Re: [Elecraft] RX Ant K3 Preamp vs External Preamp

On 4/26/2020 8:26 PM, Rich wrote: I was talking about RX antennas,  like Beverages and such, so mainly 40m and 80m.   I am happy with the K3 pre-amp I was just curious to what others use As always, W3LPL's response is pretty much on the money for this. The slightly longer short answer is that

Re: [Elecraft] Voltage drop in DX Power to K3

On 4/26/2020 7:28 PM, N4ZR wrote: did you have to draw a Colpitts oscillator?  IIRC, that was on my General exam in 1955. Yep. It was one of several we had to learn. :) With the power strip, what's wrong with measuring the voltage in and out, knowing the current being drawn, and deriving the

Re: [Elecraft] RX Ant K3 Preamp vs External Preamp

On 4/26/2020 4:32 PM, Rich wrote: Is it best to use the K3 internal pre-amp or add an external pre-amp to the RX antenna system? Unless you operate in a VERY quiet location, it's hard to beat the preamp in the K3S (and that was offered as an accessory for the K3). The preamp in the original K

Re: [Elecraft] RX Ant K3 Preamp vs External Preamp

Precisely the intended application for a visual aid to show where the sensitivity of the receiver sits relative to the band noise. W3LPL is absolutely correct in asserting that relatively few know how to optimize their settings for a given band condition. Just sayin'. Al  W6LX > wrote: >Th

Re: [Elecraft] P3 Beep off

Of course, that's for the K3. The P3 doesn't have beep tones. Alan N1AL On 2020-04-26 20:02, M. George wrote: > Go to the CONFIG SW TONE setting and change it to ON (the default). > > Max NG7M > > On Sun, Apr 26, 2020 at 7:32 PM Mike March wrote: > >> On my P3, the beep function has been d

Re: [Elecraft] RX Ant K3 Preamp vs External Preamp

Hi Rich, There's a very broad variety of receive-only preamps on the market. I use the many Advanced Receiver Research P1-30/20VD preamps in my station and I've always been very pleased with their performance from 160 through 40 meters. Because they're broadband preamps, they should have a

[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Report

Good Evening,    Twenty meters was better than it has been in a while.  Signals were good with medium levels of QSB.  Noise was not too bad either.  Forty meters had both slow and faster QSB.  I could not hear any storms but those will be here soon enough.    I have received more email comme

Re: [Elecraft] RX Ant K3 Preamp vs External Preamp

I was talking about RX antennas,  like Beverages and such, so mainly 40m and 80m.   I am happy with the K3 pre-amp I was just curious to what others use Thanks Rich On 4/26/2020 20:12 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: The internal preamp in my K3S does an excellent job on 6 meters.   If I decided

Re: [Elecraft] Poor CW note more testing and a question (rather long-ish...)

Page 27 of the K3 Manual addresses proper use of ALC with the K3: External ALC External ALC should only be used to protect your amplifier during operation into a failed load, or during a prolonged overdrive condition. ALC should not be used as a way to clip or compress fast voice peaks, or a

Re: [Elecraft] Voltage drop in DX Power to K3

Having helped teach a number of Tech level ham crams, Ohm's law and diodes are both on the test. I'm not sure that all of the nitty gritty of diodes -- voltage drop by type etc. are covered though. I think you can pass not knowing either though. :-( 73 Bill AE6JV On 4/26/20 at 6:24 PM, j...@a

Re: [Elecraft] Voltage drop in DC Power to K3

If you really want better connections, try the 75 amp power poles. Of course they are bigger, and not plug compatible with the 15, 30, 45 amp connectors. (And I always thought the only difference between the 15, 30, and 45 amp connectors was the size of wire you could cram into them.) 73 Bil

Re: [Elecraft] Voltage drop in DX Power to K3

Gee Jim, I didn't think I was *that* stupid. Yes, I didn't get the decimal places right -that was a simple brain phart.  As for the licensing tests, did you have to draw a Colpitts oscillator?  IIRC, that was on my General exam in 1955. With the power strip, what's wrong with measuring the vol

Re: [Elecraft] Poor CW note more testing and a question (rather long-ish...)

I run my KPA500 with no ALC, and have from day 1. Somewhere I have seen a recommendation, (I think by Elecraft), to not run ALC with the KPA500. 73, and thanks, Dave (NK7Z) https://www.nk7z.net ARRL Volunteer Examiner ARRL Technical Specialist ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resourc

Re: [Elecraft] P3 Beep off

Go to the CONFIG SW TONE setting and change it to ON (the default). Max NG7M On Sun, Apr 26, 2020 at 7:32 PM Mike March wrote: > On my P3, the beep function has been disabled. I cannot find a reference > to this in the manual. Has anyone else had this happen? Thanks. > > -- > Michael March K

Re: [Elecraft] RX Ant K3 Preamp vs External Preamp

A good rule of thumb is that if receiver background noise level drops at least one S-unit when the antenna is removed, then receiver sensitivity is externally noise limited. This may be hard to achieve on 6 meters unless all losses from the antenna feed point to the receiver input are less than

[Elecraft] P3 Beep off

On my P3, the beep function has been disabled. I cannot find a reference to this in the manual. Has anyone else had this happen? Thanks. -- Michael March K4QU 242 Clay Hill Dr. Winchester, VA 22602 mikek...@gmail.com 540-662-4279 home 540-539-8500 cell

Re: [Elecraft] Power Supplies and Voltage drop

One point brought to my attention by Jack Brindle, has to do with the indicated voltage on the K3S display.  The manual page 57, ADC REF makes it clear as to the calibration procedure and that if the ADC REF is not correct, then display values, such as the rig's supply voltage may not indicate

Re: [Elecraft] Poor CW note more testing and a question (rather long-ish...)

My EXT ALC menu is set to the default of OFF t-40. The soft waveform is displayed on the P3 apparently the same shape whether the amp is in use or standby. 73, Chuck, WS1L On Sun, Apr 26, 2020 at 19:36 Dick Dievendorff wrote: > External ALC is enabled on the K3 and K3S with a menu entry that d

Re: [Elecraft] Poor CW note more testing and a question (rather long-ish...)

External ALC is enabled on the K3 and K3S with a menu entry that defaults to OFF. See page 29 of the K3S owner's manual. 73 de Dick, K6KR -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Andy Durbin Sent: Sunday, April 26, 2020 17:20 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Su

Re: [Elecraft] Poor CW note more testing and a question (rather long-ish...)

"In general, ALC between an amp and a rig is a recipe for clicks and splatter. Most authorities advise against using it. This is not new -- it's in the manual for Ten Tec legal limit amps from the late '70s and for every amp I've owned since." The OP has a KPA500 and K3S interconnect by an Elec

Re: [Elecraft] RX Ant K3 Preamp vs External Preamp

The internal preamp in my K3S does an excellent job on 6 meters.   If I decided to use an external preamp, it would be located at the antenna feed point with suitable switching and protection. I suppose the question, what bands do you perceive you need a preamp?  And what is your no signal ban

[Elecraft] RX Ant K3 Preamp vs External Preamp

I am interested in finding out from the experts Is it best to use the K3 internal pre-amp or add an external pre-amp to the RX antenna system? Thanks Rich K3RWN __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qt

Re: [Elecraft] Poor CW note more testing and a question (rather long-ish...)

On 4/26/2020 1:37 PM, Andy Durbin wrote: > I'm probably well out of my depth here but could this be caused by > incorrectly configured ALC feedback from the KPA500 to the rig? In general, ALC between an amp and a rig is a recipe for clicks and splatter. Most authorities advise against using it.

Re: [Elecraft] Voltage drop in DC Power to K3

On 4/26/2020 10:18 AM, Pete Lascell wrote: When making connections unravel a few outside strands and cut off so the remaining strands will fit the terminals being used correctly. The smaller (higher resistance) section of cable will be only part of an inch. Heatshrink tubing will cover the u

Re: [Elecraft] Voltage drop in DX Power to K3

I wouldn't expect useful accuracy from anything but a lab instrument for such low resistances as a few feet of #12. Far better to look up the resistance of copper wire from a wire table. An unknown "black box" like a power strip is not so easy. :) As for the protection diode, that's pretty easy

Re: [Elecraft] Poor CW note more testing and a question (rather long-ish...)

I do use ALC between my KPA500 and my K3S.   I do find that the ALC setup and calibration is critical for correct operation.  As to the effects of it being set incorrectly, I can't say.   I do know it must be done for every band and the amp ALC will be displayed on my K3S.   The amp ALC THR val

Re: [Elecraft] Voltage drop in power cable

I have always used a power distribution strip in my system. I don't think I've seen my solution to the drop problem mentioned. While there is a practical limit to the wire size usable in APP connectors, with excess positions on the power strip, multiple cables can be used. I ran two heavy (I for

Re: [Elecraft] Poor CW note more testing and a question (rather long-ish...)

My HV shows 74 volts resting and 60 key down k4ia, Buck K3s# 11497 Honor Roll 8B DXCC EasyWayHamBooks.com On 4/26/2020 4:26 PM, Chuck Chandler wrote: After several reports that my CW tone sounded less than perfect I've been on a hunt for possible causes. Looking at the TX waveform on my P3 it

[Elecraft] Poor CW note more testing and a question (rather long-ish...)

"I got the report that my CW sounds just fine until the amp is in line. Then it is described as "some kind of artifact... like a bell sound... like a delay." This is consistent with the other report I had been getting of a "ringing, bell-like" note to my CW. This is most apparent at 30 wpm, as I

[Elecraft] Poor CW note more testing and a question (rather long-ish...)

After several reports that my CW tone sounded less than perfect I've been on a hunt for possible causes. Looking at the TX waveform on my P3 it does look more sausage-shaped than I see in the P3 manual. So far I've determined my power supply was a little low and sagging a little under full power.

[Elecraft] 40 meter net 4-26-2020 1845Z 7.280

Thanks all for checking in to the Sunday net and those assisting as net control relays. WM6P Steve GA K3s Net Control WB8PKK Ken MAIC7600 K1NW Brian RI K3 KD8ZEI Brandon OHTS-430 K8NU

Re: [Elecraft] Voltage drop in DC Power to K3

Voltage drop the easy way: 1. Press the DISP button on the K3. 2. Adjust VFO B for voltage. 3. Go into transmit at full power. 4. Write down the voltage you see. 5. Meter the power supply. 6. Go into full power transmit. 7. Write down the Power Supply voltage. Subtract the number you got

Re: [Elecraft] Voltage drop in DC Power to K3

Or use bigger connectors, like 45 amp power poles. Ray W8LYJ Sent from my iPad > On Apr 26, 2020, at 11:19, Pete Lascell wrote: > > Consider using larger stranded wire. When making connections unravel a few > outside strands and cut off so the remaining strands will fit the terminals > being

Re: [Elecraft] Voltage drop in DC Power to K3

Consider using larger stranded wire. When making connections unravel a few outside strands and cut off so the remaining strands will fit the terminals being used correctly. The smaller (higher resistance) section of cable will be only part of an inch. Heatshrink tubing will cover the unsightly

Re: [Elecraft] Voltage drop in DX Power to K3

Thanks, Bob - I had forgotten about being able to measure at the acc 12v output.  In any case, though, the front-panel display provides a pretty good number.  It says that the RX-only voltage at the K3 is 13.7 volts.  My worst-case at 100 watts key down is 12.6 - I don't know where the 11 volts

Re: [Elecraft] Voltage drop in DX Power to K3

Pete:  Sorry I read some of your numbers incorrectly.  A cable with 0.3 ohms resistance and 20 amps of current will have a voltage drop of 20 x 0.3 for 6 volts.  This can't be correct. More like 20 x 0.03 for 1.2 volts.   Still too much. Don't try to measure resistance with a DVM, as point con

Re: [Elecraft] Voltage drop in DX Power to K3

Aside from  my decimal point problems  The cable measured 0.3 ohms, with my DMM, but in retrospect, its measurement could not have been correct. However, the measurement on the 4005i is about right, because that was done by comparing the voltages at its input and output, and was at 100 watt

Re: [Elecraft] Voltage drop in DX Power to K3

Oh well, I need another cup of coffee.    I'll try to do better proof reading.  Can't blame that one on auto-correct! Cutting to the chase., measure from the power supply POS terminal to the ACC 12V on the K3 radio.    That is the total voltage drop in the POS DC path.  Then do the sam

Re: [Elecraft] Voltage drop in DX Power to K3

A couple of solutions used in TV Broadcasting, especially in ENG & Satellite mobile units. 1) Use a short jumper from the large conductor the the connector. I solder the 2 wires together (inline) and cover the connection with shrink tubing. This helps when you want flexibility between the large

Re: [Elecraft] Voltage drop in DX Power to K3

There is one more item that has been forgotten. The K3 has an SB530 Schottky diode in the power input circuit between the input fuse and the main 12V bus (but not the 100 watt 12V PA bus). This will account for about a half of a volt drop. If you are using the front panel voltage reading, this m

Re: [Elecraft] Voltage drop in DX Power to K3

I got a good chuckle out of that one Bob, happens to me often take 2 > The calculation is simple:    E = I x R  current multiplied by resistance equals the voltage. The calculation is simple:    E = I x R  current multiplied by amps equal voltage. 73 Bob, K4TAX _

Re: [Elecraft] Voltage drop in DX Power to K3

Approximately .3 volts with a cable about a foot long. 73, Pete N4ZR Check out the Reverse Beacon Network at , now spotting RTTY activity worldwide. For spots, please use your favorite "retail" DX cluster. On 4/26/2020 11:08 AM, David Herring wrote: I’m late in coming

Re: [Elecraft] Voltage drop in DX Power to K3

The power cable at 0.03 ohms on each side,  a total of 0.06 ohms resistance.  The 4005i, per his measurements, has 0.08 ohms resistance.   The power distribution strip contributes more than 50% of the voltage drop.   Actually more than the power cables. The power cable contributes  1.2 volts o

Re: [Elecraft] Voltage drop in DX Power to K3

40 inches of power cable. In my experiences, that could be an issue depending on the gauge of the wire. I used a long cable 12 gauge and had issues. Went to 24 inches number 10 gauge and voltage drop significantly improved. The resustace does not have to be large to cause a voltage drop Lee

Re: [Elecraft] Voltage drop in DX Power to K3

I’m late in coming to this thread, so sorry if I missed the answer to this question, but what is the voltage drop between the power supply and the 4005i? 73, David N5DCH > On Apr 26, 2020, at 8:46 AM, N4ZR wrote: > > I've had an e-mail exchange with West Mountain Radio. Measured the voltage

[Elecraft] Voltage drop in DX Power to K3

I've had an e-mail exchange with West Mountain Radio.  Measured the voltage drop inside the 4005i at only .08 volts at 100 watts key down.  My power cable from the 4500i to the K3 measures 0.3 ohms on each conductor, which at 20 amps should only yield a 1.2 volt drop, right?  I don't know where