[Elecraft] K2 SSB Improvements?

[Don Wilhelm]

Henry,

I believe if the KI6WX mods for KSB2 Increased gain and Reduced IMD are
done, you should not make any other modifications to the gain in the audio
stage without carefully measuring the AF and RF voltages first to assure
nothing is being overdriven - like the 'higher microphone sensitivity' mod
(John does mention in his documentation that one should change R14 back to
the original value if it had been changed).  Overdriving the balanced
modulator is indeed a possible problem, and since the K2 does not have
anti-VOX, excessive audio may cause a problem when using the speaker.

Yes, John's mods are quite helpful, especially on 10 meters where the K2
internal gain is lower than on other bands.

The increased compression ratio mods should be independent and can be
applied as one would choose.

I have recently done the KI6WX mods, but have not tried them out extensively
yet.  You could bring your mic over and try it out on my K2 for a short
period if you want.

73,
Don W3FPR

----- Original Message -----
> In reviewing the mods listed on LA3ZA's web site, I note that there are 4
> separate mods of the KSB2 related to improving the transmitted audio for
contest
> use.  Specifically, there is the (1) "increased compression ratios" mod by
> G3RXQ for the speech processor, the (2) "higher microphone sensitivity"
mod, and
> the (3) "KSB2 Increased Gain Modification" & (4) "KSB2 Reduced
Intermodulation
> Distortion Modification" (both part of the "Improving the Performance of
the
> KSB2" by KI6WX).
>
> Has anyone performed all of these mods on a single K2?  If so, could you
> share your results.
>