[Elecraft] Manual for pre 3000 S/N K2?

[Steve Zabarnick]

I recently bought a pre 3000 serial number K2 (S/N 2539) which is the older
Rev A version. I am looking for a pdf of the K2 manual for these older
units. The manual does not seem to be on the
Elecraft web or ftp sites. Anyone know where I can get one?

Steve N9SZ
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 & K3S Options Last Time Buy Update (12/02/2022)

[Steve Zabarnick]

Now that I have installed the recently received KSYN3A upgrade in my K3, I
am wondering what improvements to expect? I have seen test data on this
list showing improved transmit performance and anecdotal reports on
improved receive performance. In an initial quick listening session on cw
and FT8, I don't hear any dramatic changes in receive performance.

The KSYN3A upgrade is a significant investment (over $400 when including
shipping and tax) and will likely increase the resale value of the radio
somewhat, but as a casual operator should I expect to experience any
noticeable performance improvements?

Steve N9SZ


On Fri, Apr 14, 2023 at 10:34 AM Steve Zabarnick 
wrote:

> After just about two years from my original order, I finally received the
> upgraded K3 synthesis board (KSYN3AUPGD). Installation will take place this
> weekend and I'm hoping for the best.
>
> Steve N9SZ
>
>
> On Thu, Feb 2, 2023 at 9:47 AM Steve Zabarnick 
> wrote:
>
>> It has been over 8 weeks since Eric announced that most of the long
>> delayed K3 options would be available in 6 to 8 weeks, and "should ship
>> close to these dates ranges if there are no new
>> parts issues or surprise manufacturing delays."
>>
>> I have been patiently waiting for the upgraded synthesizer for my K3 and
>> made a 50% payment two years ago.
>>
>> Any update on this? It would be nice to have some info on whether these
>> upgrades are being delayed once again or about to ship as promised.
>>
>> Steve N9SZ
>>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 & K3S Options Last Time Buy Update (12/02/2022)

[Steve Zabarnick]

After just about two years from my original order, I finally received the
upgraded K3 synthesis board (KSYN3AUPGD). Installation will take place this
weekend and I'm hoping for the best.

Steve N9SZ


On Thu, Feb 2, 2023 at 9:47 AM Steve Zabarnick  wrote:

> It has been over 8 weeks since Eric announced that most of the long
> delayed K3 options would be available in 6 to 8 weeks, and "should ship
> close to these dates ranges if there are no new
> parts issues or surprise manufacturing delays."
>
> I have been patiently waiting for the upgraded synthesizer for my K3 and
> made a 50% payment two years ago.
>
> Any update on this? It would be nice to have some info on whether these
> upgrades are being delayed once again or about to ship as promised.
>
> Steve N9SZ
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 & K3S Options Last Time Buy Update (12/02/2022)

[Steve Zabarnick]

It has been over 8 weeks since Eric announced that most of the long delayed
K3 options would be available in 6 to 8 weeks, and "should ship close to
these dates ranges if there are no new
parts issues or surprise manufacturing delays."

I have been patiently waiting for the upgraded synthesizer for my K3 and
made a 50% payment two years ago.

Any update on this? It would be nice to have some info on whether these
upgrades are being delayed once again or about to ship as promised.

Steve N9SZ
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[Elecraft] K3 Utility saving macros to PC

[Steve Zabarnick]

I recently upgraded my ham radio computer, which required re-installation
of the K3 Utility. Previously, my macros appeared to be saved to the
computer, as they would appear in "edit macros" in the "command tester".
With this new install, the macros no longer show when starting the utility,
although they can be uploaded from the K3. But each time I run the utility
I have to reupload them from the K3. Does the utility no longer save the
macros to the PC disk, as described in the help? Is my utility working
properly?

Steve N9SZ
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[Elecraft] KX3 receive dead

[Steve Zabarnick]

Failure of an external amplifier has killed the receive on my KX3
(transmitter and ATU seem to work fine). Does anyone know which components
are most likely to fail in the KX3 receiver front end? Looking at the
schematic, it appears that TR switch components D3 and Q2 are the first
active devices in the receive path. Does anyone have a PCB layout for the
KX3 RF board?

Steve N9SZ
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[Elecraft] KX3 sideband cancellation calibration

[Steve Zabarnick]

I recently noticed that I could hear the opposite sideband on my KX3. As a
result I tried using my XG1 to do the sideband cancellation calibration
described in the KXFL3 manual. During the calibration I could significantly
reduce the sideband so that it could no longer be heard by ear. But, once I
left calibration mode, I could still hear the opposite sideband from the
XG1. I did restart the KX3 to save these settings and confirmed that the
phase and amplitude settings were saved per filter. Any suggestions?

Steve N9SZ
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3-2M TO-220 Retainer and Nylon Screw

[Steve Zabarnick]

*I also have a KX3 that does not use the TO-220 retainer.*

*This is SN 2829. *

*Steve N9SZ*



*>Subject:[Elecraft] KX3-2M TO-220 Retainer and Nylon Screw
>From:   AL7CR  
>
>Date:   2020-07-20 3:37:22 
>Message-ID: 7b6bdb8d-3089-4116-b28b-01f820ac6286 () www ! fastmail ! com 
>
>[Download RAW message  
>or body ]*
>
>Does anyone know if these parts are a recent change?  My pal is sending me his 
>board and it did not have these parts.  The heat sink was attached to the case 
>directly with a metal screw and the nylon screw was not present and the hole 
>for it empty.
>
>If the parts are strictly required I will try and get them from the factory 
>tomorrow.
>
>Thanks for the help.
>
>AL7CR
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 keyline questions

[Steve Zabarnick]

I ended up replacing Q5, the keyline output transistor on the KX3 RF board.
It had a hole in it and apparently the magic smoke had come out. Keyline is
now working. This KX3 was purchased used and I had never used an amp or the
keyline.

Steve N9SZ

On Sat, Nov 21, 2020 at 8:13 PM Steve Zabarnick  wrote:

> I'm pretty sure that I am measuring the ring to ground for ACC2. The amp
> is not connected. Is there a menu setting I could have wrong? If not is the
> keyline output transistor bad? How do I diagnose the problem in the KX3?
>
> Steve N9SZ
>
> Steve,
>
> Are you sure you're looking at the ACC2 ring contact? Ring is KEY OUT; tip is 
> GPIO, a \
> logic signal configurable in the ACC2 IO Menu entry.
>
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
> On Sat, Nov 21, 2020 at 4:12 PM Steve Zabarnick 
> wrote:
>
>> I'm exploring using my KX3 with the QRP-Labs 50W Amplifier. In measuring
>> the keyline output, I get zero volts to ground when in receive and about
>> 0.5 volts in transmit. When measuring resistance across the keyline I get
>> about 70 ohms in receive and 5K ohms in transmit.
>>
>> Isn't the keyline supposed to be open in receive and grounded in transmit?
>>
>> Steve N9SZ
>>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 keyline questions

[Steve Zabarnick]

I'm pretty sure that I am measuring the ring to ground for ACC2. The amp is
not connected. Is there a menu setting I could have wrong? If not is the
keyline output transistor bad? How do I diagnose the problem in the KX3?

Steve N9SZ

Steve,

Are you sure you're looking at the ACC2 ring contact? Ring is KEY OUT;
tip is GPIO, a \
logic signal configurable in the ACC2 IO Menu entry.

Wayne
N6KR


On Sat, Nov 21, 2020 at 4:12 PM Steve Zabarnick  wrote:

> I'm exploring using my KX3 with the QRP-Labs 50W Amplifier. In measuring
> the keyline output, I get zero volts to ground when in receive and about
> 0.5 volts in transmit. When measuring resistance across the keyline I get
> about 70 ohms in receive and 5K ohms in transmit.
>
> Isn't the keyline supposed to be open in receive and grounded in transmit?
>
> Steve N9SZ
>
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[Elecraft] KX3 keyline questions

[Steve Zabarnick]

I'm exploring using my KX3 with the QRP-Labs 50W Amplifier. In measuring
the keyline output, I get zero volts to ground when in receive and about
0.5 volts in transmit. When measuring resistance across the keyline I get
about 70 ohms in receive and 5K ohms in transmit.

Isn't the keyline supposed to be open in receive and grounded in transmit?

Steve N9SZ
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[Elecraft] KX3 CWT and decode

[Steve Zabarnick]

I don't use CW decode on my KX3 and I noticed that CWT doesn't work
correctly when decode is turned off. With decode on all is fine, but with
decode off the middle CWT bar is always lit. A strong off frequency signal
will sometimes move the CWT bar to the left or right but it is difficult to
use CWT to center the signal.

Anyone else see this?

Steve N9SZ
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[Elecraft] SWR meter with KX3 2 Meter module

[Steve Zabarnick]

Is the SWR meter supposed to work when the 2 meter module is being used in
the KX3? I don't see much of a response even with no antenna connected,
which should show a very high SWR.

My last post mistakenly asked about the K3.

Steve N9SZ
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[Elecraft] SWR meter with K3 2M module

[Steve Zabarnick]

Is the SWR meter supposed to work when the 2 meter module is being used in
the K3? I don't see much of a response even with no antenna connected,
which should show a very high SWR.

Steve N9SZ
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[Elecraft] W1SERKT vs KXSER cables

[Steve Zabarnick]

With the recent purchase of a KX3, I was wondering if my W1SERKT cable (W1
wattmeter serial data cable) will work in place of the KX3's KXSER cable?
Both seem to be 3.5 mm TRS to DB9 serial cables.

Steve N9SZ
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[Elecraft] Neogrip now available

[zabarnick .]

At Dayton this past year, I asked Wayne about the availability of the K3S
VFO A tuning knob for those of us with the K3. I was impressed with the
improved feel of the K3S knob-- it felt heavier and of higher quality. He
told me that the knob and encoder are identical but the rubber ring was
different and would be available as a retrofit for the K3. Fast forward to
last week,  I noticed that the new "Neogrip" rubber ring is now available
from Elecraft for $16.95. I just received mine and love the improvement!
Highly recommended.

Steve N9SZ
K3 SN 1672
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[Elecraft] K1 test signal generator oscillator

[zabarnick .]

I recently built the small test oscillator circuit shown in the K1 manual.
Using a 5 MHz crystal, my circuit built on a breadboard oscillates on the
third overtone at 15 MHz, rather than the fundamental. Any suggestions as
to why and how to modify the circuit to oscillate on the crystal's
fundamental frequency?

Steve N9SZ
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 vs. other panadapter options

[zabarnick .]

Actually the big advantage is the combined panadapter and second receiver
that the LP-PAN/NaP3 combination gives.
It can be challenging getting the full 2nd receiver capability working, but
once you do it offers many of the capabilities
(e.g., listening to VFO A and B simultaneously) that would require both the
P3 and the K3 second receiver.

Also, the LP-PAN/NaP3 combination is MUCH less expensive than buying the
P3/KRX3 combination -- $200 to $300 for
the LP-PAN/NaP3 including a quality sound card vs at least $1300 for the
P3/KRX3 combo.

Steve N9SZ

>Juliean, IMHO the quality is comparable between P3/SVGA and LP-PAN/NaP3.
>Here's an image from an LP-PAN/NaP3 panadapter that I used a while back on
>an Orion:
>http://www.tentecwiki.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?cache==orionpan3.jpg
>
>The big issue is whether you want to deal with the computer interface side
>of LP-PAN/NaP3 and the necessary port-sharing if you also want to use a
>CAT-connected logging program.  You'll also need to get all the settings
>right in NaP3 for the panadapter calibration to be accurate in all modes.
>
>The big advantage of NaP3 over other LP-PAN software options is the
>integral telnet connection that will paint a bandmap superimposed on the
>spectral display.
>
>73, Barry N1EU
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 vs. other panadapter options

[zabarnick .]

I've seen lots of used LP-PAN's being sold with a sound card for under
$200. A new LP-PAN is $250 and a good sound card can be found for
under $70. As far as the computer goes, I'm running NaP3 on a 2008
vintage E8600 processor (simultaneously running AC Log, NaP3, CC User,
LP-Bridge, DigiPan, MMTTY, and CW Get). Any computer less than ten
years old should be up to the job (A fast enough computer can be
purchased for less than the price of a KIO3B  :-).

Steve N9SZ


>You're forgetting the cost of the computer and the sound card.  My
>experience has been that NaP3 and other SDR software burns a fair amount
>of computer horsepower.  Many of us use a vintage computer in our shacks
>for general logging, digital encode/decode, and contest logging. In my
>experience, I can't successfully add NaP3 to a vintage box that is
>handling all of those other functions quite well.
>
>73, Jim K9YC


On Thu, Dec 24, 2015 at 2:04 PM, zabarnick . <zabarn...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Actually the big advantage is the combined panadapter and second receiver
> that the LP-PAN/NaP3 combination gives.
> It can be challenging getting the full 2nd receiver capability working,
> but once you do it offers many of the capabilities
> (e.g., listening to VFO A and B simultaneously) that would require both
> the P3 and the K3 second receiver.
>
> Also, the LP-PAN/NaP3 combination is MUCH less expensive than buying the
> P3/KRX3 combination -- $200 to $300 for
> the LP-PAN/NaP3 including a quality sound card vs at least $1300 for the
> P3/KRX3 combo.
>
> Steve N9SZ
>
> >Juliean, IMHO the quality is comparable between P3/SVGA and LP-PAN/NaP3.
> >Here's an image from an LP-PAN/NaP3 panadapter that I used a while back on
> >an Orion:
> >http://www.tentecwiki.org/lib/exe/fetch.php?cache==orionpan3.jpg
> >
> >The big issue is whether you want to deal with the computer interface side
> >of LP-PAN/NaP3 and the necessary port-sharing if you also want to use a
> >CAT-connected logging program.  You'll also need to get all the settings
> >right in NaP3 for the panadapter calibration to be accurate in all modes.
> >
> >The big advantage of NaP3 over other LP-PAN software options is the
> >integral telnet connection that will paint a bandmap superimposed on the
> >spectral display.
> >
> >73, Barry N1EU
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

[zabarnick .]

Could this be the AF limiter kicking in on loud signals? Check the "AF
LIM" menu setting.

Steve
N9SZ


On 30 Nov 2015 14:02, j...@kk9a.com wrote:
> There are times that I have noticed a crackling sound in my headphones
> with my K3S. This is not the normal band noise static that has depth, this
> crackle sound seems very close to my ears.  I first noticed it with my
> Heil headset and I tried wiggling the connection, changing the RX EQ
> settings and turning on noise reduction but nothing had any effect. It
> randomly comes and goes and I think I have also heard it on TX. I thought
> perhaps it was related to the Heil brand headphones. Last night I plugged
> in a new Sony professional headphone and the crackling sound was very
> strong for a few minutes and then eventually went away. I have never
> experience this with any other radio and I have no idea what is causing it
> or how to make it go away.
>
> John KK9A
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[Elecraft] FS: KSYN3A synthesizer upgrade kit

[zabarnick .]

I'll take it Jim.

Steve
N9SZ
zabarnick at gmail dot com
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[Elecraft] Replacement K1 speaker needed

[zabarnick .]

Does anyone have a K1 speaker that they no longer need? This is the
2.5 inch speaker that is no longer used when the KBT1 battery option
is installed.

My speaker started buzzing and needs to be replaced.

Please contact me off list: zabarnick at gmail.com

Steve N9SZ
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[Elecraft] F.S. or Trade KFL1-2 Filter board of K1 (20 and 15 meters)

[zabarnick .]

I have a working, excellent conditions KFL1-2 K1 2 band filter board
for 20 and 15 meters. I am interested in trading for a KAT1 or KFL1-2
with 30 and 17 meters.

I am also willing to sell the board for $60 including shipping to CONUS.

Please contact me off list

Steve N9SZ
zabarnick at gmail.com
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[Elecraft] Trade DSW-II QRP transceivers for K1

[zabarnick .]

Is anyone interested in trading their Elecraft K1 for two Small Wonder
Labs DSW-II CW QRP transceivers? These are single band DDS VFO
transceivers with CW frequency annunciation. I have the 20 and 40
meter band versions -- both are in very good condition and have the
DSWK keyer IC upgrade. They are rated at 4 watts and both show 4.2
watts output (using an Elecraft W1 power meter) into a 50 ohm dummy
load using a 13.8 volt power supply.

These radios are very well regarded (see eham.net reviews) and no
longer available.

Please contact me off list for details and photos.

Steve
N9SZ
zabarnick at gmail.com
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Re: [Elecraft] zeroing K3 internal tuner

[zabarnick .]

Since I exclusively use balanced ladder line fed antennas, I have been
using an external Palstar balanced tuner rather than my K3 internal
KAT3 tuner. Recently, I've decided  to give the internal tuner another
try.

I find that on some bands, even though the KAT3 brings the SWR match
below 2:1, the transmitter output power is reduced from 100 watts to
the 60-70 watt range. I don't see this issue with the external tuner,
but I can almost always find a 1:1 match. Is this because my muti-band
non-resonant doublet is providing impedances that are too difficult
for the KAT3 to match? Or is something more sinister afoot?

Steve N9SZ

On Tue, Feb 25, 2014 at 2:11 PM, zabarnick . zabarn...@gmail.com wrote:
 My K3 SWR meter no longer reads 1:1 into a 50 ohm dummy load or
 matched load. The lowest it will read is 1.2:1. Is there a calibration
 or zeroing I should redo?

 Steve N9SZ
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[Elecraft] zeroing K3 internal tuner

[zabarnick .]

My K3 SWR meter no longer reads 1:1 into a 50 ohm dummy load or
matched load. The lowest it will read is 1.2:1. Is there a calibration
or zeroing I should redo?

Steve N9SZ
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Re: [Elecraft] zeroing K3 internal tuner

[zabarnick .]

The 1.2:1 SWR appears using either ANT1 or ANT2 to two separate dummy
loads -- these also use different cables.



I replaced a coax jumper when I noticed this on 10 meters with my K3. It was
fine on other bands.  I had purchased some physically attractive but
inexpensive coax jumpers at a hamfest. I've since invested in better, as I'm
testing antenna tuner firmware.

73 de Dick, K6KR


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of zabarnick .
Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2014 11:11 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] zeroing K3 internal tuner

My K3 SWR meter no longer reads 1:1 into a 50 ohm dummy load or matched
load. The lowest it will read is 1.2:1. Is there a calibration or zeroing I
should redo?

Steve N9SZ
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[Elecraft] K3 audio mods

[zabarnick .]

I’m contemplating doing the K3 AF Output Mod (two 470 ohm resistors on the
KIO3 board) on my Serial Number 1672 K3, but the recent discussions of one
ohm resistors and a new audio mod make me wonder if I should wait. Is there
any info on this new audio mod? Should I hold off on the 470 ohm resistors
mod and wait for the new mod?

Steve N9SZ
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Re: [Elecraft] TCXO - 0.5PPM

[Steven . Zabarnick]

Wayne, is the TCXO drift spec for the period after warmup, or does it include 
the warmup period?

Steve N9SZ

At present, method 3 remains unimplemented. Fortunately the TCXO's  
uncorrected drift is already less than +/- 0.5 PPM from 0 to 50 C.  
This was the target for method 3.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


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[Elecraft] CWT and RF GAIN

[Steven Zabarnick]

I find the CWT indicator very useful as a manual tuning aid, for auto  
zero beating using SPOT, and for obtaining the proper decoding  
threshold for CW, PSK, and RTTY. I am also one who uses the RF GAIN  
control to minimize band noise and increase the S/N ratio of weak  
signals. Unfortunately, the CWT indication is greatly affected by the  
RF GAIN setting. Turning down the RF GAIN for weak signals often turns  
off the CWT indication for that signal. In addition, turning down the  
RF GAIN affects the required threshold setting for decoding CW, PSK,  
and RTTY.

I was wondering if it is possible in a future firmware to unlink the  
dependence of the appearance of the CWT marker and the decoding  
thresholds on the RF GAIN setting? I suspect this is not possible, but  
if so it would greatly improve the usefulness of CWT for those that  
use the RF GAIN knob often.

Steve N9SZ
  
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Re: [Elecraft] Config:Wattmeter

[Steven . Zabarnick]

This bug in the wattmeter calibration still exists in the latest firmware.
Pressing XMIT during the wattmeter calibration does not transmit, and
pressing TUNE does not permit a change of the calibration paramter. On the
other hand keying the rig via a keyer does allow the calibration to be
performed.

Steve N9SZ

Using the latest 2.80 firmware, I find a problem I didn't have with
prior versions.  It may be unrelated to the firmware change.  I have
only been using the radio for two weeks.

TECH MD set to ON and select CONFIG: WMTR LP or HP.  The display shows a
three digit number.  When I hold TUNE, the display changes and shows
SWR.   The VFO A knob does nothing.

I had set the wattmeter calibration earlier and all went as described in
the manual.

Firmware bug??  Operator error??

73 de K1ESE
John

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[Elecraft] K3 mods

[Steven Zabarnick]

Yesterday I overcame my fears :-) and successfully performed the  
following mods on my K3 (S/N 1672):

K3 AF Mod (Line out  speaker)
IF Output Buffer Gain Mod
K3 Extreme Signal RX Protection Mod

But, I was not able to perform the K3 AF Output Mod (two 470 ohm  
resistors on the KIO3 board). I found it impossible to hold the  
resistor in place will soldering to the connector pins. Does anyone  
have any suggestions on techniques for installing these resistors?

Steve N9SZ

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[Elecraft] K3 Retaining NR settings

[Steven Zabarnick]

Now that the K3 firmware is mature and the DSP noise reduction feature  
works extremely well, isn’t it time for the firmware to retain NR  
after power cycling? I’m not asking for memory of per band/mode NR  
settings (although that would be wonderful!), but NR users should not  
have to turn this feature on every time they power up the rig. I know  
this was on the list in the past, but it seems like time to move it to  
the top.

Thanks.

Steve N9SZ
  
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[Elecraft] K3 A/B button problem

[Steven . Zabarnick]

I'm seeing an intermittent problem with the A/B button on my K3. When I
have VFO A and B set for different modes and frequencies, pressing the A/B
button sometimes copies the frequency from VFO B to A after exchanging
them, rather than exchanging them only (the mode is not copied). The
problem never occurs when the mode is the same between the two VFO's. Has
anyone else observed this? Does the fact that the problem does not occur
when the modes are the same, imply that this is a firmware rather than
hardware issue? My K3 does not have the subreceiver.

Steve N9SZ

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 A/B button problem

[Steven . Zabarnick]

I found that the problem was caused by PowerSDR software running for my
LP-PAN panadapter.

Steve N9SZ

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Re: [Elecraft] NR problem with the latest beta release

[Steven . Zabarnick]

Jim:

I can get rid of the tone upon turning on NR if I do any of the following:

revert to v3.30
turn off switch tones
use my FL2 filter (500 Hz) rather than my FL1 filter (2.7 kHz)
and, of course, turning off NR

Wayne had me try an EE init, which got rid of the tone, but it returned
after a while. It seems to require a very specific filter or hardware
setup, a specfic set of config options, and possibly some time pushing
buttons.

I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one with this problem, because that
means it is not a hardware problem with my K3, and I'm not going crazy!

I have faith that Wayne and Lyle will solve this, though.

Steve N9SZ


-Hi Steve
-
-In my previous e-mail I suggested it was the NB! not so it was in fact NR
-and the symtoms are exactly as you describe, reverting to the prevous
-beta
-release  solves the problem.  I am interested to know if we are the only
-people experiencing this or is it a general problem?
-
-Jim G4NWJ
-
-
-
-I get a continuous tone when engaging NR, but it requires switch tones
-set
-to on and my FL1 filter to be engaged. Wayne has tried to help me find
-the
-cause without success yet.
-
-Steve N9SZ
-
-
--Sinse installing the latest beta release I have a problem with a loud
tone
--when I engage the NB.  Has anyone else experienced this or am I just
doing
-something wrong?
--Jim G4NWJ

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Re: [Elecraft] k3 NB problem

[Steven . Zabarnick]

I get a continuous tone when engaging NR, but it requires switch tones set
to on and my FL1 filter to be engaged. Wayne has tried to help me find the
cause without success yet.

Steve N9SZ


-Sinse installing the latest beta release I have a problem with a loud tone
-when I engage the NB.  Has anyone else experienced this or am I just doing
-something wrong?
-
-Jim G4NWJ

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[Elecraft] (no subject)

[Steven Zabarnick]

This leads to the obvious follow-on suggest: Since the XG-2 signal  
generator is used to calibrate the RF gain and the S-meter, why not  
include the XG-2 generator as an internal feature of future versions  
of the K3 (or K4)?

Steve N9SZ


Brett Howard said:

-So if someone has the 50uV elecraft generator (and can do 1uV as well)
-why can't the gain calibration feature also calibrate the S-Meter as
-well?  Just add the insertion of a 1uV signal after the 50uV signal
-allows the rig to linearize things and set the S9 point and then you  
can
-set your offset and slopes and what not...
  
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[Elecraft] V3.41 NR tone

[Steven Zabarnick]

I’d like someone with a similar K3 configuration to help me diagnose  
a problem by doing a test.

Required K3 configuration:
Filters- 2.7 kHz in FL1 and 500 kHz in FL2
KAT3 ATU
KXV3
KPA3 100 watt amp
V3.41 firmware

In cw mode, set your filter width to greater than 500 Hz to engage the  
2.7 kHz filter in FL1. In the Config Menu set SW TONE to ON. Set the  
NR to FL1-1, and cycle the NR on and off.

Do you hear a continuous tone when NR is cycled on?

Thanks.

Steve N9SZ
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 VFO Tuning Rates

[Steven . Zabarnick]

On May 26, 2009 Wayne wrote:

-This is referred to as ballistic tuning. We experimented with it but
-rejected it when we did the K2 design. I haven't tried it on the K3
-yet, but I've added it to my list.
-
-73,
-Wayne
-N6KR

Back in Jan 2008 there was a discussion of this on the reflector, and on
Jan 17, 2008 Greg wrote:

-A ballistic type of tuning is already on the list.
-
-73
-Greg
-AB7R

Personally I vote yes on ballistic tuning, but I thought it was already on
the list.

Steve N9SZ
Dayton OH

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Noise Reduction..revisited

[Steven . Zabarnick]

Hmm, are Lyle's other irons in the fire being heated for Eric's other
fish to fry?  :-)

More seriously, I also would love to see changes to the noise reduction,
particularly to help
with weak signal work. I'm not sure why anyone cares about noise reduction
for
strong signals -- I just turn down the AF gain and the noise goes away :-)

Steve N9SZ


Don W3FPR wrote:
Perhaps Lyle is looking at other alternatives for NR in the K3, but I do
know that he is quite busy with other 'irons in the fire' right now, so
patience is a virtue for now and we could possibly discover improvements
down the road.

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Re: [Elecraft] Hot K3

[Steven . Zabarnick]

Don:

I had the same reaction upon first using my new K3 last year. The K3 is
significantly more sensitive than my previous rig (IC-756 non-Pro), and as
my noise environment is fairly high (inner suburb with ~110 dBm background
noise), at first it seemed as if the K3 is fairly noisy. Also, while the S
meter of most rigs are calibrated fairly well at S9, their meters are not
linear (in dB units) at lower S unit readings (the K3 meter is very linear
at 6 dB per S unit)-- with the result that the K3 meter readings are higher
by a few S units.

I find that I often use the attenuator and/or the RF gain to decrease the
band noise in the K3 -- I rarely used these in my other rigs. Also, try
playing with the AGC settings, particularly the THR and SLP settings, which
can be customized to suit your operating conditions. Also, turning off the
AGC and riding the RF gain can really help pull out very weak signals.

Steve N9SZ

Don Rasmussen wrote:

My new K3 #2308 shows two to three S-units high as compared to my other HF
radios, \
and lots of hiss in the speaker audio at low AF levels.

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Re: [Elecraft] Weird EMI issue... part deux

[Steven . Zabarnick]

I was able to reproduce the noise that James is hearing on my #1672 K3. In
my radio it never reaches S7, but I don't have the KBPF3 option. Here, the
RIT and XIT settings do not affect the noise. It is mostly between 4.9 and
5.1 MHz as stated by W4TV.

I never would have noticed this without James' post, and I am not
concerned, but then, I don't have the general receive capability anyway.

Steve N9SZ

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[Elecraft] Using USB mode for PSK31 rather than DATA A

[Steven . Zabarnick]

After all this discussion of power control in DATA A mode vs SSB, I decided
to try using PSK31 with USB mode, rather than DATA A. I changed the MIC SEL
menu item to Line IN and adjusted the ALC meter to 4-5 bars using the MIC
GAIN control. The PSK31 power output appeared to closely match the K3 power
setting. Unfortunately, I received horrendous feedback about the widthand
IMD of my signal -- when I returned to DATA A mode, my signal width and IMD
returned back to acceptable values.

Steve N9SZ

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Re: [Elecraft] Sub Receiver jones...

[Steven . Zabarnick]

Another solution is to get an LP-PAN panadapter. This gives a great
panadapter plus two PowerSDR receivers. This weekend I was able to monitor
K5D on the K3 and/or the primary PowerSDR receiver and listen to (and
watch) the pileup on the PowerSDR subreceiver. PowerSDR allows you to put
the pileup in one computer speaker and the DX in the other. Pretty cool!

I only wish that PowerSDR receiver un-muting after transmission was a
little faster. There is a little too much pause there.

Steve N9SZ

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Re: [Elecraft] Using USB mode for PSK31 rather than DATA A

[Steven . Zabarnick]

No I did not turn off compression. I will give this a try. Has anyone else
tried using PSK31 with USB mode?

Did you turn compression off?

Bob NW8L

On Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 12:12 PM,  steven.zabarn...@notes.udayton.edu
wrote:
 After all this discussion of power control in DATA A mode vs SSB, I
decided
 to try using PSK31 with USB mode, rather than DATA A. I changed the MIC
SEL
 menu item to Line IN and adjusted the ALC meter to 4-5 bars using the MIC
 GAIN control. The PSK31 power output appeared to closely match the K3
power
 setting. Unfortunately, I received horrendous feedback about the widthand
 IMD of my signal -- when I returned to DATA A mode, my signal width and
IMD
 returned back to acceptable values.

 Steve N9SZ

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Beta firmware rev. 2.82

[Steven . Zabarnick]

I discovered that my cw power issue was due to a bad power supply for my
Elecraft W1 wattmeter. My cw power measurement now agrees with the K3
setting. I still see a 50% higher power output in Data A mode than the K3
setting -- this is an improvement over the nearly 100% that I was seeing
using previous firmware. These observations agree with what G4ILO is
seeing.



I installed the new beta last and tested the new output power control. I
don't see any improvement in PSK31 output power using DATA A mode. I still
get nearly twice the output power than I have dialed in by the PWR knob.
In the previous firmware, the measure output power in CW modes agreed with
the PWR knob setting, but now the power output in CW is 20-30% higher than
the setting.


I will try to redo the transmitter gain calibration to see if this helps.

Steve N9SZ

K3 #1672

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Beta firmware rev. 2.82

[Steven . Zabarnick]

I installed the new beta last and tested the new output power control. I
don't see any improvement in PSK31 output power using DATA A mode. I still
get nearly twice the output power than I have dialed in by the PWR knob. In
the previous firmware, the measure output power in CW modes agreed with the
PWR knob setting, but now the power output in CW is 20-30% higher than the
setting.

I will try to redo the transmitter gain calibration to see if this helps.

Steve N9SZ
K3 #1672

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 no power output

[Steven . Zabarnick]

Make sure that you are not in test mode. Is the TX panel indicator
flashing? If so press and hold TEST to turn it off.

Steve N9SZ



Dave N1IX wrote:


-I just received a new to me K3. It is a recent serial number 18XX.
-The receiver works fine but there is no output power. It goes into
transmit the \
-transmit light illuminates.? but no power at all in any mode or on any
band nada, \
-nil,? zero!!!? I have checked all the obvious things. I took the covers
off and could \
-see nothing that looked wrong. Anyone have any ideas?
-
-Also, I have a second K3 that I have been using as my primary radio for 3
months. \
-When I moved it to test the new k3 I heard something rattling around. I
removed the \
-top cover, turned it over and out fell a wound torroid. I can's see where
it is \
-missing? It is green colored with just a few windings.
-
-Both of these K3s were factory assembled and tested!!!
-Needless to say I am having a very bad day!!
-
-Dave N1IX

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Re: [Elecraft] Using K3's Pre-amp

[Steven . Zabarnick]

Is Dave's S4 background band noise level unusual or should this be
considered normal? In my first tier suburban location I typically see S2 to
S3 background noise on the 20 to 40 meter bands using cw receive bandwidths
of 500 KKz. The first figure and table in the following link
(http://www.ve2si.ca/2-points.htm) shows that for suburban locations,
typical background noise levels at a 2.4 KHz receiver bandwidth are about
-100 dBm at 14 MHz, which is between S4 and S5 (these background noise
estimates are based on ITU standards). Do other suburbanites see much lower
noise levels than these?

Steve N9SZ
K3 SN 1672

Wayne said:
May I ask what's causing all that noise in your location?


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[Elecraft] Re: K3 drift

[Steven . Zabarnick]

I finally measured the drift that I'm seeing with my K3. I tracked this
using the AFC function of Digipan while monitoring the carrier of WWV at 10
Mhz. Upon power up, I see a drift to higher frequencies of 36 Hz over the
first 90 seconds, then over the next 5-10 minutes the rig drifts much more
slowly downward towards the original power up frequency.

This was for a cold K3 in my 52F basement shack. I calculate a drift of 3.6
ppm which is within the spec of the 5 ppm TCXO.

Steve N9SZ

-Steven Zabarnick/Research/FacStaff/UDayton wrote: -

To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
From: Steven Zabarnick/Research/FacStaff/UDayton
Date: 12/30/2008 10:15AM
Subject: K3 drift


During the past week I have noticed my K3 drifting during the first 20
seconds after power up. I hadn’t noticed this previously in my three month
old K3 (SN 1672), so I’m wondering if this is normal? With winter here it
is colder in my basement shack (maybe down 55 F), so perhaps that could
explain the drift.


I haven't measured the drift, but definitely have not noticed it in the
past.


Does anyone else observe this drift? Is this normal during warmup?


Steve N9SZ
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[Elecraft] K3 drift

[Steven . Zabarnick]

During the past week I have noticed my K3 drifting during the first 20
seconds after power up. I hadn’t noticed this previously in my three month
old K3 (SN 1672), so I’m wondering if this is normal? With winter here it
is colder in my basement shack (maybe down 55 F), so perhaps that could
explain the drift.

I haven't measured the drift, but definitely have not noticed it in the
past.

Does anyone else observe this drift? Is this normal during warmup?

Steve N9SZ
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[Elecraft] K3 S meter and AGC on/off

[Steven . Zabarnick]

One unique feature of the K3 is that the S meter operates even when AGC is
turned off. Lately I've taken to operating often with AGC off to maximize
weak signal performance (using the RF gain to control volume), but have
noted that the S meter reading is a strong function of whether AGC is on or
off. When AGC is off the S meter readings are lower, while when AGC is on
the readings are higher by about 2 or 3 S units. This is with the RF gain
in the full clockwise position.

My K3 S meter is uncalibrated and operating using the default OF and SC
configuration settings.

Any thoughts on why the meter reads differently between AGC on and off?

Steve N9SZ
K3 1672

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[Elecraft] [K3] AGC THR and noise

[Steven . Zabarnick]

I'm somewhat puzzled by the behavior of the AGC THR adjustment with respect
to band noise. My understanding is that the AGC THR setting adjusts the
level at which the AGC is activated. Thus, I would expect when listening to
band noise (QRN) that if the noise is activating the AGC, using a higher
number would prevent AGC activation, resulting in a lower background band
noise. But, my experience with the K3 is just the opposite. When adjusting
the AGC THR setting I get lower background band noise with a lower setting
-- as a matter of fact, a setting of 2 (the lowest AGC THR) signficantly
reduces the background noise relative to higher settings.

Can someone explain this to me?

Steve N9SZ
K3 #1672

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[Elecraft] Re: Help with distorted transmit audio

[Steven . Zabarnick]

Jack's measurements of the K3 AGC on the link listed below are quite
interesting. As my noise level on the low bands is usually at least S3 or
4, his plots indicate that the noise (S3 is approx -90 dBm) is either in
the linear range of the AGC, or just barely in the software AGC range.
Don't we really want the band noise in the  flat part of the AGC curve,
down near -130 dBm? Would operating with the ATT on and/or the RF gain
turned down help move the band noise to this part of the curve, resulting
in a higher S/N ratio for signals just above the background noise?

Steve N9SZ



Barry N1EU wrote:

Steven.Zabarnick wrote:

 I'm somewhat puzzled by the behavior of the AGC THR adjustment with
 respect
 to band noise. My understanding is that the AGC THR setting adjusts the
 level at which the AGC is activated. Thus, I would expect when listening
 to
 band noise (QRN) that if the noise is activating the AGC, using a higher
 number would prevent AGC activation, resulting in a lower background
band
 noise.

A higher number means that AGC compression begins at a higher signal
level,
so a higher number means you'll hear more noise.

take a look at the graphs at
http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/elecraft_k3_agc_and_s-meter.htm#AGC_SLP_and_AGC_THR


73,
Barry N1EU


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[Elecraft] Re:[K3] AGC THR and noise

[Steven . Zabarnick]

Oops, mistakenly sent this with the wrong subject line.

Jack's measurements of the K3 AGC on the link listed below are quite
interesting. As my noise level on the low bands is usually at least S3 or
4, his plots indicate that the noise (S3 is approx -90 dBm) is either in
the linear range of the AGC, or just barely in the software AGC range.
Don't we really want the band noise in the  flat part of the AGC curve,
down near -130 dBm? Would operating with the ATT on and/or the RF gain
turned down help move the band noise to this part of the curve, resulting
in a  higher S/N ratio for signals just above the background noise?

Steve N9SZ



Barry N1EU wrote:

Steven.Zabarnick wrote:

 I'm somewhat puzzled by the behavior of the AGC THR adjustment with
 respect
 to band noise. My understanding is that the AGC THR setting adjusts the
 level at which the AGC is activated. Thus, I would expect when listening
 to
 band noise (QRN) that if the noise is activating the AGC, using a higher
 number would prevent AGC activation, resulting in a lower background
band
 noise.

A higher number means that AGC compression begins at a higher signal
level,
so a higher number means you'll hear more noise.

take a look at the graphs at
http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/elecraft_k3_agc_and_s-meter.htm#AGC_SLP_and_AGC_THR


73,
Barry N1EU.

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[Elecraft] Re: Help with distorted transmit audio

[Steven . Zabarnick]

I experienced this pinched audio problem this weekend. Using the current
beta firmware, I noted severely pinched transmit audio (using the transmit
monitor). It occurred on some bands but not all, and was present sometimes
on only one of the sidebands (i.e., when switching sidebands the audio
pinching was gone, and returned when switched to the original sideband).

The problem disappeared upon reboot.

Steve N9SZ


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Re: [Elecraft] K3- How Robust iis the Tuner?

[Steven . Zabarnick]

Maybe it needs to be more robust? Last week I was attempting to tune a
short ladderline fed (via a balun) doublet on 80 meters using the KAT3. The
tuner successfully tuned the system for the cw part of the band, but had
trouble on 75 meters. I tried retuning a few times, and noted smoke and a
burning smell. Now antennas connected to the ANT1 connector are deaf, while
using the ANT2 connector the tuner works fine.

I've successfully used this antenna on 80 meters using an external manual
Palstar balanced tuner, but never got a match using the internal tuner in
my IC756. While the IC756 tuner cannot provide a match, it never was
damaged in my attempts.

On the bright side, Elecraft support is sending a replacement KAT3, no
questions asked.

Steve N9SZ

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[Elecraft] KAT3 settings saved per band

[Steven . Zabarnick]

I use two doublet antennas, one hooked to ANT1 through a balun for 40M
which uses the KAT3 tuner, and a second (ANT2) in which I bypass the KAT3
and use an external Palstar BT1500A balanced tuner for 30-10M. Currently,
when changing bands I have to remember to bypass/set the KAT3 correctly. I
would like to see the KAT3 bypass/auto setting saved per band as is
commonly done on other rigs, such as the IC756.

Steve N9SZ

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[Elecraft] Chaining CW memory messages

[Steven . Zabarnick]

A previous reflector post described problems with chaining messages when
using the K3 internal keyer memories (M1-M4). I have also observed this
problem -- when tapping a memory to chain a message while a message is
already playing, sometimes the playing message is interrupted. I can
usually get it working correctly by rekeying in the saved message. Sounds
like an intermittent bug.

Steve N9SZ

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