G0DBI - KevinMar 31, 2023

#Elecraft K2 build continues, having had to stop for a few days because I trapped my thumb in the car door and couldn't hold the soldering iron...

The 40 metre receiver is aligned and working really well. This thing is fantastically sensitive and quiet. S meter is a bit over optimistic, or the meter on my RSPdx reads low, one or the other. Anyway, I'm impressed with how it sounds.

Now, back to soldering. Next stop, the transmitter.

Show threadG0DBI - KevinMar 31, 2023
OK, I dug out my Elecraft XG1 test oscillator, which is a calibrated 50 microvolt signal source , then recalibrated the S meter to give S9 from that input, and it seems more realistic now.
Show threadg0vgsMar 31, 2023
@g0dbi it is an OK s-meter. It’s like all of them. Just an indication. That said, it should be OK at S9. Glad you have the 40m RX working. Once that is done it gives you a real boost :). Ouch on the finger though :(
Show threadg0vgsMar 31, 2023
@g0dbi it’s also one of those rigs where you think the band is dead, until you come across a signal :)
Show threadG0DBI - KevinMar 31, 2023

@g0vgs Thanks Ian. I had read about the K2's noise floor, but I was still surprised when I heard it today. I've had a lot of radios over the last 40 years, but I think this may be the best receiver of the lot. The narrow filters are great, so although I bought both the DSP and audio filter modules, I'm not sure I'll need them.

As for the S meter, I started out with a Royal Navy receiver which didn't have one at all, so an approximate reading is good enough for me.

Will try to get on NWFG soon!

Show threadg0vgs
@g0dbi if you have the KAF2, I would fit it. The DSP is disappointing IMO
Mar 31, 2023 at 10:52pmWeb
Show threadG0DBI - KevinApr 1, 2023
@g0vgs Yes, I bought both the KAF2 and the DSP modules, because at the time DSP was all very new and I didn't know whether it would be any good. Thanks for the tip.