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Tech Mode

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Ken G Kopp

Tech Mode

I've wondered why there's an "OFF" mode for TECH MODE. Mine's never
been off since I first turned it on. There's likely a reason, but I'm not
aware
of it.

73!

Ken - K0PP

On Sat, Mar 7, 2015 at 3:32 PM, Mike Reublin NF4L <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Ted -
> unless Tech Mode is łON˛ in Config. Since it is recommended that Tech Md
> > be normally off
>
> When I first discovered TechMode, I turned it on and it's been on for
> years now. Who recommended it be off and why?
>
> 73, Mike NF4L
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

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Roger D Johnson

Re: Tech Mode

I think it's for Field Day or contests where someone else may be operating the
rig. It keeps
some of the more critical items a bit better hidden.

73, Roger

On 3/7/2015 5:36 PM, Ken G Kopp wrote:

> I've wondered why there's an "OFF" mode for TECH MODE. Mine's never
> been off since I first turned it on. There's likely a reason, but I'm not
> aware
> of it.
>
> 73!
>
> Ken - K0PP
>
>

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: Tech Mode

There is no harm in leaving TECH MD set to ON, but there is exposure for
those "playing in the menu" to undo the calibration settings that fall
under the requirement to have tech mode turned on. So when used at the
home station, fumble fingers is the major exposure.
Now -- for Field Day and other occasions where others operating your K3
might try changing settings 'just to see what happens', you may want to
turn TECH MD off during that event.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/7/2015 5:56 PM, Roger D Johnson wrote:

> I think it's for Field Day or contests where someone else may be
> operating the rig. It keeps
> some of the more critical items a bit better hidden.
>
> 73, Roger
>
>
> On 3/7/2015 5:36 PM, Ken G Kopp wrote:
>> I've wondered why there's an "OFF" mode for TECH MODE. Mine's never
>> been off since I first turned it on. There's likely a reason, but
>> I'm not
>> aware
>> of it.
>>

k6dgw

Re: Tech Mode

Hmmm ... maybe a password or PIN to turn TECH MD on? :-)

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
- www.cqp.org

On 3/7/2015 3:27 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> There is no harm in leaving TECH MD set to ON, but there is exposure for
> those "playing in the menu" to undo the calibration settings that fall
> under the requirement to have tech mode turned on. So when used at the
> home station, fumble fingers is the major exposure.
> Now -- for Field Day and other occasions where others operating your K3
> might try changing settings 'just to see what happens', you may want to
> turn TECH MD off during that event.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: Tech Mode

No way!
I have too many passwords and PINs as it is. Leave well enough alone.
Those who are prone to inattention and fumble fingers should *not* leave
TECH MD set to ON -- do as the manual suggests.
Those who choose to leave it set to ON will just have to accept the
consequences if some calibration parameter is inadvertently changed.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/7/2015 6:51 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:
> Hmmm ... maybe a password or PIN to turn TECH MD on? :-)
>

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k6dgw

Re: Tech Mode

Just kidding Don. :-) I turned mine on when I had to and never turned
it off. Since I almost never go into the menu systems, the fact that
I'm becoming more clumsy as I accumulate birthdays hasn't affected the
performance of my K3.

My new synthesizer hasn't arrived yet, but I'm getting the impression
that installation is pretty straightforward. What isn't going to be
straightforward is sorting out all the "wireless stuff" behind the rack
to get the K3 re-installed. I think I'll dismantle everything, clean up
all the dust and use the hand-vac, and start fresh.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
- www.cqp.org

On 3/7/2015 4:12 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> No way!
> I have too many passwords and PINs as it is. Leave well enough alone.
> Those who are prone to inattention and fumble fingers should *not* leave
> TECH MD set to ON -- do as the manual suggests.
> Those who choose to leave it set to ON will just have to accept the
> consequences if some calibration parameter is inadvertently changed.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 3/7/2015 6:51 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:
>> Hmmm ... maybe a password or PIN to turn TECH MD on? :-)
>>
>
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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: Tech Mode

I cannot help with the clutter behind your K3. That is the
responsibility of each and every K3 owner. A good yearly "Spring
cleaning" may be the only solution to the wire clutter in a 'wireless'
ham station. I do not schedule that activity, but do it any time I pull
the K3 out of its berth for any reason. You may have heard that
"Cleanliness is next to Godliness", but OTOH, if it is not broke, do not
try to fix it.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/7/2015 7:27 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:

> Just kidding Don. :-) I turned mine on when I had to and never turned
> it off. Since I almost never go into the menu systems, the fact that
> I'm becoming more clumsy as I accumulate birthdays hasn't affected the
> performance of my K3.
>
> My new synthesizer hasn't arrived yet, but I'm getting the impression
> that installation is pretty straightforward. What isn't going to be
> straightforward is sorting out all the "wireless stuff" behind the
> rack to get the K3 re-installed. I think I'll dismantle everything,
> clean up all the dust and use the hand-vac, and start fresh.
>

wayne burdick

On new synthesizer installation

Administrator

Fred Jensen wrote:

>> My new synthesizer hasn't arrived yet, but I'm getting the impression that installation is pretty straightforward. What isn't going to be straightforward is sorting out all the "wireless stuff" behind the rack.

Then Don Wilhelm wrote:

> A good yearly "Spring cleaning" may be the only solution to the wire clutter in a 'wireless' ham station.

Some take cleaning to a whole 'nuther level, Don.

Here in the far West, we've heard rumors of a reclusive former paramilitary man who can break down a loaded K3 in ten minutes, right down to the last chassis screw. He does it blindfolded, over a light lunch.

Once the modules are neatly laid out on a deerskin antistatic mat, he'll polish the gold-plated connector contacts on each one to a high luster, using tools handed down from a distant cousin who cut his teeth on the K2. Discretes are dusted, toroids untilted, ICs inspected. He then reassembles the rig with crisp assurance and a steady hand. "Bet my noise floor dropped by a dB," he might say, with a wink, before launching into a fish tale about DX on a dummy load, fueled by the strongest microbrew this side of Fort Tuthill.

So, Fred, when your new synthesizers arrive, take your time. Embrace the kinesthetic wonder that is TMP cable installation. But when you do it for the very first time, remember: this path has been blazed before. Heed the voice of the sage.

Read the manual.

Wayne
N6KR

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Guy Olinger K2AV

Re: On new synthesizer installation

RTFM? You cut us to the bone. Know where everything goes and exactly how
in advance? What challenge to that?

73, Guy

On Sunday, March 8, 2015, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Fred Jensen wrote:
>
> >> My new synthesizer hasn't arrived yet, but I'm getting the impression
> that installation is pretty straightforward. What isn't going to be
> straightforward is sorting out all the "wireless stuff" behind the rack.
>
> Then Don Wilhelm wrote:
>
> > A good yearly "Spring cleaning" may be the only solution to the wire
> clutter in a 'wireless' ham station.
>
> Some take cleaning to a whole 'nuther level, Don.
>
> Here in the far West, we've heard rumors of a reclusive former
> paramilitary man who can break down a loaded K3 in ten minutes, right down
> to the last chassis screw. He does it blindfolded, over a light lunch.
>
> Once the modules are neatly laid out on a deerskin antistatic mat, he'll
> polish the gold-plated connector contacts on each one to a high luster,
> using tools handed down from a distant cousin who cut his teeth on the K2.
> Discretes are dusted, toroids untilted, ICs inspected. He then reassembles
> the rig with crisp assurance and a steady hand. "Bet my noise floor dropped
> by a dB," he might say, with a wink, before launching into a fish tale
> about DX on a dummy load, fueled by the strongest microbrew this side of
> Fort Tuthill.
>
> So, Fred, when your new synthesizers arrive, take your time. Embrace the
> kinesthetic wonder that is TMP cable installation. But when you do it for
> the very first time, remember: this path has been blazed before. Heed the
> voice of the sage.
>
> Read the manual.
>
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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>

Phil Anderson

Re: Tech Mode

In reply to this post by k6dgw

Hey Fred, etal... about wireless clean up and NOISE. Redoing my
basement, adding insulation and sheet rock.....once that's done, I too
must clean up the "wireless stuff" hanging out behind the K3, P3, two HP
23" displays, and Dell Optiplex 330 on the bench. While cleaning the
wireless stuff up, I'm planning to follow some of the advice blogged by
K9YC: replace zip cord with twisted pair (CAT5 type) for cabling (such
as the winkeyer between the Dell and the K3) various items together,
grounding the shielded of all boxes on the table to just ONE GND spot
(which is also connected to GREEN safety). I'm also going to audit where
the noise sources in the house are and add where needed CMC (chokes) to
cut the noise level into the radio bench. For example, I have noted
that the original contractor (19 year house) added one smoke alarm near
the kitchen and one at each end of the basement. The cable for the later
two runs just eight feet above my bench and the total length of that
cable back to the breaker box is about 60 feet! That's likely a good
antenna. I also need to audit all circuits (including door bell) running
from the eight breakers in the main box and another 6 in the basement
satellite box. Lots of potential antennas there for RFI pickup!

Right now, my P3 shows a noise level on 30 meters of about 3 dB above
reference. I also see several steady traces on the waterfall display
below, finding that the source of that one at 10.122 is my LINKSYS
router attached to my Dell with cable. So you see, the RFI cleanup is
probably going to take longer than the basement redo project! 73, Phil,
W0XI in Kansas.

>
> [(Fred Jenen...) My new synthesizer hasn't arrived yet, but I'm
> getting the impression that installation is pretty straightforward.
> What isn't going to be straightforward is sorting out all the
> "wireless stuff" behind the rack to get the K3 re-installed. I think
> I'll dismantle everything, clean up all the dust and use the hand-vac,
> and start fresh.]
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
> Don Wilhelm <mailto:[hidden email]>
> Saturday, March 07, 2015 6:12 PM
> No way!
> I have too many passwords and PINs as it is. Leave well enough alone.
> Those who are prone to inattention and fumble fingers should *not*
> leave TECH MD set to ON -- do as the manual suggests.
> Those who choose to leave it set to ON will just have to accept the
> consequences if some calibration parameter is inadvertently changed.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>
> Fred Jensen <mailto:[hidden email]>
> Saturday, March 07, 2015 5:51 PM
> Hmmm ... maybe a password or PIN to turn TECH MD on? :-)
>
> 73,
>
> Fred K6DGW
> - Northern California Contest Club
> - CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
> - www.cqp.org
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>
> Don Wilhelm <mailto:[hidden email]>
> Saturday, March 07, 2015 5:27 PM
> There is no harm in leaving TECH MD set to ON, but there is exposure
> for those "playing in the menu" to undo the calibration settings that
> fall under the requirement to have tech mode turned on. So when used
> at the home station, fumble fingers is the major exposure.
> Now -- for Field Day and other occasions where others operating your
> K3 might try changing settings 'just to see what happens', you may
> want to turn TECH MD off during that event.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>
> Roger D Johnson <mailto:[hidden email]>
> Saturday, March 07, 2015 4:56 PM
> I think it's for Field Day or contests where someone else may be
> operating the rig. It keeps
> some of the more critical items a bit better hidden.
>
> 73, Roger
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

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Elecraft mailing list

Re: Tech Mode

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

It's also wise to save your Configuration anytime you add a board ormake a change so you have it just in case you need to revert back to it

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Merv Schweigert

Re: On new synthesizer installation

In reply to this post by wayne burdick

Any chance we can get this guy to write a manual with complete index and
all the
K3 info on one book?
Semper Fi

73 Merv K9FD/KH6

> Fred Jensen wrote:
>
>>> My new synthesizer hasn't arrived yet, but I'm getting the impression that installation is pretty straightforward. What isn't going to be straightforward is sorting out all the "wireless stuff" behind the rack.
> Then Don Wilhelm wrote:
>
>> A good yearly "Spring cleaning" may be the only solution to the wire clutter in a 'wireless' ham station.
> Some take cleaning to a whole 'nuther level, Don.
>
> Here in the far West, we've heard rumors of a reclusive former paramilitary man who can break down a loaded K3 in ten minutes, right down to the last chassis screw. He does it blindfolded, over a light lunch.
>
> Once the modules are neatly laid out on a deerskin antistatic mat, he'll polish the gold-plated connector contacts on each one to a high luster, using tools handed down from a distant cousin who cut his teeth on the K2. Discretes are dusted, toroids untilted, ICs inspected. He then reassembles the rig with crisp assurance and a steady hand. "Bet my noise floor dropped by a dB," he might say, with a wink, before launching into a fish tale about DX on a dummy load, fueled by the strongest microbrew this side of Fort Tuthill.
>
> So, Fred, when your new synthesizers arrive, take your time. Embrace the kinesthetic wonder that is TMP cable installation. But when you do it for the very first time, remember: this path has been blazed before. Heed the voice of the sage.
>
> Read the manual.
>
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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>
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> .
>

Phil Wheeler-2

Re: On new synthesizer installation

In reply to this post by wayne burdick

Re "But when you do it for the very first time,
remember: this path has been blazed before. Heed
the voice of the sage.": I'm sure glad the "sage"
learned the wisdom of not having to re-install
those tiny split washers behind the PCB :-)

73, Phil W7OX

On 3/7/15 10:47 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: