[Elecraft] Lousy Tx audio reports using K2

[Don Wilhelm]

Eddy,

It is important where you set the audio passband.  Normally, there is no 
lack of high frequency response with the 2.6kHz bandpass.

Using Spectrogram to set the SSB filters, I normally recommend that you 
set markers at 300 Hz and the filter width plus 200 Hz - or in your 
case, 2800 Hz.  Center the FL1 (OP1) passband between those markers and 
try it out.  With most voices and microphones, those settings are 
correct, and wil work quite well for receive as well.  For FL2, I use 
the variable filter and set it 300 Hz less than FL1 - it is important to 
measure the actual width with Spectrogram since at wide setting the 
numbers shown by the K2 are usually incorrect.  Set the low frequency 
corner of all the SSB filter passbands at 300 Hz to maintain 
intelligibility as the filters are narrowed.

If you are 'netting' with other hams at a specific frequency, you should 
check your dial calibration - if you are not tuned to the actual 
frequency of the other hams (because your dial calibration is off), it 
could be that your audio is OK, but you are placing your transmit 
frequency a bit high or low.  The K2 Dial Calibration article on my 
website http://w3fpr.qrpradio.com can give you the procedure for 
obtaining good dial calibration.

If filter alignment as I have outlined does not solve your problem, you 
may have a microphone that is lacking in response at the higher audio 
frequencies, but the MH2 usually has a bit of boost for the highs - you 
might want to see if one of the locals near you has an MH2 that you can 
compare with.

73,
Don W3FPR

Eddy Avila wrote:
> Happy Holidays All,
>
> Getting lousy SSB tx audio reports on K2, SN 3345. I
> did the Elecraft-approved 2.6khz bandwith and using
> the Heil MH2 mic.
>
> Specifically, I get reports I don't have enough highs
> in my tx audio. I use the Spectrograph program to
> align filters per KSB2
>
> On K2 receive, the audio is outstanding....as good as
> my ICOM 746pro.
>
> Any help will be greatly appreciated!!
>
>