On Apr 21, 2008, at 7:34 AM, Curt Milton wrote:
Brian
Fine on your progress with this fine rig. I plan to
continue to enjoy my own K2 as the flagship rig of my
station!
On PSK31 and digital modes -- you don't need to modify
your K2 -- check out the application note posted at
elecraft.com.
Yes, I have done that. I was going throw together a cable to go into
the mic input as I have a spare 8-pin mic connector floating around.
essentially all you need is a stereo
cable on receive, a mic connector and a few parts on
transmit, and some means to do the T/R switching.
VOX. But one of the advantages of the K2 is using the narrow filter on
PSK so that only the desired signal affects the AGC. That implies
doing my tuning with the main tuning rather than just point-n-click on
the computer. Frankly I find that being able to hear the audio is very
helpful in tuning to get the signal to the center of the passband.
That means I need to hear the signal at the same time I am feeding it
to my computer.
The kids will 'resonate' with PSK31 based upon their
other PC experiences.
Surprisingly they have not taken to PSK31 at all. I have one of the
school computers connected to the Icom IC-706mkII through a
RigBlaster. (The IC-706 sucks as a PSK rig.) I also built a 1W PSK31
rig at school (a Small Wonder PSK-20) and the kids occasionally use
that as well. They would much rather get on the local repeater or call
CQ on 20M. Who knows.
Remember to run the K2 at approx half power when doing
the digital modes !!
I would expect that to prevent too much temperature rise on the
finals. We are, after all, only talking 3dB.
I have seen PSK31 at field day, and it tends to be
rather tough in the pile-ups -- so calling CQ may be
preferred if you run QRP-battery/solar. Meanwhile
PSK31 may be ideal for non-contest operating with your
youth.
Definitely. Good point on using PSK on field day. I wasn't thinking
about that. We certainly could.
This is NOT the ideal time for QRP-SSB ! You just
might need that amp.
Definitely. The kids are already making progress on it. I hope to have
it done by the end of school (May 31). As much as I like QRP, this is
not the time for QRP in anything except CW, PSK, or some form of MFSK.
Do check the calendar for kids-day events, as this may
charm them more than an array of 599 my state-is
reports. And consider scheds to other schools or
kids. Here in Maryland, a contact station is KI3DS.
I have been coordinating with other schools through the ARRL program.
The major problem has been the bands being dead and a high noise level
at the school QTH.
Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it.
--
73 de Brian, WB6RQN
Brian Lloyd - brian HYPHEN wb6rqn AT lloyd DOT com
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