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K2 SSB version?

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Fred (FL)

K2 SSB version?

Elecraft Inc. -

Does Elecraft have any plans to upgrade the K2,
for better SSB operation?

I probably lean more towards SSB voice, vs CW.
I know the K2 is an outstanding CW rig, even in
QRP mode - but it seems evident that the K2 is
lacking or secondary, when it comes to robust
SSB operation. I don't want to buy/build a
standard K2, and modify it myself for better
SSB operation.

Does Elecraft have any plans, to enhance or upgrade
the K2 - for a SSB VERSION?

I'm sure there are bits and pieces of all sorts of
modifications one can attempt, on a standard K2 -
to make it operate better on SSB. This is not
what I am requesting.

I'd like to build a K2SSB rig, and buy/build
an external 100W amp.

I know of late - several serious K2 owners - have
suggested some great ideas for an Elecraft K2SSB
rig.

I'd like to know if Elecraft Inc's has plans, if any,
to enhance the K2 or create a K2SSB rig, etc.
- any time soon?

Thanks,
Fred
N3CSY
K2 54xx 6/2006

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Don Wilhelm-3

RE: K2 SSB version?

Fred,

What specifically are you referring to?

As is, the KSB2 offers excellent carrier rejection and a good filter for the
transmitted SSB signal to provide excellent undesired sideband suppression.

One must align the SSB FL1 filter properly if the full capabilities are to
be realized - you can find information on how to do that on the Builders
resources page at the Elecraft website www.elecraft.com, Tom Hammond's
website www.n0ss.net and in the K2 dial calibration article on my website
http://w3fpr.qrpradio.com .

I must admit that the K2 SSB does have a couple of drawbacks in the VOX
arena - the VOX is not as sensitive as some would like, and there is no
anti-vox circuitry in the KSB2. The mic gain is also somewhat limited - it
works fine with high output (-40 dBm output) mics, but there are many mics
that only produce output in the -50 to -60 dBm range and do need a preamp to
bring the output up to the level required for full drive to the K2. Stewart
Baker has developed some additions to the KSB2 that directly address the
VOX/Anti-VOX situation. For those using PTT, I have trouble believing that
there is any problem with the K2 SSB operation.

I do not regard the above situations as deficiencies, but rather a statement
of 'the way things are'. I do hope Elecraaft will again sell a hand mic and
desk mic that have output levels compatible with the K2, but in the
meantime, most mics designed for use with Icom transceivers will meet the
output requirements of the K2. Lower level output mics may need a preamp.
The mods to increase the input resistance of the mic AF circuit are only
'band-aids' IMHO.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -----Original Message-----
>
> Elecraft Inc. -
>
> Does Elecraft have any plans to upgrade the K2,
> for better SSB operation?
>
> I probably lean more towards SSB voice, vs CW.
> I know the K2 is an outstanding CW rig, even in
> QRP mode - but it seems evident that the K2 is
> lacking or secondary, when it comes to robust
> SSB operation. I don't want to buy/build a
> standard K2, and modify it myself for better
> SSB operation.
>
> Does Elecraft have any plans, to enhance or upgrade
> the K2 - for a SSB VERSION?
>
> I'm sure there are bits and pieces of all sorts of
> modifications one can attempt, on a standard K2 -
> to make it operate better on SSB. This is not
> what I am requesting.
>
> I'd like to build a K2SSB rig, and buy/build
> an external 100W amp.
>
> I know of late - several serious K2 owners - have
> suggested some great ideas for an Elecraft K2SSB
> rig.
>
> I'd like to know if Elecraft Inc's has plans, if any,
> to enhance the K2 or create a K2SSB rig, etc.
> - any time soon?
>
> Thanks,
> Fred
> N3CSY
> K2 54xx 6/2006
>
>

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w6jd

Re: K2 SSB version?

In reply to this post by Fred (FL)

Fred:

I find the K2 on SSB is perfectly adequate, I even get compliments on audio quality. No problems in DX pile ups. I'm using a Kenwood MC-60 desk mike and previously a Kenwood hand mic, an MC-43 perhaps?

And if you're looking for a 100 watt amp, the KPA100 is the only game in town. I use my K2/100 to drive an Ameritron ALS-600 which is a really neat 500-600 solid state, no tune, amp. This makes for a really compact, effective, all solid state station. BTW if you should consider the ALS-600 spend the extra bucks and get the switching power supply option; I have the linear supply and it takes two men and a small boy to move it. Well, its "only" 40 lbs but that's more than enough for me!

73,
Doug
W6JD, K2 #1626

-------------- Original message --------------
From: "Fred (FL)" <[hidden email]>

> Elecraft Inc. -
>
> Does Elecraft have any plans to upgrade the K2,
> for better SSB operation?
>
> I probably lean more towards SSB voice, vs CW.
> I know the K2 is an outstanding CW rig, even in
> QRP mode - but it seems evident that the K2 is
> lacking or secondary, when it comes to robust
> SSB operation. I don't want to buy/build a
> standard K2, and modify it myself for better
> SSB operation.
>
> Does Elecraft have any plans, to enhance or upgrade
> the K2 - for a SSB VERSION?
>
> I'm sure there are bits and pieces of all sorts of
> modifications one can attempt, on a standard K2 -
> to make it operate better on SSB. This is not
> what I am requesting.
>
> I'd like to build a K2SSB rig, and buy/build
> an external 100W amp.
>
> I know of late - several serious K2 owners - have
> suggested some great ideas for an Elecraft K2SSB
> rig.
>
> I'd like to know if Elecraft Inc's has plans, if any,
> to enhance the K2 or create a K2SSB rig, etc.
> - any time soon?
>
> Thanks,
> Fred
> N3CSY
> K2 54xx 6/2006
>
>
>
> ________________________________________________________________________________
> ____
> Sponsored Link
>
> Degrees online in as fast as 1 Yr
> MBA, Bachelor's, Master's, Assoc
> http://yahoo.degrees.info
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

Darwin, Keith

RE: My K2's SSB performance.

Well, I finished the KSB2 option, turning my bare-bones K2 into a K2/SSB. I was expecting mediocre SSB performance. What I got was a pleasant surprise.

Modulation level - No problems driving the rig to full power output. I don't have to shout, I just speak and the rig responds with RF output. I did NOT change R14 either. Left it at the OEM level. I'm using a Kenwood MC-43s mic.

I went with 2.4 KHz crystal filter. It sure sounds better than my CW filter set to 2.4 KHz. I just got done doing a bunch of A/B comparisons between the K2 and the 830s on 40 LSB. The 830s is not as selective. Even when I narrow the VBT, the skirts aren't as steep. The K2 has a bit of a narrow sound but for general purpose use it will be great. Wide enough to sound good, narrow enough to survive during a contest.

The other surprise was the compressor. With a max of 4:1 compression I didn't expect much, but it makes quite a difference.

So, I find the K2 SSB has far surpassed my expectations for SSB performance. This little rig smokes!

BTW, it took me 2 evenings plus a bit of time this morning to assemble, install and tune up the SSB mod. Total time was about 6 hours.

- Keith N1AS -
- K2 5411.SBB -

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