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NG0R - K2+K60XV+XV144/222/432 - Setup Issue

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John Hoaglun-2

NG0R - K2+K60XV+XV144/222/432 - Setup Issue

I am in need of a little bit of guidance for where to start looking.....

I have a K2 that I have owned for a couple of years (10w, SSB, K60VX,
160m, tuner, rs232.) I have a XV222 that I have owned and used prior
to me building my K2. Last fall I bought XV144 and XV432 so that I could
reintegrate the VHF/UHF portion of my shack. Over the winter/spring I
assemble the 2 new transverters but never integrated them due to the
normal complexities of work/family + needing some cables. I finally am
getting back around to doing the integration & testing.

The XV144 and XV222 power up fine when setup for a non Elecraft IF rig.
(I have not tested the 432 yet but will likely finish the last couple of
remaining steps this afternoon to do that one as well.)

I have K2 setup with TRN1 = 144, TRN2 = 222, and TRN3 = 432 and the DIPs
in the associated transverters match. Those three transverters are
marked "on" in the menu on the K2.

I have built the custom serial cable snake and it tests out fine with
the DVM on pins 1,6,8,9.

When I change the jumpers on the transverters to the K2 specs and hookup
the serial cable and then select either the 144 or 222 transverter
nothing occurs. I am expecting that the front panel light of the
transverter should be activated when that band is selected via the band
up/down buttons on the K2 when appropriate.

What am I am missing? It is like the K2 is not selecting the
transverters via the serial cable.

When responding to the list can you also respond to me directly with a
CC as I am a digest user.

Thanks, JH

--
John Hoaglun
NG0R - EN25
http://www.hoaglun.com

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Peter Wollan-2

Re: NG0R - K2+K60XV+XV144/222/432 - Setup Issue

My K2 - XV50 setup did this -- the transverter didn't respond to the
K2 commands in any way, but powered up independently. In my case, it
was that I had soldered up the cable with one DB9 connector
mirror-imaged, so no surprise it didn't work.

DB9 pin numbers are printed in the plastic, inside the back of the
male and on the front of the female. The diagram in the manual is
only labeled with pin numbers in one place -- each color wire goes to
the same pin number on the next connector.

If it's something else, I can't help.

Peter W0LLN

On Sun, Aug 15, 2010 at 11:08 AM, John Hoaglun <[hidden email]> wrote:
> I am in need of a little bit of guidance for where to start looking.....
>
(...)
>
(...)

> I have built the custom serial cable snake and it tests out fine with
> the DVM on pins 1,6,8,9.
>
> When I change the jumpers on the transverters to the K2 specs and hookup
> the serial cable and then select either the 144 or 222 transverter
> nothing occurs. I am expecting that the front panel light of the
> transverter should be activated when that band is selected via the band
> up/down buttons on the K2 when appropriate.
>
> What am I am missing? It is like the K2 is not selecting the
> transverters via the serial cable.

(...)
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John Hoaglun-2

Re: NG0R - K2+K60XV+XV144/222/432 - Setup Issue

Hi Peter & the list,

That was my initial first guess too. I looked at the numbers in the
molded plastic (since it is accurate on both sides) and then tested them
with a DVM to make sure that they matched at all four ends (K2, 144,
222, 432) and they do. I need to go run a couple of errands this
afternoon. Just for grins I will stop at RShack and see if they have a
couple of DP9's on the shelf. If so I will likely make up a quick cable
that I can use for direct K2 to one transverter for bench testing. (I am
crossing my fingers that it is something simple like that.)

FYI... I just went back to the work bench, swapped the JP7 & JP8 jumpers
and then disabled the DIP that controls the resistor network for the TRN
address, power cycled them and all three transverters respond as
expected. Of course I would prefer to use them with the K2 for auto
switching so I will need to figure this out.

Please keep sending me your ideas. I will see if I can get the parts to
make a test cable this afternoon. (50 miles round trip for 2 DB9...
becomes an expensive part.)

73
--
John Hoaglun
NG0R - EN25
http://www.hoaglun.com

On Sun, 2010-08-15 at 11:48 -0500, Peter Wollan wrote:

> My K2 - XV50 setup did this -- the transverter didn't respond to the
> K2 commands in any way, but powered up independently. In my case, it
> was that I had soldered up the cable with one DB9 connector
> mirror-imaged, so no surprise it didn't work.
>
> DB9 pin numbers are printed in the plastic, inside the back of the
> male and on the front of the female. The diagram in the manual is
> only labeled with pin numbers in one place -- each color wire goes to
> the same pin number on the next connector.
>
> If it's something else, I can't help.
>
> Peter W0LLN
>
> On Sun, Aug 15, 2010 at 11:08 AM, John Hoaglun <[hidden email]> wrote:
> > I am in need of a little bit of guidance for where to start looking.....
> >
> (...)
> >
> (...)
> > I have built the custom serial cable snake and it tests out fine with
> > the DVM on pins 1,6,8,9.
> >
> > When I change the jumpers on the transverters to the K2 specs and hookup
> > the serial cable and then select either the 144 or 222 transverter
> > nothing occurs. I am expecting that the front panel light of the
> > transverter should be activated when that band is selected via the band
> > up/down buttons on the K2 when appropriate.
> >
> > What am I am missing? It is like the K2 is not selecting the
> > transverters via the serial cable.
> (...)

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: NG0R - K2+K60XV+XV144/222/432 - Setup Issue

John,

Since you seem to be certain of the cable --
Check the voltage at KIO2 or KPA100 AUX I/O pin 8 - it should be 12
volts. If it is not (and you have the KIO2), check to see if the
RFChoke L1 on the KIO2 board is open.

When plugged into a powered on K2, all connectors on the cable should
have 12 volts on pin 8.

73,
Don W3FPR

John Hoaglun wrote:

> Hi Peter & the list,
>
> That was my initial first guess too. I looked at the numbers in the
> molded plastic (since it is accurate on both sides) and then tested them
> with a DVM to make sure that they matched at all four ends (K2, 144,
> 222, 432) and they do. I need to go run a couple of errands this
> afternoon. Just for grins I will stop at RShack and see if they have a
> couple of DP9's on the shelf. If so I will likely make up a quick cable
> that I can use for direct K2 to one transverter for bench testing. (I am
> crossing my fingers that it is something simple like that.)
>
> FYI... I just went back to the work bench, swapped the JP7 & JP8 jumpers
> and then disabled the DIP that controls the resistor network for the TRN
> address, power cycled them and all three transverters respond as
> expected. Of course I would prefer to use them with the K2 for auto
> switching so I will need to figure this out.
>
> Please keep sending me your ideas. I will see if I can get the parts to
> make a test cable this afternoon. (50 miles round trip for 2 DB9...
> becomes an expensive part.)
>
> 73
>

John Hoaglun-2

Re: NG0R - K2+K60XV+XV144/222/432 - Setup Issue

Hi Don, Peter, and the rest of the list.

I think that I might have found the problem. My IO port appears to the
check out fine. When I connect the cable I was getting NOTHING on all
of the pins on all of the connectors. I removed the plastic D shell for
the connector at the radio and then rechecked the remote end of the
snake and I then had power on the pins as expected.

It turns out that the plastic D shell is not letting the pins get
inserted/engaged far enough into the connector to make contact. I will
either need to trim down the plastic or replace the D shell.

Once I resolve this little item I can reconnect stuff and retest.
Hopefully that is my only problem in the tune up but anything is
possible as I am just getting started.

It will likely be a day or two before I can get enough bench time to
make the mods and restart the testing.

73
--
John Hoaglun
NG0R - EN25
http://www.hoaglun.com

On Sun, 2010-08-15 at 14:15 -0400, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> John,
>
> Since you seem to be certain of the cable --
> Check the voltage at KIO2 or KPA100 AUX I/O pin 8 - it should be 12
> volts. If it is not (and you have the KIO2), check to see if the
> RFChoke L1 on the KIO2 board is open.
>
> When plugged into a powered on K2, all connectors on the cable should
> have 12 volts on pin 8.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> John Hoaglun wrote:
> > Hi Peter & the list,
> >
> > That was my initial first guess too. I looked at the numbers in the
> > molded plastic (since it is accurate on both sides) and then tested them
> > with a DVM to make sure that they matched at all four ends (K2, 144,
> > 222, 432) and they do. I need to go run a couple of errands this
> > afternoon. Just for grins I will stop at RShack and see if they have a
> > couple of DP9's on the shelf. If so I will likely make up a quick cable
> > that I can use for direct K2 to one transverter for bench testing. (I am
> > crossing my fingers that it is something simple like that.)
> >
> > FYI... I just went back to the work bench, swapped the JP7 & JP8 jumpers
> > and then disabled the DIP that controls the resistor network for the TRN
> > address, power cycled them and all three transverters respond as
> > expected. Of course I would prefer to use them with the K2 for auto
> > switching so I will need to figure this out.
> >
> > Please keep sending me your ideas. I will see if I can get the parts to
> > make a test cable this afternoon. (50 miles round trip for 2 DB9...
> > becomes an expensive part.)
> >
> > 73
> >

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: NG0R - K2+K60XV+XV144/222/432 - Setup Issue

John,

I suspect that you have the backshells assembled incorrectly. There is
a groove about 1/16 inch in from the edge where the metal of the
connector body should be positioned. There should be no need to cut the
plastic. Study the diagram in th emanual carefully.

73,
Don W3FPR

John Hoaglun wrote:

> Hi Don, Peter, and the rest of the list.
>
> I think that I might have found the problem. My IO port appears to the
> check out fine. When I connect the cable I was getting NOTHING on all
> of the pins on all of the connectors. I removed the plastic D shell for
> the connector at the radio and then rechecked the remote end of the
> snake and I then had power on the pins as expected.
>
> It turns out that the plastic D shell is not letting the pins get
> inserted/engaged far enough into the connector to make contact. I will
> either need to trim down the plastic or replace the D shell.
>
> Once I resolve this little item I can reconnect stuff and retest.
> Hopefully that is my only problem in the tune up but anything is
> possible as I am just getting started.
>
> It will likely be a day or two before I can get enough bench time to
> make the mods and restart the testing.
>
> 73
>

John Hoaglun-2

Re: NG0R - K2+K60XV+XV144/222/432 - Setup Issue

You are correct... I figured that out when I fixed them 5 minutes
ago. :-) I just got it back together and the transverters are lighting
up. More details to follow once I can do some testing.

More details to follow.

73

--
John Hoaglun
NG0R - EN25
http://www.hoaglun.com

On Tue, 2010-08-17 at 21:59 -0400, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> John,
>
> I suspect that you have the backshells assembled incorrectly. There is
> a groove about 1/16 inch in from the edge where the metal of the
> connector body should be positioned. There should be no need to cut the
> plastic. Study the diagram in th emanual carefully.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR

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John Hoaglun-2

NG0R - K2+K60XV+XV144/222/432 - Setup Issue #2

In reply to this post by John Hoaglun-2

Config: K2 (10w, SSB, K60VX, 160m, tuner, rs232)

I have three transverters but I have had very different setup
experiences. I am getting tired tonight so I have not doubt that I could
be missing something obvious.

My new XV144 was a very simple setup. The whole process took less than
30 minutes and is came up without any issue.

I have an existing XV222 that was on a different IF rig for several
years. I am reconfiguring it for the K2. I am getting virtually no power
out of the XV222. No matter how many times I go back thru it I am
getting the same result which about 15dBm. No combination of bandpass
adjustments + PA bias + attenuator bring it up to where it should be.

My new XV432 is exhibiting the same kind of issue as the 222
transverter...virtually no power.

My jumpers on all three transverters are as follows:
JP1: 1-2
JP2: 2-3
JP3: 1-2
JP4: 1-2
JP5: 2-3
JP6: 2-3
JP7: Open
JP8: Short
JP9: 2-3 (leaving the osc run for temp stability)

1. My initial feeling was that I am not getting enough drive into the 2
transverters. I checked the IF drive (in case I messed up the menu
options for the 2 VX's) for 144/222/432 and the drive appears appears to
be about .50mW/-3dBm for all three bands according to my Booton power
meter.

2. That would lead me back into the transverter to adjust R22 (Input
Atten Adjust) but that did not help.

3. That would lead to look at the jumpers (above.) I think that those
are the correct values for a 1mW configuration.

4. Maybe there is something wrong with Q6 (what is the chance that it is
an issue on 2 rigs?)

Thoughts & suggestions?

Please CC me direct in your response as I get the digest version of this
list.

Thanks, JH

--
John Hoaglun
NG0R - EN25
http://www.hoaglun.com

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: NG0R - K2+K60XV+XV144/222/432 - Setup Issue #2

John,

Try putting a low pass filter in the 28 MHz output path from the K60XV.
Most any with a cutoff frequency above 30 MHz will do.
Sometimes the transverter couples a bit of its output frequency energy
back into the K60XV and overwhelms the power detection circuit. If that
happens, the K2 'thinks' it is putting out the full 1 mW when in fact
the actual power out at 28 MHz is quite low.

To verify that is the problem (rather than a problem with the
transverter), re-plug the jumpers in the transverter for high power
input and try using the BNC connector on the K2 to drive it. If the
transverter works in that configuration, you can surmise that the K60XV
power detection is the problem. One of the small in-line low pass
filters will cure it.

73,
Don W3FPR

John Hoaglun wrote:

> Config: K2 (10w, SSB, K60VX, 160m, tuner, rs232)
>
> I have three transverters but I have had very different setup
> experiences. I am getting tired tonight so I have not doubt that I could
> be missing something obvious.
>
> My new XV144 was a very simple setup. The whole process took less than
> 30 minutes and is came up without any issue.
>
> I have an existing XV222 that was on a different IF rig for several
> years. I am reconfiguring it for the K2. I am getting virtually no power
> out of the XV222. No matter how many times I go back thru it I am
> getting the same result which about 15dBm. No combination of bandpass
> adjustments + PA bias + attenuator bring it up to where it should be.
>
> My new XV432 is exhibiting the same kind of issue as the 222
> transverter...virtually no power.
>
> My jumpers on all three transverters are as follows:
> JP1: 1-2
> JP2: 2-3
> JP3: 1-2
> JP4: 1-2
> JP5: 2-3
> JP6: 2-3
> JP7: Open
> JP8: Short
> JP9: 2-3 (leaving the osc run for temp stability)
>
> 1. My initial feeling was that I am not getting enough drive into the 2
> transverters. I checked the IF drive (in case I messed up the menu
> options for the 2 VX's) for 144/222/432 and the drive appears appears to
> be about .50mW/-3dBm for all three bands according to my Booton power
> meter.
>
> 2. That would lead me back into the transverter to adjust R22 (Input
> Atten Adjust) but that did not help.
>
> 3. That would lead to look at the jumpers (above.) I think that those
> are the correct values for a 1mW configuration.
>
> 4. Maybe there is something wrong with Q6 (what is the chance that it is
> an issue on 2 rigs?)
>
>
> Thoughts & suggestions?
>
> Please CC me direct in your response as I get the digest version of this
> list.
>
> Thanks, JH
>
>

John Hoaglun-2

Re: NG0R - K2+K60XV+XV144/222/432 - Setup Issue #2

Hi Don & group

I tried using a low pass filter between the K60XV and the 432
transverter and went thru the tune-up from scratch with similar results.
I removed the LP filter.

I measured the K60XV out at -3dBM or about 50mW which what I say last
night as well. I put it on my counter & analyzer and notice that it
there is something at 18MHz that is about +8-10 dB louder than the 28MHz
IF. --Interesting note.

I then tried your second suggestion: I reconfigured the transverter for
a high power IF input, JP3/JP4 2-3, and JP5/JP6 1-2, and the associated
menu settings. Using port A on the radio I tried rerunning the
transverter setup and got similar results.

Common theme: TP5 has almost no reading on it while adjusting R22.
Adjusting the inductors does not cause a significant change in TP5. (I
can see it on the analyzer with a directional coupler on the output but
it is a TINY signal.)

Now I am really scratching my head.

Thanks, JH

--
John Hoaglun
NG0R - EN25
http://www.hoaglun.com

On Fri, 2010-08-20 at 08:35 -0400, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> John,
>
> Try putting a low pass filter in the 28 MHz output path from the K60XV.
> Most any with a cutoff frequency above 30 MHz will do.
> Sometimes the transverter couples a bit of its output frequency energy
> back into the K60XV and overwhelms the power detection circuit. If that
> happens, the K2 'thinks' it is putting out the full 1 mW when in fact
> the actual power out at 28 MHz is quite low.
>
> To verify that is the problem (rather than a problem with the
> transverter), re-plug the jumpers in the transverter for high power
> input and try using the BNC connector on the K2 to drive it. If the
> transverter works in that configuration, you can surmise that the K60XV
> power detection is the problem. One of the small in-line low pass
> filters will cure it.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> John Hoaglun wrote:
> > Config: K2 (10w, SSB, K60VX, 160m, tuner, rs232)
> >
> > I have three transverters but I have had very different setup
> > experiences. I am getting tired tonight so I have not doubt that I could
> > be missing something obvious.
> >
> > My new XV144 was a very simple setup. The whole process took less than
> > 30 minutes and is came up without any issue.
> >
> > I have an existing XV222 that was on a different IF rig for several
> > years. I am reconfiguring it for the K2. I am getting virtually no power
> > out of the XV222. No matter how many times I go back thru it I am
> > getting the same result which about 15dBm. No combination of bandpass
> > adjustments + PA bias + attenuator bring it up to where it should be.
> >
> > My new XV432 is exhibiting the same kind of issue as the 222
> > transverter...virtually no power.
> >
> > My jumpers on all three transverters are as follows:
> > JP1: 1-2
> > JP2: 2-3
> > JP3: 1-2
> > JP4: 1-2
> > JP5: 2-3
> > JP6: 2-3
> > JP7: Open
> > JP8: Short
> > JP9: 2-3 (leaving the osc run for temp stability)
> >
> > 1. My initial feeling was that I am not getting enough drive into the 2
> > transverters. I checked the IF drive (in case I messed up the menu
> > options for the 2 VX's) for 144/222/432 and the drive appears appears to
> > be about .50mW/-3dBm for all three bands according to my Booton power
> > meter.
> >
> > 2. That would lead me back into the transverter to adjust R22 (Input
> > Atten Adjust) but that did not help.
> >
> > 3. That would lead to look at the jumpers (above.) I think that those
> > are the correct values for a 1mW configuration.
> >
> > 4. Maybe there is something wrong with Q6 (what is the chance that it is
> > an issue on 2 rigs?)
> >
> >
> > Thoughts & suggestions?
> >
> > Please CC me direct in your response as I get the digest version of this
> > list.
> >
> > Thanks, JH
> >
> >

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: NG0R - K2+K60XV+XV144/222/432 - Setup Issue #2

John,

On the XV432, can you vary the DC voltage measured at TP6 when you
adjust the Input Attenuator? TP6 is a built-in RF probe which measures
the RF voltage at the output of U6. If you can see that voltage change
when adjusting the input attenuator, you can use it for peaking the
bandpass filters.
On the XV222, there is no TP6, but you can use an external RF Probe to
do the same thing.
If there is no output from U6, try the input. The first step to your
troubleshooting is to determine what works, and secondly to discover
where in the chain of events the failure occurs.

73,
Don W3FPR

John Hoaglun wrote:

> Hi Don & group
>
> I tried using a low pass filter between the K60XV and the 432
> transverter and went thru the tune-up from scratch with similar results.
> I removed the LP filter.
>
> I measured the K60XV out at -3dBM or about 50mW which what I say last
> night as well. I put it on my counter & analyzer and notice that it
> there is something at 18MHz that is about +8-10 dB louder than the 28MHz
> IF. --Interesting note.
>
> I then tried your second suggestion: I reconfigured the transverter for
> a high power IF input, JP3/JP4 2-3, and JP5/JP6 1-2, and the associated
> menu settings. Using port A on the radio I tried rerunning the
> transverter setup and got similar results.
>
> Common theme: TP5 has almost no reading on it while adjusting R22.
> Adjusting the inductors does not cause a significant change in TP5. (I
> can see it on the analyzer with a directional coupler on the output but
> it is a TINY signal.)
>
>
>

John Hoaglun-2

Re: NG0R - K2+K60XV+XV144/222/432 - Setup Issue #2

Hi Don & the list,

I am making some slow progress on the 432 transverter setup.

Initially TP6 was almost nill so I hooked up the Oscope and worked my
way from the IF-In to the Mixer. The 28MHz band pass looked suspect,
specifically C52/C54 as the drop at each capacitor was pretty sharp even
for a BP filter. I replaced them with fresh 150pF caps that I had on
hand. That improved the situation but my levels were still low measured
at TP5, TP6, and the output with an RF meter, and analyzer.

I tried tuning up the filters with using the analyzer & rf meter. That
once again slightly improved things but not enough to quantify.

I reset the PA bias back to the 20mV and then went to TP6 again. I was
able to very slowly move from almost 0 to 2V by working my way thru the
filters and then going back thru it again several times

TP3/TP4 20mV
PA voltage 2.35V & 13.7V
TP5 0V
T6 2.05V
U6 Output pin 4.97V

My 60MHz Oscope is not fast enough to make a good measurements at U6
IN/OUT and U7 IN/OUT but it does not appear that I am seeing enough gain
at U6. I suspect that U6 is not driving U7 hard enough for U7 do any
work.

Any suggestions how to test this?

What else should I be looking at & testing?

Thanks, JH

--
John Hoaglun
NG0R - EN25
http://www.hoaglun.com

On Sat, 2010-08-21 at 09:07 -0400, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> John,
>
> On the XV432, can you vary the DC voltage measured at TP6 when you
> adjust the Input Attenuator? TP6 is a built-in RF probe which measures
> the RF voltage at the output of U6. If you can see that voltage change
> when adjusting the input attenuator, you can use it for peaking the
> bandpass filters.
> On the XV222, there is no TP6, but you can use an external RF Probe to
> do the same thing.
> If there is no output from U6, try the input. The first step to your
> troubleshooting is to determine what works, and secondly to discover
> where in the chain of events the failure occurs.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> John Hoaglun wrote:
> > Hi Don & group
> >
> > I tried using a low pass filter between the K60XV and the 432
> > transverter and went thru the tune-up from scratch with similar results.
> > I removed the LP filter.
> >
> > I measured the K60XV out at -3dBM or about 50mW which what I say last
> > night as well. I put it on my counter & analyzer and notice that it
> > there is something at 18MHz that is about +8-10 dB louder than the 28MHz
> > IF. --Interesting note.
> >
> > I then tried your second suggestion: I reconfigured the transverter for
> > a high power IF input, JP3/JP4 2-3, and JP5/JP6 1-2, and the associated
> > menu settings. Using port A on the radio I tried rerunning the
> > transverter setup and got similar results.
> >
> > Common theme: TP5 has almost no reading on it while adjusting R22.
> > Adjusting the inductors does not cause a significant change in TP5. (I
> > can see it on the analyzer with a directional coupler on the output but
> > it is a TINY signal.)
> >
> >
> >

John Hoaglun-2

Re: NG0R - K2+K60XV+XV144/222/432 - Setup Issue #3

Another follow-up note/question on the transverter topic....

On the K2+K60XV when I set the radio (tran1, tran2, tran3) each to
LP1.00 would expect that I should see a maximum of 1mW of power
available.

When I actually measure that IF line I am only seeing about .50mW and
the radio is typically showing something like "P .42 LP".

Q: Should approx 1mW really be available?
Q: If so, shouldn't the radio show something like "P 1.00 LP" or "P .95
LP" ?

I realize that I am likely battling several issues on my setup. But I am
feeling like my LP is only running about 1/2 the drive into the
transverter than I am expecting. Starting out with the drive level that
you expect seems like an important step. :-) I have an empty house
this weekend so I was hoping to get the transverters up and running.

Please CC me direct as I am a digest user.

73
--
John Hoaglun
NG0R - EN25
http://www.hoaglun.com

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John Hoaglun-2

Re: NG0R - K2+K60XV+XV144/222/432 - Setup Issue #3

Maybe this notes in the K60XV errata apply to this issue:

2. Using TUNE mode with the K60XV and KAT2 installed: If the KAT2 is in
either of its autotune
modes (A U T O or A LT ), and you’re on a transverter band configured
for LP mode (Low Power, 0 dBm),
holding TUNE drops power to 0.2 milliwatts maximum. You can override
this behavior by holding
D I S P L A Y along with TUNE, or by selecting any KAT2 mode other than
A U T O or A LT in the menu.

3. KAT2 modification for use with K60XV LP mode: In some cases the LM358
op-amp on the KAT2
can load down the K60XV's low-power RF detector (at the emitter of Q2),
preventing the K60XV from
developing a full 0 dBm (1 milliwatt) signal at the transverter OUT
jack. To correct this, change R6 on
the KAT2 from 47 ohms to 470 ohms. This resistor is supplied with the
K60XV kit. R6 is on the bottom
of the KAT2 control board, and can be changed without removing the KAT2
module.

Maybe Item #3 is the answer. Thoughts? I might try this after dinner.

73

--
John Hoaglun
NG0R - EN25
http://www.hoaglun.com

On Sat, 2010-08-21 at 19:30 -0500, John Hoaglun wrote:

> Another follow-up note/question on the transverter topic....
>
> On the K2+K60XV when I set the radio (tran1, tran2, tran3) each to
> LP1.00 would expect that I should see a maximum of 1mW of power
> available.
>
> When I actually measure that IF line I am only seeing about .50mW and
> the radio is typically showing something like "P .42 LP".
>
> Q: Should approx 1mW really be available?
> Q: If so, shouldn't the radio show something like "P 1.00 LP" or
> "P .95 LP" ?
>
> I realize that I am likely battling several issues on my setup. But I
> am feeling like my LP is only running about 1/2 the drive into the
> transverter than I am expecting. Starting out with the drive level
> that you expect seems like an important step. :-) I have an empty
> house this weekend so I was hoping to get the transverters up and
> running.
>
>
> Please CC me direct as I am a digest user.
>
> 73
> --
> John Hoaglun
> NG0R - EN25
> http://www.hoaglun.com
>
>
>
>
>

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: NG0R - K2+K60XV+XV144/222/432 - Setup Issue #3

John,

A definite YES on #3 - this is your first order of business. If you
have a KAT2 in your K2 package, change the KAT2 R6 to 470 ohms. If you
do not, you will not be able to achieve the full 1 mW output from the
K60XV. The KAT2 does not have a tri-state driver for the VRFDET signal
and its output will interfere with the power control circuits when the
K60XV is in use.

73,
Don W3FPR

John Hoaglun wrote:

> 3. KAT2 modification for use with K60XV LP mode: In some cases the LM358
> op-amp on the KAT2
> can load down the K60XV's low-power RF detector (at the emitter of Q2),
> preventing the K60XV from
> developing a full 0 dBm (1 milliwatt) signal at the transverter OUT
> jack. To correct this, change R6 on
> the KAT2 from 47 ohms to 470 ohms. This resistor is supplied with the
> K60XV kit. R6 is on the bottom
> of the KAT2 control board, and can be changed without removing the KAT2
> module.
>
>
> Maybe Item #3 is the answer. Thoughts? I might try this after dinner.
>
>

John Hoaglun-2

Re: NG0R - K2+K60XV+XV144/222/432 - Setup Issue #3

Hi Don & the list

Ok the change has been made. I am now seeing around 1mW from the K60XV.

I think that we can close out Issue #3 and go back to Issue #2 which is
the real topic.

73

--
John Hoaglun
NG0R - EN25
http://www.hoaglun.com

On Sat, 2010-08-21 at 21:19 -0400, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> John,
>
> A definite YES on #3 - this is your first order of business. If you
> have a KAT2 in your K2 package, change the KAT2 R6 to 470 ohms. If you
> do not, you will not be able to achieve the full 1 mW output from the
> K60XV. The KAT2 does not have a tri-state driver for the VRFDET signal
> and its output will interfere with the power control circuits when the
> K60XV is in use.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: NG0R - K2+K60XV+XV144/222/432 - Setup Issue #3

John,

Good news - on situation #2:
Set the KAT2 menu to CALP and I believe you will bypass the 0.2 watt
limitation of the AUTO setting. Your other option is to use a keydown
condition rather than TUNE.

73,
Don W3FPR

John Hoaglun wrote:

> Hi Don & the list
>
> Ok the change has been made. I am now seeing around 1mW from the K60XV.
>
> I think that we can close out Issue #3 and go back to Issue #2 which is
> the real topic.
>
> 73
>
>

John Hoaglun-2

Re: NG0R - K2+K60XV+XV144/222/432 - Setup Issue #2

In reply to this post by John Hoaglun-2

Hi Don and the list,

After replacing R6 on the KAT2 board I went back thru the transverters
to see where I am at after the change.

XV144 - ~1mW of drive = 12w power (into a Bird 43 slug + dummy load)
Target is 25w
XV222 - ~.42mW of drive (virtually no power out) Target is 10w
XV432 - ~.50mW of drive (virtually no power out) Target is 10w

I decided to go back to the XV432 since that is what we have been
talking about recently. After peaking the filters again and I am seeing
about 1.9V at TP6. What kind of number should I see?

I will pick this up again in the morning when I my mind is fresh.

73

--
John Hoaglun
NG0R - EN25
http://www.hoaglun.com

On Sat, 2010-08-21 at 16:42 -0500, John Hoaglun wrote:

> Hi Don & the list,
>
> I am making some slow progress on the 432 transverter setup.
>
> Initially TP6 was almost nill so I hooked up the Oscope and worked my
> way from the IF-In to the Mixer. The 28MHz band pass looked suspect,
> specifically C52/C54 as the drop at each capacitor was pretty sharp
> even for a BP filter. I replaced them with fresh 150pF caps that I had
> on hand. That improved the situation but my levels were still low
> measured at TP5, TP6, and the output with an RF meter, and analyzer.
>
> I tried tuning up the filters with using the analyzer & rf meter. That
> once again slightly improved things but not enough to quantify.
>
> I reset the PA bias back to the 20mV and then went to TP6 again. I was
> able to very slowly move from almost 0 to 2V by working my way thru
> the filters and then going back thru it again several times
>
> TP3/TP4 20mV
> PA voltage 2.35V & 13.7V
> TP5 0V
> T6 2.05V
> U6 Output pin 4.97V
>
> My 60MHz Oscope is not fast enough to make a good measurements at U6
> IN/OUT and U7 IN/OUT but it does not appear that I am seeing enough
> gain at U6. I suspect that U6 is not driving U7 hard enough for U7 do
> any work.
>
> Any suggestions how to test this?
>
> What else should I be looking at & testing?
>
> Thanks, JH
>
> --
> John Hoaglun
> NG0R - EN25
> http://www.hoaglun.com
>
>

John Hoaglun-2

Re: NG0R - K2+K60XV+XV144/222/432 - Setup Issue #2

Hi Don and the list,

I am making some progress but still trying to find some more power. I
decided to stop tweaking and take some measurements so we can compare
good & bad and try to understand what we are expecting to see.

The data is on my blog @ http://www.hoaglun.com/blog/

The XV144 is working fine.

The XV222 and XV432 are still having issues. I am going to go back thru
the filters again and try to peak my levels. Any other guidance that
you might have to offer would be appreciated as I am starting to think
about grasping for straws. :-)

73

--
John Hoaglun
NG0R - EN25
http://www.hoaglun.com

On Sat, 2010-08-21 at 22:38 -0500, John Hoaglun wrote:

> Hi Don and the list,
>
> After replacing R6 on the KAT2 board I went back thru the transverters
> to see where I am at after the change.
>
> XV144 - ~1mW of drive = 12w power (into a Bird 43 slug + dummy load)
> Target is 25w
> XV222 - ~.42mW of drive (virtually no power out) Target is 10w
> XV432 - ~.50mW of drive (virtually no power out) Target is 10w
>
> I decided to go back to the XV432 since that is what we have been
> talking about recently. After peaking the filters again and I am
> seeing about 1.9V at TP6. What kind of number should I see?
>
> I will pick this up again in the morning when I my mind is fresh.
>