Elecraft KSB2 - Manual (Page 21)

21
Using The SSB Adapter
Basic SSB Setup
Mode Selection: To use SSB, select LSB or USB using the M O D E button. Tap A G C to select SLO
AGC (recommended for all data modes).
Filter Selection and Setup: Use the X F IL button to select the desired receive-mode crystal filter. In SSB
modes you'll usually select FL2 , since the BFO settings for this filter have been optimized for receive (see
Table 3). In transmit, the BFO settings for FL1 are always used, regardless of what receive filter is
selected. This allows you to fine-tune the way your voice sounds on transmit (see SSB Transmit BFO
Optimization). For receive purposes, you can set up FL2, 3, and 4 according to Table 3 or modify these
settings for particular applications. For example, FL4 is shown set to OFF in the table (for SSB modes), but
it could be set to any desired bandwidth for voice or data.
Mic Gain: SSB A controls the mic's audio gain. Level 1 attenuates the mic audio by about 10 dB and is
useful when operating outdoors or mobile. (You can change R15 on the SSB adapter if you want a different
attenuation level.) Level 2 turns the mic attenuator off and is the recommended setting for normal indoor
operation. Level 3 is similar to level 2, but provides slightly better VOX sensitivity. BAL is used for
carrier balance adjustment, routing the SSB adapter's output directly to the receiver's I.F. input.
Speech Compressor Level: SSB C controls the speech compressor. 1-1 turns speech compression off.
This minimizes audio distortion for digital data modes. 2-1 is the recommended setting for normal voice
operation. 3-1 and 4-1 may be useful for contest or DX work.
Power/ALC Metering: On power-up, the K2 bargraph LED defaults to RF output metering. To select
ALC metering (automatic level control), hold
R F / A L C . You'll see ALC flashed on the LCD. In ALC
metering mode, the LEDs illuminate from the right end of the display to distinguish ALC readings from RF
power readings. ALC readings are always shown in BAR mode. (See Power Control and ALC, below.)
Using PTT (SSB and CW modes): On power-up, the K2 defaults to PTT mode. You can also use a foot
switch connected to the DOT input (key jack). In CW mode, the mic button can be used as a hand key by
setting INP to HAN D in the menu.
Using VOX: Using voice operated transmit (VOX), you can simply talk into the microphone to transmit.
To select VOX mode, hold the
V O X button. You'll see SPC H 0.2 flashed on the LCD. ("SPCH" means
"speech," and "0.2" means an 0.2-second hold time.) Holding the V O X button again selects SPC H 0.4
(0.4 second hold time), and holding again selects SPC H 1.0 (1 second). The mode letter flashes slowly
as a reminder that the mic is "live." You'll need to keep the mic away from the K2's speaker, since the K2
does not provide "anti-vox" circuitry. This is usually not a problem since the K2's speaker faces upwards.
For mobile use or in other high-noise situations, you can set SSB A to 1 to reduce mic gain.
MIC Buttons: Either an UP or DOWN button on your mic can be used to switch between VFOs A and B,
assuming you have these lines connected. You'll hear one beep when VFO A is selected, two for VFO B.