[Elecraft] K3 Low PEP Power on SSB
I have noticed the PEP power on both my PowerMaster and my LP-100 meters to show around 50 watts in SSB mode. Lyle says this is being addressed in the new firmware that very soon is to be released. I am looking forward to seeing my peak reading meters showing approximately 90 watts on peaks like my Omni VII, IC-718 and IC-706 show. If you are seeing low SSB output with five ALC bars, help is on the way. Roy Morris W4WFB K3 #323 ___ 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] K3 Low PEP Power on SSB
That's good news as my 'Worry Beads' are nearly worn out :-) 73 Stewart G3RXQ On Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:11:48 -0400, Roy Morris wrote: I have noticed the PEP power on both my PowerMaster and my LP-100 meters to show around 50 watts in SSB mode. Lyle says this is being addressed in the new firmware that very soon is to be released. I am looking forward to seeing my peak reading meters showing approximately 90 watts on peaks like my Omni VII, IC-718 and IC-706 show. If you are seeing low SSB output with five ALC bars, help is on the way. Roy Morris W4WFB K3 #323 ___ 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] K3 low PEP Power on SSB
I disconnected all my outboard audio gear on the K3 and connected an Array Solutions Powermaster Meter and dummy load directly to the K3. With the K3 set to 120 watts my keydown RF output on 20 meters reads 116 watts. I connected a stock hand mic that came with my Kenwood TS-2000 to the front mic connector set to High. With Mic gain set to 15 and comp to 0 and all equalizer settings at 0 I show a max of 75 watts. With the compressor turned on to a setting of 18, I show peaks of 110 watts with alc flickering between 3 and 5 bars. Monitored audio on a second receiver is very clean. Mike WA8EBM ___ 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] K3 low PEP Power on SSB
Hi All, I've been watching this thread and wondering if there truly is a problem. It seems to suggest there is, and Elecraft says they are looking into it with a firmware update pending. But I can't help thinking that there are so many reasons why the problem could just possibly be in the setup. The variation in reports seems to suggest this could also be an issue. For one thing, if the antenna isn't correctly matched, I would think there would be some foldback. But if you are getting full output on CW, you should get that on SSB as well. But full output on SSB isn't that easy to observe. You may well be getting full output on SSB, but your meter won't necessarily disclose that. This has been pointed out before. I also wonder if the microphone settings are correct. You may think some microphone gain setting, 10 for example, is sufficient, but just possibly it needs 12 or 15? Just a thought. Another thing could be the microphone itself. In Mike's situation (discussed by him below) for example, he indicates that he took a stock microphone from his Kenwood TS-2000 and hooked it up. I assume he is assuming that there is total compatibility with Kenwood microphones. I don't know if that microphone is an electret, but if it is, I'm not sure it really is totally compatible. The standard Kenwood wiring has the 8 volts or so on a different pin than the Elecraft uses. I think the Kenwood is pin 5, and the Elecraft is pin 6--or maybe I have that backwards. But there is a difference. I'm only suggesting these things as a possibility--for all I know everyone has fully considered all these issues and dealt with them correctly. In my case, I am using the Elecraft Pro Headset (electret) via the back connectors. As far as I can tell, I'm getting full output on SSB. The only exception to that seems to be on the higher portion of 40 meters, where I don't seem to be able to get quite 1:1 through the tuner. My antenna is set for the CW portion, and so I get about 1.3 to 1 up near the high end. It seems my SSB output is down somewhat when I operate there, but only slightly. This is based on the RF output indication on the K3 itself. I may be making an erroneous assumption, but I attribute that to not being exactly matched. My reports, though, are good. Dave W7AQK - Original Message - From: Mike Penkas [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 7:58 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 low PEP Power on SSB I disconnected all my outboard audio gear on the K3 and connected an Array Solutions Powermaster Meter and dummy load directly to the K3. With the K3 set to 120 watts my keydown RF output on 20 meters reads 116 watts. I connected a stock hand mic that came with my Kenwood TS-2000 to the front mic connector set to High. With Mic gain set to 15 and comp to 0 and all equalizer settings at 0 I show a max of 75 watts. With the compressor turned on to a setting of 18, I show peaks of 110 watts with alc flickering between 3 and 5 bars. Monitored audio on a second receiver is very clean. Mike WA8EBM ___ 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] K3 low PEP Power on SSB
The real key is using an external audio generator into the mic input and seeing what comes out the other end using an oscilloscope. This removes all the issues with microphones and their setup. I agree that antenna matching can make quite a difference to the results, that is why I took the time to build an accurate dummy load consisting of 30 1.5k 2W 1% tolerance metal film resistors. Measuring the load on a VNA (Vector Network Analyser) shows worst case 1-30 MHz VSWR as 1.05. So that should be good enough. In real terms the variations seen in the Peak SSB TX signal are insignificant at the other end of a QSO, however if my old TS850S can get it right, I expect the same from my new K3. Y.M.M.V 73 Stewart G3RXQ On Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:37:37 -0700, David Yarnes wrote: Hi All, I've been watching this thread and wondering if there truly is a problem. It seems to suggest there is, and Elecraft says they are looking into it with a firmware update pending. But I can't help thinking that there are so many reasons why the problem could just possibly be in the setup. The variation in reports seems to suggest this could also be an issue. For one thing, if the antenna isn't correctly matched, I would think there would be some foldback. But if you are getting full output on CW, you should get that on SSB as well. But full output on SSB isn't that easy to observe. You may well be getting full output on SSB, but your meter won't necessarily disclose that. This has been pointed out before. I also wonder if the microphone settings are correct. You may think some microphone gain setting, 10 for example, is sufficient, but just possibly it needs 12 or 15? Just a thought. Another thing could be the microphone itself. In Mike's situation (discussed by him below) for example, he indicates that he took a stock microphone from his Kenwood TS-2000 and hooked it up. I assume he is assuming that there is total compatibility with Kenwood microphones. I don't know if that microphone is an electret, but if it is, I'm not sure it really is totally compatible. The standard Kenwood wiring has the 8 volts or so on a different pin than the Elecraft uses. I think the Kenwood is pin 5, and the Elecraft is pin 6--or maybe I have that backwards. But there is a difference. I'm only suggesting these things as a possibility--for all I know everyone has fully considered all these issues and dealt with them correctly. In my case, I am using the Elecraft Pro Headset (electret) via the back connectors. As far as I can tell, I'm getting full output on SSB. The only exception to that seems to be on the higher portion of 40 meters, where I don't seem to be able to get quite 1:1 through the tuner. My antenna is set for the CW portion, and so I get about 1.3 to 1 up near the high end. It seems my SSB output is down somewhat when I operate there, but only slightly. This is based on the RF output indication on the K3 itself. I may be making an erroneous assumption, but I attribute that to not being exactly matched. My reports, though, are good. Dave W7AQK - Original Message - From: Mike Penkas [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 7:58 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 low PEP Power on SSB I disconnected all my outboard audio gear on the K3 and connected an Array Solutions Powermaster Meter and dummy load directly to the K3. With the K3 set to 120 watts my keydown RF output on 20 meters reads 116 watts. I connected a stock hand mic that came with my Kenwood TS-2000 to the front mic connector set to High. With Mic gain set to 15 and comp to 0 and all equalizer settings at 0 I show a max of 75 watts. With the compressor turned on to a setting of 18, I show peaks of 110 watts with alc flickering between 3 and 5 bars. Monitored audio on a second receiver is very clean. Mike WA8EBM ___ 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 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] K3 low PEP Power on SSB
The standard Kenwood wiring has the 8 volts or so on a different pin than the Elecraft uses. I think the Kenwood is pin 5, and the Elecraft is pin 6--or maybe I have that backwards. But there is a difference. That's news to me. Can someone confirm that the +8VDC is on another pin other than the Kenwood standard? Paul, W9AC ___ 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] K3 low PEP Power on SSB
See FAQ on Elecraft Web site under Microphone connections. Bias is on pin 6 Bob Serwy - N9RS -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Paul Christensen Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 12:09 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 low PEP Power on SSB The standard Kenwood wiring has the 8 volts or so on a different pin than the Elecraft uses. I think the Kenwood is pin 5, and the Elecraft is pin 6--or maybe I have that backwards. But there is a difference. That's news to me. Can someone confirm that the +8VDC is on another pin other than the Kenwood standard? Paul, W9AC ___ 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] K3 low PEP Power on SSB
The K3 manual (rev C) shows 8v on pin 6 of the mic connector. See page 13. 73, Ken K3IU Paul Christensen wrote: The standard Kenwood wiring has the 8 volts or so on a different pin than the Elecraft uses. I think the Kenwood is pin 5, and the Elecraft is pin 6--or maybe I have that backwards. But there is a difference. That's news to me. Can someone confirm that the +8VDC is on another pin other than the Kenwood standard? Paul, W9AC ___ 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
RES: [Elecraft] K3 low PEP Power on SSB
Hi friends: I faced a similar problem of low out power on ssb. On my specific case the problem was the configuration of the FL1 FRQ configuration. You must check on the filter (2,7Khz) what is the offset On my case is -0,91. If you make a configuration out of the offset freq the output power will be much lower. Best regards Oms PY5EG -Mensagem original- De: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] nome de Stewart Baker Enviada em: terça-feira, 29 de abril de 2008 13:53 Para: David Yarnes; Mike Penkas; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Assunto: Re: [Elecraft] K3 low PEP Power on SSB The real key is using an external audio generator into the mic input and seeing what comes out the other end using an oscilloscope. This removes all the issues with microphones and their setup. I agree that antenna matching can make quite a difference to the results, that is why I took the time to build an accurate dummy load consisting of 30 1.5k 2W 1% tolerance metal film resistors. Measuring the load on a VNA (Vector Network Analyser) shows worst case 1-30 MHz VSWR as 1.05. So that should be good enough. In real terms the variations seen in the Peak SSB TX signal are insignificant at the other end of a QSO, however if my old TS850S can get it right, I expect the same from my new K3. Y.M.M.V 73 Stewart G3RXQ On Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:37:37 -0700, David Yarnes wrote: Hi All, I've been watching this thread and wondering if there truly is a problem. It seems to suggest there is, and Elecraft says they are looking into it with a firmware update pending. But I can't help thinking that there are so many reasons why the problem could just possibly be in the setup. The variation in reports seems to suggest this could also be an issue. For one thing, if the antenna isn't correctly matched, I would think there would be some foldback. But if you are getting full output on CW, you should get that on SSB as well. But full output on SSB isn't that easy to observe. You may well be getting full output on SSB, but your meter won't necessarily disclose that. This has been pointed out before. I also wonder if the microphone settings are correct. You may think some microphone gain setting, 10 for example, is sufficient, but just possibly it needs 12 or 15? Just a thought. Another thing could be the microphone itself. In Mike's situation (discussed by him below) for example, he indicates that he took a stock microphone from his Kenwood TS-2000 and hooked it up. I assume he is assuming that there is total compatibility with Kenwood microphones. I don't know if that microphone is an electret, but if it is, I'm not sure it really is totally compatible. The standard Kenwood wiring has the 8 volts or so on a different pin than the Elecraft uses. I think the Kenwood is pin 5, and the Elecraft is pin 6--or maybe I have that backwards. But there is a difference. I'm only suggesting these things as a possibility--for all I know everyone has fully considered all these issues and dealt with them correctly. In my case, I am using the Elecraft Pro Headset (electret) via the back connectors. As far as I can tell, I'm getting full output on SSB. The only exception to that seems to be on the higher portion of 40 meters, where I don't seem to be able to get quite 1:1 through the tuner. My antenna is set for the CW portion, and so I get about 1.3 to 1 up near the high end. It seems my SSB output is down somewhat when I operate there, but only slightly. This is based on the RF output indication on the K3 itself. I may be making an erroneous assumption, but I attribute that to not being exactly matched. My reports, though, are good. Dave W7AQK - Original Message - From: Mike Penkas [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 7:58 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 low PEP Power on SSB I disconnected all my outboard audio gear on the K3 and connected an Array Solutions Powermaster Meter and dummy load directly to the K3. With the K3 set to 120 watts my keydown RF output on 20 meters reads 116 watts. I connected a stock hand mic that came with my Kenwood TS-2000 to the front mic connector set to High. With Mic gain set to 15 and comp to 0 and all equalizer settings at 0 I show a max of 75 watts. With the compressor turned on to a setting of 18, I show peaks of 110 watts with alc flickering between 3 and 5 bars. Monitored audio on a second receiver is very clean. Mike WA8EBM ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 low PEP Power on SSB
David Yarnes wrote: Hi All, I've been watching this thread and wondering if there truly is a problem. It seems to suggest there is, and Elecraft says they are looking into it with a firmware update pending. What I suggest is that everyone wait for the firmware upgrade. I know that they have already made significant changes in this area in the beta firmware and may make more. So you can experiment now to get a baseline for future comparisons, but be aware that it will *definitely* change. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco k3 7 ___ 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] K3 low PEP Power on SSB
There is currently a known problem which is being worked on. An easy way to see the problem is to set the K3 power level at 40 Watts then transmit using Olivia 500/16, the power level peaks around 100 Watts and shows the peaks quite well on the K3 RF output scale. 73 Dave, G4AON K3/100 #80 David Yarnes wrote: / Hi All, // // I've been watching this thread and wondering if there truly is a // problem. It seems to suggest there is, and Elecraft says they are // looking into it with a firmware update pending. / What I suggest is that everyone wait for the firmware upgrade. I know that they have already made significant changes in this area in the beta firmware and may make more. So you can experiment now to get a baseline for future comparisons, but be aware that it will *definitely* change. -- 73, Vic, 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 low PEP Power on SSB
See FAQ on Elecraft Web site under Microphone connections. Bias is on pin 6. Bob Serwy - N9RS I see it and it states this: The K3 8-pin microphone connector is wired the same as the K2 using the Kenwood pin-out. The pin-out may be close to Kenwood's, but it is not the same. I literally took it to mean that the K3 was pin-for-pin compatible with Kenwood's standard. And that's fine for non-condenser Kenwood mics where external powering isn't required. I had been scratching my head as to why my electret mic's output was running so low, even when the K3's high-gain pre-amp setting was selected. I simply moved my electret-condenser mic from a Kenwood TS-870 to the K3 thinking I was all set. To prevent confusion in the future, I recommend the inclusion of a disclaimer in the literature in which it states the two types are not 100% compatible. At the same time, I should have conducted my own due-diligence and compared pin-for-pin just to be sure. Paul, W9AC (now warming up my soldering station...) ___ 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] K3 low PEP Power on SSB
Click on the DIAGRAM button and look at the pin out. Bob Serwy - N9RS -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Paul Christensen Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 1:01 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 low PEP Power on SSB See FAQ on Elecraft Web site under Microphone connections. Bias is on pin 6. Bob Serwy - N9RS I see it and it states this: The K3 8-pin microphone connector is wired the same as the K2 using the Kenwood pin-out. The pin-out may be close to Kenwood's, but it is not the same. I literally took it to mean that the K3 was pin-for-pin compatible with Kenwood's standard. And that's fine for non-condenser Kenwood mics where external powering isn't required. I had been scratching my head as to why my electret mic's output was running so low, even when the K3's high-gain pre-amp setting was selected. I simply moved my electret-condenser mic from a Kenwood TS-870 to the K3 thinking I was all set. To prevent confusion in the future, I recommend the inclusion of a disclaimer in the literature in which it states the two types are not 100% compatible. At the same time, I should have conducted my own due-diligence and compared pin-for-pin just to be sure. Paul, W9AC (now warming up my soldering station...) ___ 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] K3 low PEP Power on SSB
Click on the DIAGRAM button and look at the pin out. Bob Serwy - N9RS Right, based on the diagram, it is not 100% compatible with Kenwood. Paul, W9AC ___ 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] K3 low PEP Power on SSB
Paul and all, That statement *is* true - however it may be misleading for those not familiar with the K2 wiring for the Kenwood microphone. Pins 5 and 6 are *not* wired to the microphone configuration header in the K2 for a Kenwood microphone (except for those Kenwood microphones which have an amplifier or an electret element). I can make a statement that is true: The K3 is compatible with any Kenwood 8 pin microphone that does not connect to either pin 5 or pin 6 of the connector. If one pulls back the Foster plug shell, he can check to see if anything is connected to these pins. It could also be said another way - the K3 mic connector is compatible with a Kenwood dynamic microphone. Conversely, a Kenwood amplified or electret microphone will *not* be compatible with the K3. 73, Don W3FPR Paul Christensen wrote: I see it and it states this: The K3 8-pin microphone connector is wired the same as the K2 using the Kenwood pin-out. ___ 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] K3 low PEP Power on SSB
I wasn't complaining about getting 110 watts output, I was happy and thought the radio was working fine. This is 110 watts peak rf on the wattmeter not PEP. The radio works fine. There is nothing wrong with using the Kenwood mic. I get 3 to 5 bars on the ALC with only 15 on Mic and 18 on Compression. I hooked up my PR-40 microphone through an amplified 8 band EQ and equalized audio through the W2IHY Iplus fed into the rear connector on the K3 and get the same output readings as with the hand mic. When I was running digital and putting out double the output that the K3 was dialed up and getting high rf spikes I contacted the Elecraft tech's and was instructed that my soundcard was overdriving the radio. I corrected my settings and with the last few upgrades this problem is no more and was only in the Data mode. Mike WA8EBM ___ 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] K3 low PEP Power on SSB
Knut, Unfortunately there is no one crisp answer - one must know the particular microphone that he has in hand. There may be a difference between a Kenwood (branded) microphone and a Heil microphone with an adapter for the Kenwood (or there may not be - it all depends). Your Heil IC (electret element) mic with the Kenwood adapter will work just fine as long as you use the K3 menu to apply bias to the microphone AF line. Bob Heil has assured me that all his basic microphones use only 4 signal lines - AF, AF Ground, PTT, and PTT Ground. The adapters then map these 4 signal lines to the corresponding pin for the particular pinout defined by the adapter name. As a result, any Heil microphone will work with the K3 when the mic is equipped with a Kenwood adapter. If it is a dynamic mic, the K3 mic bias should be turned off in the menu, but if it is an electret element, then bias must be turned on. Caution: you must know your Heil microphone element type - a dynamic element can be damaged if bias is applied to it. I don't know if the same thing applies to all Kenwood branded electret element mics (should any exist) or not. It will depend on whether the particular microphone design develops a bias derived from the pin 5 voltage (which is most likely because AFAIK Kenwood transceivers do not apply bias to pin 1 of the mic connector). If the bias voltage must come from pin 5, then that mic will not work with the K3 without modification because the 8 volt supply is on pin 6 of the K3 mic jack rather than pin 5 on the Kenwood. This subject can have as many answers as there are microphones. If you are unable to determine the compatibility of your particular microphone, I recommend first asking the microphone manufacturer which pins are used for what function. There is also good microphone information at http://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Technical_Reference/Mic_wiring/index.shtml, and a very extensive listing of microphone pinouts and diagrams has been compiled by G4WPW. We can provide information about the K3, but questions about microphones (other than Elecraft mics) will not have such crisp answers because there are so many variations. If all else fails (or that process is too cumbersome), there are Elecraft microphones that can be purchased. Additionally, the enterprising amateur can re-wire whatever microphone he has available to the Elecraft pinout - I have several mics of various brands, and many are wired for the Elecraft pinout. 73, Don W3FPR ab2tc wrote: Hi all, This is getting more and more confusing. What exactly is the compatibility issue with the K3 and an electret microphone wired for Kenwood? I have a Heil Proset with the IC element (which is electret). I originally ordered it with the ICOM adapter and used it successfully for years with the IC-718. Prior to receiving the K3, I ordered the Kenwood cable adapter. When I got the K3, I plugged the mic in, set the mic selection to FP.L with bias on and everything seems to be working fine. I never had a K2 so I don't know what's up with the K2 wiring for the Kenwood microphone. Can we please leave the K2 out of the picture and make a problem statement what might be the issue with an electret microphone intended to be used with Kenwood when applied to the K3. Knut - AB2TC Don Wilhelm wrote: Paul and all, That statement *is* true - however it may be misleading for those not familiar with the K2 wiring for the Kenwood microphone. Pins 5 and 6 are *not* wired to the microphone configuration header in the K2 for a Kenwood microphone (except for those Kenwood microphones which have an amplifier or an electret element). snip ___ 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] K3 low PEP Power on SSB
I don't know if the same thing applies to all Kenwood branded electret element mics (should any exist) or not. It will depend on whether the particular microphone design develops a bias derived from the pin 5 voltage (which is most likely because AFAIK Kenwood transceivers do not apply bias to pin 1 of the mic connector). If the bias voltage must come from pin 5, then that mic will not work with the K3 without modification because the 8 volt supply is on pin 6 of the K3 mic jack rather than pin 5 on the Kenwood. All Kenwood branded microphones with electret elements or amplified dynamic elements (MC-55, MC-60A, MC-80 and MC-85) require DC on pin 5 or the use of batteries. The mic audio line includes a blocking capacitor to prevent the use of bias on the mic. Of all the Kenwood desk mics only the MC-60 (not the MC-60A) and MC-90 are suitable for use without modification. The MC-60 and 90 use an unamplified dynamic element that requires no bias or preamp power. Of the hand mics, the MC-42, MC-43, and MC-47 are dynamic mics that are compatible with Elecraft K2/K3 without modification. 73, ... Joe, W4TV -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 8:59 PM To: ab2tc Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 low PEP Power on SSB Knut, Unfortunately there is no one crisp answer - one must know the particular microphone that he has in hand. There may be a difference between a Kenwood (branded) microphone and a Heil microphone with an adapter for the Kenwood (or there may not be - it all depends). Your Heil IC (electret element) mic with the Kenwood adapter will work just fine as long as you use the K3 menu to apply bias to the microphone AF line. Bob Heil has assured me that all his basic microphones use only 4 signal lines - AF, AF Ground, PTT, and PTT Ground. The adapters then map these 4 signal lines to the corresponding pin for the particular pinout defined by the adapter name. As a result, any Heil microphone will work with the K3 when the mic is equipped with a Kenwood adapter. If it is a dynamic mic, the K3 mic bias should be turned off in the menu, but if it is an electret element, then bias must be turned on. Caution: you must know your Heil microphone element type - a dynamic element can be damaged if bias is applied to it. I don't know if the same thing applies to all Kenwood branded electret element mics (should any exist) or not. It will depend on whether the particular microphone design develops a bias derived from the pin 5 voltage (which is most likely because AFAIK Kenwood transceivers do not apply bias to pin 1 of the mic connector). If the bias voltage must come from pin 5, then that mic will not work with the K3 without modification because the 8 volt supply is on pin 6 of the K3 mic jack rather than pin 5 on the Kenwood. This subject can have as many answers as there are microphones. If you are unable to determine the compatibility of your particular microphone, I recommend first asking the microphone manufacturer which pins are used for what function. There is also good microphone information at http://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Technical_Reference/Mic_wiring/i ndex.shtml, and a very extensive listing of microphone pinouts and diagrams has been compiled by G4WPW. We can provide information about the K3, but questions about microphones (other than Elecraft mics) will not have such crisp answers because there are so many variations. If all else fails (or that process is too cumbersome), there are Elecraft microphones that can be purchased. Additionally, the enterprising amateur can re-wire whatever microphone he has available to the Elecraft pinout - I have several mics of various brands, and many are wired for the Elecraft pinout. 73, Don W3FPR ab2tc wrote: Hi all, This is getting more and more confusing. What exactly is the compatibility issue with the K3 and an electret microphone wired for Kenwood? I have a Heil Proset with the IC element (which is electret). I originally ordered it with the ICOM adapter and used it successfully for years with the IC-718. Prior to receiving the K3, I ordered the Kenwood cable adapter. When I got the K3, I plugged the mic in, set the mic selection to FP.L with bias on and everything seems to be working fine. I never had a K2 so I don't know what's up with the K2 wiring for the Kenwood microphone. Can we please leave the K2 out of the picture and make a problem statement what might be the issue with an electret microphone intended to be used with Kenwood when applied to the K3. Knut - AB2TC Don Wilhelm wrote: Paul and all, That statement *is* true - however it may be misleading for those
