[Elecraft] KX1 PSK31?

[Charles Greene]

Hi,

The PSK20 receive and transmit circuits are similar to the KX1 except for 
one big difference.  The receive and transmit signals of the PSK20 both  go 
through the filter, and in the KX1 only the receive signal goes through the 
filter.  In the KX1 the DDS changes frequency to the transmit frequency, 
then it is buffered and amplified.  What I am trying to say is the mods 
would be too great for an outboard unit to use the KX1 transmitter, and 
some of the mods would have to be to the KX1 transmitter circuit.  You 
might as well start from scratch.  Or you could buy a PSK20 and use the 
transmitter only and the KX1 receiver, but I don't see the point.  Just use 
the PSK20 receiver.   So the PSK20 only covers one band and has no 
VFO.  You need no VFO to cover all of the PSK31 segment on 20, and there 
isn't much PSK31 on the other bands.  You could buy a PSK20, a PSK80, an 
antenna tuner and everything else you need for PSK31 except the computer 
for less than the KX1, loaded.  The KX1 is a superb CW rig.  Lets leave it 
that way.  Maybe PSK31 for the KX2?  I have to admit that some people don't 
fully appreciate the fact that PSK31 is similar to CW in weak signal 
performance.  I can work almost anything I can hear on PSK31 with my K2 
running 5 watts, except in a contest.

73,  Chas,  W1CG

At 03:32 PM 10/2/2004, you wrote:
>When I was tuning around today on my KX1, I heard the usual strong warble 
>around 14.070 and I got the brilliant idea to: plug a patch cord from the 
>KX1 headphone output to my soundcard input, launch PSK31 Deluxe, crack 
>open the AF gain, and boom, 5 QSOs popped up right away.
>
>I know the thinking on omitting an SSB option from the KX1 is because 
>voice doesn't typically work reliably below about 10W, and an SSB board 
>wouldn't fit in the KX1 case.  But like CW, PSK31 can work like a champ 
>even at 100s of mW.
>
>So how about an Elecraft-designed-and-produced *outboard* SSB adapter for 
>the KX1, designed specifically for PSK31?  On biz trips, I usually have my 
>KX1 and laptop--it would be great to take along one more little black box 
>and be able to work PSK31, while making use of the KX1's KXAT1 capability 
>to match a hotel room random wire on multiple bands.  (The Small Wonder 
>Labs PSK series looks exceedingly cool, but is rock-bound to a single band 
>and requires an external tuner for non-resonant antennas.)
>
>Good idea?  Dumb idea?