[Elecraft] K2 update: 60 meters and low-level transverter I/O

[Wayne Burdick]

A brief update from the Elecraft lab....

60 Meters

It looks like U.S. hams will soon be getting a new band at 60 meters
(5.25-5.45 MHz). Our best estimate of when this will happen is 6 months
to 1 year. In anticipation of this, we've just completed final lab tests
of a modified K2 that covers 60 meters. (In addition to full transceive
coverage of the proposed band, the rig can tune in WWV on 5 MHz.) The
rig works perfectly on this band, and only minimal changes are required.
A small daughter board is needed to switch in trim caps that resonate
the 40-meter band-pass filter, and new firmware is needed to handle
changes in VCO and filter relay switching.

Once the new band is opened up--maybe even before--we'll be offering a
new K2 option: the K60X. The K60X kit will include a small PCB that
plugs into the K2 RF board at the Transverter I/O option connector. All
needed new firmware will also be included.

At least one K2 owner has an experimental 60-meter license, and he's
agreed to build the first K60X kit so he can begin on-air testing. We'll
try to post his operating times so that those of you with
general-coverage receivers can listen for him.

Transverter I/O

In addition to 60 meters, the K60X will add another feature that K2
owners have asked for: low-level RF output and separate, diode-switched
RX/TX paths for use with transverters. The transmit output power will be
nominally 0 dBm (1 milliwatt into 50 ohms), but with considerable
adjustment range, controllable via the POWER knob on the front panel or
via a direct menu setting. You'll be able to select either low- or
high-level transmit output on a per-transverter-band basis. When
low-level output is selected, the K2's high-power transmit strip will be
completely disabled. This is important for installations with two or
more transceivers using the same I.F. 

Connectors and coax will be supplied for the RX/TX connections. The
builder will have their choice of using the pre-drilled and labeled
"XVTR I/O" jacks on the original K2 top cover, or installing the jacks
on the lower rear panel/heatsink. The latter will allow the transverter
jacks to be used with the KPA100 (100-W option) installed.


We hope that these two new features will be a welcome addition to the
K2. Price and availability of the K60X will be announced later. 

Please send any questions about this kit to n6kr@elecraft.com.

73,
Wayne, N6KR
Eric, WA6HHQ