K3 construction tools:RF Pwr meter 1 mW to 5W, Sig Gen 50uV on 20m or 40m

[Richard-3]

What cheap/accurate tools are available for K3 construction?  I'm aware of the Elecraft XG2 which I think can be used as a signal generator.  NorCal QRP has a NorCal S9 signal generator, but their kits are not currently available.

I'm struggling to find a 1 mW to 5W capable RF power meter.  I have a DL-1, but think it is not useful at 1 mW.  

Getting ready to build my K3/10.

Thanks
Rich
NU6T
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[Gary W. Marklund]

On Tuesday 01 December 2009 01:59:36 pm Richard Hill wrote:
> What cheap/accurate tools are available for K3 construction?  I'm aware of
>  the Elecraft XG2 which I think can be used as a signal generator.  NorCal
>  QRP has a NorCal S9 signal generator, but their kits are not currently
>  available.
>
> I'm struggling to find a 1 mW to 5W capable RF power meter.  I have a DL-1,
>  but think it is not useful at 1 mW.
>
Here is what I used for my PFR-3, K1 and K2. Doesn't really fit into the
"cheap" category, but ...

http://www.ohr.com/wattmeter.htm

Gary

--
KJ7RT
Sun City, AZ  U.S.A.
Life Member ARRL - FISTS #14460 - NAQCC # 3709
Elecraft K1 #2760  Elecraft K2 #6815
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[Don Wilhelm-4]

Rich,

Yes, you can buy an HP435A with sensors for big bucks, and you will have
power measurement accuracy over a wide range.  But there are other less
expensive ways (homebrew) ---

Have you considered building an RF Power Meter?  Take a look at the one
published by Wes Hayward W7ZOI and Bob Larkin W7PUA in QST June 2001 (pg
38ff) and available in the Member's Only section of the ARRL website.  
There is additional updated information on Wes's website
http://w7zoi.net/Power%20meter%20updates.pdf.

That meter, properly constructed, will measure down to about -70 dBm and
with the companion 40 dB power tap, it will measure up to 100 watts (+50
dBm).  When calibrated it can provide very good accuracy.  It does
require two known signal levels to calibrate (the Elecraft XG1 or XG2
will provide that), and if the front end is well shielded  (see Wes's
updates)  it will be accurate and if carefully constructed, it is good
up to at least 200 MHz, more likely 500 MHz.  An analog meter can give
reasonable readout, but there is provision for attaching a DMM for more
precision.

This meter is not only good for measuring 1 mW, but even goes down to
the nanowatt region.  I like mine, and use it frequently.  Use batteries
mounted inside the enclosure, do not even think about powering such a
sensitive instrument from an external supply if you want the isolation
it needs for low level signals.

The other good  and convenient meter (actually computing SWR and power
meter) is the Tandem Match - An Accurate Directional Wattmeter
(originally published in QST January 1987), which is still a very good
meter - without the coupler, it will measure power from -20 dBm (10
microW) to +32 dBm (1.5 watts) and with careful construction should be
good to 500 MHz.  With the coupler, its high frequency end is determined
primarily by the coupler.  This is an older design by Elecraft's own
John Grebenkemper KI6WX (his call was KA3BLO at that time).  FAR
Circuits has boards, but I caution you on these boards - they do not
have through plated holes and some traces need to have continuity from
one side of the board to the other, so you must solder many components
on both sides of the board (ask me how I know!).

73,
Don W3FPR

Richard Hill wrote:
> I'm struggling to find a 1 mW to 5W capable RF power meter.  I have a DL-1, but think it is not useful at 1 mW.  
>  
>
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[Mike Reublin]

I put mine together with a digital VOM and an anti-static mat/wristband.
Works great.

73, Mike NF4L

Richard Hill wrote:

> What cheap/accurate tools are available for K3 construction?  I'm aware of the Elecraft XG2 which I think can be used as a signal generator.  NorCal QRP has a NorCal S9 signal generator, but their kits are not currently available.
>
> I'm struggling to find a 1 mW to 5W capable RF power meter.  I have a DL-1, but think it is not useful at 1 mW.  
>
> Getting ready to build my K3/10.
>
> Thanks
> Rich
> NU6T
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
>  

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[Julian, G4ILO]

Richard Hill-5 wrote

What cheap/accurate tools are available for K3 construction?  I'm aware of the Elecraft XG2 which I think can be used as a signal generator.  NorCal QRP has a NorCal S9 signal generator, but their kits are not currently available.

I'm struggling to find a 1 mW to 5W capable RF power meter.  I have a DL-1, but think it is not useful at 1 mW.  

Getting ready to build my K3/10.

Why do you need to measure 1mW? I don't recall measuring anything at that level when I assembled my K3.

I think perhaps it is suggested to check the transverter output if you install the KVX3. But I never bothered when I installed the KXV3 later on, due to oversight. As long as the output is sufficient to drive the transverter, you can just adjust the drive until you get the correct amount of power out.

[Bill K9YEQ]

I would like an accurate meter that would be that range but not to build
anything, I like operating at times in the <100 mw range and I want
accuracy.  Perhaps the new power meter could have a module in that range?


73,

Bill
K9YEQ
K2 #35; KX1 #35; K3 #1744; mini mods
ATS-3B


-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Julian, G4ILO
Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 4:44 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] K3 construction tools:RF Pwr meter 1 mW to 5W,
Sig Gen 50uV on 20m or 40m




Richard Hill-5 wrote:

>
> What cheap/accurate tools are available for K3 construction?  I'm aware of
> the Elecraft XG2 which I think can be used as a signal generator.  NorCal
> QRP has a NorCal S9 signal generator, but their kits are not currently
> available.
>
> I'm struggling to find a 1 mW to 5W capable RF power meter.  I have a
> DL-1, but think it is not useful at 1 mW.  
>
> Getting ready to build my K3/10.
>
>

Why do you need to measure 1mW? I don't recall measuring anything at that
level when I assembled my K3.

I think perhaps it is suggested to check the transverter output if you
install the KVX3. But I never bothered when I installed the KXV3 later on,
due to oversight. As long as the output is sufficient to drive the
transverter, you can just adjust the drive until you get the correct amount
of power out.


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[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ]

Our W2 Wattmeter can display down to 100 mW on its LED display on its 2W
scale, and down to 20 mW when power is read via the W2s serial port.
(200w coupler)

http://www.elecraft.com/W2/W2.htm

73, Eric  WA6HHQ
----

Bill K9YEQ wrote:

> I would like an accurate meter that would be that range but not to build
> anything, I like operating at times in the <100 mw range and I want
> accuracy.  Perhaps the new power meter could have a module in that range?
>
>
> 73,
>
> Bill
> K9YEQ
> K2 #35; KX1 #35; K3 #1744; mini mods
> ATS-3B
>
>  

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[Bill K9YEQ]

Thanks, Eric, I knew that but I would like to not use the serial port. Has
the shipment status on the W2 changed to current?  I am about to order one
and have called a couple of times to find out.


73,

Bill
K9YEQ


-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 12:39 PM
To: Bill K9YEQ
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] K3 construction tools:RF Pwr meter 1 mW to 5W,
Sig Gen 50uV on 20m or 40m

Our W2 Wattmeter can display down to 100 mW on its LED display on its 2W
scale, and down to 20 mW when power is read via the W2s serial port.
(200w coupler)

http://www.elecraft.com/W2/W2.htm

73, Eric  WA6HHQ
----

Bill K9YEQ wrote:

> I would like an accurate meter that would be that range but not to build
> anything, I like operating at times in the <100 mw range and I want
> accuracy.  Perhaps the new power meter could have a module in that range?
>
>
> 73,
>
> Bill
> K9YEQ
> K2 #35; KX1 #35; K3 #1744; mini mods
> ATS-3B
>
>  

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[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ]

W2 shipping is going current as of this week. I think we have 1-2 days
more to catch up with the backlog.

73, Eric


Bill K9YEQ wrote:

> Thanks, Eric, I knew that but I would like to not use the serial port. Has
> the shipment status on the W2 changed to current?  I am about to order one
> and have called a couple of times to find out.
>
>
> 73,
>
> Bill
> K9YEQ
>
>
>  

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[Ken Alexander-2]

It's time to upgrade the 'ol K2 to a K2/100!  With that in mind...the following items are for sale:

1.  Elecraft XV50 6m transverter - less than 1 yr old.  $350.00

2.  Elecraft K60XV 60m + transverter interface board.  $50.00

3.  Elecraft KIO2 Serial interface board.  $50.00

4.  Elecraft T1-FT817C 18" shielded cable for auto band switching, FT-817 to Elecraft T1 autotuner.  $40.00

5.  Heil Proset with HC4 element.  Comes with adapter for Yaesu transceivers with RJ type mic connector.  (I have replaced the original 1/4" headphone plug with a 1/8" plug) $100.00

Prices are in U.S. dollars.  I can be flexible, please enquire.  I will ship anywhere in Canada or continental U.S. at my expense.

Please contact me off-list.

Thank you & 73,

Ken Alexander
VE3HLS

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[Ken Alexander-2]

Folks,

The K60XV and the KIO2 are now sold.

The XV50, T1-FT817C and Heil Proset are still available.

Thank you,

Ken


--- On Thu, 12/3/09, Ken Alexander <[hidden email]> wrote:

> From: Ken Alexander <[hidden email]>
> Subject: [Elecraft] For Sale
> To: [hidden email]
> Date: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 12:35 AM
> It's time to upgrade the 'ol K2 to a
> K2/100!  With that in mind....the following items are
> for sale:
>
> 1.  Elecraft XV50 6m transverter - less than 1 yr
> old.  $350.00
>
> 2.  Elecraft K60XV 60m + transverter interface
> board.  $50.00
>
> 3.  Elecraft KIO2 Serial interface board. 
> $50.00
>
> 4.  Elecraft T1-FT817C 18" shielded cable for auto
> band switching, FT-817 to Elecraft T1 autotuner. 
> $40.00
>
> 5.  Heil Proset with HC4 element.  Comes with
> adapter for Yaesu transceivers with RJ type mic
> connector.  (I have replaced the original 1/4"
> headphone plug with a 1/8" plug) $100.00
>
> Prices are in U.S. dollars.  I can be flexible, please
> enquire.  I will ship anywhere in Canada or continental
> U.S. at my expense.
>
> Please contact me off-list.
>
> Thank you & 73,
>
> Ken Alexander
> VE3HLS
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>
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>

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