[Elecraft] Cross-post from moon-net .. anyone using a K2 IF for EME work?

[Mark Schreiner]

Hi John,

Interesting post.  Would be curious to see what responses there are.  I 
would think that the Rx Sensitivity is fine but not necessarily 
dependent on the K2 as an IF.  Whatever VHF/UHF/Microwave transverter is 
used with the K2 as an IF determines the sensitivity (ie the 
transverter, not the K2, determines the sensitivity).  Additionally, the 
system noise figure of the antenna, preamp, feedline and so on back to 
the first Rx stage (in the transverter) are really what determines the 
sensitivity, not just the sensitivity of the transverter (or the K2).  
If the system noise figure is good and there is at least unity gain 
(most transverters have more than unity gain) then there shouldn't be a 
problem with the "sensitivity" of the K2 as an IF rig.  Additionally the 
benefit of the K2 as an IF is the excellent selectivity, but maybe that 
is not so much of an issue except maybe during EME contests, but it sure 
can't hurt!

Mark, NK8Q

John D'Ausilio wrote:
> -----Original Message-----
> From:   Moon-net-bounces at list-serv.davidv.net
> Subject:        [Moon-net] Elecraft K2 IF for EME
>
> Is anyone using the Elecraft K2 transceiver on 28 MHz as the "IF" in an
> EME system?  If so I would appreciate your evaluation of the K2 in terms
> of  "receive" capability of weak EME cw signals. Please reply direct to
> <donsay2 at cox.net>
>