[Elecraft] K2 SSB transmit problem that isn't

[Fletcher, Paul]

Hi all,

I was on the verge of posting a "HELP" post relating to a problem that I
have been having recently with SSB transmit power and audio.

I have K2 #3115 which was working FB on 10 watts with an MH2 mic. I
subsequently bought a second hand Astatic D104 which also worked FB.

I then built and installed the KPA100 with the temp. compensated PLL
reference and everything still worked well.

Subsequently the SSB module was modified to 2.5kHz filtering and problems
started. The power would drop to zero on transmit and I was getting reports
of rough / distorted audio. At this point my heart sank and I assumed
(dangerous word) that I had somehow damaged the SSB module. After several
days of checking, inspecting, praying etc. still no luck. During one of my
test QSO's I had a report that said something along the lines of "you sound
like you have a bad mic connection".

I had checked this before but re-checked the mic plug and no problems there.
Just as a matter of course I took the base plate off the mic to check
battery connections etc. and decided to look closely at the pre-amp board.
Hey presto - unsoldered decoupling capacitor lead. Soldered it up and
problem solved.

So the only manufactured piece of equipment in the shack was U/S which made
me feel rather good and restored faith in my abilities.

Rig is now working very well and thanks to all at Elecraft and everyone on
the list for providing loads of reference material for me to wade through in
my quest to solve the problem.

73's
Paul (M1PAF)


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