Re: [Elecraft] Pumping with K3
So we are going to ride the RF gain just like we did 50 years ago, to me that´s a step in the wrong direction. IMO the K3 is a good enough radio and has enough "things" built in that riding RF gain isn´t needed. / Jim SM2EKM Dave Hachadorian wrote: > - Original Message - > From: "Gary Smith" > To: > Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2009 10:20 PM > Subject: [Elecraft] Pumping with K3 > > >> I'm working the 160 contest and am wondering if there's >> some hint to >> help me overcome pumping from nearby stations. I am using >> the 8 pole >> 2.8K, 1K & 250Hz filters on CW. I'm mostly tuned down to >> 50Hz as >> that's what I need to do to find the DX that's being >> covered by the >> local stations calling CQ. > -- > Here's what I like: > > config agc slp = 0 > config agc thr = 008 > config agc - f = 120 > agc = fast > preamp = off > atten = on > rf gain - reduce to just above noise threshold > > Dave Hachadorian, K6LL > Yuma, AZ > ___ 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] Pumping with K3
Oops, that's SMTR MD AbS below. - Original Message - From: "Guy Olinger, K2AV" To: "wayne burdick" ; Cc: Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2009 8:03 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Pumping with K3 > Gary, > > First off engage the ATT and turn off PRE for receiving on your transmit > antenna on 160. (You may not notice you have these on if you are running > SMTR MD in the Config Menu.) If the offending station is really loud he > may > be kicking the hardware AGC. > > Make sure you actually are using your 250 8-pole filter. Have seen some > tripups on that issue here. One person moved filters and didn't change > the > Config Menu to match it. Another added a filter but didn't turn it on in > Config Menu. Make sure you are running a zero offset on 8-pole types. > > Make sure in Config Menu you have AGC PLS nor. > > Then set up the Noise Blanker: > > NB LevelIF OFF dsp t1-7dsp t2-7 dsp t3-7Try > t3-7 first. > > Use NB when you are next to clicky or sharp sounding stations. > > This NB setting will make all the CW signals sound soft, t3-7 most so. > But > in some conditions this has dropped key click S-meter pumping by 4 or 5 > ticks on the S-meter. (Thank you Lyle...) > > I'm using FW 2.78, and don't know when Lyle's cute NB functions showed up. > I have zero problems with 2.78, upgrade if you're backlevel. > > 73, Guy > K2/K3 #1239 > > > - Original Message - > From: "wayne burdick" > To: > Cc: > Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2009 5:42 PM > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Pumping with K3 > > >> Gary, >> >> If your AGC is getting pumped by nearby stations even with the 250-Hz >> filter engaged, it's almost surely due to excessive transmit bandwidth >> on the part of those stations. Their keying sidebands may extend far >> beyond their carrier frequency. This is a common problem with rigs that >> have poorly-shaped keying and/or poor phase noise characteristics. If >> these stations are well over S9 and very close to your frequency, you >> may not have any really effective defense other than to ask them to >> reduce power, improve key shaping, or get a new rig. >> >> The K3 is extremely clean in both regards, so chances are you're not >> bothering *them* :) >> >> You might try speeding up AGC-F (see associated menu entry) or even >> turning AGC off, backing down the RF GAIN, and possibly NR and DSP NB. >> >> 73, >> Wayne >> N6KR >> >> On Jan 24, 2009, at 2:20 PM, Gary Smith wrote: >> >>> I'm working the 160 contest and am wondering if there's some hint to >>> help me overcome pumping from nearby stations. I am using the 8 pole >>> 2.8K, 1K & 250Hz filters on CW. I'm mostly tuned down to 50Hz as >>> that's what I need to do to find the DX that's being covered by the >>> local stations calling CQ. >> >> --- >> >> http://www.elecraft.com >> >> ___ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> You must be a subscriber to post to the list. >> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): >> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm >> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com >> > > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ 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] Pumping with K3
Gary, First off engage the ATT and turn off PRE for receiving on your transmit antenna on 160. (You may not notice you have these on if you are running SMTR MD in the Config Menu.) If the offending station is really loud he may be kicking the hardware AGC. Make sure you actually are using your 250 8-pole filter. Have seen some tripups on that issue here. One person moved filters and didn't change the Config Menu to match it. Another added a filter but didn't turn it on in Config Menu. Make sure you are running a zero offset on 8-pole types. Make sure in Config Menu you have AGC PLS nor. Then set up the Noise Blanker: NB LevelIF OFF dsp t1-7dsp t2-7 dsp t3-7Try t3-7 first. Use NB when you are next to clicky or sharp sounding stations. This NB setting will make all the CW signals sound soft, t3-7 most so. But in some conditions this has dropped key click S-meter pumping by 4 or 5 ticks on the S-meter. (Thank you Lyle...) I'm using FW 2.78, and don't know when Lyle's cute NB functions showed up. I have zero problems with 2.78, upgrade if you're backlevel. 73, Guy K2/K3 #1239 - Original Message - From: "wayne burdick" To: Cc: Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2009 5:42 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Pumping with K3 > Gary, > > If your AGC is getting pumped by nearby stations even with the 250-Hz > filter engaged, it's almost surely due to excessive transmit bandwidth > on the part of those stations. Their keying sidebands may extend far > beyond their carrier frequency. This is a common problem with rigs that > have poorly-shaped keying and/or poor phase noise characteristics. If > these stations are well over S9 and very close to your frequency, you > may not have any really effective defense other than to ask them to > reduce power, improve key shaping, or get a new rig. > > The K3 is extremely clean in both regards, so chances are you're not > bothering *them* :) > > You might try speeding up AGC-F (see associated menu entry) or even > turning AGC off, backing down the RF GAIN, and possibly NR and DSP NB. > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > On Jan 24, 2009, at 2:20 PM, Gary Smith wrote: > >> I'm working the 160 contest and am wondering if there's some hint to >> help me overcome pumping from nearby stations. I am using the 8 pole >> 2.8K, 1K & 250Hz filters on CW. I'm mostly tuned down to 50Hz as >> that's what I need to do to find the DX that's being covered by the >> local stations calling CQ. > > --- > > http://www.elecraft.com > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Pumping with K3
Hi, Yes, I usually run with the RF gain down to keep the major qrn down on 160 & 80. For the other bands I leave it fully clockwise. The changes I've made (thanks to the suggestions here) seem to be helping somewhat. That's a plus so I'll experiment some more. I really appreciate the help. Gary KA1J > Gary, have you tried backing off the RF gain? For me, I try to use the > minimum gain I need at the time, and that seems to help (might only be > my perception). Of course, it does nothing if the other guy is too > wide, clicking and splattering, etc. > > 73 de Dave, W5SV > > Gary Smith wrote: > > I'm working the 160 contest and am wondering if there's some hint to > > help me overcome pumping from nearby stations. I am using the 8 pole > > 2.8K, 1K & 250Hz filters on CW. I'm mostly tuned down to 50Hz as > > that's what I need to do to find the DX that's being covered by the > > local stations calling CQ. > > > > I have tried using AGC F & S with no noted difference. Need the ALC > > because of the differing signal strengths. > > > > Will check back & thanks > > > > Gary > > > ___ 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] Pumping with K3
Gary, have you tried backing off the RF gain? For me, I try to use the minimum gain I need at the time, and that seems to help (might only be my perception). Of course, it does nothing if the other guy is too wide, clicking and splattering, etc. 73 de Dave, W5SV Gary Smith wrote: > I'm working the 160 contest and am wondering if there's some hint to > help me overcome pumping from nearby stations. I am using the 8 pole > 2.8K, 1K & 250Hz filters on CW. I'm mostly tuned down to 50Hz as > that's what I need to do to find the DX that's being covered by the > local stations calling CQ. > > I have tried using AGC F & S with no noted difference. Need the ALC > because of the differing signal strengths. > > Will check back & thanks > > Gary > ___ 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] Pumping with K3
Thanks for all the replies. I'll try to answer them all here. I did not have the Pre off nor the attenuator. I'm still not sure how to get the K9AY as an RX ant preamped on the K3 and not the Inverted L. The K9AY needs more pre. I do have the sub. I tried to run the K9AY through the KXV3 as I did when I did not have the sub but I have the K9 running through the Aux BNC that came with the sub. I'll have to see if I can straighten that up after the contest. I am giving the settings below a go. I was not able to set the below options on the sub as it came up N/A when I tried to so I assume there is only one setting and that applies to main & sub. Yes, I do live in a relatively RFI free area with the exception of to the south where there is the only road leading in here. (I am surrounded by state parks and am at the end of a salt water cove). My joy is in working the really faint DX so that's where I am trying to set this up best for. 160 is hopping! Thanks, Gary KA1J > -- > Here's what I like: > > config agc slp = 0 > config agc thr = 008 > config agc - f = 120 > agc = fast > preamp = off > atten = on > rf gain - reduce to just above noise threshold > > Dave Hachadorian, K6LL > Yuma, AZ > > > ___ 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] Pumping with K3
- Original Message - From: "Gary Smith" To: Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2009 10:20 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Pumping with K3 > I'm working the 160 contest and am wondering if there's > some hint to > help me overcome pumping from nearby stations. I am using > the 8 pole > 2.8K, 1K & 250Hz filters on CW. I'm mostly tuned down to > 50Hz as > that's what I need to do to find the DX that's being > covered by the > local stations calling CQ. -- Here's what I like: config agc slp = 0 config agc thr = 008 config agc - f = 120 agc = fast preamp = off atten = on rf gain - reduce to just above noise threshold Dave Hachadorian, K6LL Yuma, AZ ___ 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] Pumping with K3
Gary, If your AGC is getting pumped by nearby stations even with the 250-Hz filter engaged, it's almost surely due to excessive transmit bandwidth on the part of those stations. Their keying sidebands may extend far beyond their carrier frequency. This is a common problem with rigs that have poorly-shaped keying and/or poor phase noise characteristics. If these stations are well over S9 and very close to your frequency, you may not have any really effective defense other than to ask them to reduce power, improve key shaping, or get a new rig. The K3 is extremely clean in both regards, so chances are you're not bothering *them* :) You might try speeding up AGC-F (see associated menu entry) or even turning AGC off, backing down the RF GAIN, and possibly NR and DSP NB. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jan 24, 2009, at 2:20 PM, Gary Smith wrote: > I'm working the 160 contest and am wondering if there's some hint to > help me overcome pumping from nearby stations. I am using the 8 pole > 2.8K, 1K & 250Hz filters on CW. I'm mostly tuned down to 50Hz as > that's what I need to do to find the DX that's being covered by the > local stations calling CQ. --- 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
