elecraft gel cell assembly.

http://www.batteryspace.com/custom-lifepo4-18650-battery-12-8v-4500-mah-57-6wh-7a-rate-w-pcb-and-connector.aspx

As a *very* happy owner of this pack, I have to share that I am not
affiliated with the producer in any way.

This pack is purposefully made to charge using a LiFePO4 charger, available
from the battery supplier, via the radio's DC input jack, and works with
the battery switch on the K2 in a manner according to specifications I
provided.  Several design options were considered in the process of
creating the specs and I believe the best balance of these were selected.

When I am charging the internal pack with the LiFePO4 charger I am not
operating the radio (although it is possible); when I am operating from
mains, I use the KX33 supply from Pro Audio Engineering.

In some qualitative testing I am able to get roughly 80% more operating
time per charge than I was with the gel cell and at less weight.

The K2 is aging gracefully.  Newer radios for field use beckon but still
manage only to be just peers, not better.

Steve KZ1X
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[Elecraft] [K3] Two Feature Requests

[inventor61 .]

1)  I would like to have the option for per-band power control, per antenna
jack.

Right now, as far as I can tell, per-band power output is identical whether
you have ANT1 or ANT2 selected.


2)  I would like for the KPA500 band buttons to be able to control three
band-stacking registers.

The initial press of a band button (if it's not the band you're already on)
select that band and the 'A' frequency register; subsequent presses select
the 'B' and 'C' registers.


Thanks

73  Steve KZ1X
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[Elecraft] [OT] KD5NDB solar controller documentation

[inventor61 .]

I bought and built two of Don's solar charge controllers (among other handy
things he kitted up) before he went SK.

For some reason, and this is most unlike me, I cannot find the schematic
... or indeed any documentation.  It's not in my workshop file cabinet, nor
can I find it from web searches.

Perhaps someone else here has it and can share.


tnx 73  Steve KZ1X/4
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[Elecraft] [OT] solar charge controller data

[inventor61 .]

Thanks to the several hams who kindly responded with assembly information
for this solar panel charge controller.  I now have a complete set of the
instructions and related data, stored in the 'cloud' for future reference
and sharing

For those who are newer to this reflector, Don Brown KD5NDB was an early
and very helpful Elecrafter, who provided some additional accessory kits of
his own.  They were quite well designed and most are still in regular use.

Sadly, Don passed away in late 2011, after a long battle with cancer.

As you can see, in a very real way, only his key is silent.


-33-
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[Elecraft] [K2] SWR meter reads 'funny' on just 20 meters

[inventor61 .]

Don (and list)


I just replaced my 'back up shack' antenna today (it was a 45/90 OCF
experiment) with a 138' open wire fed doublet.  The center is up 50' and
the elements are more-or-less installed.  They will get more installed
later.

I used the 'Ladder-Snap' pieces to make the feedline.  In 35 years of being
licensed and active, I have never had an open wire fed antenna.  They look
cool, kinda retro, sort of old (like me, I am 53 today), a real classic.

Anyway, I fired up the old K2 and hooded it up to the new aerial.  The K2
(the same one since 1999) has the KAT2 installed, which works well, but the
ATU portion isn't in line for this setup.  Instead, I have a
DC-phantom-powered SGC-239 out at the feedpoint.

Inside, I have an A-B switch that can steer the rig's output to a lab grade
50 ohm load.

On all bands but 20 meters, the outside tuner quickly found a 'solution'
for the new doublet, none worse a match that 1.5:1.  Nice.  However, on 20,
the K2 said it was 3.0:1  ...

Hmm..

I flipped to the dummy load.  All bands show 1:1 on the K2 display except
for 20, where it reads 1.8:1 ... into 50 ohms.

I switched the K2 display to read FWD & REV, instead of SWR, and then the
display showed 5.7W fwd and 0.7W reverse into the dummy load.

So, what do you think the problem might be?

Thanks in advance for the opinion.  Hope you're enjoying the terrific
weather.


Steve KZ1X
Chapel Hill
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[Elecraft] [K2] 20 meter VSWR reading anomaly, solved

[inventor61 .]

Don

As usual, your hint took me directly to the solution.

I had forgotten that the KAT2 doesn't have a true 'bypass' mode.

The problem I had was that the KAT2 had a small amount of stray L or C in
line, on 20 meters.

I solved the problem by switching to the dummy load and 'running' the ATU
into it on 20 (actually I did it on every band).  The SWR display showed
1.0:1 as expected.

Then, I flipped back to the new open wire fed 137' doublet.

SWR readings are now as expected on all bands.  The remote tuner does the
usual great job of matching the 50 foot high elements to the 40 or so feet
of buried coax.

Thanks ... again!

73  Steve KZ1X/4
Chapel Hill

***
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[Elecraft] [KX3] Eneloop AA 16 pack NiMH

[inventor61 .]

I wanted to share a find I hadn't found before ...

There's a (local to me) firm with a web site selling a 16 pack of AA
Panasonic Eneloop NiMH ... with a private 12% off coupon code "CPFSAVE12"

URL is:

http://www.lightjunction.com/batteries/eneloop/aa-16pk.html?cPath=186_190&;

That makes these about $2.50 a cell.

No affiliation, just thought I'd share.  I had previously purchased some
really cheap off-brand NiMH cells and was really mad when half leaked and
the other half didn't charge.  A false bargain.

Steve KZ1X
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[Elecraft] wish Elecraft made logging software

[inventor61 .]

AE5X pointed out my fat finger error, with my thanks:

"You didn't work Mauritania long-path - you worked Nicaragua (HT5T) short-path!"

I clicked the 'exciting' spot, was suitably suspicious, waited, copied
the call right, but hit the Alt-A announce command *before* I fixed my
log entry instead of after.

This would not have happened if it was Elecraft software.  My radios
never transmit before they receive.

;-)


BTW:  the last of the cheap NiMH cells burst in the charger last
night.  What a mess.  There's an economics lesson I won't repeat soon.
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[Elecraft] OT: Astron RS-35M Transformer Hum

[inventor61 .]

I have a CAD design for a replacement wooden top for the RS-35, -35M, and
VS-35M Astron supplies.  This top cover looks exactly like the factory
steel cover, uses the same mounting holes, and even has an exact duplicate
of the vent slots.
The material that worked out best was a HDF board.  It can be painted
easily in any color including the factory textured black.
The design is intended to be produced on a CNC machine like a full size
ShopBot, as were the several prototypes, which really turned out splendidly.
It of course solved the problem of the eddy currents in the steel lid,
which for this size Astron is too close to the field of the power
transformer.  These currents cause the acoustic noise.
I was planning on bringing this replacement top cover to the ham operator
market last year but I ran into production challenges.  It's simply too
costly to produce these, ship them, and sell at an acceptable cost even
ignoring making a worthwhile margin.

If someone has a better idea than mine for making these, I am all ears.

Steve KZ1X
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Re: [Elecraft] Oscilloscope recs

[inventor61]

I would be remiss, as a Keysight employee, to not mention the option of
going with something like the Keysight model EDUX1052A (available from
numerous vendors such as Mouser) or, if the budget permits and one wants to
do things like sweep filters, have an integrated bench signal generator,
serial data protocol analyser, etc., the DSOX1204G (which I have).

Keysight is the test equipment company formerly known by many as
Hewlett-Packard, today headquartered in Santa Rosa, CA.

Steve KZ1X
Celebrating 21 years of daily Elecraft reflector use today
Owner / Builder of K2 #771,
The World's Most Experienced Elecraft
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[Elecraft] K2 Fixed audio level kit for sale

[inventor61]

I have a new, unbuilt W3FPR kit for the K2 which supplies a fixed audio
output level for use with digital modes and related functions.  The kit has
all the parts including the custom PCB.  I'd like to get $40 for this,
shipped USPS domestic.

Steve KZ1X
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[Elecraft] K2 Fixed audio level kit for sale

[inventor61]

Item is sold, thanks for the interest.

Steve kz1x
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[Elecraft] Diversity speaker set for sale

[inventor61]

For Sale:  matching pair of Motorola HSN6003B external speakers for K3 with
diversity mode.  These are the version of the classic Motorola
communications speaker, designed for use on police motorcycles.  Besides
being waterproof, which isn't a real need for use with the K3, they have
superior acoustic characteristics, as well as a top-mounted cutoff switch
and the superb factory mounting bracket.  These two were purchased new, and
then wired such that they connect via a standard 1/8" stereo splitter
adapter (which I will include).  Used them on my K3 in a smoke and pet free
environment, until I had to re-do the shack and there was nowhere to place
them.  Plug-n-play for the new happy owner.  $50 for the complete setup
plus shipping, which I am guessing would be ~$17 USPS Priority Mail.

Steve kz1x
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[Elecraft] Diversity speaker set for sale

[inventor61]

Speakers are spoken for, thanks for the offers.

Steve kz1x
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[Elecraft] K1 'replacement'

[inventor61]

I, too, built a K1 after I had my K2 for a good while.

Still have the K2, #771, which has been powered on almost continuously
since I built it in 1999.  By that measure, it's the World's Most
Experienced Elecraft.  I use it every day.

Sold the K1 years ago when I was trying to right size the collection of
gear that inevitably piles up.  But, I sort of missed it, a little.

Got a QCX Mini for 40 Meters.  Kit form, of course.
https://www.qrp-labs.com/qcxmini.html

Then I got the QDX from the same folks ... and I am now looking really hard
at their newer QMX.

What exactly IS it about little kit radios that's so ... motivating?  I
can't be the only one that harbors this affliction.

73 Steve KZ1X

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