[Elecraft] Help with digital modes please

[Don Wilhelm]

Jim,

First, the menu SSBC parameter is for compression, not gain.  The gain 
setting is SSBA.
Yes, SSBC must be set to 1-1 (no compression) for data modes.
That is why it is advisable to activate the RTTY filter set in the K2 
and copy the filter settings from your SSB filter into the RTTY filter 
settings - RTTY is LSB and RTTYr (reverse) is USB.
The RTTY filter set offers a compression setting (SSBCr in the menu) 
that is independent of the setting used for SSB.

As far as mic gain goes, you should be able to adjust the SignalLink 
output (and your soundcard output) to match whatever gain you need for 
SSB (so you do not have to change the SSBA setting).  Look at the ALC 
indication on the K2 bargraph (hold DISPLAY if the bargraph is showing 
RF level) - adjust the gain upward until you see a bar of ALC indicated, 
and then back it down until the bar just extinguishes - that is the 
proper audio drive level.  Adjust the power output desired with the 
power knob.
Ignore the typical advice you find on the internet which say to use the 
audio drive level to control the power output - that will result in 
erratic power control if you try to do it that way with the K2.

You may have to set the audio drive to a slightly different level for 
each band because the TX RF gain varies from band to band in the K2.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/26/2013 7:03 PM, jim wrote:
> After being off the air for 10 years I've forgotten much. Still 
> remember Morse so I'm back on CW but I want to get back into digital 
> modes.
>
> I just orered the Signalink USB interface and waiting for that to 
> arrive in afew days with  the proper cable for my K2.
>
> Also I'm using Linux (Ubuntu 12.04) but I'm getting help with that 
> end. I've installed Fldigi for Linux.
>
> There will be other questions no doubt but one is about Mic Gain.
>
> From the K2 Menu mic gain is set at ssbc 1-1 is that the correct 
> setting for mic gain?
>