[Elecraft] K3 antenna tuner.
I am trying to decide on an antenna for use at a DX location for 40 meters and up for an upcoming trip to V4 land. I can put up an inverted V dipole at 40 feet high with a length of up to 45 feet on each side of center. I plan to use a 4 to 1 Balun and 450 ohm window line 30 feet long. Anyone have any experience on how the K3 antenna tuner would handle this antenna. on 40 through 10 meters. Thanks for your help. Van W4GIW V47GIW a ham for 59 years. __ 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] The K3 at airports
Does anyone have experience carrying a K3 and power supply through the TSA inspections at USA airports. What can I expect?? Thanks Van W4GIW __ 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 at airport.
Many thanks to all who responded to my request. Looks like there will be no problem. Thanks Van W4GIW __ 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] P3 firmware upgrade
Where Can I find the latest beta for the P3 to download. The info on .38 is shown but no way to download it. Thanks Van W4GIW __ 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] accidental operation of the K3
I run the K3 from TRX manager and rarely touch the K3 for anything other than the tuning knobs. The TRX manager Main panel for the K3 offers 31 macro buttons and a very easy way to write and keep them in memory. This makes it possible to write a sleep macro which turns off the vox, reduces the screen brightness and saves power. The wake up macro button turns the vox back on, wakes up the display and configures the radio to my normal way of way of operating. The owner of TRX manager owns a K3 and has written into his program almost anything the K3 can do. A good example is that all the EQ adjustments can be made and saved without using the k3 or the utility program. If you are using a K3 with a computer you might want to take a look at TRX manager. I have no vested interest in TRX Manager __ 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] P3 problem
I am having a problem with the P3. occasionally after a transmission and the PTT or VOX is released, The P3 screen will remain frozen and look just as it does during a transmission. This is not the problem related to the firmware that was fixed in version .30. We have confirmed that the problem is not related to RFI as it occurs when no RF is produced in the test mode. It happens on average about 3 to 4 times per hour in a long ragchew. The only way to correct it is to reboot. If you have seen this happen on your P3 please let me know with details. I am working with Allen to try to resolve it. Thanks Van W4GIW __ 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] P3 firmware
I have been unable to get the REF LVL to be saved by band. Anyone have the proper procedure. Thanks Van W4GIW __ 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] CW Skimmer
I use TRX manager with the K3 and it provides many add on features. It is the only thing connected to the RS232 port of the K3 but TRX Manager controls many other things like the linear, rotor, telnet, ETC. I want to also use CW skimmer in this arrangement but TRX manager only has the ability to work with Skimmer through telnet which does not give Skimmer control of the K3. Anyone using a virtual connection program that will handle TRX manager and CW Skimmer at the same time without problems. Bridge will mostly work but some commands for the K3 through TRX manager dont work. I dont know if skimmer will work through Bridge but I believe it will. Thanks for any help. Van W4GIW __ 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] TRX manager and the K3
For those of you who are in to Macro's for the K3. The latest version of TRX manager has a new update that allows you to save and use 31 macros with just the click of a mouse. I have 12 set up for such things as split up 1, up 2, up 5, K3 to sleep and to wake up. Setting up the macros is much easier than using the K3 system and allows the use of a single button to cause a function to occur with one click and to turn it off with a second click to the same button. I use one of these to set my power to 5 watts, and to key the rig, the same button is then used a second time to return the rig to standby and normal power levels. I have one macro to cause all the settings to be set to what I consider normal levels. The macros are so easy to set up, test and use with TRX manager that you can come up with many very nice short cuts. I only touch the K3 to turn it on and off and change freq on both vfo knobs. Laurent who owns TRX manager is a user of the K3 and he has done a great deal of work to take advantage of all the features of the K3. Direct access to the menu items by name is available. Two windows gives full control of all the K3 controls. The TRX manager has many features that are not just K3 related. I use the TRX keyer with 16 memories, the rotor control, log and several other features. I have no vested interest in TRX manager but Am a very satisfied user. If you have not looked at it you should. The program is fully supported and updated and improved on a regular basis. You can download the manual on PDF or a trial copy at WWW.trx-manager.com I suggest you look at the manual first, but I warn you it is over 200 pages. Van W4GIW __ 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] Request for new firmware changes.
I have been reading all the things that owners want and many of them I already have by using TRX manager. I use LP Bridge with it but you can get the same results by using the same type of circuits built into the TRX manager. Laurent the owner of TRX Manager is a K3 owner and user and has made it possible to control 95% of all functions with the click of a mouse. I have 8 macro buttons which make it possible to do all kind of splits. a tune up button that turns on a carrier at 5 watts and when I push it again it takes me back to my regular settings and at 40 watts that I use for driving my linear. You dont even have to use the K3 utility to program the Macro. Its all done very easily inside TRX manager. All eight macro buttons can be used in dual mode so that one push performs a function and the second push of the same button can take you back to a different setting. This is not available from the K3 utility. All the menu and config items can be brought up from a list and changed from inside the TRX manager program. Many many other advantages to using this program with the K3 such as memory control etc. Its free for 30 days and it has so many things to offer the K3 user. Make sure you bring up both of the control panels for the K3. The levels panel does not come up unless you are connected to a K3. I have no financial connection with TRX manager. I have just use it for years. Van W4GIW __ 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] Thoughts on what I am begging to see on the reflector
Gentlemen, I am a two year veteran of the FT2000 reflector and I am beginning to see some of the same type of thoughts that turned that reflector into a total mess. Most of us including me think the K3 is a fine rig and I have been instrumental in selling 5 of them for Elecraft thus far. We do not need cheerleaders for the K3. The K3 and Wayne and Eric, et all, can take care of themselves. When complaints occur, especially when made by a number of users such as the comments about noise, There is no need for anyone to suggest that they need to leave or go away or change subjects or anything else. Lets let everybody have their say even when you dont agree and feel they are talking down the worlds greatest ham rig from the most responsive company in the business. Comments like read the manual, learn how to set up the rig, This rig is for experienced operators and appliance uses should move on, etc, are of very little value to anyone and only poison the group. If the threads get too much for you then use the delete or an email filter, With the number of K3s being sold we will get new members every day, what is old and worn out info to you is new for them. I urge you all to discipline yourself and what you have to say and make sure that what you say, provides info, assistance or ask for help. Nothing wrong with saying I dont have that problem or what you did to solve it but please dont feel the need to rise to defend the radio from every negative comment. I dont think Wayne or Eric want us to do that. Thanks for the bandwidth. Van W4GIW a ham for 58 years. __ 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] 1 button that issues two command strings
TRX manager has added 4 more macro buttons for a total of 8 to the K3 version and each has the ability to have one button send two different command strings. One when pushed the first time and a different command string the second time. The set up is done in TRX manager and not in the K3 system. You right click on the TRX macro button you want to program and a window comes up with two command lines. In the first you type the commands for what you want to accomplish with the first push and on the second command line you enter the string that you want to accomplish on the second push. There is a box you check that is labeled OFF. I use this for a tune sequence. I want the K3 to transmit 5 watts when I hit the macro button. It will continue to transmit until I hit it again. With the second push it will stop transmitting at 5 watts and return my power level to 40 watts. This allows me to use low power to tune the antenna tuner and the linear with very low power and then tune the linear at full power using the tune control on the K3. 40 watts of drive is 1500 watts from the linear. The two command strings I use are: PC005;SWH16; SWH16;PC040; I dont think this will work with a single macro button straight into the K3 but Wayne may be able to discern what Laurent has done in TRX manager and set up this same dual command capability in the K3 macro system __ 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] New Macro for Audio
Many of us old-timers do not hear the same with both ears. Is there any way with this new system to make the audio from VFO A (both speakers) be louder or softer in the right ear than it is in the left and vice versa. This could be a 1 time adjustment that adds Xdb to the left or the right The volume control could then take care of the level with 1 speaker slightly louder than the other when heard by a person with normal hearing, When using two receivers, each already has its own volume control. Anybody else have this problem??? It is mostly needed when using dual speakers. Van W4GIW __ 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] Split operation
I believe that 98% of all of us use split to work DX and this always occurs in the same mode. It seems to me that having a menu item that would allow us to choose to have VFO B always be in the same mode as VFO A would be a helpful thing. It would eliminate the step of always having to make B equal A with a double tap. The Other choice for the menu selection would be to have it exactly as it is now. I dont see any downside to this solution. If you agree please let Wayne and company know. The way it is now makes it more trouble to go split than with any other transceiver. Van W4GIW __ 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] split operation
To those of you (W3FPR and N2TK) who did not like my suggestion of having a new menu choice to make B mode always equal to A mode apparently did not notice that the other choice you would have is to leave it like it is now. Your choice in the menu mode. What could be wrong with that. The default would be to leave it like it is now. So you would have to do nothing. If you work 7 bands every day on phone and CW, switch bands 10 to 20 times a day and 90% is split and nothing on the dial tells you in what mode B is in, I think my idea is a good one. I cant see where it can cause any damage as it is still your choice to leave it like it is. Van __ 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] Split operation
Wayne they will still have the choice of leaving in default which will be like it is now. Apparently he did not understand that it was a menu choice I asked for. Van - Original Message - From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com To: Wayne Burdick n...@elecraft.com Cc: van fair g...@bellsouth.net; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, October 18, 2009 4:49 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Split operation Wayne, If you force the same mode with SPLIT, you will be negating the use of cross-mode split. I know standard (same mode) split is much more common, but I believe a K3 capability for cross-mode split should be available. 73, Don W3FPR Wayne Burdick wrote: Eric and I will discuss this on Monday. Sounds like a good idea. 73, Wayne http://www.elecraft.com On Oct 18, 2009, at 4:13 AM, van fair g...@bellsouth.net wrote: I believe that 98% of all of us use split to work DX and this always occurs in the same mode. It seems to me that having a menu item that would allow us to choose to have VFO B always be in the same mode as VFO A would be a helpful thing. It would eliminate the step of always having to make B equal A with a double tap. The Other choice for the menu selection would be to have it exactly as it is now. __ 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 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.422 / Virus Database: 270.14.20/2443 - Release Date: 10/17/09 13:08:00 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.422 / Virus Database: 270.14.20/2444 - Release Date: 10/18/09 09:04:00 __ 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] Split operation
MY suggestion which is supported by many more than oppose it, still allows you to do nothing, leave the menu selection in default and you end up with exactly what you have now. I have been a dxer and a ham for 57 years and have earned the right to make my suggestions especially when they dont affect your having like it is now. 73 Van -- Original Message - From: Ed Muns w...@msn.com To: 'van fair' g...@bellsouth.net Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, October 18, 2009 2:47 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Split operation I believe that 98% of all of us use split to work DX and this always occurs in the same mode. It seems to me that having a menu item that would allow us to choose to have VFO B always be in the same mode as VFO A would be a helpful thing. It would eliminate the step of always having to make B equal A with a double tap. The Other choice for the menu selection would be to have it exactly as it is now. I dont see any downside to this solution. If you agree please let Wayne and company know. The way it is now makes it more trouble to go split than with any other transceiver. Van W4GIW I don't agree. Only making the mode the same between the VFOs is a poor UI. What about the frequency? What if VFO-B is up in the SSB sub-band when you have VFO-A in the CW sub-band? Now, you have another K3 operation to get it where you want it. AB is the perfect feature in this application. If the menu option made the VFOs equivalent in all VFO parameters (AB) when it invoked SPLIT, that might make sense. In the vast majority of times I go into SPLIT, I want to tap AB first to be sure the VFOs are totally equal before tuning VFO-B up into the pile-up. I find it helpful for the VFO-B frequency to start from a known point, i.e., the DX TX frequency, before I start tuning the pileup. Ed - W0YK No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.422 / Virus Database: 270.14.20/2444 - Release Date: 10/18/09 09:04:00 __ 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] scan
I tried for the first time to use the scan function of the K3. I wanted to scan part of 6 meters. I got a message that stated scan no allowed on this band any way to change the set up to be able to scan 6 meters in the US. Thanks Van W4GIW __ 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] DIGOUT1
For anyone with a k3 who needs to activate something based on the band in use, I recommend you take a look at using the DIGOUT1 connection on pin 11 of the accessory output. It can be programmed in the menu to turn on or off based on the band and antenna in use. I just built a coax switch that switches between my Steppir and my auto tuner. On 20 meters up it turns on the coax switch and connects my Alpha to the Steppir. On 30 meters and below it turns off and lets the switch default to the auto tuner which handles all my wire antennas. I use a transistor switch keyed by pin 11 to a low 220 ohms to key the vacuum relay which switches the antennas. Works great. Might also be useful to someone using remote operation. Thanks to Wayne at Elecraft for his help and advice. Van W4GIW __ 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] DIGOUT1
Wayne I am building a coax relay to be activated using the DIGOUT1 contacts. I want the contacts to ground the base of a PNP transistor TIP 42 through a series 800 ohm resistor. I now have a cable for the 15 pin plug with connections to pin 5 and 11. When DIGOUT1 is turned to ON on 20 meters I get a 220 ohm resistance between pin 11 and 5. I expected to get a short between them and to ground. Will this 220 ohm resistance in series with the 800 resistor in my switch be capable of causing the transistor to swamp causing the emitter and cathode to connect and go to ground to enable the 12 volt relay coil. Any idea why pin 11 does not go to ground and where the 220 ohms is coming from . Thanks Van W4GIW __ 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] digout1
Can anyone confirm that my understanding of DIGOUT1 is correct. I think that when turned on for each band by going to the band setting antenna to 1 or 2 and then turning it on or off, the following will be true. When Off for any band pin 11 will not go to ground with pin 5 and nothing will happen, When turned on for a band, when going to that band pin 11 will go to ground with pin 5 thereby providing a switch which can be used to cycle a transistor switch on and off depending on band setting. Am I correct and if not what does happen. Thanks Van W4GIW __ 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
