[Elecraft] Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 6, Issue 4

[PDouglas12 at aol.com]

Hi Elecrafters,

This is a report on using my OLD serial number (191) K2 on PSK31.   I have 
used it for some years now, unmodified, which required keeping output to less 
than 3 watts.   This is fine in good conditions, but a little more power is now 
often necessary as the sunspots have begun to decline.   Also, I recently 
purchased a neat device called PSK31 Meter (
http://www.ssiserver.com/info/pskmeter/) which samples your outgoing PSK31 signal and, optionally, will 
AUTOMATICALLY cut back your sound card volume control to modulate at an optimum IMD.   I 
put one in line in my shack and confirmed that I have to cut the power WAY back 
on the K2 to keep a decent IMD.   So, I modified the AGC as described on the 
Elecraft site.   I got real lazy and used their very inexpensive parts kit (I 
couldn't find the electrolytic in my parts collection, so I wimped.)   While I 
generally hate to open a solid working radio--it ain't broke--I did the mod 
in a few minutes.   Now, the PSK31 Meter hardware/software is perfectly happy 
to allow the K2 to push out over 5 watts in idle and nearly ten in peak 
modulated PSK31.   I keep it down a bit to protect the finals, but the K2 seems happy 
since it is running into a flat SWR.  I do find that my P300 PC in the shack 
is stretched to the limits running both Digipan and the PSK Meter software, 
and I suggest anything over a P500 with >256Megs of memory should handle this 
just fine.   I have to kill my Norton Antivirus and Network Monitor TSR 's to 
squeak out the needed processing.   Anyway, the mod really works, and it is 
obviously worthwhile if you have an old serial number.   

Incidentally, if you are thinking of upgrading the computer in the shack, 
keep in mind the new emerging digital modes.   Sending and receiving JPG files 
(NOT SSTV) requires serious computing power to run the conversion system in the 
new DIGTRX program (http://www.kiva.net/~djones/digtrx.htm).  My old P300 can 
take up to ten minutes of processing time to convert one picture.   So, if you 
are going to change your computer "box," think about putting a gig or two of 
processing power down there in the shack.   I guess it is time to move my 1.3 
gig Dell down there--the family is complaining that it is too slow!   
Unbelievable how fast the state of the art changes.   

Finally, if you've read this far, I have two cents to add to the discussion 
about SSB and the K1.   I think this is related to the universal QRP dream.   
We want a miniature (pocket-sized) rig with digital readout, multi-band, 
all-mode and with a competitive receiver.   We aren't so interested in output power, 
but 5 watts is needed.   We would be glad to struggle with surface mount to 
build such a rig if Elecraft sold it.   So, Eric and Wayne, I don't know why 
you haven't done already.   Just because nobody else can do it is no excuse.   
If you cut the sleep down to four hours a night, you can have this done by the 
New Year.   :-)

Preston Douglas WJ2V