[Elecraft] K2 interface with steppIR and computer
I built my serial cable for the K2 to talk to my SteppIR controller from the Elecraft manual. Works just fine. It also talks to my computer for HRD, N1MM etc. So I decided to work on having the two interfaces work together like they did with my IC 746 Pro. However, building a Y cable doesn't seem to be working out the way I want! Each device works fine when I have it plugged into the Y cable by itself but when I plug in both at the same time, One or the other will freeze up. I am simply using pins 2, 3 and 5 from the K2 serial port wired straight through to the female DB 9s at the device end and have 7 and 8 jumpered at the external device end. What am I doing wrong? My KPA500 arrives on Monday so I'd like to get this resolved before my next project! John KE4D K2 #7231 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2 interface with steppIR and computer
Got it! It didn't make sense to me but once I inserted the "S13" cable from the K2 to the Y cable, removed the TXD from the SteppIr DB9 and changed the jumper from pin 8 to pin 9 per SteppIR and Don, it all worked. Whew! Ok, only the S13 cable didn't make sense but it works so I guess it doesn't have to make sense to me. John KE4D -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-interface-with-steppIR-and-computer-tp7161936p7162825.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KPA500
Received KPA500 #636 yesterday afternoon. Took an hour for inventory and then a bit over 5 hours to assemble it. No missing parts and it worked just fine the first time I fired it up. Once again, a great Elecraft Product. John KE4D Brackettville, TX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] 5 watts to KPA500
Hi, Out of curiosity ... those fortunate owners of the KPA500 could take a look and let me know what output they produce when the input to the amp is exactly 5W Into a 1.3-1 SWR on 7250 I get right at 50 watts output for 5 watts input. My dummy load is on back order from MFJ or I could be more accurate! John KE4D K2 #7231 KPA500 #636 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] footswitch and amp
So, then, this begs a question. I have a K3 with an Ameritron AL-811H. I key the K3 with a Heil foot switch connected to a Heil ProSet 5. When I tried keying my amp off the red cable on the foot switch, I didn't get any amp keying. When I connected an RCA phono cable between the K3's key out jack and the amp's relay, everything works fine and dandy. Is there some setting on the K3 I missed to allow the amp to key from the foot switch instead of from the rig's TX? Thanks and 73, Ian Kahn, KM4IK Roswell, GA I'm not sure why you want to key the amp instead of the rig. I ran an 811H for years with my Icom 746 Pro and my K2s with a footswitch to the radio connected to my ProSet 5.. Same way I now run my K2 and my KPA500. Since I don't have a K3 (yet) I guess I might be missing something but since the amp, whether the 811H or KPA500 doesn't key until the radio does, I wouldn't think this would be an issue. And, I'm not sure how it would work keying the amp without the radio. Maybe because the KPA500 and K3 are basically symbiotic its not an issue but I certainly wouldn't have been able to use the IC 746 Pro or my K2 by keying the amp. What am I missing? John KE4D __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 sub receiver
My K3/100 kit arrives tomorrow. I did not order the sub receiver. I have only a vertical here and have some antenna restrictions (height) I use a SteppIR BigIR and it works great for me with my height restriction. So, unless one of you can explain to me why I should have the sub receiver with only one antenna, I'm leaving it the with one! I'm sure I don't understand receiver diversity since I never heard of it until recently. Guide me! John KE4D K3 SN __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] sub receiver
I've had my ticket since 1974 (WN4IKG) I have owned over 25 rigs but never had one with two receivers. I 've always worked split with two VFOs but after a few emails from you guys and thinking about it (brain taxing) I can see where the second receiver would be useful. When I was working the HK0NA group, I just transmitted where they said they were listening but they had about a 10 kHz spread so it was a guess whether they would hear me or not. It would be nice to know exactly where they are listening. Thanks for the advice. Love the reflector. Shipped my K2 off this morning and sold my IC 7000 last weekend. I am sans rig until this afternoon when UPS comes! I haven't been without a rig in I don't know how long! Its lonely. John KE4D My K3/100 kit arrives tomorrow. I did not order the sub receiver. I have only a vertical here and have some antenna restrictions (height) I use a SteppIR BigIR and it works great for me with my height restriction. So, unless one of you can explain to me why I should have the sub receiver with only one antenna, I'm leaving it the with one! I'm sure I don't understand receiver diversity since I never heard of it until recently. Guide me! John KE4D K3 SN Libby and John www.TheRollingHome.com Ft Clark Springs, Brackettville, TX No trees were harmed in the sending of this e-mail; however, many electrons were inconvenienced __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] sub receiver and Elecraft cheerleaders.
You probably have noticed, there are a lot of Elecraft missionaries lurking in the weeds here. 73 Joe K2UF I'm one of them. I have built and operated a K1 and two K2s and I'm really looking forward to the K3. Oh yeah, I also have a KPA500. John KE4D __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] tuners
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 remote antenna tuner question To: ve...@xplornet.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: <4f333bbf.4040...@embarqmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed The Elecraft T-1 tuner if you need an external tuner that will work with many transceivers. If you willl only be using it with the K2/10, I highly recommend the Elecraft KAT2. It will remember the settings for 2 antennas per band and works seamlessly with the K2. If your need is for a remote tuner that can be located at the antenna feedpoint, then the LDG or other similar tuners are the best choice I've had a couple of SGC tuners in antenna restricted environments. They worked pretty well and I never had a failure. I've also had I think 4 Icom AH-4s. I have one on my RV right now tuning an Eagle One 30 foot collapsible mast. To get the Icom to work with most non Icom rigs requires a small construction project but its not a big deal. Those AH-4s have been super in the RV over the years. John KE4D www.therollinghome.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KPA BRacket and top cover
Yes Chuck. Mine does the same thing. T thought loosing the side a bit might make it "pop" back flush and then retighten the screws but that didn't help. Your right, it does detract a bit cosmetically from the amp (which is a great product) I now have my month old KPA500 interfaced with my day old K3. Nice combination. John KE4D K3 SN 6226 KPA500 SN 636 Brackettville, TX Message: 17 Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:54:43 -0800 (PST) From: Chuck - AE4CW Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Z Bracket & Top Cover To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: <1328928883022-7275169.p...@n2.nabble.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Just finished a KPA500 build and all went smoothly. The only issue I see is that the Z-Bracket appears to be about 1mm taller at the front than at the rear. The result is that the top cover protrudes above the front panel in the center by a small amount, perhaps 1mm. At the rear the top cover is flush with the rear panel in the center...no protrusion at all. This is a cosmetic issue but does detract a bit for the "fit and finish" of the rest of the KPA500 and the K3. Has anyone else seen this issue? Thought I would ask before calling home. --- Chuck, AE4CW Libby and John www.TheRollingHome.com Ft Clark Springs, Brackettville, TX No trees were harmed in the sending of this e-mail; however, many electrons were inconvenienced __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] serial to USB
I have zero serial ports on the computer in my shack. I use Elecrafts Serial/USB converter for one connection, Another FTDI unit I bought on Amazon for the other and piggy back my SteppIR controller with a Y cable to the main rig/computer interface. I have no issues at all. I'm quite happy with the way they work. I've used a lot of Serial to USB converters since serial ports started disappearing and these FTDI ones seem to work just fine. Message: 23 Date: Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:38:39 -0800 (PST) From: KM4VX Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and K2 simultaneous on serial to USB cables tocomputer To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: <1328971119147-7276097.p...@n2.nabble.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Many thanks for the helpful suggestions on and off-line. Given all the problems with Serial to USB adapters I am going to install serial PCI cards in my PC and then connect the correctly wired cable from the K2 (I understand it is not a true RS232 port on the K2) to a new serial port on the PC. I may do the same with my K3 rather than use the Elecradft Serial to USB cable, which actually works well. 73. Ron Libby and John www.TheRollingHome.com Ft Clark Springs, Brackettville, TX No trees were harmed in the sending of this e-mail; however, many electrons were inconvenienced __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 Manual from KE7X
Got my copy of Fred's K3 manual today. About halfway through it and I've learned some things that I didn't know I didn't know! Great read, very informative as I've read on the reflector from time to time. Certainly a must have for K3 owners. John KE4D Brackettville, TX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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] k2/100 fuse holder
I never use those fuse holders. My power cord for the K2 goes from a fused (blade type) in an MFJ DC outlet to the rig.However, you and I discussed the issue with those MFJ Outlets a week or so ago! The one powering my K3 sits right behind the K3 on the wall so I can see it. Lesson learned from the K2 issue we discussed where I couldn't see that DC outlet!~ Glad the rig is ok. John KE4D Brackettville, TX K3 #6226 KPA500 #636 Message: 39 Date: Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:52:02 -0800 (PST) From: N4NAB John Subject: [Elecraft] K2/100 Fuse Holder Melting To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: <1329918722357-7308295.p...@n2.nabble.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii I was working CW at 50 watts and happen to look up and see a whiff of smoke on the rig end of the fuse holder. The rig never cutoff and the the meters on the Astron indicated normal current and voltage. I immediately killed the power __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: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 DOA at second power up test
Ok, I've done a lot of dumb things in 37 years of amateur radio but when constructing my second K2 a few weeks ago, I dropped a piece of component wire on the RF board while doing the second power up test on the receiver. Bam, no power at all, no lights, no relays nada. I thought I blew D10 on the RF board but Elecraft tells me it leaks anyway. I changed it nonetheless, no joy. I get 12 volts on the main bus on the RF board until I hit the power switch. Then the voltage drops to 2.5 or so. I lifted the 5 and 8 volt regulator output leads, still low voltage there. Changed them also but still no joy. I'm at a loss where to look next. I cannot find anything that warms up, looks bad, measures the wrong resistance, just low voltage. Low enough that the relays don't activate and the display is a dismal green with no power to it. Any suggestions other than buying another Icom or Kenwood? I could say the rig is KOA instead of DOA since I killed it! John KE4D -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-DOA-at-second-power-up-test-tp6972220p6972220.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2 DOA at second power up test
Thanks Don, Elecraft told me the same thing. However, as I told them, I'm on the second power up test in the manual, there is no T3 or PA transistor in on the board at this time. I've built the front panel, the control board and the receiver, no transmitter yet. I'm pretty sure its something in the 12v line, I just can't find it. I wondered about F1 but I show 12 volts on both sides of it so I guess its ok. And the power supply is fine, I have 12 volts on the RF board until I push the on switch on my front panel. Then the voltage drops to about 2.5. I figure something is pulling it down, I just need to find it! Thats what I get for building when I have to have my magnifying glasses on the see anything on those boards! -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-DOA-at-second-power-up-test-tp6972220p6972425.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2 DOA at second power up test
Got it. Thanks Don. When I removed the 78L06, good things happened. Now I just have to determine if that is the culprit or something else in that part of the circuit. Love the reflector. Its saved me more than once! -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-DOA-at-second-power-up-test-tp6972220p6975655.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] VFO linearization issue on K2
Ok folks, I got my power problem fixed and am now completing the receiver VFO linearization process before starting on the transmitter. I put the rig on 7.050 cw normal, fl 1 and have my freq counter probe in TP1. I start the CAL PLL and the display starts counting down but then immediately goes to INFO 232. INFO 232 says I am not on 40m but the last time I checked 7.0- plus is pretty much in the 40 m band. Any suggestions? John KE4D -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/VFO-linearization-issue-on-K2-tp7009636p7009636.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] VFO linearization issue on K2
Thanks Don. I checked the settings and found the offset was not mid point. WHen I put it to mid point, the darn thing started working properly. Geez! -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/VFO-linearization-issue-on-K2-tp7009636p7009870.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html