Hi Group,
Further to my earlier email about trouble shooting of my XV144 transverter,
I would supplement the following observations:
1. When I used a transceiver as a signal tracer, I needed a step-by-step
RF attenuator ahead of the front end of the transceiver. My attenuator is
a 80dB one but made in China. I have no idea about its frequency response
and SWR under 50 ohm. Having said that, it should be Ok under HF frequency
spectrum. Therefore, it would be good if Elecraft considers getting a kit
of RF attenuator which will be a valuable tool in casual RF repair works.
With a suitable RF attenuator, your rig can be used as a very good signal
tracer. You can read both the level of signal and frequency. Clearly, if
you have a IC781, IC756 families with band scope spectrum, you can turn
your rig into a specturm analyser for casual repair works. DON'T blame me
if you accidentally blow up the front end of your rig.
2. K2 (without K60XV) does not produce a stable RF power output below say
0.5 watt even you turn the POWER knot fully CCW. However, in the SEC
Manual, if you set the maximum power output for TRN at 0.1 watt, you will
get a stable power output well under 0.5 watt. I do not have any RF power
meter which can measure anything below 1 watt. I have no idea about the
exact power output from K2.
However, under this configuration, I have to use the lowest input selection
of my XV144. For that selection, the maximum allowable input level for
XV144 is about 1 mW. The next higher input level for XV144 is 251 mW.
Based on the above observation, I would suspect the minimum power output
from K2 should be well below 0.2 watt.
Through this exercise, I think I need a RF power meter which can measure RF
power around 10 mW level, as a tool in my shack. Any suggestion from the
Group will be the most welcome.
3. Noise generator was used in tuning the RX section of the XV144. The
N-gen of Elecraft is a very useful tool. Bearing in mind its low cost, I
think you should have one if you haven't brought yet. N-gen is also useful
in aligning the filters of your K2.
Do I think XV144 (together with the crystal oven) is expensive? Yes, it is
expensive indeed because IC910H V/U all mode transceiver is only sold at
USD1100 in Hong Kong. HOWEVER, if you are looking for exceptional RX
performance, the survival among nearby S9+60 stations, a transverter with a
HF rig could be the only choice.
73
Johnny Siu VR2XMC
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