[Elecraft] K2 Transmit Audio

[Jim Brown]

On Fri, 28 May 2004 09:51:03 -0400, Ken Kirkley wrote:

>Let me ask my question again a little more clearly. I am considering purchasing
> a K2 and want to know how well the SSB transmit audio works. How clear is it
> on the receiving end?

It transmits a VERY good SSB signal. It also works quite well on receive in
the "normal" bandwidth position that uses its own transmit filter as the
receive filter (roughly 2.4 - 2.8 kHz). IMO, its only shortcoming is that
when you set it up to narrow the IF bandwidth, you are realigning the CW
filters so that they are "stagger-tuned," the resulting response is VERY
bumpy and sounds just awful (and degrades intelligibility of the received
signal).  

For ragchewing and general operation, I am VERY happy with the K2 as a SSB
rig. For contesting, where you need to narrow down the passband and dig stuff
out of the QRM, there are better choices (the TenTec Omni V or VI with 1.8
kHz filters, for example).  

Another point. The KDSP2 module is a VERY effective piece. It can
simultaneously do both bandwidth filtering and dynamic noise reduction, and
it works quite well at both. 

I own a K2/100 with the KDSP2 and KAT100. It is my favorite CW rig, both for
general operation and for contesting. I will use it for Field Day. I also own
an Omni A, a loaded Omni V, a TS850, and a IC746.  

Several other members of our local ham club own K2's. One owner, KK9H, has a
rig equipped similarly to mine, and plans to use it for the GOTA station on
Field Day. 

Jim Brown K9YC