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SDR-IQ

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WA1NTA

SDR-IQ

Does anyone have the correct settings for the K3 to work properly with the SDR-IQ? I'm sure I've got something set wrong because when I connect the IQ to the IF and switch output the levels seem very low, I can see signals on 40 but they don't seem representative of what I am hearing and what the S Meter is telling me. When I switch to 17, I can't see any activity on the scope, but I can hear signals on the band. However when I connect the antenna directly to the IQ and set EXT Radio back to none, I am able to observe signals and tune them in on 17 with no problem. Thanks in advance. George WA1NTA

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: SDR-IQ

Unless you have performed the IF Output buffer gain modification
<http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/IF_Output_Buffer_Gain_Mod_Rev_A.pdf>
or use the Clifton Labs broadband buffer amplifier between K3 & SDR-IQ
<http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/IF_Output_Buffer_Gain_Mod_Rev_A.pdf>
what you see is entirely normal.

The unmodified K3 IF output is approximately 17 dB lower than the
RF signal input level.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 6/5/2010 9:09 PM, WA1NTA wrote:

>
>
>
> Does anyone have the correct settings for the K3 to work properly with the
> SDR-IQ? I'm sure I've got something set wrong because when I connect the IQ
> to the IF and switch output the levels seem very low, I can see signals on
> 40 but they don't seem representative of what I am hearing and what the S
> Meter is telling me. When I switch to 17, I can't see any activity on the
> scope, but I can hear signals on the band. However when I connect the
> antenna directly to the IQ and set EXT Radio back to none, I am able to
> observe signals and tune them in on 17 with no problem.
>
> Thanks in advance.
> George
> WA1NTA

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WA1NTA

Re: SDR-IQ

Hi Joe,

Thanks for the link, do you know if Elecraft included this mod and when they
may have started doing so, and if they did, how I can tell that my K3 has
it?

With the age of this unit (#4249), I would prefer not to start modifying it
just yet, at least not until the warranty expires.

It's unfortunate for me that I wasn't aware of this short fall before
purchasing what I was told was a good solution for the lack of a panoramic
display on the K3.

Thanks to you and Don for the information.
73
George...WA1NTA

-----Original Message-----
From: Joe Subich, W4TV [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 10:10 PM
To: WA1NTA; Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SDR-IQ

Unless you have performed the IF Output buffer gain modification
<http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/IF_Output_Buffer_Gain_Mod_Rev_A.pdf>
or use the Clifton Labs broadband buffer amplifier between K3 & SDR-IQ
<http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/IF_Output_Buffer_Gain_Mod_Rev_A.pdf>
what you see is entirely normal.

The unmodified K3 IF output is approximately 17 dB lower than the
RF signal input level.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 6/5/2010 9:09 PM, WA1NTA wrote:
>
>
>
> Does anyone have the correct settings for the K3 to work properly with the
> SDR-IQ? I'm sure I've got something set wrong because when I connect the
IQ

> to the IF and switch output the levels seem very low, I can see signals on
> 40 but they don't seem representative of what I am hearing and what the S
> Meter is telling me. When I switch to 17, I can't see any activity on the
> scope, but I can hear signals on the band. However when I connect the
> antenna directly to the IQ and set EXT Radio back to none, I am able to
> observe signals and tune them in on 17 with no problem.
>
> Thanks in advance.
> George
> WA1NTA

ac0h

Re: SDR-IQ

On 6/6/2010 9:10 AM, QRZ wrote:

> Hi Joe,
>
> Thanks for the link, do you know if Elecraft included this mod and when they
> may have started doing so, and if they did, how I can tell that my K3 has
> it?
>
> With the age of this unit (#4249), I would prefer not to start modifying it
> just yet, at least not until the warranty expires.
>
> It's unfortunate for me that I wasn't aware of this short fall before
> purchasing what I was told was a good solution for the lack of a panoramic
> display on the K3.
>
> Thanks to you and Don for the information.
> 73
> George...WA1NTA
>

Elecraft started including this mod in Sept of 2009.
Last sentence of the first paragraph on the pdf in the link.
If the rig is older than that you need the mod kit. If it's newer you don't.
I don't think doing an Elecraft approved and kit supplied modification
voids the warranty.

--
R. Kevin Stover

ACØH

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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: SDR-IQ

In reply to this post by WA1NTA

> Thanks for the link, do you know if Elecraft included this mod and
> when they may have started doing so, and if they did, how I can tell
> that my K3 has it?

The modification information indicates that it was incorporated in
production beginning about 1 Sept 2009 (RF board Rev H3 and later).

> With the age of this unit (#4249), I would prefer not to start
> modifying it just yet, at least not until the warranty expires.

That modification will not void the warranty if done properly
(e.g. if you don't use a torch!). However, if you prefer to
avoid modifications, the Clifton Labs buffer is an alternative.
I messed up the link in the last response - here's the correct one:
<http://cliftonlaboratories.com/z10000_buffer_amp.htm>

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 6/6/2010 10:10 AM, QRZ wrote:

> Hi Joe,
>
> Thanks for the link, do you know if Elecraft included this mod and
> when they may have started doing so, and if they did, how I can tell
> that my K3 has it?
>
> With the age of this unit (#4249), I would prefer not to start
> modifying it just yet, at least not until the warranty expires.
>
> It's unfortunate for me that I wasn't aware of this short fall
> before purchasing what I was told was a good solution for the lack of
> a panoramic display on the K3.
>
> Thanks to you and Don for the information. 73 George...WA1NTA
>
> -----Original Message----- From: Joe Subich, W4TV
> [mailto:[hidden email]] Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 10:10 PM To:
> WA1NTA; Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SDR-IQ
>
>
> Unless you have performed the IF Output buffer gain modification
> <http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/IF_Output_Buffer_Gain_Mod_Rev_A.pdf>
>
>

or use the Clifton Labs broadband buffer amplifier between K3& SDR-IQ
> <http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/IF_Output_Buffer_Gain_Mod_Rev_A.pdf>
>
>
what you see is entirely normal.

>
> The unmodified K3 IF output is approximately 17 dB lower than the RF
> signal input level.
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>
> On 6/5/2010 9:09 PM, WA1NTA wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>> Does anyone have the correct settings for the K3 to work properly
>> with the SDR-IQ? I'm sure I've got something set wrong because when
>> I connect the
> IQ
>> to the IF and switch output the levels seem very low, I can see
>> signals on 40 but they don't seem representative of what I am
>> hearing and what the S Meter is telling me. When I switch to 17, I
>> can't see any activity on the scope, but I can hear signals on the
>> band. However when I connect the antenna directly to the IQ and set
>> EXT Radio back to none, I am able to observe signals and tune them
>> in on 17 with no problem.
>>
>> Thanks in advance. George WA1NTA
>
>

WA1NTA

Re: SDR-IQ

Joe,

I guess my confusion is that if the mod was included beginning in Sept 2009
then I guess I'm back to square one with the SDR-IQ. Do you know how I can
verify that the mod was done before I try another solution?

Thanks and 73...
George, WA1NTA

-----Original Message-----
From: Joe Subich, W4TV [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Sunday, June 06, 2010 10:55 AM
To: QRZ; Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SDR-IQ

> Thanks for the link, do you know if Elecraft included this mod and
> when they may have started doing so, and if they did, how I can tell
> that my K3 has it?

The modification information indicates that it was incorporated in
production beginning about 1 Sept 2009 (RF board Rev H3 and later).

> With the age of this unit (#4249), I would prefer not to start
> modifying it just yet, at least not until the warranty expires.

That modification will not void the warranty if done properly
(e.g. if you don't use a torch!). However, if you prefer to
avoid modifications, the Clifton Labs buffer is an alternative.
I messed up the link in the last response - here's the correct one:
<http://cliftonlaboratories.com/z10000_buffer_amp.htm>

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 6/6/2010 10:10 AM, QRZ wrote:

or use the Clifton Labs broadband buffer amplifier between K3& SDR-IQ
> <http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/IF_Output_Buffer_Gain_Mod_Rev_A.pdf>
>
>
what you see is entirely normal.

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: SDR-IQ

> Do you know how I can verify that the mod was done before I try
> another solution?

Check your RF board to see if it is marked Rev H3 or later.
Also, check the resistance of the ONE resistor that was
changed. The information is in that modification pdf.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 6/6/2010 11:27 AM, QRZ wrote:

> Joe,
>
> I guess my confusion is that if the mod was included beginning in Sept 2009
> then I guess I'm back to square one with the SDR-IQ. Do you know how I can
> verify that the mod was done before I try another solution?
>
> Thanks and 73...
> George, WA1NTA
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Joe Subich, W4TV [mailto:[hidden email]]
> Sent: Sunday, June 06, 2010 10:55 AM
> To: QRZ; Elecraft Reflector
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SDR-IQ
>
>
> > Thanks for the link, do you know if Elecraft included this mod and
> > when they may have started doing so, and if they did, how I can tell
> > that my K3 has it?
>
> The modification information indicates that it was incorporated in
> production beginning about 1 Sept 2009 (RF board Rev H3 and later).
>
> > With the age of this unit (#4249), I would prefer not to start
> > modifying it just yet, at least not until the warranty expires.
>
> That modification will not void the warranty if done properly
> (e.g. if you don't use a torch!). However, if you prefer to
> avoid modifications, the Clifton Labs buffer is an alternative.
> I messed up the link in the last response - here's the correct one:
> <http://cliftonlaboratories.com/z10000_buffer_amp.htm>
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>
> On 6/6/2010 10:10 AM, QRZ wrote:
>> Hi Joe,
>>
>> Thanks for the link, do you know if Elecraft included this mod and
>> when they may have started doing so, and if they did, how I can tell
>> that my K3 has it?
>>
>> With the age of this unit (#4249), I would prefer not to start
>> modifying it just yet, at least not until the warranty expires.
>>
>> It's unfortunate for me that I wasn't aware of this short fall
>> before purchasing what I was told was a good solution for the lack of
>> a panoramic display on the K3.
>>
>> Thanks to you and Don for the information. 73 George...WA1NTA
>>
>> -----Original Message----- From: Joe Subich, W4TV
>> [mailto:[hidden email]] Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 10:10 PM To:
>> WA1NTA; Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SDR-IQ
>>
>>
>> Unless you have performed the IF Output buffer gain modification
>> <http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/IF_Output_Buffer_Gain_Mod_Rev_A.pdf>
>>
>>
> or use the Clifton Labs broadband buffer amplifier between K3& SDR-IQ
>> <http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/IF_Output_Buffer_Gain_Mod_Rev_A.pdf>
>>
>>
> what you see is entirely normal.
>>
>> The unmodified K3 IF output is approximately 17 dB lower than the RF
>> signal input level.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>
>> On 6/5/2010 9:09 PM, WA1NTA wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Does anyone have the correct settings for the K3 to work properly
>>> with the SDR-IQ? I'm sure I've got something set wrong because when
>>> I connect the
>> IQ
>>> to the IF and switch output the levels seem very low, I can see
>>> signals on 40 but they don't seem representative of what I am
>>> hearing and what the S Meter is telling me. When I switch to 17, I
>>> can't see any activity on the scope, but I can hear signals on the
>>> band. However when I connect the antenna directly to the IQ and set
>>> EXT Radio back to none, I am able to observe signals and tune them
>>> in on 17 with no problem.
>>>
>>> Thanks in advance. George WA1NTA
>>
>>
>
>

John_N1JM

Re: SDR-IQ

In reply to this post by WA1NTA

I could send you my ini file and you could try that.

John N1JM

WA1NTA

RE: SDR-IQ

I would appreciate that!

Thanks John,

George

WA1NTA

From: N1JM [via Elecraft] [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Monday, June 07, 2010 12:30 PM
To: WA1NTA
Subject: Re: SDR-IQ

I could send you my ini file and you could try that.

John N1JM

View message @ http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/SDR-IQ-tp5144397p5149846.html
To unsubscribe from SDR-IQ, click here.

John G4IRN

Re: SDR-IQ

In reply to this post by WA1NTA

George

I have a K3 s/n 3569 (factory built) which has RF Board Rev 3. I have also checked inside the radio to see that the IF output modification has been performed.

My experience with the SDR-IQ is also disappointing. There are signals that I can hear on the K3 (up to S4 or 5) that I simply cannot see on the Spectravue panadapter. This is despite me setting the SDR-IQ to maximum gain - but maybe I'm missing something too.

I'd also be interested to hear from anyone who already has the Rev 3 RF board and has SDR-IQ on the IF output working satisfactorily (i.e. can see weak signals!).

John G4IRN.

David Cutter

Re: SDR-IQ

I wonder what the "sensitivity" of the P3 is in this regard; I can't see it
in the spec on quick inspection.

David
G3UNA

>
> George
>
> I have a K3 s/n 3569 (factory built) which has RF Board Rev 3. I have also
> checked inside the radio to see that the IF output modification has been
> performed.
>
> My experience with the SDR-IQ is also disappointing. There are signals
> that
> I can hear on the K3 (up to S4 or 5) that I simply cannot see on the
> Spectravue panadapter. This is despite me setting the SDR-IQ to maximum
> gain
> - but maybe I'm missing something too.
>
> I'd also be interested to hear from anyone who already has the Rev 3 RF
> board and has SDR-IQ on the IF output working satisfactorily (i.e. can see
> weak signals!).
>
> John G4IRN.
>

WA1NTA

Re: SDR-IQ

In reply to this post by John G4IRN

Hi John,

Having had an IC-756, I was sure I couldn't live without a band scope and so
I hesitated and almost didn't get a K3. When I did get the K3 I immediately
realized I had been correct in my initial assumption, so I began looking
around for a solution.

I was initially very disappointed with the performance of the SDR-IQ and was
convinced it was something I was doing wrong. I was right, with the help of
John, N1JM who sent me his ini file (and others who lent advice and
suggestions) and some further hacking around; I was finally able to get the
level of performance I had hoped for. Now I'm glad I didn't throw it out.

I guess I've been spoiled and just like to know where the activity is
without tuning or scanning...

If you want I can send you my ini file off list.
I had the exact same experience as you; I guess it doesn't come out of the
box optimized for the K3...

George...WA1NTA
73

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of John G4IRN
Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 2:56 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SDR-IQ

George

I have a K3 s/n 3569 (factory built) which has RF Board Rev 3. I have also
checked inside the radio to see that the IF output modification has been
performed.

My experience with the SDR-IQ is also disappointing. There are signals that
I can hear on the K3 (up to S4 or 5) that I simply cannot see on the
Spectravue panadapter. This is despite me setting the SDR-IQ to maximum gain
- but maybe I'm missing something too.

I'd also be interested to hear from anyone who already has the Rev 3 RF
board and has SDR-IQ on the IF output working satisfactorily (i.e. can see
weak signals!).

John G4IRN.

--
View this message in context:
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/SDR-IQ-tp5144397p5155001.html
Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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John G4IRN

Re: SDR-IQ

Yes please George, send me the ini file!!

73, John

From: [hidden email]

Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 8:55 PM

To: [hidden email]

Subject: Re: SDR-IQ

View message @ http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/SDR-IQ-tp5144397p5155204.html
To unsubscribe from Re: SDR-IQ, click here.

Alan Bloom-2

Re: SDR-IQ

In reply to this post by David Cutter

The answer is "it depends." :=)

The tentative spec for the noise figure of the P3 itself is 10 dB,
although it typically is a couple dB better than that. If you do the
math, the noise figure of the K3/P3 system is within a dB or so of the
NF of the K3 alone.

But how does that translate to what you can see on the P3 screen? At
maximum span (currently 200 kHz), the effective resolution bandwidth is
a bit less than 500 Hz, so you should be able to see anything with a
positive signal-to-noise ratio in a 500 Hz bandwidth. Actually you can
do quite a bit better than that using the waterfall display because the
human eye has an incredible ability to discern patterns. A weak signal
that is hidden on the spectrum display is clearly visible on the
waterfall.

But the narrower the span the weaker the signal you can see. Unlike
most band-scopes and SDR-based panadapters, the effective resolution
bandwidth of the P3 automatically improves as you reduce the span. At
the minimum 2 kHz, the effective resolution bandwidth is less than 5 Hz.
You can easily see signals that are completely inaudible in the
headphones.

Alan N1AL

On Tue, 2010-06-08 at 20:29 +0100, David Cutter wrote:

> I wonder what the "sensitivity" of the P3 is in this regard; I can't see it
> in the spec on quick inspection.
>
> David
> G3UNA
>
>
>
>
>
> >
> > George
> >
> > I have a K3 s/n 3569 (factory built) which has RF Board Rev 3. I have also
> > checked inside the radio to see that the IF output modification has been
> > performed.
> >
> > My experience with the SDR-IQ is also disappointing. There are signals
> > that
> > I can hear on the K3 (up to S4 or 5) that I simply cannot see on the
> > Spectravue panadapter. This is despite me setting the SDR-IQ to maximum
> > gain
> > - but maybe I'm missing something too.
> >
> > I'd also be interested to hear from anyone who already has the Rev 3 RF
> > board and has SDR-IQ on the IF output working satisfactorily (i.e. can see
> > weak signals!).
> >
> > John G4IRN.