Re: [Elecraft] New ham and the KX3

Sean, Great location especially if you can be operating close the water (sea) when resonant vertical antennas (I use vertical dipoles on a telescoping 10m fishing pole) should allow you to work the world qrp. I also have a buddipole and it works fine in vertical configuration especially close

Re: [Elecraft] Need volunteers to try an even better version of KAT500 firmware (rev. 1.63) -- more accurate initial tunes

Thanks for the report (Doug and many others). Much appreciated. 73, Wayne N6KR On Feb 25, 2014, at 7:53 PM, Doug VE3VS wrote: > Installed the new KAT500 beta rev. 1.63. Erased all memories for my 80 > metres broadband dipole. Was able to get 1.0 to 1 or 1.1 to 1 with > training every 20 Kcs

[Elecraft] Fwd: Take Two: 2000A RCU and K3 CAT

-- Forwarded message -- From: Hank Garretson Date: Sat, Feb 22, 2014 at 9:36 AM Subject: Take Two: 2000A RCU and K3 CAT To: acom-l...@yahoogroups.com I moved the Y-cable to between the P3 and computer. Everything is now working perfectly. There is stuff going on between the K3 an

Re: [Elecraft] Need volunteers to try an even better version of KAT500 firmware (rev. 1.63) -- more accurate initial tunes

Installed the new KAT500 beta rev. 1.63. Erased all memories for my 80 metres broadband dipole. Was able to get 1.0 to 1 or 1.1 to 1 with training every 20 Kcs across the entire band. Some intervals did not even try a long tuning cycle, just a couple of clicks and done, others required a couple

Re: [Elecraft] New ham and the KX3

Welcome Sean, There are two rules to antennas: 1) Put up the biggest one you can 2) If it stays up, it was too small Seriously, though. A really good chunk of fine wire (like Wireman #534 -- 26 gauge copper-over-steel with a thin "insulation" jacket to make it harder to see) will give y

Re: [Elecraft] New ham and the KX3

Welcome to probably the very best hobby in the world! ... or at least it has been for me, I'm working on my 61st year with a license. I think you picked a good one Sean! To make contacts, antennas are everything. If you're running 5 watts and go to 50W, that's at best 2 S-units, and probably

Re: [Elecraft] zeroing K3 internal tuner

The 1.2:1 SWR appears using either ANT1 or ANT2 to two separate dummy loads -- these also use different cables. I replaced a coax jumper when I noticed this on 10 meters with my K3. It was fine on other bands. I had purchased some physically a

Re: [Elecraft] Need volunteers to try an even better version of KAT500 firmware (rev. 1.63) -- more accurate initial tunes

Same result here. All good Gary On 26 February 2014 10:59, Stan Gibbs, KR7C wrote: > Really quick, hmm > > I guess I'd say a couple of seconds tuning 17m using my 80m dipole; it is > faster than the KAT3 by comparison. Both yielded a 1.0:1 match. > > > > > > - > 73, Stan - KR7C > -- >

Re: [Elecraft] New ham and the KX3

I just recently got the 100W amp for my K3, so most of my operation has been at 12 watts and below. In looking through my log, the vast majority of my 10M contacts are QRP, or 5 watts. I use a home-brew vertical with a window screen ground plain on the roof of my single story house for an anten

Re: [Elecraft] New ham and the KX3

I have used the BuddiPole, about 5 feet off the ground in an elevated vertical configuration, and a K3 on 20 meters and it worked very well. This was with three 17-foot radials. I have never used the BuddiPole in a dipole configuration but I understand it also works very well. As someone else

Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 Utility wakeup KAT500

I'm not bothered by the 28.004 birdie, so I'll just leave the sleep option disabled for now. A wakeup fix will make things right as rain. Thanks! - 73, Stan - KR7C -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-Utility-wakeup-KAT500-tp7584727p7584732.html S

Re: [Elecraft] New ham and the KX3

Sean, Welcome to one of the most interesting hobbies that there is. I read that you find yourself in the same predicament that many urban and near urban hams find themselves in. However, take heart. There are ways to deal with HOA rules. First, let me say that a Buddipole is not a bad antenna.

Re: [Elecraft] Need volunteers to try an even better version of KAT500 firmware (rev. 1.63) -- more accurate initial tunes

Really quick, hmm I guess I'd say a couple of seconds tuning 17m using my 80m dipole; it is faster than the KAT3 by comparison. Both yielded a 1.0:1 match. - 73, Stan - KR7C -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Need-volunteers-to-try-an-even-better-v

Re: [Elecraft] New ham and the KX3

Sean, I think with a limited antenna, (Buddipole) extra power will not make a huge difference. “You can’t work ‘em if you can’t hear ‘em.” is a truism. I suggest for your home station, you experiment with “low profile” antennas. Like a fine wire tossed up in a tree or draped out an upstairs

[Elecraft] New ham and the KX3

Hi folks, I recently got my Technician license and I'm working on my General and Extra. I'm looking to get my first rig and I'm interested in the KX3. I was considering pairing it with a Buddipole antenna, as my development doesn't allow permanent antennas. While I use the KX3 at home, will I

[Elecraft] KAT500 Utility wakeup KAT500

The KAT500 Utility does need a little work to wake up a sleeping KAT500. I'll try to get to it this week. In the meantime, I'm using a command tester macro named "IDLE SLEEP OFF" that sends ";;;SL0;SL;RV;" I tap that macro key a few times until I see an "SL0;" . This turns off idle sleep so you

Re: [Elecraft] Need volunteers to try an even better version of KAT500 firmware (rev. 1.63) -- more accurate initial tunes

> Apparently, the KAT500 Utility (v1.14.2.20) doesn't send the requisite "wake > up" commands. > > As far as the coarse tuning speed, I would say that it is much faster than > 1.58. I erased all memories and tried tuning antennas where the SWR is over > 5 (e.g. 18 on my 80 dipole) and the KAT500

Re: [Elecraft] Need volunteers to try an even better version of KAT500 firmware (rev. 1.63) -- more accurate initial tunes

Apparently, the KAT500 Utility (v1.14.2.20) doesn't send the requisite "wake up" commands. As far as the coarse tuning speed, I would say that it is much faster than 1.58. I erased all memories and tried tuning antennas where the SWR is over 5 (e.g. 18 on my 80 dipole) and the KAT500 was really q

Re: [Elecraft] Need volunteers to try an even better version of KAT500 firmware (rev. 1.63) -- more accurate initial tunes

In trying to load this new FW version, I discovered that there appears to be an interaction between the proper operation of the serial interface and the "Sleep When Idle" option. If the oscillator is not running due to the timeout enabled by this option, as can be seen on my P3 at 28.004 MHz, then

Re: [Elecraft] New product request

Jack, OK, now that you have put some numbers on your interpretation of "affordable", I understand. To many, the KX3 *is* affordable. I differ with your interpretation that an SDR does not need a front panel or physical controls. It may or may not have those controls and still be an SDR. See

Re: [Elecraft] New product request

I think Don was spot on with his answer. I think the KX3 is very affordable and if I were looking for just an RX SDR I would give serious consideration to the KX3 -- No, I take that back, I would probably buy only a KX3 and the reason is that the last thing I want to haul around with my receive

Re: [Elecraft] Straight key and microKeyer II not working together

Joe, thanks. No VOX selected on the K3 for the straight key. VOX on, straight key works. I do have PTT1 set in the microKeyer II. Operator error as expected. Rich NU6T On 2/25/2014 12:54 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: Is the K3 CW VOX enabled or are you using PTT from MK II? 73, ... Jo

Re: [Elecraft] New product request

Don, Go out on the net and research the words "affordable" and "SDR" and you can then probably answer your own question. But to save you some time; A SDR RX does not include a transmitter. A SDR RX does not need a front panel or any physical controls, just a USB or Ethernet port, an antenna

[Elecraft] Ham Central Terminal

Howdy gang: I would like to exchange a note or two with someone who has used the Ham Central Terminal (HCT) with their KX3 or K3 on PSK. 73, Joe W2KJ I QRP, therefore I am __ Elecraft mail

Re: [Elecraft] Straight key and microKeyer II not working together

Rich, Check for a bad cable on the Begali. With your ohmmeter, check the resistance between the tip and sleeve of the cable plug while the key is closed. It should be zero ohms or very close. There is nothing in the K3 that detects one brand of key closure from another brand, so your probl

Re: [Elecraft] Straight key and microKeyer II not working together

Is the K3 CW VOX enabled or are you using PTT from MK II? 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2/25/2014 3:11 PM, Rich wrote: The Bencher BY-1 works, the Begali Spark doesn't. The Begali is set up with a stereo connecter, tip and sleeve. I'm trying to use a Begali Spark straight key and a Bencher BY-1

[Elecraft] Straight key and microKeyer II not working together

The Bencher BY-1 works, the Begali Spark doesn't. The Begali is set up with a stereo connecter, tip and sleeve. I'm trying to use a Begali Spark straight key and a Bencher BY-1 paddle plugged in at the same time (I only use them one at a time) via a Y cable. I understand that this should work

Re: [Elecraft] zeroing K3 internal tuner

I replaced a coax jumper when I noticed this on 10 meters with my K3. It was fine on other bands. I had purchased some physically attractive but inexpensive coax jumpers at a hamfest. I've since invested in better, as I'm testing antenna tuner firmware. 73 de Dick, K6KR -Original Message---

Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Default Band?

What's the big deal? Once the K3 is on, it should jump to whatever band the K3 is set to?? The KX3 won't tell the KPA500 what band till it spits out some ref. ...bill nr4c Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID Jim Bennett wrote: >So, as Lyle (KK7P) and Brian (K3KO) are saying, this is

Re: [Elecraft] PA with predistortion

I'm not sure how easy this would be to adapt to an existing product like the K3 or KX3. Note that the primary change is in the transceiver and not the PA, i.e. this is not something you would add to the KXPA100 or KPA-500, other than perhaps the head end of the PA output sampler. The attenuator

[Elecraft] zeroing K3 internal tuner

My K3 SWR meter no longer reads 1:1 into a 50 ohm dummy load or matched load. The lowest it will read is 1.2:1. Is there a calibration or zeroing I should redo? Steve N9SZ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/list

Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Default Band?

The solution is to disconnect the AUX cable from the KPA when using the KX3. This is not a KPA issue - you can leave the KPA500 turned on and power off the K3 and you will see the KPA switch to 60 meters after a short while.When the K3 powers off, the Vcc naturally sags to 0V. The Band line outpu

Re: [Elecraft] Fw: SSB issue K3

What mic are you using? Did you set up the mic according to the procedure in the manual? You must keep the mic in the same relative position while you speak and keep the voice power constant. Often when making test such as this, we move our head to get better view of meter and turn away from t

Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 Default Band?

So, as Lyle (KK7P) and Brian (K3KO) are saying, this is due to (1) having the KPA500 set to K3 (I do), and after the amp sits and capacitors discharge, there is no voltage coming through the acc connector and the amp goes to 60 meters. Well, if that's the case then I guess there isn't much that

[Elecraft] PA with predistortion

"Apache Labs become the first Amateur Transceiver manufacturer to include Pre-distortion technology within their PA’s for ultra-clean TX". This is something that Elecraft should have all the possibilities to follow up on: using the DSP to clean up the PA. See http://blog.wsplc.com/?p=1701

[Elecraft] Need volunteers to try an even better version of KAT500 firmware (rev. 1.63) -- more accurate initial tunes

Hi all, We just posted a new beta-test release of KAT500 firmware (rev 1.63) that does a better job on initial tunes than the previous release (1.58). We'd really like to get this firmware into production quickly, but to do that we'll need some testing help. If you can spare a few minutes, ple

[Elecraft] KPA500 Default Band?

I have my KPA500 and KAT500 on a switch that can be set to either a K3 or a KX3. The KX3 is new (to me) and I've been using it almost exclusively since assembling this fine Christmas present. Recently I've noticed a strange behavior and am wondering if this is due to a recent firmware change or

Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 vs KAT3

Due to issues with Expert 2k-fa, I compared many SWR devices. SWR metering in K3 is not very accurate although it is good enough. Without KAT3 turned on, SWR in K3 may indicate 1.0 while LP100 shows 1.5, and vice versa. When if K3 indicates 1.0 it may be from 1.0 to 1.7. Additional problems are cau

Re: [Elecraft] Fw: SSB issue K3

Mark, Try this: Put the K3 into TX TEST so you have no output and don't bother other hams on the air. Then set your compression to zero. Adjust the mic gain to produce 5 to 7 bars on the ALC meter. Once you have accomplished that, increase the compression to whatever you desire. Exit TX TEST

[Elecraft] Fw: SSB issue K3

Thanks for the initial round of comments and suggestions. The radio did go through the calibration as per the instructions - worked fine. Symptoms: Full CW power yet on SSB with mic at 28 and comp at 25, initially full power out, then quickly drops off to say 10 to 15 watts.  Have tried the ATU

[Elecraft] RCA Speakers

A while back some one said they had one RCA speaker and was looking for another for stereo operation. I have one that he can have. If you are still interested please email me. John N4LJS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth

Re: [Elecraft] New product request

Why does the KX3 not meet that request? It is a direct to baseband SDR transceiver. Yes, it contains its own "computer" in the box, but that does not make it any less of an SDR receiver. If you are looking for a panadapter display, connect a soundcard to the RX I/Q output and you will have it.

[Elecraft] Snap crackle and pop

You may want to use a divide and conquer operation.   Test on the local lan... plugged into ethernet locally.  If everything is clean there, it is outside the K3 and the local lan.   Lots of ISPs tend to throttle users of bandwidth that they consider "excessive" - Time warner runs ALL the traffic

Re: [Elecraft] K2 LCD Issue

I had the same issue and resoldering the LCD did the job. 73 Luc/F6HJO Le 25/02/2014 01:02, Don Wilhelm a écrit : Don, That normally is the symptom of a solder connection that did not receive adequate heat during soldering. After a time, enough oxidation has developed to cause a problem. I

Re: [Elecraft] K3 mini ?

But my first thought when I saw it was, "Wow! A KX3 RF board with the full K3 Front Panel would ROCK!" :). -kb7psg On Sun, 23 Feb 2014, Bruce Beford wrote: And now might be a good time to remind folks that the K3/0 mini is not a radio by itself... It is a control panel, for a "real"