Our KX2 and KX3 transceivers have many standard features targeted specifically
at SSB operation. Some are pretty much unheard of in other radios in this
class.
Just in case you missed them:
*** DVR (Digital Voice Recorder) ***
You can record and play back two 15 second DVR messages. These are especially
useful during contests or SOTA operation, allowing you to store a CQ message,
your call, or an exchange. To auto-repeat a played message, just hold the '1'
or '2' switch rather than tap it. The auto-repeat interval can be set using the
MSG RPT menu entry.
*** Speech Compression ***
Speech compression can add a lot of "punch" to your low-power signal, bringing
up average voice power. As with the K3/K3S, our KX-line compression algorithm
is exceptionally clean. Use the CMP switch on the KX3 (TX CMP menu entry on the
KX2) to dial in compression of up to 30 dB.
*** Receive and Transmit EQ ***
8-band graphic equalizers (MENU:RX EQ and TX EQ) can be used to tailor the
receive and transmit audio to your liking.
*** Built-In Mic (KX2) ***
The KX2 is the world's smallest all-HF-band, all-mode "HT". Using the built-in
mic, you can operate the KX2 like any handheld. Tap XMIT to transmit.
*** ESSB (Extended SSB) ***
If you're on a lightly used band and would like to experiment with
higher-quality audio, give ESSB a try. It allows you to transmit with a
passband of up to 4 kHz wide (wider than the usual maximum of about 2.8 kHz).
Typically ESSB is used at both ends of a QSO, by agreement of both operators.
(Again, make sure the additional bandwidth consumed doesn't interfere with
adjacent signals -- e.g., don't use it in a contest.)
*** Passband Low/High Cut ***
When interference is heavy, you can often eliminate it by cutting the low or
high end of the audio range. In SSB modes this low-cut/high-cut method is the
default. Use the PBT I/II controls on the KX3, or tap FIL on the KX2 and use
the two knobs above the switch.
*** Auto-Notch ***
If a carrier (sometimes called a "tuner-upper") appears, you can use remove it
using auto-notch. Hold the NTCH switch on the KX3, or hold APF-AN on the KX2.
*** Noise Reduction ***
NR on the KX2 and KX3 can be adjusted using a single knob function, from
completely a completely "dry" mix (no NR applied) to 100% "wet" (all NR). NR
can relieve the fatigue of listening to weak signals on a noisy band.
*** RIT (Receive Incremental Tuning) ***
Many small transceivers don't provide this important feature. It is often
called a "clarifier" because it allows you to tune in signals that are a bit
off-frequency. The beauty of RIT is that it only changes your *receive*
frequency, leaving your transmit frequency fixed. This is helpful if you're
having a conversation with more than one station at a time, where each signal
is a little off, such as on a net.
*** Stereo Audio and Dual Watch ***
The KX2 and KX3 are among very few radios that provide full stereo to the
headphone jack. You can use this to advantage during normal operation by
setting the AFX MD menu entry to "DELAY" -- this simulates stereo receive
audio, giving voice signals a warm, rich sound. In dual watch mode (MENU:DUAL
RX), you can listen to your VFO A and B frequencies at the same time, with VFO
spacing wide enough to work most SSB DX stations operating split.
*** Custom VFO Coarse Tuning Steps ***
Using the VFO CRS menu entry, you can select coarse VFO tuning steps
independently for each operating mode. In SSB mode, your choices are 0.1, 0.5,
1.0, and 2.5 kHz per step. The default is 0.5 kHz. Bonus feature: If the
OFS/VFO B knob is in the OFS setting (OFS LED lit), you can use the VFO B knob
to move VFO A in coarse steps while leaving the VFO A knob itself set for fine
steps (10 Hz).
*** CW-In-SSB Mode ***
There are times when you can't quite complete an SSB QSO due to fading, and
switching to CW has an advantage. With the CW-In-SSB feature turned on, you
don't even have to change modes: just hit the key or keyer paddle and start
sending. This feature is particularly useful on 6 meters with fleeting band
openings. Many of have successfully completed (or initiated) a cross-mode QSO
in this manner. To turn CW-in-SSB on, tap the PRE ('1') switch while in the CW
WGHT menu entry.
*** MIC Bias and Switch Configuration ***
Just about any mic with a 1/8th (3 mm) plug can be used with the KX2 or KX3. To
enhance versatility, you can turn mic bias on or off (MENU:MIC BIAS) and
specify whether your mic has no switches, PTT only, or PTT and VFO UP/DN
switches (like our model MH4). No PTT switch? Use VOX or the XMIT switch.
*** VOX (Voice Operated Relay) ***
This feature is missing from many small transceivers. It allows 100% hands-free
operation for vehicle/bike/pedestrian mobile, or just for operating convenience
with a headset/mic. You can turn VOX on/off, set the threshold, and dial in
just the right amount of anti-VOX (VOX INH menu entry) to keep the speaker from
triggering VOX.
*** TX GATE (Transmit Noise Gate) ***
This feature is useful if you're operating in a very noisy environment. By
adjusting the threshold (TX GATE menu entry), you can automatically cut
transmit audio off when you're not speaking; that is, wind noise or other
environmental sounds won't be heard at the receiving end.
* * *
73,
Wayne
N6KR
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