KX3 on SSB Mobile
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After a half-century of CW only I am about, at last, to try SSB. The rig is a KX3 operating from my car, into a Hustler mast with 15 and 20 meter resonators. For the moment the power supply is the car's cigar lighter; and the headset is Elecraft's standard-issue Heil, which I own but have never used. So, I am looking for suggestions and advice.
One specific question: I do not have a 'scope or any other equipment with which to look at the transmitted waveform. I expect to do some practical experimentation; but are there good starting points for the mic and audio settings, and whatever else, in order to get the most effective and cleanest signal? Another: Is SSB mobile on HF with 5 or 10 watts going to be practical, or will it just be frustrating? The plan - now that my life affords the time for it - is to put some rare counties in CO, NM, AZ and WY on the air. Suggestions, ideas, comments, imperatives, opinions - all are most welcome. Tnx, Ted, KN1CBR ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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You should be able to get out OK on those antennas and bands. I
managed a few QSOs with 10W, a K3, and a screwdriver antenna. Do carefully check for engine noise getting into the radio, both via RF and via the power supply. Follow the instructions on page 15 of the manual to set up your microphone. I set my KX3 according to the manual with about 3 bars of compression for DX/contest work. Also follow Jim Brown, K9YC/s advice: Also, the most important thing for any SSB station with a weak signal is to use about 10 dB of compression on peaks, use TXEQ to turn the three bottom octaves all the way down (-16 dB), turn the fourth octave down 3-6 dB).Some mics benefit from a 3 dB boost on the highest band (3.2 kHz). This advice is good for ALL competitive operation. And always be careful not to over drive the radio. Use just enough to get full modulation, and no more. 73 Bill AE6JV On 10/31/14 at 8:26 PM, [hidden email] (Dauer, Edward) wrote: >After a half-century of CW only I am about, at last, to try >SSB. The rig is a KX3 operating from my car, into a Hustler >mast with 15 and 20 meter resonators. For the moment the power >supply is the car's cigar lighter; and the headset is >Elecraft's standard-issue Heil, which I own but have never >used. So, I am looking for suggestions and advice. > >One specific question: I do not have a 'scope or any other >equipment with which to look at the transmitted waveform. I >expect to do some practical experimentation; but are there good >starting points for the mic and audio settings, and whatever >else, in order to get the most effective and cleanest signal? > >Another: Is SSB mobile on HF with 5 or 10 watts going to be >practical, or will it just be frustrating? The plan - now that >my life affords the time for it - is to put some rare counties >in CO, NM, AZ and WY on the air. > >Suggestions, ideas, comments, imperatives, opinions - all are most welcome. > >Tnx, > >Ted, KN1CBR >______________________________________________________________ >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 >Message delivered to [hidden email] > Bill Frantz |"After all, if the conventional wisdom was working, the 408-356-8506 | rate of systems being compromised would be going down, www.pwpconsult.com | wouldn't it?" -- Marcus Ranum ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer
Like any great station, most of the budget should go into the antenna. The Hustler will load and it might even radiate, but the resonators have low Q and are not very efficient. I just gave mine away last week, I now use a Tarheel (screwdriver) on my truck.
If your budget insists on that choice, at least make double sure that is it as high as you can safely afford with everything bonded well to (and ON) the vehicle for the best efficiency. If you get a screwdriver antenna, same rules but get the coil as high as you can and use a capacity hat instead of a tall whip. Next you'll want to pay attention to how you power the radio. Cigar lighters are notorious for noise because they are not well grounded and often have other devices (noise makers) on the same circuit. Find a better power source, preferably connection directly to the battery (automotive self-resetting circuit breakers at the battery, fuses near the radio; BOTH leads to the battery AND both fused). The battery will act as a HUGE capacitor, keeping a lot of noise out of the rig. Once that is taken care of, you can set up your transmitter audio as you've been instructed and there are plenty of 'scopes out there to get accurate reports. I might also cut the lows in the TX EQ which helps add more 'punch' but don't overdo that or it sounds like crap (pinched noise while breathing helium). Don't forget that since it is a wider signal, SSB won't have near the energy you're used to (you'll need more power than you do on CW). So it can be done. The question (for you): is the time and frustration worth the fewer contacts you'll make (compared to a 100 watt mobile). For me, life is too short for QRP but some folks thrive on it. I'd seriously consider adding the KXPA with tuner into the mix. Then you can consider one of the other larger amps... ;o) 73 es GL, Rick, WA6NHC iPad = small keypad = typos = sorry ;-) > On Oct 30, 2014, at 8:26 PM, Dauer, Edward <[hidden email]> wrote: > > After a half-century of CW only I am about, at last, to try SSB. The rig is a KX3 operating from my car, into a Hustler mast with 15 and 20 meter resonators. For the moment the power supply is the car's cigar lighter; and the headset is Elecraft's standard-issue Heil, which I own but have never used. So, I am looking for suggestions and advice. > > One specific question: I do not have a 'scope or any other equipment with which to look at the transmitted waveform. I expect to do some practical experimentation; but are there good starting points for the mic and audio settings, and whatever else, in order to get the most effective and cleanest signal? > > Another: Is SSB mobile on HF with 5 or 10 watts going to be practical, or will it just be frustrating? The plan - now that my life affords the time for it - is to put some rare counties in CO, NM, AZ and WY on the air. > > Suggestions, ideas, comments, imperatives, opinions - all are most welcome. > > Tnx, > > Ted, KN1CBR > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to [hidden email] 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer
Hi Ted,
I'm using the KX3 in a mobile - CW and SSB. For CW, I think QRP is working FB. For SSB, I would recommend the KXPA100. I've worked SSB using 5-10W, but it's difficult and can be frustrating, at least with the small car I have. My XYL and I drove all over the upper mid-western US last month, using the KX3 in a Honda Civic. The antenna on the car is a Hustler 22" base mast, and I switched resonators around as needed (mostly 20m). Worked about 150 stations on SSB and about 30 on CW (stationary mobile). Had a lot of fun working W1AW centennial stations, etc. Even broke a few pileups, one to the UK while in Flagstaff, AZ. using 40W. Timing is everything. :) Grounding is very important in a mobile. In a mobile setting you're at a disadvantage anyway, but solid chassis grounding makes this a lot less worse. I don't know if you're in an RV or a Volkswagen. In this case, size can matter.... And the installation details may vary according to the type of vehicle. See this page for more information about using the KX3 in a mobile: http://www.elecraft.com/K2_Manual_Download_Page.htm#KX3 (fifth line item down, including K0BG's web site). I wrote the first guide listed, but K0BG has more experience in general mobile ops and installations. I had a real blast working stations while mobile. It is still a Great Memory(tm) for me. For SSB, I use ALC metering to indicate optimal mic audio drive, as described in the KX3 manual. You're pretty safe adding a few clicks of compression - say 10 to 15 if using the MH3 mic. Setting TX EQ up helps boost useful talk power as well, and there are many articles on how to do that with the MH3 or any other mic or headset / mic. Note that I am an Elecraft employee, but I will tell you that the manual I wrote was written before that time. 73! matt W6NIA On Fri, 31 Oct 2014 03:26:36 +0000, you wrote: >After a half-century of CW only I am about, at last, to try SSB. The rig is a KX3 operating from my car, into a Hustler mast with 15 and 20 meter resonators. For the moment the power supply is the car's cigar lighter; and the headset is Elecraft's standard-issue Heil, which I own but have never used. So, I am looking for suggestions and advice. > >One specific question: I do not have a 'scope or any other equipment with which to look at the transmitted waveform. I expect to do some practical experimentation; but are there good starting points for the mic and audio settings, and whatever else, in order to get the most effective and cleanest signal? > >Another: Is SSB mobile on HF with 5 or 10 watts going to be practical, or will it just be frustrating? The plan - now that my life affords the time for it - is to put some rare counties in CO, NM, AZ and WY on the air. > >Suggestions, ideas, comments, imperatives, opinions - all are most welcome. > >Tnx, > >Ted, KN1CBR >______________________________________________________________ >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 >Message delivered to [hidden email] -- "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." -A. Lincoln ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer
Ted, the best reference material on going SSB Mobile can be found below.
KØBG.COM KØBG.COM A Web Site For Mobile Amateur Radio Operators View on www.k0bg.com Preview by Yahoo ((((73 )))) Milverton / W9MMS On Thursday, October 30, 2014 10:26 PM, "Dauer, Edward" <[hidden email]> wrote: After a half-century of CW only I am about, at last, to try SSB. The rig is a KX3 operating from my car, into a Hustler mast with 15 and 20 meter resonators. For the moment the power supply is the car's cigar lighter; and the headset is Elecraft's standard-issue Heil, which I own but have never used. So, I am looking for suggestions and advice. One specific question: I do not have a 'scope or any other equipment with which to look at the transmitted waveform. I expect to do some practical experimentation; but are there good starting points for the mic and audio settings, and whatever else, in order to get the most effective and cleanest signal? Another: Is SSB mobile on HF with 5 or 10 watts going to be practical, or will it just be frustrating? The plan - now that my life affords the time for it - is to put some rare counties in CO, NM, AZ and WY on the air. Suggestions, ideas, comments, imperatives, opinions - all are most welcome. Tnx, Ted, KN1CBR ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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In reply to this post by Rick WA6NHC
My personal opinion is that you're setting yourself up for a very
frustrating experience. Yes, you will eventually make some contacts, but unless you'll be spending a lot of time in the vehicle, your contacts per trip will probably be rather low. Technically, I agree with Rick that you need the outboard amp. However, for what you'll pay for the amp, you can buy a radio that was designed for mobile. I have two Kenwood TS-480S/AT's in mobile service and I find it is the best mobile rig I've ever used in over 40 years of mobiling. With tunable antennas such as the Tarheel that Rick recommended, I'd go for the HX version with 200 watts output. It WILL make a difference, especially when you're operating on 20 M and below where even the best 8 foot antenna is a severe compromise. Even though I've had a radio in the car for many years, I am not a "serious" mobile op. I use an old solid SS bugcatcher mast and several Hustler resonators. From experience, I operate 95% of the time on several bands (20 & 40 M) , so I never felt the need for an expensive "all-band" antenna and a couple resonators are adequate for me. One trick I've found to increase their efficiency is to use the next higher band coil and add length to the top whip. A 4 foot whip will work fine on 20 M using a 15 M coil. I also removed enough turns from a 40 M coil to also use a 4 foot whip for resonance. Mobile operation can be fun, but QRP mobile, at least to me would not be. Now, if you're mainly interested in listening, then it's a different story. 73, Charlie k3ICH ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rick Bates, WA6NHC" <[hidden email]> To: "<[hidden email]>" <[hidden email]> Sent: Friday, October 31, 2014 12:30 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 on SSB Mobile > Like any great station, most of the budget should go into the antenna. > The Hustler will load and it might even radiate, but the resonators have > low Q and are not very efficient. I just gave mine away last week, I now > use a Tarheel (screwdriver) on my truck. > > If your budget insists on that choice, at least make double sure that is > it as high as you can safely afford with everything bonded well to (and > ON) the vehicle for the best efficiency. If you get a screwdriver > antenna, same rules but get the coil as high as you can and use a capacity > hat instead of a tall whip. > > Next you'll want to pay attention to how you power the radio. Cigar > lighters are notorious for noise because they are not well grounded and > often have other devices (noise makers) on the same circuit. Find a > better power source, preferably connection directly to the battery > (automotive self-resetting circuit breakers at the battery, fuses near the > radio; BOTH leads to the battery AND both fused). The battery will act as > a HUGE capacitor, keeping a lot of noise out of the rig. > > Once that is taken care of, you can set up your transmitter audio as > you've been instructed and there are plenty of 'scopes out there to get > accurate reports. I might also cut the lows in the TX EQ which helps add > more 'punch' but don't overdo that or it sounds like crap (pinched noise > while breathing helium). > > Don't forget that since it is a wider signal, SSB won't have near the > energy you're used to (you'll need more power than you do on CW). > > So it can be done. The question (for you): is the time and frustration > worth the fewer contacts you'll make (compared to a 100 watt mobile). For > me, life is too short for QRP but some folks thrive on it. I'd seriously > consider adding the KXPA with tuner into the mix. Then you can consider > one of the other larger amps... ;o) > > 73 es GL, > Rick, WA6NHC > > ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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