[Elecraft] K2 Poor sensitivity

[Radiobeamer]

Hi John and Don,

Thanks for your responses.  Very useful information.

for John:
Thanks for the link.  I'm not sure that my ears really understand what a
30dB S/N ratio sounds like but for sure with well over 1uV input (which is
-107dBm) I was not getting what I think of as 30+ dB S/N.  With the signal
generator down at -120dBm the signal was lost in the noise so I'm quite sure
that there is some kind of issue here.  I'll hook up the audio to a PC with
Spectrum lab and do some measurements.

for Don:
I used the radio for a few CW QSOs before adding the SSB and 60m/transverter
options and I was happy enough with it but I'm not sure if the sensitivity
was OK before adding the SSB option.  It sounds OK when connected to a
decent antenna and you can make contacts well enough (on 40m and 20m).  With
the noise in a domestic environment and a good antenna you don't need a
super-sensitive receiver on those bands!

I completed the SSB board last week and I'm confident of my abilities so I'm
thinking that (hopefully) the SSB module is good.  As you mentioned, it is
easy enough to reverse the options mods so I can easily check that.  My HP
sig gen goes from -136dBm to +7dBm so it can get pretty strong!  One bad
thing about buying used is that the test probes (frequency and RF signal)
didn't come with the radio so I'll have to build some up  - I already did
the frequency probe to allow the BFO to be aligned.  Just need to find a
detector diode now ...

Also - thanks for all of the great information on your web site Don.  I
already downloaded your alignment guide.  I'll spend some more time
troubleshooting and let you know what I find.

73,

Paul



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