1. Elecraft-K3@groups.io
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Re: problem installing k-line side panels

Mike
 

I also have a factory built K3 and not knowing the assembly procedure I used needle nose pliers to hold the nuts on the transistors while I removed the associated screws. When the new panel goes on you reverse the process. It probably took me under 10min to install the new panels. The P3 is really easy since there are no transistors screwed to the panels.
Mike
Upgraded Knob Set for K3?

rlc@...
 

Does anyone know of a source for an entire set of upgraded knobs for the K3 - something of the quality and look of an Icom or Kenwood?  

I have seen the main/sub set from several sources and just don't like the look.  I am waiting for the upgrade from Elecraft for the main knob to become available but I am also seeking a source to replace ALL the knobs on the K3 with something of a higher end look and feel (to match the performance of the radio, hi).  Has anyone done that or know of a source?

Thanks,

Bob/AA6VB
Re: [Elecraft_K3] problem installing k-line side panels

Jim Cox <jcox123@...>
 

Remove the top cover for access to the inside of the side panel.  73s Jim K4JAF
 

Sent: Friday, January 22, 2016 11:53 PM
Subject: [Elecraft_K3] problem installing k-line side panels
 
 

Sorry to hit both Elecraft and Elecraft_K3 lists, but I do so in hopes of finding the right person for some help.

I just received my K3 & P3 Gemsproducts side panels; they look quite nice.  I decided to start the installation with the K3 right side panel first.  I have run into a problem here installing it (the right side panel); there are two transistors that use the panel as a heat sink; I cannot think of a way to get the nuts and lock washers to stay in place while re-assembling the unit.  Do you have any suggestions?  Having a factory built K3, I have no idea how they accomplished that in the first place, nor whether it might work in this case.

I have emailed Gemsproducts concerning this, but am turning to the lists in case anyone has solved this already while I am waiting for a reply.

Thanks and 73 de Dave, W5SV

Re: [Elecraft] problem installing k-line side panels

Don Wilhelm <w3fpr@...>
 

Dave,

The nuts and lockwashers are not going to stay in place, you will have to mount the side panel and then insert the screws. After that, put the lockwashers on and then the nuts. It is not difficult, just a bit "tedious".

73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/23/2016 12:53 AM, David F. Reed wrote:
Sorry to hit both Elecraft and Elecraft_K3 lists, but I do so in hopes of finding the right person for some help.

I just received my K3 & P3 Gemsproducts side panels; they look quite nice. I decided to start the installation with the K3 right side panel first. I have run into a problem here installing it (the right side panel); there are two transistors that use the panel as a heat sink; I cannot think of a way to get the nuts and lock washers to stay in place while re-assembling the unit. Do you have any suggestions? Having a factory built K3, I have no idea how they accomplished that in the first place, nor whether it might work in this case.

I have emailed Gemsproducts concerning this, but am turning to the lists in case anyone has solved this already while I am waiting for a reply.
problem installing k-line side panels

David Reed
 

Sorry to hit both Elecraft and Elecraft_K3 lists, but I do so in hopes of finding the right person for some help.

I just received my K3 & P3 Gemsproducts side panels; they look quite nice.� I decided to start the installation with the K3 right side panel first.� I have run into a problem here installing it (the right side panel); there are two transistors that use the panel as a heat sink; I cannot think of a way to get the nuts and lock washers to stay in place while re-assembling the unit.� Do you have any suggestions?� Having a factory built K3, I have no idea how they accomplished that in the first place, nor whether it might work in this case.

I have emailed Gemsproducts concerning this, but am turning to the lists in case anyone has solved this already while I am waiting for a reply.

Thanks and 73 de Dave, W5SV

Re: [Elecraft_K3] Controlled Envelope Single Sideband for the K3?

Reg AA5GI
 

I have been running CESSB in contests ever since it was incorporated into SmartSDR for the FLEX-6700.  Someone posted that it is only a few dB of difference.  It is my observation that 2.56 dB makes a big difference in average power.  I have experienced runs of 15 and 16 consecutive first calls when calling into a pileup while using CESSB (DX+ in SmartSDR.)

 

Based on my personal experience I would welcome the CESSB enhancement to my K3s.  We all know that 3 dB is twice the power.  Therefore, 2.56 dB matters.

 

Reg

 

From: Elecraft_K3@... [mailto:Elecraft_K3@...]
Sent: Friday, January 22, 2016 6:44 PM
To: Elecraft_K3@...
Subject: Re: [Elecraft_K3] Controlled Envelope Single Sideband for the K3?

 

 

It has been said that the gang is constantly looking at ways to improve the performance of Elecraft radios. If they determine that it would improve the radio it might well be implemented. 

...nr4c. bill

 


On Jan 22, 2016, at 6:32 PM, matt421@... [Elecraft_K3] <Elecraft_K3@...> wrote:

 

According to the ARRL article below, Controlled Envelope Single Sideband can be implemented via DSP in a SDR. 

 

http://www.arrl.org/files/file/QEX_Next_Issue/2014/Nov-Dec_2014/Hershberger_QEX_11_14.pdf

 

Any news on if this will come to the K3 soon, someday, or never?

 

Thanks,

Matt

N2IDW

 

 

 
Re: [Elecraft_K3] Controlled Envelope Single Sideband for the K3?

William Conkling <bconk75@...>
 

It has been said that the gang is constantly looking at ways to improve the performance of Elecraft radios. If they determine that it would improve the radio it might well be implemented. 

...nr4c. bill


On Jan 22, 2016, at 6:32 PM, matt421@... [Elecraft_K3] <Elecraft_K3@...> wrote:

 

According to the ARRL article below, Controlled Envelope Single Sideband can be implemented via DSP in a SDR. 


http://www.arrl.org/files/file/QEX_Next_Issue/2014/Nov-Dec_2014/Hershberger_QEX_11_14.pdf


Any news on if this will come to the K3 soon, someday, or never?


Thanks,

Matt

N2IDW
Re: [Elecraft_K3] Controlled Envelope Single Sideband for the K3?

dalej <dj2001x@...>
 

I don't think this sudden blustering of a story from a magazine article will be a show stopper. The processor built into the K3 is quite effective if used according to the manual. I sure wouldn't spend cash to have what is mentioned in that article, unless, as a true ham, it's free. It's only a few tenths of a db improvement if that.

Just a humble opinion of course.

Dale, K9VUJ

On 22, Jan 2016, at 17:32, matt421@yahoo.com [Elecraft_K3] <Elecraft_K3@yahoogroups.com> wrote:



According to the ARRL article below, Controlled Envelope Single Sideband can be implemented via DSP in a SDR.



http://www.arrl.org/files/file/QEX_Next_Issue/2014/Nov-Dec_2014/Hershberger_QEX_11_14.pdf



Any news on if this will come to the K3 soon, someday, or never?



Thanks,

Matt

N2IDW
Controlled Envelope Single Sideband for the K3?

matt421
 

According to the ARRL article below, Controlled Envelope Single Sideband can be implemented via DSP in a SDR. 


http://www.arrl.org/files/file/QEX_Next_Issue/2014/Nov-Dec_2014/Hershberger_QEX_11_14.pdf


Any news on if this will come to the K3 soon, someday, or never?


Thanks,

Matt

N2IDW
Lightly Used KPA500 For Sale

Wayne Willenberg
 

I have for sale a lightly used, KPA500 amplifier, in excellent condition.


I purchased the amp directly from Elecraft, fully assembled, approximately 13 months ago.  I used it during a DXpedition for seven days; it worked flawlessly.  However, it has sat on my desk, unused, since returning from that trip because I use my Alpha amp with my K3.  The KPA500 has been covered while on my desk in a non-smoking environment.


According to the Elecraft website: the KPA500 is a “160-6M, Solid State, Frequency Sensing Auto Band Switching Amplifier.  Same size as the K3, 26 lbs., 12 kg.  Full QRQ Break-in.”


The reason I am selling the KPA500 is I need the desk space and really don’t need two amplifiers.


I am asking $1900 for the amp, with the buyer paying the packing and shipping charges.  US sales only.  Please let me know if you are interested with a pm to wewill747 at gmail.com.


73,

Wayne KK6BT
Genovation keypad and the K3 for macros, solved

Dave (NK7Z)
 

Hello,
I now have a Genovation CP48USBHID keypad working on my P3/K3 feeding up
to 48 different macros to the K3 at a single button press.


See:
http://nk7z.net/adding-an-external-keypad-to-the-k3/


for the how to, and a download for the patch to the Genovation to allow
it to plug into the P3 and be recognized.
--
Thanks and 73's,
For equipment, and software setups and reviews see:
www.nk7z.net


For MixW support see;
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info
For Dopplergram information see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info
For MM-SSTV see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info
The SP-3 speaker arrived

dalej <dj2001x@...>
 

I just got the SP-3 connected to the K3s. I must say, I was quite surprised at the volume of audio out of the speaker. The same setting I use for a amplified speaker is what this one uses. The other non-amplified speakers always needed a boost in the volume control, some quite a bit. This one is very very good. I am going to order a second. Plenty of audio out of this speaker.

Dale, K9VUJ
Re: [Elecraft_K3] KPA500 finals blown

Mel Farrer <farrerfolks@...>
 

As one who has seen the worlds fastest fuses go bang, the causes maybe many. 

Usually the higher VDC at load will not necessarily blow them unless it exceeds the max level by a considerable about. They just get hot.
The killer I have seen is a component failure in the parasitic suppression network that causes a fuse condition.
The fact that the temperature protection did not trip makes me not include it.

Look for a component failure.  Not the transistors.  I would not put in new devices until a through component be component investigation is done.  Mistakes get expensive.
Good luck.


Mel, K6KBE



From: "dalej dj2001x@... [Elecraft_K3]"
To: Elecraft_K3@...
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2016 2:48 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft_K3] KPA500 finals blown

I'd be interested to know what the HV tap was set for, what the HV displayed for HV and if there happened to be a voltage surge or spike that came down the mains.  All that might contribute to sudden failure.  I doubt heat is a factor. 

Just a thought.

Dale, K9VUJ



On 21, Jan 2016, at 8:47, vu2nks@... [Elecraft_K3] <Elecraft_K3@...> wrote:



KPA500 shut off with a bang while operating RTTY @300W.


Antenna is a steppir beam.

On opening the KPA500,found 2 ceramic? caps of VRF2933

adrift with underside of the said caps,black.

I am in touch with Support.

Has anyone here replaced these devices? This will be my first time
working with power transistors.

73 and HNY,
Nandu
VU2NKS








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Re: [Elecraft_K3] KPA500 finals blown

dalej <dj2001x@...>
 

I'd be interested to know what the HV tap was set for, what the HV displayed for HV and if there happened to be a voltage surge or spike that came down the mains. All that might contribute to sudden failure. I doubt heat is a factor.

Just a thought.

Dale, K9VUJ

On 21, Jan 2016, at 8:47, vu2nks@yahoo.co.in [Elecraft_K3] <Elecraft_K3@yahoogroups.com> wrote:



KPA500 shut off with a bang while operating RTTY @300W.


Antenna is a steppir beam.

On opening the KPA500,found 2 ceramic? caps of VRF2933

adrift with underside of the said caps,black.

I am in touch with Support.

Has anyone here replaced these devices? This will be my first time
working with power transistors.

73 and HNY,
Nandu
VU2NKS
Re: [Elecraft_K3] CW Filtering

w3qt_mike
 

Thanks, Bill.
73,
Mike, W3QT


On 1/21/2016 5:19 PM, William Conkling bconk75@... [Elecraft_K3] wrote:
 
I think many find Dual Passband to be least useful and prefer APF for digging out weak signals. 
The I and II settings can setup narrow and wide band pass and you're done. Set CONFIG:Dual Pb to APF and its ready with a press/hold of the APF button. 

Enjoy your new rig. 

...nr4c. bill


On Jan 21, 2016, at 12:30 PM, Mike Morrow w3qt@... [Elecraft_K3] <Elecraft_K3@...> wrote:

 

A question from a newbie to the K3s.  I'm working through Cady's book and have come across something I don't quite understand on CW filtering.  As I understand it, there are basically 3 modes of CW filtering:  "normal" filtering with shift and width, dual passband, and APF.  My question concerns the I and II filter positions.  If I set up I and II to switch between Dual Passband and APF does that then mean normal filtering is not available?  I guess the way I'm understanding it is I would have to set up I and II for normal and either dual passband or APF and then if I wanted the third choice I'd have to enter into it manually.  Is that close?  Thanks for any response.

73,
Mike, W3QTe


Re: [Elecraft_K3] CW Filtering

William Conkling <bconk75@...>
 

I think many find Dual Passband to be least useful and prefer APF for digging out weak signals. 
The I and II settings can setup narrow and wide band pass and you're done. Set CONFIG:Dual Pb to APF and its ready with a press/hold of the APF button. 

Enjoy your new rig. 

...nr4c. bill


On Jan 21, 2016, at 12:30 PM, Mike Morrow w3qt@... [Elecraft_K3] <Elecraft_K3@...> wrote:

 

A question from a newbie to the K3s.  I'm working through Cady's book and have come across something I don't quite understand on CW filtering.  As I understand it, there are basically 3 modes of CW filtering:  "normal" filtering with shift and width, dual passband, and APF.  My question concerns the I and II filter positions.  If I set up I and II to switch between Dual Passband and APF does that then mean normal filtering is not available?  I guess the way I'm understanding it is I would have to set up I and II for normal and either dual passband or APF and then if I wanted the third choice I'd have to enter into it manually.  Is that close?  Thanks for any response.

73,
Mike, W3QTe

Re: [Elecraft_K3] KPA500 finals blown

Bob Moore
 

On my KPA, 3 weeks ago one of the "finals" blew, 2nd time, first time they were under warrenty.   Black inside the top which was rattling around.  I am fairly close to Elecraft, so sent it in.  I have been in contact with them and should be hearing back anytime.............Bob,    K6NV





On 1/21/2016 12:59 PM, 'Stephen Bloom' sbloom@... [Elecraft_K3] wrote:
 

Hi Nandu:

 

Yes the same thing happened to me about a year and a half ago …the first symptom was “Mixing” / overloading on receive of all things …from local broadcast stations ..on 160M and 80M ..only when the amp was on …then the burnout.

 

There was so known issue with some of the PA units ..and Elecraft replaced it.

 

Thanks and good luck

73

Steve KL7SB

 

 

From: Elecraft_K3@... [mailto:Elecraft_K3@...]
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2016 5:48 AM
To: Elecraft_K3@...
Subject: [Elecraft_K3] KPA500 finals blown

 

 

KPA500 shut off with a bang while operating RTTY @300W.

 

Antenna is a steppir beam.

 

On opening the KPA500,found 2 ceramic? caps of VRF2933

adrift with underside of the said caps,black.

 

I am in touch with Support.

 

Has anyone here replaced these devices? This will be my first time

working with power transistors.

 

73 and HNY,

Nandu

VU2NKS 

 
Re: [Elecraft_K3] KPA500 finals blown

Stephen Bloom
 

Hi Nandu:

 

Yes the same thing happened to me about a year and a half ago …the first symptom was “Mixing” / overloading on receive of all things …from local broadcast stations ..on 160M and 80M ..only when the amp was on …then the burnout.

 

There was so known issue with some of the PA units ..and Elecraft replaced it.

 

Thanks and good luck

73

Steve KL7SB

 

 

From: Elecraft_K3@... [mailto:Elecraft_K3@...]
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2016 5:48 AM
To: Elecraft_K3@...
Subject: [Elecraft_K3] KPA500 finals blown

 

 

KPA500 shut off with a bang while operating RTTY @300W.

 

Antenna is a steppir beam.

 

On opening the KPA500,found 2 ceramic? caps of VRF2933

adrift with underside of the said caps,black.

 

I am in touch with Support.

 

Has anyone here replaced these devices? This will be my first time

working with power transistors.

 

73 and HNY,

Nandu

VU2NKS 

 
Re: [Elecraft_K3] No band data out

Jim Miller <jtmiller47@...>
 

Also note that the K3 and K3s pull up values are pretty weak. Any significant loading by whatever is attached may result in a indeterminate TTL level.

Obviously the KPA and KAT are properly designed but I've found other band decoders to assume they can get a lot of drive which results in improper behavior.

73

jim ab3cv

On Thu, Jan 21, 2016 at 9:37 AM, drew.vonadasmith@... [Elecraft_K3] <Elecraft_K3@...> wrote:


You need to check if your radio needs the pullups...  If not:

I had the same failure and it was the band decoder chip on the IO board, as I recall DIO3?  I bought a new board and then later replaced the IC on the bad one for a spare.  Elecraft seemed to feel a failure there was unlikely, but that was it in my case.

73,
Drew K3PA


---In Elecraft_K3@..., wrote :

 

I should have added that both the K3s have consecutive serial numbers (4,000+). I cannot say whether the band data out EVER worked as I am not sure it was ever needed in the past.

On 21/01/2016 03:13, 'Dave Hachadorian' k6ll.dave@... [Elecraft_K3] wrote:
According to the Elecraft Web Site, there was a production change
on Dec 10, 2008,  around K3 s/n 2362, to include pull-up
resistors on the band data outputs.  If you have an older model,
you may need to do the pull-up resistor mod.  I think the newer
models with the change have a Rev B KIO3 Digital Board.


Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Yuma, AZ






From: G4LMW G4LMW@... [Elecraft_K3]
Sent: Wednesday, January 20, 2016 6:03 PM
To: Elecraft_K3@...
Subject: [Elecraft_K3] No band data out






Before I get the screwdrivers out....................



I was testing a Quadra amp with one of my K3s today, but could
not get the Quadra to change bands. I checked all the cables and
everything was fine.



Eventually, I swapped the K3 for my second one and band changes
happened without issue (same cables etc).



So, can anyone give me any clue as to why band data out is not
working on the first K3?



I checked all the menu settings against the "working" K3 and
while there were subtle differences, none would give cause for
the data out to fail.



Any pointers gratefully received.



Regards

Rob, G4LMW



CW Filtering

w3qt_mike
 

A question from a newbie to the K3s.  I'm working through Cady's book and have come across something I don't quite understand on CW filtering.  As I understand it, there are basically 3 modes of CW filtering:  "normal" filtering with shift and width, dual passband, and APF.  My question concerns the I and II filter positions.  If I set up I and II to switch between Dual Passband and APF does that then mean normal filtering is not available?  I guess the way I'm understanding it is I would have to set up I and II for normal and either dual passband or APF and then if I wanted the third choice I'd have to enter into it manually.  Is that close?  Thanks for any response.

73,
Mike, W3QTe

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