[Elecraft] Removing KX3 Heatsink

I run net control on our local 2m nets and enjoy using my KX3… with earphones it provides a “big rig” feel while operating. Alas, on transmit the 2-meter transverter generates a LOT of heat, very quickly, even at quite modest power levels (e.g. 0.5 watts). Trying to attenuate some of that heat

Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] RS232 xcvr control when serial ports are occupied

Thanks Don. It must have been interesting working all that out. I used to enjoy giving my students a history lesson explaining the control and handshaking signals in the RS232 connector from basic principles, starting with the Bell 103 modem. That didn't help explain the terminology and sign

Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] RS232 xcvr control when serial ports are occupied

As a ‘field engineer ‘ for a global company in the 80s, I’d occasionally find one of those RS232 breakout boxes tucked behind some production system, jumpered to make the connection work, blinking away, because some technician finally hit upon the magic combination and then left it in place rather

Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] RS232 xcvr control when serial ports are occupied

I still use a black box brand breakout box!! Indispensable to a field communications technician! Ronnie W5SUM Sent from my iPhone > On Jul 9, 2018, at 11:04 AM, Dave Fugleberg wrote: > > As a ‘field engineer ‘ for a global company in the 80s, I’d occasionally > find one of those RS232 breakou

[Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500?

I probably missed this but my google searches aren't working either. Will 2x 20A breakers (220v) be sufficient for the KPA1500? Thanks. -- Hisashi T Fujinaka - ht...@twofifty.com K7EMI BSEE + BSChem + BAEnglish + MSCS + $2.50 = coffee

Re: [Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500?

What is the house circuit wire size used. I think the breaker protects the house from fire due to overheated wiring. Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill > On Jul 9, 2018, at 12:24 PM, Hisashi T Fujinaka wrote: > > I probably missed this but my google searches aren't working either. > > Will

Re: [Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500?

To the breaker box? It's new construction from the breaker box to the amp. On Mon, 9 Jul 2018, Nr4c wrote: What is the house circuit wire size used. I think the breaker protects the house from fire due to overheated wiring. Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill On Jul 9, 2018, at 12:24 PM, His

Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] RS232 xcvr control when serial ports are occupied

Back in the day, I worked for Tymshare, a time sharing company (AKA early cloud computing). We used Bell 103 protocol modems to provide full duplex connections for our users who were using ASCII terminals, both CRT and teleprinter. They could type at the same time the computer was sending data,

Re: [Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500?

Yes, that is what I am using. 73, Roy K6XK I probably missed this but my google searches aren't working either. Will 2x 20A breakers (220v) be sufficient for the KPA1500? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/

Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] RS232 xcvr control when serial ports are occupied

The flaw is naming them "transmit" and "receive."  "DTE2DCE" and vice versa might have been a better choice so many years ago.  "Data Terminal" and "Data Communications" were probably equally poor naming choices, but it seemed so obvious then. 73, Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW Sparks NV DM09dn Washoe C

[Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500

I just had a new dedicated 220V line for the KPA1500 installed by a professional company. They used new metal clad 4 by 12 gauge from the service box to the outlet with 20 amp breakers on each side. I personally make no warranty, but they assured me it would be both safe and more than suf

Re: [Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500

I take what code requires as the minimum wire gauge. For shorter runs it's fine. But measure the run length, multiply by 2 (two wires) and calculate IR voltage drop. It's not a big expense when you're installing to use 10 instead of 12 awg if it would make a noticeable difference. Seems like i

Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 installation on side?

Possible to swap covers? Chuck Hawley c-haw...@illinois.edu Amateur Radio, KE9UW aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] on behalf of Jack Brindle via Elecraft [elecraft@mailman.qth.net] Sent:

Re: [Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500?

Actually, 20 amp breakers will work fine. Use #12 wire and it will handle 20 amps. If the run is long, use #10 wire to reduce the voltage drop. Elecraft recommends plugging into 195 to 250 VAC 50/60 Hz up to 20A. 73, Don W3FPR I probably missed this but my google searches aren't working eit

Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 installation on side?

Actually the feet are on the left side, not the right. They are on the same end that the transformer is on and would be in the perfect position to sit standing upright. Michael Blake k9...@mac.com > On Jul 9, 2018, at 2:37 PM, hawley, charles j jr > wrote: > >

[Elecraft] Tuneup, Rescue, Build your K2 and others

Hello, Does your K2 need repair? Tuneup? Want to sell it, but it needs some attention before offering it for sale? In addition to tuning your rig, I can also rescue a building project you might have started some time ago. See what my clients have said about my construction and service work at

Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 installation on side?

And you are right! When developing the KPA500, we went back and forth as to which was the best side, so my memory can be a bit fuzzy there. Mine had no handle or side feet for quite a while. There is still significant heat production on the left side since the side panel is used as a heat sink

Re: [Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500?

I would also suggest using three -  #10 with ground as the line from the breakers to the amp operating position. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 7/9/2018 11:43 AM, Roy Koeppe wrote: Yes, that is what I am using. 73,   Roy K6XK I probably missed this but my google searches aren't working either. Wil

Re: [Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500

I put a sub-panel in the shack  I ran 4 x 6GA stranded THWN-2 in two sets of twisted pairs inside a steel flex conduit from the main box to the sub box.  Running dual 60 Amp (tied) breakers at the box to catch both hots for 240 VAC.  The hots are paired, and the Neutral and ground are paire

Re: [Elecraft] KX3/fldigi/USB sound card

Jim There is no added complexity of PTT using CAT at all.  The KX3 (and K2 for that matter) is just triggered by CAT commands, and not VOX. I've cot CAT control of PTT on my KX3 and K2, and all I had to do was plug in the K2's serial cable, and the KXUSB for the KX3. Even my IC-718 (now in s

Re: [Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500

I just use an extension cord Sent from my iPhone > On Jul 9, 2018, at 2:58 PM, Clay Autery wrote: > > I put a sub-panel in the shack I ran 4 x 6GA stranded THWN-2 in two sets > of twisted pairs inside a steel flex conduit from the main box to the sub > box. Running dual 60 Amp (tied) br

Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] RS232 xcvr control when serial ports are occupied

I think the correct acronym expansion of DTE is "Data Carrier Equipment". Remember, this whole area was designed by telephone companies who thought they would be a part of every connection. 73 Bill AE6JV On 7/9/18 at 10:20 AM, k6...@foothill.net (Fred Jensen) wrote: The flaw is naming them "t

Re: [Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500?

The KPA1500 uses a regulated power supply: input 195 to 250 vac. Voltage loss in #12 wires is so small the regulator will laugh at that. 73, Roy K6XK "I would also suggest using three - #10 with ground as the line from the breakers to the amp operating position." 73 Bob, K4TAX On 7/9

Re: [Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500?

If wire run ends up being 50' you could see a 2V drop at 13A. Agree that switching supply in amp won't care. 26W of heat in the wire inside a wall would bug me. 73 Josh W6XU Sent from my mobile device > On Jul 9, 2018, at 3:12 PM, Roy Koeppe wrote: > > The KPA1500 uses a regulated power sup

Re: [Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500?

How many watts of heat does the average attic have in the summertime? Chuck KE9UW Sent from my iPhone, cjack > On Jul 9, 2018, at 6:39 PM, Josh Fiden wrote: > > If wire run ends up being 50' you could see a 2V drop at 13A. Agree that > switching supply in amp won't care. 26W of heat in the w

Re: [Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500?

Actually, if you look at the NEC (National Electrical Code), they have factors for ambient temp and wire temp ratings. Other codes around the world are similar. For example, if you use AWG 12 Type UF cable, the base rating is 20 Amps. With the temperatures we have in Arizona, where it can get abov

Re: [Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500

On 7/9/2018 11:29 AM, Josh Fiden wrote: I take what code requires as the minimum wire gauge. For shorter runs it's fine. But measure the run length, multiply by 2 (two wires) and calculate IR voltage drop. Actually, the voltage drop is greater than you calculate with the simple formula becau

Re: [Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500?

On 7/9/2018 12:26 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: I would also suggest using three -  #10 with ground as the line from the breakers to the amp operating position. Not only a suggestion -- it's the law! Electrical Codes carry the force of law, and they require that the equipment ground must 1) run

Re: [Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500?

For the 240 volt service to my operating position, I have a total run of 75 ft from the breaker panel to the amp outlet.   I installed #10 - 3  w/ground with a dual 20A breaker in the panel. Even though most of the run is in the attic,  90ºC rating is adequate in as much as it is not in conduit

Re: [Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500?

Again, it's law only to the extent that the county (a) has adopted it, (b) that it's remotely current (no pun intended) and (c) there are permits with inspections after the install. None of that exists here, I presume it's similar in other counties as well.  The only factor after that is the i

[Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500?

WOW! Thanks for that link! Now just to find it in PDF. '73 de JIM N2ZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Mark Goldberg Sent: Monday, July 09, 2018 8:27 PM To: hawley, charles j jr Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.ne

Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] RS232 xcvr control when serial ports are occupied

Bill, No, DCE is Data Communications Equipment and that means Modem which does connect to a phone line or other communications carrier medium. DTE means Data Terminal Equipment and connects to a modem. Those designations have been in place since 1960 or earlier. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/9/2018 5:1

Re: [Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500?

PDF or printed copy will cost you! But I have searched for a topic on forums such as Mike Holt's and they usually list a paragraph number. The online version has a table of contents so you can go there once you know the paragraph number. 73, Mark W7MLG On Mon, Jul 9, 2018 at 6:35 PM, James F. B

Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] RS232 xcvr control when serial ports are occupied

I never really understood RS-232 until I read “Technical Aspects of Data Communication” by John McNamara. Very clear. Not sure it is worth getting the book just for that, but you might check a library. https://smile.amazon.com/Technical-Aspects-Data-Communication-McNamara-ebook/dp/B01H5GQK78/ ht

Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna port isolation

I'm curious why significant (you pick the level) isolation is necessary. The unwanted rf level is down so far that I have not noticed it causing any issues. If there were two radio ports, then I might be concerned for radio 2 if I were transmitting on radio 1. This is a big concern with a 6x2 or

Re: [Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500?

While I certainly would recommend conservative design, so long as it’s a KPA-1500 you’re powering don’t worry so much.You won’t be running continuous duty cycle, so the heating of the wire is of less concern. It would be a bigger concern if the circuit was used on a continuous duty cycle load s

Re: [Elecraft] Breakers for KPA1500?

On 7/9/2018 6:23 PM, Rick WA6NHC wrote: > The only factor after that is the insurance company, which may choose to > EXCEED the existing code(s) which directly affects the pocketbook. In my grad school days, I was a mentor to a HS kid whose dad was an insurance company safety engineer in the pre-

[Elecraft] Ext Mic Displayed on kx2 screen?

Hey guys, Anyone know why I keep seeing Ext. Mic Displayed on the screen of the KX2 every once in a while when keying the mic? Thanks! Semper Fi, Bob Perry KD9BPO -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mail

Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna port isolation

On 7/9/2018 7:12 PM, K8TE wrote: > BTW, I have made a 75m QSO on a dummy load. I think I was using Radio Shack > coax back then (in the 1970's when I worked for the company). When I lived about three miles away from Mt. San Bruno south of San Francisco, I routinely worked all of the VHF and UHF

Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna port isolation

All this doesn't speak well for the quality of the dummy load or coax jumpers. Bob, K4TAX Sent from my iPhone > On Jul 9, 2018, at 10:01 PM, Phil Kane wrote: > >> On 7/9/2018 7:12 PM, K8TE wrote: >> >> BTW, I have made a 75m QSO on a dummy load. I think I was using Radio Shack >> coax back

Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna port isolation

One time, a few years ago, when I was living near Mobile, AL, I was testing an MFJ-949E tuner. It was switched to the internal dummy load. There was an antenna connected to the balanced line binding posts but, with it switched to the internal dummy load, these were open internally. I ran a t

[Elecraft] W2 wattmeter maximum Cat5 cable length

The W2 wattmeter comes with a 5-foot Cat5 cable to connect the coupler to the display unit. I need to use a longer cable, maybe 10-15 feet. I’ve searched the reflector archives and web for any information about the max Cat5 cable length but haven’t found any. Does anyone know? Does the calibrat

Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Manual

Actually, you can update the PDF version of Elecraft manuals. This is a great (IMHO) way to keep track of firmware changes. I can carry all the annotated manuals with me during portable/mobile expeditions for the eventuality of a memory failure (mine, not the rigs'). It also saves a lot of trees