[Elecraft] KAT3 ATU Problem

Mike K8CN wrote *< It wouldn't have occurred to me to look atthe LPA stage as a source of trouble, but ifthe TX power is ramping up slowly, then I cansee where the ATU control algorithm isconfused by the change in power levels bothforward and reflected. My ATU seems tochang

[Elecraft] KAT3 ATU Problem

Mike (K8CN) and others - thanks for your inputs. I'm talking to Paul at Elecraft Tech Support who, by the way, is being most helpful. He reckons I have a problem with the Low Power Amplifier which takes a few seconds to come up to full output power. I'm not at all sure how that affects the SWR mea

[Elecraft] K3 ATU Problem

*You can set TUN PWR in the K3 Config Menu to something other than 5 watts.73,DrewAF2Z* Drew, Page 60 of K3 Owner's Manual states: "TUN PWR Note 1: *TUN PWR* does not pertain to *ATU TUNE, *which always uses 5 or 10 W and is internally controlled" Does anyone know how to change the 'internal cont

Re: [Elecraft] K3 Auto ATU Problem

t help. > > David G3UNA > > > On 07 December 2021 at 11:59 Tom Boucher wrote: > > > > > > Thanks NK7Z, NK7I and K8CN for responses. > > > > Dave and Rick indicated that running the K3 at a higher power level > during > > the ATU Tune sequence m

[Elecraft] K3 Auto ATU Problem

Thanks NK7Z, NK7I and K8CN for responses. Dave and Rick indicated that running the K3 at a higher power level during the ATU Tune sequence might solve the problem however, as far as I can see, the power level is fixed at 5 watts during auto tune and cannot be altered. Mike, there is no problem wi

[Elecraft] K3 Auto ATU Problem

Dave (NK7Z), The K3 performs its auto-tune sequence at a power output of 5 watts I believe. 73, Tom G3OLB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto

[Elecraft] K3 Auto ATU Problem

I'm wondering if someone can help with a KAT3 ATU problem on my K3 S/No.01434? When bypassed, the K3 SWR indication agrees with that on an external SWR meter. This is also so when the KAT3 is replaced with a KANT3 board. When in AUTO mode it goes through its relay rattling sequence for each band,

[Elecraft] P3 SVGA board wanted

Does anyone have an SVGA board for the P3 Panadapter for sale? Thanks, Tom G3OLB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

[Elecraft] Trees eating wire

Wayne's problem with a tree eating his wire reminds me of an incident some years ago when I was attempting to get an antenna halyard over a tall oak tree. I used some braided nylon cord with a probable breaking strain of several hundred pounds, which was attached to a drilled golf ball. My catapul

[Elecraft] 160 unusual conditions.

Just a note to those that may be interested: For the last two days, signals from ZL3IX at Eu sunrise have been peaking S9. This morning Greg was a good 579 running just 20 watts, before he turned his amp on. 73, Tom G3OLB __ Elecraft mail

[Elecraft] Aged K3 - connector replacement

After deliberating for years about my ability to change the 28 way motherboard to front panel connector on my 10 year old K3 for a gold plated one, I finally plucked up the courage and did the job in about 2 hours. Elecraft supplied me with a replacement connector some years ago. I have to say it w

[Elecraft] First solid state QSK rig

Paul NA5N - the Ten Tec Triton IV was available in 1976, which is when I bought one from 'Ham Buerger' in Philadelphia, where I lived at that time. As you say, it was the first 100 watt solid state rig with full break in. 73, Tom G3OLB __

[Elecraft] K3 internal connectors

Can anyone tell me at what point (Date-S/No.) Elecraft started fitting gold flashed connector pins on the internal connectors? A member of our contest group is interested in buying a used K3 and I have advised him not to get an older one because of the connector reliability issues. Thanks, Tom

[Elecraft] 80 Metre Verticals

Fred, If your inverted 'L' was a bit less than a quarter wave long, it would have been capacitive and showing 57-j130 (not plus). In which case you needed a small inductor to match it to your 50 ohm coax, not a capacitor. 73, Tom G3OLB _

[Elecraft] [K3] Detuning Antenna Per Band and QSK

Brian, I think Jim is more concerned about his beverages losing their directional properties due to re-radiation of received signals from his transmit antenna. I don’t think there is a simple way of doing this and it’s probably best to abandon QSK operation when using the beverages and use a re

[Elecraft] Plasma TVs discontinued

I've had a Pioneer plasma for the past 12 years without any trace of noise. Admittedly all my receiving antennas are sited over 300 feet from the house. 73, Tom G3OLB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/

[Elecraft] K3 Erratic SSB Power Output (G8DX)

Jack, Each time I have had problems with my K3, including the one described by yourself, I have fixed it by removing the front panel, carefully cleaning all connector contacts and re-assembling. I put a thin layer of 'Contralube' (Maplins) on the connector pins which not only keeps the connecto

[Elecraft] Inv-L joy

Sorry! Wrong reflector - was meant for the 160 one __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://ww

[Elecraft] Inv-L joy

What bothers me about putting the actual antenna wire across the tree is that it is then very close and in fact touching the tree. I'm not sure what loss the tree would cause by having it so close. My inverted-L is held 85 ft up in an ash tree by nylon rope. I have a rope and insulator near the

[Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 alternative

The Koss SB45 (as opposed to the SB40) DOES contain an electret mic insert. I find this headset very good as an alternative to the Yamaha CM500 which, for some inexplicable reason, is unobtainable in Eu. 73 Tom G3OLB GM4LMH wrote: __

[Elecraft] K3 - ERR BP1, XV3, AT3, IF1

Jim (KG0P), These error displays sound similar to ones I get from time to time. Remove the front panel and carefully clean all the connector pins. Then apply some connector lubrication before replacing the panel; we have some stuff called 'Contralube' over here. An added benefit is that you no

[Elecraft] Cheap headphones

Dave G3TJP, Re your post on non-availability of cheap headphones, the Yamaha CM500 is undoubtedly a preferred choice but is unavailable in Europe - the US suppliers won't ship it to Eu either. A good alternative I found for my K3, is the Koss SB/45, which is quite comfortable during long period

[Elecraft] K3: SP 2 switches back to SP 1 during RX in Split

Yes Richard, this has happened to my K3 several times, always when the volume is too high and a loud burst of audio occurs. 73 Tom G3OLB <> __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://ma

[Elecraft] {K3} Amp Interface

Yes, K3 'Key Out' to Titan 'PTT/VOX' only. I don't use the 'Key In/Key Out' QSK feature on the Titan, but I have slowed the K3 Tx Delay to 12mS (CONFIG:TX DLY:12) although the Titan relays are probably fast enough for the K3 default setting of 8mS. 73 Tom G3OLB From: "W4SK" > Just the "key o

[Elecraft] {K3} Amp Interface

Yes - have been using the K3/Titan III combination for several years with no problems. Not using any ALC connection of course. 73 Tom G3OLB Message: 23 Date: Sun, 6 Jan 2013 14:18:40 -0600 From: "W4SK" To: Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Amp Interface Message-ID: <441D8772B8F146AFA84294DEF87044EE@owner

[Elecraft] (K3) SWR Consistent - low or high power

My theory in these cases is that it's nothing to do with bad antenna connections, but more due to the rig putting out a higher harmonic content at higher power levels. The SWR meter sees a bad SWR at the harmonic frequency so the reading is slightly worse. 73 Tom G3OLB N3OI wrote: <*One observ

[Elecraft] [K3] Echo

Tony - There is a 'Voice Tx Fast Monitor' facility which overcomes this: Set CONFIG: TX MON to FAST Tom G3OLB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:

[Elecraft] {K3} Muffled Audio

Someone recently posted about a delay in the audio sidetone while on SSB. Remember that F/W update 4.22 included a 'Voice Tx Fast Monitor' function: CONFIG: TX MON set to 'FAST' then you don't get the un-nerving delayed audio. This was something I asked for a while back and was subsequently incl

[Elecraft] Lead Weights and Fishing Line while Operating

The other thing to watch when using lead weights is to be very, very careful pulling back the line when it goes over the wrong branch. I literally shot myself in the foot when doing this some years ago. Crutches for 6 weeks! 73 Tom G3OLB __

[Elecraft] K3 Mic

Mike, This is the quote from the Yamaha CM500 advert on Amazon: 73 Tom G3OLB > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo

[Elecraft] K3 Mic

Paul, The Yamaha CM500 is undoubtedly a good choice but is unavailable in Europe - the US suppliers won't ship it to Eu either. A good alternative I found, is the Koss SB/45, which is quite comfortable during long periods of contest operation and has an excellent quality electret mic. It only

[Elecraft] CW in SSB mode

Not true Pete: CONFIG: CW WGHT and tap '1' until you see 'SSB+CW' 73 Tom G3OLB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.ne

[Elecraft] UK Re-seller

The advantage is you can go to W&S, look at and try the rig, then purchase it direct from Elecraft! 73 Tom G3OLB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:

[Elecraft] [K3] FM Transmit Audio Level

Ed, Don't forget there is a High/Low mike gain setting (MAIN:MIC SEL Tap 1 to toggle High/Low). Probably not much use to you unless it can be somehow selected for FM only. 73 Tom G3OLB KL7UW wrote: __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http:/

[Elecraft] (K3) Headst/Mic

An alternative K3 headset in place of the Yamaha CM500, which appears to be unobtainable in Europe, is the Koss SB45. I just bought one of these from an internet supplier for 20 pounds (about $30) and it seems quite comfortable and it does have an electret mic element, not a dynamic one. The 3.5

[Elecraft] K3 intermittent low power output

Dave, It's worth removing the front panel assembly, cleaning the connector pins, applying some 'Contralube' (obtainable from Maplins) to the pins and re-assembling. A year ago I had all sorts of problems with my K3, including that which you describe. The above measures completely fixed it. 73

[Elecraft] K3 - SPKR+PH Fault

Hello Paul, I have had a similar fault. Occasionaly at switch-on, there is no audio from the speakers. If I insert and remove the phones into the front jack, the audio returns. I've also fixed it by turning power OFF and ON. As Don says, probably a glitch in software. 73, Tom G3OLB ZL4PW wrot

[Elecraft] K3 Wish List -XIT Tell-tale

Wayne, the annoyance factor could be reduced by ANDing the flashing 'Delta-F' light with the red 'Tx' light. That way it would only flash a warning when transmitting. Thaty's what I like about Elecraft, an instant response even on Sunday 1st January! 73 Tom G3OLB N6KR wrote:

[Elecraft] K3 Wish List - XIT tell-tale

I guess Elecraft are now beyond wanting to make relatively minor changes to the K3 as it is now a mature product, but how about this? On two occasions recently I have been in QSO with a weak distant station on 160 or 80 and a very loud EU has come up on the same frequency with a QRL? On my reply

[Elecraft] [K3] ERR PL1 has shown up

Jim, Don't know if you have solved this problem yet but it was one of the symptoms I was getting, amongst a lot of others, back a few months ago. Turned out to be corrosion on the front panel connectors - my shack gets cold and damp in the winter. I removed the front panel assembly, cleaned the

[Elecraft] Portable Wire Antenna Weight

A warning.be careful using a golf ball to put your antenna over a tree. I did the same thing about 15 years ago, except I drilled the golf ball and tied braided nylon cord through it. Inevitably the ball got stuck in the 'V' of a branch so I heaved on it, winding the cord round a piece o

[Elecraft] [K3] Multiple error messages on start up.

John, I had similar problems for a long while which were all solved by removing the front panel, cleaning the 4 connectors and applying some electrical lubricant (Contralube) and re-assembling. Good luck! Tom G3OLB Message: 35 Date: Wed, 4 May 2011 22:28:29 -0400 From: John Shadle Subject: [E

[Elecraft] [K3] Sudden loss of output power

Mike, This was one of the many different symptoms I had as a result of bad contacts on the 4 front panel connectors. Remove the front panel, not forgetting to take out that 3D block screw on the left hand side, give the connectors a good clean and apply a thin film of 'Contralube' or some simil

[Elecraft] K£ - Multiple faults

I'm posting some detail of this long saga of faults on my K3 and the eventual solution, in the hope that it may help others with similar problems. My K3/100 S/No 01434 is just about 3 years old now and about a year ago intermittently started showing faults. At switch-on 'ERR BP1', 'ERR LPF' and

[Elecraft] K3: Voice Fast Monitor

As the person, or one of them, who asked for the Voice Tx Fast Monitor facility which has been included in V.4.22, can I say 'thanks' to Wayne & Lyle for this new feature? It allows sidetone monitoring of transmitted audio without the somewhat disconcerting delay, albeit without hearing any comp

[Elecraft] Preferred Topband transceiver

Gerry, This morning was an example of the great advantage of the K3's phase-locked diversity receiver. During my contact with ZL3IX, Greg was peaking 569 and dropping to 449 in rapid QSB on both my vertical and my west beverage, but not in the same phase. When he was down on one antenna, he was

Re: [Elecraft] (K3) with FL2100B amp

I stand corrected - hadn't realised the 'Z' was different. 73 Tom G3OLB - Original Message - From: "Tom W8JI" > The FL2100 and 2100B are negative low voltage. > > The FL2100Z is positive low voltage with a huge current spike. > ___

[Elecraft] (K3) with FL2100B amp

Chuck, I don't think you're right - the K3 'Key Out' is spec'd 200V @ 5A. The FL2100 'RY' relay control switches 12V @ 200mA only. 73 Tom G3OLB AE4CW wrote: >However, you will need an interface to key the amp from the K3 as the amp >keying voltage is not compatible with the K3. I used a simple

[Elecraft] MH2 Microphone PTT button issue

There's an even simpler fix for an aching finger due to a stiff PTT button on the MH2 mic - push the XMIT button and push it again when you finish talking. 73 Tom G3OLB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listin

[Elecraft] K3: Memory Recall

Thanks Art, that was the problem. I had tried to set up memory hopping between bands, which unlike my TS850, the K3 won't do. WB8ENE wrote: Sounds like you have a * in the first position of the name for that memory location. Knut AB2TC - you have to push the M>V button a second time if VFO A kn

[Elecraft] K3 Memory Recall

No serial cable connected Mike. Hi Tom: I troubleshoot peculiar K3 occurrences in this order. 1. Operator error 2. Computer error 3. K3 error It sounds like item 1 is ok. Move to item 2. Turn off any logging program or better yet disconnect the serial cable. 73, Mike K2MK __

[Elecraft] K3 Memory Recall

Can anyone throw any light on the following way in which my K3 has always behaved? Using memories 00 - 09 as if they were band switches: Config: Mem 0-9 : Band Sel Memories 00 - 09 are each set up on a frequency in each band using the V>M button. Tap M>V button, then select a memory either by r

[Elecraft] (Elecraft K3) KDVR

Re-the current thread on using the KDVR for checking transmitted audio: When using SSB I like to monitor my audio sidetone in my phones, probably because, like most hams, I like the sound of my own voice! I recognise that this may not be a true reproduction of the outgoing signal, but it does g

[Elecraft] K3 - 'High Isolation Headphones'

Someone here made some recommendations for noise-cancelling headphones. For several years, on long-haul flights, I've been using the Fujikon Pro-Luxe NC-4 which are excellent and much lower cost than others - I paid around GBP 22 (about $35). I bought mine from Radioworld here in UK. Can't reall

[Elecraft] K3 Monitor Delay

Thanks to all those who have posted interesting responses on my MON delay question. Just to make it clear, this was not a complaint, just a minor irritation as I use CW 99% of the time anyway and for CW the K3 is the best! I look forward to Lyle's possible 'pre' or 'post' processing selection fo

[Elecraft] K3 Audio Monitor Delay

Lyle, Thanks for the explanation. As with most hams, I like the sound of my own voice (!) and listening to a delayed version of my own voice on phones during a long contest, I find quite wearing. Would it be possible to menu-select the monitor output prior to any of the processing you mention?

[Elecraft] K3 Audio monitor delay

Does anyone else find the processing delay in the sidetone monitor most disconcerting when using SSB? 73 Tom G3OLB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Po

[Elecraft] Yamaha CM500

Shipping of the Yamaha CM500 headset may be free in US but they want $50 to ship to UK. Anyone know if there is a UK stockist? Tom G3OLB On Wednesday 09 December 2009 02:37:34 pm Merv Schweigert wrote: > As someone posted before, they are here for 38.00 free shipping, > they are not a stocked i

[Elecraft] K3 switch customisation

N6 KR said: In a recent discussion about SPLIT, many proposals were made (too many :) Others argued for no change. With this in mind, we've created a new "switch macro" feature Blimey Wayne, is there no limit to what this box will do? 73 Tom G3OLB __

[Elecraft] K3 - Channel hopping across bands

I'm sure that Wayne/Lyle are not looking for additions to the "wish-list" at this late stage, however.my dear old TS850 has the ability to scan or frequency-hop across a number of channels on all bands. I find this a very useful feature when I am in my shack working on something else as I ca

[Elecraft] Elecraft Support

I would, once again, like to applaud Gary Surrency at Elecraft K3 Support for his patience and speed of response in helping me install a firmware fix yesterday. The level of technical support provided by Elecraft is superb. 73 Tom G3OLB ___

[Elecraft] New to the Forum

How did you get the solder blobs out of the living room carpet Ron? 73 Tom G3OLB Ron AC7AC wrote: Not wanting to hide out in a corner, I used a 2x3' drafting board, put it on my lap in the living room with the soldering station on a TV tray, and built my K2 while chatting with the XYL, listening

[Elecraft] K3/100 kit

If you don't like magnetic screw drivers, use a small piece of 'Blue Tack' on the tip of the driver to hold your screw. I always keep some of this in my tool box. 73 Tom G3OLB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailma

[Elecraft] K3 - Faulty VFO B encoder

Greg It's a faulty encoder - I had two of them go bad with these same symptoms. Talk to the guys at supp...@elecraft.com and they will replace it. 73 Tom G3OLB I have a K3 SN 1553 When I first power up the K3 the VFO B works correctly. After about 1 minute it starts to get eratic and then

[Elecraft] Relay clicking

Isn't there a protection relay on auxiliary antenna input to protect against excessive RF getting back in? 73 Tom G3OLB Steve, No relay for either keying or T/R switching - it is all electronic. 73, Don W3FPR __ Elecraft mailing list

[Elecraft] K3: 60 metre coverage in UK

I think this subject has been covered before - so apologies for missing the reply: The UK allocated 60 metre channels extend down to 5.2585 MHz but my K3 will not transmit below 5.330 MHz and VFO B displays 'END'. Is there a fix? Tom G3OLB___ Elecraft

[Elecraft] K3: Loss of VFO B Control

Rick Make sure you remove the screw from the 2D fastner at the lower right hand side of the panel - see Assembly Manual page 37, Fig 51. Having done it many times, I'm now an expert at removing/replacing the front panel and it only take a few minutes! 73 Tom G3OLB Rick, N6CY, asked: "...has

[Elecraft] K3 Loss of VFO B control

Jerry I have had 2 failed encoders and am waiting for the second replacement. In my case, it was not due to any shorts occurring although I believe Elecraft are now advising the fitting of an adhesive rubber insulating pad behind VFO B encoder. Looks like they had a bad batch from the manufactu

[Elecraft] K3: Removing front panel

But DO remember to remove the screw(s) from the 2D connector on lower LHS. Tom G3OLB > It would be interesting to me to see somebody prying off the front panel > assembly in video form. > It's an easy job Brian. Just use a thin screwdriver placed as indicated in the instructions. Go back and f

[Elecraft] Elecraft antennas in trees

Another warning! A few years ago I used a catapult and a drilled golf ball with some braided nylon line over an oak tree. When it became stuck in a branch, I wound the line round a piece of wood and gave it my full weight to release it. The end result? I literally shot myself in the foot, brea

[Elecraft] Band Button

Thanks all for a good laugh this Sunday morning on the subject of frequency/wavelength units! 73 Tom G3OLB (patiently waiting) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr