Re: [Elecraft] QRPworks SideKar

Ted, Re:  "I would appreciate hearing from anyone who is willing to share their experience with it." I can't speak to the SideKar, but I can speak to the support the company provides.  I purchased a Ham Central Terminal (HCT, forerunner of the SideKar) from a list member for use with my KX3. 

[Elecraft] Brief VHF Contest report using FT8 on 6 meters

I had limited time this weekend, and decided to operate only on 6 meters using only the new FT8 digital mode. I operated for only one hour on Saturday evening and three hours on Sunday, mostly in the afternoon. My result was 70 QSOs in 35 grids. Of course it was much slower than CW and SSB b

Re: [Elecraft] New Digital Mode and K3S Frequency Accuracy

On 7/16/2017 10:54 AM, Christopher Hoover wrote: JT65 can decode arbitrary messages down to -24 dB (and certain messages down to -32 dB). When functioning as a multi-decoder, late versions of WSJT-X often give me good decodes in the range of -24 to -29dB re: the full bandwidth noise floor, an

Re: [Elecraft] QRPworks SideKar

I bought the SideKar plus because QRPWorks was right across the aisle from our booth at Dayton(Xenia now). I was facing them all weekend. I've had no trouble with it and am pleased with the user experience so far. I recommend QRPWorks productsfor this reason. 73, matt W6NIA On 7/16/2017 6:

Re: [Elecraft] PX3 Problem?

Hello Dave, Just checked my KX3/PX3 and with no antenna, I am also seeing spur peaks about 25 to 30 dB above the noise floor. With the PX3 SPAN set to 30 KHz: On 20 meters, when I turn the preamp ON (20dB preamp setting), and connect my HexBeam, I only see 20m band noise at about -112 dBm; there

Re: [Elecraft] PX3 Problem?

Using just one of 20 “extra” spurs, I measuredthe spur peak at -90 with the preamp on. Base line is -125 with it on. Turning off the preamp, the peak is -75, base line -112. The s/n remains basically with preamp on and off. The main thing is, Those spurs were not there previously. I just too

Re: [Elecraft] PX3 Problem?

Dave, The KX3 is designed to be operated with the preamp on most of the time. The only reason to turn it off is when extremely strong signals are encountered. The preamp eliminates many spurious signals that are actually out of band due to its signal rejection "filtering". That has nothing

Re: [Elecraft] Really OT: Inside-the-vehicle HF antennas (possible bonus points)

Mount your iPad/Tablet to the dash, install 3G/4G internet capable router (internal antennas) into the car, Heil Headset & RR1274 then remote into your K3/KPA500/KAT500 remote station at home. Works rather nicely. Otherwise ruggedised whip tuner under the bonnet (err hood) with a thin discrete s

Re: [Elecraft] PX3 Problem?

Good point. However I am on 20 meters, which really doesn’t need the preamp. Besides, the spikes are 40 dB high or so. No, this behavior is definitely looking like a failure. I have one more thing to try. I will carry it out to the shop in my garage and plug it in. If it is the same there

Re: [Elecraft] Getting CW decoding to work (again)

What is your filter bandwidth? It should be narrow, but not so narrow that your tuning (including the CWT - SPOT) is extremely critical - about 200 Hz is about right. Is the station possibly sending only numbers? There are some Russian stations that do just that. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/16/2017

[Elecraft] QRPworks SideKar

Is anyone using the QRPWorks SideKar or SideKar plus? I am thinking about buying one to use with both the K3 (updated with the K3S goodies) and the KX3. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who is willing to share their experience with it. Thanks in advance, Ted, KN1CBR __

Re: [Elecraft] PX3 Problem?

Dave, make sure that the preamp is engaged on your KX3. If the preamp is off and you are receiving on a quiet band, you'll see "stuff" that would normally be covered by the band noise. Turn on the preamp, and the artifacts that you're seeing should be pushed below the noise floor of just about any

Re: [Elecraft] Getting CW decoding to work (again)

It's going to be one of those evenings. I'll try this again. For some reason I've butterfingered the settings on my KX2 and for the life of me I cannot get it to work in decoding mode. I keep looking at the KX2 manual on page 29 TEXT DECODE and DISPLAY to step through those instructions but, no go

[Elecraft] Getting CW decoding to work (again)

For some reason I've butterfingered the settings on my KX2 and for the life of me I cannot get it to work in decoding mode. I keep looking at the KX2 manual on page 29 The thing is the display is a show a 'T' in the lower right hand corner indicating it's on. I'm in CW mode. I can hear CW coming

Re: [Elecraft] Car interior antennas...

Fractal antennas are used for multi-band point of sale and similar terminals, plus quite a number cell phones. They are die-cut and cost about $0.05 to make in quantity. I had a job interview in 2009 with a POS terminal manufacturer in Phoenix and the fractal antenna was one of the "tricks" t

[Elecraft] Embroidered Elecraft Shirts

Custom embroidered Elecraft shirts are available again. For those of you that told me you do not want to use PayPal, I finally found an option. My Square store http://www.ellenjanessewdivine.com/ is a work in progress but the Elecraft section is ready with the current stock of shirts. For those

Re: [Elecraft] Really OT: Inside-the-vehicle HF antennas (possible bonus points)

On 7/16/2017 10:37 AM, Fred Jensen wrote: > The Southern Pacific RR [now Union Pacific] used 160 MHz DDRR antennas > on some of their signalling equipment. Generally on top of a big steel > box beside the track(s). Had a base plate bolted to the box, and a > single 25-30 cm element, parallel to t

Re: [Elecraft] Fractal antennas

My lab partner was working on fractal antennas last time I was in school. The lab always reeked of acid fumes from his etching. His lowest band was in the 10 cm range; most of his work was above that. I don't know if you could fit one for HF in the room you have on a window. GL,

Re: [Elecraft] Really OT: Inside-the-vehicle HF antennas (possible bonus points)

On 7/15/2017 8:37 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: > Seems I recall a DDRR antenna which was a low profile, roof mountable > antenna. Are you referring to what we called the "towel rack" antenna which was originally made for Air Rescue Helicopters in the Vietnam-War era? They were replaced by the "d

Re: [Elecraft] Really OT: Inside-the-vehicle HF antennas (possible bonus points)

On 7/15/2017 8:18 PM, Randy Bright wrote: > Would there be a way to repurpose the defrost wiring that is sandwiched > between the layers of glass in some back windows and use that thin wire for > your antenna? Has been done for sneaky mobile DF systems decades ago. We called then "defroster ante

Re: [Elecraft] Really OT: Inside-the-vehicle HF antennas (possible bonus points)

On 7/15/2017 7:53 PM, Michael Chowning wrote: > Now all you have to do, is get permission to rack mount your radio in place > of the passenger seat. > Seriously, here is a link from Ohio State Unversity on experimental antennas > in clothes of the military. Seriously -- a certain three-letter a

Re: [Elecraft] Really OT: Inside-the-vehicle HF antennas (possible bonus points)

Wayne: > On Jul 15, 2017, at 8:53 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > > I’m dealing with one of the last unsolved problems in amateur radio: how to > operate HF mobile without an antenna. At least not one that, according to > some vehicle co-owners/spouses, would defile your new sedan. > > For 10 bonu

[Elecraft] Fractal antennas (was: Car interior antennas...)

On 7/16/17 16:16 PM, Emory Schley wrote: > I'm certainly no expert here but a fellow I know once told me that fractal > antennas were showing up in car interiors because they're efficient, quite > small and don't use much material to construct. Something about punching them > out with a die... d

Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 159, Issue 12

Yes, please. Maybe add the ability to show a different window for two sensors to help us easily confused so2r guys. Would also be nice to have a kat500 utility that would show real power output for those of us without a kpa500 Message: 5 Date: Sat, 15 Jul 2017 21:57:46 -0400 From: Michael Wa

Re: [Elecraft] PSK63 D Tones?

Scott, That quote from WA8LMF refers to the actual frequency transmitted by normal soundcard data modes (and the same is true no matter what the data mode). Use the KX3 in DATA A for all except RTTY. Although some data mode applications correctly send RTTY the same as other data modes, with

Re: [Elecraft] PX3 Problem?

Just out of curiosity, has any other wall wart or other device been plugged in near the px3-kx3 recently? Interestly enough, just this morning I saw new noise I hadn't seen before. It turned out to be a wall wart that was charging a car booster battery pack and it was about 4-5 inches from the k

[Elecraft] Car interior antennas...

I'm certainly no expert here but a fellow I know once told me that fractal antennas were showing up in car interiors because they're efficient, quite small and don't use much material to construct. Something about punching them out with a die... didn't quite understand what he was saying complet

Re: [Elecraft] [K3S] Soundcard levels

Jim, I am going to assume you are running Windows. To the computer, the "soundcard" in the K3S is little different than any other USB soundcard, except the 'external box' happens to the inside the K3S. That means you have soundcard levels in the computer which can be adjusted. Right click on

Re: [Elecraft] PX3 Problem?

Tnx Roger and Matt. Roger — I don’t have the KX3/PX3 interfaced with the audio on the computer. I do have the usb port connected. Matt — I believe it is the 2.5 mm jacks that carry the Rx I/Q between the KX3 and PX3. I unplugged the antenna and the spikes are still there. I unplugged the Rx

Re: [Elecraft] PX3 Problem?

Sounds like a ground loop. I had something similar. I unplugged the KX3 from the computer and it went away. I was able to use an USB hub and it was fine. -- 73 and Thanks, Roger Meadows AE4RM QRP - Do More With Less On July 16, 2017 at 6:06:20 PM, Dave Sublette (k...@arrl.net

Re: [Elecraft] PX3 Problem?

Try unplugging the antenna to see if it's internally- or externally-generated. If the artifacts remain with no antenna, only one of the I/Q signals is making it to the PX3. This may be due to the cable or the KX3 or PX3 3.5mm sockets. Try using a different M-M 3.5mm cable and see if it makes

[Elecraft] PX3 Problem?

I have had my PX3 for a little over a year (I think). It has been used sparingly. Until this afternoon, it has worked perfectly. Now I see a spike in the center of the display and periodic spikes across the entire screen. Almost all are symmetrical in frequency and amplitude about the center

Re: [Elecraft] [K3S] Soundcard levels

I’m not sure what the problem is. I run my K3 line level at 3 on both radios. You want the absolute minimum that will work so your sound card has maximum dynamic range. I set the level so the baseline spectrum display in MMTTY is just visible. I use FSK so I don’t know what the playback leve

Re: [Elecraft] [K3S] Soundcard levels

You are not alone. I much prefer my old K3 with an external sound card to the built-in in my new(er) K3S. I mentioned (complained) about this before to no effect. Trying to set ALC to the recommended 4+flashing bars is nearly impossible. Changing Line Out by one level, will change AGC from

Re: [Elecraft] PSK63 D Tones?

Scott: Don't apologize for naive questions! There are plenty of us newbies out here who appreciate discussions about their rigs, as well as the really good answers that arise! 73, david New KX3 owner. KC1DNY On 7/16/2017 3:02 PM, richardscott w wrote: I am a newbie when it comes to the digit

[Elecraft] PSK63 D Tones?

I am a newbie when it comes to the digital modes and the KX3. The following question may, therefore, be naive. I have been experimenting using my Tentec transceiver to copy and send APRS PSK63 beacons on 30 meters using the "APRS Messenger" software. It seems to work fine using a Signalink USB sou

Re: [Elecraft] OT New Digital Mode and K3S Frequency Accuracy

From the WSJT-X site:https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx.html 73 Bob, K4TAX NEW FEATURES IN WSJT-X Version 1.8.0 1. New mode called FT8: sensitivity down to -20 dB on the AWGN channel; QSOs 4 times faster than JT65 or JT9; auto-sequencing

Re: [Elecraft] [K3S] Soundcard levels

Don't feel bad! Even with the upgrade board in my K3 that includes the onboard sound card I have never gotten any digital mode to work with my laptop or desktop I quit CW IT IS W5SUM Sent from my iPhone > On Jul 16, 2017, at 12:54 PM, Jim N7US wrote: > > The Windows recording and playback

Re: [Elecraft] New Digital Mode and K3S Frequency Accuracy

Just a note guys, Myself and many others are on 630 meters every night.John ( WH2XIQ) and Myself (WG2XXM) made the first FT8 qso on 630 m .The mode is very fast almost to fast hi hi.Set your dial to 474.2 upper side band or digi mode , my signal will be @ 1510 hz.on the wspr water water fall.73

Re: [Elecraft] New Digital Mode and K3S Frequency Accuracy

On Sat, Jul 15, 2017 at 4:05 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: > it decodes about 20 dB deeper than previous versions. > That's not right. FT8 can decode down to -20 dB (AWGN channel). JT65 can decode arbitrary messages down to -24 dB (and certain messages down to -32 dB). JT9 is 2 db more sensi

[Elecraft] [K3S] Soundcard levels

The Windows recording and playback levels of the soundcard in my K3S seem to both be very sensitive. For RTTY, other digital modes, and voice messages I have the level set at only 5 for recording and 18 for playback. I have my LIN OUT in the K3S set to only 5 for RTTY reception (recording) and

Re: [Elecraft] Really OT: Inside-the-vehicle HF antennas (possible bonus points)

Yep... we owned at least one car growing up that had the antenna in the windshield As I remember it, it came up from the bottom of the center windshield... two parallel black (tiny) wires. At the top they each bent out toward the sides of the windshield about 2 inches from the top... 1 inch

Re: [Elecraft] New Digital Mode and K3S Frequency Accuracy

Just kidding Jim, I exercised several of the WSJT modes some time back and was amazed at the copy on signals I simply couldn't hear [although generally, most were strong enough to hear]. With the new synth, I even got up in the middle of the night to see if I could hear the signals WSPR was de

Re: [Elecraft] Really OT: Inside-the-vehicle HF antennas (possible bonus points)

The Southern Pacific RR [now Union Pacific] used 160 MHz DDRR antennas on some of their signalling equipment. Generally on top of a big steel box beside the track(s). Had a base plate bolted to the box, and a single 25-30 cm element, parallel to the top of the box, spaced about 6-7 cm above it

Re: [Elecraft] New Digital Mode and K3S Frequency Accuracy

On 7/15/2017 6:58 PM, Fred Jensen wrote: 15 sec vs 47 sec is a 68% decrease in QSO time. So, I only have to wait for 32% of the paint to dry? [:-) Hi Fred, I spent a lot of time with FT8 yesterday in CQ VHF, and found it to be pretty fast paced. I'd say the rate was at least as good as QRP

Re: [Elecraft] Really OT: Inside-the-vehicle HF antennas (possible bonus points)

I thought that was how FM antennas were implemented in some cars already, but without using resistance wire. 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Randy Bright Sent: Saturday, July 15, 2017 8:18 PM

[Elecraft] K3 Digital Voice Recorder Offset

I have an older K3 with the digital voice recorder. When I play a digitally recorded message the monitored audio makes it sound like I’m listening to a sideband station that’s tuned a couple hundred cycles high. Others who hear my transmitted signal do not hear this offset. Does anyone have ideas

Re: [Elecraft] Really OT: Inside-the-vehicle HF antennas (possible bonus points)

On 2017-07-15 11:18 PM, Randy Bright wrote: Would there be a way to repurpose the defrost wiring that is sandwiched between the layers of glass in some back windows and use that thin wire for your antenna? I was going to mention this. I'm sure that I have read about someone who has done that.

Re: [Elecraft] Really OT: Inside-the-vehicle HF antennas (possible bonus points)

Even if you can get something to radiate, there's always the issue of RFI to the car's electronics. Careful! Barry W2UP -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Really-OT-Inside-the-vehicle-HF-antennas-possible-bonus-points-tp7632459p7632472.html Sent from the Ele

Re: [Elecraft] New Digital Mode and K3S Frequency Accuracy

All modes have their uses and popularity. With FT8 one may initially find it easier to use by unticking the auto sync box ? I have been really enjoying this new mode 😊 73 Rob G3RCE On Jul 16, 2017 02:59, "Fred Jensen" wrote: Sorry, can't resist. 15 sec vs 47 sec is a 68% decrease in QSO time.

[Elecraft] Inside-the-vehicle HF antennas.

1) For years now I have built a unique rx. am/fm antenna UNDER my beautiful red '65 Alfa Romeo Spyder Veloce. I didn't want to pierce the body to install the antenna so I ran coax under the car and ran one wire from front to back under the car about three inches from the chassis. It works. No hash