[Elecraft] IF shift

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

One of the strengths of the K2 is its single-conversion design. That is, in
part, responsible for the extremely good specifications the receiver enjoys.
However, i.f. shift such as other rigs often feature require a
multiple-conversion design with all the issues that come with additional
mixers, oscillators and complexity. 

Even so, you can enjoy i.f. shift with the K2. It's not as flexible as the
multiple-conversion receivers use, but it does a FB job for me. Simply set
up for different i.f. bandpass positions on your four XFIL filter positions.
Remember that FL1 is always used for transmit, so that one must be set for
the best transmit audio quality; its position will be set, in part, by your
voice and the microphone you use. Even so, you'll probably find it's the
best general-purpose position for receive too. 

Now you can set the other filters to put the passband closer to or farther
from the carrier frequency as you desire. I have one position set closer to
the carrier frequency for SWL-ing, since that provides better bass response
on broadcast signals. You don't even have to use the OPT1 filter for the
other positions, if you want a "tighter" bandwidth. You can use
adjustable-bandwidth filters and crank one down tight for minimum bandpass
and set it according to your tastes. 

Now, when you encounter a  weak or QRM-ridden signal, you can select between
the four different filter and filter settings by pressing the XFIL button.

Ron AC7AC


-----Original Message-----

Hey friends, how hard would it be to implement something along the lines of
an IF shift, ala the TS830S IF shift? That's something I really like about
my 830 and it seems like it would be a nice addition to the K2.

Along the same lines, would it be feasible to have an outboard S-meter
needle?

I guess I'm somewhat old fashioned :)

I do have the DSP module in my K2, and I guess I could achieve similar
results with that, yes? It's just that it's not a simple knob to turn...

Thanks for any thoughts,

Jeff