[Elecraft] K2 Volume

[James Hammons]

My K2 had low volume on the internal speaker when I first built it.  I
bought a new Motorola amplified speaker for about $30.  I think the
rating of these things is 15watts.  They were made for use mobile in
police cruisers with the siren going.  They produce enough volume to
make your ears bleed if you crank them up, there is a pot for gain
which can be adjusted for max volume with a small screwdriver hole in
the back. The mounting bracket makes a adjustable tilt stand if you
put rubber feet on the bottom.  It's relatively small and works on
12volts dc.  Besides that they sound much better than that tiny upward
facing speaker. =20

When the note from Wayne came out about R1, I installed a 50k pot and
determined that I needed 39K.  This resulted in adequate volume for
ordinary use.  The speaker is a quality unit with a large magnet for
it's size but in audio size does matter. It's a good compromise for
the intended use.=20

If you have any problem with the audio do yourself a favor and get one
of the MOTOROLA amplified speakers not a computer speaker or a RS
speaker get a MOTOROLA amplified speaker.  Even though the internal
speaker is adequate for portable use You wont regret buying one of
these speakers. Don't bid them up on Ebay too high.  There are lots of
them out there.

=46or those making measurements here is something that might be
repeatable.  My K2 produces 90db A weighted 10cm above the speaker, on
the self noise of the receiver,  antenna disconnected pre amp on. 20
meter band. AGC on or off makes no difference.

James Hammons