[Elecraft] K3 trouble in Uruguay
Just a guess but, check that the RF GAIN knob is not cracked or loose and is working correctly. 73, Tony K2ZLS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] W2 Wattmeter wish
Ken, Thanks for the heads up, but I've already been researching and here's what I've found. The LP-100a with dual standard 3K couplers comes in at around $660 assembled and calibrated. It's worth the extra money for me to have everything done and not have to send it back for fixing and calibration. The PowerMaster already assembled and tested with 2nd coupler option at $670. Both units are outstanding and its hard to choose between them. What really got me going on this is the Alpha 4510 watt meter ($945). Just look at the LED display only and visualize a display like that on the W2 and you will see what I mean. It's awesome. The 7-segment displays come in all sizes and colors. Just take a look at the average digital clock on your nightstand. Same thing. But, my thinking is that the W2 with 2 couplers, (200 standard) and 2000 watt come in at about $330. How much more do you think ELECRAFT would have to spend to come up with an updated display. Maybe change box size and re-arrange the display, but still keeping the current configuration intact. At only half the cost of it's competition, it leaves a lot of headroom for development and profit. I would like to see a comment or two from ELECRAFT regarding feasibility. It would make all the difference in the world especially if it could be an upgrade or add-on to the existing unit. 73 Tony K2ZLSELECRAFT ROCKS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] W2 Wattmeter wish
It looks like the W2 is well on its way, but I just wanted to present my case why I can't buy one. The display is just not presented accurately enough for me. It takes a computer link to present the info in detail and thats not what I envision doing. It seems that the info is there in the box almost down to the watt, but you can't be sure what your power is squinting at a bar graph to tell you that you are somewhere within 100 watts of your target. To my way of thinking it's only relative info. Not good for me. Here's what I would think would be a KILLER that I would buy in a minute. I would like to see two windows of 7-segment GREEN LEDS. (Thats 4 characters ) to display the forward power and another window to display the SWR. (X.XX) These LEDs would be large enough to read across the room. I would then buy two directional couplers. A low power at 200 watts is more than enough for the input side of the QRO AMP and another for the output side at 2500 watts. That way both sides of the AMP can be monitored with just one press of the sensor switch. But, thats something you can already do with the current configuration. The real deal is observing the actual power out of the amp and SWR. The current bar graph would supplement these windows and provide and easy way to see the trends while tuning. There are other units out there that are, perhaps, more accurate and even present FREQ readouts, but the main problem with these is all the info is cluttered on one screen which is hard to decipher. I like the W2 format but, it just needs to be taken to another level. LEDs would really standout and should be able to present the info as accurate as the computer. Thanks ELECRAFT and I hope it continues to keep getting better. 73 Tony K2ZLS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Difficulty with K3 Utility RS232 Interface
Hi Don, > The K3Utility versions are not related to firmware upgrades (only one > exception that I recall) > AND > A saved configuration file will NOT reload a previous version of the > firmware - it will only reload menu settings, like AGC settings and such. > > So ... in the event of a firmware upgrade failure, a saved > configuration file will be of no benefit for getting the K3 > operational again - the firmware must be loaded before a configuration > can be restored. > > Firmware loads do not change menu entries and setup data! > Configuration restore only restores menu entries and setup data! In that context, you are absolutely right, but ... It takes the Utility file to make it all happen and each FW level has a specific Utility file to load it and save THAT version of the Configuration file. So they ARE tied together in that respect. All I have pointed out is the LEVEL of the Utility file that was used to load each FW revision and when it changed. I am NOT saying they are compatible, as there will be improvements and new configurations. There seems to be CONFUSION as to what parts of the Configuration file are relevant in an upgrade. That's another story. It gets even better. Suppose you have several config files saved and its time to upgrade, what do you do?Well the answer now is, you have to choose which file (you can have only ONE) that you want to be the BASE file and reload it back to the K3 using the OLD Utility file . Then, load the NEW FW file using the NEWEST level of Utility (they may not be the same), into the K3.The K3 will "suck up" most of the defaults that it finds already resident, with the exceptions that you have noted, and the rest will be your responsibility to re-enter. That's the current state of confusion as I understand it. So, all I presented was a way for ELECRAFT to supply the 4 versions of Utility files necessary to LOAD earlier FW versions. PERIOD. Richard, remember Software Defined Radios are the wave of the future. Hang in there! 73's Tony K2ZLS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Difficulty with K3 Utility RS232 Interface
Hello Richard: According to my records, there have been only 4 utility file changes since your version FW242. FW Utility 2.42 1.1.6.3 2.72 1.1.10.17 2.80 1.2.1.6 3.11 1.2.3.18 Version 1.1.6.3 would be compatible with your configuration. A suggestion for ELECRAFT might be, put these 4 files in a separate folder called /util/ and could be accessed by: ftp://ftp.elecraft.com/K3/firmware/util/ Since the names only have meaning relative to FW release, they could have names like util242, util272, util280 and util311. The correct Utility file could then be available to everyone, for whatever reason. IMHO, go ahead and upgrade. The risk is low. If the current Utility program recognizes the K3 and the COMM test works, you should have no problem. After upgrading, I also recommend the K3_EZ utility to give you a more visible view of your new configuration. See ELECRAFT software page for lots more goodies. You have entered the computer age with your Software Defined Radio.Enjoy! 73's Tony K2ZLS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] [EG2] Errata error
I just wanted to mention the new errata of June 5, 2009. The notification is to reverse the orientation of D1. The silk screen on the board was WRONG.OK... so I did that and noticed that "just the schematic symbol for D2" also appears to be WRONG. The schematic symbols (D1/D2) for XG1 appear to be OK. I had first thought that if D1 should be reversed, so should D2. That is NOT the case. So, don't get caught up by this. Change D1 but, only change the schematic for D1 and D2. I should also mention that the reversed BATTERY symbol was also corrected.GOOD JOB to whoever found this. 73's Tony K2ZLS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] STATUS
Well it's been almost a month now since anything has happened. Does Wayne have any goodies for us as we wind down to Field Day? It seems like Summer vacation has already started. No complaints. Everything is so quiet. I guess its time to make 3.14 production. 73's enjoy FD TonyK2ZLS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 COOLING VENTS
Hi Barry, Thank you for your interest. I have received many replies both good and bad. Bad, because many think I have some kind of heating PROBLEM with the K3. Not so. My only intent is to try lower the FP temp like you. Here's what I found. Your slots are a GOOD start but not enough. No amount of fan speed will bring that temp down. WHY? Well you only have to take the top cover off and try to follow where the air will go. You can't , you say, because the front compartment is isolated from the rear compartment by the panel that goes across the middle. That's my point. The middle panel will also need vents so the air can get back to where the fan is trying to suck it out. There is a tremendous source of fresh air on top of the PA and that's a GOOD thing but, it doesn't allow for a very good draw for air trapped in the front compartment. The fan speed seems more controlled by the PA sensor than the FP sensor. That's a good thing because we've seen that the fan has NO effect on FP temp. Here's what I would like to try. I would open up the side panel above U12 and U13 with slots designed similar to that of the speaker. This pattern is already proven and in use over the top panel and speaker. Open up the bottom panel, just behind the front panel, with a slot similar to those in the rear bottom panel. No big deviation here. Just gives air better access to cool the bottom of the main board. Open up the center internal partition with the same kind of elongated slots like the bottom panel. Now, what you have is the side and bottom slots providing cool air to the front enclosure. The middle partition slots provide a way for the air to be drawn to the rear PA enclosure, to be sucked out by the fan. I don't think this is such a radical change that goes against existing design and I'm sure it will be an improvement. The other driving factor here, that NOBODY seems to take seriously, is the heating effect on the computer chips and DSP processor. They could use heat sinks, but space limitations may be a problem. My background is computers and I know that HEAT is their WORST nightmare. I'm sure you have seen the latest memory sticks with elaborate heat sinks. That's partly due to the high frequency and heat generation affecting the timing latency. But, the idea applies to ALL these device types. You have read all the responses regarding the exploits of all the heat extremes that have been posted saying that nothing bad has happened. But I ask, how many unexplained K3 events requiring restarts and FW reloads can be attributed to this. I can't say but, the potential is there, as long as the heat keeps building up. So again, let me say that there is NOT any PROBLEM with K3. Only that it could, and will get better. 73's cheers and keep the shinny side up.From Tony K2ZLS Barry Simpson wrote: > An interesting post Tony. I have exactly the same issues with the right side > panel heating up with a typical front panel temperature reaching 43C. This > has only happened since installation of the second receiver which virtually > cuts off the airflow inside. The front panel typically runs hotter than the > PA. > > I have already gone down the road of cutting six vertical slots in the right > hand side panel to assist with air flow. Regrettably it makes no difference > to the temperature. The only way to lower the temperature significantly is > to have the fans on permanently. This way there is some air sucked through > the vents in the panel and I can drop the temp down to the low 30's. > > Given that the high temperature of the side panel does not appear to have > any detrimental effect I have now given up worrying about it. > > 73 > > Barry VK2BJ > > -Original Message- > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net > [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of K2ZLS > Sent: 14 May 2009 21:06 > To: ELECRAFT@mailman.qth.net > Subject: [Elecraft] K3 COOLING VENTS > > Hi, > > There have been enough posts here about the temperature inside the > K3 to start me thinking. Mine also gets very WARM on the right side by > U12 and U13. You all know how "boxed in" the Front side of the K3 has > become and now we are looking at additional features being added to the > inside of the box. The way the cooling fan is now, there is little or no > circulation of air in the front side of the K3. Another poster wanted > to add bigger fans but, you know, that will not solve the heat problem > because the air can't get to where it needs to go. I would like to > "CROSS VENTILATE" the front area by adding cooling vents, similar to the > configuration of the speaker vents, to both side panels. There
[Elecraft] K3 COOLING VENTS
Thanks to Brendan and all the responders: I have received several answers similar to yours regarding the heat sink effect. But, I already knew that. The reason I'm bringing this up is that the concern for "hot spots" is already there. After running the K3 hard, try powering down, remove power and the top cover. Feel around the front side and you will notice the warmth of the display, the other boards and the KRX3 box, which has NO ventilation inside and is a heat sink by itself. If you examine the air flow you can't help but see that the air movement DOESN'T GET to these areas. It's concentrated in the area around the AMP enclosure. That's my point. The K3 CAN be improved if a little more attention is paid to draining this heat supply more efficiently instead of accepting the rise in heat as a GOOD thing. I think improving the ventilation is the key here and maybe you are right, my idea of cross ventilation may not be the best thing. Maybe, instead of drawing ALL cooling air from the top opening, a side vent is installed to provide an additional source of cooling air that will find its own way to the output fans. The balance in the size of the openings is important to regulating the air flow. 73's From Tony > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 COOLING VENTS
Hi, There have been enough posts here about the temperature inside the K3 to start me thinking. Mine also gets very WARM on the right side by U12 and U13. You all know how "boxed in" the Front side of the K3 has become and now we are looking at additional features being added to the inside of the box. The way the cooling fan is now, there is little or no circulation of air in the front side of the K3. Another poster wanted to add bigger fans but, you know, that will not solve the heat problem because the air can't get to where it needs to go. I would like to "CROSS VENTILATE" the front area by adding cooling vents, similar to the configuration of the speaker vents, to both side panels. There does not seem to be any worry about RF leakage at the rear vents where the AMP is and the side vents can be fashioned the same way. I know that Wayne feels that the cooling is adequate but, I think this would be a worthy modification at this point, if only to let the HOT AIR ...OUT. If someone knows how to punch out this configuration, I would gladly supply the panels and pay any costs involved. 73's and Thanks. Tony K2ZLS at OPTONLINE dot 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
[Elecraft] K3 New fw loader
Hi Brian: I tried your method and you know, your right. Mine works the same way. The LAST DATA MODE is not coming back after the change of mode to CW, PWR OFF/ON, and change mode back to DATA and PRESS DATA MD. Mine comes back DATA A , no matter what, also.I don't have an updated MENU TABLE so I'm not sure if there is a setting for saving DATA MODES. I'll stay tuned to see what we are doing wrong. 73'sTonyK2ZLS FW 3.l0. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] Digital Voice Recorder (DVR) Operations?
See the NEW KDVR3 Installation Instructions ERRATA manual PAGE 2. (Rev A-7 03/01/09} 73's Tony K2ZLS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] [ELECRAFT] K3 Picture
The new K3 picture is up on the HOME page. LKS GOOOD enough to buy 2. 73's Tony K2ZLS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K2 vs K3
Hi John, Your post tells a lot about you. The first part is strong in EE and Programming experience. The last sentence says that you are a little lite in Ham experience. Many of "us" on the Elecraft Reflector were raised on the K2. I guess its been about 8 years in development. You really need to expand your horizons in Ham Radio. Buy the K3. Its a no-brainer. There are many, many horizons that you will never see if you limit yourself to K2. There are Contests you will need a second receiver, DVR for recording and playback, there is UHF and VHF 6 meters, there is an alphabet soup of DATA modes for which the K3 excels at and SDR with upgrades that change almost weekly. I'm sure there are many experiences that a LOT of us have yet to RTFM to find out about. There is a saying here in NEW YORK that goes, "You can't win it if your not in it". 73's and enjoy the K3 experience. Tony K2ZLS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] MOD HELP for XG1 and XG2
I would like to know if someone could give me the MOD to XG1 or XG2 or both to allow me to calibrate the S meter to S9 and S9+40. I don't have any test equipment. Most receivers have calibration methods that use min S0 and max S9+40 or higher, but I would limit mine to S9+40 to include the K2 radio. The XG1 and XG2 have settings for 50uv and 1uv but, if you look at it, the 1uv setting is useless because it is so close to S0. So the 1uv position is the one I would like to change to S9+40. Since there is only one adjustment for the HIGH setting, I would interpolate the difference between S9 and S9+40. Many Thanks and 73s K2ZLS Tony __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 feature request
Arnie: I have to agree with you. In the "old" days we used to call it "going Barefoot". Every AMP has a STBY switch. I just checked ALS-600 and sure enough it HAS one. I'm not one to advocate making something easy more complicated. From Wayne's tone about upcoming dual receiver mods, it sounds like he is using up memory space pretty quickly. But...hey...lets keep the ideas flowing. It never ceases to amaze me what may come from them. And David... I love your Power on Banner. Just the right fit too. 73's Tony K2ZLS ___ 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] K3 Beta firmware rev 2.78
Thanks Wayne and everyone at Elecraft: The K3 mods and improved Utility works really great. Europe is coming in S6 - S9 on 80 mtrs in NY through heavy QRN and it just seems like the K3 is working at its best. I would have to say that my admiration of the K3 has certainly gone UP another level tonight. 73's Tony K2ZLS ___ 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] K3 SDR THE NEXT PHASE
I just can't believe that it's happening. Computer Software Controlled Radio is HERE in 2008. It isn't Rocket Science to take this vision one step into the future. I can see Ham Radio being consumed by the Computer. We will no longer need a RADIO. Just a COMPUTER. We look up hams on QRZ and send an E-MAIL. He receives it, the logging program will LOG it, enter it into a DATA BASE and will automatically QUE a REQUEST to send a REPLY E-QSL, complete with .pdf or printable COLOR QSL. We receive it, print it, wall-paper the walls with it and have different countries for different rooms. Think about all the savings that can be had, no 6-meter pre-amps, no final amps, no stackable arrays, no band-stacking registers and no RADIOS. ONLY... extensive Biography's on QRZ. What will ELECRAFT evolve into? The NEW YEARS RESOLUTION says that there is a SD AMPLIFIER on the horizon. 73'sHave a great Holiday and let the fun begin.K2ZLS Tony ___ 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] K3 K3PR6 AMPS IN-LINE
For those of you who may want more gain, It almost looks like you might be able to stage these units in-line and be controlled by an external bank of switches. I'm already wondering how many might be used and how much trade-off of SIG-NOISE might be tolerable.Just a thought. 73's and have fun. K2ZLS Tony ___ 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] K3 Birdies
Ive noticed several posts regarding birdies at various frequencies in the K3. I've noticed some birdies too. But, I think I've found the solution, at least in my case, to eliminate them. Try this, config: VCO MD RF CAL. This is the normal calibration step during the build. After re-running this step after each upgrade, I have eliminated all the birdies that I have found. I don't know why, but it works for me. 73'sTony K2ZLSK3 #703 FW 2.67 ___ 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] k3 : Split Operation
K3 #703 FW2.46 Hi All: My KRX3 was recently installed and operates Perfectly. I can do ALL those things, like David said, [SUB] [SPLIT] moves the TX down to VFO B and the RX up to VFO A and you CAN tune the receiver with the BIG knob. BUT YOU MUST HAVE STEREO HEADPHONES to hear both sides in each ear.I started out with MONO headphones and had a fit trying to figure out why it wasnt working right. HI. 73's Tony K2ZLS ___ 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] K3 Loss of VFO B control
Hi Jerry: The encoders have a printed circuit board that has 10 leads attached to the top of each and soldered into place. The top of the leads, in some cases, are TOO LONG and may interfere with the DSP board above it. In most cases there is enough clearance, but to be on the safe side I used a metal finger-nail FILE to carefully file down those leads to the top of the pool of solder that holds them in place. Inspect the clearance after the DSP board is in place just to make sure. There is not much space and it seems to me that putting any kind of insulating material there will only put pressure on the DSP board and cause it to FLEX. Only MHOP : ) 73's Tony K2ZLS ___ 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] K3 RF-out SPIKES
Hi ALL I just wanted to add my experiences with SPIKES. My K3 is absolutely clean NOW. I say NOW because I did have a similar experience and after a lot of testing with my Peak SWR meter I finally traced the problem to my MIC. I was using an amplified Kenwood MC-60. I stopped using it and switched to my HEIL Traveler Dual Headset/Boom mic, with Kenwood option cables, and I am now a Happy Camper. Problem Solved. So... your results may vary but experiment with different mics and connections. It may be that the K3 is overly sensitive to the type of MIC signal, that is, bias or amplifier driven verses Dynamic, no drive or it may be a defect in the MIC element itself. I am running a solid state linear THP 1KW. No problems now. 73's TonyK2ZLS # 703FW 2.38 ___ 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] K2 KNB2 MOD WORKS GRRREAT!
I just got around to adding the KNB2 mod prompted by Joe Planisky KB8AP and originally designed by Stefan Steger DL7MAJ.WOW is all I can say and a BIG THANK YOU Stefan. I must have missed this one. I read a lot in the K2 posts where many people like Joe and the rest of us have put up with KNB2's that don't do a thing. WELL THATS OVER. Try this mod and your K2 life will be changed forever. I can say now that I've done it, the K2 NB works almost as good as my Mark V does and thats a lot. The mod adds a 0.1 uF capacitor between the emitter of Q2 and ground. I chose to "tack solder" the "104", from K2 terminology, from Q2 emitter to a ground post on the plug just above it. Works great.I just wanted to re-post this because I know a lot of you K2 users are not going to get the most from your K2s NB unless you do this mod.Then again, maybe all of you already have. :-) 73's Tony K2ZLS ___ 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] K3 FW 2.24 UPDATE COMING SOON ?
It seems like something may be in the wind. References: K3/100 1502 came with FW 2.24 and Programmers Reference Manual, released on 08/12/2008, as Rev B5 on page 12, refers to [2.24] All I can say is that the rest of us 1500 or so BETA TESTERS are READY TO DOWNLOAD using our antiquated serial ports. 73's Tony K2ZLS ___ 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] K3 WATTMETER ADJ SOLVED
Many thanks to Don Nesbitt for the answer. Yes I had reset the TUNE parameter to 10.0 watts. So, the note on page 47 should read, VERIFY THAT CONFIG: TUN PWR is NOR. Tnx, 73's Tony K2ZLS ___ 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] K3 WATTMETER ADJ
K3 v2.23 Wattmeter adjustment doesn't follow the manual. I'm wondering if I missed something and maybe someone can help me out with this one.I tried to re-check the wattmeter calibration that I skipped over during the build #703 and I'm set up on page 47 of the new manual Rev D1 7/27/08 on 20 mtrs with CONFIG: WMTR LP 070 and have the power control set at 5.0 watts. When I press TUNE it shows 10.0 watts and the power out is indeed 10.0 watts according to my wattmeter. Using the same procedure at 50 watts the CONFIG: WMTR HP 100 and the power control set to 50.0 watts, the TUNE shows AGAIN 10.0 watts and is 10.0 watts. I looked at errata sheet and there is no changes. Could this be a TYPO.WHAT AM I MISSING?? TNX 73's Tony K2ZLS ___ 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] L3 Receive audio in CW
Another idea to try is to reduce your Filter Gains back to 0. I had mine at 4-5 thinking more was better. When I reduced them I really didnt notice any reduced signal capability but, it calmed down the "bacon sizzle". I think it may have something to do with the way Digital noise vs Analog noise is processed. Maybe LYLE can comment better than I can. 73's TonyK2ZLS ___ 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] K3 Firmware 2.19
Hi Roy: The latest revision of FW seems to have contributed greatly to the versatility of the K3. Lyle doesn't say much, but when he does you better listen good. The latest offering, IMHO, gives the K3 owner more choices than any other transceiver. Yes, some things seem to have changed with this release, but I'm not one to sit back and complain. I have learned so much more about the capabilities of this radio by going in and experimenting with all the parameters. I have found that I like AGC THR= 2-8 (7) and AGC SLP = 0-15 (8). The THR setting seems to have lower amplification at 2 and progressively increases as you go up to 8. With SLP the amplification seems greater at 0 and gets less at 15 but, the relative difference between weak and strong stations becomes flatter. This is where all the controversy seems to occur because various band conditions throughout the world will dictate different settings. Everyone has different preferences and this is what makes the K3 such a powerful radio. One cannot sit back on the defaults and then complain because one station is so much louder than another. The band condx lately have been up and down constantly. I have varied the settings going from 20 to 75, but not all the time. I think everyone seems to agree that experimentation is the best teacher. A note on the NR parameter. I found that the NR setting of 1-4 works for me. The AF volume control has big effect on NR. Try setting the CONFIG: AF GAIN LO. What this does is allows you to increase the rotation of the AF GAIN control to a higher setting which seems to control the NR audio much better. It also seems to make the audio much clearer and easier to listen to (less distortion). My control is usually at 10 o'clock to 12 o'clock for best listening. 73's Tony K2ZLS K3 #703 FW=2.19 ___ 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] [K3] Possible MEMORY ERASE feature using [CLR]
Hi Everybody: Well it looks like I've managed to get some really good discussion on the UTILITY topic. After participating in events like Field Day, I'm appreciating the ability to change 00-99 Memory to suit the various uses for K3. Ultimately, being able to manage the "Configuration File" opens up a world of possible uses, as seen by many of the comments. What I am thinking of, right now, is a way to clear ALL 00-99 or a single Memory entry. As you know, selecting V>M or M>V will the allow VFO A to be used to select the Memory entry to be modified. Suppose the [CLR] button was included in this operation to ERASE the contents. The User could then elect to opt out of any additional change thereby CLEARING that location. The "ALL" parameter could then be added to memory choices. There is still a lot of "dark magic" involved in the use of these memories, and correct me on this, according to a LYLE post, It takes TWO [taps] to save the additional MODE parameters. This gives more flexibility to this operation. Its nice to have a panel button sitting there waiting to be "used" and I'm sure that there are many other conditions that [CLR] can be included. I hope this won't be the last. HI. 73's Tony K2ZLS ___ 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] [K3] UTILITY Improvements
Hi All...I Guess we are all worn out from FD , but as others said, the K3 worked wonders. With all that operating behind us, I found that it would be nice to have an easier way to change the data in the 00-99 Memory locations. I was wondering if the Utility Program can expanded so we can READ, EDIT, ERASE, SAVE and REPLACE key DATA elements such as the text that is entered by hand into each of the 00-99 memories in a similar manner that the Filter Configuration can be managed. I know it can save Configuation Files but they cant be edited. It is a great tool now and it is just begging (?) to be expanded. What do you think? 73's TonyK2ZLS ___ 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] K3:FW2.02 TUNE problem
I have 2.02 and TUNE works fine. 10, 20, 30 watts @ 10, 20, 30 seconds at SWR to 4.1-1. Re-try 2.02 and double check to see if you have updated the K3util to v1.1.6.1 and re-load all the files and have the tuner in BYP so you see the REAL swr. 73's Tony K2ZLS ___ 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] [K3] SPOT Request
Hi Everybody: K3 Beta tester # 703 checking in. New version 2.0 loaded and everything seems fine. I see that CWT seems to work again but...there is no mention of it in release notes. SPOT Request. With SPOT[tap] the pitch setting is heard with the received auto. But with SPOT[hold] there is no received signal...just the pitch setting which sounds like a strong carrier with slight hum. I would like to see the SPOT[hold] work just like SPOT[tap] so you can hear the received signal while you adjust the pitch. Its much easier to pick a setting if you can hear both sides at the same time. I would also like finer control [25] would be ok with me. Thanks ELECRAFT I LUV MY K3. 73, TonyK2ZLS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] RE: Good Headphones for K2
Richard: Another good choice is Radio Shack 33-1225. See my post on EHAM. I preferred this one over the 33-1221. Pretty much the same features except it's cheaper (around $23) and has softer and smoother ear covers. Very good for extended use. I didn't like the crinkly ear covers of the 1221. I bought mine for STEREO and had the K3 in mind. (DUAL RX) HI.My comment was about getting ready for the K3 and that "You have to start somewhere". 73'sTony Scesny K2ZLS ___ 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] FS K2
I have a late model 4xxx K2 with latest firmware and the following features: Base K2 + FT100 tuning knob. + 4X Optical Shaft Encoder. tunes like FT1000 MKV + N0SS T-R external Amplifier control adapter + 2-3 db receive gain mod. See Application Notes. + Mic jack grounded. + Speaker shield added. Same as in KPA100. + Headers with jumpers for KDSP2 and KPA100. + No issues, Full power and excellent Audio. KNB2 Noise Blanker. Also adds some RX gain over not having one. KSB2 + 2.6 Bandwidth mod. Setup for 150-2750 via Spectrograph. + RF feedback mod. + Aggressive ALC KPA100 power control mod. + Removable MIC header. Setup for Yaesu MD100 and MH-31. Price is $ 775. I will accept CHECK or MONEY ORDER. Price includes shipping. CONUS only. I also have a KDSP2 $200 and KPA100-D $350 available for a package price $ 1325. This unit is clean like new from a non-smoke environment and would make a very nice Field Day radio. BTW...the MH-31 has VFO-A, VFO-B and tone switches. Excellent Audio. 73s and TNX Tony Scesny EMAIL K2ZLS at optonline dot net ___ 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