Re: [Elecraft] Kit arrived...
Bret, I am not certain what you mean by the phrase "the RF watt meter built into the rig reads correct on 80 and 40, but does not reflect the lower power output on the higher bands, its still pegged". What do you mean by "pegged"? Is the internal RF meter indicating a high RF voltage? If so, you should believe that the RF voltage is really high and something is wrong with your test setup. The detector used in the basic K2 is a simple diode detector and does accurately reflect the RF voltage, and the microprocessor calculates that value to watts with the assumption that the load is 50 ohms resistive. Is your load at the time of these measurements a good 50 ohm resistive dummy load? If you do have a good 50 ohm dummy load on the K2, then I would strongly suggest that you check your connecting coax link before doing anything else. What kind of power meter are you using? How has its accuracy been verified? We need to know exactly what your setup is before we can provide informed answers to your questions. How are you measuring the current draw? Is this the indication on the K2 or are you using some other measuring device? All in all, what I can say at the moment is that the base K2 will control its power output according to the RF voltage indicated at the internal diode detector. That detector is not a wattmeter and needs a good 50 ohm resistive load in order for the K2 to control the power output. As far as adjusting C21 - adjust any of the bandpass filter elements at a power of 2 watts or lower. Attempting to adjust them at higher power levels can lead to incorrect alignment due to several other factors. How are you determining that the harmonic content "goes way up"? That is unusual and indicates that you have a problem with soldering or incorrect components somewhere. The usual cause of high current draw coupled with low power output is the Low Pass Filters and/or the T4 circuitry. Do you have T4 properly wound? 73, Don W3FPR Brett gazdzinski wrote: After work today I got much closer with the vfo calibration, and moved onto the TX alignment. I hooked up the dummy load and the 0-20 watt meter. 3.5 MHz 12.5 watts out, 2.7 amps 7 MHz 14 watts out, 4.3 amps 10 MHz 10 watts out, 2.4 amps 14 MHz 8 watts out,2.3 amps 18 MHz 9 watts out 1.8 amps 21 MHz 9 watts out,1.8 amps 24 MHz 6 watts out,1.5 amps 28 MHz 5 watts out,1.8 amps 13.8 volts per my DMM. When tuning C21 in the 30 meter bandpass, the output power would take off and go to 20 watts till I turned the power down then back up, then it acted normal. In my kit, C22 was a 2.7pf, not the 3.3pf listed. I assumed the 2.7 was what they could get instead of the 3.3. Something is really wrong there, but the parts seem to be the correct values, the toroids have the correct turns, etc. I checked the voltage at the RF output detector and its ok. I looked into all the trouble shooting steps in the manual, made sure all the correct parts are in the correct places, the toroids have the correct turns, etc. Nothing gets hot, or even warm, despite the 5 minute key downs at full power. Looking at things on the spec an, after the power knob is up past 1/2 to 3/4 the harmonics go way up, but I might be picking signal up before the filters. One other thing I noticed, the RF watt meter built into the rig reads correct on 80 and 40, but does not reflect the lower power output on the higher bands, its still pegged. I looked at the signal on the spec an, probing the driver input and output power levels, and I don't think the drive falls off, I did not probe the output of the power amp as it would risk the spec an (1 watt max input). I don't need lots of power out, but dislike when something does not work up to spec. The receiver seems to work very well, although I have not run the spectrogram on the filters yet. Brett N2DTS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Kit arrived...
After work today I got much closer with the vfo calibration, and moved onto the TX alignment. I hooked up the dummy load and the 0-20 watt meter. 3.5 MHz 12.5 watts out, 2.7 amps 7 MHz 14 watts out, 4.3 amps 10 MHz 10 watts out, 2.4 amps 14 MHz 8 watts out,2.3 amps 18 MHz 9 watts out 1.8 amps 21 MHz 9 watts out,1.8 amps 24 MHz 6 watts out,1.5 amps 28 MHz 5 watts out,1.8 amps 13.8 volts per my DMM. When tuning C21 in the 30 meter bandpass, the output power would take off and go to 20 watts till I turned the power down then back up, then it acted normal. In my kit, C22 was a 2.7pf, not the 3.3pf listed. I assumed the 2.7 was what they could get instead of the 3.3. Something is really wrong there, but the parts seem to be the correct values, the toroids have the correct turns, etc. I checked the voltage at the RF output detector and its ok. I looked into all the trouble shooting steps in the manual, made sure all the correct parts are in the correct places, the toroids have the correct turns, etc. Nothing gets hot, or even warm, despite the 5 minute key downs at full power. Looking at things on the spec an, after the power knob is up past 1/2 to 3/4 the harmonics go way up, but I might be picking signal up before the filters. One other thing I noticed, the RF watt meter built into the rig reads correct on 80 and 40, but does not reflect the lower power output on the higher bands, its still pegged. I looked at the signal on the spec an, probing the driver input and output power levels, and I don't think the drive falls off, I did not probe the output of the power amp as it would risk the spec an (1 watt max input). I don't need lots of power out, but dislike when something does not work up to spec. The receiver seems to work very well, although I have not run the spectrogram on the filters yet. Brett N2DTS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Kit arrived...
I finished the K2 (6065) at about 10pm last night, everything was nominal, my only concern being the low output power on 15 meters (7 watts). I should go back and do a full alignment as handing the RF board was sure to disturb the mounted parts... The entire kit had one missing .1 cap, or I lost it, I had one on hand to use so no problem. I do NEED a knob with a finger dimple! Between 10 and 1130 PM I heard some signals on 80 and 40 meters, not much on the other bands although I did not listen carefully. I think filter 2 needs a tweak and the built in speaker sounds fuzzy, but otherwise all is good. All the adjustments worked, and did not require much tweaking, nothing was at the limit or close to it, most things were quite close right out of the bag. I want to get the ssb option and the auto tuner eventually, and listen to plenty of slow code, then might actually get on the air with the rig! I did not track the hours, but I got the kit Thursday, worked on it Thursday night, Friday night, most of Saturday, Sunday night, and Monday night. The XYL is thrilled its done Brett N2DTS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Kit arrived...
Hi Brett: I got my front panel board done today, and started on the RF board. So far all seems good, very easy to build, at least so far In case anyone is wondering, they are up to SN 6065! I have read a bit here about setting up the filters, and it being critical, and you need the spectrogram software. Well, it seems to me if you need that to set the rig up so it works correctly, it should be included with the kit? You don't "NEED" Spectrogram, but it does help quite a bit. The last shareware version of Spectrogram (v5.1.7) is available at www.n0ss.net. You can find it on both the K2- and K1-specific pages of this site, along with K2- and K1-specific PDF documcents for ease of using it. Would a spectrum analyzer help? I have a nice HP 8592l that I used on the homebrew receivers, could I use it on the K2 to set the filters up? I'm sure you could use it as well. But you'll have to get info from someone else. I've never had an opportunity to use a real spectrum analyzer in that use. 73, Tom HammondN0SS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Kit arrived...
Brett, N2DTS, asked: I have read a bit here about setting up the filters, and it being critical, and you need the spectrogram software. Well, it seems to me if you need that to set the rig up so it works correctly, it should be included with the kit? == Good point, Brett, and the truth is you can set up the filters without any other stuff. However, Spectrogram is an excellent tool that makes the process infinitely easier. Unfortunately, Elecraft doesn't own it! You can get a copy along with FB detailed instructions on how to use it from one of our long-term list members and great contributor, Tom, N0SS. Go to http://www.n0ss.net/index_k2.html And scroll to the bottom of the page. The next-to-last item is the Spectrogram software. The last item is the step-by-step instructions for using it. Once again, for the thousandth time, *thanks* Tom!! Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Kit arrived...
Brett, You will find Spectrogram easier to use than a spectrum analyzer. Think of Spectrogram as a spectrum analyzer for the audio spectrum (which it is). In general, it will offer better resolution than an RF spectrum analyzer and will provide a plot of the audio response of the K2. Your spectrum analyzer may be helpful in determining the harmonic rejection of the K2, and other RF related parameters, but the audio response analysis offerred by Spectrogram will be sufficient for aligning the K2 filter bandpass. 73, Don W3FPR > -Original Message- > > I got my front panel board done today, and > started on the RF board. > So far all seems good, very easy to build, at least > so far > > In case anyone is wondering, they are up to SN 6065! > > I have read a bit here about setting up the filters, and it being > critical, and you need the spectrogram software. > Well, it seems to me if you need that to set the > rig up so it works correctly, it should be included > with the kit? > > Would a spectrum analyzer help? > I have a nice HP 8592l that I used on the homebrew receivers, > could I use it on the K2 to set the filters up? > > > Brett > N2DTS > -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.12/724 - Release Date: 3/16/2007 12:12 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Kit arrived...
I got my front panel board done today, and started on the RF board. So far all seems good, very easy to build, at least so far In case anyone is wondering, they are up to SN 6065! I have read a bit here about setting up the filters, and it being critical, and you need the spectrogram software. Well, it seems to me if you need that to set the rig up so it works correctly, it should be included with the kit? Would a spectrum analyzer help? I have a nice HP 8592l that I used on the homebrew receivers, could I use it on the K2 to set the filters up? Brett N2DTS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Kit arrived...
Brett Do not hurry but enjoy !!! Happy user of K2/K1/KX1 73 de aki, ja1nlx [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~yy7a-ysd/ http://ja1nlx.exblog.jp/ - Original Message - From: "Brett gazdzinski" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 2:16 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Kit arrived... > My K2 kit arrived yesterday, very fast shipping to > New Jersey! > > I built the control board in a few hours, seems easy to > build as long as you have a magnifier to read those > little numbers on the parts! > > The manual is very well done and printed, I like this kit! > > Brett > N2DTS > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Kit arrived...
My K2 kit arrived yesterday, very fast shipping to New Jersey! I built the control board in a few hours, seems easy to build as long as you have a magnifier to read those little numbers on the parts! The manual is very well done and printed, I like this kit! Brett N2DTS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
