[Elecraft] Re: FD W4ZV 1B QRP Single Op

[wayne burdick]

On Jun 29, 2004, at 10:22 AM, Bill Tippett wrote:

> By the way, could you explain exactly what the K2's
> performance tradeoff is when using OPT - BATT?  Does this give
> mainly less sensitivity or less dynamic range?  It sounds like
> sensitivity to my ears so I left it set to OPT - PERF for the entire
> contest, but would like to know in case I am ever running low on
> reserve battery power.

Hi Bill,

OPT BATT has only a very slight impact on receiver sensitivity -- 
probably 1 dB or so on most bands -- and I'm sure it would not have 
impacted your FD operation. It reduces current in the IF post-amp by 
about 50 mA, which can be useful if you're running from a small 
battery. The tradeoff is several dB of receiver dynamic range. Other 
current-saving strategies include setting BAR to OFF or DOT, using 
headphones, reducing TX power, turning off the preamp on the low bands, 
and (as you discovered) setting LCD to DAY.

However, since you were running from a battery 10x the size needed for 
a FD operation, you did the right thing by leaving it set for OPT PERF  
;)

I would estimate that you could operate continuously (hunt 'n' pounce) 
for about 150 hours with a 75 AH battery. The K2 has the lowest current 
drain of any high-performance transceiver, by far, and was designed 
specifically with Field Day in mind.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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