Conversion from K3 to K3Plus or K4
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Below is one of the crazy ideas conceived when waiting for my K3 to
arrive (later this week) and lamenting over the loss of many single- function buttons from Mark V Field. One issue with K3 is too many multifunction knobs and buttons. Also, some analog meters would be nice. Computer controls are fine but they are hard to use during contests. I am wondering whether one can have a completely separate front panel with lots of knobs and buttons, nothin dual purpose. The connections to K3 could be in 2 ways: 1. via serial cable; easy to do but with some lag, perhaps too long during contests, 2. via internal K3 bus. In one extreme, the bigger panel can have a bigger display and even a panadapter, if needed. In the other extreme, one would only have a separate panel for selected functions, e.g., separate 2nd rx controls etc., band buttons, etc. I propose that the panels be named LP-PANEL1, LP-PANEL2,..... Ignacy, NO9E |
RE: Conversion from K3 to K3Plus or K4
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I think it is a good idea. In fact, I suggested the same thing for the
K2 before there was a K3 (in those pre-K3, or B3 days). Elecraft could create a new version of the K2 (K2-B, B for Big) with a larger front panel with dedicated controls. Same for the K3. I think it would be an easy thing to design and would be a popular add-on. I see it as a money maker for Elecraft. I'm sure they considered it back in B3 and so far we haven't seen it. My guess is the logistics of making it happen aren't so easy or it doesn't fit their market model. - Keith N1AS - - K3 711 - -----Original Message----- From: Ignacy One issue with K3 is too many multifunction knobs and buttons. Also, some analog meters would be nice. Computer controls are fine but they are hard to use during contests. I am wondering whether one can have a completely separate front panel with lots of knobs and buttons, nothin dual purpose. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: Conversion from K3 to K3Plus or K4
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In reply to this post by Ignacy
Dear Ignacy,
Why complicate things? I built my K3 in January this year and didn't use my previous rig - the Mark V Field - thereafter. The K3 knocks spots off it and I have now sold it. Multi function buttons are not a problem to me - and there are several panadapters available if you want one, including the LP-Pan, designed with the K3 in mind. I'm sure you'll reach the same conclusion when your K3 arrives. Hope you have as much fun with it as I am having with mine :-) 73 to all Geoff G3UCK ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ignacy" <[hidden email]> To: <[hidden email]> Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2008 6:20 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Conversion from K3 to K3Plus or K4 > > Below is one of the crazy ideas conceived when waiting for my K3 to > arrive (later this week) and lamenting over the loss of many single- > function buttons from Mark V Field. > > > > Ignacy, NO9E _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
RE: Conversion from K3 to K3Plus or K4
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In reply to this post by Darwin, Keith
I don't know much about this sort of thing, but the command set (for the K2 at least) is available, so I would think it would be a relatively simple matter to program something like a Basic Stamp to receive pushbutton presses from a small outboard control panel and send the appropriate serial command to the K2 or K3. You could probably read status back from the transceiver and illuminate status LEDs to show what's going on.
The smarter programmer types could probably use a PIC or two to do this and have a separate matrix type LCD to display status in a more attractive fashion. This something I've always wanted to try. I'm not totally crazy about needing a computer to operate my rig when all I want is a little easier access to some of the buried commands. 73 - Ken --- On Tue, 11/25/08, Darwin, Keith <[hidden email]> wrote: > From: Darwin, Keith <[hidden email]> > Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Conversion from K3 to K3Plus or K4 > To: [hidden email] > Received: Tuesday, November 25, 2008, 6:27 PM > I think it is a good idea. In fact, I suggested the same > thing for the > K2 before there was a K3 (in those pre-K3, or B3 days). > Elecraft could > create a new version of the K2 (K2-B, B for Big) with a > larger front > panel with dedicated controls. Same for the K3. > > I think it would be an easy thing to design and would be a > popular > add-on. I see it as a money maker for Elecraft. > > I'm sure they considered it back in B3 and so far we > haven't seen it. > My guess is the logistics of making it happen aren't so > easy or it > doesn't fit their market model. > > - Keith N1AS - > - K3 711 - > > -----Original Message----- > From: Ignacy > > One issue with K3 is too many multifunction knobs and > buttons. Also, > some analog meters would be nice. Computer controls are > fine but they > are hard to use during contests. > > I am wondering whether one can have a completely separate > front panel > with lots of knobs and buttons, nothin dual purpose. > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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How much attenuation does the Attenuator put in line?
Can it be adjusted? I can't find this in the manual. 73, Ken, K6LA / VY2TT _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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> How much attenuation does the Attenuator put in line?
Approximately 10 dB, not adjustable. 73, Lyle KK7P _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
RE: Conversion from K3 to K3Plus or K4
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In reply to this post by Ken Alexander-2
My K3 has 54 buttons outboard and a multi-purpose knob! These accessories
are available from XKEYS.com and Griffin Technologies (Powermate). The XKEY product comes with software and I have made available, software for the Powermate. This is just a suggestion for the group - I have no affiliation other than customer with these companies. With software with which you can easily assign functions, these are interesting accessories that take advantage of the rich commands Elecraft provides with the K3 and K2. Want a direct bandswitch? No problem. Memory channel tuning knob? No problem. Have fun! 73 - Mike, KE4U -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Ken Alexander Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2008 2:09 PM To: [hidden email]; Darwin, Keith Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Conversion from K3 to K3Plus or K4 I don't know much about this sort of thing, but the command set (for the K2 at least) is available, so I would think it would be a relatively simple matter to program something like a Basic Stamp to receive pushbutton presses from a small outboard control panel and send the appropriate serial command to the K2 or K3. You could probably read status back from the transceiver and illuminate status LEDs to show what's going on. The smarter programmer types could probably use a PIC or two to do this and have a separate matrix type LCD to display status in a more attractive fashion. This something I've always wanted to try. I'm not totally crazy about needing a computer to operate my rig when all I want is a little easier access to some of the buried commands. 73 - Ken --- On Tue, 11/25/08, Darwin, Keith <[hidden email]> wrote: > From: Darwin, Keith <[hidden email]> > Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Conversion from K3 to K3Plus or K4 > To: [hidden email] > Received: Tuesday, November 25, 2008, 6:27 PM I think it is a good > idea. In fact, I suggested the same thing for the > K2 before there was a K3 (in those pre-K3, or B3 days). > Elecraft could > create a new version of the K2 (K2-B, B for Big) with a larger front > panel with dedicated controls. Same for the K3. > > I think it would be an easy thing to design and would be a popular > add-on. I see it as a money maker for Elecraft. > > I'm sure they considered it back in B3 and so far we haven't seen it. > My guess is the logistics of making it happen aren't so easy or it > doesn't fit their market model. > > - Keith N1AS - > - K3 711 - > > -----Original Message----- > From: Ignacy > > One issue with K3 is too many multifunction knobs and buttons. Also, > some analog meters would be nice. Computer controls are fine but they > are hard to use during contests. > > I am wondering whether one can have a completely separate front panel > with lots of knobs and buttons, nothin dual purpose. > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com -- I am using the free version of SPAMfighter. We are a community of 5.7 million users fighting spam. SPAMfighter has removed 1824 of my spam emails to date. Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len The Professional version does not have this message _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
RE: Conversion from K3 to K3Plus or K4
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Wow...interesting! Thanks Mike!
As much as I'd like to try building a control panel myself, this would insure that the project actually gets done! I'm looking at the OEM Xkeys Matrix Board. It looks to me like you need a computer to program it to do what you want, and then the output is via USB. If so, then I'd need a USB-to-serial converter to interface it with a K2. Seems to me I remember seeing warnings that the K2's I/O port isn't a pure RS-232 port. Am I going to need something else to keep everything talking safely? Thanks for any help...we're boldly going where I've never gone before! 73 - Ken --- On Wed, 11/26/08, Mike McLendon <[hidden email]> wrote: > From: Mike McLendon <[hidden email]> > Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Conversion from K3 to K3Plus or K4 > To: [hidden email] > Received: Wednesday, November 26, 2008, 1:13 AM > My K3 has 54 buttons outboard and a multi-purpose knob! > These accessories > are available from XKEYS.com and Griffin Technologies > (Powermate). The XKEY > product comes with software and I have made available, > software for the > Powermate. This is just a suggestion for the group - I have > no affiliation > other than customer with these companies. > > With software with which you can easily assign functions, > these are > interesting accessories that take advantage of the rich > commands Elecraft > provides with the K3 and K2. Want a direct bandswitch? No > problem. Memory > channel tuning knob? No problem. > > > > Have fun! > > 73 - Mike, KE4U > > > -----Original Message----- > From: [hidden email] > [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Ken > Alexander > Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2008 2:09 PM > To: [hidden email]; Darwin, Keith > Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Conversion from K3 to K3Plus or K4 > > I don't know much about this sort of thing, but the > command set (for the K2 > at least) is available, so I would think it would be a > relatively simple > matter to program something like a Basic Stamp to receive > pushbutton presses > from a small outboard control panel and send the > appropriate serial command > to the K2 or K3. You could probably read status back from > the transceiver > and illuminate status LEDs to show what's going on. > > The smarter programmer types could probably use a PIC or > two to do this and > have a separate matrix type LCD to display status in a more > attractive > fashion. > > This something I've always wanted to try. I'm not > totally crazy about > needing a computer to operate my rig when all I want is a > little easier > access to some of the buried commands. > > 73 - Ken _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Ken Widelitz
I just received my K3 last week (#2169) so I'm just
getting used to it. My FT-1000MP MKV had a 3 position anttenuation
selector 6, 12 and 18 dB. Many times I had the 18 dB pad cranked in on
160m. I know it's only one S unit difference from the K3 but
sometimes it's just what you need to pull it out. Wish I had more than one
ATT choice.
73,
Ralph K1ZZI
Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:41:43 -0800
From: Lyle Johnson <[hidden email]> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Attentuation To: Ken Widelitz <[hidden email]> Cc: [hidden email] Message-ID: <[hidden email]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > How much attenuation does the Attenuator put in line? Approximately 10 dB, not adjustable. 73, Lyle KK7P _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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One of the things you'll notice with the K3 is that you seldom (i.e. never for me) need to bother with the attenuator to reduce IMD or BDR problems. That's one of the benefits of exceptional dynamic range. The K3 has about 10-15 dB more IMD dynamic range (91@5kHz for MP/Inrad 5k roofing filter vs 102/106@5kHz for K3/500or400) than an Inrad MP which will more than cover the 8 dB difference (18-10) in attenuators. I nearly wore out the ATT switch in VY2ZM's FT-1000D last year in the CQ 160 CW. I'm looking forward to Jeff getting his new K3 soon...or I'll take my own K3 if I return. :-) 73, Bill |
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> Ralph K1ZZI wrote:
> > > > I just received my K3 last week (#2169) so I'm just getting > used to it. > > My FT-1000MP MKV had a 3 position anttenuation selector 6, > 12 and 18 dB. > > Many times I had the 18 dB pad cranked in on 160m. I know > it's only > > one S unit difference from the K3 but sometimes it's just what you > > need to pull it out. Wish I had more than one ATT choice. > > Bill W4ZV replied: > > One of the things you'll notice with the K3 is that you > seldom (i.e. never for me) need to bother with the attenuator > to reduce IMD or BDR problems. > That's one of the benefits of exceptional dynamic range. The > K3 has about > 10-15 dB more IMD dynamic range (91@5kHz for MP/Inrad 5k > roofing filter vs 102/106@5kHz for K3/500or400) than an Inrad > MP which will more than cover the 8 dB difference (18-10) in > attenuators. > > I nearly wore out the ATT switch in VY2ZM's FT-1000D last > year in the CQ 160 CW. I'm looking forward to Jeff getting > his new K3 soon...or I'll take my own K3 if I return. :-) I'll see Bill's comment and raise it! I also seldom, as in "never", use the K3 ATT and have even used the PRE-amp on 40 meters for weak signals with a very low band-noise background. I'd never consider using a pre-amp on the low bands with any other radio. I just recalled the one application of the K3 ATTenuator I have used. When strong local contesters saturate my S-meter (zero-beat), I've used ATT to see whether they were 60+ or 70+ dB over S9! Of course, with the K3, when these guys are at least 5 kHz away I don't even know they're on the band, without a bandscope. Ed - W0YK _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Bill W4ZV
Bill, W4ZV....
Your experience is a big help to me as well Bill. Nice to hear from a 'been there, done that' operator and you have certainly been there! Thanks. 73, Lynn W4NL ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill W4ZV" <[hidden email]> To: <[hidden email]> Sent: Wednesday, November 26, 2008 4:20 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Attentuation > > > Ralph K1ZZI wrote: >> >> I just received my K3 last week (#2169) so I'm just getting used to it. >> My FT-1000MP MKV had a 3 position anttenuation selector 6, 12 and 18 dB. >> Many times I had the 18 dB pad cranked in on 160m. I know it's only one >> S >> unit difference from the K3 but sometimes it's just what you need to pull >> it out. Wish I had more than one ATT choice. >> > > One of the things you'll notice with the K3 is that you seldom (i.e. never > for me) need to bother with the attenuator to reduce IMD or BDR problems. > That's one of the benefits of exceptional dynamic range. The K3 has about > 10-15 dB more IMD dynamic range (91@5kHz for MP/Inrad 5k roofing filter vs > 102/106@5kHz for K3/500or400) than an Inrad MP which will more than cover > the 8 dB difference (18-10) in attenuators. > > I nearly wore out the ATT switch in VY2ZM's FT-1000D last year in the CQ > 160 > CW. I'm looking forward to Jeff getting his new K3 soon...or I'll take my > own K3 if I return. :-) > > 73, Bill > > -- > View this message in context: > http://n2.nabble.com/Conversion-from-K3-to-K3Plus-or-K4-tp1577545p1582801.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.9.10/1813 - Release Date: 11/26/2008 8:53 AM _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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