[Elecraft] K2 on SSB.

[Darwin, Keith]

Hey folks,

I completed the SSB module and have put it on the air.  Interesting
results.

First, the board took me 2 evenings to build.  I was interrupted both
times by the need to shuttle kids here or there but was still able to
finish in about 6 hrs (including interruptions).  I went with the
pre-wound toroids which cut some time.

Board assembly was pretty smooth.  I have a PCB vise (or is it vice?)
which sure came in handy.  So did my magnifier light and reading glasses
:-)

So how does the K2 work on SSB?  Pretty darn well.  Better than I
expected.  First, I've had no problems at all getting enough drive to
generate 10+ watts out PEP.  The mic-gain is automatic.  You just plug
in and talk.  It has worked fine for me thus far.  Sound quality on RX
is quite good.  I did a lot of A/B comparing with my 830s and the K2
sounds very similar.  The K2 passband is noticeably narrower than the
830s making it more "communication's quality" than "hi-fi" but that's OK
for my casual use.  I used my 830s as a separate receiver and recorded
my self transmitting on the K2.  With those recordings I was able to
dial in the settings that worked best with my mic and my voice.  TX
quality is good.  Not stellar but that probably has a much to do with my
mic as anything.  The Kenwood MC-43s is a simple hand-held dynamic and
isn't going to generate rich detailed audio.  If I were more serious
about SSB I'd be considering a different mic.

One question I'm still wondering about is 2.4 KHz vs. 2.6 KHz.  I went
2.4 but after listening to the rig am thinking 2.6 would have been a
good choice too.

The compressor is interesting.  It certainly works, but since it is
"only" a compressor, it does not generate the same over-the-top
distorted audio that other rigs do.  Instead, it increases average talk
power without a lot of other side effects.  It is more subtle than
obvious.  I like it.

Running the rig during SS, I sure was wishing for 100 watts instead of
10.  SSB is a tough game for a QRP station.  I had the best results on
40 where my 32' vertical helped make up the shortfall.

Before the 'test I chatted with a guy in VA.  Told him I was running a
K2 at 10 watts.  He said "where's the rest of your rig?".  Funny guy!
:-)

- Keith N1AS -
- K2 5411.SSB -