[Elecraft] Re Newbie

[G3VVT at aol.com]

I built the NB option for my K2 #4168 and was convinced for several  months 
that it was not working. Nothing in my arsenal of test gear is able  to check 
this particular feature for operation, this being the one item of test  
equipment that I have never seen a design published nor  have located on the surplus 
equipment market. Probably some form of  mini spark transmitter would be 
called for. Then one day by chance found  that the NB was indeed working very 
efficiently on one particular type  of impulsive noise.
 
Depends where you live and what type of noise is giving problems as to the  
usefulness of the NB. Probably good on auto ignition interference and maybe  
static rain type of noise, though neither of these occur too often at my  
location on HF. The NB on my JRC NRD-515 HF receiver is similar in being choosy  on 
noise type. The NB will be of more use when the K2 is used as a  transverter 
source on the low VHF bands where auto ignition  interference can be more of a 
problem.
 
As an off topic subject on interference, the auto ignition  interference may 
be aggravated by misguided technicians fitting  non resistive spark plugs when 
servicing. The service shop I use for  my small 4x4 is convinced that the 
correct resistive spark plugs when  tested on their engine testing computer are 
inferior and would fit  the non resistive type during services if not requested 
to use the  resistive type. Does seem to make a difference in keeping down 
the ignition  interference on 2m on my FM mobile radio receiver.
 
Bob, G3VVT