[Elecraft] A-to-B upgrade impressions

[email protected] [email protected]
Wed Jan 15 20:10:01 2003


The opinions expressed here are based strictly on my observations
after throwing all the Elecraft-sanctioned "A-to-B" upgrades to my
K2, serial number 2537.  Your results may vary, so by all means feel 
free to delete this e-mail if you disagree.

First, the bottom line.

Is the result worth the effort? Yes, provided you have a good
solder-sucker.  If not, this could be the Upgrade From Hell, especially
when you go after all those crystals on the KSB2 and RF board.
Shell out the bucks for a full-sized solder sucker; if possible, get
the Hakko 808.  You will laugh in the face of desoldering even the
tiniest pads on the KSB2.

Will the results make your jaw hit the floor? Nope.  You will
definitely notice some improvements, however, particularly in the 
area of VFO linearity and USB/LSB receive audio consistency.  
I think the basic K2 design was sufficiently sound so as to render
the A-to-B upgrade nice, but not absolutely necessary.  

Will you hear other stations better? Probably not.  Again, your 
results may vary.  I have to admit my S-meter behaves quite a 
bit nicer than before.  The overall receiver stability might be
better; my poor old tin ears can't tell for sure.

Will other stations hear you better? Again, probably not.  The
sidetone mod will doubtless make listening to yourself talk 
(on CW at least) a bit more pleasant, though.

All in all, I'm glad I did the upgrade, but I don't think anyone
out there should feel he/she has a rotten radio if they don't.

Thanks to everyone who helped me out with a few stupid
questions I had along the way.

73,

Bob  WA4FOM





 


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