[Elecraft] Some KPA100 ?s...

[John Clifford]

Greetings fellow Elecrafters,

The blurb on the Elecraft website sez that the K2/KPA100 is limited to 10w
between 25 MHz and 29 MHz... will us licensed amateurs be able to modify our
KPA100s so this is not a limitation?

Another question... say one has the KPA100 built in an EC2.  There are two
RS-232 interfaces... can these be hooked up to two separate computers and
can commands be sent by either computer with output strings being sent on
both interfaces?  Hmmm... I can see a remote LCD display being built....

Also... saw the question about max power during high-duty cycle modes (RTTY)
being 40w.  What is the max transmit time at this power on such modes if the
fan is running?  What is the max transmit time @ 100w?

Suggestion for Elecraft... why not come up/out with a connector kit that
would replace one of the side panels, would have sockets for every connector
that goes to a top-mounted option (speaker, KAT2, KPA2, KIO2, KBT2, etc.)...
AND add male connectors for the appropriate options that could be bolted
onto the top covers of the regular K2 or KPA100?  (Similar to the way that
the various PC boards plug in together.)  Also, replace all of the blocks
for the top screws with a 90 degree bayonet type fastener that won't
wear/strip if repeatedly removed/reinstalled.  That way, instead of having
to remove/replace screws, plug/unplug wires, etc., one could merely rotate
half a dozen fasteners, pop up/off one cover, and then pop down the other
cover.  One of the problems that people have run into is inadvertant
connecting of the battery plug into the RF connector... this scheme would
prevent that AND make swapping top covers much more hassle free.

The major reason I plan to build my KPA100 in a separate EC2 enclosure is
because I don't want to have to be disassembling the K2 enclosure every time
I take my K2 out to play.  I'm worried about wear and tear (and
dropping/losing screws, etc.) on the current screw/block fastener system.  A
system as described above (particularly the fasteners) would greatly reduce
the hassle factor.  A big secondary reason is because I will eventually
build either the K2 high power antenna tuner or an LDG kit inside the EC2.

TIA,

 - jgc

John Clifford KD7KGX

Heathkit HW-9 WARC/HFT-9/HM-9
Elecraft K2 #1678 /KSB2/KIO2/KBT2/KAT2/KNB2/KAF2
                  ...waiting _eagerly_ for KPA100!
Ten-Tec Omni VI/Opt1

email: kd7kgx@arrl.net