[Elecraft] KDSP2 and power line noise?

[Dale Boresz]

Hello Howard,

The KDSP2 will definitely make copy easier on the ears. However - in my 
experience, it will do little to actually lift the signal out of the 
noise. I have had plenty of experience with powerline noise here, and 
neither the DSP NR of my IC-746PRO, nor the KDSP2 of my K2 will actually 
allow me to extract an S4 signal, from an S5 noise level. In other 
words, as long as the desired signal is at or above the noise level, the 
DSP will most definitely make copy much more comfortable, but it won't 
enable you to copy a signal that is below the constant noise floor.

However, what I have found to work quite well, is the MFJ-1026 
noise-cancelling device. If you take the time to experiment with a good 
noise-sense antenna (you want the noise-sense antenna to pick up as much 
of the offending noise as possible), you may be able to completely null 
out your night time noise. I have a noise source across the street which 
occasionally 'acts up'. When it does so, I end up with an S7 noise 
level. Unfortunately, it's not the kind of noise that the K2's noise 
blanker will eliminate. But by using the MFJ-1026, I am able to 
completely null it out.

Be aware though that this device will only null out noise coming from a 
*single* direction. If the noise reaching your receiving antenna is 
coming from multiple locations, you'll probably be able to null one of 
the directions, but not all. Even so, I have often been able to use the 
1026 to null out the line noise, and then use the K2's excellent 
noise-blanker to eliminate the other. It's a device I wouldn't be without.

All the usual disclaimers apply concerning MFJ (in fact, in general, I'm 
not particularly a fan of their products, but this one is a winner in my 
opinion).

73, Dale / WA8SRA


H. L. Stephenson wrote:

>Is that a fact??? I have never seen this info posted
>before. Does anyone have some wave files with a demo?
>I have some real bad night time noise that the KNB2
>does not work on.
>73 
>Howard K6IA
>
>  
>
>>The KDSP2 can do a good job with the powerline
>>noise if set correctly for that task.
>>    
>>
>
>  
>


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