[Elecraft] Frustration: The demise of the KAT2

[Charles Bland]

-------------snip----------------
>I've all along had the impression that part of the
> concept was for existing K2 owners to be able to build the amp and
> install it in an EC2 enclosure along with a higher power ATU. 

Tim,

My impression is that Eric and Wayne have gone out of there way to represent the 
KPA100 as an integrated unit (it's called an *integration* kit) in order to avoid 
problems with it being perceived as an external amp, which would lead to problems 
with the FCC.

Also, note this text from the K2 web page.......

Please note: The KPA100 parts integration kit is an integral internal part of 
the K2/100 radio as manufactured and is not capable of being used with 
other radios. The microcontroller in the KPA100 requires regular 
communication with the K2 main microcontroller to transmit. When in high 
power mode the KPA100 and K2 will also refuse to transmit above 25 MHz 
and below 28 MHz.

As some of the more ingenious among us have discovered, mounting it in an 
external enclosure can be done. Many of us are glad to see this effort and hope it 
works out well. This appears to be the case. But these efforts were by individuals; 
Elecraft has not been involved.

I will be looking at mounting my PA in the EC2 with some other things I'm brewing, 
but first I'm going to make sure it works the Elecraft way. I also will be getting the 
new tuner. It will be interesting to see how this all comes together.

Chuck Bland
n6dbt
#1924