Which KSB2 bandwith do you like?

[Paul T. Rubin]

Hello All:

I'm sure that this has been discussed many, many times, but would you be so kind as to give me the pros and cons of the various filter options? Also does grounding the crystals at the bases significantly improve filter performance?

Thanks in advance,
Paul Rubin N8NOV
Hot Humid Houston

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[Bill Coleman-2]

On Mar 15, 2005, at 3:41 PM, [hidden email] wrote:

> I'm sure that this has been discussed many, many times, but would you
> be so kind as to give me the pros and cons of the various filter
> options? Also does grounding the crystals at the bases significantly
> improve filter performance?

The current KSB2 uses the 2.2 kHz bandwidth, as designed by John KI6WX.
This is probably a good choice for most hams. There are a few who like
more "fidelity" in their audio, and opt for the 2.5 kHz bandwidth.
Several builders have recounted this change. The only con on the wider
bandwidth is you are more susceptible to adjacent QRM.

The original KSB2 had about a 2.0 kHz bandwidth, which I thought was
adequate. I'm one of the few who has opted for the "1.9" kHz filter. It
really isn't any narrower than the original 2.0 kHz filter -- but it
has a lot less passband ripple. Since much of my K2 use is during radio
contests, I prefer the narrower bandwidth.

When you order your KSB2, you can ask Elecraft for the appropriate cap
values for any of these filters. I think they can handle that.

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: [hidden email]
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901

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[Stewart Baker]

Paul,

My filter has the 2.5kHz capacitor values fitted. The bandwidth I get is less
than that, probably 2.2kHz-2.3kHz. To my ear this is about right, and feel that
anything less would start sounding too restricted.
It also seems to give a good response curve for rag chewing and DX/contest
operation.

I would recommend grounding the crystals at their bases, however be careful not
to use too much heat or damage the crystal case seals.

73
Stewart G3RXQ

On Tue, 15 Mar 2005 14:41:53 -0600, [hidden email] wrote:

> Hello All:
>
> I'm sure that this has been discussed many, many times, but would you be so
> kind as to give me the pros and cons of the various filter options? Also does
> grounding the crystals at the bases significantly improve filter performance?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Paul Rubin N8NOV
> Hot Humid Houston
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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

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[Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy-2]

Hello Paul,

Bandwidth - for ragchewing and general DXing, 2.0kHz to 2.2kHz  is my
choice. Echoing Stewart, G3RXQ, that suits my ear. It also appears to suit
my voice / microphone on transmit.

Grounding Crystals - Yes it does. If grounding wires have to be used because
the crystals are sitting on insulation (like in K2), the grounding wire
should be soldered to the bottom side of the can with GREAT care, and
without roasting the crystal which would / could change its RF
characteristics.

Good luck es 73,

Geoff
GM4ESD
Rainy Scotland.

----- Original Message -----
From: <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2005 8:41 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Which KSB2 bandwith do you like?


> Hello All:
>
> I'm sure that this has been discussed many, many times, but would you be
so kind as to give me the pros and cons of the various filter options? Also
does grounding the crystals at the bases significantly improve filter
performance?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Paul Rubin N8NOV
> Hot Humid Houston
>

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