[Elecraft] XG1 and K2 question

[Don Wilhelm]

Ed,

You will have to make up your own mind on that question.
If you normally use the bands that usually have the preamp on, you would 
probably want to set it with the preamp on.

However if most of your activity is on bands where you do not run the 
preamp, set it with the preamp off.

Keep in mind that the S-meter display can be a relative indication 
rather than an absolute.  The K2 does a lot better than many other 
transceivers in that the s-meter calibration can be set according to 
your desires or to some 'standard' such as the normally accepted -73 dBm 
(50 uV) indicating S-9.

If you choose to calibrate with the preamp on, just add 2 S-units to the 
reading, or if above S-9, add 10 dB when giving reports with the preamp 
off.  Conversely, subtract 2 S-units or 10 dB when operating with the 
preamp on if you calibrated it with the preamp off.

Some folks like to see a "lively" S-meter in all cases, and if you are 
one of those, set it with the preamp off.
Isn't everyone S-9 unless you are running QRP and then it is S-5 :-) .  
I have heard very few really honest reports in my days.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/14/2014 4:08 PM, Eddy wrote:
> Hello K2 receiver wizards, what makes more sense when using the XG1 to set the S-meter on a K2, pre-amp on or off? As you well know, pre-amp makes a big difference on 40mtr......I suppose most K2 owners turn pre-amp on from 20mtrs and up, while turning it off 160-40 for better selectivity.
>
> Many thanks for your advice and opinions.
>
>