[Elecraft] K2 SSB Question

[Jim Brown]

On Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:34:02 -0500, Don Wilhelm wrote:

>Those are the pros and cons that I know about.

I'll add a few things.

1) The K2 with KSB2 is a bit low on transmit audio gain, so with 
some mics, you may not get as much "processing" as in some other 
rigs. 

2) The K2 with KSB2 has a bit more low frequency response than is 
ideal for agressive audio in a competitive situation. 

3) The K2 when adjusted for narrowband SSB reception aligns the RX 
filters to form a "staggertuned" IF, so the audio quality (on RX) 
is something that only the programmer's mother could love. 

These issues matter only if you're a contester or serious DX 
chaser. For more casual operation it doesn't matter much. There 
are mods for #1 and #2 that improve things significantly, and 
they're pretty easy to do. One of the more powerful solutions to #
1 involves cutting some circuit board traces. 

Bottom line -- the K2 and K2/100 are excellent CW rigs and good 
(but not great) SSB rigs. The KSB2 IS a good plug-in, and well 
worth doing, but don't expect it to be competitive in a serious 
contest. For other operation you'll be quite happy with it. 

73,

Jim Brown K9YC