[Elecraft] K2 SSB question.

Wed Aug 8 23:30:10 EDT 2012

Gil -

I am sure you will get other replies, but here's my 2-cents worth:  I 
have owned a K2 since about 2005, and while it is not my primary rig, I 
have used it enough to get a good "feel" for how it stacks up when using 
SSB.  I use a Kenwood MC-43 hand microphone with the K2.  I have also 
installed the upgraded SSB crystal filter set. 

First off, the down sides:  The only serious "beef" I have is with the 
noise blanker, which I consider to be only marginally useful.  When 
compared to the blanker function in my other rigs, a Kenwood  TS-570 and 
a Yaesu FT-1000 MK 5, it takes last place by a comfortable distance.  A 
secondary issue is that the K2 requires a few minutes of  "warm up" to  
settle down on frequency.  This is not a problem in any way, it just 
needs to be something to keep in mind.  Total drift is perhaps 200 Hz 
over 30 minutes, which I consider acceptable.  In fact for us "old 
f**ts" that have been on the air since the 50's,  it is remarkable.   We 
used to have rigs that had all they could do to stay in the band, let 
alone on frequency. 

Now, for the good news:  I took care to properly adjust the  filters and 
the sideband module, and once adjusted, they perform very well.  I use 
the  "OP-1" filter for most SSB use,  and only occasionally use the 
variable bandwidth filter.  The OP-1 filter is the one that is part of 
the SSB module, and is the filter used for SSB transmit.  When I have 
occasionally used the variable bandwidth filter (the primary K2 filter) 
for receive, it has also worked well, in fact better than I 
anticipated.  I have it set ( for SSB) for bandwidths of 1.8, 1.6, and 
1.4 kHz.  The narrower bandwidths sacrifice some intelligibility  of 
course, but they do make copy possible sometimes when conditions are 
crowded.   The use of the "Spectrogram" audio spectrum analyzer is 
essential here, as the rig simply cannot be properly set up without it.  
Fortunately, the program is free, and excellent tutorials are available 
for its use.

Keep in mind that the K2 variable bandwidth filter can have different 
settings for SSB and CW modes, a very useful feature.  For CW, I have 
mine set for 1.5, 1.0, 0.6 and 0.3 kHz.   This combination has proven 
good for my style of operation.  The great thing about this is that you 
can set the filters for your personal reference, adjusting bandwidths as 
needed without having to buy a whole box full of separate filters. 

Reports from other stations indicate that SSB transmit audio is crisp 
and easy to copy.  The speech compressor function works well, as long as 
you don't try to overdo it.  Moderation is everything here.  Receive 
audio is smooth, with no obvious peaks or holes in the response.  Yes, 
the Mark 5 has better audio, but not all that much better, and 
definitely not considering the difference in price.

I did purchase the KDSP2 DSP option.  I am not sure I would do that 
again, but I'm not getting rid of it either.  I think the KAF2 filter 
would be a more cost effective choice, because the extra help is needed 
(for my operations) almost always for CW only.   The DSP does offer help 
for CW, and it works, I just don't use it much.    The real advantage of 
the DSP is additional noise reduction, and it helps there, but not quite 
as much as I had hoped.   I had hoped for better results there, but I 
also understand that the KDSP2 is a "first generation"  unit, and  some  
"slack" must be allowed. 

The K2 is, overall, a great rig.  It is versatile, small, and relatively 
inexpensive.   I have mine set up  in what I consider to be the most 
versatile  manner:  I have the base K2 as a QRP / portable rig, with the 
internal 20-watt automatic coupler and battery pack, and of course the 
SSB and noise blanker options, plus the 160-meter module.  I do not have 
the 60-meter option, but the K2 has essentially everything else.    I 
have the KPA100  amplifier, together with the  KAT100 mounted in a 
separate EC2 cabinet.  This plugs into the K2 for seamless 100-watt 
"base station" use.

A huge advantage of the K2 modular concept is that you can get as much 
or as little of this as fits your needs and pocketbook.   A "fully 
loaded" K2 is not a cheap radio, but you don't have to do it all at once 
either.    It actually hears a bit better that either of my other rigs, 
which is a bit of a surprise.  Not enough better that I am getting rid 
of them, as they each have their advantages.  For example the TS-570 
works on 6 meters , where the K2 does not. and the Mark 5 offers some 
additional features that the K2 does not - such as a 2nd receiver 
option, but again, the  difference in performance is perhaps not worth 
the difference in cost.  It becomes a matter of personal preference.

Finally, I predict that if you get a K2, you will find yourself using 
the K1 only very occasionally, if at all.  The K1 is not a bad radio at 
all.  It is in fact a great little set.  The K2 is simply better.  Wayne 
and Eric have said that they will keep the K2 available as long as they 
can get parts, and they have apparently laid in a big stock of some of 
the critical items.  With the number of K2's slowly approaching 10,000, 
they must be doing something right.

- Jim, KL7CC

Gil G. wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I would like some suggestions regarding getting a K2, or not.
> I am new to Ham radio and just built a K1. So, as far as CW is concerned, I am all set.
> I also just built the 4-band module, and have the components to turn my other board into an 80/17m.
> So, getting a K2 for me would essentially be for adding SSB. I could keep the K1 as a backup.
> Reading the reviews on Eham (I know, I know…) it seems like SSB isn't a K2 strong point.
> I have thought about just getting an MFJ-9440 for SSB and be done with that, saving $600.
> This reflector might not be the place for an objective opinion. but oh well…
> By the way, I couldn't possibly justify spending more than the price of a K2 for any radio.
> So, owning a K1, would I just be getting a mediocre $600 SSB option with the K2, or have these TX audio problems been fixed, or ever existed?
> I could get an MFJ-9440 now and save up for a K2 later, keeping the 9440 as a backup, but my concern is that the K2 might no longer be available.
> The K1 is here to stay by the way, I like it too much to ever sell it.
>
> Thanks for shedding some light on my dilemma :-)
>
> Gil.
> --
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