I would like to suggest that the good folks at Elecraft consider making
paper manuals an optional item at check out time. It could save a little
money and paper, and some like myself are more inclined to download the
info in any case. Especially with radios that are evolving, like the K3,
o
I have built my new Elecraft KX1 with great attentions to Elecraft manual
instructions.
The transceiver now work in a wonderful way.
A lot of nice qsos...
But something should be wrong: on 20 m the rig output power is more than 4
watts, on 40 m band the output power is only 2 watts.
Can somebody s
Mike, I've had the very same problems with both my 222 and 432 transverters
just as you. With the top of the enclosure in place, it goes into oscillation.
With the top removed, problem solved. I don't have the problem with my 144
transverter. Also, I have found that I can't stack anything m
An excellent suggestion! Many manufacturers already do this, e.g. my
Samsung Galaxy Tab comes with a bare piece of "getting started" paper,
but on-line there is an excellent 144 page (3.2 MB) "users' manual."
I have owned or now own several pieces of Elecraft hardware, and in no
case have I eve
On 21 Aug 2011 at 6:56, John Ragle wrote:
> > I would like to suggest that the good folks at Elecraft consider
> > making paper manuals an optional item at check out time.
>
It may suit some, but I cannot see how you could sensibly build a K2
from an electronic manual. You would have to print o
On 08/20/2011 02:29 PM, Mike & Becca Krzystyniak wrote:
> Last night I was talking with a local on 222 SSB, and I noticed most of
> the lights on my XV-222 bar graph were staying on in TX, like it was in a
> peak-hold mode. At the same time I noticed Hi-RFI alarm coming up on the K3
> display
Not to mention that fraction of builders who -do not- have internet
access. Or will be in a location without internet for an interval of
time, but want to have reference material available... for example,
when on a DXpedition.
Maybe it could be an ordering option, with a modest discount fo
Andy,
If the KPA100 has red core toroids at L15 and L16, it is the old level
and the KPA100UPKT should be installed. If there are blue core toroids
at RFC1 and L16, it has already been installed.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 8/21/2011 2:30 AM, andyatd wrote:
> Don,
>
> Reading the KPA100 manual I anticip
I respectfully disagree.
If I had been presented a URL or pdf manual for my stuffed K2/100 kit
rather than the paper manuals I would have sold the kit. Looking through
my K2 manual right now there is a check mark next to every construction
step. When building the rig, I didn't mark the manual till
The paper manuals are spiral bound and quality printed on both sides of the
page. I like the idea of saving but not this one. When it comes time to
sell in ten years at least I will have the manual to pass on.
73 Doug EI2CN
If I may add one comment please, someone may have a fix for it, to save untold
hours of effort.
With a PDF for a manual, not a printed copy, just the pdf, on a building bench,
what can be used to
make notes in the construction or on the schematic, or in the manual, to note
the test results.??
The original suggestion was to make the paper manual 'optional' at time of
order and although I do not know what price reduction this would make, it
would be good for some folks...as long as they do read the PDF manual BEFORE
asking questions that could easily be answered by reading the manual in
e
While "green is good", I do not think an assembly or operator's manual
in electronic form is practical.
It would only result in most owners printing the manual locally, and
that nullifies the overall "greenness".
It is more costly for individuals to print locally than for the manual
to be print
Ian,
My first guess is that you wound an extra turn on the toroids. Count
the number of times the wire passes through the center of the core.
A straight wire through the core is one turn, a full wrap around the
core is 2 turns. If you did not realize that when winding the toroids,
it is likel
At Visalia this past spring, while I was struggling trying to decide
what format to publish "The K3" book, I did a survey of those
interested and it was pretty nearly split 50/50 between printed hard
copy and soft copy (pdf, etc). So, that answered that question and I
decided to go both ways :-) (
Although my original response to "the original suggestion" was intended
to be somewhat jocular, I am really quite appalled at the number of
people who (a) thought I suggested DOING AWAY with manuals, and (b) took
their hip-shot at me for making a suggestion which was (1) not mine, and
(2) not w
I recently bought a K2 (s/n 3873) with KAT2 module (f/w 1.06) on Ebay. The
K2 is working well, but I'm not sure the KAT2 is. Here is what I get tuning
into a 25 ft vertical wire with 16 ft counterpoise on the ground:
f SWR L C Net 3.540 1.2 18.2 0.66 N1 7.050 1.6 3.9 0.24 N1 10.106 1.1
1.6 0.0
I rely completely on PDF manuals. I can usually find answers to questions
through a quick and simple search. The idea to offer it as an option is green.
I had my K3 factory built.
I would always want a manual if I were building, e.g., KX1, and my K2 and all
it's options!
Bill
K9YEQ
Gary Gr
Received it Wednesday, started assembly Thursday evening. Finished
assembly Friday.
K3/100 KXV3A KRX3 KBPF3 P3
Didn't get the tuner, running an LDG AT-600Pro after my Ameritron AL-811
Main Rcvr has 6 Khz, 2.7 kHz, and 500 Hz filters.
Sub Rcvr has 2.7 kHz filter. I plan on getting a verti
--
Dave G KK7SS
Richland, WA
'59 Morris Minor 1000 - working on it..
'65 Sprite - in process :(
'76 Midget - co-owned with #4 Son :)
'06 Honda Civic Hybrid
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Lyle wrote:
> There are a number of technical as well as practical reasons
> why the IQ output from the KX3 is buffered analog rather than USB.
> Or Firewire, or Thunderbolt, or Ethernet, or S/PDIF, or AES3
> or one of the other myriad digital standards...
"The great thing about standards, is tha
I'm a bit confused on the specifications of the roofing filters on the KX3.
Will there be a roofing filter that is standard with the KX3, like the K3,
or are you required to buy at least one as an option?
Are the roofing filters in the same format as for the K3, or is it a
different setup?
Mike
Personally, I don't see how that suggestion saves anyone anything. The
great majority of those who order anything in kit or modular form are
going to want a printed manual, and I'd bet that at least half of any
buyer of an assembled item is going to want one as well, especially if
it is free
Mike, w0ih wrote:
> I'm a bit confused on the specifications of the roofing filters on
> the KX3.
> Will there be a roofing filter that is standard...?
The KX3's direct-conversion/quadrature (I/Q) receiver works with or
without roofing filters. You could certainly start with the basic unit
Hi to the Group -- Dave -- your correct -- Most of us that are building a
kit or troubleshooting a problem want to have hard copy to look at and write
notes, etc.
Thanks for your comment -- it makes sense too. There is nothing worse than
trying to work on some piece of equipment while navigating on
Actually, although the manuals are all available in the most recently updated
versions as PDFs on the web site, I think another format would even be superior
(in addition though, not replacing PDFs or printed).
The other format is a nice interactive web site -- not merely a PDF called up
with y
I think you are making a hugely arrogant and erroneous assumption that
anyone who sees the need for a printed manual is a Luddite.
"Appalling"? Seriously? While you may not be overtly suggesting that
Elecraft do away with manuals, below you are indeed sneering at those
who still feel the
For now, we'll continue to send printed manuals with the kits and make
the .pdf versions available for download.
However, if you find that you don't use the paper manual, and you have
a green streak (like me!), feel free to return it so we can reuse it.
Meanwhile, I'll ask Lisa and Eric if th
I would suggest that there is a deduct on the price if there is no
manual. But I bet if you start to remove stuff that is standard in your
BOM that your costs will go up.
In my original order I thought that I had to purchase a manual
separately and this was an expensive option. I was relieved
An answer by someone who understands manufacturing and a standard BOM.
~73
Don
KD8NNU
On Sun, Aug 21, 2011 at 12:46 PM, David Gilbert wrote:
> Personally, I don't see how that suggestion saves anyone anything.
> The great majority of those who order anything in kit or modular form
> are going
Another aspect of printed manuals is that the one that comes with the radio
is the one that matches that radio. With products that are so well updated
as Elecraft does it may be a bit of a problem several years after a radio is
bought/built determining just what version of online documents is
ap
Just for fun I tested the response of my K3 to external signals with
ANT1 directly terminated with a 50-ohm term (no coax). The radio has
2m transverter connections, 6m preamp in/out, and both IF out
connections, 10-MHz Ref cable, keys and Inhibit control lines
connected to ACC per usual set u
While good in theory, the lack of printed manuals has annoyed and displeased a
lot of people in many different groups; I know a lot of people that have been
playing video games since the mid1990's that wish the game developers would
still include proper manuals with the games instead of the mini
It should be possible to just treat them like any other option, such
as filters or tuners. They would need a part number.
If a customer wants one, they would order and pay for it. If not,
they would not have to buy for something that they didn't need. In my
case, I would need them, as I do
Wayne et al,
I find that I never refer to the manuals that came with my Elecraft equipment. I
keep a PDF copy of the latest version and refer to it when I need to.
Perhaps you could include a "Getting Started" page or two with the factory built
units that included a simple power and antenna conn
Being in the shack I usually use the PDF manual. But the printed one is
always with me when portable with the radio (and no laptop with me) ... you
don't want to be in the field and have no idea how to setup not that often
needed functions, will you? ;-)) On the other hand with KE7X's superb boo
Obvously doing something Stupid.
Both my VFO cursors are flashing. Thisnhas not happened before.
I`ve tried changing Xtal filter, Mode bands and restarting P3 without sucess.
Is this on a Menu somewhere.
Regards Paul G3SEM
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Elecraft
Hi All
I have an elderly K2 which had the original KNB2 installed, the one with the
two trimming capacitors in the
bandpass filter circuit. I ordered the revised board and this was built
yesterday. The issue is that with
the new board installed the sensitivity is very much reduced which is con
Don,
For those who chase weak signals, any spurious signal generated
inside the receiving system on the receiving spectrum is trouble. I
operate with a 144-MHz receiver with -156 dBm sensitivity and add
21.3 dBi of antenna gain to that, so I hear VERY WELL.
I find most of the problem signals
Correct me if I'm wrong but it sounds like you are talking about catalog web
sites. If you are, you have made the right choice.
Having worked in the printing and software development business, I can see both
sides of the issue. Catalogs must be updated constantly to reflect changes in
technolog
That's a good point, Olli.
When mobile with the K3 I only use CW, so I only need to know how to connect the
antenna, power and keyer ;-)
73,
Tom
Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
ARRL Lifetime Member
QCWA Lifetime Member
On Sun, 21 Aug 2011 20:03:39 +0200, Oliver Dröse wrote:
>Being in the shack
Nidge,
The only components the KNB2 adds to the receive path are in the
bandpass filter. If you have checked capacitors C3 through C7 for
correct values (and are all in the right places) and well soldered, the
next on the suspect list is L1 and L2. You say you have checked the
number of turn
I'm having a clear-out. I have no recollection of why I have it, but I have
found a tilt stand complete with mounting hardware etc.
The label on the bag says ETS15, yet I don't believe that the tilt stand
inside is the same height. The one in the bag measures about 2 1/4 inches in
height. Is tha
Stephen,
If the height measures 2 1/4 inches, it is the ETS2 which will elevate
the front of the K2 (or EC2 enclosure) 3 inches above the table.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 8/21/2011 2:50 PM, Stephen Prior wrote:
> I'm having a clear-out. I have no recollection of why I have it, but I have
> found a tilt
Actually the PDF format has the ability to allow comments to be added to
the PDF but this would have to be turned on by Elecraft as it is currently
turned off, at least on the documents that I have looked at.
Personally I think it is always best to give the consumer the option. That
way we can a
On Sun, Aug 21, 2011 at 12:07 PM, Phil Hystad wrote:
> ...The other format is a nice interactive web site -- not merely a PDF
> called up with your browser but an interactive structured web "application"
> that includes the technical material and descriptions...
Well, this is what A
John Ragle posted
"
>Why is it that a supposedly
>technologically-adept hobby like ham radio contains such
>a larger than average Luddite constituency?
"
LOL John I would have to respectfully disagree with you on this part of your
comment. The positive opinions expressed here regarding printed m
John, W1ZI, wrote:
"It is also appalling (but no longer surprising to me) that there are so
many hams out there who are relegating themselves to the early 20th
century. The Elecraft design line is very modern and designed to take
advantage of, but not be dependent upon, the ubiquitous presence of
If firmware could give an option for the the KPA500 to switch off automatically
when the K3 is switched off (using AUX cable), would people find it convenient?
I certainly would.
73 to all
Geoff
G3UCK
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While I doubt Elecraft will give up printed manuals ... I'm in the
printed manual camp.
1. PDF's are great, at times, for example you can search them. For
"real" use, I need a book with pages to turn and a place to stick
post-its. I know you can do that in a PDF, but it's not the same.
2.
Hi, Blair...
What you say about 'job files" is quite true. I've been in & around
computers since the late 1950's, and although I've ditched all my 8"
floppies, I still have some 5 1/4" that I have saved in the forlorn
hopes that they will become useful again for some other function than as
coa
Good idea!
On 8/21/2011 2:42 PM, Geoffrey Downs wrote:
> If firmware could give an option for the the KPA500 to switch off
> automatically when the K3 is switched off (using AUX cable), would people
> find it convenient? I certainly would.
>
> 73 to all
>
> Geoff
> G3UCK
> __
Kind of mean-spirited, no? I have a number of files and documents
stored on 5 1/4" 360 KB floppies [remember those], including my master's
thesis. They were put there by me, mainly using an MS-DOS very early
forerunner to MS Office called "Enable" running on a 10 MHz AT&T desktop
built by Oli
I went online and downloaded and printed my own assembly manual. I had read
it completely twice before my K3 arrived. I could not have done this if I
had to wait for a printed manual to come with my radio and most likely would
not have read it as carefully as I did waiting for my K3. I was no
I have boxes of those 5 1/4 diskettes plus a few 8 inchers. Everything I
wrote in the '70s and most of what I wrote in the '80s is now unavailable
to me. Just the musty printouts give me a trail of provenance. Some of
the algorithms I created back then would still be of value but I cannot
I agree that it's a good idea, but I wonder if it's feasible... It
appears the the KPA500 is currently only transmitting on the AUXBUS,
not receiving. If it was able to receive, it seems there shouldn't be
a need for BCD band-data in the AUX cable for a K3 (although other
rigs would still need it).
Jim,
You printed the manual locally, and if you count the ink and paper, that
cost you more than ordering an extra manual from Elecraft - and unless
you went to the trouble of printing it double-sided (and no sheets stuck
together in the process), you had twice as many sheets of paper. I
thin
Time to end this thread.
73, Eric
List Moderator
Eric
www.elecraft.com
_..._
On Aug 21, 2011, at 4:19 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:
> Kind of mean-spirited, no? I have a number of files and documents
> stored on 5 1/4" 360 KB floppies [remember those], including my master's
> thesis. They were
Let's end this thread and its variants.
73,
Eric WA6HHQ
List Moderator
www.elecraft.com
_..._
On Aug 21, 2011, at 4:40 PM, "Kevin Rock" wrote:
> I have boxes of those 5 1/4 diskettes plus a few 8 inchers. Everything I
> wrote in the '70s and most of what I wrote in the '80s is now unavai
>Elecraft is doing it right -
>don't monkey with what works and works quite well.
Amen to that, Don!
That applies to ALL the products, not just the manuals, IMHO.
I'd hate to see my Elecraft stuff 'fiddled to death'.
Ralph, VE7XF
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This thread and its variants have been ended.
Folks, This thread has way exceeded the posting volume limit. Please self limit
and do not reply to high volume threads like this in the future. It is not
necessary to argue out every deatil on OT threads.
73,
Eric WA6HHQ
List Moderator
www.elecra
Chip,
The KAT2 and the KX1 use a similar tuning algorithm, it searches for the
lowest SWR - but the KX1 capacitor and inductor selections are much more
limited than those of the KAT2. I am surprised that the KX1 gives you a
match, but the KAT2 cannot handle the same antenna.
Try setting the K
I would suspect Chip has some sort of problem Don, my KAT2 has never
failed to get a match to anything conductive :-). Actually, it won't
load an end-fed half-wave on 40, but does with a 1.3:1 SWR on 20. Go
figure.
Just out of curiosity, is the KAT2 some sort of steepest descent
algorithm? .
A double hernia precludes me putting a monitor on my stomach when I'm lying in
bed or
on the couch (my preferred reading spots). :-P
I took my KE7X pdf on a cd to Office Depot and they printed a very nice spiral
bound
book with clear plastic cover and plastic back for less than I could have
bo
Fred,
I do not know what the algorithm is (that is a question for Wayne), but
what I do know is that in the KAT2, there are 2 levels - the normal
algorithm which is fast to find a match, and the ALT which is slower,
but will often find a match in difficult times.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 8/21/2011 7:
There was a time when I really wanted a single switch (the infamous "big
switch" that one "pulled" at day's end) to turn on/off everything in the shack.
That was before almost everything embedded a CPU. Now I'm quite willing to
switch 'em all manually. If everything is on, that's less than a doz
If anyone is getting rid of a SGC Powercube Amp because the purchased a
the new Elecraft Amp, let me know.
I want to get one to share between my mobile operation and my K3.
Thanks
~73
Don
KD8NNU
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On Sun, Aug 21, 2011 at 6:24 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:
> ...is the KAT2 some sort of steepest descent
> algorithm? ... ...
=
Fred, I don't know that answer, but the little research I've done into
auto-tuner algorithms suggests that it doesn't have to be too fancy -- some
version of Newt
If it doesn't receive on the AUXBUS, why does it change bands when I use the
band button on the K3 to change bands? :-)
73,
Tom
Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
ARRL Lifetime Member
QCWA Lifetime Member
On Sun, 21 Aug 2011 21:42:10 +, iain macdonnell - N6ML
wrote:
>I agree that it's a good ide
I've tried ALT, that did not improve the match on 20m and 15m. I have also
very critically examined and re-flowed some solder joints without improved
results. I can't identify by inspection any problems with the capacitors and
inductors on the LC board.
I do have a high quality antenna analyzer, a
Tom,
The KPA500 reads the band data output of the K3.
If you change bands on the KPA500, it signals the K3 over the AUXBUS,
and the KPA500 does not change bands immediately, it waits until the K3
band data outputs indicate the band it is to switch to.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 8/21/2011 9:05 PM, n...@
Chip,
There is no regular procedure for using an antenna analyzer with the
KAT2, but if you saw a change in impedance with each of the manual
settings and those changes were consistent with adding (subtracting) the
amount of reactance equal to the particular inductor or capacitor
selected, the
Good Evening,
I am glad I moved the forty meter net to one hour later. It worked out
very well. All the way into CT and TX and MN. Much better than just CA
and OR. I did get a TX to TX relay though. Probably ground wave to Dave
but I was hearing John at 559 so I could copy him alon
At last my KPA-500, serial # 188, amp is a goer. But what a saga.
I ordered the amp on 12 April 2011. It finally shipped from
Watsonville on 13 July 2011. That's when the fun began, 3 days
from the US to Australia then 3 weeks or so to clear Aussie customs
and finally arrive at my QTH.
Upon openi
When I was involved with development of military radios we used IGUS or
internally generated unwanted signals. That says it all.
73
Max ZL4VV
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We had a big net today with generally good signal levels. There was no
discussion after the check-ins today. We had 32 participants over a 28
minute period. Have a great week.
Here is the list of participants.
Station NameQTH Rig S/N
AD5SX PaulNM
I am getting K3 sn 2308 sorted out. It has no mods, but all current
firmware. I just installed a new version sub receiver board. The
installation went fine.
The main Rx has a 2.7 kHz 5 pole in FL3, 400 Hz 8 pole in FL4, and 250Hz 8
pole in FL5.
The sub Rx has new 2.7 kHz 5 pole in FL3, and a
77 matches
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