Speakers

[rcbenedict1545]

I use different speakers for left and right so my ear can use the different sounds to tell a which receiver sound is from.
Ray
W8lyj
Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 22, 2015, at 6:48 AM, [hidden email] wrote:
>
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> Today's Topics:
>
>   1. Power meter inaccurate (Bob McGraw - K4TAX)
>   2. OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (Ken G Kopp)
>   3. Stereo Speaker for K3 ([hidden email])
>   4. Re: Stereo Speaker for K3 (Robin Moseley)
>   5. KAT500 Antenna and Alpha 87A (Amateur Radio Operator N5GE)
>   6. Re: Stereo Speaker for K3 (Jim Miller)
>   7. Re: Stereo Speaker for K3 (Don Wilhelm)
>   8. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (Robert Harmon)
>   9. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (Don Wilhelm)
>  10. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (Merv Schweigert)
>  11. K2 MAB board progress (Doug Shields)
>  12. Re: Stereo Speaker for K3 (Bob McGraw - K4TAX)
>  13. Re: Stereo Speaker for K3 (Bob McGraw - K4TAX)
>  14. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (Bob McGraw - K4TAX)
>  15. Re: Stereo Speaker for K3 (Steve Ellington)
>  16. Re: KAT500 Antenna and Alpha 87A (KD7PY)
>  17. Re: Stereo Speaker for K3 (Bill)
>  18. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (hsherriff)
>  19. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (Ron D'Eau Claire)
>  20. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (Bob McGraw - K4TAX)
>  21. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (Don Wilhelm)
>  22. Re: [P3] Can I? (Alan)
>  23. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (lmarion)
>  24. Re: K3 NB problem (Wes (N7WS))
>  25. Re: K2 MAB board progress (Brian Denley)
>  26. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (Richard Fjeld)
>  27. Re: Stereo Speaker for K3 ([hidden email])
>  28. Re: OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures" (briancom)
>  29. K3 sudden loss of output power (Pete Smith N4ZR)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 16:32:33 -0600
> From: Bob McGraw - K4TAX <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] Power meter inaccurate
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
>
> You might be surprised at how many times I've assisted folks with low
> transmitter power only to find their power meter was not accurate.    It
> happens to the best of us, regardless of how new or how expensive the
> instrument might be.
>
> A lesson I learned as a pilot and that is always have a "what if" in
> your pocket.   What if on landing approach I lower the landing gear and
> one does not extend and lock?    What if I pull back the throttles to
> cruise setting after take-off and #2 quits.   What if on a cold winter
> day I take off, have the airplane off of the runway and look at the
> panel only to discover the airspeed is zero!  Well there's answers for
> each of those, most of which I hope I never have to apply..........again!
>
> 73
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>> On 11/21/2015 11:09 AM, Dave Olean wrote:
>> Then I discovered that my Bird 43 meter circuit was bad. It made for a
>> good laugh at my expense.
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 16:23:48 -0700
> From: Ken G Kopp <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures"
> Message-ID:
>    <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> An earlier posting brings this to mind ....
>
> There is a seemingly little-known failure that frequently occurs to Bird
> meter movements ... or more correctly ... to the connector at the sensor
> casting end of the length of coax used to connect the (30 ua) meter to the
> sensor.
>
> Often a sharp "whack" on the housing will cause the meter to resume
> working, often for long periods of time.  The connector's internal
> connection is made by inserting the (solid) center conductor of the coax
> between turns of the coils of a tiny spring that's part of the center pin
> assembly of the casting end's cable connector.
>
> There's such a tiny amount of current flowing through the coax center
> conductor and the spring "connection" that it seems to corrode easily, and
> most assume the meter movement has failed.  The resulting tiny disturbance
> to the wire/spring junction is why the "slap" on the housing often brings
> the meter back to life.  Many of the expensive proprietary meters have been
> needlessly replaced because of this.
>
> 73 - K0PP
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 17:24:00 -0600
> From: <[hidden email]>
> To: <[hidden email]>
> Subject: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3
> Message-ID: <84D4D90CEE6446BCB001253AB9693734@MININTMC1HLDC>
> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="UTF-8"
>
>    I?m interested in getting a nice stereo speaker for my K3 so I can listen to both of my rx?s at the same time without having to wear cans. What can be recommended?
>
> Thanks
>
> Ronnie W5SUM
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 23:37:30 +0000
> From: Robin Moseley <[hidden email]>
> To: <[hidden email]>,    <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="UTF-8";
>    reply-type=original
>
> Phonema speakers,  I have them,,  they sound great!
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> Sent: Saturday, November 21, 2015 11:24 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3
>
>    I?m interested in getting a nice stereo speaker for my K3 so I can
> listen to both of my rx?s at the same time without having to wear cans. What
> can be recommended?
>
> Thanks
>
> Ronnie W5SUM
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 17:53:06 -0600
> From: Amateur Radio Operator N5GE <[hidden email]>
> To: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
> Subject: [Elecraft] KAT500 Antenna and Alpha 87A
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> I'm about to send my KPA500 To the shop at Elecraft and I wonder if
> anyone has had any success using an ALPHA 87A runing low power into
> KAT500?
>
> If so how many watts did you run into the KTA500?
>
> Thanks.
>
> ARS N5GE
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 17:47:21 -0600
> From: "Jim Miller" <[hidden email]>
> To: <[hidden email]>,    <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3
> Message-ID: <002d01d124b6$f7215660$e5640320$@STL-OnLine.Net>
> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="UTF-8"
>
> DO you listen to FM radio on your K3?  If not, get communication speakers and not music speakers.  73, Jim KG0KP
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of [hidden email]
> Sent: Saturday, November 21, 2015 5:24 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3
>
>    I?m interested in getting a nice stereo speaker for my K3 so I can listen to both of my rx?s at the same time without having to wear cans. What can be recommended?
>
> Thanks
>
> Ronnie W5SUM
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 7
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:02:15 -0500
> From: Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email], [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
>
> Ronnie,
>
> Find yourself a pair of 'bookshelf' speakers normally used for "HiFi
> stereo" installations.
> Those small speakers were popular some time ago.  I picked up a pair of
> Radio Shack Optimus speakers in a second hand store for $5 and they work
> great with my K3 - those speakers are 5 inch cubes.  They are not
> powered - just speakers, so no worry about RF getting into the amplifier.
> Alternately, build your own small speaker enclosure and mount a good
> high fidelity speaker inside (look at the audiophile sites).
> Get a full range speaker - the speaker should not restrict the audio
> frequency response, the K3 has the RX EQ which will allow you to tailor
> the audio response that you want to hear.
>
> With my KX3, I needed amplified speakers, and after many trials with PC
> speakers which howled during transmit, I 'bit the bullet' and ordered a
> pair of West Mountain Radio COMspkrs - shielded and nary a sound of RF
> feedback from them even with the KXPA100.  They are a bit larger than I
> would like, but they do work fine.  They will work great with the K3.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>> On 11/21/2015 6:24 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>>     I?m interested in getting a nice stereo speaker for my K3 so I can listen to both of my rx?s at the same time without having to wear cans. What can be recommended?
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 8
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 16:27:37 -0800
> From: Robert Harmon <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures"
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
>
> Ken,
>
> My bird has been acting as you described.  I will check it out.
> I guess the remedy is to clean the spring coils ?
> Thanks for the info ?
>
> 73,
> Bob
> K6UJ
>
>
>
>
>> On 11/21/15 3:23 PM, Ken G Kopp wrote:
>> An earlier posting brings this to mind ....
>>
>> There is a seemingly little-known failure that frequently occurs to Bird
>> meter movements ... or more correctly ... to the connector at the sensor
>> casting end of the length of coax used to connect the (30 ua) meter to the
>> sensor.
>>
>> Often a sharp "whack" on the housing will cause the meter to resume
>> working, often for long periods of time.  The connector's internal
>> connection is made by inserting the (solid) center conductor of the coax
>> between turns of the coils of a tiny spring that's part of the center pin
>> assembly of the casting end's cable connector.
>>
>> There's such a tiny amount of current flowing through the coax center
>> conductor and the spring "connection" that it seems to corrode easily, and
>> most assume the meter movement has failed.  The resulting tiny disturbance
>> to the wire/spring junction is why the "slap" on the housing often brings
>> the meter back to life.  Many of the expensive proprietary meters have been
>> needlessly replaced because of this.
>>
>> 73 - K0PP
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 9
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:28:48 -0500
> From: Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures"
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
>
> That brings to mind an adage advocated by my lab instructors in college
> and has proven to be very worthwhile over the years - it is no less
> applicable today.
> "Technician (or Engineer), know your test equipment and especially know
> its limitations".
> That means always be prepared to verify your measurement equipment
> readings by some other means rather than trusting the indication of any
> one instrument.
>
> In other words, if your test gear is telling you something that looks
> "funny", verify the test equipment as a first order of business - use an
> alternate measurement method to do a 'sanity check' and remember that
> test equipment can fail just as well as the equipment under test.
> Trust no piece of test equipment that cannot be verified for correct
> operation.
>
> As an example, I have a wattmeter that is supposedly good for HF as well
> as VHF/UHF.  The VHF part starts above 30 MHz.  When I had problems
> getting XV50 transverters to develop 20 watts as indicated on that
> meter, I used an alternate power meter and discovered that wattmeter
> took 36 watts to indicate 20 watts on its meter on 50 MHz.  On 144, 220,
> and 432 MHz it was accurate.  So that condition is now plainly marked
> with a sticker on that meter.  Verify before believing the meter in use.
>
> I know that such verification is not always within easy reach for the
> average ham, but usually there are locals with test gear that can be
> borrowed to give you a validation of whatever test equipment you are
> using (test 3 and let the most common vote be the deciding factor).  You
> do not have to pay the cost of a calibration lab to do that kind of
> verification of your test gear, but do be suspicious if you have not
> validated your test equipment in some manner.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>> On 11/21/2015 6:23 PM, Ken G Kopp wrote:
>> An earlier posting brings this to mind ....
>>
>> There is a seemingly little-known failure that frequently occurs to Bird
>> meter movements ... or more correctly ... to the connector at the sensor
>> casting end of the length of coax used to connect the (30 ua) meter to the
>> sensor.
>>
>> Often a sharp "whack" on the housing will cause the meter to resume
>> working, often for long periods of time.  The connector's internal
>> connection is made by inserting the (solid) center conductor of the coax
>> between turns of the coils of a tiny spring that's part of the center pin
>> assembly of the casting end's cable connector.
>>
>> There's such a tiny amount of current flowing through the coax center
>> conductor and the spring "connection" that it seems to corrode easily, and
>> most assume the meter movement has failed.  The resulting tiny disturbance
>> to the wire/spring junction is why the "slap" on the housing often brings
>> the meter back to life.  Many of the expensive proprietary meters have been
>> needlessly replaced because of this.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 10
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 14:42:09 -1000
> From: Merv Schweigert <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures"
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
> Buy the new adapter that turns the bird connector into a BNC
> then just use a BNC cable,  wont have any  future problems
> with the crappy spring.
>
> 73 Merv K9FD/KH6
>
>> Ken,
>>
>> My bird has been acting as you described.  I will check it out.
>> I guess the remedy is to clean the spring coils ?
>> Thanks for the info ?
>>
>> 73,
>> Bob
>> K6UJ
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 11
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:50:47 -0500
> From: "Doug Shields" <[hidden email]>
> To: <[hidden email]>
> Subject: [Elecraft] K2 MAB board progress
> Message-ID: <01e001d124bf$d41c4130$7c54c390$@comcast.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="us-ascii"
>
> Hello everyone,
>
>     I wanted to give everyone an update on the K2 Miscellaneous Accessory
> Board project.  I received seven boards and some parts from Byron.  The
> boards are separated and drilled.  I have been talking to the Internal Mic
> Adapter folks about getting some of the IMA boards.  Today I sent a check
> for 20 IMA boards.  I need to order enough parts to finish out the seven MAB
> board sets on hand.  
>
>    Before I order parts, I would like to see if there is enough interest to
> order another 9 MAB boards.  So now is the time to let me know if you really
> want a MAB board.  They will be furnished assembled, with the Mic adapter
> board installed.  Pricing depends on how many sets of parts I order.  The
> larger volume of parts, the lower I can get the price for everyone.  Your
> cost will be just above my parts cost and shipping.
>
>     You can find more information about the MAB project at the link below.
> If you are interested please let me know as soon as possible.  I will be
> ordering parts next week.
>
>
>
> Doug Shields  W4DAS
>
>
>
> ---
> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 12
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:12:45 -0600
> From: Bob McGraw - K4TAX <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
>
> Small bookshelf type non amplified speakers.  I don't suggest "computer
> types" as they are typically amplified.  I found some Radio
> Shack/Realistic speakers being discontinued as catalog #40-1313.  They
> work quite nice.
>
> 73
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>> On 11/21/2015 5:24 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>> I?m interested in getting a nice stereo speaker for my K3 so I can listen to both of my rx?s at the same time without having to wear cans. What can be recommended?
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 13
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:18:53 -0600
> From: Bob McGraw - K4TAX <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
>
> I have a pair of Optimus that I no longer use.   Contact me off
> reflector for more details.
>
> 73
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>> On 11/21/2015 6:02 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> I picked up a pair of Radio Shack Optimus speakers in a second hand
>> store for $5 and they work great with my K3 - those speakers are 5
>> inch cubes.  They are not powered - just speakers, so no worry about
>> RF getting into the amplifier.
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 14
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:20:46 -0600
> From: Bob McGraw - K4TAX <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures"
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
>
> And it may be related to a specific element as well.  There is a carbon
> pot inside the element that has been known to change and/or get dirty
> just like any other pot that sits in one position for a long period of time.
>
> 73
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>> On 11/21/2015 6:27 PM, Robert Harmon wrote:
>> Ken,
>>
>> My bird has been acting as you described.  I will check it out.
>> I guess the remedy is to clean the spring coils ?
>> Thanks for the info ?
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 15
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 20:32:20 -0500
> From: Steve Ellington <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Cc: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3
> Message-ID:
>    <CAHBT4RvObU42XqzeMwQJ8MWH_SMfXq_NH-aOOJ=NLwP2D=[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> ?I'm surprised nobody mentioned the SP3.
> I like mine. It's hard to find any mention of it on the Elecraft web site
> however.
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2EmW46zgDw
> Steve N4LQ?
>
>> On Sat, Nov 21, 2015 at 6:24 PM, <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>    I?m interested in getting a nice stereo speaker for my K3 so I can
>> listen to both of my rx?s at the same time without having to wear cans.
>> What can be recommended?
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Ronnie W5SUM
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 16
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:17:12 -0700 (MST)
> From: KD7PY <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 Antenna and Alpha 87A
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> Per page 2 of the manual :
>
> 3 - 30 Mhz     600W into 5 > 500 ohm  ( 10:1 swr )
>                    1000W into 16 > 150 ohm  ( 3.1 swr )
>
> 1.8 - 2 Mhz   600W into 500 ohm  (5:1 low imp swr)          ( 10:1  Hi Imp.
> swr )  
>
>
>
> --
> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-Antenna-and-Alpha-87A-tp7610620p7610631.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 17
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 21:25:33 -0500
> From: Bill <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
>
> I use the Behringer MS40 amplified speakers. RF has never bothered them
> (1 kW) and they have two channels of input - so you can use left/right
> K3 (each RX) and the other for left/right from your computer.
>
> If you want something a little less expensive, the Creative Inspire T10
> amplified computer speakers do fine also and are not bothered by RF.
>
> Of course, this is my experience, nay-sayers and others my not
> experience the same.
>
> Bill W2BLC K-Line
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 18
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 22:09:03 -0500
> From: hsherriff <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email], [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures"
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
>
>
> I'm the supervisor of a metrology lab and that is one of the first things I ensure a new technician understands. And many times it isn't the test equipment that is at fault, nor the unit under test, but the methodology of using that test equipment. ?Not using the equipment "guard" correctly, ?induced voltages, improper test leads for the job.... and many many more.
> Harlan?NC3C?
>
>
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>
> Date: 11/21/2015  7:28 PM  (GMT-05:00)
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures"
>
> That brings to mind an adage advocated by my lab instructors in college
> and has proven to be very worthwhile over the years - it is no less
> applicable today.
> "Technician (or Engineer), know your test equipment and especially know
> its limitations".
> That means always be prepared to verify your measurement equipment
> readings by some other means rather than trusting the indication of any
> one instrument.
>
> In other words, if your test gear is telling you something that looks
> "funny", verify the test equipment as a first order of business - use an
> alternate measurement method to do a 'sanity check' and remember that
> test equipment can fail just as well as the equipment under test.
> Trust no piece of test equipment that cannot be verified for correct
> operation.
>
> As an example, I have a wattmeter that is supposedly good for HF as well
> as VHF/UHF.? The VHF part starts above 30 MHz.? When I had problems
> getting XV50 transverters to develop 20 watts as indicated on that
> meter, I used an alternate power meter and discovered that wattmeter
> took 36 watts to indicate 20 watts on its meter on 50 MHz.? On 144, 220,
> and 432 MHz it was accurate.? So that condition is now plainly marked
> with a sticker on that meter.? Verify before believing the meter in use.
>
> I know that such verification is not always within easy reach for the
> average ham, but usually there are locals with test gear that can be
> borrowed to give you a validation of whatever test equipment you are
> using (test 3 and let the most common vote be the deciding factor).? You
> do not have to pay the cost of a calibration lab to do that kind of
> verification of your test gear, but do be suspicious if you have not
> validated your test equipment in some manner.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>> On 11/21/2015 6:23 PM, Ken G Kopp wrote:
>> An earlier posting brings this to mind ....
>>
>> There is a seemingly little-known failure that frequently occurs to Bird
>> meter movements ... or more correctly ... to the connector at the sensor
>> casting end of the length of coax used to connect the (30 ua) meter to the
>> sensor.
>>
>> Often a sharp "whack" on the housing will cause the meter to resume
>> working, often for long periods of time.? The connector's internal
>> connection is made by inserting the (solid) center conductor of the coax
>> between turns of the coils of a tiny spring that's part of the center pin
>> assembly of the casting end's cable connector.
>>
>> There's such a tiny amount of current flowing through the coax center
>> conductor and the spring "connection" that it seems to corrode easily, and
>> most assume the meter movement has failed.? The resulting tiny disturbance
>> to the wire/spring junction is why the "slap" on the housing often brings
>> the meter back to life.? Many of the expensive proprietary meters have been
>> needlessly replaced because of this.
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 19
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:44:14 -0800
> From: "Ron D'Eau Claire" <[hidden email]>
> To: <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures"
> Message-ID: <001501d124d8$0ec51d30$2c4f5790$@biz>
> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="us-ascii"
>
> If you want to rely on a piece of test equipment it MUST be serviced and
> calibrated regularly. The Bird wattmeter I carried as a marine radio service
> tech was calibrated annually without fail, or immediately after I dropped a
> slug! Banging on a slug it the quickest way to change the calibration.
> That's why they are kept in the spaces provide on the meter housing when not
> in use.
>
> All of the Birds I've seen in Ham's hands have calibration stickers many
> years old.
>
> 73, Ron AC7AC
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 20
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 21:49:37 -0600
> From: Bob McGraw - K4TAX <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures"
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
>
> For that reason I shy away from buying Bird elements at a hamfest.    As
> my mother would frequently tell me;  "don't touch that, you don't know
> where its been".
>
> 73
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>> On 11/21/2015 9:44 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
>> Banging on a slug it the quickest way to change the calibration.
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 21
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 22:58:23 -0500
> From: Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>
> To: hsherriff <[hidden email]>, [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures"
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
>
> Harlan,
>
> That is correct - improper test leads are often a 'culprit'.
>   For instance trying to measure an HF signal with a 'scope.  The
> 'scope may b rated for 200 MHz, but if you try to us a "hunk of coax"
> for a probe, the frequency rating may diminish to 2 MHz (OK, that is
> just an example).  You need to consider the whole measurement system.  A
> scope's frequency rating must also be coupled with the frequency rating
> of the probe.  The use of 10X probes is necessary to keep capacitance
> loading of the circuit under test to a minimum.  And those probes have a
> frequency rating too.  Take the entire setup of the test equipment into
> consideration when doing measurements.
> Make certain that every part of the test equipment being used is
> suitable for the frequency involved.  A simple coax probe may be OK for
> AF frequencies, but it is not adequate when the frequency is increased.
>
> A 'scope can show proper RF voltage amplitude, but the frequency rating
> of the probe and the 'scope should be taken into consideration.  For
> instance, a 35 MHz scope will only show a signal that is 3 dB down at 35
> MHz.   I would suggest that valid RF voltage measurements be made at
> 1/10 of the 'scope's frequency rating (and that goes for the probe too).
>
> Again I state, trust no measurement equipment until its accuracy has
> been verified.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>
>> On 11/21/2015 10:09 PM, hsherriff wrote:
>> I'm the supervisor of a metrology lab and that is one of the first
>> things I ensure a new technician understands. And many times it isn't
>> the test equipment that is at fault, nor the unit under test, but the
>> methodology of using that test equipment.  Not using the equipment
>> "guard" correctly,  induced voltages, improper test leads for the
>> job.... and many many more.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 22
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 20:12:30 -0800
> From: Alan <[hidden email]>
> To: Mike Reublin NF4L <[hidden email]>
> Cc: Elecraft List <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [P3] Can I?
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
>
>> On 11/20/2015 04:35 AM, Mike Reublin NF4L wrote:
>> I'm not doing a a good job of explaining I think.
>>
>> The rig is at 3.524. I double-tap the Split button to equalize the
>> VFOs, then hold Split. The P3 is set to a span of 10, i.e. -5 appears
>> to the left, +5 appears to the right. I set the P3 to tracking mode
>> and move the green cursor to the left edge of the screen.
>
> I assume you mean you use the CENTER control to move the center
> frequency up 5 kHz so that the VFO A (green) cursor is at the left edge
> of the screen.  At this point the left edge of the screen is at 3.524
> MHz and the right edge is at 3.534 assuming the span is still 10 kHz.
>
>> What I'm looking for is that when I tune either the B VFO or the B
>> marker up band, it reaches the far right edge of the screen when I
>> get to 3.529, instead of reaching 3.529 when it gets just to the
>> right of the screen center.
>
> To do that the span has to be 5 kHz.  (3.529 MHz - 3.524 MHz = 5 kHz)
>
>> In this set-up moving the B marker moves the A & B cursor and the
>> marker and changes the center freq. displayed on the screen. That
>> isn't desirable.
>
> I don't understand that.  Moving VFO B or either of the markers (A or B)
> should not cause the center frequency to change.  That only happens if
> VFO A is moved.  (Tracking mode)
>
>> I don't want to change the span, just the amount of real estate it
>> covers.
>
> But the span IS the amount of real estate that the screen covers.  It is
> the difference between the frequency at the right edge and the frequency
> at the left edge.
>
> Sorry, I'm probably still missing something.  :=)
>
> Alan N1AL
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 23
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 21:34:58 -0700
> From: "lmarion" <[hidden email]>
> To: "Ron D'Eau Claire" <[hidden email]>,    <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures"
> Message-ID: <51BD47B71B744B3EBE8BCF98E5A7630E@LeroyPC>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="UTF-8";
>    reply-type=original
>
> The Bird wattmeter is a coarse and loose measurement device.
> It is the most overrated power meter, especially in the amateur community.
> The calibration is only possibly  five percent at a single frequency,
> usually the center frequency of the slug. Away from that frequency it
> rapidly
> goes way off , I have seen as much as 30% in the range of the slug.
> It?s a very rugged meter, used to confirm a rough level of RF. It is better
> at confirming a SWR, as the frequency error is the same in forward as in
> reverse.
> I have seen many new slugs that could not be calibrated to >10%  over a
> 10Mhz range.
>    Accurate power meters have frequency  calibration factors for each power
> head sensor.,
> in modern ones it is sometimes in a PROM in the sensor head.
> I have told this story many, many times in the ham community.
> Bird marketing may be the reason for the ridiculous reverence for them in
> the ham community. You can drop one from the tower and it will probably
> work as poorly as it ever did,  one of their only strengths .
>
> Leroy   AB7CE , retired NIST calibrations standards technician.
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ron D'Eau Claire
> Sent: Saturday, November 21, 2015 8:44 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures"
>
> If you want to rely on a piece of test equipment it MUST be serviced and
> calibrated regularly. The Bird wattmeter I carried as a marine radio service
> tech was calibrated annually without fail, or immediately after I dropped a
> slug! Banging on a slug it the quickest way to change the calibration.
> That's why they are kept in the spaces provide on the meter housing when not
> in use.
>
> All of the Birds I've seen in Ham's hands have calibration stickers many
> years old.
>
> 73, Ron AC7AC
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 24
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 21:47:17 -0700
> From: "Wes (N7WS)" <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 NB problem
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
>
> I experienced the same phenomenon as did Larry.  Some of this was the "fault"
> (i.e. normal operation) of the noise blanker; some of it was due to the
> absolutely abysmal quality of too many of the signals. Regrettably, there were
> probably some K3s contributing to the mess if some recent QSOs I've had with
> other owners are any indication.  Although I often get unsolicited kudos for my
> audio, I recently had a 17-meter ragchew with a W6 transplant in GA whose K3
> sounded simply awful and looked it on the spectrum scope.
>
> Regarding the K3 NB, frankly, I wonder why, with a radio with so many "smarts"
> built in, we have to adjust I-F NB parameters at all.  Setting the threshold
> automatically, under most conditions, should be automatic and extending the
> blanking pulse width to match the noise impulse duration should be trivial.  
> See: http://k6mhe.com/n7ws/Noise_Blanker.pdf  for some ancient work.
>
> (I actually wrote this paper as a final exam for a technical writing course I
> took.  We were told to write something suitable for publication, including
> letters of submission and a release from the company I worked for.  I said to
> myself, "Self, you've done all of the work, why not just for the heck of it
> submit it to a ham radio publication?  Since the company only gave "published
> papers awards" for peer-reviewed publications, I figured I really didn't require
> their approval so I sent it to Ham Radio Magazine and they paid me instead.  A
> couple of years later a guy said to me, "I see your circuit was published in
> Bill Orr's Radio Handbook."  First I knew about it. One would think that a guy
> who stole your work would at least give you a free book; but no.)
>
>
>>  On 11/20/2015 8:00 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote:
>> Hi Larry,
>>
>> For the IF NB I usually use a level of 3, or 4 max, with a narrow typically
>> for the width. This generally works quite well for me with minimal intermod.
>> More aggressive thresholds and wider widths significantly increase the
>> likelihood of nearby strong signal intermod with IF based NBs.
>>
>> As another poster mentioned, the DSP NB can be cascaded after the IF NB, or
>> just on its own. So trying different combinations of these may also help in
>> your situation.
>>
>> Eric
>> /elecraft.com/
>>
>>> On 11/20/2015 3:00 PM, Larry - K1UO wrote:
>>> I discovered the source of a ?noise? I was complaining about on 80M cw this
>>> AM.  I finally noticed that it would always come on at exactly the time VK9WA
>>> said ?UP?!!   and varied in intensity and duration until he answered
>>> someone..at which time the noise was gone and S meter returned to S1!! Seems
>>> like the NB  settings on the K3 are causing IMD and phase noise from the
>>> pileup up the Band a bit to sound like rain static and jump to a level of
>>> S5-6 on the K3 meter!  Never ran into that before with a K3...  Then again,
>>> except for this new electric fence pulse, I never needed to use the NB for
>>> anything at this previously dead quiet location.    Any ideas on what
>>> settings I should use or try for this electric fence noise? Possibly the
>>> settings that I am using are too aggressive and would cause this?
>>> Regards
>>> Larry  K1UO
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 25
> Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2015 23:49:07 -0500
> From: Brian Denley <[hidden email]>
> To: Doug Shields <[hidden email]>
> Cc: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 MAB board progress
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset=us-ascii
>
> Again I definitely want a set.  I will pay up front if you need the money first.
>
> Brian Denley
> KB1VBF
> Sent from my iPad
>
>> On Nov 21, 2015, at 7:50 PM, Doug Shields <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Hello everyone,
>>
>>    I wanted to give everyone an update on the K2 Miscellaneous Accessory
>> Board project.  I received seven boards and some parts from Byron.  The
>> boards are separated and drilled.  I have been talking to the Internal Mic
>> Adapter folks about getting some of the IMA boards.  Today I sent a check
>> for 20 IMA boards.  I need to order enough parts to finish out the seven MAB
>> board sets on hand.  
>>
>>   Before I order parts, I would like to see if there is enough interest to
>> order another 9 MAB boards.  So now is the time to let me know if you really
>> want a MAB board.  They will be furnished assembled, with the Mic adapter
>> board installed.  Pricing depends on how many sets of parts I order.  The
>> larger volume of parts, the lower I can get the price for everyone.  Your
>> cost will be just above my parts cost and shipping.
>>
>>    You can find more information about the MAB project at the link below.
>> If you are interested please let me know as soon as possible.  I will be
>> ordering parts next week.
>>
>>
>>
>> Doug Shields  W4DAS
>>
>>
>>
>> ---
>> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
>> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 26
> Date: Sun, 22 Nov 2015 01:31:06 -0600
> From: Richard Fjeld <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures"
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252"; format=flowed
>
> I have found it necessary to apply some contact cleaner to a clean cloth
> and wipe around the slug socket
> and slug to restore conduction.
>
> Dick, n0ce
>
>> On 11/21/2015 9:44 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
>> If you want to rely on a piece of test equipment it MUST be serviced and
>> calibrated regularly. The Bird wattmeter I carried as a marine radio service
>> tech was calibrated annually without fail, or immediately after I dropped a
>> slug! Banging on a slug it the quickest way to change the calibration.
>> That's why they are kept in the spaces provide on the meter housing when not
>> in use.
>>
>> All of the Birds I've seen in Ham's hands have calibration stickers many
>> years old.
>>
>> 73, Ron AC7AC
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 27
> Date: Sun, 22 Nov 2015 05:12:03 -0600
> From: <[hidden email]>
> To: <[hidden email]>,    "Bill" <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Stereo Speaker for K3
> Message-ID: <994FC9D08AA54ABFAF753323DDC87F1A@MININTMC1HLDC>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
>    reply-type=response
>
>
> Thanks for the positive responses y'all, I'll pick up some speakers soon.
>
> as for the unpositive responses off the list, dang.. I'm new to this list
> and didn't realize there were so many hateful people. I didn't know this had
> been hashed over before on this list.
>
> I shall not bother y'all further.
>
> Ronnie W5SUM
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 28
> Date: Sun, 22 Nov 2015 06:34:05 -0500
> From: briancom <[hidden email]>
> To: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
> Cc: hsherriff <[hidden email]>,    "[hidden email]"
>    <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Bird Wattmeter "meter failures"
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset=us-ascii
>
> Good point Don.  Would like to point out that some commercial scopes these days come with probes that are inadequate for the bandwidth of the scope they are connected to.
> The scopes might be rated foe 100 MHz but with the supplied probes the system is lucky to make 50 MHz.  Tektronix was an exception.  Their bandwidth specs were met with factory probes.   Unfortunately the only way to know is to test the entire systems response with a calibrated generator.   One bargain sampling scope I bought was not such a bargain after buying several sets of probes to find ones meeting bandwidth specs.  Even then the best match probe had to have its ground lead shortened a bit to flatten the response.  
>
> Developing a trust in ones test equipment takes effort and time.
> 73 de Brian K3KO
> Sent from my iPad
>
>> On Nov 21, 2015, at 10:58 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Harlan,
>>
>> That is correct - improper test leads are often a 'culprit'.
>> For instance trying to measure an HF signal with a 'scope.  The 'scope may b rated for 200 MHz, but if you try to us a "hunk of coax" for a probe, the frequency rating may diminish to 2 MHz (OK, that is just an example).  You need to consider the whole measurement system.  A scope's frequency rating must also be coupled with the frequency rating of the probe.  The use of 10X probes is necessary to keep capacitance loading of the circuit under test to a minimum.  And those probes have a frequency rating too.  Take the entire setup of the test equipment into consideration when doing measurements.
>> Make certain that every part of the test equipment being used is suitable for the frequency involved.  A simple coax probe may be OK for AF frequencies, but it is not adequate when the frequency is increased.
>>
>> A 'scope can show proper RF voltage amplitude, but the frequency rating of the probe and the 'scope should be taken into consideration.  For instance, a 35 MHz scope will only show a signal that is 3 dB down at 35 MHz.   I would suggest that valid RF voltage measurements be made at 1/10 of the 'scope's frequency rating (and that goes for the probe too).
>>
>> Again I state, trust no measurement equipment until its accuracy has been verified.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>>
>>> On 11/21/2015 10:09 PM, hsherriff wrote:
>>> I'm the supervisor of a metrology lab and that is one of the first things I ensure a new technician understands. And many times it isn't the test equipment that is at fault, nor the unit under test, but the methodology of using that test equipment.  Not using the equipment "guard" correctly,  induced voltages, improper test leads for the job.... and many many more.
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 29
> Date: Sun, 22 Nov 2015 06:48:16 -0500
> From: Pete Smith N4ZR <[hidden email]>
> To: Elecraft List <[hidden email]>
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 sudden loss of output power
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
>
> I was routinely calling VK9WA on 40 when my amp suddenly started showing
> only 300 watts out.  A little exploration, with the amp out of the
> circuit, showed that my K3's output has fallen off to only about 30
> watts on 40and 45 on 20.  It shows 85 watts on 15 but full power on
> 10M.  Indicated SWR is 1-1.5:1 on all bands.
>
> Any diagnostic ideas much appreciated!
>
> --
>
> 73, Pete N4ZR
> Download the new N1MM Logger+ at
> <http://N1MM.hamdocs.com>. Check
> out the Reverse Beacon Network at
> <http://reversebeacon.net>, now
> spotting RTTY activity worldwide.
> For spots, please use your favorite
> "retail" DX cluster.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Subject: Digest Footer
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> You must be a subscriber to post.
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of Elecraft Digest, Vol 139, Issue 30
> *****************************************

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