[Elecraft] XV144 - further lesson learnt, experience sharing

[Siu Johnny]

Hi Group,

Further to my earlier email about trouble shooting of my XV144 transverter, 
I would supplement the following observations:

1.  When I used a transceiver as a signal tracer, I needed a step-by-step 
RF attenuator ahead of the front end of the transceiver.  My attenuator is 
a 80dB one but made in China.  I have no idea about its frequency response 
and SWR under 50 ohm.  Having said that, it should be Ok under HF frequency 
spectrum.   Therefore, it would be good if Elecraft considers getting a kit 
of RF attenuator which will be a valuable tool in casual RF repair works.

With a suitable RF attenuator, your rig can be used as a very good signal 
tracer.  You can read both the level of signal and frequency.  Clearly, if 
you have a IC781, IC756 families with band scope spectrum, you can turn 
your rig into a specturm analyser for casual repair works.  DON'T blame me 
if you accidentally blow up the front end of your rig.

2.  K2 (without K60XV) does not produce a stable RF power output below say 
0.5 watt even you turn the POWER knot fully CCW.  However, in the SEC 
Manual, if you set the maximum power output for TRN at 0.1 watt, you will 
get a stable power output well under 0.5 watt.  I do not have any RF power 
meter which can measure anything below 1 watt.  I have no idea about the 
exact power output from K2.

However, under this configuration, I have to use the lowest input selection 
of my XV144.  For that selection, the maximum allowable input level for 
XV144 is about 1 mW.  The next higher input level for XV144 is 251 mW.  
Based on the above observation, I would suspect the minimum power output 
from K2 should be well below 0.2 watt.

Through this exercise, I think I need a RF power meter which can measure RF 
power around 10 mW level, as a tool in my shack.  Any suggestion from the 
Group will be the most welcome.

3.  Noise generator was used in tuning the RX section of the XV144.  The 
N-gen of Elecraft is a very useful tool.  Bearing in mind its low cost, I 
think you should have one if you haven't brought yet.  N-gen is also useful 
in aligning the filters of your K2.

Do I think XV144 (together with the crystal oven) is expensive? Yes, it is 
expensive indeed because IC910H V/U all mode transceiver is only sold at 
USD1100 in Hong Kong.  HOWEVER, if you are looking for exceptional RX 
performance, the survival among nearby S9+60 stations, a transverter with a 
HF rig could be the only choice.

73

Johnny Siu VR2XMC