[Elecraft] K4 Field Day configuration notes

[Wayne Burdick]

Field Day stresses most radios (and their operators) more than usual. That's part of the "fun" :)

We strongly recommend installing the latest production release (R30) to ensure that you have all the latest features and controls.

Suggested radio settings:

- CW:   QSK = ON. Release 30 improves QSK behavior on crowded bands.

- SSB:  CMP = 30 (if you have R30 installed). This sets compression and CESSB to max, increasing average power output by several dB, yet your signal will still be exceptionally clean.

- MENU: RX Dynamic Range Opt." should be turned ON for Field Day, even if you normally leave it off. This configures the A-to-D converter for best dynamic range. (Turning it off may slightly improve sensitivity.) The "DR+" icon will turn on.

- MENU: RX Auto Attenuation should also be set to ON. This allows the K4 to automatically and temporarily reduce front-end gain on a per-receiver basis if extreme signal conditions exist. Such conditions are presently indicated by the "+" in the S-meter's "+60" label turning to magenta. The indication will be more prominent in the next beta release (19, due in a day or two, most likely). You can also control front-end gain manually when you see the OVF (or "+") indication.

73,
Wayne
N6KR