Some thoughts on the K3 as an emergency communications station

[wayne burdick]

Most of our customers choose the K3 for its contesting or DX  
performance. But with all the world-wide flooding, earthquakes, and  
heat waves and power-outages we've seen this year, I'm reflecting on  
how the K3 can serve as a flexible station for emergency communications.

Here's a brief list of K3 features that could help in such situations:

- Only about 9 pounds, and sized so it's easy to carry to any location.

- Bulletproof receiver--important for multi-transmitter environments.  
(If you have to set up more than one HF/VHF station in a small area,  
you'll want them not to interfere with each other.)

- Coverage of HF and SW broadcast, as well as two local/emergency  
bands (6 and 2 meters).

- Low receive-mode current drain (about 1 amp) for extended operating  
time when using batteries, solar panels, etc. Most radios with  
comparable performance have current drain three times higher, and even  
garden-variety radios are usually in the 2-amp-plus range. In transmit  
mode, current drain can be very low at QRP power levels (12 watts or  
less) because the PA is completely turned off.

- Runs from up to a 15-V supply, but usable down to as low as about 10  
V in a pinch, thanks to the use of low-dropout voltage regulators.  
Also, we selected the APP power connector specifically because it is  
as close to a standard as exists in the portable-comms world; you'll  
be able to "borrow" power when you need to.

- Wide-range ATU matches nearly any ad-hoc field antenna. Many built-
in ATUs cover only a very small range, while the KAT3 can easily match  
loads with SWRs of 10:1, and in some cases (at QRP levels) far higher.  
The two antenna jacks allow instant A/B testing on individual signals.

- High-performance sub receiver with true diversity receive; could  
help copy traffic in difficult conditions.

- Built-ins that reduce the need for other equipment: real time clock  
(with alarm), calendar, digital metering (current, voltage,  
temperature, SWR, power).

- DVR and CW/DATA auto-repeating messages for beacon or net use, and  
built-in text decode/display for copying bulletins (PSK31, RTTY, CW).

- And if you have room for a P3 at your emergency operating position,  
you'll be able to find weak signals calling without endless tuning of  
the VFO :)

73,
Wayne
N6KR







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[Grant Youngman]

Sounds like a thought model for a good commercial.  Most of us that own this thing, know most of this pretty well :-)

Grant/NQ5T


On Aug 28, 2010, at 10:12 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

> Most of our customers choose the K3 for its contesting or DX  
> performance. But with all the world-wide flooding, earthquakes, and  
> heat waves and power-outages we've seen this year, I'm reflecting on  
> how the K3 can serve as a flexible station for emergency communications.
>
> Here's a brief list of K3 features that could help in such situations:
>
> -
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[Steve Ellington]

I'll venture to say that the K3 uses less power in receive mode than power
wasted by my regulated power supply.

Steve

----- Original Message -----
From: "Grant Youngman" <[hidden email]>
To: "Elecraft Reflector" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2010 11:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Some thoughts on the K3 as an
emergencycommunications station

> Sounds like a thought model for a good commercial.  Most of us that own
> this thing, know most of this pretty well :-)
>
> Grant/NQ5T
>
>
> On Aug 28, 2010, at 10:12 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
>
>> Most of our customers choose the K3 for its contesting or DX
>> performance. But with all the world-wide flooding, earthquakes, and
>> heat waves and power-outages we've seen this year, I'm reflecting on
>> how the K3 can serve as a flexible station for emergency communications.
>>
>> Here's a brief list of K3 features that could help in such situations:
>>
>> -
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
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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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[Joe Planisky]

> - Bulletproof receiver

Given some of the troubled spots in the world today, let's hope no one  
takes that literally :-)

73
--
Joe KB8AP

On Aug 28, 2010, at 8:12 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

> Most of our customers choose the K3 for its contesting or DX
> performance. But with all the world-wide flooding, earthquakes, and
> heat waves and power-outages we've seen this year, I'm reflecting on
> how the K3 can serve as a flexible station for emergency  
> communications.

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[K6LMP]

This is one of the main reasons I got re-involved in ham radio after many years, and why I chose the K3 (after several years playing around with Yaesu rigs). I live in Southern California, and I know that some day -- it's a matter when, not whether -- we will have The Big One. I know that there will be no communication capability whatsoever, other than amateur radio. The K3 is perfectly suited to this assignment. Coupled with a home-brew version of the Buddipole antenna system and a battery pack (thanks to Niel WA7SSA) I feel well prepared to communicate under any circumstance.


Lew K6LMP


On Aug 28, 2010, at 8:12 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

> Most of our customers choose the K3 for its contesting or DX  
> performance. But with all the world-wide flooding, earthquakes, and  
> heat waves and power-outages we've seen this year, I'm reflecting on  
> how the K3 can serve as a flexible station for emergency communications.
>
> Here's a brief list of K3 features that could help in such situations:
>
> - Only about 9 pounds, and sized so it's easy to carry to any location.
>
> - Bulletproof receiver--important for multi-transmitter environments.  
> (If you have to set up more than one HF/VHF station in a small area,  
> you'll want them not to interfere with each other.)
>
> - Coverage of HF and SW broadcast, as well as two local/emergency  
> bands (6 and 2 meters).
>
> - Low receive-mode current drain (about 1 amp) for extended operating  
> time when using batteries, solar panels, etc. Most radios with  
> comparable performance have current drain three times higher, and even  
> garden-variety radios are usually in the 2-amp-plus range. In transmit  
> mode, current drain can be very low at QRP power levels (12 watts or  
> less) because the PA is completely turned off.
>
> - Runs from up to a 15-V supply, but usable down to as low as about 10  
> V in a pinch, thanks to the use of low-dropout voltage regulators.  
> Also, we selected the APP power connector specifically because it is  
> as close to a standard as exists in the portable-comms world; you'll  
> be able to "borrow" power when you need to.
>
> - Wide-range ATU matches nearly any ad-hoc field antenna. Many built-
> in ATUs cover only a very small range, while the KAT3 can easily match  
> loads with SWRs of 10:1, and in some cases (at QRP levels) far higher.  
> The two antenna jacks allow instant A/B testing on individual signals.
>
> - High-performance sub receiver with true diversity receive; could  
> help copy traffic in difficult conditions.
>
> - Built-ins that reduce the need for other equipment: real time clock  
> (with alarm), calendar, digital metering (current, voltage,  
> temperature, SWR, power).
>
> - DVR and CW/DATA auto-repeating messages for beacon or net use, and  
> built-in text decode/display for copying bulletins (PSK31, RTTY, CW).
>
> - And if you have room for a P3 at your emergency operating position,  
> you'll be able to find weak signals calling without endless tuning of  
> the VFO :)
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

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[David Woolley (E.L)]

I would have thought the K2 was even better in some ways:

- less than a third of the receive current requirements;

- field repairable;

- whilst not as tolerant of close in signals, it is still very tolerant,
and a disaster scenario ought to be a cooperative environment (otherwise
you have human, rather than engineering problems), unlike a contest.
I'd suggest this was more an issue in regional or national control
centres, where power and weight would be lesser issues.

Wayne Burdick wrote:
> I'm reflecting on how the K3 can
> serve as a flexible station for emergency communications.
>


--
David Woolley
"we do not overly restrict the subject matter on the list, and we
encourage postings on a wide range of amateur radio related topics"
List Guidelines <http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_list_guidelines.htm>
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[John Fritze]

While I agree with many of Wayne's thoughts about the K3 or the K2 on
the matter of emergency communications I would like to add a few more
thoughts for consideration.

There were initially a number of reasons why I purchased my K3, one of
which was field service-ability for such a high end transceiver.  Yes
I realize I'm probably not going to trouble shoot a board in the
field, but that said, if one of the sub-assemblies goes belly up, I
don't need to return the entire radio to Elecraft for repair, simply
order a new board.

The K2 however, I would not be afraid to replace a single part with
something close from a junk box or even Radio Shack's dwindling parts
supply.  Of course the chance of needing to replace an antenna or mic
connector that got banged might be more common than needing to cut out
an IC and replace it.

However, if I needed to head into a serious emergency situation I
would probably take my "Go Box" which has a Kenwood D700, an Icom
706mK2g, a AC/DC switcher, and 24Ahr battery supply, power poles,
antennas, jacks, modems etc all in one package.  Why the 706?  Yes,
it's a mediocre receiver at best, but honestly, it's a small, fairly
un-destructible work horse.  Having used these in harsh marine
environments I know they can be relied upon.  I'll bet that more 706s
are the main SSB on more sailboats than any other rig, and unless
you've been at sea for a couple of weeks, it's hard to understand how
stuff just craps out!

I don't wish to start a big discussion on the merits of this rig over
that one in an emergency.  I really love my K2 and especially my K3.
Could it be used in an emergency because of Wayne's reasons?
Absolutely!  Would it be my first choice to take?...........

John
K2QY
Deputy Radio Officer
Albany County RACES
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[Johnny Siu]

Yes, David.  K2 is even more mechanically stronger than K3 and with internal
battery.  If 2m is needed, a 2m handheld + a small portable 20w linear will give
you the power but much less standy current.

73

Johnny VR2XMC



----- 郵件原件 ----
寄件人﹕ David Woolley (E.L) <[hidden email]>
收件人﹕ Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
傳送日期﹕ 2010/8/29 (日) 10:46:40 PM
主題： Re: [Elecraft] Some thoughts on the K3 as an emergency communications
station

I would have thought the K2 was even better in some ways:

- less than a third of the receive current requirements;

- field repairable;

- whilst not as tolerant of close in signals, it is still very tolerant,
and a disaster scenario ought to be a cooperative environment (otherwise
you have human, rather than engineering problems), unlike a contest.
I'd suggest this was more an issue in regional or national control
centres, where power and weight would be lesser issues.

Wayne Burdick wrote:
> I'm reflecting on how the K3 can
> serve as a flexible station for emergency communications.
>


     

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[Johnny Siu]

Hi John,

IC706 was once in my 'Go Box'.  Yes, it is not as brilliant as K2 or K3 but it
is just ready to go and solidly constructed.

My 'Go Box' is now replaced by FT897D + AT897 LDG tuner.  Again, FT897D is in no
way comparable to K3 or K2. However, it is more convenient and gives me the
outpower in V+U if needed.  Standby current is around 600ma - not too bad. 

Of course, these kinds of all-in-one rigs cannot survive in contest condition
like K2 or K3 but it costs much less.

73

Johnny VR2XMC



----- 郵件原件 ----
寄件人﹕ John Fritze <[hidden email]>
收件人﹕ [hidden email]
傳送日期﹕ 2010/8/30 (一) 12:42:55 AM
主題： Re: [Elecraft] Some thoughts on the K3 as an emergency communications
station

While I agree with many of Wayne's thoughts about the K3 or the K2 on
the matter of emergency communications I would like to add a few more
thoughts for consideration.

There were initially a number of reasons why I purchased my K3, one of
which was field service-ability for such a high end transceiver.  Yes
I realize I'm probably not going to trouble shoot a board in the
field, but that said, if one of the sub-assemblies goes belly up, I
don't need to return the entire radio to Elecraft for repair, simply
order a new board.

The K2 however, I would not be afraid to replace a single part with
something close from a junk box or even Radio Shack's dwindling parts
supply.  Of course the chance of needing to replace an antenna or mic
connector that got banged might be more common than needing to cut out
an IC and replace it.

However, if I needed to head into a serious emergency situation I
would probably take my "Go Box" which has a Kenwood D700, an Icom
706mK2g, a AC/DC switcher, and 24Ahr battery supply, power poles,
antennas, jacks, modems etc all in one package.  Why the 706?  Yes,
it's a mediocre receiver at best, but honestly, it's a small, fairly
un-destructible work horse.  Having used these in harsh marine
environments I know they can be relied upon.  I'll bet that more 706s
are the main SSB on more sailboats than any other rig, and unless
you've been at sea for a couple of weeks, it's hard to understand how
stuff just craps out!

I don't wish to start a big discussion on the merits of this rig over
that one in an emergency.  I really love my K2 and especially my K3.
Could it be used in an emergency because of Wayne's reasons?
Absolutely!  Would it be my first choice to take?...........

John
K2QY
Deputy Radio Officer
Albany County RACES
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[Leigh L. Klotz Jr WA5ZNU]

I'd really like to see some LiFePO4 packs (or at least sheet-metal support for them) for the Elecraft rigs.  The K2 would be fairly easy, and the KX1 as well and probably the K1.

The K3 has room if there's no amplifier, but LiFePO4 shines in power density, which is just want you need for the current peaks of a KPA3, so some sort of rear bolt-on would be needed.

I use a 1200 mAH pack on my KX1, but that's too big to fit internally.

Leigh/WA5ZNU

[George Thornton]

I see the k3's complexity as an issue with emergency communication.  In
emergencies the K3 could be called on to deliver service with multiple
operators.

The K3 has a rather complex menu and control system.  It takes some
understanding and tweaking to get it to maximum effective performance.
Further, if someone inexperienced tampers with settings the K3 can be
rendered ineffective.  You would not want that to happen in an
emergency.  

There could be a software solution. I imagine a multi operator lock
option.  If the lock is engaged, the guest operator could be limited to
a set of basic and easily understood controls. Like AF or RF gain, nb on
or off, nr on or off, notch on or off.  Maybe they would be allowed to
adjust filter width, perhaps not.

I am aware that mic settings and power can be locked but I don't think
that is enough to protect the K3's effectiveness in multi op emergency
settings.  




-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Leigh L. Klotz Jr
WA5ZNU
Sent: Sunday, August 29, 2010 4:03 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Some thoughts on the K3 as an
emergencycommunications station


I'd really like to see some LiFePO4 packs (or at least sheet-metal
support
for them) for the Elecraft rigs.  The K2 would be fairly easy, and the
KX1
as well and probably the K1.

The K3 has room if there's no amplifier, but LiFePO4 shines in power
density, which is just want you need for the current peaks of a KPA3, so
some sort of rear bolt-on would be needed.

I use a 1200 mAH pack on my KX1, but that's too big to fit internally.

Leigh/WA5ZNU
--
View this message in context:
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Some-thoughts-on-the-K3-as-an-emerg
ency-communications-station-tp5474047p5476131.html
Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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[Rick Prather-2]

Good points.

It seems to me that if you could just lock out the Menu/Config button the radio wouldn't be any more likely to be screwed up than others.

Rick
K6LE

On 8/29/2010, at 10:07 , George A. Thornton wrote:

> I see the k3's complexity as an issue with emergency communication.  In
> emergencies the K3 could be called on to deliver service with multiple
> operators.
>
> The K3 has a rather complex menu and control system.  It takes some
> understanding and tweaking to get it to maximum effective performance.
> Further, if someone inexperienced tampers with settings the K3 can be
> rendered ineffective.  You would not want that to happen in an
> emergency.  
>
> There could be a software solution. I imagine a multi operator lock
> option.  If the lock is engaged, the guest operator could be limited to
> a set of basic and easily understood controls. Like AF or RF gain, nb on
> or off, nr on or off, notch on or off.  Maybe they would be allowed to
> adjust filter width, perhaps not.
>
> I am aware that mic settings and power can be locked but I don't think
> that is enough to protect the K3's effectiveness in multi op emergency
> settings.  
>
>

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[Ken Chandler]

In Field day we have a few fiddle fingers.... (Um wonder what this does) etc, by setting up a 3 digit user configured number within CONFIG OR MENU, set using the keypad this would be just great.
I'm sure elecraft would consider it!!!
Protecting our valuable settings!

Ken..G0ORH  k2, K3, p3.

Sent from my iPhone

     


On 30 Aug 2010, at 11:26, Rick Prather <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Good points.
>
> It seems to me that if you could just lock out the Menu/Config button the radio wouldn't be any more likely to be screwed up than others.
>
> Rick
> K6LE
>
> On 8/29/2010, at 10:07 , George A. Thornton wrote:
>
>> I see the k3's complexity as an issue with emergency communication.  In
>> emergencies the K3 could be called on to deliver service with multiple
>> operators.
>>
>> The K3 has a rather complex menu and control system.  It takes some
>> understanding and tweaking to get it to maximum effective performance.
>> Further, if someone inexperienced tampers with settings the K3 can be
>> rendered ineffective.  You would not want that to happen in an
>> emergency.  
>>
>> There could be a software solution. I imagine a multi operator lock
>> option.  If the lock is engaged, the guest operator could be limited to
>> a set of basic and easily understood controls. Like AF or RF gain, nb on
>> or off, nr on or off, notch on or off.  Maybe they would be allowed to
>> adjust filter width, perhaps not.
>>
>> I am aware that mic settings and power can be locked but I don't think
>> that is enough to protect the K3's effectiveness in multi op emergency
>> settings.  
>>
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

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[Ken Kopp-3]

There's often a laptop along in many situations involving
multiple operators ... FD, contests, etc.  When I have a
guest OP I save my K3's "personality" to a file so it can
be restored easily.  This is usually faster than figuring
out what the curious or harried OP has done, especially
at 3 AM when rousted out of bed with a "Your radio's
quit working".

73! Ken Kopp - K0PP
       [hidden email]


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[Mike Reublin]

  A partial solution is in the CONFIG:PWR SET menu. In my manual it's on p.58.

73, Mike NF4L

On 8/30/2010 6:26 AM, Rick Prather wrote:

> Good points.
>
> It seems to me that if you could just lock out the Menu/Config button the radio wouldn't be any more likely to be screwed up than others.
>
> Rick
> K6LE
>
> On 8/29/2010, at 10:07 , George A. Thornton wrote:
>
>> I see the k3's complexity as an issue with emergency communication.  In
>> emergencies the K3 could be called on to deliver service with multiple
>> operators.
>>
>> The K3 has a rather complex menu and control system.  It takes some
>> understanding and tweaking to get it to maximum effective performance.
>> Further, if someone inexperienced tampers with settings the K3 can be
>> rendered ineffective.  You would not want that to happen in an
>> emergency.
>>
>> There could be a software solution. I imagine a multi operator lock
>> option.  If the lock is engaged, the guest operator could be limited to
>> a set of basic and easily understood controls. Like AF or RF gain, nb on
>> or off, nr on or off, notch on or off.  Maybe they would be allowed to
>> adjust filter width, perhaps not.
>>
>> I am aware that mic settings and power can be locked but I don't think
>> that is enough to protect the K3's effectiveness in multi op emergency
>> settings.
>>
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

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[gm3sek]

Ken Kopp wrote:
>
>There's often a laptop along in many situations involving multiple
>operators ... FD, contests, etc.  When I have a guest OP I save my K3's
>"personality" to a file so it can be restored easily.  This is usually
>faster than figuring out what the curious or harried OP has done,
>especially at 3 AM when rousted out of bed with a "Your radio's quit
>working".
>

The K3 owner should never NEED to be rousted out of bed... but it
certainly does happen, because the K3 offers so many accidental ways to
bring the whole rig to a dead stop.

This has happened to me several times (although not always literally
getting me out of bed). I am never grouchy about it... just sad for the
reputation of the K3.

A few weeks ago I offered a specification for a "protected mode" that
would greatly reduce the risks of that happening. The specification was
written in the format of the User Manual:

"CONFIG:HOLDDLY. Increases the HOLD time required to activate secondary
functions of push buttons and knobs.  Minimum (and default) is 0.5
seconds, which can be adjusted to longer times using the VFO B knob.
Beyond that general setting, extra-long HOLD times can be applied to the
BAND and MODE rocker buttons: tap [1] to require a 50% longer HOLD time
than the general setting; tap [2] to require 100% longer; tap [0] to
reset BAND and MODE buttons to the same HOLD time as all others
(default).

For further protection against accidental activation of HOLD functions,
see CONFIG:SW TONE and CONFIG:PWR SET (tap [1] to lock)."

These proposed functions have been designed to have no effect on the
K3's existing button responses unless options are deliberately selected.


I believe Wayne was on vacation when this topic was previously
discussed. Any comments or signs of action, please?



--

73 from Ian GM3SEK
http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek
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