[Elecraft] New KX2 - what am I doing wrong?

[Walter Underwood]

For the AM broadcast band, this is normal. Here is a 2016 post from Wayne, N6KR about
using the KX2 for SWL. The reduced sensitivity is to reduce intermod in the PIN diodes used
for T/R switching, if I remember correctly.

Also, the KX3 and KX2 are designed to be used with the preamp for normal operation.

=====
By the way, sensitivity of the KX2 is excellent for SWL segments between the ham bands. The sensitivity does fall off pretty rapidly below about 3 MHz because the KX2 was designed for 80-10 m and doesn't have filters specifically for 3 MHz or lower. You can still tune down to as low as 500 kHz, but you'll only be able to copy very strong signals below the 160 meter band.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

On Jun 13, 2016, at 8:56 PM, "Wayne Burdick n6kr at elecraft.com <mailto:n6kr at elecraft.com> [KX3]" <KX3-noreply at yahoogroups.com <mailto:KX3-noreply at yahoogroups.com>> wrote:

> Guy,
> 
> The KX2 does very well with AM signals. Just use LSB or USB mode and tune for best reception. This will occur when the pitch of the carrier is at zero, but as long as you get reasonably close it'll be very readable.
> 
> Since you can use either LSB or USB, you can try both to see which rejects adjacent-channel QRM better. Just use the ALT MD (alternate mode) menu entry to switch between the normal and opposite SSB mode on the current band. (Remember to switch back to ALT MD = NOR for ham-segment use.)
> 
> You might even want to experiment with turning on the KX2's auto notch. This will notch out the carrier of the AM signal. In SSB mode, the APF-AN switch-hold function turns auto notch on/off.
> 
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
=====

wunder
wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)

> On Nov 23, 2020, at 11:55 AM, Philip Cochran <philip.cochran at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> I recently purchased a new KX2 with all the trimmings (AX1, AXE1, CW
> paddles, binding posts, etc.). Unfortunately, I’m hearing nothing but
> static.  I had expected the KX2 to significantly exceed the receiving
> quality of my inexpensive SWL receivers.
> 
> 
> I am within 5 miles line of sight from some powerful AM stations. My
> Midland emergency radio has no problem in picking up the local AM stations
> - even the telescoping antenna fully retracted into the body of the radio.  My
> KX2 cannot hear these stations.  I cannot hear WWV on the KX2 (although my
> $20 clock radios can synchronize to it).  I cannot hear any FT8 signals.
> Likewise, no CW.
> 
> 
> Granted, I am only using the Elecraft AX1 whip and not an outdoor antenna.  But
> the AX1 whip is considerably larger than the telescoping antenna on my
> Midland even when extended.  I’ve checked the RF GAIN (it’s at -0 db), the
> AF GAIN knob is turned up, and PRE is showing near the middle of the
> display.
> 
> 
> Maybe I am a complete idiot and am doing something wrong.  Or perhaps my
> brand new KX2 was dead on arrival.  Can anyone suggest next steps?
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