[Elecraft] Impressions of the K2 in a contest

[N2TK]

This past weekend I used the K2 for the first time as the primary rig in a
CW contest. I usually use a TS950SDX. The rig was driving an Acom 2000A amp.
While I couldn't operate the entire weekend, only 12 hours, I felt I got in
enough hours on all the bands to form an opinion.

The biggest impression was the receiver on 80 and 160M. WOW! I would use FL4
(100HZ) and CF3 of the KDSP2. It was amazing how close I could get to a
strong station when I was pulling out a weak signal. Switching to FL4 was
like switching to a beverage antenna. I left the RF gain control full
clockwise. I found I didn't have to play with it like some other rigs to
minimize overload type situations. The K2 is easy on the ears. By the way,
plenty of volume.  Found the AF gain control was usually about the 10-12
0'clock position. Except for 80 and 160M I typically used FL3 (400HZ) with
CF3.

I found the rig typically easy to operate. Changing bands or frequency was
easy. I was using CTWIN to log and control the rig. The TS950 setting when
setting up CTWIN worked well. Most band changes were done by CTWIN.

I never used the RIT/XIT. I find it easier to run SPLIT when I'm listening
off frequency. I did miss the dual display of the 950 and the ease of
setting up the split freq while still using the main VFO. I wonder if it
would help to mount an LED to show when you are in SPLIT mode? Sometimes I
messed up thinking I was in SPLIT mode when I wasn't.

On the high bands, 10 and 15M, I sometimes used the PREAMP, especially for
those really weak signals over the pole. On the low bands I liked it better
with the PREAMP off, except when using receive antennas.

The QSK worked fine when running stations. It is easier on the ears when you
aren't listening between dits and dahs. Unfortunately the QSK is not
adequate when hunting and pouncing. You do need to listen between the dits
and dahs when calling someone. This saves the other station from having to
repeat your call.

I had the receive antennas connected to the RCV ANT jack. To listen on the
receive antennas I would hold in PF1 to switch to the "rAnt OFF". Then I
would hit the BAND switch or rotate the knob slightly to switch to "rAnt
ON".  Is there an easier way to do this? Is there a way to program the PF1
switch so that it toggles the receive antenna jack and not just the menu?

Used the setup in the manual on page 92 so that the PC and the Bencher
paddles could key the rig. It was nice having independent speed control
between the PC and paddles. Most of my Q's were made with the keyboard. When
I needed to send slower, I used the paddles.

As I was only running about 40-45 Watts to the amp, the fan never came on
and the heat sink was only warm. However, when I'm on 30M I run 100W out.
The heat sink gets fairly warm and the fan cycles.

The Yaesu knob is easier on the fingers - no sharp edges. Glad I made that
change. Need to mount another felt washer behind the knob to give it more
drag.

This morning I took the cover off the KPA100 to check if the screws holding
the power transistors were tight. They were. This was the first time I
checked since building the rig.

Had a few folks who I know are picky, to check for key clicks. Didn't get
any reports of key clicks. Did a comparison with the 950. Both sounded the
same in regards to key clicks. Is the key click issue related to random K2's
or a certain serial number series or all?

All in all, quite a rig for the size of the package. The K2 will be going
with me to WP2Z in February for the 160M test and ARRL SSB test. That will
be the real test of the rig. Since almost all of the Q's will be from
running, the present QSK will work fine for this. My next project is to set
up the K2 as an outboard receiver for my 950 for the times when I need the
extra performance of the K2's receiver.

#3481
N2TK, Tony