+++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 7 May 2003 13:17:45 -0500 From: "Kenneth E. Harker" To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: [Elecraft] K2 transverters http://www.elecraft.com/XV/XV.htm I'm curious about how hot these get. The 25 watt transverters from Downeast Microwave all have large external heat sinks: http://www.elecraft.com/PictureGallery/NewPics2/DL9GRE_K2_TRANS1.JPG http://www.elecraft.com/PictureGallery/NewPics2/DL9GRE_K2_TRANS2.JPG I also wonder how hard it would be to get panel-mount N connectors with the same mounting screw pattern to replace the UHF connector. -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kenneth E. Harker "Vox Clamantis in Deserto" kharker at cs.utexas.edu University of Texas at Austin Amateur Radio Callsign: WM5R Department of the Computer Sciences Central Texas DX & Contest Club Taylor Hall TAY 2.124 Maintainer of Linux on Laptops Austin, TX 78712-1188 USA http://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/kharker/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 07 May 2003 11:44:30 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: "Kenneth E. Harker" Cc: Elecraft List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 transverters They run well within the amplifier's heat specification. Certainly not too hot :^). I've been using these units in my shack for a couple of months with no heat problems. They barely are warm most of the time after a lot of activity. The complete bottom panel of the XV transverter (about 7" x 7") is a heatsink. It has almost as much total surface area as the DEM ribbed heatsink. Also note that we use a -much- smaller surface area heatsink for the K2 at 15W, and it runs barely warm most of the time. 73, Eric WA6HHQ Kenneth E. Harker wrote: > http://www.elecraft.com/XV/XV.htm > > I'm curious about how hot these get. The 25 watt transverters from Downeast > Microwave all have large external heat sinks: > ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 07 May 2003 12:27:58 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: Elecraft List , QRP-L Subject: [Elecraft] New XV Transverters for the K2 and most HF rigs Here is the transverter information. More pictures at http://www.elecraft.com 73, Eric WA6HHQ ------- Three state-of-the-art transverters are included in Elecraft's new XV Series: the XV50 (6 Meters), XV144 (2 Meters), and XV222 (222 MHz). The transverters can be used with nearly any transceiver that covers the 28 to 30 MHz frequency range, including Elecraft's high-performance K2 and K2/100. The XV Series provides important benefits for the operator in both receive and transmit modes. On receive, the transverters combine a low receive noise figure (typically 0.8 dB) with a high dynamic range front end (+17 dBm mixer), ensuring exceptional weak-signal performance even in large-signal environments. Reliable overload detection is included at the IF port to protect the mixer. On transmit, the XV's 20-25 watts output will drive most high power linear amplifiers. A sequenced keying output is provided for external amplifiers, and a built-in wattmeter using a 10-segment LED bargraph provides fast power output monitoring. Provision is also made for an optional crystal oven to enhance frequency stability. Single-port and dual-port IF connections allow use with almost any transceiver. IF transmit levels from 0 dBm to +39 dBm (1 milliWatt to 8 watts) can be accommodated, with a constant-impedance IF termination for consistent performance. Multiple transverters can be easily daisy chained to a single IF transceiver, providing multiband operation without cable rearrangement. A brightly illuminated label clearly identifies which transverter is selected. The XV Series transverters are packaged in attractive, low-profile enclosures measuring only 1.2" (3 cm) tall, with styling that matches the Elecraft K2. The transverters are also well integrated with the K2 electrically, providing automatic band selection; independent, calibrated display of each transverter's operating frequency to 10 Hz; and front-panel power level control. Like Elecraft's transceivers, the XV transverters are completely modular, simplifying construction and alignment. The professionally-written, fully illustrated manual will appeal to experienced as well as first-time builders. The kits are easy to assemble, featuring "no-wires" construction, and all surface-mount parts used in the kit (15 total) are pre-installed at the factory. Price: $349.00 Availability: Orders received now will begin shipping June 22nd. Additional information and on line ordering can be found at http://www.elecraft.com ++++++++++++++++++ From: "Gregg R. Lengling" To: "David Schornak" , "Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft" Cc: Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New KDSP2 Advanced DSP Filter for the K2 Date: Wed, 7 May 2003 16:02:43 -0500 Transverters only do the modes of the basic IF rig....in other words...you have a CW transverter..if you have the SSB module, then it will do SSB...but as the K2 doesn't do FM...the transverter won't do FM. Gregg R. Lengling, W9DHI, Retired K2/100 SN 3075 http://www.milwaukeehdtv.org +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 07 May 2003 14:31:46 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: "Gregg R. Lengling" Cc: David Schornak , elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New KDSP2 Advanced DSP Filter for the K2 The transverters will transmit FM when used with other 28 MHz rigs that have FM. Of course if you want to TX more than 2 MHz form the bottom end of the band you will need to change the mixing crystal in the transverter. (Sounds like a neat customer written application note..) 73, Eric Gregg R. Lengling wrote: > Transverters only do the modes of the basic IF rig....in other words...you > have a CW transverter..if you have the SSB module, then it will do SSB...but > as the K2 doesn't do FM...the transverter won't do FM. > > Gregg R. Lengling, W9DHI, Retired -- snip -- +++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 07 May 2003 15:33:26 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: VTuff59795 at aol.com Cc: Elecraft List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Re: Transverters It should be easy to convert the 6M transverter to 4 Meters. An enterprising customer could easily do it and write up an application note for us to post ;^) There should be no firmware changes required. We could also correspond with them to determine the new values. 73, Eric ---- VTuff59795 at aol.com wrote: > Hi Eric, > I was wondering, the 1.5 metre band transverter is great for the > US but not over here in Europe BUT 4 metres is! Any chance of a 4 metre band > transverter? If the 6, 2, & 1.5 metre transverters are built on a common PCB > surely 4 metres would be relatively simple to implement!!! > > 73's > > Vic Tuff > G7PYR > ++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 7 May 2003 17:38:33 -0500 From: "Kenneth E. Harker" To: Daniel Reynolds Cc: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Transverter Kits On Wed, May 07, 2003 at 03:16:19PM -0700, Daniel Reynolds wrote: > > The difference is that your 5 watt HT on 2 meters might manage 3-30 miles on > FM, and your 5 watt CW K2 on 2 meters might manage 50 miles (or better)! > That's not including tropospheric ducting. With directional antennas and/or a good location, it can be substantially better than 50 miles. Also, in case it's not evident to everyone, you do not need a KPA100 to drive the transverters to 20-25 watts output. A "5W" K2 with the 144 MHz transverter is still capable of 20-25 watts on 144 MHz. > Satellites are another good reason > to buy a 2nd K2! Anyone know if the K2 with a transverter will handle 10m/2m > split? The K2 is designed such that both VFOs are on the same band all the time. I don't think that changes if one of the bands you want to use is a transverter band. -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kenneth E. Harker "Vox Clamantis in Deserto" kharker at cs.utexas.edu University of Texas at Austin Amateur Radio Callsign: WM5R Department of the Computer Sciences Central Texas DX & Contest Club Taylor Hall TAY 2.124 Maintainer of Linux on Laptops Austin, TX 78712-1188 USA http://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/kharker/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 7 May 2003 15:46:44 -0700 (PDT) From: Daniel Reynolds Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Transverter Kits To: "Kenneth E. Harker" Cc: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net > > Satellites are another good > reason > > to buy a 2nd K2! Anyone know if the K2 with a transverter will handle > 10m/2m > > split? > > The K2 is designed such that both VFOs are on the same band all the time. > I don't think that changes if one of the bands you want to use is a > transverter band. This means that a 2nd K2 is required for satellite operation on 2m/10m? - Daniel/AA0NI ++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 07 May 2003 17:14:02 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: j jackson Cc: Elecraft List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Mitsubishi bricks or power transistors? Mitsubishi bricks. 73, Eric j jackson wrote: > Do the 3 transverters (and the future 70 cm version) use Mitsubishi bricks > or power transistors for the power output devices? Thanks for the info. ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 07 May 2003 21:51:32 -0700 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: kevin schuchmann Cc: Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] Re: new xverters Kevin, You can use the XV Series transverters either with one coax cable to the rig or two. You can use the single-cable approach for now (from the K2's regular antenna jack), or use a 3rd-party dual-cable interface product. We hope to offer our own low-level transverter interface module for the K2 later this year, but I can't put a date on it. 73, Wayne N6KR kevin schuchmann wrote: > > Hi All, > looking at the new xverters I see the rcv and xmit i.f. ports... looking > at the back of my K2 > I only have two empty holes... do the kits come with the parts needed for the > K2 to add the xverter > ports? I looked around the Elecraft order pages but dont see that option > anywhere... > > 73 > Thanks > Kevin WA6FWF ++++++++++++++++ From: "Robert Friess" To: "kevin schuchmann" , "elecraft" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] new xverters Date: Wed, 7 May 2003 21:56:34 -0700 Hi Kevin, The transverters provide an option that requires only a single cable to the antenna connector of the K2. No extra parts needed. 73, Bob, N6CM ++++++++++++++++++ From: "Don Brown" To: "David Kearns" , Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 4m transverter Date: Fri, 9 May 2003 09:19:44 -0500 Hi The standard K2 firmware has a transverter function on the secondary menu. When enabled you can specify the IF frequency, display offset, and power out on up to 3 transverters. When set up correctly the K2 will have up to 3 more bands on the band selector and the correct frequency will display on the K2 LCD Don Brown KD5NDB ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Kearns" To: Sent: Friday, May 09, 2003 9:06 AM Subject: [Elecraft] 4m transverter > Eric mentioned a couple of days ago that it is > potentially quite easy (?) to convert a 6m to a 4m > transverter. I am interested in trying this but £££'s > are lacking as I've just moved. > > If I try this (in 6 months time) what would the K2 > read? There's no abvious way of getting it to put up > 70.123MHz on the display. Is there some way to change > the firmware to allow this, or is there some work > round I could do. I assume that I could just move up > the band switches, but can the K2 find out the TX > freq/band from the transverter and display this? i.e. > how does the K2 know it's no longer looking at a 6m > box? > > Keep up the good work guys. > > Dave > G0HVS ++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 09 May 2003 08:36:27 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: "Deinhardt, Toby" Cc: Elecraft List Subject: [Elecraft] Re: Questions about Transverters (2nd attempt) Hi Toby, Deinhardt, Toby wrote: > 1) I can bearly await the PDF of the circut and manual of the > transverters, or did I miss something? The user documentation is still being completed and will be on the web on the next 2-3 weeks. We are busy getting ready for Dayton at the moment, but after we return I'll try to get these on the web as soon as possible. (I may be able to get the schematics up earlier..) > > 2) Will it be possible to buy the transverters in a EC-2 friendly > form (a bit like Kat 100 EC2 Panels)? I would like to put as much > transversion as possible in just one box, because most of my > operation is out of a suite case and the less "boxes" the better. We will not be offering the XVs in an EC2 package as the cost for us to do this is too high based upon expected volume for this configuration. You of course are free to try this yourself :^>. I think you could fit at least two of them in an EC2. > > 3) Especially if the answer to two is yes, when will the 70 cm > transverter become avaidable? A few weeks? A few 10s of Weeks? > A few 100s of weeks? We plan a 70 cm transverter next, but I expect it will not be released until late this year. (It requires a different PC board than the first three XVs.) We are pretty busy with the current products. > > 4) If one or more transverters are built to work with a K2 and a > KPA100/KAT100-2 in an EC2, what would the RF daisy chain look > like? I assume that a KRC2 or rewiring when one changes from > KW to one of the transverter bands is not necessary. > The transverters can be connected in parallel when they are used together. Each transverter has a relay that disconnects it from the IF port when turned off. (When controlled by the K2 they power on/off automatically as you select each transverter band. For non Elecraft rig control you use their front panel power button. I then connect the IF cable to antenna B on my K2 with KAT2 or KAT100. Of course if you have a more complicated set up you could also do something externally with the KRC2, since it decodes the three transverter band for external relays, but it is not strictly necessary. > 5) What will the changes to the transverters be when the > transverter I/O (with or with out 60m) becomes avaidable? Just > a few resistors or any thing more complicated? No changes are expected to the transverters. They support both a single ended and split IF connection and can be driven with 1 mW to 8W. > > A FAQ on the web site might be a good idea. I doubt that I am the > only one to ask these questions. Soon! After the Dayton Hamvention. 73, Eric WA6HHQ +++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 10 May 2003 10:03:46 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: Jack Brindle Cc: Elecraft List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Re: new xverters A couple of clarifications on transverter RF path signal routing. 1. Each transverter has its own output connector, so switching is not necessary to select an antenna. Just connect each vhf antenna to the appropriate transverter. 2. The transverters disconnect their input from the IF path when they are not selected. Plus they have input overdrive protection. Also, when the K2 is in transverter mode I believe it limits its output power to 15W or less and you can set a fixed drive level for each transverter in the K2 set up menu. 2.5 The transverters do not have a 'pass through mode'. As noted above they break the path to their input when not selected. If you are driving them from a K2 using antenna B on the KAT2 or KAT100 to connect to them is the easiest way to have both HF and VHF transverters hooked up and switched automatically. If you wish to do this and do not have the KATs with their dual antenna outputs, the KRC2 could switch an external relay to route the K2s RF between a HF antenna and the transverters. 3. To run all three transverters off the K2 you connect their inputs in parallel to the K2s output. Only the one selected will be switched in line. 73, Eric WA6HHQ ++++++++++++++++ Date: Sun, 11 May 2003 08:33:23 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: Jerry Summerall Cc: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New XV transverters Hi Jerry, No external relays are required if you want to split the XV output for RX/TX paths. You can easily add a 2nd connector on the back of the XVs and run it to the T/R relay to split out the RX signal. (There is room for an additional BNC on the rear panel next to the existing connector.) I own a DEM 144 and it also only comes wired with one output connector, but I can make the same mod to it. Of course the XVs can be jumpered internally to support both single ended and split TX/RX IFs on their input too. 73, Eric Jerry Summerall wrote: > One big problem and I mean BIG problem was left oput of the transverters, > That is seperate RX and TX ports. The norm for the serious weaksignal op > is to run two feed lines to the antennas. Before I sell my DEM transverters > and give up on building a box to switch between 4 transverters is it or > will it be possible to separate the RX and TX?? That is without buying > external relays (with the added losses and cost). ++++++++++++++++++