[Elecraft] K3EXREF board

[charlie carroll]

I'm looking for an unbuilt K3EXREF kit.  Does anyone have one squirreled 
away?

Respond to me direct.

I am on the "would-like-to-have" list at Elecraft.

thanks

73 charlie, k1xx

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF issue? K3 - Resolved

[Gary Smith]

Folks,

FYI, there is a resolution to the issue. 

A history in short: I started having 
issues of localized frequency changes. I 
discovered REF CAL would only lock on a 
10MHz source if the source was cold and 
then only after I rebooted the K3. I tried 
two different sources with the same exact 
results. Once it locked on, I could not 
engage XREF OUT, when I left REF CAL and 
returned to it, the asterisk was solid, 
not flashing. Rebooting with a cold 10MHz 
source was the only way to get a lock.

After exchanging emails with support it at 
first appeared to be an issue with the 
K3EXREF board or connections but with the 
numerical value displayed in REF CAL, it 
was lower than expected and Elecraft 
support felt the TXCO in the K3 was 
suspect. 

With that, I had my old TXCO from when I 
exchanged it with the .1 TXCO, I replaced 
the failed .1 and WooHah, there is the 
always reliable K3 operating exactly as it 
should. Lock with REF CAL is working 
perfectly, the frequency is stable and it 
works fine with both 10MHz sources.

This revelation coming last night, it's 
too soon to tell but I think I am seeing 
less artifacts that looked like constant 
vertical lines with regular horizontal 
lines in the waterfall on the P3 SVGA. 
This was only at certain times and worse 
on specific frequencies. Perhaps some of 
the stuff I've been trying to track down 
and failing to do so is because of this 
failing TXCO?

Maybe someone with this future issue will 
find this thread and it'll help them, it's 
been a real work maker for me.

73,

Gary
KA1J

> Ed,
> 
> Thanks for the reply. I do need an 
> oscilloscope. The only frequency counter 
> at this QTH is this K3, my K3s is at the 
> factory for an issue with SSB. 
> 
> That said, there does appear to be a 10MHz 
> signal coming from the GPSDO. There's 
> enough bleed-through that when I tune to 
> 10MHz I can still pick up the ticks from 
> WWV, however removing power from the GPSDO 
> and the signal drops considerably. I 
> connected 10' of wire to the center 
> conductor of the SMA and the signal in the 
> K3 increased considerably and it was dead 
> on top of WWV. So I'm feeling it's putting 
> out a signal at 10MHV but the strength or 
> condition of the signal, I have no way to 
> tell.
> 
> Looking at the info on the K3EXREF, the 
> Tech MD is on, REF CAL is displayed and I 
> need to engage keypad #2 to switch between 
> the EXREF being in or out, I have it 
> switched in. No asterisk.
> 
> I have not been inside the radio since I 
> started using it a week ago and the 
> asterisk was flashing at that time. I 
> saved the current configuration and loaded 
> the configuration that was good the last 
> time I used the radio and that didn't 
> help. I can't imagine the cable in the 
> radio failed without any mechanical 
> action. I'll have to take a look and see 
> if anything has become somehow dislodged 
> though it's been just sitting on the 
> table.
> 
> I was hoping it was something in a setting 
> that might have been altered and it seems 
> like that's not it. Thanks again for the 
> assistance.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Gary
> KA1J
> 
> 
> 
> 
> > Gary,
> > 
> > Well first thing I would check is whether 10-MHz is present at the
> > K3 EXREF sma jack.  If you have a freq counter check for correct
> > freq. No counter then use a radio that can tune 10-MHz for
> > presence of signal on correct freq.
> > 
> > Check for adequate reference level (I run 10mw which is more than
> > adequate; probably will run with 3mw to 5mw).  If you have no
> > milliwatt meter then use an oscilloscope to measure RF voltage. 
> > Pav = Vrms^2/R  or Vrms = 0.3535*Vp-p*probe multiplier.
> > 
> > From: http://www.ab4oj.com/test/pwrmeas.html
> > Pav = 10*10^-3 = 0.01 w , Vrms = sqrt(Pav*R) = 0.707v, Vp-p =
> > 2,.828*Vrms = 2v
> > 
> > If you are using a 10x probe Vp-p = 0.2v; Be sure to measure
> > voltage across 50-ohm load connected to the REF input.
> > 
> > If this is low or nonexistent try a different cable from the
> > GPSDO.  Also check 10-MHz output at the GPSDO.
> > 
> > My guess either you have no 10-MHz ref signal or its off 
> > frequency.  If that is good then recheck configuration to enable
> > EXREF.  Still bad: then check internal coax from EXREF connector
> > to syn  board.
> > 
> > 73, Ed - KL7UW
> >http://www.kl7uw.com
> > Dubus-NA Business mail:
> >dubus...@gmail.com 
> > 
> > __
> > Elecraft mailing list Home:
> > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:
> > http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:
> > mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> > 
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list:
> > http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to g...@ka1j.com
> > 
> 
> 
> 
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: 

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF issue? K3

[Gary Smith]

The issue seems to be within the K3, 
likely the K3EXREF board? I just tried a 
different GPSDO for the 10MHz reference, a 
Trimble Thunderbolt. When I first 
connected the Thunderbolt I did get a 
rapid flashing asterisk.

Satisfied I went on to use the K3. On a 
hunch I went back to REF CAL and 
discovered the asterisk was now solid and 
not flashing. I restarted the radio and no 
asterisk in REF CAL. Neither GPSDO elicits 
a flashing asterisk but both are putting 
out a 10MHZ signal & the Thunderbolt for a 
short time, worked.

Seeing as two different oscillators are 
not being recognized by the K3, I have to 
assume it is the K3EXREF board that is of 
issue. Can't be the .1 TXCO or the radio 
would fail.

I'll have to contact Elecraft to see if 
it's worth sending the board in for 
repair.

Back to the contest.

73,

Gary
KA1J


> Ed,
> 
> Thanks for the reply. I do need an 
> oscilloscope. The only frequency counter 
> at this QTH is this K3, my K3s is at the 
> factory for an issue with SSB. 
> 
> That said, there does appear to be a 10MHz 
> signal coming from the GPSDO. There's 
> enough bleed-through that when I tune to 
> 10MHz I can still pick up the ticks from 
> WWV, however removing power from the GPSDO 
> and the signal drops considerably. I 
> connected 10' of wire to the center 
> conductor of the SMA and the signal in the 
> K3 increased considerably and it was dead 
> on top of WWV. So I'm feeling it's putting 
> out a signal at 10MHV but the strength or 
> condition of the signal, I have no way to 
> tell.
> 
> Looking at the info on the K3EXREF, the 
> Tech MD is on, REF CAL is displayed and I 
> need to engage keypad #2 to switch between 
> the EXREF being in or out, I have it 
> switched in. No asterisk.
> 
> I have not been inside the radio since I 
> started using it a week ago and the 
> asterisk was flashing at that time. I 
> saved the current configuration and loaded 
> the configuration that was good the last 
> time I used the radio and that didn't 
> help. I can't imagine the cable in the 
> radio failed without any mechanical 
> action. I'll have to take a look and see 
> if anything has become somehow dislodged 
> though it's been just sitting on the 
> table.
> 
> I was hoping it was something in a setting 
> that might have been altered and it seems 
> like that's not it. Thanks again for the 
> assistance.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Gary
> KA1J
> 
> 
> 
> 
> > Gary,
> > 
> > Well first thing I would check is whether 10-MHz is present at the
> > K3 EXREF sma jack.  If you have a freq counter check for correct
> > freq. No counter then use a radio that can tune 10-MHz for presence
> > of signal on correct freq.
> > 
> > Check for adequate reference level (I run 10mw which is more than
> > adequate; probably will run with 3mw to 5mw).  If you have no
> > milliwatt meter then use an oscilloscope to measure RF voltage.  Pav
> > = Vrms^2/R  or Vrms = 0.3535*Vp-p*probe multiplier.
> > 
> > From: http://www.ab4oj.com/test/pwrmeas.html
> > Pav = 10*10^-3 = 0.01 w , Vrms = sqrt(Pav*R) = 0.707v, Vp-p =
> > 2,.828*Vrms = 2v
> > 
> > If you are using a 10x probe Vp-p = 0.2v; Be sure to measure voltage
> > across 50-ohm load connected to the REF input.
> > 
> > If this is low or nonexistent try a different cable from the 
> > GPSDO.  Also check 10-MHz output at the GPSDO.
> > 
> > My guess either you have no 10-MHz ref signal or its off 
> > frequency.  If that is good then recheck configuration to enable
> > EXREF.  Still bad: then check internal coax from EXREF connector to
> > syn  board.
> > 
> > 73, Ed - KL7UW
> >http://www.kl7uw.com
> > Dubus-NA Business mail:
> >dubus...@gmail.com 
> > 
> > __
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> > 
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > Message delivered to g...@ka1j.com
> > 
> 
> 
> 
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to g...@ka1j.com
> 



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF issue? K3

[Gary Smith]

Ed,

Thanks for the reply. I do need an 
oscilloscope. The only frequency counter 
at this QTH is this K3, my K3s is at the 
factory for an issue with SSB. 

That said, there does appear to be a 10MHz 
signal coming from the GPSDO. There's 
enough bleed-through that when I tune to 
10MHz I can still pick up the ticks from 
WWV, however removing power from the GPSDO 
and the signal drops considerably. I 
connected 10' of wire to the center 
conductor of the SMA and the signal in the 
K3 increased considerably and it was dead 
on top of WWV. So I'm feeling it's putting 
out a signal at 10MHV but the strength or 
condition of the signal, I have no way to 
tell.

Looking at the info on the K3EXREF, the 
Tech MD is on, REF CAL is displayed and I 
need to engage keypad #2 to switch between 
the EXREF being in or out, I have it 
switched in. No asterisk.

I have not been inside the radio since I 
started using it a week ago and the 
asterisk was flashing at that time. I 
saved the current configuration and loaded 
the configuration that was good the last 
time I used the radio and that didn't 
help. I can't imagine the cable in the 
radio failed without any mechanical 
action. I'll have to take a look and see 
if anything has become somehow dislodged 
though it's been just sitting on the 
table.

I was hoping it was something in a setting 
that might have been altered and it seems 
like that's not it. Thanks again for the 
assistance.

73,

Gary
KA1J




> Gary,
> 
> Well first thing I would check is whether 10-MHz is present at the K3
> EXREF sma jack.  If you have a freq counter check for correct freq. 
> No counter then use a radio that can tune 10-MHz for presence of
> signal on correct freq.
> 
> Check for adequate reference level (I run 10mw which is more than
> adequate; probably will run with 3mw to 5mw).  If you have no
> milliwatt meter then use an oscilloscope to measure RF voltage.  Pav =
> Vrms^2/R  or Vrms = 0.3535*Vp-p*probe multiplier.
> 
> From: http://www.ab4oj.com/test/pwrmeas.html
> Pav = 10*10^-3 = 0.01 w , Vrms = sqrt(Pav*R) = 0.707v, Vp-p =
> 2,.828*Vrms = 2v
> 
> If you are using a 10x probe Vp-p = 0.2v; Be sure to measure voltage
> across 50-ohm load connected to the REF input.
> 
> If this is low or nonexistent try a different cable from the 
> GPSDO.  Also check 10-MHz output at the GPSDO.
> 
> My guess either you have no 10-MHz ref signal or its off 
> frequency.  If that is good then recheck configuration to enable
> EXREF.  Still bad: then check internal coax from EXREF connector to
> syn  board.
> 
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
>http://www.kl7uw.com
> Dubus-NA Business mail:
>dubus...@gmail.com 
> 
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to g...@ka1j.com
> 



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF issue? K3

[Edward R Cole]

Gary,

Well first thing I would check is whether 10-MHz is present at the K3 
EXREF sma jack.  If you have a freq counter check for correct 
freq.  No counter then use a radio that can tune 10-MHz for presence 
of signal on correct freq.


Check for adequate reference level (I run 10mw which is more than 
adequate; probably will run with 3mw to 5mw).  If you have no 
milliwatt meter then use an oscilloscope to measure RF voltage.  Pav 
= Vrms^2/R  or Vrms = 0.3535*Vp-p*probe multiplier.


From: http://www.ab4oj.com/test/pwrmeas.html
Pav = 10*10^-3 = 0.01 w , Vrms = sqrt(Pav*R) = 0.707v, Vp-p = 2,.828*Vrms = 2v

If you are using a 10x probe Vp-p = 0.2v; Be sure to measure voltage 
across 50-ohm load connected to the REF input.


If this is low or nonexistent try a different cable from the 
GPSDO.  Also check 10-MHz output at the GPSDO.


My guess either you have no 10-MHz ref signal or its off 
frequency.  If that is good then recheck configuration to enable 
EXREF.  Still bad: then check internal coax from EXREF connector to syn  board.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] K3EXREF issue? K3

[Gary Smith]

I noticed CW stations were a bit off from 
the P3 and thought I needed to 
re-calibrate the P3 again. I did so and 
still encountered issues. I have the 
K3EXREF installed and it has been working 
fine for some time now with the GPSDO 10 
MHz source.

On a hunch I looked at the K3 REF CAL 
results and the asterisk is not flashing. 
I rebooted the GPSDO and the K3 but no 
asterisk. I checked the cables and all are 
intact. I pressed the #2 button for XREF 
IN & no change, same if I tap it again for 
XREFOUT.

It's either the GPSDO failed, the K3EXREF 
board has failed or something else.

Any suggestions?

73,

Gary
KA1J
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF question

[Chuck - AE4CW]

Elecraft recently posted a modification to the K3REF to correct a problem
caused by the K3EXREF.  Though specific to frequency changes noticeable on
on 2M and 6M, I suspect it may directly relate to this discussion.
http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/K3EXREF%20freq%20shift%20fix.pdf
---
Chuck, AE4CW



-
---
Chuck, AE4CW
--
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3EXREF-question-tp7614972p7615040.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF question

[Lyle Johnson]

Almost.

The TCXO has no control input and is not tuned; it is only measured.

The measurement information is passed to the radio's MCU which then uses 
the data to determine the correct value to command the synthesizer(s), 
drive the REF CAL display, and so forth.


73,

Lyle KK7P

The K3EXREF circuit is essentially a AFC (sort of) where a highly 
accurate 10-MHz reference is used to measure the frequency of the TCXO 
and send a frequency correction "word" to control the TCXO so that the 
error from 49.380 MHz is removed...


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] K3EXREF question

[ANDY NEHAN]

Thanks guys for the detailed and thorough replies - I understand it now!!
Andy G4HUE
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF question

[Edward R Cole]

The K3EXREF circuit is essentially a AFC (sort of) where a highly 
accurate 10-MHz reference is used to measure the frequency of the 
TCXO and send a frequency correction "word" to control the TCXO so 
that the error from 49.380 MHz is removed.


As I understand it this comparison is done about every 
4-seconds.  The TCXO drifts with temperature so it will definitely 
change when you first power on the K3.  This drift will slow at some 
point and hover around a offset level (mine is about 49.380.080.  The 
TCXO is actually tuned to correct from that so REF*CAL is only 
showing the amount of offset that is being corrected.  Output of the 
TCXO is not 80-Hz high.  It would be if the EXREF did not correct it.


I have the K3/10 so only have the 12w PA which does not add as much 
heat in transmit as the 100w PA.  So that lessens the amount of 
temperature drift of the TCXO.  The TCXO-3 is better than the std 
TCXO so the improvement the EXREF makes is better with it.  On 
transmit on 28-MHz using the EXREF, I see approx. +/- 2 Hz frequency 
error with the TCXO-3.  This is equivalent to 0.1 ppm.  Without the 
EXREF my error is five time larger or about +/- 14 Hz.


There is still a slight amount of frequency drift since the TCXO is 
operating normally in between the times the 10-MHz reference checks 
and corrects frequency error.  This explains why a small amount of 
drift still occurs vs what happens with a phase-locked 
oscillator.  The result is that the frequency will appear to look 
like a ramp waveform over the 4-second interval between corrections.


The reason for choosing this form of frequency control is it 
preserves the excellent low phase noise of the K3.  PLL are difficult 
to make with as low phase noise.


If any of this is incorrect, perhaps one of the Elecraft engineers 
will correct what I wrote.


73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
dubus...@gmail.com

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF question

[Kevin Stover]

I believe that is the way it is.
53/1000 of a hertz over an hour?
I'd give that up all day everyday for the spectacular lack of phase 
noise in the K3s or K3 with the new synth.

It's not a cesium clock.

On 3/7/2016 8:02 AM, David Anderson wrote:

I -think- the way it works is that when the K3EXREF is locked with the external 
frequency standard on 10 MHz, this is used to measure the frequency of the 
TCXO. The value of that frequency measurement is then put into the K3 REFCAL 
setting. If the TCXO drifts slightly as they all will, then the frequency 
difference is detected and the value in REFCAL is changed to match, hence 
keeping the frequency of the K3 correct, without actually phase locking the 
TCXO to an external reference which could degrade the low phase noise 
performance of the K3's synth.

Basically the K3EXREF is doing the same thing automatically as you would 
manually when doing the calibration, by measuring the TCXO frequency and 
storing that value in REFCAL. The K3EXREF acting a frequency counter with a 
high stability external 10 MHz reference.

Hope I have that right.

So, it would be normal for the value in REFCAL to change as things warm up even 
with the external reference into the K3EXREF, because the TCXO is not locked, 
just measured.


73 from David GM4JJJ





--
R. Kevin Stover
AC0H
ARRL
FISTS #11993
SKCC #215
NAQCC #3441


---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF question

[David Anderson]

I -think- the way it works is that when the K3EXREF is locked with the external 
frequency standard on 10 MHz, this is used to measure the frequency of the 
TCXO. The value of that frequency measurement is then put into the K3 REFCAL 
setting. If the TCXO drifts slightly as they all will, then the frequency 
difference is detected and the value in REFCAL is changed to match, hence 
keeping the frequency of the K3 correct, without actually phase locking the 
TCXO to an external reference which could degrade the low phase noise 
performance of the K3's synth.

Basically the K3EXREF is doing the same thing automatically as you would 
manually when doing the calibration, by measuring the TCXO frequency and 
storing that value in REFCAL. The K3EXREF acting a frequency counter with a 
high stability external 10 MHz reference.

Hope I have that right.

So, it would be normal for the value in REFCAL to change as things warm up even 
with the external reference into the K3EXREF, because the TCXO is not locked, 
just measured.


73 from David GM4JJJ

> On 7 Mar 2016, at 11:01, David Pratt  wrote:
> 
> Andy - Without the K3EXREF connected, the REF CAL frequency will be
> fixed and the K3 will drift, albeit very slightly, particularly when it
> is first switched on.  With K3EXREF locked with your 10MHz standard the
> REF CAL frequency will vary to correct any drift in the K3. If you
> measure the output frequency of your K3 with an accurate frequency
> meter, such as a digital counter locked to a standard, you will find
> that your K3 is stable to within +/- a couple of Hertz.
> 
> 73 de David G4DMP
> 
> In a recent message, ANDY NEHAN  writes
>> Sometime ago I installed the K3EXREF which I feed from an external
>> 10MHz double oven Xtal oscillator. I am confident the K3EXREF is
>> installed and configured correctly as when in use and the external
>> oscillator is connected the front panel says REF*CAL with the *
>> blinking. Attempting to change the local oscillator frequency gives the
>> message "Locked" just as the manual says.
>> However, I am puzzled as the local oscillator frequency display slowly
>> drifts down from 49.379.675Hz to 49.379.622Hz over a period of at least
>> an hour from K3 switch on.  I leave the external oscillator on
>> permanently. I was expecting the local oscillator to rapidly get to its
>> final frequency. Can someone explain whats happening as I am puzzled??
>> My firmware is the latest version.
>> Andy G4HUE
> -- 
> + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +
> | David M Pratt, Kippax, Leeds.   |
> | Website: http://www.g4dmp.co.uk |
> + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +
> 
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to gm4...@yahoo.co.uk
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF question

[David Pratt]

Andy - Without the K3EXREF connected, the REF CAL frequency will be
fixed and the K3 will drift, albeit very slightly, particularly when it
is first switched on.  With K3EXREF locked with your 10MHz standard the
REF CAL frequency will vary to correct any drift in the K3. If you
measure the output frequency of your K3 with an accurate frequency
meter, such as a digital counter locked to a standard, you will find
that your K3 is stable to within +/- a couple of Hertz.

73 de David G4DMP

In a recent message, ANDY NEHAN  writes
>Sometime ago I installed the K3EXREF which I feed from an external
>10MHz double oven Xtal oscillator. I am confident the K3EXREF is
>installed and configured correctly as when in use and the external
>oscillator is connected the front panel says REF*CAL with the *
>blinking. Attempting to change the local oscillator frequency gives the
>message "Locked" just as the manual says.
>However, I am puzzled as the local oscillator frequency display slowly
>drifts down from 49.379.675Hz to 49.379.622Hz over a period of at least
>an hour from K3 switch on.  I leave the external oscillator on
>permanently. I was expecting the local oscillator to rapidly get to its
>final frequency. Can someone explain whats happening as I am puzzled??
>My firmware is the latest version.
>Andy G4HUE
-- 
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +
 | David M Pratt, Kippax, Leeds.   |
 | Website: http://www.g4dmp.co.uk |
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF question

[Roger]

Hi Andy,
I have the same (hardware) constellation and get similar results.



--
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3EXREF-question-tp7614973p7614974.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] K3EXREF question

[ANDY NEHAN]

Sometime ago I installed the K3EXREF which I feed from an external 10MHz double 
oven Xtal oscillator. I am confident the K3EXREF is installed and configured 
correctly as when in use and the external oscillator is connected the front 
panel says REF*CAL with the * blinking. Attempting to change the local 
oscillator frequency gives the message "Locked" just as the manual says.
However, I am puzzled as the local oscillator frequency display slowly drifts 
down from 49.379.675Hz to 49.379.622Hz over a period of at least an hour from 
K3 switch on.  I leave the external oscillator on permanently. I was expecting 
the local oscillator to rapidly get to its final frequency. Can someone explain 
whats happening as I am puzzled??
My firmware is the latest version.
Andy G4HUE
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] K3EXREF question

[ANDY NEHAN]

Sometime ago I installed the K3EXREF which I feed from an external 10MHz double 
oven Xtal oscillator. I am confident the K3EXREF is installed and configured 
correctly as when in use and the external oscillator is connected the front 
panel says REF*CAL with the * blinking. Attempting to change the local 
oscillator frequency gives the message "Locked" just as the manual says.
However, I am puzzled as the local oscillator frequency display slowly drifts 
down from 49.379.675Hz to 49.379.622Hz over a period of at least an hour from 
K3 switch on.  I leave the external oscillator on permanently. I was expecting 
the local oscillator to rapidly get to its final frequency. Can someone explain 
whats happening as I am puzzled??
My firmware is the latest version.
Andy G4HUE
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF - What am I doing wrong

[Mike VE3YF]

Hi Tighe:

Tnx for the info. Once we get spring or summer I will move my active antenna up 
higher so it can get a pretty good shot of the sky. If I had left the antenna 
where it was it would be under snow by now. I was amazed how fast the unit 
locked onto Satellites and it worked like a charm. I think I left everything on 
for a couple days without any glitches etc. Definitely happy with the Leo 
Bodnar unit and the K3exref unit.


73 De Mike
VE3YF

http://www.ve3yf.com
[http://www.ve3yf.com/]
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF - What am I doing wrong

[Tighe Kuykendall]

Mike,

I'm planning to leave it on continuously although I did tap "1" to save 
the setting at what my final fully warmed up state should be. I bought 
an active GPS antenna which I have sitting in a windowsill and it seems 
to have a good GPS lock.  I have to try pretty hard to get it to loose 
GPS lock.  I'm also planning to try getting time information from the 
Bodnar device into a Raspberry Pi.


For reference, on my K3, here's the Ref Cal values:

My starting point: 49.380.010
Power-on and initial EXREF input: 49.379.951
After several hours of operating:  49.379.912

73, Tighe NK4I


On 2/28/16 4:01 PM, Mike VE3YF wrote:

Tighe:
Glad you got it working. Mine also works like a charm. I did the calibration on 
both my K3's and then since I had the GPS Antenna on a stick shoved into the 
snowbank, I made it a temp setup. Question, are you leaving the Calibration on 
all the time or just use it once in a while. I am thinking of leaving the 
calibration on and just remount the GPS Antenna to a more suitable location.


73 De Mike
VE3YF



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF - What am I doing wrong

[Edward R Cole]

Wow! Great tip -- totally forgot the "tap" "2" step.

My EXREF had quit some time ago and checking 10-MHz sources all 
tested good so I figured my "beta test" unit had given it up.  Too 
busy to investigate further.


It stopped after I had a firmware glitch so now guessing that shut 
off the EXREF.


So I did the tap-2 and REF CAL showed no asterisk - uh oh.  I changed 
10-MHz source (I have a 4-way distribution amp) and still 
nothing.  So "utilizing my trouble shooting skills" I decided to 
check the coax and found the sma connector not fully tightened at the 
K3.  About 1/2 turn is all it took and REF * CAL with asterisk 
blinking and the 49.380.000 oscillator is shifting upward again 
compensating TCXO drift (mine tops out at about 49.380.072).


Its my belief the upward drift is from initial radio warm-up and once 
it reaches operating temp** is reached its fairly stable varying only 
a few Hz.  My Beta Tests indicate my EXREF holds my K3/10 within 2-Hz 
at 28-MHz (which is my IF for transverter operation). I have a mw 
frequency counter (with internal TCXO) for checking and also a 
Rubidium oscillator which I use as my Frequency standard.  Counter 
TCXO is never off 1-Hz from the Rb source.  The OCXO requires 
adjustment about 2 times per year for long-term drift.  **NOTE: I 
have a K3/10 so the 10w amp doesn't produce a lot of heat.  When I 
operate in transverter mode the K3 operates at 1mw with no extra heat 
in Tx.  If you have a K3/100 that could be different when on HF/6m.


I did find one of my four port distribution amp has no output (BNC 
appears loose so probably has broke off the wire inside).  I have a 
432 and 1296 transverter that both use a synth-PLL LO locked to 
10-MHz.  My source is a $45 e-bay Russian surplus OCXO.


My Point: Beware that sma must be properly tight to have good contact.

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
dubus...@gmail.com

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF - What am I doing wrong

[Mike VE3YF]

Tighe:
Glad you got it working. Mine also works like a charm. I did the calibration on 
both my K3's and then since I had the GPS Antenna on a stick shoved into the 
snowbank, I made it a temp setup. Question, are you leaving the Calibration on 
all the time or just use it once in a while. I am thinking of leaving the 
calibration on and just remount the GPS Antenna to a more suitable location.


73 De Mike
VE3YF

http://www.ve3yf.com
[http://www.ve3yf.com/]
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF - What am I doing wrong

[Tighe Kuykendall]

Thanks to everyone that responded.  I looked at that errata several 
times and for some reason had blinders on to the big obvious section in 
the middle of the page which deals with enabling the module.  That's 
what I get for working on it in the middle of the night.


All good now.

73, Tighe NK4I


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF - What am I doing wrong

[David Pratt]

Yes, you could be missing something, Tighe.
There is an addendum to Page 4 which reads:

After installing the K3EXREF module, you must enable it in the K3 menu
before it can be used if your K3 is equipped with MCU firmware 4.57 or
later.

Enable the K3EXREF module as follows:

* Turn the K3 on. Confirm that TECH mode is on (CONFIG:TECH MD On).
* Turn the VFO B knob to locate the CONFIG:REF CAL menu entry.
* Tap the REV / 2 switch and note that the VFO B display flashes between
XREF IN (K3EXREF module active) and XREF OUT (K3EXREF module disabled).
Tap the REV /2 switch so that XREF IN is displayed.

Ii is important to disable the module in the menu if you remove the
K3EXREF module in the future.

http://www.elecraft.com/manual/E740156E%20K3EXREF%20Errata%20A2-5.pdf

I hope that helps.

73 de David G4DMP

In a recent message, Tighe Kuykendall  writes
>I picked up the Leo Bodnar frequency reference and a K3EXREF board
>after reading a couple of threads here.  I Installed the board
>according to instructions, took static precautions, am using a known
>good cable from the K3 to said reference.  I can clearly hear the 10MHz
>tone on my K3 when I tune a VFO to 10MHz and the signal goes away if I
>disconnect the coax from the freq reference.  I've checked all of the
>tmp connectors and reseated the K3EXREF board on the K3REF board and
>all pins are properly engaged.  But still no * on the display and the
>REF CAL setting remains unlocked.
>
>Am I missing something, is there something to do to enable the K3EXREF
>other than plug in the freq reference and wait for some magic to
>happen?
>
-- 
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +
 | David M Pratt, Kippax, Leeds.   |
 | Website: http://www.g4dmp.co.uk |
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF - What am I doing wrong

[David Anderson]

Have you gone to Config: Ref Cal and tapped 2 to enable XREF IN ?

See page 63 of the manual.

73 from David GM4JJJ

> On 28 Feb 2016, at 05:31, Tighe Kuykendall  wrote:
> 
> I picked up the Leo Bodnar frequency reference and a K3EXREF board after 
> reading a couple of threads here.  I Installed the board according to 
> instructions, took static precautions, am using a known good cable from the 
> K3 to said reference.  I can clearly hear the 10MHz tone on my K3 when I tune 
> a VFO to 10MHz and the signal goes away if I disconnect the coax from the 
> freq reference.  I've checked all of the tmp connectors and reseated the 
> K3EXREF board on the K3REF board and all pins are properly engaged.  But 
> still no * on the display and the REF CAL setting remains unlocked.
> 
> Am I missing something, is there something to do to enable the K3EXREF other 
> than plug in the freq reference and wait for some magic to happen?
> 
> 73, Tighe NK4I
> 
> 
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to gm4...@yahoo.co.uk
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] K3EXREF - What am I doing wrong

[Tighe Kuykendall]

I picked up the Leo Bodnar frequency reference and a K3EXREF board after 
reading a couple of threads here.  I Installed the board according to 
instructions, took static precautions, am using a known good cable from 
the K3 to said reference.  I can clearly hear the 10MHz tone on my K3 
when I tune a VFO to 10MHz and the signal goes away if I disconnect the 
coax from the freq reference.  I've checked all of the tmp connectors 
and reseated the K3EXREF board on the K3REF board and all pins are 
properly engaged.  But still no * on the display and the REF CAL setting 
remains unlocked.


Am I missing something, is there something to do to enable the K3EXREF 
other than plug in the freq reference and wait for some magic to happen?


73, Tighe NK4I


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Ext. Frequency Reference Input

[Mike VE3YF]

Hi Wes:

Actually for what it is worth, the board inside are Trimble Boards with a 
Trimble oven. I have also corresponded with Leo on his 2 GPSDO units. I like 
the fact that he says I will have no problem using the unit with both of my 
K3's. Tnx Wes


73 De Mike
VE3YF

http://www.ve3yf.com
[http://www.ve3yf.com/]
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Ext. Frequency Reference Input

[Mike VE3YF]

Hi Chuck:

I tired sending you an email direct, but it bounced for some reason.  Yes I am 
now aware of the product from Force-12, actually it comes from Leo Bodnar in 
the U.K. Very nice unit and probably the way to go. Tnx.


73 De Mike
VE3YF

http://www.ve3yf.com
[http://www.ve3yf.com/]
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Ext. Frequency Reference Input

[David Cole]

Speaking of using a GPSDO, I have a quick question...

I use a program called SBSpectrum, it shows frequency changes less than
one Hz.  

I note that the K3, does frequency correction in small sawtooth steps of
about 1/4 to 1 Hz, across a few seconds of time, repeatedly...  It is as
if some threshold is passed and the K3 then instantly jumps to a
corrected frequency, and then the process repeats...

I would like to avoid this, does using a GPSDO avoid this method keeping
the frequency stable?

-- 
Thanks and 73's,
For equipment, and software setups and reviews see:
www.nk7z.net

For MixW support see;
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info
For Dopplergram information see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info
For MM-SSTV see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info


On Tue, 2015-12-22 at 00:08 +, Mike VE3YF wrote:
> GPSDO

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Ext. Frequency Reference Input

[Chuck Catledge]

If you prefer a US source of a GPSDO, you might look at this one.  I have a 
friend who uses this one and prefers it over the Trimble based units.
http://www.force12inc.com/products/gps-locked-precision-frequency-reference-low-jitter-gps-clock-450-hz-to-800-mhz-output.html
---
Chuck, AE4CW
-Original Message-
From: Mike VE3YF [mailto:m...@ve3yf.com] 
Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2015 01:43
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Ext. Frequency Reference Input

Hi:

Has anyone used or had experience using the K3EXREF with this item as the 10Mhz 
source:

Trimble GPS Receiver GPSDO 10MHz 1PPS GPS Disciplined Clock with RS232 Port

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Trimble-GPS-Receiver-GPSDO-10MHz-1PPS-GPS-Disciplined-Clock-with-rs232-port-/252162780444?hash=item3ab612ad1c:g:udkAAOSwhcJWQCPM

It looks like it would be a nice 10Mhz source for the K3WXREF and the K3, but 
unfamiliar with this product. Welcome all comments good or bad.


73 De Mike
VE3YF

http://www.ve3yf.com
[http://www.ve3yf.com/]

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Ext. Frequency Reference Input

[Bill Hammond via Elecraft]

No experience with that model but much information is available on line.  I 
bought the BG7TBL version and a distribution amplifier.  The Lady Heather 
software said it was accurate over several days to the 12th power...way beyond 
what I need.  I use the output for my HP frequency  counter and the K3.  Way 
beyond what we need but fun to play with.  If it doesn’t come with a antenna 
understand that the antenna has a powered LNA and will need power over the feed 
line, provided in the model I purchased.  These eBay versions vary due to the 
fact that they use salvaged parts so depending when it is manufactured it will 
have a different OCXO for GPS RX installed.  Since accuracy is way beyond what 
I need (I don’t run a calibration lab).  Fun stuff...Homework assignments is 
the GPS frequency traceable to the NBS.  :)

Pictures here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ak5x/

73,
Bill-AK5X




> On Dec 20, 2015, at 12:42 AM, Mike VE3YF  wrote:
> 
> Hi:
> 
> Has anyone used or had experience using the K3EXREF with this item as the 
> 10Mhz source:
> 
> Trimble GPS Receiver GPSDO 10MHz 1PPS GPS Disciplined Clock with RS232 Port
> 
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Trimble-GPS-Receiver-GPSDO-10MHz-1PPS-GPS-Disciplined-Clock-with-rs232-port-/252162780444?hash=item3ab612ad1c:g:udkAAOSwhcJWQCPM
> 
> It looks like it would be a nice 10Mhz source for the K3WXREF and the K3, but 
> unfamiliar with this product. Welcome all comments good or bad.
> 
> 
> 73 De Mike
> VE3YF
> 
> http://www.ve3yf.com
> [http://www.ve3yf.com/]
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to wham...@aol.com

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Ext. Frequency Reference Input

[Wes (N7WS)]

No experience with any of them here (yet).  Looks like a Chinese knockoff with 
the Trimble name on it.  Might be perfectly okay but I wouldn't buy it for that 
reason.


I've looked into buying, put haven't pulled the trigger yet*, one of these: 
http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info=107_id=234


Also available from in the USA from 
http://www.force12inc.com/products/gps-locked-precision-frequency-reference-low-jitter-gps-clock-450-hz-to-800-mhz-output.html


I've corresponded with Leo and been told that I could drive both my K3 (or 
anything else) at 10MHz while also driving my SDR-IQs at 66.66MHz.


Wes  N7WS

*Since I now have a K3S with the high stability TCXO, I'm hesitant.



On 12/19/2015 11:42 PM, Mike VE3YF wrote:

Hi:

Has anyone used or had experience using the K3EXREF with this item as the 10Mhz 
source:

Trimble GPS Receiver GPSDO 10MHz 1PPS GPS Disciplined Clock with RS232 Port

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Trimble-GPS-Receiver-GPSDO-10MHz-1PPS-GPS-Disciplined-Clock-with-rs232-port-/252162780444?hash=item3ab612ad1c:g:udkAAOSwhcJWQCPM

It looks like it would be a nice 10Mhz source for the K3WXREF and the K3, but 
unfamiliar with this product. Welcome all comments good or bad.


73 De Mike
VE3YF



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] K3EXREF Ext. Frequency Reference Input

[Mike VE3YF]

Hi:

Has anyone used or had experience using the K3EXREF with this item as the 10Mhz 
source:

Trimble GPS Receiver GPSDO 10MHz 1PPS GPS Disciplined Clock with RS232 Port

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Trimble-GPS-Receiver-GPSDO-10MHz-1PPS-GPS-Disciplined-Clock-with-rs232-port-/252162780444?hash=item3ab612ad1c:g:udkAAOSwhcJWQCPM

It looks like it would be a nice 10Mhz source for the K3WXREF and the K3, but 
unfamiliar with this product. Welcome all comments good or bad.


73 De Mike
VE3YF

http://www.ve3yf.com
[http://www.ve3yf.com/]
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] K3EXREF Ext. Frequency Reference Input

[PETER HUTCHISON]

 Hi,
Anyone got one of external reference boards (K3EXREF) that is no longer 
required?
If so, let me know how much and approximate shipping cost to UK.
Thanks, Peter G4URT
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] K3EXREF upgrade

[George Dubovsky]

With all of this talk of synthesizer upgrades, if you are considering
adding a K3EXREF while your K3 is open, this is a shameless plug for a very
nice Trimble Thunderbolt 10 MHz precision source plug-and-play appliance
that I have posted on QTH. Thank you.

73,

geo - n4ua
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] K3EXREF problem

[wa9fvp]

I just installed the K3EXREF option and followed the step-by-step
instructions.   I'm feeding it with a +10dbm level from my HP Z3801
disciplined, 10MHz reference.  The K3 doesn't appear to be locked.  The
Installation and Operation manual says that LOCKED will appear if you try
to adjust the VFO A knob but that doesn't happen.  Checking the frequency
with WWV by using another radio in AM mode and comparing it to the K3, I can
hear a beat note.

Jack WA9FVP
Willco Electronics



-
Jack WA9FVP

Sent from my TRS-80 :-)
--
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3EXREF-problem-tp7596184.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query

[Chuck Smallhouse]

Don't you guys have anything better to do than nit pick over a 
negligible warm up drift.  I don't think that you will be planning to 
do any ARRL Frequency Measurement Tests, within the first 10 minutes 
of your K3 turn on !


I have bought several 10 MHz DOUBLE Oven Controlled Crystal 
Oscillators, from off shore surplus dealers.  They are reselling 
surplus American or Russian built, high quality devices.   Warm up 
drift time to within  10 cycles (Hz), has been less than 10minutes, 
usually about 5.  Some are spec'd of stabilities of 10 to -11th.


With these quality OCXOs, I have not found it necessary to use a Ruby 
or GPSD oscillators to provide at least digital communication 
required stabilities, even when used to stabilize 10 GHz xvrtr 
L.O.s.  The power savings, by using this type of device, is 
especially valuable in field operations.  I even have mounted one on 
the inside of the blank back panel of my K3/10.


For supplying other devices with your now stable 10 MHz, DEMI has 
nice four way 10 MHz signal splitters that even have LP filtering on 
each output.


W7CS

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query

[Brian]

Hi Alan,

Your analysis applies to the particular unit you analyzed.

In the limit of perfect insulation, the conclusion will not be true. 
The water cannot get cold when the heaters are turned off.  Thus zero 
energy required to restore the temperature.


Clearly, the insulation of the well insulated water heater examined 
was not perfect.


The relevant question becomes: How close to perfect insulation is the 
OCXO under discussion.  It probably isn't even close.  The case 
temperature gets hot rather quickly.  So your conclusion may apply.


73 de Brian/K3KO

P.S. This topic brings to mind an analysis of piping insulation on a 
cylindrical pipe done way back in college. Up to a point, adding more 
insulation helps.  Beyond that point, adding insulation hurts.  The 
surface area increase overwhelms the added insulation benefit.


On 10/15/2014 00:29, G4GNX wrote:

Some years back, I was asked to do a study on the current consumption of
a particular style of beverage vending machine. The device had a water
tank which was well insulated and the water was heated by a 3KW heater,
to just below boiling point. The client wanted to know whether there
would be a saving in consumed energy, if the heater was switched off
overnight. Careful study re4vealed that it actually cost more to heat
the water from cold than leave the heater connected permanently,
controlled by its thermostat.

There have been numerous papers published to this effect regarding well
insulated domestic heating systems and although there is sometimes a
benefit in reducing the overall temperature when the building is
unoccupied, heating from cold as opposed to leaving the heating running
under thermostatic control, costs more, even over a short period.

The oven used by a stable crystal oscillator is a thermostatically
controlled heating device. Nuff sed! :-)

73,

Alan. G4GNX

-Original Message- From: Edward R Cole
Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2014 10:47 PM
To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query

David,

10w is 7.3 kwH/month.  I would doubt that is a large expense, even in
GB.  Locally, its about 8 cents/kwH but in the bush it might be as
high as a couple dollars since diesel fuel for the generators costs
are huge (local diesel is $4.10).  I know it would require conversion
to liters and all that to come up with equivalent costs, but most
households run hundreds of kwh/mo.  Leave your TV plugged in but
turned off and it still consumes about 50w.  I have plug strip to
remove ac from all my home TV systems when not in use.  I leave power
to the satellite receiver as it keeps the LNB powered and stable
(Otherwise it takes 5-10 minutes to acquire signal and download data
at startup).

Simple solution is to leave the reference oscillator running
continually.  The K3 TCXO-3 will still drift on power up but this is
compensated by EXREF every 4-seconds so frequency stability is held
to better than 0.1 ppm.  I measured +/- 2 Hz at 28-MHz on my K3.  But
if you watch the REF*CAL frequency you will note it incrementing from
49.380.000 to something like 49.380.080 in several minutes and then
settle down near that value (indicating start-up drift has stopped).

By not running your reference full time you will have to wait 15 to
30 minutes for it to fully warm up.  I also have a rubidium but run
it only for precise frequency calibration of the OCXO couple times
per year.  My mw counter internal TCXO is always in agreement with
the Rb so I do not bother for routine frequency checks.  The rb is
only +/- 5 E-11 so not as good as GPS but good enough for my use.

73, Ed - KL7UW
-
From: David G4DMP da...@g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk
To: Mike Harris mike.har...@horizon.co.fk
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query
Message-ID: ulj9aoep0tpuf...@g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk
Content-Type: text/plain;charset=us-ascii

About 10W for the MV89A double oven CXO, when run from a linear 12V
power supply. NOT trivial at today's prices for electricity in Great
Britain.

73 de David G4DMP

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to als...@nc.rr.com


-
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2012.0.2247 / Virus Database: 4031/7885 - Release Date: 10/14/14




__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query

[Harry Yingst via Elecraft]

Typically (from my understanding) you leave the TCXO and GPSDO running all the 
timeI believe the the Rubidium standards have a lamp that wears out in time so 
some turnthem off to conserve the life of the lamp.
I leave the Oven in my Counter on all the time to keep it stable.
I just purchased a GPSDO and plan to leave it on all the time.


As for the expenseto me the expense is minimal.





  From: Mike Harris mike.har...@horizon.co.fk
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
 Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2014 10:35 AM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query
   
Why not just leave the frequency reference switched on.  OK with a TCXO, 
not so good with a Rubidium standard.  Power consumption must be trivial 
compared with the normal domestic base load.

Regards,

Mike VP8NO

On 14/10/2014 10:41, David G4DMP wrote:
 I have not seen any replies to this, Brian.

 As I see it, the only way out is to go into REF CAL from the Config menu
 and then press 2 to disable XREF until the frequency standard has
 locked.

 Like you, I have found that if XREF is enabled when the K3 is switched
 on, the K3 drifts unacceptably for 15 minutes until the frequency
 standard has settled down.

 73 de David G4DMP

 In a recent message, Brian als...@nc.rr.com writes
 I was wondering if there is any kind of sensibility check done on the
 input reference?

 For example, I've been fooling around with a double oven controlled XO.

 Starting from cold it is  200Hz off.  It takes ten minutes or so to be
 within 10 Hz. It gets into the tenths of Hz accuracy region in another
 10 minutes.

 Clearly one would not want the K3EXREF to lock to this oscillator
 during the first 10 minutes or so.

 73 de Brian/K3KO

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to hlyin...@yahoo.com


  
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query

[Edward R Cole]

Lynn,

That was a guess and probably way too high.  I have 3-year old 
46-inch LED flat-screen.  But also a home theater receiver rated to 
125w audio and two DVD drives, a VCR and satellite receiver.  So all 
the remote control power supplies do add up - to what? I do not know 
- haven't measured the total load.


But since the TV is on from 5pm-10pm and off the rest of the day it 
seems there would be some savings by disconnecting the ac power.  We 
have a six outlet strip which makes that simple.  It does reduce fire hazard.


On the other hand I keep my Astron station 12v supply on full time 
which supplies the OCXO, so I do not have any delay waiting for it to 
stabilize.  I have my ham gear on more frequently than the TV.


We make a pot of coffee (fresh ground) in the morning and turn-off 
the maker after it finishes.  Coffee pot draws quite big load keeping 
water and coffee pot hot.  And that only ruins the coffee.  We just 
reheat a cup in the microwave when we want hot coffee.  Do we save 
any power this way??  But the coffee tastes better :-)


73, Ed

---
From: Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT k...@coldrockshotbrooms.com
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query
Message-ID: 543d9e2c.9000...@coldrockshotbrooms.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

On 10/14/2014 2:47 PM, Edward R Cole wrote:
 Leave your TV plugged in but turned off and it still consumes about 50w.
You need to buy a new TV.  The new ones are under a half-watt when
plugged in but turned off.


73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
Kits made by KL7UW
Dubus Mag business:
dubus...@gmail.com

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query

[Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT]

Ed,

I spent a lot of time over the past few years looking at this exact 
problem.  It becomes interesting if your power company charges tiered 
rates and baseline is under a dime, while 300% and over is nearly $0.50.


The government's EnergyStar program did not initially look at standby 
power, but about a decade ago they got pretty heavily involved.  My 
half-watt standby number came from the EnergyStar web site, and is 
typical of a good-sized LED television.  Same is true of DVD players, 
video games, etc. -- they use almost no power when the only thing 
they're doing is waiting for someone to pick up a remote control.  Under 
1/2 watt is pretty typical on anything new.


At a half-watt, the electronic device is cold -- not much of a fire hazard.

The sum of all of the standby loads can be significant if you have lots 
of older stuff, or it can be pretty low.  Twenty half-watt devices 24 
hours/day is 7 kilowatt hours a month.


By the way, if you're worried about fire hazards, replace all your 
incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs -- especially the ones in 
closets and storage spaces.


If you want to know where your power dollars go, eBay and most home 
improvement stores (Orange or Blue) have a gadget called a Kill-A-Watt.  
You can actually measure.


73 -- Lynn

P.S. when energy rates soared several years ago, I measured our (old) 
refrigerator with a Kill-A-Watt and found that the energy savings alone 
would pay for a new one in about a year.


On 10/15/2014 9:29 AM, Edward R Cole wrote:

Lynn,

That was a guess and probably way too high.  I have 3-year old 46-inch 
LED flat-screen.  But also a home theater receiver rated to 125w audio 
and two DVD drives, a VCR and satellite receiver. So all the remote 
control power supplies do add up - to what? I do not know - haven't 
measured the total load.


But since the TV is on from 5pm-10pm and off the rest of the day it 
seems there would be some savings by disconnecting the ac power.  We 
have a six outlet strip which makes that simple.  It does reduce fire 
hazard.


On the other hand I keep my Astron station 12v supply on full time 
which supplies the OCXO, so I do not have any delay waiting for it to 
stabilize.  I have my ham gear on more frequently than the TV.


We make a pot of coffee (fresh ground) in the morning and turn-off the 
maker after it finishes.  Coffee pot draws quite big load keeping 
water and coffee pot hot.  And that only ruins the coffee.  We just 
reheat a cup in the microwave when we want hot coffee.  Do we save any 
power this way??  But the coffee tastes better :-)


73, Ed


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query

[Fred Townsend]

Folks let me set a few things straight. I have designed a few high stability 
time bases and I have done the lab work so I am confident of my facts.

First, you never want to use AC or bimetal thermostats for precision oven 
heaters because they are inherently noisy and ultimately unstable. Bimetal is a 
bang-bang controller and starts having short time stability troubles at one 
part in 10 minus 7. This type of controller may have a long term stability of 
10 to the minus 9 (which will be advertised) but you must have short stability. 
After all the timebase is for a radio, not a clock so any comparison to clocks 
(or coffee makers) is bogus. 

Second, there is no such thing as a perfect insulator. Even a vacuum  thermal 
bottle type oven will use energy. When the oven is warming from turn-on lots of 
energy is needed; not so much for maintaining a constant temperature. This is a 
classic trade-off. Do you have a big heater for fast turn-on or a small heater 
for precision? 

Third, on a level playing field an 'always on oven' will always consume more 
energy than a 'on demand' system. The claim 'always on' is more efficient is 
bogus. Unlike a race car, there is no startup penalty caused by inefficient  
acceleration. However, this may not be true of the oven power supply.

Fourth, a dedicated power supply for the heater is usually the bigger waster of 
energy. The dedicated power supply is another trade-off. Use a linear and waste 
a lot of energy. Use a switcher and generate noise. 

Fifth, California has a law that says standby devices (like that wall wort 
plugged into the wall but not otherwise connected) my not waste more than 3 
watts of energy. This applies to TVs that are plugged in but turned on. I don't 
think there is any enforcement for this law so I'm sure some violate it. 
Nevertheless manufactures don't want to be branded as energy hogs so most big 
manufactures comply. Also they do not want to have California only designs so 
the law is applied to all designs. All states and all counties benefit. Look at 
cell phone chargers where the light switchers are used instead of the heavy 
wall wort linear supplies. You thought it was to save weight?

73
Fred, AE6QL






-Original Message-
From: Edward R Cole kl...@acsalaska.net
Sent: Oct 15, 2014 9:29 AM
To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query

Lynn,

That was a guess and probably way too high.  I have 3-year old 
46-inch LED flat-screen.  But also a home theater receiver rated to 
125w audio and two DVD drives, a VCR and satellite receiver.  So all 
the remote control power supplies do add up - to what? I do not know 
- haven't measured the total load.

But since the TV is on from 5pm-10pm and off the rest of the day it 
seems there would be some savings by disconnecting the ac power.  We 
have a six outlet strip which makes that simple.  It does reduce fire hazard.

On the other hand I keep my Astron station 12v supply on full time 
which supplies the OCXO, so I do not have any delay waiting for it to 
stabilize.  I have my ham gear on more frequently than the TV.

We make a pot of coffee (fresh ground) in the morning and turn-off 
the maker after it finishes.  Coffee pot draws quite big load keeping 
water and coffee pot hot.  And that only ruins the coffee.  We just 
reheat a cup in the microwave when we want hot coffee.  Do we save 
any power this way??  But the coffee tastes better :-)

73, Ed

---
From: Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT k...@coldrockshotbrooms.com
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query
Message-ID: 543d9e2c.9000...@coldrockshotbrooms.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

On 10/14/2014 2:47 PM, Edward R Cole wrote:
  Leave your TV plugged in but turned off and it still consumes about 50w.
You need to buy a new TV.  The new ones are under a half-watt when
plugged in but turned off.


73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
 Kits made by KL7UW
Dubus Mag business:
 dubus...@gmail.com

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to fptowns...@earthlink.net

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query

[Geoffrey Downs]

Ed, you restate the problem and a simple solution but quite apart from the 
cost (which is trivial or not depending on your circumstances) we should 
all, in my view, be trying not to use energy unnecessarily in the interests 
of our grandchildren. There is also a potential fire risk with a unit that 
is running permanently.


A preferable solution would be some means for the K3 to ignore the external 
reference until it has stabilised after switch-on. This issue has so far 
deterred me from buying a K3EXREF but it's not a big issue because the K3 is 
so stable and accurate and Ref Cal needs to be checked only occasionally. In 
fact I presume that once the external standard has set the K3  through the 
EXREF the K3 stays put when the reference is switched off so you could leave 
your reference off most of the time and only put it on when you are not 
planning to use the K3 for half an hour or so and want to check the 
calibration.


73

Geoff
G3UCK

-Original Message- 
From: Edward R Cole

Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2014 10:47 PM
To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query

David,

10w is 7.3 kwH/month.  I would doubt that is a large expense, even in
GB.  Locally, its about 8 cents/kwH but in the bush it might be as
high as a couple dollars since diesel fuel for the generators costs
are huge (local diesel is $4.10).  I know it would require conversion
to liters and all that to come up with equivalent costs, but most
households run hundreds of kwh/mo.  Leave your TV plugged in but
turned off and it still consumes about 50w.  I have plug strip to
remove ac from all my home TV systems when not in use.  I leave power
to the satellite receiver as it keeps the LNB powered and stable
(Otherwise it takes 5-10 minutes to acquire signal and download data
at startup).

Simple solution is to leave the reference oscillator running
continually.  The K3 TCXO-3 will still drift on power up but this is
compensated by EXREF every 4-seconds so frequency stability is held
to better than 0.1 ppm.  I measured +/- 2 Hz at 28-MHz on my K3.  But
if you watch the REF*CAL frequency you will note it incrementing from
49.380.000 to something like 49.380.080 in several minutes and then
settle down near that value (indicating start-up drift has stopped).

By not running your reference full time you will have to wait 15 to
30 minutes for it to fully warm up.  I also have a rubidium but run
it only for precise frequency calibration of the OCXO couple times
per year.  My mw counter internal TCXO is always in agreement with
the Rb so I do not bother for routine frequency checks.  The rb is
only +/- 5 E-11 so not as good as GPS but good enough for my use.

73, Ed - KL7UW
-

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query

[Bob]

Maybe my concept is wrong but I do not see the need to leave a GPSDO on.  Once 
the GPSDO locks to the satellite it is all that is required. I have decent sky 
view and it locks up using multiple satellites quite quickly.  So before the K3 
has warmed up the GPSDO has locked and I'm locked to it.
The K3 and XCO drift in the GPSDO  are really out of the picture. Using a 
Trimble Thunderbolt here.


To me it was overkill in the 1st place. A want to rather than a need to.   
Now that  I have the 10MC reference available I'd like to lock the 2  430 XV's 
to it.   Wayne and Eric you listening? Might be another product to consider, an 
add on kit.


73,
Bob
K2TK  ex KN2TKR (1956)  K2TKR


On 10/15/2014 12:15 PM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft wrote:

Typically (from my understanding) you leave the TCXO and GPSDO running all the 
timeI believe the the Rubidium standards have a lamp that wears out in time so 
some turnthem off to conserve the life of the lamp.
I leave the Oven in my Counter on all the time to keep it stable.
I just purchased a GPSDO and plan to leave it on all the time.


As for the expenseto me the expense is minimal.







__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query

[David G4DMP]

I have not seen any replies to this, Brian.

As I see it, the only way out is to go into REF CAL from the Config menu
and then press 2 to disable XREF until the frequency standard has
locked.

Like you, I have found that if XREF is enabled when the K3 is switched
on, the K3 drifts unacceptably for 15 minutes until the frequency
standard has settled down.

73 de David G4DMP

In a recent message, Brian als...@nc.rr.com writes
I was wondering if there is any kind of sensibility check done on the
input reference?

For example, I've been fooling around with a double oven controlled XO.

Starting from cold it is  200Hz off.  It takes ten minutes or so to be
within 10 Hz. It gets into the tenths of Hz accuracy region in another
10 minutes.

Clearly one would not want the K3EXREF to lock to this oscillator
during the first 10 minutes or so.

73 de Brian/K3KO

-- 
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +
 | David M Pratt, Kippax, Leeds.   |
 | Website: http://www.g4dmp.co.uk |
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query

[Mike Harris]

Why not just leave the frequency reference switched on.  OK with a TCXO, 
not so good with a Rubidium standard.  Power consumption must be trivial 
compared with the normal domestic base load.


Regards,

Mike VP8NO

On 14/10/2014 10:41, David G4DMP wrote:

I have not seen any replies to this, Brian.

As I see it, the only way out is to go into REF CAL from the Config menu
and then press 2 to disable XREF until the frequency standard has
locked.

Like you, I have found that if XREF is enabled when the K3 is switched
on, the K3 drifts unacceptably for 15 minutes until the frequency
standard has settled down.

73 de David G4DMP

In a recent message, Brian als...@nc.rr.com writes

I was wondering if there is any kind of sensibility check done on the
input reference?

For example, I've been fooling around with a double oven controlled XO.

Starting from cold it is  200Hz off.  It takes ten minutes or so to be
within 10 Hz. It gets into the tenths of Hz accuracy region in another
10 minutes.

Clearly one would not want the K3EXREF to lock to this oscillator
during the first 10 minutes or so.

73 de Brian/K3KO



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query

[David G4DMP]

About 10W for the MV89A double oven CXO, when run from a linear 12V
power supply. NOT trivial at today's prices for electricity in Great
Britain.

73 de David G4DMP

In a recent message, Mike Harris mike.har...@horizon.co.fk writes
Why not just leave the frequency reference switched on.  OK with a
TCXO, not so good with a Rubidium standard.  Power consumption must be
trivial compared with the normal domestic base load.

-- 
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +
 | David M Pratt, Kippax, Leeds.   |
 | Website: http://www.g4dmp.co.uk |
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query

[Edward R Cole]

David,

10w is 7.3 kwH/month.  I would doubt that is a large expense, even in 
GB.  Locally, its about 8 cents/kwH but in the bush it might be as 
high as a couple dollars since diesel fuel for the generators costs 
are huge (local diesel is $4.10).  I know it would require conversion 
to liters and all that to come up with equivalent costs, but most 
households run hundreds of kwh/mo.  Leave your TV plugged in but 
turned off and it still consumes about 50w.  I have plug strip to 
remove ac from all my home TV systems when not in use.  I leave power 
to the satellite receiver as it keeps the LNB powered and stable 
(Otherwise it takes 5-10 minutes to acquire signal and download data 
at startup).


Simple solution is to leave the reference oscillator running 
continually.  The K3 TCXO-3 will still drift on power up but this is 
compensated by EXREF every 4-seconds so frequency stability is held 
to better than 0.1 ppm.  I measured +/- 2 Hz at 28-MHz on my K3.  But 
if you watch the REF*CAL frequency you will note it incrementing from 
49.380.000 to something like 49.380.080 in several minutes and then 
settle down near that value (indicating start-up drift has stopped).


By not running your reference full time you will have to wait 15 to 
30 minutes for it to fully warm up.  I also have a rubidium but run 
it only for precise frequency calibration of the OCXO couple times 
per year.  My mw counter internal TCXO is always in agreement with 
the Rb so I do not bother for routine frequency checks.  The rb is 
only +/- 5 E-11 so not as good as GPS but good enough for my use.


73, Ed - KL7UW
-
From: David G4DMP da...@g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk
To: Mike Harris mike.har...@horizon.co.fk
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query
Message-ID: ulj9aoep0tpuf...@g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk
Content-Type: text/plain;charset=us-ascii

About 10W for the MV89A double oven CXO, when run from a linear 12V
power supply. NOT trivial at today's prices for electricity in Great
Britain.

73 de David G4DMP



73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
Kits made by KL7UW
Dubus Mag business:
dubus...@gmail.com

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query

[Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT]

On 10/14/2014 2:47 PM, Edward R Cole wrote:

Leave your TV plugged in but turned off and it still consumes about 50w.
You need to buy a new TV.  The new ones are under a half-watt when 
plugged in but turned off.

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query

[G4GNX]

Some years back, I was asked to do a study on the current consumption of a 
particular style of beverage vending machine. The device had a water tank 
which was well insulated and the water was heated by a 3KW heater, to just 
below boiling point. The client wanted to know whether there would be a 
saving in consumed energy, if the heater was switched off overnight. Careful 
study re4vealed that it actually cost more to heat the water from cold than 
leave the heater connected permanently, controlled by its thermostat.


There have been numerous papers published to this effect regarding well 
insulated domestic heating systems and although there is sometimes a benefit 
in reducing the overall temperature when the building is unoccupied, heating 
from cold as opposed to leaving the heating running under thermostatic 
control, costs more, even over a short period.


The oven used by a stable crystal oscillator is a thermostatically 
controlled heating device. Nuff sed! :-)


73,

Alan. G4GNX

-Original Message- 
From: Edward R Cole

Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2014 10:47 PM
To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query

David,

10w is 7.3 kwH/month.  I would doubt that is a large expense, even in
GB.  Locally, its about 8 cents/kwH but in the bush it might be as
high as a couple dollars since diesel fuel for the generators costs
are huge (local diesel is $4.10).  I know it would require conversion
to liters and all that to come up with equivalent costs, but most
households run hundreds of kwh/mo.  Leave your TV plugged in but
turned off and it still consumes about 50w.  I have plug strip to
remove ac from all my home TV systems when not in use.  I leave power
to the satellite receiver as it keeps the LNB powered and stable
(Otherwise it takes 5-10 minutes to acquire signal and download data
at startup).

Simple solution is to leave the reference oscillator running
continually.  The K3 TCXO-3 will still drift on power up but this is
compensated by EXREF every 4-seconds so frequency stability is held
to better than 0.1 ppm.  I measured +/- 2 Hz at 28-MHz on my K3.  But
if you watch the REF*CAL frequency you will note it incrementing from
49.380.000 to something like 49.380.080 in several minutes and then
settle down near that value (indicating start-up drift has stopped).

By not running your reference full time you will have to wait 15 to
30 minutes for it to fully warm up.  I also have a rubidium but run
it only for precise frequency calibration of the OCXO couple times
per year.  My mw counter internal TCXO is always in agreement with
the Rb so I do not bother for routine frequency checks.  The rb is
only +/- 5 E-11 so not as good as GPS but good enough for my use.

73, Ed - KL7UW
-
From: David G4DMP da...@g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk
To: Mike Harris mike.har...@horizon.co.fk
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Query
Message-ID: ulj9aoep0tpuf...@g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk
Content-Type: text/plain;charset=us-ascii

About 10W for the MV89A double oven CXO, when run from a linear 12V
power supply. NOT trivial at today's prices for electricity in Great
Britain.

73 de David G4DMP

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] K3EXREF Query

[Brian]

I was wondering if there is any kind of sensibility check done on the 
input reference?


For example, I've been fooling around with a double oven controlled XO.

Starting from cold it is  200Hz off.  It takes ten minutes or so to be 
within 10 Hz. It gets into the tenths of Hz accuracy region in another 
10 minutes.


Clearly one would not want the K3EXREF to lock to this oscillator during 
the first 10 minutes or so.


73 de Brian/K3KO
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] K3EXREF and NavSync CW12-TIM GPS Module

[Jon Noxon]

This is an inquiry I sent to Elecraft, along with their response:

I’ve been considering adding the K3XREF to my K3. Can you tell me if the device 
listed in this link is a suitable 10MHz source? (Re: Navsync CW12-TIM GPS 
Timing Module. Price and technical details at the link:)

http://www.semiconductorstore.com/cart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=41718

Thanks,

Jon / KF5TFJ
=
Jon,

We have not tested that unit with the K3XREF.
Looking at the specs,  it's uses a square wave (most use a sign) and the output 
is a little higher output then 0dBM which most units use.
I would recommended asking on our Elecraft reflector if anyone has used and 
tested it with the K3.

Regards
Howard K6IA
=
So, has anyone used the CW12-TIM with K3EXREF?
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF and NavSync CW12-TIM GPS Module

[Matt Zilmer]

If Howard is correct on the output level, it's a little low for the
K3EXREF's input.  From the manual:

Connect the external 10 MHz signal source to the K3 rear panel REF.
connector. The 10 MHz source should have a signal level between +4 dBm
and +16 dBm, nominal. For square wave sources, 2VDC to 3.3VDC peak is
optimum. If the source is a 5V logic level, use a 50-ohm resistor in
series with the input. Caution: To avoid damage to the K3EXREF, do not
exceed these levels.

Many K3EXREF users have Trimble Thunderbolt units.  These work quite
well and have an output level of about 12.5 dBm, sine wave.
Thunderbolt units can be acquired surplus for $40 - $100 and are
readily available on eBay, etc.  I'd recommend you buy one of the
later models, because these have an integrated 12V-input power supply.

73,
matt W6NIA

On Wed, 8 Jan 2014 10:00:46 -0600, you wrote:

This is an inquiry I sent to Elecraft, along with their response:

I’ve been considering adding the K3XREF to my K3. Can you tell me if the 
device listed in this link is a suitable 10MHz source? (Re: Navsync CW12-TIM 
GPS Timing Module. Price and technical details at the link:)

http://www.semiconductorstore.com/cart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=41718

Thanks,

Jon / KF5TFJ
=
Jon,

We have not tested that unit with the K3XREF.
Looking at the specs,  it's uses a square wave (most use a sign) and the 
output is a little higher output then 0dBM which most units use.
I would recommended asking on our Elecraft reflector if anyone has used and 
tested it with the K3.

Regards
Howard K6IA
=
So, has anyone used the CW12-TIM with K3EXREF?
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF and NavSync CW12-TIM GPS Module

[Matt Zilmer]

Small correction below.

On Wed, 08 Jan 2014 08:21:37 -0800, you wrote:

If Howard is correct on the output level, it's a little low for the
K3EXREF's input.  From the manual:

Quote
Connect the external 10 MHz signal source to the K3 rear panel REF.
connector. The 10 MHz source should have a signal level between +4 dBm
and +16 dBm, nominal. For square wave sources, 2VDC to 3.3VDC peak is
optimum. If the source is a 5V logic level, use a 50-ohm resistor in
series with the input. Caution: To avoid damage to the K3EXREF, do not
exceed these levels.
Unquote


This paragraph is not in the K3EXREF manual; it's just my comment.
-mz
Many K3EXREF users have Trimble Thunderbolt units.  These work quite
well and have an output level of about 12.5 dBm, sine wave.
Thunderbolt units can be acquired surplus for $40 - $100 and are
readily available on eBay, etc.  I'd recommend you buy one of the
later models, because these have an integrated 12V-input power supply.

73,
matt W6NIA

On Wed, 8 Jan 2014 10:00:46 -0600, you wrote:

This is an inquiry I sent to Elecraft, along with their response:

I’ve been considering adding the K3XREF to my K3. Can you tell me if the 
device listed in this link is a suitable 10MHz source? (Re: Navsync CW12-TIM 
GPS Timing Module. Price and technical details at the link:)

http://www.semiconductorstore.com/cart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=41718

Thanks,

Jon / KF5TFJ
=
Jon,

We have not tested that unit with the K3XREF.
Looking at the specs,  it's uses a square wave (most use a sign) and the 
output is a little higher output then 0dBM which most units use.
I would recommended asking on our Elecraft reflector if anyone has used and 
tested it with the K3.

Regards
Howard K6IA
=
So, has anyone used the CW12-TIM with K3EXREF?
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF and NavSync CW12-TIM GPS Module

[Edward R Cole]

I was one of the beta testers on the K3EXREF.  I am using a surplus 
OCXO bought for about $45 on e-bay.  Its output was a distorted 
sinewave (appears to have strong second harmonic).  I removed the 
harmonic by running the 10-MHz thru a DEMI model 10-4 distribution 
amp that uses 10-MHz bandpass filters on each of the four outputs 
(which are 10 dBm).  The K3EXREF runs very nicely with this.

Refer to:  http://www.kl7uw.com/K3EXREF.htm

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
Kits made by KL7UW
Dubus Mag business:
dubus...@gmail.com

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF query

[Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy]

The most useful tool, which I have found for this type of application, is 
the simple screw Grabber.  Not only can this tool be used to hold a screw 
and washer(s) while starting the thread, but also while removing a screw and 
washers.  It can also be used to retrieve bits of wire, screws, washers and 
other small items which may have fallen into difficult to reach places.


The tool requires only one hand to hold it during use, and is operated by 
the thumb of that hand.  It is also very inexpensive, about $2, and is 
available from most of the major stockists.


73,
Geoff
LX2AO


On July 20, 2013 at 6:39 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:


You are right that one must be careful to not lose the split lock washer
between the KREF3 and the front panel, but testers didn't find the process
very difficult to do.

What a couple of people who suffered hand tremors reported doing to avoid
that lock washer falling off was to put a small drop of petroleum jelly or
soft candle wax on the screw after placing the lock washer on it. That 
kept

the washer from easily falling off while they repositioned the KREF3 board
and started the screw threads into the fitting on the front panel shield.


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF query

[Michael Goins]

I've used a little bit of coax seal too many times to count. Stick a bit in
the screwdriver tip and it will hold the screw very well.Used t recently
re-building a T-8 Tennadyne Log Periodic with lots of difficult to access
areas. Didn't drop a one (and they would have gone into the boom and been
totally inaccessible).

Mike, k5smg
Bella-Green Bed  Breakfast
www.bella-green.com


On Sun, Jul 21, 2013 at 10:52 AM, Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy lx...@pt.luwrote:

 The most useful tool, which I have found for this type of application, is
 the simple screw Grabber.  Not only can this tool be used to hold a screw
 and washer(s) while starting the thread, but also while removing a screw
 and washers.  It can also be used to retrieve bits of wire, screws, washers
 and other small items which may have fallen into difficult to reach
 places.

 The tool requires only one hand to hold it during use, and is operated by
 the thumb of that hand.  It is also very inexpensive, about $2, and is
 available from most of the major stockists.

 73,
 Geoff
 LX2AO



 On July 20, 2013 at 6:39 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

  You are right that one must be careful to not lose the split lock washer
 between the KREF3 and the front panel, but testers didn't find the process
 very difficult to do.

 What a couple of people who suffered hand tremors reported doing to avoid
 that lock washer falling off was to put a small drop of petroleum jelly or
 soft candle wax on the screw after placing the lock washer on it. That
 kept
 the washer from easily falling off while they repositioned the KREF3 board
 and started the screw threads into the fitting on the front panel shield.


 __**__**__
 Elecraft mailing list
 Home: 
 http://mailman.qth.net/**mailman/listinfo/elecrafthttp://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
 Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.**htmhttp://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
 Post: mailto:elecr...@mailman.qth.**net Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

 This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
 Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF query

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

In this case, the screw head is on one side of the pc board and the washer
is on the other side of the pc board! The trick is to move the board in to
position vertically and start in the threads without jiggling the washer off
of the screw. 

That's where a small dab of wax or petroleum jelly on the screw threads
after the washer has been placed on the screw will help hold the washer in
place. 

Another way of doing is to use a well-magnetized screwdriver. The magnetism
will hold both the screw on the screwdriver and the washer on the screw on
the opposite side of the board while starting the screw in the threads. 

Bill, NR4C, noted that he uses a small strip of paper, about 1/4 (0.6cm)
wide and about 2 (5 cm) long with a small hole punched through it near one
end. After placing the screw through the pc board with the washers in place,
the screw is then threaded through the small hole in the paper strip. The
paper will keep the lock washer on the side of the pc board opposite the
screw head from falling off as the board is moved into position. And then,
after the screw is started in the threads, the paper can be torn off of the
screw. If the hole is near one end, it tear away cleanly without leaving any
scraps behind. 

Bill said he worked that technique out installing the K3 synthesizer boards
that also have lock washers on the opposite side of the board from the screw
head. 

73, Ron AC7AC



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Geoffrey
Mackenzie-Kennedy
Sent: Sunday, July 21, 2013 8:53 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF query

The most useful tool, which I have found for this type of application, is
the simple screw Grabber.  Not only can this tool be used to hold a screw
and washer(s) while starting the thread, but also while removing a screw and
washers.  It can also be used to retrieve bits of wire, screws, washers and
other small items which may have fallen into difficult to reach places.

The tool requires only one hand to hold it during use, and is operated by
the thumb of that hand.  It is also very inexpensive, about $2, and is
available from most of the major stockists.

73,
Geoff
LX2AO

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF query

[Brian Alsop]

Thanks guys for the suggestions.

To appreciate the problem one needs to look at Fig's 7 and 9 in the 
K3EXREF manual.  There is no room for tools.  Nor do I think any kind of 
gop is a good idea.  (Though if this screw were necessary for grounding 
I don't think they would have used a split washer but rather inner tooth 
washers)


Upon further reading, the corrections of this module appear to be in 
~1Hz steps.  I was more interested in something that disciplines the 
oscillator in a finer more continuous way.


73 de Brian/K3KO



On 7/21/2013 16:01, Michael Goins wrote:

I've used a little bit of coax seal too many times to count. Stick a bit in
the screwdriver tip and it will hold the screw very well.Used t recently
re-building a T-8 Tennadyne Log Periodic with lots of difficult to access
areas. Didn't drop a one (and they would have gone into the boom and been
totally inaccessible).

Mike, k5smg
Bella-Green Bed  Breakfast
www.bella-green.com


On Sun, Jul 21, 2013 at 10:52 AM, Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy lx...@pt.luwrote:


The most useful tool, which I have found for this type of application, is
the simple screw Grabber.  Not only can this tool be used to hold a screw
and washer(s) while starting the thread, but also while removing a screw
and washers.  It can also be used to retrieve bits of wire, screws, washers
and other small items which may have fallen into difficult to reach
places.

The tool requires only one hand to hold it during use, and is operated by
the thumb of that hand.  It is also very inexpensive, about $2, and is
available from most of the major stockists.

73,
Geoff
LX2AO



On July 20, 2013 at 6:39 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

  You are right that one must be careful to not lose the split lock washer

between the KREF3 and the front panel, but testers didn't find the process
very difficult to do.

What a couple of people who suffered hand tremors reported doing to avoid
that lock washer falling off was to put a small drop of petroleum jelly or
soft candle wax on the screw after placing the lock washer on it. That
kept
the washer from easily falling off while they repositioned the KREF3 board
and started the screw threads into the fitting on the front panel shield.



__**__**__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: 
http://mailman.qth.net/**mailman/listinfo/elecrafthttp://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.**htmhttp://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:elecr...@mailman.qth.**net Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html


-
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2012.0.2242 / Virus Database: 3204/6008 - Release Date: 07/21/13






-
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2012.0.2242 / Virus Database: 3204/6008 - Release Date: 07/21/13

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF query

[Bayard Coolidge, N1HO]

 Upon further reading, the corrections of this module appear to be in  ~1Hz 
steps.
  I was more interested in something that disciplines the oscillator in a 
finer more continuous way.

I have a K3EXREF on order from Aptos, as well as a Trimble Thunderbolt coming 
via E-Bay.

The Trimble Thunderbolt produces two outputs, a 10.00 MHz sine wave and a 1 
pps pulse.
The 10MHz sine wave will be sent to the EXREF, which will then use that to 
phase-lock an
oscillator internal to the K3. I'll leave it to you to study the EXREF 
installation/user's manual as
well as the K3 schematics (which are downloadable from the Elecraft web site) 
to see precisely how
that's done. But from what I've read so far, if you want sub-Hertz accuracy for 
the FMTs, etc., you'll
need to zero-beat to WWV, count your nulls, and then calculate and apply a 
correction factor to your
measurements. Otherwise, you're going to be looking at some very long 
integration times to ensure
that your local oscillator is at 10.000 MHz (or whatever). There may be 
some newer devices out
there that output a higher frequency reference signal, and if so, I suspect 
that they would be very, very
expensive. My informal research indicates that the Thunderbolt listed at around 
$1200-$1500 new
10+ years ago, and obviously used ones on E-Bay are much less expensive, but if 
you were looking
for something better than that (a rubidium or cesium oscillator?), the cost 
will be considerably higher. 

K5CM has published a couple of interesting papers at his website, 
http://k5cm.com, and KE5FX's
Lady Heather's disciplined oscillator control program web page helps explain 
some of the short- and long-term
frequency tolerance issues at http://www.thegleam.com/ke5fx/heather/readme.htm 
which would
be well worth your while to study.

Another good source of information for you might be the Time Nuts: 
http://www.leapsecond.com/time-nuts.htm

Hope that helps!

73,

Brandy, N1HO





__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3EXREF query

[Brian Alsop]

Anybody install with with the subrx in place?

My recollection is that the installing the screw with the lockwasher on 
the panel side of the master oscillator PCB was a bit tricky.


Also the extra hole for the SMA connector is already in use here for 
something else.


I'm wondering if there is such a thing as a TMP male/female cable that I 
could hook up to from the K3EXREF board to the aux BNC antenna male TMP. 
 I don't use that.


I don't use xverter BNC's either.

Any other suggestions for locating the K3EXREF SMA end.

73 de Brian/K3KO


-
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2012.0.2242 / Virus Database: 3204/6006 - Release Date: 07/20/13

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF query

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Brian, the K3EXREF installation manual (available on the Elecraft web site)
shows the installation with the subreceiver in place. It's quite simple. The
only option that must be removed is the K144XV if your K3 is equipped with
it. 

You are right that one must be careful to not lose the split lock washer
between the KREF3 and the front panel, but testers didn't find the process
very difficult to do. 

What a couple of people who suffered hand tremors reported doing to avoid
that lock washer falling off was to put a small drop of petroleum jelly or
soft candle wax on the screw after placing the lock washer on it. That kept
the washer from easily falling off while they repositioned the KREF3 board
and started the screw threads into the fitting on the front panel shield. 

I can't answer your questions about a M-F TMP cable or using the other
available openings instead of the REF connector opening. 

73, Ron AC7AC


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Brian Alsop
Sent: Saturday, July 20, 2013 8:42 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3EXREF query

Anybody install with with the subrx in place?

My recollection is that the installing the screw with the lockwasher on the
panel side of the master oscillator PCB was a bit tricky.

Also the extra hole for the SMA connector is already in use here for
something else.

I'm wondering if there is such a thing as a TMP male/female cable that I
could hook up to from the K3EXREF board to the aux BNC antenna male TMP. 
  I don't use that.

I don't use xverter BNC's either.

Any other suggestions for locating the K3EXREF SMA end.

73 de Brian/K3KO


-
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2012.0.2242 / Virus Database: 3204/6006 - Release Date: 07/20/13

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF query

[bill conkling]

Try using a 1/4 by two inch strip of paper with a small hole near one end.  
Place screw with washer thru hole in pcb, now place lock washer on screw and 
thread the screw into the hole in paper strip.  Strip will hold all together 
while starting screw into back of shield.  Once screw is started, just pull the 
paper out and tighten screw.  The tiny scrap of paper that falls out won't hurt 
anything and you won't spend time locating washer that fell in otherwise.

...bill nr4c
Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID

Ron D'Eau Claire r...@cobi.biz wrote:

Brian, the K3EXREF installation manual (available on the Elecraft web site)
shows the installation with the subreceiver in place. It's quite simple. The
only option that must be removed is the K144XV if your K3 is equipped with
it. 

You are right that one must be careful to not lose the split lock washer
between the KREF3 and the front panel, but testers didn't find the process
very difficult to do. 

What a couple of people who suffered hand tremors reported doing to avoid
that lock washer falling off was to put a small drop of petroleum jelly or
soft candle wax on the screw after placing the lock washer on it. That kept
the washer from easily falling off while they repositioned the KREF3 board
and started the screw threads into the fitting on the front panel shield. 

I can't answer your questions about a M-F TMP cable or using the other
available openings instead of the REF connector opening. 

73, Ron AC7AC


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Brian Alsop
Sent: Saturday, July 20, 2013 8:42 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3EXREF query

Anybody install with with the subrx in place?

My recollection is that the installing the screw with the lockwasher on the
panel side of the master oscillator PCB was a bit tricky.

Also the extra hole for the SMA connector is already in use here for
something else.

I'm wondering if there is such a thing as a TMP male/female cable that I
could hook up to from the K3EXREF board to the aux BNC antenna male TMP. 
  I don't use that.

I don't use xverter BNC's either.

Any other suggestions for locating the K3EXREF SMA end.

73 de Brian/K3KO


-
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2012.0.2242 / Virus Database: 3204/6006 - Release Date: 07/20/13

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3EXREF Experience

[Chad Wasinger]

Hi Group,

I wanted to post my experience with the addition of the K3EXREF in my K3. First 
off, took me around 30 minutes to install, everything went smooth. Very nice 
addition to my K3! I run a OCXO 10 MHz reference into the module and working 
just as I hoped it would. When turning the radio on (cold start, 20C), it takes 
about 5 seconds for the first analyzes to complete and for the frequency to 
come into accuracy with the reference signal. For testing, I start the radio up 
on WWV and monitor the 10 MHz output with SpectrumLab. Normally on a cold 
start, I’m around 20 Hz high and the first EXREF correction drops me right on 
with WWV. Then over a period of an hour, continuous changes are made as my TCXO 
warms up. Very pleased with the immediate frequency accuracy provided by the 
EXREF. 

Next on my list is to find a Trimble Thunderbolt GPS disciplined reference. If 
anyone has an extra they want to sell, please let me know   Just wanted to drop 
a note to all the Time Nuts out there!

73,
Chad
N0YK
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3EXREF

[chas]

I just installed the K3EXREF and now I get the error message on boot up 
that says ERR PL1

What Have I done wrong?

Chas - M0BIN

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF

[Matthew Zilmer]

Recheck your TMP-coax connections.  

Matt Zilmer
Consultant - Product Management Dept.
Magellan Navigation / MiTAC Digital Corp.
Tel: (909) 394-6052
Cell: (909) 730-6552
In status quo voluntas non sufficit

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of chas
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2012 9:12 AM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: [Elecraft] K3EXREF


I just installed the K3EXREF and now I get the error message on boot up that 
says ERR PL1 What Have I done wrong?

Chas - M0BIN

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] k3exref dependencies?

[Brett Howard]

You do not need the TCXO in order to have the external reference.  I've got
my radio setup in this manner.

~Brett (N7MG)

On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 10:41 AM, John D'Ausilio jdausi...@gmail.comwrote:

 Do I need k3tcxo3 to be able to use k3exref?

 Either I'll have a good 10MHz source, or I won't be doing things that
 require that level of stability ..

 de w1rt/john
 __
 Elecraft mailing list
 Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
 Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
 Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

 This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
 Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3EXREF install in K3 build?

[Stan Gibbs]

I'm building my second K3 with the K3EXREF option and I wonder if anyone can
tell me if it would be a problem to install the K3EXREF during initial
construction, at the same time as the KREF3.  Would it affect initial
testing and/or calibration?

Thanks,



-
73, Stan - KR7C
--
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3EXREF-install-in-K3-build-tp7564062.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF install in K3 build?

[Matt Zilmer]

If the K3EXREF is left unconnected to an external frequency reference,
it should not affect any calibrations.  If it is connected to a ref
oscillator, it would affect your reference freq calibration - in that
you wouldn't really need to do it at all.

I would go without it until you get the basic radio together, just the
same.  Should not isn't that same as won't.

I was one of the Field Testers for the ref board, and I went through
the process both ways: as a new build, and again as an add-on.
Neither of them was affected by the presence of the ref board.

Others may have differing opinions.

73,

matt W6NIA

On Sat, 13 Oct 2012 10:56:05 -0700 (PDT), you wrote:

I'm building my second K3 with the K3EXREF option and I wonder if anyone can
tell me if it would be a problem to install the K3EXREF during initial
construction, at the same time as the KREF3.  Would it affect initial
testing and/or calibration?

Thanks,



-
73, Stan - KR7C
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF install in K3 build?

[Stan Gibbs]

Matt Zilmer wrote
 I would go without it until you get the basic radio together, just the
 same.  Should not isn't that same as won't.

Good advice. Since I will be installing the KRX3 and KPA3 after basic
testing and calibration anyway, I'll be prudent and install the K3EXREF
then.

Thanks for the comments.



-
73, Stan - KR7C
--
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3EXREF-install-in-K3-build-tp7564062p7564070.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3EXREF with HP Z3816A GPS Receiver

[Bill Reid]

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3EXREF with HP 3816A GPS Receiver

[Bill Reid]

The 3816 has been sold.  Thanks.

Bill, WA4KBD

If anyone on the lis is interested in purchasing my HP Z3816A GPS receiver for 
use with K3EXREF and/or as a lab standard, I have all the details posted on my 
website at:


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3EXREF with HP Z3816A GPS receiver

[Bill Reid]

The text of my last post apparently didn't make it to the reflector, so I'm 
trying again.

If anyone on the list  is interested in purchasing my HP Z3816A GPS receiver 
for use with K3EXREF and/or as a lab standard, I have all the details posted on 
my website at:

www dot wa4kbd dot net/HP3816A dot html

I'm replacing this unit with a Trimble Thunderbolt.  The HP works just fine and 
outputs a beautiful sine wave, but it also has a 19.6608 output, the 7th 
harmonic of which lands right on top of NOAA 15's 137.62 MHz signal...and I do 
enjoy copying polar weathersat photos.

Take a look, and  if interested, drop me  an email at:

billreid77 at gmail dot  com

Thanks,
Bill Reid, WA4KBD


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF/K144RFLK Shipping Date?

[David Pratt]

That's great, Dave, my K3EXREF and K144RFLK work well too.  However, my
understanding is that the K3 firmware does not currently contain a
method to automatically update the XVn transverter offset values as
REFCAL adjusts with the external 10 MHz reference. That is what I was
told in March and I don't think there has been a software update since
then.  Maybe someone from Elecraft could confirm?

73 de David G4DMP


In a recent message, Dave elecr...@g4fre.com writes

True to promise, my k3extref and the k144rflk were shipped tuesday and
arrived today

It took longer to calibrate and put the resultant calibration values in all
my 9 xverters (xv1 thro 9) than it did to install the board.
-- 
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +
 | David M Pratt, Kippax, Leeds.   |
 | Website: http://www.g4dmp.co.uk |
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF/K144RFLK Shipping Date?

[Dave]

True to promise, my k3extref and the k144rflk were shipped tuesday and
arrived today

It took longer to calibrate and put the resultant calibration values in all
my 9 xverters (xv1 thro 9) than it did to install the board.

Dave

ww2r


-Original Message-
From: WW2R Elecraft [mailto:elecr...@g4fre.com]
Sent: Friday, May 27, 2011 6:06 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Shipping Date?


I also got the same reply from Vicki at elecraft on 5/17 that it would be
shipped next week ie the week now ending.

Having not received the despatch notice I called her 2 hours ago to enquire
and was told the 20 outstanding orders are now ready and will be shipped
next tuesday


Dave

ww2r

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF

[David Pratt]

I am still unable to reproduce the anomaly here, Brett, Igor and others.
I am using the latest firmware and have tried both sinusoidal and TTL
reference inputs.

73 de David G4DMP

In a recent message, Brett Howard br...@livecomputers.com wrote ...

This was a known bug that was found in field test.  I submitted it to
Wayne and he's all over it.

~Brett

On Tue, May 31, 2011 at 10:09 PM, Igor Kosvin k.i...@comcast.net wrote:
 Jim,
 I installed the K3EXREF today. I agree with everything you wrote. Good pair
 of tweezers took care of the lock washer. The anomaly is present exactly as
 you described. Not affecting performance, but it is there. I have MCU=4.36,
 FPF=1.14, DSP1=DSP2=2.73.
 73,
 Igor, N1YX
-- 
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +
 | David M Pratt, Kippax, Leeds.   |
 | Website: http://www.g4dmp.co.uk |
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF

[Jim Sheldon]

David,
The exact conditions the anomaly occurs under are:  Tech mode ON, external 
reference 10 MHz signal connected and operating, go to MENU CONFIG, REF CAL 
(only available with tech mode on) and watch for the blinking asterisk.  If it 
is NOT blinking, the problem won't appear.  While the asterisk is blinking, use 
the VFO B control and go to any other menu item that has at least 4 letters in 
the VFO B portion of the display.  The 4th one will blink (same display 
position that the asterisk was in) and continue to do so in any other menu item 
that has at least 4 letters displayed in the VFO B window (only that window).  
Once you exit the MENU CONFIG mode, the blinking will stop and not re-occur 
until you again display REF CAL long enough to see the blinking asterisk.

It does not affect the performance, only the display as far as I can determine.

Jim - W0EB

 I am still unable to reproduce the anomaly here, Brett, Igor and
 others.
 I am using the latest firmware and have tried both sinusoidal and
 TTL
 reference inputs.

 73 de David G4DMP

 In a recent message, Brett Howard br...@livecomputers.com wrote
 ...

 This was a known bug that was found in field test.  I submitted
 it to
 Wayne and he's all over it.

 ~Brett

 On Tue, May 31, 2011 at 10:09 PM, Igor Kosvin
 k.i...@comcast.net wrote:
 Jim,
 I installed the K3EXREF today. I agree with everything you
 wrote. Good pair
 of tweezers took care of the lock washer. The anomaly is
 present exactly as
 you described. Not affecting performance, but it is there. I
 have MCU=4.36,
 FPF=1.14, DSP1=DSP2=2.73.
 73,
 Igor, N1YX
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF

[David Pratt]

Thank you, Jim, and yes, I can confirm that I am getting the phenomenon.
I can't say that I had come across the problem previously. In fact it's
quite a useful feature in that it reinforces the fact that the K3 is
locked even when looking at other Config Tech settings.  In some ways, I
hope that Elecraft do not correct the minibug ;-)

73 de David G4DMP

In a recent message, Jim Sheldon w...@cox.net writes

David,
The exact conditions the anomaly occurs under are:  Tech mode ON,
external reference 10 MHz signal connected and operating, go to MENU
CONFIG, REF CAL (only available with tech mode on) and watch for the
blinking asterisk.  If it is NOT blinking, the problem won't appear.
While the asterisk is blinking, use the VFO B control and go to any
other menu item that has at least 4 letters in the VFO B portion of the
display.  The 4th one will blink (same display position that the
asterisk was in) and continue to do so in any other menu item that has
at least 4 letters displayed in the VFO B window (only that window).
Once you exit the MENU CONFIG mode, the blinking will stop and not re-
occur until you again display REF CAL long enough to see the blinking
asterisk.

It does not affect the performance, only the display as far as I can determine.
-- 
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +
 | David M Pratt, Kippax, Leeds.   |
 | Website: http://www.g4dmp.co.uk |
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3EXREF

[Jim Sheldon]

Tracking number I got from Lisa says it is supposed to be here today.  Mail man 
should be here in a few minutes, so, following the instructions in the 
downloadable manual, I have the K3 opened up and ready to do the install.  The 
hardest part of the whole thing will be re-installing that split lockwasher on 
the backside of the KREF3 board once the external reference mod has been 
mounted.  Everything else is a piece of cake.  (Actually, I have a magnetized 
pair of long tweezers that should do the job nicely.) 

As I was writing this, the mailman brought the package.  Time involved in 
opening the rig - between 5 and 7 minutes.  I had already loosened the KREF3 
board and retrieved the lockwasher.  Mounted the SMA jack on the back panel, 
ran the cable, mounted the board  hardware per instructions, plugged in the 
cable and buttoned up the radio.  Total time just shy of 20 minutes, not 
counting the study time of the manual prior to beginning.  Another minute to 
set up the menu item and make sure it was working and still 20 minutes or less 
total time.  Well written instructions and very easy to install the board, even 
with my poor eyesight.

The Trimble Thunderbolt has been running for a bit over a month now and a 
friend of mine gave me a real nice 3' long cable with SMA connectors on both 
ends that will match up perfectly.  -

I did notice one anomaly.  Once the * symbol started flashing, moving away from 
the REF CAL left the 4th character from the left in the VFO B display window 
flashing for every entry in the CONFIG menu.  Once you exit MENU mode and 
re-enter it, the flashing stops until you again look at the REF CAL item at 
which time it starts flashing again.  This is only a minor bug, but I thought 
it should at least be called to the attention of the programmers.

Jim - W0EB
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF

[David Pratt]

I am unable to reproduce the anomaly here, Jim.  I have checked ALARM,
MIC+LIN and ANTIVOX and all the characters are perfectly steady.
[Firmware:  4.36, DSP 2.14, FL 1.14]

73 de David G4DMP

In a recent message, Jim Sheldon w...@cox.net writes
I did notice one anomaly.  Once the * symbol started flashing, moving
away from the REF CAL left the 4th character from the left in the VFO B
display window flashing for every entry in the CONFIG menu.  Once you
exit MENU mode and re-enter it, the flashing stops until you again look
at the REF CAL item at which time it starts flashing again.
-- 
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +
 | David M Pratt, Kippax, Leeds.   |
 | Website: http://www.g4dmp.co.uk |
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF

[Matt Zilmer]

Brendan also caught this...

matt

On Tue, 31 May 2011 19:19:20 +0100, you wrote:

I am unable to reproduce the anomaly here, Jim.  I have checked ALARM,
MIC+LIN and ANTIVOX and all the characters are perfectly steady.
[Firmware:  4.36, DSP 2.14, FL 1.14]

73 de David G4DMP

In a recent message, Jim Sheldon w...@cox.net writes
I did notice one anomaly.  Once the * symbol started flashing, moving
away from the REF CAL left the 4th character from the left in the VFO B
display window flashing for every entry in the CONFIG menu.  Once you
exit MENU mode and re-enter it, the flashing stops until you again look
at the REF CAL item at which time it starts flashing again.
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF

[Igor Kosvin]

Jim,
I installed the K3EXREF today. I agree with everything you wrote. Good pair
of tweezers took care of the lock washer. The anomaly is present exactly as
you described. Not affecting performance, but it is there. I have MCU=4.36,
FPF=1.14, DSP1=DSP2=2.73.
73,
Igor, N1YX

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim Sheldon
Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 12:57 PM
To: Elecraft Mailing List
Subject: [Elecraft] K3EXREF

Tracking number I got from Lisa says it is supposed to be here today.  Mail
man should be here in a few minutes, so, following the instructions in the
downloadable manual, I have the K3 opened up and ready to do the install.
The hardest part of the whole thing will be re-installing that split
lockwasher on the backside of the KREF3 board once the external reference
mod has been mounted.  Everything else is a piece of cake.  (Actually, I
have a magnetized pair of long tweezers that should do the job nicely.) 

As I was writing this, the mailman brought the package.  Time involved in
opening the rig - between 5 and 7 minutes.  I had already loosened the KREF3
board and retrieved the lockwasher.  Mounted the SMA jack on the back panel,
ran the cable, mounted the board  hardware per instructions, plugged in the
cable and buttoned up the radio.  Total time just shy of 20 minutes, not
counting the study time of the manual prior to beginning.  Another minute to
set up the menu item and make sure it was working and still 20 minutes or
less total time.  Well written instructions and very easy to install the
board, even with my poor eyesight.

The Trimble Thunderbolt has been running for a bit over a month now and a
friend of mine gave me a real nice 3' long cable with SMA connectors on both
ends that will match up perfectly.  -

I did notice one anomaly.  Once the * symbol started flashing, moving away
from the REF CAL left the 4th character from the left in the VFO B display
window flashing for every entry in the CONFIG menu.  Once you exit MENU mode
and re-enter it, the flashing stops until you again look at the REF CAL item
at which time it starts flashing again.  This is only a minor bug, but I
thought it should at least be called to the attention of the programmers.

Jim - W0EB
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF

[Brett Howard]

This was a known bug that was found in field test.  I submitted it to
Wayne and he's all over it.

~Brett

On Tue, May 31, 2011 at 10:09 PM, Igor Kosvin k.i...@comcast.net wrote:
 Jim,
 I installed the K3EXREF today. I agree with everything you wrote. Good pair
 of tweezers took care of the lock washer. The anomaly is present exactly as
 you described. Not affecting performance, but it is there. I have MCU=4.36,
 FPF=1.14, DSP1=DSP2=2.73.
 73,
 Igor, N1YX

 -Original Message-
 From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
 [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim Sheldon
 Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 12:57 PM
 To: Elecraft Mailing List
 Subject: [Elecraft] K3EXREF

 Tracking number I got from Lisa says it is supposed to be here today.  Mail
 man should be here in a few minutes, so, following the instructions in the
 downloadable manual, I have the K3 opened up and ready to do the install.
 The hardest part of the whole thing will be re-installing that split
 lockwasher on the backside of the KREF3 board once the external reference
 mod has been mounted.  Everything else is a piece of cake.  (Actually, I
 have a magnetized pair of long tweezers that should do the job nicely.)

 As I was writing this, the mailman brought the package.  Time involved in
 opening the rig - between 5 and 7 minutes.  I had already loosened the KREF3
 board and retrieved the lockwasher.  Mounted the SMA jack on the back panel,
 ran the cable, mounted the board  hardware per instructions, plugged in the
 cable and buttoned up the radio.  Total time just shy of 20 minutes, not
 counting the study time of the manual prior to beginning.  Another minute to
 set up the menu item and make sure it was working and still 20 minutes or
 less total time.  Well written instructions and very easy to install the
 board, even with my poor eyesight.

 The Trimble Thunderbolt has been running for a bit over a month now and a
 friend of mine gave me a real nice 3' long cable with SMA connectors on both
 ends that will match up perfectly.  -

 I did notice one anomaly.  Once the * symbol started flashing, moving away
 from the REF CAL left the 4th character from the left in the VFO B display
 window flashing for every entry in the CONFIG menu.  Once you exit MENU mode
 and re-enter it, the flashing stops until you again look at the REF CAL item
 at which time it starts flashing again.  This is only a minor bug, but I
 thought it should at least be called to the attention of the programmers.

 Jim - W0EB
 __
 Elecraft mailing list
 Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
 Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
 Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

 This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
 Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

 __
 Elecraft mailing list
 Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
 Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
 Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

 This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
 Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Shipping Date?

[AD6XY]

I picked mine up at Dayton. I am looking forward to testing it.

Mike

--
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3EXREF-Shipping-Date-tp6407590p6417570.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Shipping Date?

[WW2R Elecraft]

I also got the same reply from Vicki at elecraft on 5/17 that it would be
shipped next week ie the week now ending.

Having not received the despatch notice I called her 2 hours ago to enquire
and was told the 20 outstanding orders are now ready and will be shipped
next tuesday


Dave

ww2r
--

Message: 3
Date: Thu, 26 May 2011 09:26:28 -0700
From: Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft e...@elecraft.com
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Shipping Date?
To: Jim Sheldon w...@cox.net
Cc: Elecraft Mailing List elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Message-ID: 4dde7f34.10...@elecraft.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Its been shipping for a week or two.

73, Eric


On 5/26/2011 9:03 AM, Jim Sheldon wrote:
 The ship date on the external reference board ought to be getting close.
I've already ordered mine, just wondering how much longer till they are out
the door?

 Jim - W0EB




__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Shipping Date?

[pcbyrne]

Mine was shipped on May 26, about 5 days after I ordered it.

 

Palmer

W7NMD

 

  _  

From: Dave-3 [via Elecraft]
[mailto:ml-node+6412856-5398946-157...@n2.nabble.com] 
Sent: Friday, May 27, 2011 6:07 PM
To: pcbyrne
Subject: Re: K3EXREF Shipping Date?

 

I also got the same reply from Vicki at elecraft on 5/17 that it would be 
shipped next week ie the week now ending. 

Having not received the despatch notice I called her 2 hours ago to enquire 
and was told the 20 outstanding orders are now ready and will be shipped 
next tuesday 


Dave 

ww2r 
-- 

Message: 3 
Date: Thu, 26 May 2011 09:26:28 -0700 
From: Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft [hidden email] 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Shipping Date? 
To: Jim Sheldon [hidden email] 
Cc: Elecraft Mailing List [hidden email] 
Message-ID: [hidden email] 
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed 

Its been shipping for a week or two. 

73, Eric 


On 5/26/2011 9:03 AM, Jim Sheldon wrote: 
 The ship date on the external reference board ought to be getting close. 
I've already ordered mine, just wondering how much longer till they are out 
the door? 
 
 Jim - W0EB 
 



__ 
Elecraft mailing list 
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email] 

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html



  _  

If you reply to this email, your message will be added to the discussion
below:

http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3EXREF-Shipping-Date-tp6407590p6412856
.html 

To start a new topic under Elecraft, email
ml-node+365791-145773984-157...@n2.nabble.com 
To unsubscribe from Elecraft, click
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/template/NamlServlet.jtp?macro=unsubsc
ribe_by_codenode=365791code=dzdubWRAdHdpbmxha2VzLWFyLnVzfDM2NTc5MXwxMDQyOT
EzOTY1  here. 



--
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3EXREF-Shipping-Date-tp6407590p6413080.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3EXREF Shipping Date?

[Jim Sheldon]

The ship date on the external reference board ought to be getting close.  I've 
already ordered mine, just wondering how much longer till they are out the door?

Jim - W0EB
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Shipping Date?

[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft]

Its been shipping for a week or two.

73, Eric


On 5/26/2011 9:03 AM, Jim Sheldon wrote:
 The ship date on the external reference board ought to be getting close.  
 I've already ordered mine, just wondering how much longer till they are out 
 the door?

 Jim - W0EB

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Shipping Date?

[bruce . beford]

I ordered one early last week (as part of another order) and was told by sales 
they would not be ready for shipment until this week. I have not yet received 
the order, or a shipment notice. I'm sure it will be along, just wanted to 
mention what I was told about the external reference kit availability. 

Bruce, N1RX

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Shipping Date?

[Grant Youngman]

My arrived a few days ago. So they are being shipped.

Sent from my iPhone

On May 26, 2011, at 11:49 AM, bruce.bef...@myfairpoint.net wrote:

 I ordered one early last week (as part of another order) and was told by 
 sales they would not be ready for shipment until this week. I have not yet 
 received the order, or a shipment notice. I'm sure it will be along, just 
 wanted to mention what I was told about the external reference kit 
 availability. 
 
 Bruce, N1RX
 
 __
 Elecraft mailing list
 Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
 Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
 Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 
 This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
 Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Shipping Date?

[n5ge]

I have found that the best way to make enquiries about orders from Elecraft is
to call or email Elecraft.

73,
Tom
Amateur Radio Operator N5GE


On Thu, 26 May 2011 12:49:43 -0400, bruce.bef...@myfairpoint.net wrote:

I ordered one early last week (as part of another order) and was told by sales 
they would not be ready for shipment until this week. I have not yet received 
the order, or a shipment notice. I'm sure it will be along, just wanted to 
mention what I was told about the external reference kit availability. 

Bruce, N1RX

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3EXREF 10 MHz Ref Input on order form

[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft]

The K3EXREF 10 MHz Reference Input for the K3 is now up on the order 
form at:
http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_prod_list.htm#exref

This also includes a link to the manual.

73, Eric  WA6HHQ

-- 

http://www.elecraft.com

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3EXREF

[Richard Thorpe]

I thought the K3EXREF would be up on the website this week, anyone out there 
got any updated info?  Thank you in advance.

K6CG
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3EXREF UPDATE

[Richard Thorpe]

Is there any word out there in Elecraft land as to when the K3EXREF will be 
available? Thanks.

K6CG
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF UPDATE

[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft]

Approximately 2-3 weeks. Its in production right now.

I'll have it up on the web site for ordering within a week.

73, Eric


On 4/26/2011 10:32 AM, Richard Thorpe wrote:
 Is there any word out there in Elecraft land as to when the K3EXREF will be 
 available? Thanks.

 K6CG
 __
 Elecraft mailing list
 Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
 Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
 Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

 This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
 Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3EXREF Questions

[Julian, G4ILO]

1. Will the K3EXREF work straight from the output of an Efratom LPRO-101 or
does it need a TTL square wave output or something else requiring extra
circuitry between the LPRO and the K3?

2. If the K3EXREF is installed, will the K3 still work as normal if the
frequency standard is not turned on? To maximize life of the rubidium lamp
in the frequency standard I wouldn't want to leave it on all the time and
for a lot of amateur operation the frequency accuracy it provides isn't
needed anyway.

Julian, G4ILO

-
Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392  K3 #222.
* G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com
* KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html
* KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html

--
View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3EXREF-Questions-tp6278990p6278990.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Questions

[Paul Christensen]

 1. Will the K3EXREF work straight from the output of an Efratom LPRO-101 
 or
 does it need a TTL square wave output or something else requiring extra
 circuitry between the LPRO and the K3?

A 10 MHz sine wave output from the Efratom is fine (+4 dBm to +16 dBm).

 2. If the K3EXREF is installed, will the K3 still work as normal if the
 frequency standard is not turned on?

Yes.

Also, an asterisk (*) in the K3's menu will blink when K3EXREF recognizes a 
valid reference signal.

Paul,  W9AC

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Questions

[Matt Zilmer]

On Sat, 16 Apr 2011 07:07:25 -0700 (PDT), you wrote:

The K3EXREF will use either a sine wave input at 4 to 16 dBm (2 to
3.3V), or a TTL signal.  The manual advises using a 50 ohm series
resistor for 5V TTL to drop the voltage level into the proper range.
1. Will the K3EXREF work straight from the output of an Efratom LPRO-101 or
does it need a TTL square wave output or something else requiring extra
circuitry between the LPRO and the K3?

Yes.  In this case, the K3 reverts to the stored REF CAL value.  The
way I've set this up is to let the K3 make the compensation approach a
final value by running for a few hours on the external reference, then
programming the REF CAL shown while on the ref into the CONFIG menu
parameter.  Testing later shows this produces precision of a few Hz,
even with a 5C of temperature change, at 50 MHz and using the 5 PPM
TCXO in the K3.
2. If the K3EXREF is installed, will the K3 still work as normal if the
frequency standard is not turned on? To maximize life of the rubidium lamp
in the frequency standard I wouldn't want to leave it on all the time and
for a lot of amateur operation the frequency accuracy it provides isn't
needed anyway.

Another good choice is the Trimble Thunderbolt receiver.  There are a
lot of these refurbished units available on eBay or elsewhere for
under $100.  You can leave this receiver on full-time if necessary (I
do).  The Thunderbolt outputs a sine wave at 12.5 dBm.

I used an Rb standard borrowed from work for a few days, and found
that the Thunderbolt and Rb produced about the same amount of
precision.  The Rb is noisier though (in the time domain), looking at
its output on a spectrum analyzer.  You can't beat an OCXO for
cleanliness


73,
Matt W6NIA
=.=

Julian, G4ILO

-
Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392  K3 #222.
* G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com
* KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html
* KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

[Elecraft] K3EXREF

[Jim Sheldon]

Now I'm just waiting for Elecraft to get the K3EXREF board in production to the 
point they are available.   I have obtained a Trimble Thunderbolt, a Larsen 
marine GPS (read white mushroom) antenna and have ordered a 3 voltage power 
supply for the Trimble.  Right now I have it running on a pair of Lambda analog 
supplies (5 V and a +/- 12) tied together.  I still need to make up the cable 
to run from the Trimble to the K3.

My main question at this time is - What type connector is going to be on the 
rear of the K3 for the external ref?  The only thing I can find in the K3 
manual (Rev D9) is on page 17 and it indicated that it's an SMA so if that's 
the case, I'll need to make up an SMA male-to-male cable to come from the 
Trimble to the K3.  (My Thunderbolt came with a  Mini-Circuits ZFSC-2-1, 
5-500MHz splitter.  It was already connected to the 10MHz output by a short BNC 
to SMA connector, leaving 2 output ports from the splitter open.

I can make or obtain an SMA-SMA cable or if the K3EXREF input is a BNC, cables 
are already on hand for that.  

Would appreciate any info on this prior to my being able to buy the board.

Jim - W0EB

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF

[Matt Zilmer]

The K3 connector is an SMA.  Almost all of the Trimble units came with
a splitter, because E911 required two 10 MHz references to function.
Unless you need two sources yourself, I'd go direct from the Tbolt to
the K3 without the splitter, but it really doesn't matter.  You'll
have plenty of 10 MHz signal to work with anyway.

 You're lucky you got the short cable.  For the run to the antenna, I
would recommend RG142B if the length is over a few feet.  This is
rated for use at 12 GHZ, so it's probably overkill for a run less than
20 feet.  I just happened to have a spool sitting around.

I'm using an old Thales land surveying antenna mounted on the roof
here.  Sigs are showing green for all eight, and most SNR's are above
42 dB.  

Recommend you set the Tbolt up with an AMR of 4.0 and a minimum EL of
20 degrees to reduce horizon ambiguities.  Also, note that the Tbolt
doesn't use SBAS, so every sat you receive is in motion.  If there
were a firmware rev for the Tbolt that recognized WAAS birds, I would
also use that in place of the stock firmware.  All SBAS sats are
geostationary so doppler isn't the major correction needed.

73,
matt W6NIA
Upland, CA.

On Sat, 16 Apr 2011 10:56:19 -0500, you wrote:

Now I'm just waiting for Elecraft to get the K3EXREF board in production to 
the point they are available.   I have obtained a Trimble Thunderbolt, a 
Larsen marine GPS (read white mushroom) antenna and have ordered a 3 voltage 
power supply for the Trimble.  Right now I have it running on a pair of Lambda 
analog supplies (5 V and a +/- 12) tied together.  I still need to make up the 
cable to run from the Trimble to the K3.

My main question at this time is - What type connector is going to be on the 
rear of the K3 for the external ref?  The only thing I can find in the K3 
manual (Rev D9) is on page 17 and it indicated that it's an SMA so if that's 
the case, I'll need to make up an SMA male-to-male cable to come from the 
Trimble to the K3.  (My Thunderbolt came with a  Mini-Circuits ZFSC-2-1, 
5-500MHz splitter.  It was already connected to the 10MHz output by a short 
BNC to SMA connector, leaving 2 output ports from the splitter open.

I can make or obtain an SMA-SMA cable or if the K3EXREF input is a BNC, cables 
are already on hand for that.  

Would appreciate any info on this prior to my being able to buy the board.

Jim - W0EB

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF Questions

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

I can answer 2, Julian. It is yes. If there is no external 10 MHz signal,
the K3 reference oscillator reverts to its normal operation. An asterisk
(splat, whatever one wants to call it) appears on the LCD when there's an
external signal detected, so you know at a glance whether the K3 is being
controlled by the external signal. 

Ron AC7AC

-Original Message-

1. Will the K3EXREF work straight from the output of an Efratom LPRO-101 or
does it need a TTL square wave output or something else requiring extra
circuitry between the LPRO and the K3?

2. If the K3EXREF is installed, will the K3 still work as normal if the
frequency standard is not turned on? To maximize life of the rubidium lamp
in the frequency standard I wouldn't want to leave it on all the time and
for a lot of amateur operation the frequency accuracy it provides isn't
needed anyway.

Julian, G4ILO


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] K3EXREF

[Paul Christensen]

 I can make or obtain an SMA-SMA cable or if the K3EXREF input is a BNC, 
 cables are already on hand for that.

The kit includes an SMA panel jack with completed ends. A SMA-to-BNC 
between-series adapter is included.  I found a piece of RG-316 (RG-174 but 
with a Teflon jacket) with a male SMA on one end and crimped a male BNC on 
the other end.  The SMA end connects to the K3 while the BNC attaches to the 
precision oscillator.

Paul, W9AC




__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html