[Elecraft] FW: [Moon-net] Elecraft K2 IF for EME

Thu Jul 13 17:01:41 EDT 2006

I actually posted the start of this thread here a couple of days ago ..

They've got valid points for EME, but they don't apply so much to
typical VHF/UHF contest work. I've only got one rove in using the
Elecraft stuff .. the low band station worked great once I got the
right combination of IF cables and Ts. Strong signal performance was
great, conditions were so poor that there wasn't much weak signal
around :(

The high band station ended up using an IC-706, but that was a failure
in the 144-28 xverter .. we used the K2 as the bandswitch, because I
had integrated everything from 903-10G using a custom-mapped KRC2

I'll have more to say in the fall after I get more experience and
tweak out some bugs, but so far I like it

de w1rt/john

On 7/13/06, Lanier, Robert <rlanier at harris.com> wrote:
>
> Hi everyone,
>
> I am forwarding this partial email thread from the Moon-net list to
> everyone here on the Elecraft list in hopes to generate a good
> discussion (not a flame war!) on the use of the K2 for weak signal use.
> I would appreciate hearing all responses to this subject because I was
> considering using the K2 (or maybe the K3?) for weak signal work
> someday. What are the major strengths/weaknesses of the K2 in this area,
> and what can be done to improve this.
>
> There are some very knowledgable people on this list and your experience
> in this area would be most appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Tony   K4YYZ
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Moon-net-bounces at list-serv.davidv.net
> [mailto:Moon-net-bounces at list-serv.davidv.net] On Behalf Of Sergio
> Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2006 4:08 AM
> To: D.W. Harms
> Cc: Moon Net
> Subject: Re: [Moon-net] Elecraft K2 IF for EME
>
> All,
>
> I used to have a K2 and I share the same comments you have mentioned as
> well as Shawn's one.  Aside a number of minor things, I was mostly
> annoyed by the bad ripple of the IF filters too, which is not a trivial
> thing. They kept the filters area still at a 'very kit level' , maybe it
>
> would have been better to put some extra effort there.
>
> Another major draw back for me it was the 10Hz step tuning, which with
> the very tight DSP set at maybe 50Hz BW it didn't really ensure a proper
>
> operation in CW/weak signals. Yes one could eventually set the RIT as
> the 'fine resolution tune' but then the split function was lost and, in
> my case, I could not compensate the doppler anymore thus being obliged
> to use another rig in TX...
>
> This is just to report my practical experience, it is not my intention
> to bias any soul. Aside this, I also have to report that building the
> radio was definitely a nice experience bringing a lot of satisfaction
> and excitement during its progression.
>
> Sergio IK2MMB
>
>
> D.W. Harms wrote:
> > Hi Don e.e.
> >
> > Besides my home mde transceiver I have the K2 with a built in DEM
> > transvertor (144-28 ECK) in use since Januari 2004.
> > In combination with the transvertor it slightly outperforms my home
> made
> > transceiver. I can highly recommend the radio!
> >
> > There are only two things that bother me:
> >
> > 1. The throughput gain on 28 MHz seems to be low. I made a seperate
> output
> > on the rig to bring the 28 MHz signal to my Drake R7/Tr7 combination
> and I
> > have obviously more signal there. This of course could influance the
> > overall noise floor...
> > The K2 really marvels at the lower HF-bands, but the front-end filters
> on
> > 28 MHz are not that good. That is probably why the excellent
> strong-signal
> > behaviour for which the K2 is well-known, is not too obvious on 28
> MHz. I
> > sometimes think about replacing the frontend filters, or to change the
> IF
> > to 14 MHz.
> >
> > 2. The IF-filter seems to produce some ripple, as reported by another
> ham
> > here on moonnet. Of course this is a killer in weak signal work! I
> have
> > not noticed it myself, but heard others (PA0CHN) complain about it.
> >
> > It was fun building the radio during the x-mas holidays together with
> my
> > youngest son. So if you are looking for a "heatkit-like" project, then
> go
> > for it!
> > It is a superb radio for portable work. I use it in combination with a
> > 300W mosfet amp for MS-work and have good experiences. It is probably
> much
> > better than the average portbale multi-multi band rice-boxes...
> >
> > I am not too sure yet if it is the best radio for weak-signal EME
> work. I
> > have to  do some more investigation. It is hard to judge given the
> fact
> > that I have lots of urban noise, something that EVERY radio would
> suffer
> > from hi!
> >
> > I also saw a remark about microphones. Well, I have used the K2 wit
> both
> > an electret and a MD-microphone. Both worked well, though you should
> not
> > expect HIFI reports...  But then again, I am no fone-fan so I dont
> bother
> > too much...
> >
> > VY 73, Dick PA2DW
> >
> >
> >
> >> 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>
> >>
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> Moon-Net posting and subscription instructions are at
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