[Elecraft] Frequency Calibration

[John R. Lonigro]

I don't want to start another long thread on this subject, but I 
performed an experiment tonight and want to share the results.  I hooked 
my ICOM 706 to a dummy load, dropped the power to the minimum, and then 
plugged my paddles into it (haven't used the 706 much since I finished 
the K2).  I then proceeded to send strings of dits with the ICOM on 
various bands, listen with the K2, peak the signal (using the SPOT 
function and the S meter), and compare displayed frequencies between the 
rigs.

I haven't calibrated the ICOM, so I know I'm comparing two unknowns. 
 But I also know the ICOM seems to be right on frequency and I have no 
reason to doubt its accuracy.  The results of my experiment are as follows:
80, 40, 30,20,17M:   Both radios agree, within about 20 Hz max.
15, 12, and 10M: K2 reads about 80-100 Hz lower than the ICOM.

When I have a CW QSO with a local friend on 10M and our rigs are both 
set to the same displayed frequency, I can make his signal almost 
disappear by switching in the narrow CW filter.  He never noticed I was 
off frequency because he doesn't have a CW filter - his Kenwood's 
bandwidth is about 2 KHz.  This evening, I set my K2 about 80 Hz lower 
than our agreed-upon frequency, and he was perfectly tuned in.  If my 
ICOM is off by 80 Hz, so is my friend's Kenwood, and in the same 
direction - highly unlikely.  The K2 must be the culprit.

Has anybody else noticed this and is it normal??

John AA0VE