[Elecraft] Counter cable...

[Tom Hammond NØSS]

Hi Jim:

>Most probably this question was asked-and-answered before, so please excuse
>my ignorance ---
>
>Are there any negative consequences to leaving the frequency-counter-cable
>plugged-in to the cable-connector and TP2 -- that is, all covers in-place,
>normal operation?

There have been concerns that doing so might lead to some unwanted spurs 
creeping into the transmitted signal since the lead could (might) act as a 
small antenna inside the K2. This could be especially concerning of ther 
KPA100 was installed.. possibly more unwanted signals present to be amplified.

Since I was made aware of this possibility, I retain the FCTR cable inside 
the K2, but I leave it only connected to it's 2-pin jack on the Control 
Board. I make a 1-turn loop in the length of the cable and then stick the 
far end into one of the (half-filled) holes in one of the 2-D connectors 
which attach the back of the case to the sides of the case. The 1-turn loop 
exerts just enough force to do a pretty good job of retaining the lead and 
grounding it at the same time.

One might also attach a small piece of Velcro to the far end of the probe 
and place the mating Velcro to either the side of back panels of the case.

One thing I'd REALLY like to see Elecraft do, and Wayne may have in the Rev 
B board set, is to have an unused (grounded) TP-type socket on the RF board 
for the probe to plug into when not in use. This would allow users to 
RETAIN their probes with/in their K2s and still prevent any possible 
problems with it picking up, or radiating, spurious signals.

73,m

Tom Hammond   N0SS