Re: [Elecraft] K2 initial impressions
On 6/26/2021 10:47 AM, Bob McGraw wrote: Frankly, signal strength means little to me. The "copy-ability" of a signal is how I determine signal quality. A CW signal with a clean tone, no clicks, no chirps, no warbles is a great signal. On the other hand, one with any of those artifacts will be a lousy signal. Your K2 should allow you to give and receive outstanding quality signal reports both on transmit and receive. Be it from 10 watts or 1500 watts, there should be NO Difference in signal quality, only signal strength. A very important point. We should be teaching that to every new (and not-so-new) ham. 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402 Same call since 1952 From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 initial impressions
Jerry, You will still want to remove the front panel to check the wiring of the microphone configuration header. It must be wired to match your chosen microphone. Since you did not build that K2, you may not know how to get to the Front Panel. There are disassembly instructions at https://www.qsl.net/wy3a/Replace_K2_Headphone_Jack.htm. Of course, you likely do not have to replace the headphone jack, but the disassembly instructions are the same. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/26/2021 8:39 AM, jerry wrote: Just for yuks, I opened it up to seewhat if the SSB adapter had been installed, and somebody pulled it out? Sure enough, C167 was tacked messily to the top of the board. According to the schematic, you remove that when you install the SSB adapter. That's good news. It means I just build the adapter, remove messily tacked-on C167, plug the adapter in, and align. Don't have to take the front panel apart. ...or so I hope. - Jerry KF6VB On 2021-06-25 15:24, Don Wilhelm wrote: Many filters constructed using the newer crystals do not have that tilt, especially at narrow filter widths. Wide filter widths do have both tilt and passband ripple. Having aligned almost 2000 K2s, I can say this with certainty. 73, Don W3FPR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 initial impressions
Just for yuks, I opened it up to seewhat if the SSB adapter had been installed, and somebody pulled it out? Sure enough, C167 was tacked messily to the top of the board. According to the schematic, you remove that when you install the SSB adapter. That's good news. It means I just build the adapter, remove messily tacked-on C167, plug the adapter in, and align. Don't have to take the front panel apart. ...or so I hope. - Jerry KF6VB On 2021-06-25 15:24, Don Wilhelm wrote: Many filters constructed using the newer crystals do not have that tilt, especially at narrow filter widths. Wide filter widths do have both tilt and passband ripple. Having aligned almost 2000 K2s, I can say this with certainty. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/25/2021 6:06 PM, Louandzip via Elecraft wrote: The passband of the filter has a tilt (the SSB module's filter is much better) When you switch between CW and CWR, the slope of the filter reverses with respect to the base band, so it sounds different. It's not that unusual for other rigs to do this to a lesser degree. Of course where the filter is centered depends on BFO alignment which must be done for each width and both USB and LSB. On Friday, June 25, 2021, 4:04:34 PM MDT, Don Wilhelm wrote: Jerry, You will quickly get used to the UI. If you do not have a manual, download one from Elecraft. As another 'helper' one of my friends who was just getting used to the K2 created a chart of all buttons with their functions as well as the menu. You can download that chart from my website www.w3fpr.com. Look near the bottom of the home page for the link to the chart. If you print it, you can make it into a handy tri-fold that is a convenient 'accessory' to the K2. The CW/CW-R situation is definitely associated with the BFO frequencies. There are 4 filter widths for each mode and a BFO for upper sideband and another for lower sideband associated with each filter. I would wait until you have the KSB2 installed and do any upgrades that you want before trying to align the filters and their BFOs. If you change the RF board crystals, you will need to realign the filters and BFOs - likewise with the addition of the KSB2 option. The KSB2 option instructions give you some suggested settings, but you can do a lot better by running the K2 audio into an audio spectrum analyzer running on your computer - the visual display of the receive passband makes that task easy. You will need the internal counter probe if one was not included with your K2, Elecraft does sell a kit of parts. I can give you help with the Dial Calibration and Filter alignment. 73, Don W3FPR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to je...@tr2.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 initial impressions
Hi Don, I do have the original manual. I also found a quick reference card. Printed it out in color, double sided, cut it down to size, and laminated it. - Jerry On 2021-06-25 15:03, Don Wilhelm wrote: Jerry, You will quickly get used to the UI. If you do not have a manual, download one from Elecraft. As another 'helper' one of my friends who was just getting used to the K2 created a chart of all buttons with their functions as well as the menu. You can download that chart from my website www.w3fpr.com. Look near the bottom of the home page for the link to the chart. If you print it, you can make it into a handy tri-fold that is a convenient 'accessory' to the K2. The CW/CW-R situation is definitely associated with the BFO frequencies. There are 4 filter widths for each mode and a BFO for upper sideband and another for lower sideband associated with each filter. I would wait until you have the KSB2 installed and do any upgrades that you want before trying to align the filters and their BFOs. If you change the RF board crystals, you will need to realign the filters and BFOs - likewise with the addition of the KSB2 option. The KSB2 option instructions give you some suggested settings, but you can do a lot better by running the K2 audio into an audio spectrum analyzer running on your computer - the visual display of the receive passband makes that task easy. You will need the internal counter probe if one was not included with your K2, Elecraft does sell a kit of parts. I can give you help with the Dial Calibration and Filter alignment. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/25/2021 4:08 PM, jerry wrote: Hello all, My new ( to me ) K2 arrived yesterday, far in advance of when Ebay said it would. Color me happy :). I just ordered the SSB adapter. My first impressions: The UI is a little cryptic - a general weakness of things with small displays and few knobs/switches/buttons, but really not too bad. I've already got most of the buttons memorized. Receive is nice & quiet. When I disconnect the antenna, there is very little internal hiss. The AF gain control was scratchy at first, but quieted right down with a little use. Had my first QSO with it - with Don Huff, W6JL. Don gave me a good report. Even though I was only running 10 watts. I notice that the band noise changes tone between "CW" and "CW R". Could that be symptomatic of a misadjusted BFO? Also WWV is a little off - switching from CW & CW-R changes the beat note. Looking forward to getting into this; Ebay just yielded up a GPSDO ( GPS-disciplined oscillator ) which is supposed to emit 10Mhz accurate to a tiny fraction of a Hertz. I'll want to start inspecting the radio to see what needs updating. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 initial impressions
Many filters constructed using the newer crystals do not have that tilt, especially at narrow filter widths. Wide filter widths do have both tilt and passband ripple. Having aligned almost 2000 K2s, I can say this with certainty. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/25/2021 6:06 PM, Louandzip via Elecraft wrote: The passband of the filter has a tilt (the SSB module's filter is much better) When you switch between CW and CWR, the slope of the filter reverses with respect to the base band, so it sounds different. It's not that unusual for other rigs to do this to a lesser degree. Of course where the filter is centered depends on BFO alignment which must be done for each width and both USB and LSB. On Friday, June 25, 2021, 4:04:34 PM MDT, Don Wilhelm wrote: Jerry, You will quickly get used to the UI. If you do not have a manual, download one from Elecraft. As another 'helper' one of my friends who was just getting used to the K2 created a chart of all buttons with their functions as well as the menu. You can download that chart from my website www.w3fpr.com. Look near the bottom of the home page for the link to the chart. If you print it, you can make it into a handy tri-fold that is a convenient 'accessory' to the K2. The CW/CW-R situation is definitely associated with the BFO frequencies. There are 4 filter widths for each mode and a BFO for upper sideband and another for lower sideband associated with each filter. I would wait until you have the KSB2 installed and do any upgrades that you want before trying to align the filters and their BFOs. If you change the RF board crystals, you will need to realign the filters and BFOs - likewise with the addition of the KSB2 option. The KSB2 option instructions give you some suggested settings, but you can do a lot better by running the K2 audio into an audio spectrum analyzer running on your computer - the visual display of the receive passband makes that task easy. You will need the internal counter probe if one was not included with your K2, Elecraft does sell a kit of parts. I can give you help with the Dial Calibration and Filter alignment. 73, Don W3FPR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 initial impressions
Jerry, Look at the crystals again - if they are marked 4.9136-S they are the new ones. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/25/2021 5:25 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Jerry, Yes, those are the older crystals. The new ones have a "-S" suffix on the label. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/25/2021 5:00 PM, jerry wrote: So - looking at the crystal filter: the crystals are labelled thusly: ECSX 4.9136 China ...I'm guessing these are the OLD crystals. - Jerry __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to d...@w3fpr.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 initial impressions
The passband of the filter has a tilt (the SSB module's filter is much better) When you switch between CW and CWR, the slope of the filter reverses with respect to the base band, so it sounds different. It's not that unusual for other rigs to do this to a lesser degree. Of course where the filter is centered depends on BFO alignment which must be done for each width and both USB and LSB. On Friday, June 25, 2021, 4:04:34 PM MDT, Don Wilhelm wrote: Jerry, You will quickly get used to the UI. If you do not have a manual, download one from Elecraft. As another 'helper' one of my friends who was just getting used to the K2 created a chart of all buttons with their functions as well as the menu. You can download that chart from my website www.w3fpr.com. Look near the bottom of the home page for the link to the chart. If you print it, you can make it into a handy tri-fold that is a convenient 'accessory' to the K2. The CW/CW-R situation is definitely associated with the BFO frequencies. There are 4 filter widths for each mode and a BFO for upper sideband and another for lower sideband associated with each filter. I would wait until you have the KSB2 installed and do any upgrades that you want before trying to align the filters and their BFOs. If you change the RF board crystals, you will need to realign the filters and BFOs - likewise with the addition of the KSB2 option. The KSB2 option instructions give you some suggested settings, but you can do a lot better by running the K2 audio into an audio spectrum analyzer running on your computer - the visual display of the receive passband makes that task easy. You will need the internal counter probe if one was not included with your K2, Elecraft does sell a kit of parts. I can give you help with the Dial Calibration and Filter alignment. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/25/2021 4:08 PM, jerry wrote: > Hello all, > > My new ( to me ) K2 arrived yesterday, far in advance of when Ebay > said it would. Color me happy :). I just ordered the SSB adapter. > > My first impressions: The UI is a little cryptic - a general > weakness of things with small displays and few knobs/switches/buttons, > but really not too bad. I've already got most of the buttons memorized. > > Receive is nice & quiet. When I disconnect the antenna, there is > very little internal hiss. The AF gain control was scratchy at first, > but quieted right down with a little use. > > Had my first QSO with it - with Don Huff, W6JL. Don gave me a good > report. Even though I was only > running 10 watts. > > I notice that the band noise changes tone between "CW" and "CW R". > Could that be symptomatic of a misadjusted BFO? Also WWV is a little > off - switching from CW & CW-R changes the beat note. Looking forward > to getting into this; Ebay just yielded up a GPSDO ( GPS-disciplined > oscillator ) which is supposed to emit 10Mhz accurate to a tiny > fraction of a Hertz. > > I'll want to start inspecting the radio to see what needs updating. > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to louand...@yahoo.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 initial impressions
Jerry, You will quickly get used to the UI. If you do not have a manual, download one from Elecraft. As another 'helper' one of my friends who was just getting used to the K2 created a chart of all buttons with their functions as well as the menu. You can download that chart from my website www.w3fpr.com. Look near the bottom of the home page for the link to the chart. If you print it, you can make it into a handy tri-fold that is a convenient 'accessory' to the K2. The CW/CW-R situation is definitely associated with the BFO frequencies. There are 4 filter widths for each mode and a BFO for upper sideband and another for lower sideband associated with each filter. I would wait until you have the KSB2 installed and do any upgrades that you want before trying to align the filters and their BFOs. If you change the RF board crystals, you will need to realign the filters and BFOs - likewise with the addition of the KSB2 option. The KSB2 option instructions give you some suggested settings, but you can do a lot better by running the K2 audio into an audio spectrum analyzer running on your computer - the visual display of the receive passband makes that task easy. You will need the internal counter probe if one was not included with your K2, Elecraft does sell a kit of parts. I can give you help with the Dial Calibration and Filter alignment. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/25/2021 4:08 PM, jerry wrote: Hello all, My new ( to me ) K2 arrived yesterday, far in advance of when Ebay said it would. Color me happy :). I just ordered the SSB adapter. My first impressions: The UI is a little cryptic - a general weakness of things with small displays and few knobs/switches/buttons, but really not too bad. I've already got most of the buttons memorized. Receive is nice & quiet. When I disconnect the antenna, there is very little internal hiss. The AF gain control was scratchy at first, but quieted right down with a little use. Had my first QSO with it - with Don Huff, W6JL. Don gave me a good report. Even though I was only running 10 watts. I notice that the band noise changes tone between "CW" and "CW R". Could that be symptomatic of a misadjusted BFO? Also WWV is a little off - switching from CW & CW-R changes the beat note. Looking forward to getting into this; Ebay just yielded up a GPSDO ( GPS-disciplined oscillator ) which is supposed to emit 10Mhz accurate to a tiny fraction of a Hertz. I'll want to start inspecting the radio to see what needs updating. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 initial impressions
Jerry, Yes, those are the older crystals. The new ones have a "-S" suffix on the label. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/25/2021 5:00 PM, jerry wrote: So - looking at the crystal filter: the crystals are labelled thusly: ECSX 4.9136 China ...I'm guessing these are the OLD crystals. - Jerry __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to d...@w3fpr.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 initial impressions
So - looking at the crystal filter: the crystals are labelled thusly: ECSX 4.9136 China ...I'm guessing these are the OLD crystals. - Jerry __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
