[Elecraft] SSB - Fooie!

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

John - KC4KGU wrote:

... If you just enjoy CW, that's one thing but, it's kinda hard to screw
up pulsing a carrier....  

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Then why was it necessary to simplify the CW test so much over the years
in order for people to be able to pass it?  And once learned... well...
I guess you haven't had the practice trying to copy some of the "fists"
that I have...<G>  Bless every one of them though for putting in the
effort that  learn it takes to send well  -even with the help of a
keyer.  

You are right about there being more variables in SSB transmission -
starting with a 20 dB or more disadvantage in signal to noise ratio
compared to CW. And I'll add to that in support of your comment that
I've heard a few AWFUL sounding K2's out there on SSB. In general, the
BFO is not set right, producing a very bassy, muddy audio or a very
tinny "weak" audio. Figuring out how to properly adjust things is part
of the challenge and the fun of building your own rig. And it can't be
ignored any more than learning CW can be ignored if you want to use a
key. 

I strongly recommend to any op running SSB to listen to yourself on an
auxiliary receiver at the first opportunity and record your voice to see
if you really like what you hear. Shoot, I've  got probably a whole day
invested in "tweaking" the BFO settings and microphone for the best
audio and the only SSB QSO's I've had were with other K2 owners while I
was doing the tweaking!

Ron AC7AC
K2 # 1289