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Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

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donovanf

Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

During the Coronavirus crisis many of us have much more time than
usual for serious technical experimentation and testing.

I'm building a transceiver test bed and I'll regularly report the progress
of my test setup, procedures and results. The intent of my test bed
is to document the transmitter and receiver performance of modern
transceivers in the intense QRM environment encountered by contesters.
My test bed will not be used to duplicate technical tests such as sensitivity
and dynamic range that are well documented by other expert testers.

I welcome constructive comments about my test bed, test procedures and
results.

Hopefully other technically inclined hams will develop similar test beds
so we can compare our test procedures and results. I will share my initial
test results prior to availability of the Elecraft K4.

Test Description:

Transceivers #1 and #2 will be QRM generators using two K3 transceivers
with DVRs and stored Morse messages feeding Array Solutions Powermaster
digital wattmeters and individual dummy loads. The QRM generator
transceivers will use various frequencies very close to the frequency of
transceiver #3. The DVRs and CW message memories in the QRM
generator transceivers will store various voice and Morse messages
which will change as the test procedures evolve. The power levels and
frequencies of the QRM generator transceivers will be varied in accordance
with written test procedures.

Transceivers #3 and #4 will be the transceivers under test.

Transceiver #3 will be the transmitter-under-test feeding an Array Solutions
Powermaster digital wattmeter and dummy load. Initially they will be
my K3 and FTdx5000 transceivers and my Heil and ModMic microphones.
Transmitter #3 will generate call signs and contest exchanges to be transcribed
by operators listening to transceiver #4. The frequencies, power level,
callsigns, contest exchanges, microphones and operator controllable settings
(e.g., compression and equalization) used by transceiver #3 will be varied in
accordance with written test procedures.

Transceiver #4 will be the receiver-under-test connected to a dummy load.
Initially they will be my K3 and FTdx5000 transceivers. The callsigns
and contest exchanges transmitted by transceiver #3 will not be known to
the operator transcribing the audio heard from transceiver #4. A variety of
operators will be invited to transcribe the callsigns and contest exchanges
they hear on this transceiver.

73
Frank
W3LPL
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EricJ-2

Re: Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

I thought I was a master at making a BFD out of anything. I am not worthy!

Eric KE6US

On 3/31/2020 10:44 AM, [hidden email] wrote:

>
>
> During the Coronavirus crisis many of us have much more time than
> usual for serious technical experimentation and testing.
>
> I'm building a transceiver test bed and I'll regularly report the progress
> of my test setup, procedures and results. The intent of my test bed
> is to document the transmitter and receiver performance of modern
> transceivers in the intense QRM environment encountered by contesters.
> My test bed will not be used to duplicate technical tests such as sensitivity
> and dynamic range that are well documented by other expert testers.
>
> I welcome constructive comments about my test bed, test procedures and
> results.
>
> Hopefully other technically inclined hams will develop similar test beds
> so we can compare our test procedures and results. I will share my initial
> test results prior to availability of the Elecraft K4.
>
> Test Description:
>
> Transceivers #1 and #2 will be QRM generators using two K3 transceivers
> with DVRs and stored Morse messages feeding Array Solutions Powermaster
> digital wattmeters and individual dummy loads. The QRM generator
> transceivers will use various frequencies very close to the frequency of
> transceiver #3. The DVRs and CW message memories in the QRM
> generator transceivers will store various voice and Morse messages
> which will change as the test procedures evolve. The power levels and
> frequencies of the QRM generator transceivers will be varied in accordance
> with written test procedures.
>
> Transceivers #3 and #4 will be the transceivers under test.
>
> Transceiver #3 will be the transmitter-under-test feeding an Array Solutions
> Powermaster digital wattmeter and dummy load. Initially they will be
> my K3 and FTdx5000 transceivers and my Heil and ModMic microphones.
> Transmitter #3 will generate call signs and contest exchanges to be transcribed
> by operators listening to transceiver #4. The frequencies, power level,
> callsigns, contest exchanges, microphones and operator controllable settings
> (e.g., compression and equalization) used by transceiver #3 will be varied in
> accordance with written test procedures.
>
> Transceiver #4 will be the receiver-under-test connected to a dummy load.
> Initially they will be my K3 and FTdx5000 transceivers. The callsigns
> and contest exchanges transmitted by transceiver #3 will not be known to
> the operator transcribing the audio heard from transceiver #4. A variety of
> operators will be invited to transcribe the callsigns and contest exchanges
> they hear on this transceiver.
>
> 73
> Frank
> W3LPL
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
> .

Jim Brown-10

Re: Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

In reply to this post by donovanf

On 3/31/2020 10:44 AM, [hidden email] wrote:
> I welcome constructive comments about my test bed, test procedures and
> results.

Hi Frank,

A worthwhile experiment. Suggestions. Use dirtier QRM rigs. Low cost
(less than FTDX5000) Yaesu rigs have lots of RF IMD on SSB, even when
not badly adjusted. W4TV has documented the cause(s) of this within the
radios. Also, set both QRM rigs and intended signal rigs for relatively
high distortion audio. Also try intended signal rig with no low-cut EQ,
no HF boost.

73, Jim K9YC
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donovanf

Re: Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

Hi Jim,

Very good ideas! I'll also use my FTdx5000s as QRM radios and
also try the K3s to see if the there is a measurable difference
in QRM

tks

73
Frank
W3LPL

----- Original Message -----

From: "Jim Brown" <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2020 7:31:10 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

On 3/31/2020 10:44 AM, [hidden email] wrote:
> I welcome constructive comments about my test bed, test procedures and
> results.

Hi Frank,

A worthwhile experiment. Suggestions. Use dirtier QRM rigs. Low cost
(less than FTDX5000) Yaesu rigs have lots of RF IMD on SSB, even when
not badly adjusted. W4TV has documented the cause(s) of this within the
radios. Also, set both QRM rigs and intended signal rigs for relatively
high distortion audio. Also try intended signal rig with no low-cut EQ,
no HF boost.

73, Jim K9YC
______________________________________________________________
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Barry LaZar

Re: Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

Frank,
I can't speak to the other radios, but you do need to fiddle the
values of the AGC on the K3s to get the best out of the radios. I think
the defaults are just to see if the radio works or is where it was left
while undergoing QC at Elecraft.

BTW: I'm glad one of us is doing something worthwhile. ;-)

73,
Barry
K3NDM

------ Original Message ------
From: [hidden email]
To: [hidden email]
Sent: 3/31/2020 3:39:44 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

>Hi Jim,
>
>
>Very good ideas! I'll also use my FTdx5000s as QRM radios and
>also try the K3s to see if the there is a measurable difference
>in QRM
>
>
>tks
>
>
>73
>Frank
>W3LPL
>
>----- Original Message -----
>
>From: "Jim Brown" <[hidden email]>
>To: [hidden email]
>Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2020 7:31:10 PM
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL
>
>On 3/31/2020 10:44 AM, [hidden email] wrote:
>> I welcome constructive comments about my test bed, test procedures and
>> results.
>
>Hi Frank,
>
>A worthwhile experiment. Suggestions. Use dirtier QRM rigs. Low cost
>(less than FTDX5000) Yaesu rigs have lots of RF IMD on SSB, even when
>not badly adjusted. W4TV has documented the cause(s) of this within the
>radios. Also, set both QRM rigs and intended signal rigs for relatively
>high distortion audio. Also try intended signal rig with no low-cut EQ,
>no HF boost.
>
>73, Jim K9YC
>______________________________________________________________
>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]
>
>______________________________________________________________
>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]

donovanf

Re: Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

Hi Barry,

Good ideas. It will be an interesting challenge to eek out the best possible
performance from each radio-under-test. We'll learn a lot.

tks

73
Frank
W3LPL

----- Original Message -----

From: "Barry" <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email], [hidden email]
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2020 7:49:50 PM
Subject: Re[2]: [Elecraft] Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

Frank,
I can't speak to the other radios, but you do need to fiddle the
values of the AGC on the K3s to get the best out of the radios. I think
the defaults are just to see if the radio works or is where it was left
while undergoing QC at Elecraft.

BTW: I'm glad one of us is doing something worthwhile. ;-)

73,
Barry
K3NDM

------ Original Message ------
From: [hidden email]
To: [hidden email]
Sent: 3/31/2020 3:39:44 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

Jim Brown-10

Re: Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

In reply to this post by donovanf

My measurements of N6TA's FTDX5000 about three years ago found it to be
pretty clean on SSB. http://k9yc.com/FTDX5000_Report.pdf

73, Jim K9YC

On 3/31/2020 12:39 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
> I'll also use my FTdx5000s as QRM radios

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donovanf

Re: Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

Hi Jim,

I'll try a variety of transceivers as QRM generators and document
the good and the bad...

tks

73
Frank
W3LPL

----- Original Message -----

From: "Jim Brown" <[hidden email]>
To: "Reflector Elecraft" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2020 8:16:59 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

My measurements of N6TA's FTDX5000 about three years ago found it to be
pretty clean on SSB. http://k9yc.com/FTDX5000_Report.pdf

73, Jim K9YC

On 3/31/2020 12:39 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
> I'll also use my FTdx5000s as QRM radios

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Grant Youngman-2

Re: Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

If you’re going to do this, I trust it won’t be “anecdotal”, and that you have the equipment necessary to provide concrete measurable and rmost importantly, repeatable, results. Maybe you do. But anything else is just opinion.

Grant NQ5T

> On Mar 31, 2020, at 4:46 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>
> Hi Jim,
>
>
> I'll try a variety of transceivers as QRM generators and document
> the good and the bad...
>
>

______________________________________________________________
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donovanf

Re: Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

Hi Grant,

I'll do it right, you can take that to the bank

73
Frank
W3LPL

----- Original Message -----

From: "Grant Youngman" <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Cc: "Elecraft Refl" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2020 9:03:14 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

If you’re going to do this, I trust it won’t be “anecdotal”, and that you have the equipment necessary to provide concrete measurable and rmost importantly, repeatable, results. Maybe you do. But anything else is just opinion.

Grant NQ5T

> On Mar 31, 2020, at 4:46 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>
> Hi Jim,
>
>
> I'll try a variety of transceivers as QRM generators and document
> the good and the bad...
>
>

______________________________________________________________
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Bob Wilson, N6TV

Re: Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

In reply to this post by Barry LaZar

On Tue, Mar 31, 2020 at 12:50 PM Barry <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I can't speak to the other radios, but you do need to fiddle the
> values of the AGC on the K3s to get the best out of the radios.

For review, my recommended K3 menu settings and knob position for maximum
reduction of receiver "mush" is documented in this post from Feb. 2017, and
still applies today:

http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Receiver-mush-tp7627277p7627323.html

73,
Bob, N6TV
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donovanf

Re: Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

Thanks Bob

73
Frank
W3LPL

----- Original Message -----

From: "Bob Wilson, N6TV" <[hidden email]>
To: "Elecraft Reflector" <[hidden email]>
Cc: "Frank Donovan, W3LPL" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2020 9:20:13 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

On Tue, Mar 31, 2020 at 12:50 PM Barry < [hidden email] > wrote:

I can't speak to the other radios, but you do need to fiddle the
values of the AGC on the K3s to get the best out of the radios.

For review, my recommended K3 menu settings and knob position for maximum reduction of receiver "mush" is documented in this post from Feb. 2017, and still applies today:

http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Receiver-mush-tp7627277p7627323.html

73,

Bob, N6TV

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Igor Sokolov-2

Re: Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

In reply to this post by donovanf

Frank, you can add different headphones on Radio#4 to the mix :)

Also on SSB try recordings of BY stations to make it more difficult.

73, Igor UA9CDC

31.03.2020 22:44, [hidden email] пишет:

donovanf

Re: Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

Hi Igor,

Very good ideas!

Thanks

73
Frank
W3LPL

----- Original Message -----

From: "Igor Sokolov" <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Friday, April 3, 2020 2:53:55 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Transceiver Test Bed at W3LPL

Frank, you can add different headphones on Radio#4 to the mix :)

Also on SSB try recordings of BY stations to make it more difficult.

73, Igor UA9CDC

31.03.2020 22:44, [hidden email] пишет:

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______________________________________________________________
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