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Elecraft K2 Owner's Manual User Manual

Page 66

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E

LECRAFT

®

65

BFO Test


The BFO (beat-frequency oscillator) will be tested in the following
steps.

Switch to the 40-m band.

Connect the frequency counter to the BFO test point (TP2),

which is on the right side of the RF board near the crystal filter.

Using the menu, select CAL FCTR. The counter should show a

frequency between 4908 and 4918 kHz.

i

If you see a reading of 0000.00 kHz, or one that is changing

rapidly, you may not have the frequency counter probe connected
properly, or the BFO may not be working (see Troubleshooting). If
you see a stable frequency reading that is nowhere near 4908-4918
kHz, you may have installed the wrong crystals in the BFO (X3/X4).

When you’re in frequency counter mode, the

B AN D +

and

B AN D -

switches can be used to check the range of the BFO. First, tap

B AN D +

and write down the frequency reading below (typically about

4916-4917 kHz). Then tap

B AN D -

and write down this frequency

reading (usually about 4909-4912 kHz). Finally, calculate the BFO
range (high - low) in kHz. Typical range is 4 to 6 kHz.

BFO High Freq. ___________ (must be >= 4916.3 kHz)

BFO Low Freq.

___________ (must be <= 4912.7 kHz)


Range (High - Low)

___________ (must be >= 3.6 kHz)



If your BFO range is less than 3.6 kHz, you may have the wrong
varactor diodes installed at D37 or D38, or the wrong crystals installed
at X3 or X4.

If the BFO frequencies are shifted too high or too low, it may be due
to one of the following:

 If you didn't calibrate the K2's internal frequency counter using an

external counter, it may not be reading accurately. If possible,
borrow an accurate counter and re-do the 4 MHz Oscillator
Calibration
.

 The BFO range shift could be due to the inductance of L33 being

too high or too low. However, since L33 is supplied pre-wound
and tested, this is unlikely.

 The leads of R116 may have been heated excessively during

soldering, shorting out a portion of L33's turns.

 One of L33's leads could be broken. Look closely at the leads

using a magnifying glass.

 One or more of the capacitors or varactor diodes in the BFO

circuit could be of the wrong value.