[Elecraft] Extracting K2 IF signal

[George, W5YR]

Mike McCoy wrote:
> 
> > Apart from enjoying the radio, my first project will be to extract the IF
> > signal and feed it into my Icom PRO to evaluate the performance of the K2
> > front end combined with the DSP IF and audio capabilities of the PRO.
> >
> 
> Just wondering... is 'extracting the IF signal' as simple as a shielded
> connection to the IF out at C181 (RF board, appendix B)?

It may be, Mike. My main goal is to do nothing that will alter the normal
operation of the K2. Until I can "get in there" with a scope, etc. and
determine a few things, my first thought is to employ whatever isolation is
needed and feasible. 
> 
> Reason I ask is, I have a Yaesu YO-901 monitor/bandscope that serves as a
> rudimentary spectrum scope when fed with the 'wideband IF out' from a
> 101ZD/901DM.  Might be interesting to hook the K2 up to the bandscope.

I will be using the SpectrumScope feature of the PRO for exactly that
purpose, Mike. That feature is part and parcel of the PRO architecture and
will display the spectrum of the K2 IF output signal out to the bandwidth
of the pre-selection filters. Should be quite interesting to watch!

I will also make spectral studies of the noise response of the K2 to
measure the IF/audio response using all combinations of IF and audio
filters. I have done this with another K2 and the results are quite
informative. If there is enough interest, perhaps I can park the data on a
website.

73/72, George    
Fairview, TX 30 mi NE of Dallas in Collin county EM13qe   
Amateur Radio W5YR -  the Yellow Rose of Texas
In the 57th year and it just keeps getting better!