[Elecraft] mods to K2

[dave]

 > I think there is a lot of evidence that 3dB does not matter. 10dB 
matters. 6dB might matter.

My thoughts on this are that if 3 dB mattered much, then QRP, down 13 
dB from 100w and 23 dB from a KW, would not work at all, or at least 
not often. But we all know that QRP does work.

Now . . . contesters view this differently. If one is going 
head-to-head against another station to grab a Q and run, then, yes, 3 
dB can be a deal breaker. The weaker station comes in 2nd, has to wait 
for the Q and loses a few seconds. Might miss another Q or even - 
gasp! - a multiplier. But in the ordinary course of events 3 dB is not 
terribly significant. Even in EmComm I'm not sure how significant 3 dB is.

If one is way out in the woods, where rescue time is measured in hours 
or days, a few repeats would not seem to be a big deal vs carrying the 
weight of the amp and needed power source.

A 100w amp will draw about 20A when key down. A 7 Ahr battery will not 
last long.

I'd think that a better backwoods rig would be something like the 
ATS-3, which can put out about 3w for about 8 hr using an 8 pack of AA 
batteries as a power source. That combination does not take up as much 
space nor weight as the K2, and so long as you use a lower freq and 
run NVIS type prop, it should be loud enough.

73 de dave
ab9ca/4



On 9/27/13 10:24 AM, Walter Underwood wrote:
> My first thought on the audio was to get some efficient earbuds. Lightweight and cheap.
>
> Over on the KX3 list, people like the Chill Pill powered speakers.
>
> I know it is a second box, but the Hardrock 50 amp has been getting good reviews. You would not need to get it out except in an emergency, so it could stay deep in the pack. See: http://www.hobbypcb.com/amateur-radio/amateur-radio/hardrock-50-hf-power-amp-kit.html
>
> I think there is a lot of evidence that 3dB does not matter. 10dB matters. 6dB might matter.
>
> wunder
> Walter Underwood
> K6WRU
> CM87wj
>
> On Sep 27, 2013, at 6:35 AM, Allan Taylor wrote: