[Elecraft] Re: Speech Processors

[Ignacy (NO9E)]

 > Based upon the assurance by Eric that the K2 finals are up to a
 > reasonable increase in average power, I may drag out the Comdel  and
 > Vomax and see how the K2 sounds and behaves with a few dB of r-f
 > processing applied. But, I can almost predict with certainty that I
 > will not use it on the air even if the tests reveal some improvement
 > in performance. The Comdel is nearly as large as the K2, uses quite a
 > bit of power (that 6 dB has to come from somewhere! - just joking) and
 > I really doubt that my limited use of SSB with the K2 would justify
 > the trouble. As you have probably surmised, most of my operation is
 > QRP CW.

Finals do not necessarily get much hotter with RF processing. With
processing, the average power may increases 4 times while drawn current
would increase two times. Dissipation would increase 2 times minus
increase in power so it could increase only 50% for 4 times more output. 
Seems like a good deal!

In C class CW amplifiers, the dissipation may be higher at half than
at full power unless the finals are matched at half power. This is known
to K2 users as the 5W mod.

Sizes of external processors may be small indeed. DF4ZS fits into a mike
case and draws < 10 mA. Mine is 2x2x6 and draws 20mA.

RF speech processing may be important for enjoyment of K2 in SSB in 
portable setups with impromptu antennas. With less efficient antennas, 
it is very hard for K2 to get through on SSB. Even if one succeeds, any 
QRM from a 100W station or a change in conditions terminates the QSO. 
DSB clipper, which probably would add just a few components to (already 
populated) SSB board may be be the simplest way to go!

Ignacy, NO9E