K3 Phones / Diversity Question

classic Classic list List threaded Threaded
11 messages Options
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

K3 Phones / Diversity Question

Jim Bennett
I just recently added the sub receiver to my K3. I've been using the Sub receiver (without diversity turned on) and all was fine. I have the Yamaha CM500 headset - one cable plugged into the Phones jack and the other going to the Mic jack. I also have an Icom SP-20 external speaker, and it's connected to the Spkrs jack.

Well, I engaged Diversity mode and at first thought it was working properly. But, when I turned the AF to zero on the Main receiver, I realized that the audio on the Sub was almost nonexistent signals are there, but really, really weak. OK, so looking at the Config parameters, I noticed in the KRX3 manual that SPKRS should be set to 1. Mine was set to 2. I changed it to one and now have zero audio coming from the Sub receiver. Not exactly what I was hoping for.

What do I need to do to get my headphone audio in Diversity mode to act as it does with the Sub turned on, but Diversity off?

Confused, I am.

Jim / W6JHB
______________________________________________________________
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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: K3 Phones / Diversity Question

Jack Berry
Jim,
you can adjust the volumes independently on the front panel. But you probably knew that.
Seems also that there is a config setting that needs to be adjusted for the volume ratio to work correctly - page 37 of the manual.

On Aug 2, 2012, at 10:56 PM, Jim Bennett <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I just recently added the sub receiver to my K3. I've been using the Sub receiver (without diversity turned on) and all was fine. I have the Yamaha CM500 headset - one cable plugged into the Phones jack and the other going to the Mic jack. I also have an Icom SP-20 external speaker, and it's connected to the Spkrs jack.
>
> Well, I engaged Diversity mode and at first thought it was working properly. But, when I turned the AF to zero on the Main receiver, I realized that the audio on the Sub was almost nonexistent signals are there, but really, really weak. OK, so looking at the Config parameters, I noticed in the KRX3 manual that SPKRS should be set to 1. Mine was set to 2. I changed it to one and now have zero audio coming from the Sub receiver. Not exactly what I was hoping for.
>
> What do I need to do to get my headphone audio in Diversity mode to act as it does with the Sub turned on, but Diversity off?
>
> Confused, I am.
>
> Jim / W6JHB
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: K3 Phones / Diversity Question

Mike K2MK
In reply to this post by Jim Bennett
Hi Jim,

One of the following might be helpful.

If you have CONFIG:SPKRS set to 1 and CONFIG:SPKR+PH set to YES it will turn off the right channel of your headphones. Avoid the problem by turning CONFIG:SPKR+PH to no when using diversity.

You also need to consider the setting of two other parameters which can be confusing with respect to SUB RX use. The first is CONFIG:SUB AF. Depending on whether you have chosen BALANCE or NOR it changes the way the concentric audio control operates. The second is CONFIG:L-MIX-R which controls which receiver's audio is in which ear. This control gets overridden when diversity is used and reverts to MAIN in left ear and SUB in right ear. So you might have one arrangement set for general SUB RX use and when you go to diversity it changes.

73,
Mike K2MK


Jim Bennett wrote
I just recently added the sub receiver to my K3. I've been using the Sub receiver (without diversity turned on) and all was fine. I have the Yamaha CM500 headset - one cable plugged into the Phones jack and the other going to the Mic jack. I also have an Icom SP-20 external speaker, and it's connected to the Spkrs jack.

Well, I engaged Diversity mode and at first thought it was working properly. But, when I turned the AF to zero on the Main receiver, I realized that the audio on the Sub was almost nonexistent signals are there, but really, really weak. OK, so looking at the Config parameters, I noticed in the KRX3 manual that SPKRS should be set to 1. Mine was set to 2. I changed it to one and now have zero audio coming from the Sub receiver. Not exactly what I was hoping for.

What do I need to do to get my headphone audio in Diversity mode to act as it does with the Sub turned on, but Diversity off?

Confused, I am.

Jim / W6JHB
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: K3 Phones / Diversity Question

Jim Bennett
Still have issues with this. Here are the settings in Config that I'm assuming are relevant:

L-Mix-R = A  b
SPKRS = 1
SPKR + Ph = no
SQ Main = Sub Pot
SQ Sub = Sub Pot
Sub AF = Nor

With these Config settings, the K3 works fine with the SubRX turned off; equal Main audio in both headphones. When I turn on the SubRX, it is still OK; I get Main audio in the left ear and Sub audio in the right ear. I know I'm getting the Sub audio in the right ear, as I can turn the sub VFO and hear the frequency change in my right ear. BUT, as soon as I turn on Diversity, I get almost no signal in the right ear. It isn't silent - it's just that the signal that is pounding in on the Main is nearly inaudible on the Sub. If the signal being received on the Main is less than S7, I can't even hear it on the Sub with Diversity turned on. If it is an S9 or greater signal, then I can just barely hear it on the Sub when Diversity is turned on.

Very strange. The SubRX works fine until Diversity mode is enabled.

Any ideas? Does this need to be escalated to Elecraft Tech Support?


On   Friday, Aug 3, 2012, at  Friday, 6:02 AM, Mike K2MK wrote:

> Hi Jim,
>
> One of the following might be helpful.
>
> If you have CONFIG:SPKRS set to 1 and CONFIG:SPKR+PH set to YES it will turn
> off the right channel of your headphones. Avoid the problem by turning
> CONFIG:SPKR+PH to no when using diversity.
>
> You also need to consider the setting of two other parameters which can be
> confusing with respect to SUB RX use. The first is CONFIG:SUB AF. Depending
> on whether you have chosen BALANCE or NOR it changes the way the concentric
> audio control operates. The second is CONFIG:L-MIX-R which controls which
> receiver's audio is in which ear. This control gets overridden when
> diversity is used and reverts to MAIN in left ear and SUB in right ear. So
> you might have one arrangement set for general SUB RX use and when you go to
> diversity it changes.
>
> 73,
> Mike K2MK
>
>
>
> Jim Bennett wrote
>>
>> I just recently added the sub receiver to my K3. I've been using the Sub
>> receiver (without diversity turned on) and all was fine. I have the Yamaha
>> CM500 headset - one cable plugged into the Phones jack and the other going
>> to the Mic jack. I also have an Icom SP-20 external speaker, and it's
>> connected to the Spkrs jack.
>>
>> Well, I engaged Diversity mode and at first thought it was working
>> properly. But, when I turned the AF to zero on the Main receiver, I
>> realized that the audio on the Sub was almost nonexistent signals are
>> there, but really, really weak. OK, so looking at the Config parameters, I
>> noticed in the KRX3 manual that SPKRS should be set to 1. Mine was set to
>> 2. I changed it to one and now have zero audio coming from the Sub
>> receiver. Not exactly what I was hoping for.
>>
>> What do I need to do to get my headphone audio in Diversity mode to act as
>> it does with the Sub turned on, but Diversity off?
>>
>> Confused, I am.
>>
>> Jim / W6JHB
>>
>
>
>
>
> --
> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Phones-Diversity-Question-tp7560223p7560229.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: K3 Phones / Diversity Question

Scott Manthe-2
Do you have a separate receiver antenna connected to the KRX3? If so, is
the KRX3 configured properly to use it?

73,
Scott, N9AA


On 8/3/12 1:16 PM, Jim Bennett wrote:

> Still have issues with this. Here are the settings in Config that I'm assuming are relevant:
>
> L-Mix-R = A  b
> SPKRS = 1
> SPKR + Ph = no
> SQ Main = Sub Pot
> SQ Sub = Sub Pot
> Sub AF = Nor
>
> With these Config settings, the K3 works fine with the SubRX turned off; equal Main audio in both headphones. When I turn on the SubRX, it is still OK; I get Main audio in the left ear and Sub audio in the right ear. I know I'm getting the Sub audio in the right ear, as I can turn the sub VFO and hear the frequency change in my right ear. BUT, as soon as I turn on Diversity, I get almost no signal in the right ear. It isn't silent - it's just that the signal that is pounding in on the Main is nearly inaudible on the Sub. If the signal being received on the Main is less than S7, I can't even hear it on the Sub with Diversity turned on. If it is an S9 or greater signal, then I can just barely hear it on the Sub when Diversity is turned on.
>
> Very strange. The SubRX works fine until Diversity mode is enabled.
>
> Any ideas? Does this need to be escalated to Elecraft Tech Support?
>
>
>

______________________________________________________________
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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: K3 Phones / Diversity Question

Jim Bennett
Hi Scott, yes - there is a separate antenna. I have an 88 foot long doublet connected to ANT 1 and a ground mounted Hustler 5BTV connected to Ant 2. In CONFIG, I have KRX3 ANT = ATU. So, if I understand correctly, Main uses Ant 1 and Sub uses Ant2. But, I just did an experiment and unhooked Ant 2 while listening to the Sub w/o Diversity turned on. Signals did not drop off. So, it sounds like they are sharing Ant 1. Time to putt off the top cover and see what I've done. Stay tuned…..

Jim

On   Friday, Aug 3, 2012, at  Friday, 10:24 AM, Scott Manthe wrote:

> Do you have a separate receiver antenna connected to the KRX3? If so, is
> the KRX3 configured properly to use it?
>
> 73,
> Scott, N9AA
>
>
> On 8/3/12 1:16 PM, Jim Bennett wrote:
>> Still have issues with this. Here are the settings in Config that I'm assuming are relevant:
>>
>> L-Mix-R = A  b
>> SPKRS = 1
>> SPKR + Ph = no
>> SQ Main = Sub Pot
>> SQ Sub = Sub Pot
>> Sub AF = Nor
>>
>> With these Config settings, the K3 works fine with the SubRX turned off; equal Main audio in both headphones. When I turn on the SubRX, it is still OK; I get Main audio in the left ear and Sub audio in the right ear. I know I'm getting the Sub audio in the right ear, as I can turn the sub VFO and hear the frequency change in my right ear. BUT, as soon as I turn on Diversity, I get almost no signal in the right ear. It isn't silent - it's just that the signal that is pounding in on the Main is nearly inaudible on the Sub. If the signal being received on the Main is less than S7, I can't even hear it on the Sub with Diversity turned on. If it is an S9 or greater signal, then I can just barely hear it on the Sub when Diversity is turned on.
>>
>> Very strange. The SubRX works fine until Diversity mode is enabled.
>>
>> Any ideas? Does this need to be escalated to Elecraft Tech Support?
>>
>>
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: K3 Phones / Diversity Question

Mike K2MK
Hi Jim,

I have my SUB antenna input connected to the AUX jack so my explanation may have to be varied a bit to coincide with your setup. When using the SUB RX (not diversity) it is possible to change the antenna to either the MAIN or AUX antenna by holding the RX ANT button. The word MAIN or AUX appears momentarily in the lower display. If I choose MAIN, however, and then long hold the SUB button to turn on diversity, the K3 "automatically" changes the SUB RX antenna selection to AUX. This is reasonable since diversity requires separate antennas but if you don't have an antenna connected to the AUX jack or if you have wired the jack incorrectly internally you will suddenly lose volume in your right ear.

73,
Mike K2MK


Jim Bennett wrote
Hi Scott, yes - there is a separate antenna. I have an 88 foot long doublet connected to ANT 1 and a ground mounted Hustler 5BTV connected to Ant 2. In CONFIG, I have KRX3 ANT = ATU. So, if I understand correctly, Main uses Ant 1 and Sub uses Ant2. But, I just did an experiment and unhooked Ant 2 while listening to the Sub w/o Diversity turned on. Signals did not drop off. So, it sounds like they are sharing Ant 1. Time to putt off the top cover and see what I've done. Stay tuned…..

Jim

On   Friday, Aug 3, 2012, at  Friday, 10:24 AM, Scott Manthe wrote:

> Do you have a separate receiver antenna connected to the KRX3? If so, is
> the KRX3 configured properly to use it?
>
> 73,
> Scott, N9AA
>
>
> On 8/3/12 1:16 PM, Jim Bennett wrote:
>> Still have issues with this. Here are the settings in Config that I'm assuming are relevant:
>>
>> L-Mix-R = A  b
>> SPKRS = 1
>> SPKR + Ph = no
>> SQ Main = Sub Pot
>> SQ Sub = Sub Pot
>> Sub AF = Nor
>>
>> With these Config settings, the K3 works fine with the SubRX turned off; equal Main audio in both headphones. When I turn on the SubRX, it is still OK; I get Main audio in the left ear and Sub audio in the right ear. I know I'm getting the Sub audio in the right ear, as I can turn the sub VFO and hear the frequency change in my right ear. BUT, as soon as I turn on Diversity, I get almost no signal in the right ear. It isn't silent - it's just that the signal that is pounding in on the Main is nearly inaudible on the Sub. If the signal being received on the Main is less than S7, I can't even hear it on the Sub with Diversity turned on. If it is an S9 or greater signal, then I can just barely hear it on the Sub when Diversity is turned on.
>>
>> Very strange. The SubRX works fine until Diversity mode is enabled.
>>
>> Any ideas? Does this need to be escalated to Elecraft Tech Support?
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: K3 Phones / Diversity Question

Jim Bennett
In reply to this post by Jim Bennett
Hmmmm…. I'm on the path here. Found that BSET was sitting at Main, so the Sub and Main were sharing an antenna, which they don't do in Diversity. I changed this to Aux, and now I see that the Sub is using Ant 2 and Main is using Ant 1. That was the good news. The bad news is that there are no signals being heard on the Sub, no matter which external antenna is connected to it. The CONFIG setting is Ant = ATU, so it's time to putt the K3 apart and see what is happening. Perhaps the cable from the Kat3 is disconnected. Or worse, maybe that ^&&%$$ little connector broke off the KRX3 board when I plugged in the TMP cable. Will let y'all know what I find.

On   Friday, Aug 3, 2012, at  Friday, 10:59 AM, Jim Bennett wrote:

> Hi Scott, yes - there is a separate antenna. I have an 88 foot long doublet connected to ANT 1 and a ground mounted Hustler 5BTV connected to Ant 2. In CONFIG, I have KRX3 ANT = ATU. So, if I understand correctly, Main uses Ant 1 and Sub uses Ant2. But, I just did an experiment and unhooked Ant 2 while listening to the Sub w/o Diversity turned on. Signals did not drop off. So, it sounds like they are sharing Ant 1. Time to putt off the top cover and see what I've done. Stay tuned…..
>
> Jim
>
> On   Friday, Aug 3, 2012, at  Friday, 10:24 AM, Scott Manthe wrote:
>
>> Do you have a separate receiver antenna connected to the KRX3? If so, is
>> the KRX3 configured properly to use it?
>>
>> 73,
>> Scott, N9AA
>>
>>
>> On 8/3/12 1:16 PM, Jim Bennett wrote:
>>> Still have issues with this. Here are the settings in Config that I'm assuming are relevant:
>>>
>>> L-Mix-R = A  b
>>> SPKRS = 1
>>> SPKR + Ph = no
>>> SQ Main = Sub Pot
>>> SQ Sub = Sub Pot
>>> Sub AF = Nor
>>>
>>> With these Config settings, the K3 works fine with the SubRX turned off; equal Main audio in both headphones. When I turn on the SubRX, it is still OK; I get Main audio in the left ear and Sub audio in the right ear. I know I'm getting the Sub audio in the right ear, as I can turn the sub VFO and hear the frequency change in my right ear. BUT, as soon as I turn on Diversity, I get almost no signal in the right ear. It isn't silent - it's just that the signal that is pounding in on the Main is nearly inaudible on the Sub. If the signal being received on the Main is less than S7, I can't even hear it on the Sub with Diversity turned on. If it is an S9 or greater signal, then I can just barely hear it on the Sub when Diversity is turned on.
>>>
>>> Very strange. The SubRX works fine until Diversity mode is enabled.
>>>
>>> Any ideas? Does this need to be escalated to Elecraft Tech Support?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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

______________________________________________________________
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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: K3 Phones / Diversity Question

N5GE-2
In reply to this post by Jim Bennett
The diversity receive antenna (DRA) must be connected to the AUX antenna on the
back of the K3.  Unless your DRA has the same gain as the transmit antenna you
will need to use a Preamp on the DRA.

I use a DRA that is a 38 inch diameter loop of aluminum tubing that I can rotate
to peak up the signal of the far off station.  That loop has a 35 dB LNA
attached.

Most of us don't have the space to erect a large receive only, so we use smaller
antennae for the DRA.  If you are one who has the property to make a full size
DRA, then you can probably get by without a Preamp unless you locate the DRA as
far away from the TX antenna as possible.  The old ship to shore stations used
to locate the DRA and RX antennas miles from the transmitter, so since most of
us can't do that, here are some links to specialized RX antennas.

http://www.pixelsatradio.com/product/shortwave-magnetic-loop-antenna/

http://www.dxengineering.com/search/department/antennas/brand/dx-engineering/part-type/hf-receive-antennas

Don't let this discourage you.  The antenna I use is the one from PixelSat
Radio, but you can make one just like it yourself if you like to build things.

Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
ARRL Lifetime Member
QCWA Lifetime Member

On Fri, 03 Aug 2012 10:16:18 -0700, Jim Bennett <[hidden email]> wrote:

>Still have issues with this. Here are the settings in Config that I'm assuming are relevant:
>
>L-Mix-R = A  b
>SPKRS = 1
>SPKR + Ph = no
>SQ Main = Sub Pot
>SQ Sub = Sub Pot
>Sub AF = Nor
>
>With these Config settings, the K3 works fine with the SubRX turned off; equal Main audio in both headphones. When I turn on the SubRX, it is still OK; I get Main audio in the left ear and Sub audio in the right ear. I know I'm getting the Sub audio in the right ear, as I can turn the sub VFO and hear the frequency change in my right ear. BUT, as soon as I turn on Diversity, I get almost no signal in the right ear. It isn't silent - it's just that the signal that is pounding in on the Main is nearly inaudible on the Sub. If the signal being received on the Main is less than S7, I can't even hear it on the Sub with Diversity turned on. If it is an S9 or greater signal, then I can just barely hear it on the Sub when Diversity is turned on.
>
>Very strange. The SubRX works fine until Diversity mode is enabled.
>
>Any ideas? Does this need to be escalated to Elecraft Tech Support?
>
>
>On   Friday, Aug 3, 2012, at  Friday, 6:02 AM, Mike K2MK wrote:
>
>> Hi Jim,
>>
>> One of the following might be helpful.
>>
>> If you have CONFIG:SPKRS set to 1 and CONFIG:SPKR+PH set to YES it will turn
>> off the right channel of your headphones. Avoid the problem by turning
>> CONFIG:SPKR+PH to no when using diversity.
>>
>> You also need to consider the setting of two other parameters which can be
>> confusing with respect to SUB RX use. The first is CONFIG:SUB AF. Depending
>> on whether you have chosen BALANCE or NOR it changes the way the concentric
>> audio control operates. The second is CONFIG:L-MIX-R which controls which
>> receiver's audio is in which ear. This control gets overridden when
>> diversity is used and reverts to MAIN in left ear and SUB in right ear. So
>> you might have one arrangement set for general SUB RX use and when you go to
>> diversity it changes.
>>
>> 73,
>> Mike K2MK
>>
>>
>>
>> Jim Bennett wrote
>>>
>>> I just recently added the sub receiver to my K3. I've been using the Sub
>>> receiver (without diversity turned on) and all was fine. I have the Yamaha
>>> CM500 headset - one cable plugged into the Phones jack and the other going
>>> to the Mic jack. I also have an Icom SP-20 external speaker, and it's
>>> connected to the Spkrs jack.
>>>
>>> Well, I engaged Diversity mode and at first thought it was working
>>> properly. But, when I turned the AF to zero on the Main receiver, I
>>> realized that the audio on the Sub was almost nonexistent signals are
>>> there, but really, really weak. OK, so looking at the Config parameters, I
>>> noticed in the KRX3 manual that SPKRS should be set to 1. Mine was set to
>>> 2. I changed it to one and now have zero audio coming from the Sub
>>> receiver. Not exactly what I was hoping for.
>>>
>>> What do I need to do to get my headphone audio in Diversity mode to act as
>>> it does with the Sub turned on, but Diversity off?
>>>
>>> Confused, I am.
>>>
>>> Jim / W6JHB
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Phones-Diversity-Question-tp7560223p7560229.html
>> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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

______________________________________________________________
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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: K3 Phones / Diversity Question

Jim Bennett
Not necessarily so. The DRA can be either an antenna connected to the Aux jack OR it can be ANT1 or ANT2, whichever is not being used by the Main receiver. In my case, I'm set up for the latter. I can switch the SubRX between ANT1 and ANT2 by going this way. It affords me the ability to transmit on my Hustler 5BTV if I so choose, while using the doublet for receive. I don't think I'd normally do it like that, but I can if I want. Had I opted to put my other antenna on the Aux (Rx Ant) jack, it would only be useable as a receive antenna.

Anyway, I've solved the problem. Shortly after installing my SubRX, I also installed the K144XV 2 meter module. Had a small user problem with filter installation on the main receiver, and in my haste to get things put back together, I managed to connect the TMP cable from the 2 meter antenna to the SubRX input port. No wonder I had such extremely weak signals when I went to diversity mode - a 2 meter ground plane antenna mounted just above roof level makes a horrible 20 meter receiving antenna!!!

Interestingly, having done that, it also meant that the cable from the KAT3 that should have gone to the SubRX was connected into the 2 Meter module. This had the unusual result of the K3 outputting it's 10 watts of 144 MHz RF into a ground-mounted 40-10 meter HF vertical. And it worked! I had a local simplex QSO and was able to hit (with nearly full quieting) a repeater close to 90 miles away.

Thanks for everyone's input in tracking down this very strange problem!!

Jim / W6JHB
 
On   Friday, Aug 3, 2012, at  Friday, 11:32 AM, N5GE wrote:

> The diversity receive antenna (DRA) must be connected to the AUX antenna on the
> back of the K3.  Unless your DRA has the same gain as the transmit antenna you
> will need to use a Preamp on the DRA.
>
> I use a DRA that is a 38 inch diameter loop of aluminum tubing that I can rotate
> to peak up the signal of the far off station.  That loop has a 35 dB LNA
> attached.
>
> Most of us don't have the space to erect a large receive only, so we use smaller
> antennae for the DRA.  If you are one who has the property to make a full size
> DRA, then you can probably get by without a Preamp unless you locate the DRA as
> far away from the TX antenna as possible.  The old ship to shore stations used
> to locate the DRA and RX antennas miles from the transmitter, so since most of
> us can't do that, here are some links to specialized RX antennas.
>
> http://www.pixelsatradio.com/product/shortwave-magnetic-loop-antenna/
>
> http://www.dxengineering.com/search/department/antennas/brand/dx-engineering/part-type/hf-receive-antennas
>
> Don't let this discourage you.  The antenna I use is the one from PixelSat
> Radio, but you can make one just like it yourself if you like to build things.
>
> Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
> ARRL Lifetime Member
> QCWA Lifetime Member
>
> On Fri, 03 Aug 2012 10:16:18 -0700, Jim Bennett <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Still have issues with this. Here are the settings in Config that I'm assuming are relevant:
>>
>> L-Mix-R = A  b
>> SPKRS = 1
>> SPKR + Ph = no
>> SQ Main = Sub Pot
>> SQ Sub = Sub Pot
>> Sub AF = Nor
>>
>> With these Config settings, the K3 works fine with the SubRX turned off; equal Main audio in both headphones. When I turn on the SubRX, it is still OK; I get Main audio in the left ear and Sub audio in the right ear. I know I'm getting the Sub audio in the right ear, as I can turn the sub VFO and hear the frequency change in my right ear. BUT, as soon as I turn on Diversity, I get almost no signal in the right ear. It isn't silent - it's just that the signal that is pounding in on the Main is nearly inaudible on the Sub. If the signal being received on the Main is less than S7, I can't even hear it on the Sub with Diversity turned on. If it is an S9 or greater signal, then I can just barely hear it on the Sub when Diversity is turned on.
>>
>> Very strange. The SubRX works fine until Diversity mode is enabled.
>>
>> Any ideas? Does this need to be escalated to Elecraft Tech Support?
>>
>>
>> On   Friday, Aug 3, 2012, at  Friday, 6:02 AM, Mike K2MK wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Jim,
>>>
>>> One of the following might be helpful.
>>>
>>> If you have CONFIG:SPKRS set to 1 and CONFIG:SPKR+PH set to YES it will turn
>>> off the right channel of your headphones. Avoid the problem by turning
>>> CONFIG:SPKR+PH to no when using diversity.
>>>
>>> You also need to consider the setting of two other parameters which can be
>>> confusing with respect to SUB RX use. The first is CONFIG:SUB AF. Depending
>>> on whether you have chosen BALANCE or NOR it changes the way the concentric
>>> audio control operates. The second is CONFIG:L-MIX-R which controls which
>>> receiver's audio is in which ear. This control gets overridden when
>>> diversity is used and reverts to MAIN in left ear and SUB in right ear. So
>>> you might have one arrangement set for general SUB RX use and when you go to
>>> diversity it changes.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Mike K2MK
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Jim Bennett wrote
>>>>
>>>> I just recently added the sub receiver to my K3. I've been using the Sub
>>>> receiver (without diversity turned on) and all was fine. I have the Yamaha
>>>> CM500 headset - one cable plugged into the Phones jack and the other going
>>>> to the Mic jack. I also have an Icom SP-20 external speaker, and it's
>>>> connected to the Spkrs jack.
>>>>
>>>> Well, I engaged Diversity mode and at first thought it was working
>>>> properly. But, when I turned the AF to zero on the Main receiver, I
>>>> realized that the audio on the Sub was almost nonexistent signals are
>>>> there, but really, really weak. OK, so looking at the Config parameters, I
>>>> noticed in the KRX3 manual that SPKRS should be set to 1. Mine was set to
>>>> 2. I changed it to one and now have zero audio coming from the Sub
>>>> receiver. Not exactly what I was hoping for.
>>>>
>>>> What do I need to do to get my headphone audio in Diversity mode to act as
>>>> it does with the Sub turned on, but Diversity off?
>>>>
>>>> Confused, I am.
>>>>
>>>> Jim / W6JHB
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Phones-Diversity-Question-tp7560223p7560229.html
>>> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: K3 Phones / Diversity Question

dmb@lightstream.net
In reply to this post by N5GE-2
Here is a link to a very small broadband active receiving antenna. The
entire antenna and associated source follower and emitter follower
buffer amp will fit inside a 6" x 2" PVC pipe. Very clever and elegant
design, and it works extremely well. I've built two of them, and this
weekend will be hanging one of them from a PVC boom attached to the
tower. In addition to being an exceptional broadband receive-only
antenna, it also works very well as a noise-sense antenna in conjunction
with the DX Engineering NCC-1 to eliminate periodic local powerline noise.

< http://www.radiopassioni.it/pdf/pa0rdt-Mini-Whip.PDF >

Other useful information:
< http://carconline.blogspot.com/2009/05/pa0rdt-active-antenna.html >

73, Dale
WA8SRA




On 8/3/2012 2:32 PM, N5GE wrote:

> The diversity receive antenna (DRA) must be connected to the AUX antenna on the
> back of the K3.  Unless your DRA has the same gain as the transmit antenna you
> will need to use a Preamp on the DRA.
>
> I use a DRA that is a 38 inch diameter loop of aluminum tubing that I can rotate
> to peak up the signal of the far off station.  That loop has a 35 dB LNA
> attached.
>
> Most of us don't have the space to erect a large receive only, so we use smaller
> antennae for the DRA.  If you are one who has the property to make a full size
> DRA, then you can probably get by without a Preamp unless you locate the DRA as
> far away from the TX antenna as possible.  The old ship to shore stations used
> to locate the DRA and RX antennas miles from the transmitter, so since most of
> us can't do that, here are some links to specialized RX antennas.
>
> http://www.pixelsatradio.com/product/shortwave-magnetic-loop-antenna/
>
> http://www.dxengineering.com/search/department/antennas/brand/dx-engineering/part-type/hf-receive-antennas
>
> Don't let this discourage you.  The antenna I use is the one from PixelSat
> Radio, but you can make one just like it yourself if you like to build things.
>
> Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
> ARRL Lifetime Member
> QCWA Lifetime Member
>
> On Fri, 03 Aug 2012 10:16:18 -0700, Jim Bennett <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Still have issues with this. Here are the settings in Config that I'm assuming are relevant:
>>
>> L-Mix-R = A  b
>> SPKRS = 1
>> SPKR + Ph = no
>> SQ Main = Sub Pot
>> SQ Sub = Sub Pot
>> Sub AF = Nor
>>
>> With these Config settings, the K3 works fine with the SubRX turned off; equal Main audio in both headphones. When I turn on the SubRX, it is still OK; I get Main audio in the left ear and Sub audio in the right ear. I know I'm getting the Sub audio in the right ear, as I can turn the sub VFO and hear the frequency change in my right ear. BUT, as soon as I turn on Diversity, I get almost no signal in the right ear. It isn't silent - it's just that the signal that is pounding in on the Main is nearly inaudible on the Sub. If the signal being received on the Main is less than S7, I can't even hear it on the Sub with Diversity turned on. If it is an S9 or greater signal, then I can just barely hear it on the Sub when Diversity is turned on.
>>
>> Very strange. The SubRX works fine until Diversity mode is enabled.
>>
>> Any ideas? Does this need to be escalated to Elecraft Tech Support?
>>
>>
>> On   Friday, Aug 3, 2012, at  Friday, 6:02 AM, Mike K2MK wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Jim,
>>>
>>> One of the following might be helpful.
>>>
>>> If you have CONFIG:SPKRS set to 1 and CONFIG:SPKR+PH set to YES it will turn
>>> off the right channel of your headphones. Avoid the problem by turning
>>> CONFIG:SPKR+PH to no when using diversity.
>>>
>>> You also need to consider the setting of two other parameters which can be
>>> confusing with respect to SUB RX use. The first is CONFIG:SUB AF. Depending
>>> on whether you have chosen BALANCE or NOR it changes the way the concentric
>>> audio control operates. The second is CONFIG:L-MIX-R which controls which
>>> receiver's audio is in which ear. This control gets overridden when
>>> diversity is used and reverts to MAIN in left ear and SUB in right ear. So
>>> you might have one arrangement set for general SUB RX use and when you go to
>>> diversity it changes.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Mike K2MK
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Jim Bennett wrote
>>>> I just recently added the sub receiver to my K3. I've been using the Sub
>>>> receiver (without diversity turned on) and all was fine. I have the Yamaha
>>>> CM500 headset - one cable plugged into the Phones jack and the other going
>>>> to the Mic jack. I also have an Icom SP-20 external speaker, and it's
>>>> connected to the Spkrs jack.
>>>>
>>>> Well, I engaged Diversity mode and at first thought it was working
>>>> properly. But, when I turned the AF to zero on the Main receiver, I
>>>> realized that the audio on the Sub was almost nonexistent signals are
>>>> there, but really, really weak. OK, so looking at the Config parameters, I
>>>> noticed in the KRX3 manual that SPKRS should be set to 1. Mine was set to
>>>> 2. I changed it to one and now have zero audio coming from the Sub
>>>> receiver. Not exactly what I was hoping for.
>>>>
>>>> What do I need to do to get my headphone audio in Diversity mode to act as
>>>> it does with the Sub turned on, but Diversity off?
>>>>
>>>> Confused, I am.
>>>>
>>>> Jim / W6JHB
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Phones-Diversity-Question-tp7560223p7560229.html
>>> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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