FW: FW: FW: [Elecraft] Kit arrived...

[Brett gazdzinski]

> 
> Brett,
> 
> I agree with Tom - that you should re-peak the bandpass 
> filters at low 
> power (1 to 2 watts)  It is easier to discern the peak at low 
> power and 
> there is lesser chance that the K2 power adjustment mechanism 
> will try 
> to compensate and confuse the response.

I tried that.
I did it at 1 watt, no real change.


> 
> Be certain to observe the correct band order for doing the bandpass 
> filter alignment - for any band pair, you must adjust the inductors 
> first and then the trimmer caps.  Do 80 and 40 meters in any 
> order, but 
> align 30 before 20, 15 before 17, 10 before 12.  If you have 
> the K60XV 
> installed, 40 must be aligned before 60 meters.  160 and 80 share the 
> same inductors, so you may have to compromise a bit between them, but 
> that filter is broad and there is plenty of reserve drive on those 
> bands.  On 10 meters, you may find better coverage across the 28.0 to 
> 28.8 MHz band if you do the alignment at 28400 kHz rather 
> than the 28200 
> mentioned in the manual. But if your main 10 meter interest 
> is CW, use 
> the 28.2 point.

I have been doing it that way (by the book).
I have no idea what is on what band, and when they are open.
I have been stuck on 80 and 40 meters weekend mornings for the last
15 years or so, I have checked out 20 and 15 meters at night with the K2
and there is nothing there, so I suppose they are more daytime bands?

 


> 
> Since you said you have a 'scope, you will find it easier to 
> watch for 
> the peak on the scope trace than to wait until the digital display 
> settles down.  Just connect your 'scope's 10X probe across the dummy 
> load.  Connect directly to the dummy load with a short connection for 
> the best results.
> 
> You will be able to see the RF voltage peak on the 'scope 
> easily.  You 
> are not trying for any specific voltage, just for the point 
> of the peak.
> If you do not use the 'scope, make the adjustments slowly to give the 
> digital display time to respond.
> 
> After peaking the bandpass at low power, you can re-check the 
> max power 
> output if you have any real doubts about it.

I think I am real close to maximum I am going to get out of the rig
without changes, and I am fine with 10 watts or more on most
bands, 10 meters is about 8 watts, I might try removing one turn
from L21 and L22 as a test.


Thanks,
Brett
N2DTS
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR