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K3 Hardware Updates

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Roy Morris-6

K3 Hardware Updates

Now that my K3s have v. 3.25 firmware, I am thinking about installing the wire mod for the automatic front-end protection. While I have access to the PCB, why not go ahead and install the VFO tuning noise reduction mod even though I do not experience noise during VFO rotation on 6, 10, and 60 meter bands. You might say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". I would like to know if making the VFO tuning noise reduction mod could have a down side of unintended results. Roy Morris W4WFB
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Brett Howard

Re: K3 Hardware Updates

I wasn't hearing the noise at all and was "maybe" barely hearing the
noise w/ no antenna connected. I don't think I'd have noticed it unless
someone told me to look though...

There will be no unintended results as long as you carry out the mod as
intended.

Good luck! I've installed (and tested) the receiver protection mod and
it works a trick! Gives some very nice piece of mind for a radio that
makes it out into the field every year for FD!

~Brett

On Sun, 2009-08-23 at 15:40 -0400, Roy Morris wrote:
> Now that my K3s have v. 3.25 firmware, I am thinking about installing the wire mod for the automatic front-end protection. While I have access to the PCB, why not go ahead and install the VFO tuning noise reduction mod even though I do not experience noise during VFO rotation on 6, 10, and 60 meter bands. You might say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". I would like to know if making the VFO tuning noise reduction mod could have a down side of unintended results. Roy Morris W4WFB
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David Pratt

Re: K3 Hardware Updates

In reply to this post by Roy Morris-6

In a recent message, Roy Morris <[hidden email]> wrote ...
>
>Now that my K3s have v. 3.25 firmware,
...
> While I have access to the PCB, why not go ahead and install the VFO
>tuning noise reduction mod even though I do not experience noise during
>VFO rotation on 6, 10, and 60 meter bands. You might say "if it ain't
>broke, don't fix it".

The mod notes for the VFO Tuning Noise Reduction do say, in bold type..

"IMPORTANT: You must complete the modification as described below
before using firmware version 3.24 or later. Failure to do so will
result in erratic behavior of your K3."

That seems to imply that even if you don't notice to be broke, it may
be.

73
--
David G4DMP
Leeds, England, UK
------

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Bob Cunnings NW8L

Re: K3 Hardware Updates

http://www.mail-archive.com/elecraft@.../msg81291.html

Bob NW8L

On Sun, Aug 23, 2009 at 3:09 PM, David Pratt<[hidden email]> wrote:

> In a recent message, Roy Morris <[hidden email]> wrote ...
>>
>>Now that my K3s have v. 3.25 firmware,
> ...
>> While I have access to the PCB, why not go ahead and install the VFO
>>tuning noise reduction mod even though I do not experience noise during
>>VFO rotation on 6, 10, and 60 meter bands. You might say "if it ain't
>>broke, don't fix it".
>
> The mod notes for the VFO Tuning Noise Reduction do say, in bold type..
>
> "IMPORTANT: You must complete the modification as described below
> before using firmware version 3.24 or later. Failure to do so will
> result in erratic behavior of your K3."
>
> That seems to imply that even if you don't notice to be broke, it may
> be.
>
> 73
> --
> David G4DMP
> Leeds, England, UK
> ------
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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>

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Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Re: K3 Hardware Updates

Administrator

In reply to this post by David Pratt

This was mis-worded in the doc and is being corrected. It should read:

"IMPORTANT: You must complete the modification as described below before enabling the vfo noise reduction menu item in version 3.24 or later. Failure to do so may result in erratic behavior of your K3."

Basically, he resistor/diode mod is only necessary if you -enable- the option in the menu (which only appears in V3.24 and later).

Its perfectly OK to run 3.24 (or later) and not make that h/w mod (as long as it is not enabled in the menu.)

There is no downside to making this h/w mod, even if you do not enable
the menu option.

73, Eric WA6HHQ

David Pratt wrote:

> In a recent message, Roy Morris <[hidden email]> wrote ...
>
>> Now that my K3s have v. 3.25 firmware,
>>
> ...
>
>> While I have access to the PCB, why not go ahead and install the VFO
>> tuning noise reduction mod even though I do not experience noise during
>> VFO rotation on 6, 10, and 60 meter bands. You might say "if it ain't
>> broke, don't fix it".
>>
>
> The mod notes for the VFO Tuning Noise Reduction do say, in bold type..
>
> "IMPORTANT: You must complete the modification as described below
> before using firmware version 3.24 or later. Failure to do so will
> result in erratic behavior of your K3."
>
> That seems to imply that even if you don't notice to be broke, it may
> be.
>
> 73
>

--

_..._

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AC7AC

Re: K3 Hardware Updates

In reply to this post by David Pratt

CONTENTS DELETED

The author has deleted this message.

Brett Howard

Re: K3 Hardware Updates

Actually I believe that the signals will be plenty stable if you place
the hardware mod but don't change the frequency. However speeding
things up (using the SPI2 setting) w/o proper termination is going to
cause problems.

I think the reason for the speeding up of the clock was to put the
harmonics out of the bands. The previous frequency was 1Mhz where as
with SPI2 its set to 4Mhz. That puts the harmonics at 4Mhz, 8Mhz,
16Mhz, 32Mhz (and then we are out of the range of the rig). Notice that
none of these fall inside of Ham bands.. You'll also note that the
areas where you are told to look for the noise is at the even 1Mhz
multiples.

The diode and R combo allows for the R's to only be in play when the
Chip Select for those particular components is activated (low). Its a
pretty darn slick idea.

~Brett (KC7OTG)

On Sun, 2009-08-23 at 16:08 -0700, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> Well, it shouldn't hurt to do the mod, but I agree with David if you can't
> find any noise.
>
> The reason 3.24 is required is that it provides a menu entry for changing
> the bus timing as described in the procedure. A slightly different timing is
> required for stable operation once the diodes and resistors are added.
>
> If you try to load the firmware and change timing without adding the
> resistors and diodes, or if you add the resistors and diodes and do not
> change the timing, the VFO may become unstable, making un-commanded QSYs.
> (On my K3 they were in 100 Hz steps.)
>
> The default timing in all the firmware, including 3.24 and up, is correct
> for K3's that do not have the diodes and resistors added, so you need do
> nothing after upgrading your firmware if you haven't added the parts. Your
> K3 will continue to work FB just as always.
>
> A revised mod procedure will be posted Monday to make that point clear.
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> In a recent message, Roy Morris <[hidden email]> wrote ...
> >
> >Now that my K3s have v. 3.25 firmware,
> ...
> > While I have access to the PCB, why not go ahead and install the VFO
> >tuning noise reduction mod even though I do not experience noise during
> >VFO rotation on 6, 10, and 60 meter bands. You might say "if it ain't
> >broke, don't fix it".
>
> The mod notes for the VFO Tuning Noise Reduction do say, in bold type..
>
> "IMPORTANT: You must complete the modification as described below
> before using firmware version 3.24 or later. Failure to do so will
> result in erratic behavior of your K3."
>
> That seems to imply that even if you don't notice to be broke, it may
> be.
>
> 73

Joe Planisky

Re: K3 Hardware Updates

In reply to this post by AC7AC

Now doggonnit, let's get our stories straight!

Ron D'Eau Claire says:

> ... if you add the resistors and diodes and do not
> change the timing, the VFO may become unstable,

Eric Swartz says:

> There is no downside to making this h/w mod, even if you do not enable
> the menu option.

Am I missing something, or are these two statements contradictory?
Maybe Wayne can be the tie-breaker :-)

73
--
Joe KB8AP

On Aug 23, 2009, at 4:08 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> Well, it shouldn't hurt to do the mod, but I agree with David if you
> can't
> find any noise.
>
> The reason 3.24 is required is that it provides a menu entry for
> changing
> the bus timing as described in the procedure. A slightly different
> timing is
> required for stable operation once the diodes and resistors are added.
>
> If you try to load the firmware and change timing without adding the
> resistors and diodes, or if you add the resistors and diodes and do
> not
> change the timing, the VFO may become unstable, making un-commanded
> QSYs.
> (On my K3 they were in 100 Hz steps.)
>
> The default timing in all the firmware, including 3.24 and up, is
> correct
> for K3's that do not have the diodes and resistors added, so you
> need do
> nothing after upgrading your firmware if you haven't added the
> parts. Your
> K3 will continue to work FB just as always.
>
> A revised mod procedure will be posted Monday to make that point
> clear.
>
> Ron AC7AC
>

Brett Howard

Re: K3 Hardware Updates

I've talked with Wayne on this mod and Eric's statement is the one to go
with. I believe that Ron simply made a typo and meant to say if you do
not add the resistors and diodes and you do change the timing that it
may become unstable.

~Brett

On Sun, 2009-08-23 at 18:23 -0700, Joe Planisky wrote:
> Am I missing something, or are these two statements contradictory?
> Maybe Wayne can be the tie-breaker :-)

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AC7AC

Re: K3 Hardware Updates

In reply to this post by Joe Planisky

CONTENTS DELETED

The author has deleted this message.

AC7AC

Re: K3 Hardware Updates

In reply to this post by Brett Howard

CONTENTS DELETED

The author has deleted this message.

K2QI

Re: K3 Hardware Updates

In reply to this post by Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Well, got around to installing the resistor/diode kit today, and for the
most part was uneventful. I managed to slightly melt/warp the edge of the
plastic RJ-45 jack at the bottom of the board near C66, not realizing my
iron was resting on it or very close to it. That bummed me out to say the
least! Thank goodness that jack is at the bottom of the K3 and doesn't
really do anything.

Anyway, all seems to work well. The VFO noise I heard on 5 MHz is now gone
once SPI2 is engaged in firmware. What is odd though is that there now
seems to be VFO noise around 52 MHz where it was never noticed before.

73 de James K2QI

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Eric Swartz -WA6HHQ,
Elecraft
Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2009 5:31 PM
To: David Pratt
Cc: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Hardware Updates

This was mis-worded in the doc and is being corrected. It should read:

"IMPORTANT: You must complete the modification as described below before
enabling the vfo noise reduction menu item in version 3.24 or later. Failure
to do so may result in erratic behavior of your K3."

Basically, he resistor/diode mod is only necessary if you -enable- the
option in the menu (which only appears in V3.24 and later).

Its perfectly OK to run 3.24 (or later) and not make that h/w mod (as long
as it is not enabled in the menu.)

There is no downside to making this h/w mod, even if you do not enable
the menu option.

73, Eric WA6HHQ

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--... ...-- -.. . .--- .- -- . ...

Brett Howard

Re: K3 Hardware Updates

In reply to this post by AC7AC

Hrm. Seems odd. My understanding was that they were there to reduce
bounce on the clock edges and to lessen the amplitude to about 3V when
talking to those devices.

Logic tells me that it should be ok at both speeds with the termination
in place but your experience demonstrates otherwise.

Perhaps I should turn mine back to SPI1 and see if I end up with any
issues.

~Brett

On Sun, 2009-08-23 at 19:14 -0700, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> Hi Brett. After putting in the diodes and resistors the VFO in my K3 was
> unstable until I changed to SPI 2.
>
> Wayne thought this was normal.
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> Actually I believe that the signals will be plenty stable if you place
> the hardware mod but don't change the frequency. However speeding
> things up (using the SPI2 setting) w/o proper termination is going to
> cause problems.
>
> ~Brett (KC7OTG)
>
> 73
>

Brett Howard

Re: K3 Hardware Updates

In reply to this post by K2QI

That would make sense... Its the 13th harmonic of 4Mhz.

~Brett

On Sun, 2009-08-23 at 22:18 -0400, James Sarte wrote:

> Well, got around to installing the resistor/diode kit today, and for the
> most part was uneventful. I managed to slightly melt/warp the edge of the
> plastic RJ-45 jack at the bottom of the board near C66, not realizing my
> iron was resting on it or very close to it. That bummed me out to say the
> least! Thank goodness that jack is at the bottom of the K3 and doesn't
> really do anything.
>
> Anyway, all seems to work well. The VFO noise I heard on 5 MHz is now gone
> once SPI2 is engaged in firmware. What is odd though is that there now
> seems to be VFO noise around 52 MHz where it was never noticed before.
>
> 73 de James K2QI
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Eric Swartz -WA6HHQ,
> Elecraft
> Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2009 5:31 PM
> To: David Pratt
> Cc: Elecraft Reflector
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Hardware Updates
>
> This was mis-worded in the doc and is being corrected. It should read:
>
> "IMPORTANT: You must complete the modification as described below before
> enabling the vfo noise reduction menu item in version 3.24 or later. Failure
> to do so may result in erratic behavior of your K3."
>
> Basically, he resistor/diode mod is only necessary if you -enable- the
> option in the menu (which only appears in V3.24 and later).
>
> Its perfectly OK to run 3.24 (or later) and not make that h/w mod (as long
> as it is not enabled in the menu.)
>
> There is no downside to making this h/w mod, even if you do not enable
> the menu option.
>
> 73, Eric WA6HHQ
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Brett Howard

Re: K3 Hardware Updates

In reply to this post by Brett Howard

haha wow I just did the doubles rather than doing all off the harmonics.
Ok its time to go and get some sleep. The 3 hours I got last night were
not enough.

~Brett

On Sun, 2009-08-23 at 17:09 -0700, Brett Howard wrote:

> Actually I believe that the signals will be plenty stable if you place
> the hardware mod but don't change the frequency. However speeding
> things up (using the SPI2 setting) w/o proper termination is going to
> cause problems.
>
> I think the reason for the speeding up of the clock was to put the
> harmonics out of the bands. The previous frequency was 1Mhz where as
> with SPI2 its set to 4Mhz. That puts the harmonics at 4Mhz, 8Mhz,
> 16Mhz, 32Mhz (and then we are out of the range of the rig). Notice that
> none of these fall inside of Ham bands.. You'll also note that the
> areas where you are told to look for the noise is at the even 1Mhz
> multiples.
>
> The diode and R combo allows for the R's to only be in play when the
> Chip Select for those particular components is activated (low). Its a
> pretty darn slick idea.
>
> ~Brett (KC7OTG)
>
> On Sun, 2009-08-23 at 16:08 -0700, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
> > Well, it shouldn't hurt to do the mod, but I agree with David if you can't
> > find any noise.
> >
> > The reason 3.24 is required is that it provides a menu entry for changing
> > the bus timing as described in the procedure. A slightly different timing is
> > required for stable operation once the diodes and resistors are added.
> >
> > If you try to load the firmware and change timing without adding the
> > resistors and diodes, or if you add the resistors and diodes and do not
> > change the timing, the VFO may become unstable, making un-commanded QSYs.
> > (On my K3 they were in 100 Hz steps.)
> >
> > The default timing in all the firmware, including 3.24 and up, is correct
> > for K3's that do not have the diodes and resistors added, so you need do
> > nothing after upgrading your firmware if you haven't added the parts. Your
> > K3 will continue to work FB just as always.
> >
> > A revised mod procedure will be posted Monday to make that point clear.
> >
> > Ron AC7AC
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > In a recent message, Roy Morris <[hidden email]> wrote ...
> > >
> > >Now that my K3s have v. 3.25 firmware,
> > ...
> > > While I have access to the PCB, why not go ahead and install the VFO
> > >tuning noise reduction mod even though I do not experience noise during
> > >VFO rotation on 6, 10, and 60 meter bands. You might say "if it ain't
> > >broke, don't fix it".
> >
> > The mod notes for the VFO Tuning Noise Reduction do say, in bold type..
> >
> > "IMPORTANT: You must complete the modification as described below
> > before using firmware version 3.24 or later. Failure to do so will
> > result in erratic behavior of your K3."
> >
> > That seems to imply that even if you don't notice to be broke, it may
> > be.
> >
> > 73
>

Brett Howard

Re: K3 Hardware Updates

In reply to this post by AC7AC

Well just mucked around on the bands for a bit (about 40 minutes or so)
with the hardware mods in place and switched it back to SPI1 and I
wasn't able to get anything to behave strangely...

However in trying to recall the change from memory I did find that
pressing 8 while in VCO MD changes what appears to be a tolerance
settingg? The possible choices were MFG and NOR. I ended up leaving it
back at NOR... Wonder how many of those little tricks are hidden
about...

~Brett

On Sun, 2009-08-23 at 19:14 -0700, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

Joe Planisky

Re: K3 Hardware Updates

In reply to this post by AC7AC

Hi Ron,

> Eric and my statements are quite correct, both of them!

OK, I'm really missing something then. Eric said (emphasis mine):

> There is no downside to making this h/w mod, EVEN IF YOU DO NOT
> ENABLE THE MENU OPTION.

That sounds very much like he's saying you can make the mod and not
change the SPI bus clock rate to SP2.

But you just said (again, emphasis mine):

> If you add the diodes and resistors per the App Note, ... YOU *MUST*
> CHANGE THE SPI BUS CLOCK RATE TO "SP2" FOR PROPER (STABLE) OPERATION.

I don't see how they can both be correct.

The reason I would like clarification is that I sometimes go back to a
previous FW release to compare operation with the new release. If
what you say is true, that implies that once I make the hardware mod I
can't go back to the 3.19 release without potentially having VFO
stability issues. If that's really and truly the case, I don't want
to do the mod until I'm sure I won't ever want to go back to anything
older than 3.24.

73
--
Joe KB8AP

On Aug 23, 2009, at 7:05 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> Eric and my statements are quite correct, both of them!
>
> If you add the diodes and resistors per the App Note, which provide
> better
> termination on the synthesizer control lines, you *must* change the
> SPI bus
> clock rate to "SP2" for proper (stable) operation.
>
> V 3.24 (or later) firmware has a menu command that allows you to
> change the
> SPI bus clock rate as needed.
>
> The K3 works perfectly with that change, but with much reduced noise
> while
> turning the VFO on the 6, 10 and 60 meter bands, at least for those
> who
> experienced the noise.
>
> A few people have downloaded the newer firmware (3.24 or later) and
> tried
> changing the SPI clock rate without installing the diodes and
> resistors that
> terminate the synthesizer control lines. Doing that leads to unstable
> operation.
>
> Similarly, I installed the diodes and resistors (while illustrating
> the App
> Note), forgot to change the SPI clock rate, and found my VFO unstable.
>
> After some head-scratching I realized my oversight, changed the SPI
> bus
> clock rate to "SPI 2" and everything is perfect again.
>
> So the K3 is perfectly stable without installing the parts, no
> matter which
> version of the firmware you install, provided you leave the menu
> command for
> the SPI Bus rate at CONFIG:MD SPI 1.
>
> Similarly the K3 is perfectly stable with the diodes and resistors
> terminating the synthesizer control lines provided you change the
> SPI bus
> rate to CONFIG:MD SPI 2
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Joe Planisky
> Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2009 6:24 PM
> To: Elecraft Reflector
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Hardware Updates
>
> Now doggonnit, let's get our stories straight!
>
> Ron D'Eau Claire says:
>
>> ... if you add the resistors and diodes and do not
>> change the timing, the VFO may become unstable,
>
> Eric Swartz says:
>
>> There is no downside to making this h/w mod, even if you do not
>> enable
>> the menu option.
>
> Am I missing something, or are these two statements contradictory?
> Maybe Wayne can be the tie-breaker :-)
>
> 73
> --
> Joe KB8AP
>
>
>
> On Aug 23, 2009, at 4:08 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
>
>> Well, it shouldn't hurt to do the mod, but I agree with David if you
>> can't
>> find any noise.
>>
>> The reason 3.24 is required is that it provides a menu entry for
>> changing
>> the bus timing as described in the procedure. A slightly different
>> timing is
>> required for stable operation once the diodes and resistors are
>> added.
>>
>> If you try to load the firmware and change timing without adding the
>> resistors and diodes, or if you add the resistors and diodes and do
>> not
>> change the timing, the VFO may become unstable, making un-commanded
>> QSYs.
>> (On my K3 they were in 100 Hz steps.)
>>
>> The default timing in all the firmware, including 3.24 and up, is
>> correct
>> for K3's that do not have the diodes and resistors added, so you
>> need do
>> nothing after upgrading your firmware if you haven't added the
>> parts. Your
>> K3 will continue to work FB just as always.
>>
>> A revised mod procedure will be posted Monday to make that point
>> clear.
>>
>> Ron AC7AC
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

Brett Howard

Re: K3 Hardware Updates

I believed Eric's statement to be true however Ron has experienced
problems with his radio performing unsolicited QSY's after her performed
the mod but forgot to change the menu setting.

I have the mod in my radio and just tried to get something to happen w/
my radio set back to SPI1. I tried on all bands and even ran a tune
into a dummy for a bit to get things to heat up a bit.

Anyway if you're not hearing the noise then waiting a bit probably won't
cause you any issues.

~Brett

On Sun, 2009-08-23 at 20:08 -0700, Joe Planisky wrote:

> Hi Ron,
>
> > Eric and my statements are quite correct, both of them!
>
> OK, I'm really missing something then. Eric said (emphasis mine):
>
> > There is no downside to making this h/w mod, EVEN IF YOU DO NOT
> > ENABLE THE MENU OPTION.
>
> That sounds very much like he's saying you can make the mod and not
> change the SPI bus clock rate to SP2.
>
> But you just said (again, emphasis mine):
>
> > If you add the diodes and resistors per the App Note, ... YOU *MUST*
> > CHANGE THE SPI BUS CLOCK RATE TO "SP2" FOR PROPER (STABLE) OPERATION.
>
> I don't see how they can both be correct.
>
> The reason I would like clarification is that I sometimes go back to a
> previous FW release to compare operation with the new release. If
> what you say is true, that implies that once I make the hardware mod I
> can't go back to the 3.19 release without potentially having VFO
> stability issues. If that's really and truly the case, I don't want
> to do the mod until I'm sure I won't ever want to go back to anything
> older than 3.24.
>
> 73
> --
> Joe KB8AP
>
>
>
>
> On Aug 23, 2009, at 7:05 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
>
> > Eric and my statements are quite correct, both of them!
> >
> > If you add the diodes and resistors per the App Note, which provide
> > better
> > termination on the synthesizer control lines, you *must* change the
> > SPI bus
> > clock rate to "SP2" for proper (stable) operation.
> >
> > V 3.24 (or later) firmware has a menu command that allows you to
> > change the
> > SPI bus clock rate as needed.
> >
> > The K3 works perfectly with that change, but with much reduced noise
> > while
> > turning the VFO on the 6, 10 and 60 meter bands, at least for those
> > who
> > experienced the noise.
> >
> > A few people have downloaded the newer firmware (3.24 or later) and
> > tried
> > changing the SPI clock rate without installing the diodes and
> > resistors that
> > terminate the synthesizer control lines. Doing that leads to unstable
> > operation.
> >
> > Similarly, I installed the diodes and resistors (while illustrating
> > the App
> > Note), forgot to change the SPI clock rate, and found my VFO unstable.
> >
> > After some head-scratching I realized my oversight, changed the SPI
> > bus
> > clock rate to "SPI 2" and everything is perfect again.
> >
> > So the K3 is perfectly stable without installing the parts, no
> > matter which
> > version of the firmware you install, provided you leave the menu
> > command for
> > the SPI Bus rate at CONFIG:MD SPI 1.
> >
> > Similarly the K3 is perfectly stable with the diodes and resistors
> > terminating the synthesizer control lines provided you change the
> > SPI bus
> > rate to CONFIG:MD SPI 2
> >
> > Ron AC7AC
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: [hidden email]
> > [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Joe Planisky
> > Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2009 6:24 PM
> > To: Elecraft Reflector
> > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Hardware Updates
> >
> > Now doggonnit, let's get our stories straight!
> >
> > Ron D'Eau Claire says:
> >
> >> ... if you add the resistors and diodes and do not
> >> change the timing, the VFO may become unstable,
> >
> > Eric Swartz says:
> >
> >> There is no downside to making this h/w mod, even if you do not
> >> enable
> >> the menu option.
> >
> > Am I missing something, or are these two statements contradictory?
> > Maybe Wayne can be the tie-breaker :-)
> >
> > 73
> > --
> > Joe KB8AP
> >
> >
> >
> > On Aug 23, 2009, at 4:08 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
> >
> >> Well, it shouldn't hurt to do the mod, but I agree with David if you
> >> can't
> >> find any noise.
> >>
> >> The reason 3.24 is required is that it provides a menu entry for
> >> changing
> >> the bus timing as described in the procedure. A slightly different
> >> timing is
> >> required for stable operation once the diodes and resistors are
> >> added.
> >>
> >> If you try to load the firmware and change timing without adding the
> >> resistors and diodes, or if you add the resistors and diodes and do
> >> not
> >> change the timing, the VFO may become unstable, making un-commanded
> >> QSYs.
> >> (On my K3 they were in 100 Hz steps.)
> >>
> >> The default timing in all the firmware, including 3.24 and up, is
> >> correct
> >> for K3's that do not have the diodes and resistors added, so you
> >> need do
> >> nothing after upgrading your firmware if you haven't added the
> >> parts. Your
> >> K3 will continue to work FB just as always.
> >>
> >> A revised mod procedure will be posted Monday to make that point
> >> clear.
> >>
> >> Ron AC7AC
> >>
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> >
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Re: K3 Hardware Updates

Administrator

In reply to this post by AC7AC

I apologize, but Ron is incorrect.

You MAY make the diode/resistor termination mod without changing the but
timing in the menu. It has no negative impact in eother case.

73, Eric WA6HHQ
====

Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> Eric and my statements are quite correct, both of them!
>
> If you add the diodes and resistors per the App Note, which provide better
> termination on the synthesizer control lines, you *must* change the SPI bus
> clock rate to "SP2" for proper (stable) operation.
>
> V 3.24 (or later) firmware has a menu command that allows you to change the
> SPI bus clock rate as needed.
>
> The K3 works perfectly with that change, but with much reduced noise while
> turning the VFO on the 6, 10 and 60 meter bands, at least for those who
> experienced the noise.
>
> A few people have downloaded the newer firmware (3.24 or later) and tried
> changing the SPI clock rate without installing the diodes and resistors that
> terminate the synthesizer control lines. Doing that leads to unstable
> operation.
>
> Similarly, I installed the diodes and resistors (while illustrating the App
> Note), forgot to change the SPI clock rate, and found my VFO unstable.
>
> After some head-scratching I realized my oversight, changed the SPI bus
> clock rate to "SPI 2" and everything is perfect again.
>
> So the K3 is perfectly stable without installing the parts, no matter which
> version of the firmware you install, provided you leave the menu command for
> the SPI Bus rate at CONFIG:MD SPI 1.
>
> Similarly the K3 is perfectly stable with the diodes and resistors
> terminating the synthesizer control lines provided you change the SPI bus
> rate to CONFIG:MD SPI 2
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Joe Planisky
> Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2009 6:24 PM
> To: Elecraft Reflector
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Hardware Updates
>
> Now doggonnit, let's get our stories straight!
>
> Ron D'Eau Claire says:
>
>
>> ... if you add the resistors and diodes and do not
>> change the timing, the VFO may become unstable,
>>
>
> Eric Swartz says:
>
>
>> There is no downside to making this h/w mod, even if you do not enable
>> the menu option.
>>
>
> Am I missing something, or are these two statements contradictory?
> Maybe Wayne can be the tie-breaker :-)
>
> 73
> --
> Joe KB8AP
>
>
>
> On Aug 23, 2009, at 4:08 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
>
>
>> Well, it shouldn't hurt to do the mod, but I agree with David if you
>> can't
>> find any noise.
>>
>> The reason 3.24 is required is that it provides a menu entry for
>> changing
>> the bus timing as described in the procedure. A slightly different
>> timing is
>> required for stable operation once the diodes and resistors are added.
>>
>> If you try to load the firmware and change timing without adding the
>> resistors and diodes, or if you add the resistors and diodes and do
>> not
>> change the timing, the VFO may become unstable, making un-commanded
>> QSYs.
>> (On my K3 they were in 100 Hz steps.)
>>
>> The default timing in all the firmware, including 3.24 and up, is
>> correct
>> for K3's that do not have the diodes and resistors added, so you
>> need do
>> nothing after upgrading your firmware if you haven't added the
>> parts. Your
>> K3 will continue to work FB just as always.
>>
>> A revised mod procedure will be posted Monday to make that point
>> clear.
>>
>> Ron AC7AC
>>
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Re: K3 Hardware Updates

Administrator

In reply to this post by AC7AC

'bus timing..'

Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: