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[VHFcontesting] Elecraft K2 above 29 MHz as IF Radio

To: <vhfcontesting@contesting.com>
Subject: [VHFcontesting] Elecraft K2 above 29 MHz as IF Radio
From: Steve Kavanagh via VHFcontesting <vhfcontesting@contesting.com>
Reply-to: Steve Kavanagh <sjkavanagh1@yahoo.ca>
Date: Sat, 19 May 2018 19:50:33 +0000 (UTC)
List-post: <mailto:vhfcontesting@contesting.com>
The K2 is specified to operate on 10m only up to 28.8 MHz.  While contemplating 
possible future VHF rigs for a multi-operator multi-band environment, I have 
wondered about using a K2 as an IF for VHF transverters at around 29-29.4 MHz 
(to avoid interference with bands using 28 MHz IF).

Both of my K2s seem to operate (VFO synthesizer works) up to 30 MHz.  At 29.5 
MHz the available transmit power (QRP) is starting to drop off and this is 
quite noticeable at 30 MHz.  The QRP PA efficiency drops off somewhat as well.  
There are a few receive birdies on the 100 watt radio, but the QRP one is 
pretty quiet - nothing that should be noticeable under the extra noise coming 
from a transverter.  Turning the preamp on makes extra noise as it should (but 
it is after the bandpass filters so that doesn't mean a whole lot).  But it 
seems that it should work ok as long as I don't want more than 4-5 watts (most 
likely I'd use a K60XV), perhaps with a bit of bandpass filter tweaking.

Are there any caveats that I am unaware of?  Spurious emissions, perhaps?  Has 
anyone tried using their K2 above 29 MHz?

73,
Steve VE3SMA
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