[Elecraft] Elecraft T1 auto tuner question
I have a T1 that I have used for several years. I recently purchased a QCX-mini, and an SW-3B. I normally use my K2, KX2 or KX3 for portable operations, but occasionally I like to use something different for QRP CW. Both the QCX-mini and the SW-3B require a 2.0 or less SWR. The documentation for SW-3B says that operating at any SWR over 2.0 will damage the radio. The outputs varies with voltage, but usually runs at 4-5 watts with a 12V supply. If I attach the T1 to that rig, and perhaps the QCX-mini as well, it will require the rig attached to present a constant carrier to tune. This seems to eliminate using an auto tuner with the SW-3B at a minimum in that configuration. Can someone tell me how I might get the T1 to tune in the field with something other than the rig. If I could trigger it to tune, then I could attach to the radio after the tune cycle. My plan is to use a resonant antenna, but that may not always be possible, especially with a three band rig like the SW-3B. Thanks, Terry, N7TB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Issues with digirig sound card, KX3 and Winlink
I have my KX3 connected to a digirig soundcard and the soundcard to my Surface Go 2. Even though I am an almost exclusive CW operator, I want to have digital capability in my go bag. I am stumped as to why I cannot get my KX3 to go into transmit using Vara HF Winlink through the digirig, when I have WSJT-X and JS8Call working fine and keying the KX3 through the digirig. The sound settings are identical. If anyone has Winlink Vara HF working with a digirig sound card with a KX2 or KX3, I would appreciate any help I can get. 73, Terry __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Any KX2 or KX3 owners have experience with the IC-7300
Hello All, I have a KX2, KX3, PX3, KXPA100 and K4. I use my KX2 for QRP exclusively mostly portable. My KX3, PX3, and KXPA100 was my home station until I received the K4 a year ago. It is the finest rig I have ever owned. I use my KX3, PX3 and KXPA100 at a second QTH but I also user it them in my very small RV. It is not easy to deal with all the cabling that keeps all these three components working. I feel like I am buried in interconnecting cables. I have almost come to the conclusion that my KX3, PX3, and KXPA are best suited for my second QTH. For my RV and Field Day activities where I am operating QRO, I am looking for another rig. I used my K4 at field day last year, but all the dust and other issues, make me think that I want to keep it as my home rig. I am almost exclusively a CW operator. I have an old IC-706MK II that drives me crazy trying to operate CW with all the clacking relays. I am looking at the IC-7300 as my potential field day and RV rig. Can anyone who has used the IC-7300 for CW tell me if it still uses relays or diodes for sending CW? I know it won't compare to my Elecraft rigs, but for my use, it may be OK. For those of you who have used the IC-7300 for CW, I would like to hear your comments. I have an old Icom AH-4 external tuner that will interface perfectly with the IC-7300 and would give me great flexibility in using loops, doublets, and long wires with my RV and field day. Thanks for any comments you might have...I know it doesn't compare to our beloved Elecraft rigs, but it might work for this specific application. Thanks and 73, Terry, N7TB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Need refresher on setting up KX2 to HRD and Wsjtx with signalink
I have not setup my KX2 with my computer running Ham Radio Deluxe and interfacing my Signalink for running FT8 for a very long time. I can get wsjtx to run fine on the KX2, or HRD, but not at the same time. I only have the one com port on my computer assigned to the digital interface cable from ACC on my K2 to the Computer. I need another comport for the HRD software to run. Do I run comm0comm or some other software to get another virtual comport? I am predominately CW operator but wanted to be able to run FT8 qrp in the field with my KX2 at some point. I have just forgotten. I guess that comes with being an "old fart." Thanks so much, 73, Terry, N7TB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K4 vs K4D again
I just reread my initial posting. Typo. I meant to say when I get the call, not that I got the call. So sorry everyone. I know everyone is really anxious to get their radios! 73, Terry __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K4 vs. K4D clarification
Hello all, I am sorry if I miscommunicated. I have received several private emails thinking I have been called and expect delivery of a K4. I have NOT been called. I was just referring to when that time comes. I don't expect a call for months. I was very late in the first group. I still need some feedback to help me make my decision when that time comes. 73, Terry __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K4 vs. K4D Question
I am rather late in the first prepay group and requested a K4. I was strongly considering upgrading to the K4D when I got the call that my rig was about ready to ship. Now that the pricing is out, I see that it is a $900 difference. That gives me a bit of pause, not because it isn't worth the price, but because I am not sure my style of operating would justify it. I would appreciate it if some of you with more experience in such things might be able to give me some insights. Here is my operating information: 1. I am predominantly a CW operator 2. I do enjoy working DX contests, but as a hunt and pounce guy, just looking for countries I may have not worked before. I am not a serious contester trying for points and awards. 3. For non-dx contests, I operate at or near QRP levels to see how well I am getting out on my antennas. 4. I am predominantly a rag chewer on CW, or casual operator for regular CW QSO's. 5. I have two antennas, one a Yagi for 20, 17, 15, 12, and 10 meters. The other is an EFHW for 30 (with tuner) 40 and 80. I am not sure diversity receive would be all that useful with such different antennas. The yagi is useless as a receive antenna on 30, 40, and 80, and the EFHW can receive and transmit on the higher bands, but does not have directionality or gain, and the 40 and 80 meter bands are predominantly for local and US. operations. I think diversity receive might be useful with QSB conditions if I am operating on 20 meters and up and letting the EFHW try to help, but that one advantage would not be worth the difference in price for the K4D, especially with the band conditions we currently have. If I am going to check a different band, I usually just change bands and look at the panadapter to see how active the band is. Not sure having VFO B connected to a different antenna, (like working 20 on the Yagi on A and possibly working 40 on the EFHW on B would gain me much. I would most likely just use VFO A, and change bands. I look forward to your thoughts and what opportunities I might be missing by not getting the K4D. I would guess there are others in this group that would be interested in the responses as they make the same decision. Thanks so much, and 73, Terry, N7TB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] A fluke may have fried my KX3 and KXPA100 I need advice
I power my KXPA100 with an old reliable Astron RS35A power supply that I have used for years. I have it up on a 3/8 in spacer above the carpet to keep it a bit cooler. I power my KX3 from the back of the KXPA100. I had the amp and KX3 on when a loose usb cable that was normally connected between my computer and my Signalink, had been disconnected to connect the signalink to my Raspberry Pi. While the USB cable connected to the computer was loose, it curled around I accidently kicked it and it slid under the power supply and contacted one of nuts on the bottom of the power supply and sparked. My KX3 stayed on for a few seconds, then shut off. When I tried to power it up again, it stayed on for about a second or so, then powered off. I checked the Astron power supply and it continues to put out 14.5V. I connected it back to one of the two Anderson PP connectors on the KXPA100 and there are no led's lighting up when the KXPA100 is on. I put a volt meter to the other Anderson Power Pole at the back of the KXPA100 and it is showing 4.6 v. output, not the normal 12 + V. I connected the 14.5 v. supply directly to the KX3 and it behaves the same; stays on for a second or so, then powers off. So, it appears that usb cable that found it's way under my power supply, has done some kind of damage to both my KXPA100 and KX3. I know there is no service currently at Elecraft, and when service resumes, it may be months before I can get the equipment repaired. To say I am frustrated would be a gross understatement. I can use my K2 and KX2, but both will be QRP. I am turning to the group to get any advice you might have at this point. Thanks so much! 73, Terry, N7TB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Horizontal Loop question
Correction, get the EZNEC software. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Horizontal-Loop-question-tp7610926p7610959.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Horizontal Loop question
First, let me say "thank you" to all of you who wrote me very thoughtful and helpful responses to my question. I received many directly to my email address. I came away many great ideas. One is to get ELNEC and use it! I am sorry I did not elaborate about the size of my loop. It is 60 feet on a side, fed on a lower corner (the other three are in trees) with 450 ohm ladder to my AH-4. I was given the following information for finding an interface for the AH-4 that will interface with any radio. I thought others who may be feeding antennas with this tuner and wanting to interface a non-Icom rig to it might find the link helpful. http://www.ebay.com/itm/ArtCraft-Electronics-AEAH-4-Icom-AH-4-Antenna-Tuner-Interface-/291613533877?hash=item43e58566b5. ArtCraft Electronics sells them directly on their website. I think they build to order mostly. Using the interface is the simplest solution for me, so I ordered one. Very 73's, Terry de N7TB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Horizontal-Loop-question-tp7610926p7610955.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Horizontal Loop question
I currently have a horizontal loop at my QTH being matched by an Icom AH-4 Tuner. It is interfaced with my Icom 756. I will be running a new-to-me K2 with the auto tuner installed. Right now, the loop is connected at its end points to 450 ohm ladder that has one leg attached to the tuner's antenna connector and the other leg to the ground lug. Coax comes from the tuner to my rig and works great on my Icom 756. Now for the several questions. 1. the AH-4 interfaces with the 756 via a four conductor molex connector. Is there some way to take those 4 wires and interface them to my K2 and let the AH-4 tune the loop instead of the internal K2 tuner? 2. I presume it possible to take the coax feed from the A-4 off my 756, or have an antenna switch do that, and attach the loop coax feed to my K2, then turn on the 756 to the same frequency that I want to transmit on the K2, and press the tune button on the 756 to tune the loop? 3. I could manually take 450 ohm loop antenna connection off the Ah4, attach it to a balun attached to another length of coax that attaches to the K2, but this is very cumbersome. Perhaps an antenna switch is available that has two balanced feedpoints and a coax feedpoint that would allow me to switch remotely? Does anyone know of such a thing? 4. If I decide to feed the 450 ohm twin lead to coax to my rig, what type of balun do I need? 4:1 or 1:1? Thanks so much for all you help. Very 73's Terry Brown, N7TB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Horizontal-Loop-question-tp7610926.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
