[Elecraft] K2 KSB2 low output

[Don Wilhelm]

Gernot,

I am familiar with the mods done by QRPproject.  Some are "nice" but (in 
particular the increased RF Gain) are not required if you are using an 
electret mic element (Elecraft MH2 or Icom mic) which has plenty of 
audio output.

Make certain your KSB2 has the PSK mod installed.  Look at the schematic 
for the recent KSB2 and compare the values of C38, R4, R7, and R9 with 
what is installed on your KSB2.

Also make certain you have adjusted the carrier balance for minimum 
carrier with no audio being transmitted.  In SSB mode, close the DOT 
paddle to put it into transmit - the DOT signal and PTT are combined in 
the K2.  It is best if you can monitor the carrier with an oscilloscope, 
but a monitor receiver will also do well, just adjust for minimum 
S-meter on the monitor receiver.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/12/2017 4:59 PM, gt-i at gmx.net wrote:
> Hello again,
> 
> Thanks to Volker, DL4ZBG, he replied directly with the following link: 
> http://www.qrpproject.de/Media/pdf/ZusammenfassungMods.pdf
> It is a nice description of many improvements that can be made for the 
> KSB2.
> However, I believe that I do have a fault in the KSB2 (Rev. D) or K2, 
> since I know it behaved differently years ago. For example, the ALC 
> shows 7 steady bars, no matter what power level I set nor how much SSB 
> amplitude is produced. Regardless of the power level set, the RF signal 
> is never stronger than 1 bar.
> I will try to experiment further, and I'm open to get any hints.
> Thanks!