[Elecraft] K2 and SSB

[Bill Coleman]

On Jun 12, 2007, at 2:49 PM, Gary D Krause wrote:

> The reason I am asking is because, I have the SSB board ready to  
> install.  I have been using the basic K2 the last few days in CW  
> mode and I really like it since I work mostly CW.

The installation of the KSB2 won't affect operation on CW. If  
anything, you'll be able to use the wide OP1 filter on CW as well.

>   I have a Kenwood TS-530SP that works great on SSB so, I'm trying  
> to decide if it's really worth installing the SSB option.  So, I'm  
> trying to gather as many opinions as possible so that I can sit and  
> torture myself further. :-)

Go for it. I've been using the KSB2 for five years now. It works  
pretty well. I've got an unusual K2 because I have changed the  
capacitors out for the "1.9" kHz filter design by KI6WX. Current  
KSB2s use a bit wider filter selection.

>   I did own an Argonaut V for about eight months.  It would put out  
> about 20 watts which made SSB a bit more of a challenge.  Since I  
> have the Kenwood that will put out 170 watts, believe it or not,  
> I'm thinking that I would probably not use the SSB option unless  
> it's for QRP SSB.

I think it would be pretty near impossible to get 170 watts OUT of a  
TS-530SP. The rig used a pair of 6146B tubes. These are good for  
about 90 watts INPUT EACH, for about 100 watts out, perhaps 80 watts  
on 10m.

> Your opinions are welcome.  I should mention that I'm not planning  
> to add the 100 watt amp to the K2.  If I'm going to do that, I'll  
> just buy a K3!  I also work a lot of QRP CW.

The 100 watt amp can be deactivated just by turning the power knob  
down. The K2/100 is still a great radio. The KAP100 is only what  
$389? A K3/100 is more than four times as much.

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901