I’ve been taking a deeper dive into the K4 transceiver. Despite owning it for more than a year I haven’t bothered learning too much about it. There’s a lot to learn. But a recent firmware update implemented what Elecraft calls Spectral Subtraction Noise Reduction (SSNR) algorithm in the DSP. It works remarkably well causing signals to pop out of the noise floor and now I find myself using Phone more than CW. I’ve even been playing with CESSB and am considering upgrading my audio chain hardware — like a nerd.

Since one good upgrade deserves another, I ordered the optional K4 to K4D upgrade kit that will convert my base K4 into a fully independent dual-receiver K4D. The kit arrived this week and I intend to install it soon providing a chance to test diversity.

HF diversity reception makes use of multiple receivers or antennas to improve signal quality by reducing fading and QRM. This method is supposed to make for better communication over long distances by combining signals from different sources for optimal clarity.

We will soon see…