Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas
This is definately OT, but regarding the cost of a 6146, when I was a teenager a 6146 (for my DX-60)cost a about 6 bucks. Taking a teenage girl out on a Saturday night also cost about 6 bucks back then. So I had a choice...I won't tell you what my decision was, however, on another thread here a guy posted that his (blond and attractive) wife was trying to buy him a new rig, but she couldn't get near the Elecraft booth with all the 'nerds' hanging out there...maybe I made the wrong choice on how to spend that 6 bucks. Tom WB2QDG K2 1103 -- Original message -- From: Bob Nielsen [EMAIL PROTECTED] On May 23, 2006, at 4:24 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In a message dated 5/23/06 11:47:23 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Don't use 6146's! two Raytheon 4D32's would do the job much better. They are as cheap as 6146's now. Actually, one 4D32 has almost the power rating of two 6146s. Two 4D32s could probably due 200W easy. I recall that the 4D32 was pretty expensive back in the 1950s, while 6146s were much cheaper. Things change. The Johnson Viking I (4D32) was rated at 150W input (CW) and the Viking II (2x6146) was rated at 180 watts input. My first kit was a Viking II plus external VFO (1953). Three 6146s would probably also do 200W output. I would suggest that anyone building a rig with either tube purchase several spares while they are still available. 73 - Bob, N7XY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas
My answer would be: Don't use 6146's! two Raytheon 4D32's would do the job much better. They are as cheap as 6146's now. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Bill Coleman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Fred (FL) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, May 22, 2006 10:04 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas | | On May 22, 2006, at 8:35 AM, Fred (FL) wrote: | | Anyone out there - think a 200Watt PEP tube | 6146 amplifier - would cut it with a K2? | Why? Why not? | | You gonna run four tubes to get 200 watt PEP out? | | I've been through this, Fred. 6146's were great in their day, but | that day has passed. Get the KPA100 and mount it in an EC2 case. | There's your external amplifier. | | Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] | Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! | -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 | | ___ | Elecraft mailing list | Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net | You must be a subscriber to post to the list. | Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): | http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft | | Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm | Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com | | | | -- | No virus found in this incoming message. | Checked by AVG Free Edition. | Version: 7.1.392 / Virus Database: 268.6.1/344 - Release Date: 5/19/2006 | | ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas
One reason Elecraft (or any other manufactor of kits) would be unlikely to offer tube amps is that they don't want builders putting der fusin blowing fingers in a rig with a kilovolt B plus supply. Or multi kv supply for high power (QROo?) amps. One big advantage of solid state rigs. But I still can and do blow the fuses. 73 Rick Dettinger K7MW - Original Message - From: Sandy W5TVW [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Bill Coleman [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Fred (FL) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 7:09 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas My answer would be: Don't use 6146's! two Raytheon 4D32's would do the job much better. They are as cheap as 6146's now. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Bill Coleman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Fred (FL) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, May 22, 2006 10:04 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas | | On May 22, 2006, at 8:35 AM, Fred (FL) wrote: | | Anyone out there - think a 200Watt PEP tube | 6146 amplifier - would cut it with a K2? | Why? Why not? | | You gonna run four tubes to get 200 watt PEP out? | | I've been through this, Fred. 6146's were great in their day, but | that day has passed. Get the KPA100 and mount it in an EC2 case. | There's your external amplifier. | | Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] | Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! | -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 | | ___ | Elecraft mailing list | Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net | You must be a subscriber to post to the list. | Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): | http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft | | Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm | Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com | | | | -- | No virus found in this incoming message. | Checked by AVG Free Edition. | Version: 7.1.392 / Virus Database: 268.6.1/344 - Release Date: 5/19/2006 | | ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas (logger)
How about a module that plugs into the radio (exterior unit) that logs? When done you come home and download into the computer at home. Alan KB7MBI Woodinville, WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas (logger)
On Tue, 23 May 2006 17:05:19 EDT, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: How about a module that plugs into the radio (exterior unit) that logs? When done you come home and download into the computer at home. Not exactly an Elecraft item, something that would help my logging: A device that can plug into a computer USB port and read out the computer UTC time (RTC) in large digits. I can't use the atomic clocks sold by Radio Shack or MFJ because I don't get a consistent WWVB signal in my underground comm room (ham shack) and taking them upstairs every week or two go get them calibrated is a pain. -- 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane Elecraft K2/100 5402 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas (logger)
On Tuesday 23 May 2006 17:25, Phil Kane wrote: A device that can plug into a computer USB port and read out the computer UTC time (RTC) in large digits. Phil, Have you investigated GPS clocks? Google comes up with lots. http://www.google.com/search?hl=enie=ISO-8859-1q=gps+clockbtnG=Google+Search Ian, G4ICV, AB2GR -- ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas
In a message dated 5/23/06 11:47:23 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Don't use 6146's! two Raytheon 4D32's would do the job much better. They are as cheap as 6146's now. Actually, one 4D32 has almost the power rating of two 6146s. Two 4D32s could probably due 200W easy. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas
In a message dated 5/23/06 12:16:14 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: One reason Elecraft (or any other manufactor of kits) would be unlikely to offer tube amps is that they don't want builders putting der fusin blowing fingers in a rig with a kilovolt B plus supply. Or multi kv supply for high power (QROo?) amps. One big advantage of solid state rigs. Well, sort of. An amp of any serious power will require house current of considerable wattage, and 120 or 240 will kill you stone cold dead if you get careless. On top of that, the current levels of SS power amplifiers are rather serious. To produce 1500W of RF out requires about 3000W DC input or more. If the supply is 50 volts, that's 60 amps or more. Get a ring or other metal object across that and you can fry off a finger or worse. Get a tool across it and the sparks and flying molten metal can be a hazard to your sight, while the boom can be dangerous to your hearing. The dangers are different but the precautions are the same. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas
On May 23, 2006, at 4:24 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In a message dated 5/23/06 11:47:23 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Don't use 6146's! two Raytheon 4D32's would do the job much better. They are as cheap as 6146's now. Actually, one 4D32 has almost the power rating of two 6146s. Two 4D32s could probably due 200W easy. I recall that the 4D32 was pretty expensive back in the 1950s, while 6146s were much cheaper. Things change. The Johnson Viking I (4D32) was rated at 150W input (CW) and the Viking II (2x6146) was rated at 180 watts input. My first kit was a Viking II plus external VFO (1953). Three 6146s would probably also do 200W output. I would suggest that anyone building a rig with either tube purchase several spares while they are still available. 73 - Bob, N7XY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas
As I said before, I DO NOT want to install an hf amplifier INSIDE my K2. A nice outboard amp would suit me. What are my small HF AMP choices, in the 100/200W PEP ranges? - HF Packer @ 35amp - hardly enough DB gain. - Tokoyo 100W - a bit illegal to buy - HF SuperPro 100W - if it becomes available - ? The FCC, and probably the 11m CB'ers, haven't made this easy. So a nice 100 or 200W PEP amp, for me, would be a good addition on the desk space next to my soon-to-be-aligned K2 # 5422. I've lived thru the AM, SSB, Tubes, solid state days. Got my EE degree and worked in the field 30 years. Worked in many MANY microelectronics fab and design groups. I'm quite sure I know more about CMOS, bipolar and analog IC design/fab/test - than I do about Tube technology. Its a reality - that there are few FEW IC designers out there - who understand RF. And only recently have they begun to worry about R/L/C's (strays parasitics) - in their chip/device layouts designs. Sub-micron has made this a designer's requirement. I do not understand the design constraints of creating a linear HF amplifier. All I know is the tube amps of a generation back, along with the 2006 tube maxi amps (KWatt) of today - all seem to have relatively simple circuits. Intuition tells me - a 6146 TUBE amp box, designed right, powered right - would be a very useful amplifier addition - and would earn respect to those who heard it on the bands. What's to knock? And I have to believe it could be relatively small. As a list member of several IC-7000 and IC-706MKIIG BB groups - these hams regularly complain about solid state final problems in these 2006 rigs. Icom's lack of replacement devices, mysterious problems, failures, $300 replacement Icom service charges heat problems, are all common topics on these boards. In all, over past 10 years I've owned (3) IC-706MKIIG's, and (1) IC-7000 (winter 2005 when they came out). But alas - I like the smell of solder, like to build things with my hands. And my intuition usually serves me well. Anyone out there - think a 200Watt PEP tube 6146 amplifier - would cut it with a K2? Why? Why not? Why couldn't Elecraft, design and market one? I'll leave the Product Ideas arena - too much what-if I suspect. I guess I'm also a poor QRP'er candidate. 73's, Fred, N3CSY __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas
Hello Fred, As I said before, I DO NOT want to install an hf amplifier INSIDE my K2. A nice outboard amp would suit me. What are my small HF AMP choices, in the 100/200W PEP ranges? KPA100 in an EC2. See http://www.kk7p.com/k2kpa100.html Enjoy! Lyle KK7P ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas
Why don't you build a KPA100 and put it in a separate EC2 enclosure as many, myself included, have done. 3, Doug W6JD -- Original message -- From: Fred (FL) [EMAIL PROTECTED] As I said before, I DO NOT want to install an hf amplifier INSIDE my K2. A nice outboard amp would suit me. What are my small HF AMP choices, in the 100/200W PEP ranges? - HF Packer @ 35amp - hardly enough DB gain. - Tokoyo 100W - a bit illegal to buy - HF SuperPro 100W - if it becomes available - ? The FCC, and probably the 11m CB'ers, haven't made this easy. So a nice 100 or 200W PEP amp, for me, would be a good addition on the desk space next to my soon-to-be-aligned K2 # 5422. I've lived thru the AM, SSB, Tubes, solid state days. Got my EE degree and worked in the field 30 years. Worked in many MANY microelectronics fab and design groups. I'm quite sure I know more about CMOS, bipolar and analog IC design/fab/test - than I do about Tube technology. Its a reality - that there are few FEW IC designers out there - who understand RF. And only recently have they begun to worry about R/L/C's (strays parasitics) - in their chip/device layouts designs. Sub-micron has made this a designer's requirement. I do not understand the design constraints of creating a linear HF amplifier. All I know is the tube amps of a generation back, along with the 2006 tube maxi amps (KWatt) of today - all seem to have relatively simple circuits. Intuition tells me - a 6146 TUBE amp box, designed right, powered right - would be a very useful amplifier addition - and would earn respect to those who heard it on the bands. What's to knock? And I have to believe it could be relatively small. As a list member of several IC-7000 and IC-706MKIIG BB groups - these hams regularly complain about solid state final problems in these 2006 rigs. Icom's lack of replacement devices, mysterious problems, failures, $300 replacement Icom service charges heat problems, are all common topics on these boards. In all, over past 10 years I've owned (3) IC-706MKIIG's, and (1) IC-7000 (winter 2005 when they came out). But alas - I like the smell of solder, like to build things with my hands. And my intuition usually serves me well. Anyone out there - think a 200Watt PEP tube 6146 amplifier - would cut it with a K2? Why? Why not? Why couldn't Elecraft, design and market one? I'll leave the Product Ideas arena - too much what-if I suspect. I guess I'm also a poor QRP'er candidate. 73's, Fred, N3CSY __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas
On May 22, 2006, at 5:35 AM, Fred (FL) wrote: As I said before, I DO NOT want to install an hf amplifier INSIDE my K2. A nice outboard amp would suit me. What are my small HF AMP choices, in the 100/200W PEP ranges? - HF Packer @ 35amp - hardly enough DB gain. - Tokoyo 100W - a bit illegal to buy - HF SuperPro 100W - if it becomes available - ? I think there are some amps from Italy but these also are currently illegal in the U.S. The FCC, and probably the 11m CB'ers, haven't made this easy. The FCC has proposed easing the regulations and hopefully this will happen soon. If/when it does, the situation will change and I expect there will be additional (legal) choices, possibly including legal- limit amps which can be driven by a barefoot K2. So a nice 100 or 200W PEP amp, for me, would be a good addition on the desk space next to my soon-to-be-aligned K2 # 5422. As others have mentioned, installing the KPA100 in an EC2 enclosure is a good choice. 73 - Bob, N7XY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas
In a message dated 5/22/06 8:38:50 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: As I said before, I DO NOT want to install an hf amplifier INSIDE my K2. A nice outboard amp would suit me. As others have already pointed out, just build the KPA100 in an EC2 enclosure, Elecraft can't offer that as a kit, but you can homebrew/modify it. The FCC, and probably the 11m CB'ers, haven't made this easy. It's been that way since 1978. Perhaps the rules will change, but I would not count on it any time soon because FCC takes a while to make Part 97 changes. I'm quite sure I know more about CMOS, bipolar and analog IC design/fab/test - than I do about Tube technology. Tubes are high voltage/low current devices. Different game than silicon. I do not understand the design constraints of creating a linear HF amplifier. I do. All I know is the tube amps of a generation back, along with the 2006 tube maxi amps (KWatt) of today - all seem to have relatively simple circuits. Yes, they did. That's because: 1) They could use one or two active devices rather than many 2) They required manual adjustment of the output filter/matching network 3) Most of them had no RF feedback and no real protection against operator error Intuition tells me - a 6146 TUBE amp box, designed right, powered right - would be a very useful amplifier addition - and would earn respect to those who heard it on the bands. Where I work, we have a saying: The track circuit does not care how you feel What's to knock? And I have to believe it could be relatively small. Compared to what? A pair-of-6146s amplifier has to be at least twice the size of a K2 in order to hold the necessary parts. As a list member of several IC-7000 and IC-706MKIIG BB groups - these hams regularly complain about solid state final problems in these 2006 rigs. Icom's lack of replacement devices, mysterious problems, failures, $300 replacement Icom service charges heat problems, are all common topics on these boards. In all, over past 10 years I've owned (3) IC-706MKIIG's, and (1) IC-7000 (winter 2005 when they came out). Those are two models by one manufacturer, both of them super-compact rigs. The problems cited are an indication of trouble with that particular design, not SS finals in general. But alas - I like the smell of solder, like to build things with my hands. Then get a junker HW-100 or similar Heath rig, and rework the PA section as an amplifier. There's an article on how to do it on the Elecraft website. If you don't want the entire rig taking up desktop space, rebuild the PA section in a smaller cabinet. And my intuition usually serves me well. The track circuit does not care how you feel Anyone out there - think a 200Watt PEP tube 6146 amplifier - would cut it with a K2? Why? Why not? Depends what you mean by 'cut it'. Why couldn't Elecraft, design and market one? It could be designed.. But: 1) Such an external amplifier could not be certified under current FCC rules. It would have to be internal. That means a much bigger case than the K2 now has. 2) The parts cost would probably be much more than a KPA100, particularly if a power supply (12 volts DC or 120 volts AC) were included. 3) Manual tuning would be required. 4) The finished product would compete with an established Elecraft option. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas
On May 22, 2006, at 8:35 AM, Fred (FL) wrote: Anyone out there - think a 200Watt PEP tube 6146 amplifier - would cut it with a K2? Why? Why not? You gonna run four tubes to get 200 watt PEP out? I've been through this, Fred. 6146's were great in their day, but that day has passed. Get the KPA100 and mount it in an EC2 case. There's your external amplifier. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas
I know some of the product ideas are available in other forms - but this is what drives me: 1. I don't want to use MFJ products. 2. I'm not keen about loading up my new K2 # 5422, with too much stuff INSIDE that rig - I'd be very happy to have a few outboard items too. Some more early-morning, first cup of Java thots: 3. 200 Watt PEP (input) 6146 desk-top AMPLIFIER: solid state devices use Si, Bo, Arsenic, dopants, and vias - to create roadways for e's. Vacuum tubes, have a gaseous layer - which allows a bit of latitude for resiliancy, echo, springiness, and an ability to take load and drive jolts. They also can exhibit negative R! Listen to a HW-32 200W PEP on SSB = clear, sharp, powerful audio. Listen to a 15W solid state amp device = much weaker, a bit anemic, a bit flat. Ask the Russians - it is said, many of their 90's fighter aircraft had tube xmtrs and rcvrs. (quite dependable they say) Secret? = hot 12VAC filament, and evacuated gaseous layer! Ask the VARIAC folks! If Elecraft could market a BACKER TUBE AMP project- one we hams could complete as a project - FCC would be happy, and we'd have our toaster-size 200W PEP input amp next to our K2's - for those of us (I suspect MANY) hams would want to use. The ICOM IC-706 folks are still trying to solve the problematic finals in this 2006 rig. Silicon - does not like punishment, static, radiation, heat, or mechanical stress, ground or lack of ground situations, ignition noise, mobile static, .. 4. I'd really like a few ELECRAFT-designed kit accessories to set beside my K2 # 5422: - outboard RF Output Level Indicator - outboard SWR/Power Meter - outboard 200W PEP Amplifier - outboard 300W Tuner (coils, switches, meter) - an Elecraft mobile MIKE connector - an Elecraft K2 WHITE, XXL Golf Shirt - good quality All U.S., all Elecraft, all kit form (not shirt) Thanks, Fred N3CSY ...K2 reached Spectrogram, SSB alignment phase K2 # 5422; Dimple, NB, SSB, Toroid-Guy Toroids __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas
In a message dated 5/21/06 7:37:43 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: 3. 200 Watt PEP (input) 6146 desk-top AMPLIFIER: solid state devices use Si, Bo, Arsenic, dopants, and vias - to create roadways for e's. Vacuum tubes, have a gaseous layer Vacuum tubes have just that - a vacuum. - which allows a bit of latitude for resiliancy, echo, springiness, and an ability to take load and drive jolts. They also can exhibit negative R! Doesn't make any difference to the RF. Listen to a HW-32 200W PEP on SSB = clear, sharp, powerful audio. Listen to a 15W solid state amp device = much weaker, a bit anemic, a bit flat. Of course it's going to be weaker - it's 7 db less power! Ask the Russians - it is said, many of their 90's fighter aircraft had tube xmtrs and rcvrs. (quite dependable they say) The Soviets used tubes because of their ability to withstand EMP - and because they did not have the industrial capacity to make enough advanced semiconductors. Secret? = hot 12VAC filament, and evacuated gaseous layer! Ask the VARIAC folks! If Elecraft could market a BACKER TUBE AMP project- one we hams could complete as a project - FCC would be happy, and we'd have our toaster-size 200W PEP input amp next to our K2's - for those of us (I suspect MANY) hams would want to use. How much would you be willing to pay for it? Such an amplifier would cost considerably more than a KPA100. The ICOM IC-706 folks are still trying to solve the problematic finals in this 2006 rig. The IC-706 is a lot older than 2006. And one poor final design does not mean a technology is better or worse than another. There were manufactured tube rigs that were very hard on the bottles. Silicon - does not like punishment, static, radiation, heat, or mechanical stress, ground or lack of ground situations, ignition noise, mobile static, .. True. Tubes have their weak points as well. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas
Fred (FL) wrote: 3. 200 Watt PEP (input) 6146 desk-top AMPLIFIER: solid state devices use Si, Bo, Arsenic, dopants, and vias - to create roadways for e's. Vacuum tubes, have a gaseous layer - which allows a bit of latitude for resiliancy, echo, springiness, and an ability to take load and drive jolts. They also can exhibit negative R! Echo? Solid state amplifiers can be designed to 'take load and drive jolts' just as well as tubes. It simply requires good engineering practice. And many solid state devices, such as tunnel and Gunn diodes exhibit negative resistance. Listen to a HW-32 200W PEP on SSB = clear, sharp, powerful audio. Listen to a 15W solid state amp device = much weaker, a bit anemic, a bit flat. Oh come on. This isn't the audiofool reflector. You can't be serious. Secret? = hot 12VAC filament, and evacuated gaseous layer! Ask the VARIAC folks! If Elecraft could market a BACKER TUBE AMP project- one we hams could complete as a project - FCC would be happy, and we'd have our toaster-size 200W PEP input amp next to our K2's - for those of us (I suspect MANY) hams would want to use. Now I *know* you aren't serious! Happy April 1 on May 21! -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas
We just got back to upstate NY, on shores of St. Lawrence River .. and am dreaming about new Elecraft products and projects we hams could build and buy. Please ping in with ideas improvements: 1. A 13.8vdc dual-6146 TUBE AMPLIFIER, separate box, with view of the tubes ... 200 watt PEP. I know it may sound odd - but TUBES crank it out better than solid state - no matter what they tell us! I'd buy one in a heartbeat. KIT (similiar ham project, to HF PACKER FCC backs this amp form) PARTS - for Elecraft-BACKER-AMP, optional for this project hf amp. Powerable - from a 13.8vdc Astron type supply. BACKER-KIT project form only. You wannna xmt SSB as SSB should be heard? I think every ham, over 40, would buy and use one! Do you remember the Heath HW-32/22/12! 2. A small separate POWER/SWR METER, hf, 160-10 or 80-6, 15/200 watt range, KIT. BNC/SO-239 I/O's 3. A KIT vertical QRP/100W ANTENNA back packable, with decent SWR and carry-able in form. 4. A KIT horizontal END-FED-ZEP ANTENNA ... back packable, with decent SWR in carry-able form. 5. A KIT LOOP HF antenna, back packable, hangable, plug-together, qrp to 200W. 6. An in-line POWER OUTPUT INDICATOR (bnc, bnc) sensitive/viewable to .250 watt variance. Two (2) versions; NEON, mico-meter. 7. A marine-grade BOATABLE, tossable marine (river, lakes) portable HF ANTENNA. (Float, water ground line, tow line, boyant) 8. Elecraft Golf Shirt, XXL please! White please, and some form of cotton/poly - not cheap. Small K2 on front pocket. Collar, short sleeve. 9. Elecraft HF PORTABLE TUNER Kit; meter, dummy load option, Elecraft K2 gray, 15/200W ranges. Kit Summary: Elecraft HF-BACKER 200W 6146 AMP KIT Elecraft POWER/SWR METER Elecraft QRP Portable VERTICAL ANTENNA Elecraft QRP Portable ZEP END ANTENNA Elecraft QRP Portable LOOP ANTENNA Elecraft Output POWER INDICATOR Elecraft Marine Portable HF ANTENNA Elecraft GOLF SHIRT Elecraft ANTENNA TUNER - SWR/Power. All of these potential product ideas - are suggested to be stand-alone products and NOT to be built into any existing (K2) rigs. Rather - share the table, products. It's early, and winter 06/07 is coming. I believe if you design it and offer it - we will come! Thanks, ...I still have 3/4 of a roll of Kester Solder left! Fred N3CSY Cape Vincent, NY __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas
In a message dated 5/20/06 7:19:38 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: 1. A 13.8vdc dual-6146 TUBE AMPLIFIER, separate box, with view of the tubes ... 200 watt PEP. Nice idea, but it would compete with the KPA-100. A prime rule of marketing is that you don't compete with yourself. I know it may sound odd - but TUBES crank it out better than solid state - no matter what they tell us! I'm a hollow-state fan and builder/user from way back. Please explain how TUBES crank it out better than solid state. 100 W of clean RF is the same RF whether it comes from silicon or vacuum. I'd buy one in a heartbeat. I might, too. But it would be more expensive than a KPA-100, and probably use even more amps. Also bigger and heavier. It would need a DC-DC inverter capable of supplying the plates, screens and grids of the 6146s. Also 1.25 amps to light the heaters. Variable caps and bandswitching, etc. Many custom parts, and the parts would have to be bought new. The big problem, though, would be getting it FCC certified. Elecraft cannot offer the KPA-100 as an external unit because of certification rules. Hams have built the KPA-100 and other amps in separate enclosures, but those are amateur-homebrew-modifications, not a product of Elecraft. Ten Tec made a 50 watt external amp for their QRP rigs - the model 405. Sweet little amp! They had to stop selling it back in the late 1970s when the rules changed. The FCC rules affect kits as well as manufactured rigs. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas
On May 20, 2006, at 7:17 AM, Fred (FL) wrote: 1. A 13.8vdc dual-6146 TUBE AMPLIFIER, separate box, with view of the tubes ... 200 watt PEP. I know it may sound odd - but TUBES crank it out better than solid state - no matter what they tell us! First, you may be hard-pressed to get 200 watts PEP out of a pair of 6146's. Typically, these babies are 180-200 watts INPUT. Second, your statement about tubes cranking it out may have been true 25 years ago, but solid state rigs have come a long way. The K2/100 can crank it out with the best of the hollow-state finals rigs of yesteryear. This is interesting from a nostalgia viewpoint, but not practical for Elecraft from a business point of view. 2. A small separate POWER/SWR METER, hf, 160-10 or 80-6, 15/200 watt range, KIT. BNC/SO-239 I/O's It would be especially interesting if it had reasonable accuracy, too. 3. A KIT vertical QRP/100W ANTENNA back packable, with decent SWR and carry-able in form. There are several manufacturers producing such verticals now. I'm not sure how much you would consider kit-able. 4. A KIT horizontal END-FED-ZEP ANTENNA ... back packable, with decent SWR in carry-able form. A KIT for this? Two insulators and a hank of wire? 5. A KIT LOOP HF antenna, back packable, hangable, plug-together, qrp to 200W. Like the old AEA Isoloop? This might be interesting, but I doubt there's much that could be in kit form. Perhaps if it had automatic antenna tuning. 6. An in-line POWER OUTPUT INDICATOR (bnc, bnc) sensitive/viewable to .250 watt variance. Two (2) versions; NEON, mico-meter. If you've got #2 above, I don't see why you'd need this. 7. A marine-grade BOATABLE, tossable marine (river, lakes) portable HF ANTENNA. (Float, water ground line, tow line, boyant) Not exciting. 8. Elecraft Golf Shirt, XXL please! White please, and some form of cotton/poly - not cheap. Small K2 on front pocket. Collar, short sleeve. This sounds cool. 9. Elecraft HF PORTABLE TUNER Kit; meter, dummy load option, Elecraft K2 gray, 15/200W ranges. The KAT100 doesn't do this? All you need to add is a dummy load. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Product Ideas
1. A 13.8vdc dual-6146 TUBE AMPLIFIER, separate box, with view of the tubes ... 200 watt PEP. I know it may sound odd - but TUBES crank it out better than solid state - no matter what they tell us! First, you may be hard-pressed to get 200 watts PEP out of a pair of 6146's. Typically, these babies are 180-200 watts INPUT. . - That was true for linear amps for SSB service but CW purists could crank up the plate voltage to around 900v. and get 240 watts input class C. - maybe 170 watts out. Plans are in the 1975 ARRL handbook. (T9er) . In linear service, 100 watts out would be about max. -- 9. Elecraft HF PORTABLE TUNER Kit; meter, dummy load option, Elecraft K2 gray, 15/200W ranges. The KAT100 doesn't do this? All you need to add is a dummy load. --- I think the KAT100 only does this for the K2. This new kit would be useable for all rigs, like the T1. Rick Dettinger K7MW ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
