[Elecraft] K2 SSB Audio

[Ron D' Eau Claire]

Yes, Joe, there are two things.

First, it sounds like your filters are NOT properly set up for SSB. The best
way to do that is with spectrogram using a personal computer with a sound
card. The Spectrogram program is available on-line and complete instructions
are available on the Elecraft web site. Go to http://www.elecraft.com and
click on "Builders Resources" on the left, then on "Application Notes" on
the main window, then on "K2 Filter Adjustment and Mod Articles".

There you will find all the info on how to download and configure
Spectrogram and how to use it to set up your K2 filters for BOTH CW and SSB.

Second, the builder should have installed the "Filter Flattening" mod shown
on the Elecraft website if he knew that you were planning to use SSB. This
mod is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED by Wayne at Elecraft. It is NOT (yet) a part of
the K2 as shipped from the factory, but it is VERY important for good
sounding audio on the K2 in SSB mode. It involves soldering a few parts to
the r-f board, so if he did not do that for you, you might need to get
someone to help there. Complete details about this mod are included on the
same page (above) where you found the filter alignment instructions, down
near the bottom of the page under "K2 2nd Stage Xfil Mod, for 'Flatter' SSB
Filter Response"

Ron AC7AC
K2 # 1289

> I have a new K2 that was built for me because I have very shaky
> hands and cannot hold a soldering iron steady enough to get good
> connections.
>
>  Tonight I had a short QSO with a local ham on 10 meters, using
> the optional Heil MH2 Microphone.
>
>  The other ham said my Audio sounded "pinched" and very high
> pitched. The "pinched" comment was also made by another ham at
> some distance away on 40 meters.
>
> On 10 meters he said it sounded like it was clipping.
>
> I also notice this same pinched and high pitched audio on receive
> using headphones or the built in speaker. Is there an adjustment
> I can make using the menu that will solve the problem?
>
>                        Joe Randle, K5EUY in Indiana.