[Elecraft] Out of the frying pan and into the....KPA100

Fri Jun 27 21:21:19 2003

I'll only add to the discussion by saying that the KPA is easier than
the K2 but . . . there are a couple of tricky spots.  The parts in and
around the antenna connector are a bit tight.  Watch yourself there and
take your time.  The large, binocular transformers and final transistors
need a larger mass soldering iron, but not necessarily a higher
temperature.  I used my Edsyn soldering station for most of the
construction but switched to a Weller (Radio Shack) iron for those
parts.  It has a .25 inch tip.  With pre-tinning the parts as
recommended in the instructions the soldering went well.  There are a
few steps where you must remove the anodizing from the heat sink.  I
first tried the sand paper recommended.  Frankly, it did not work very
well.  I then resorted to the use of my Dremel tool with a small wire
brush (also recommended in the instructions in fine print).  That did
the trick but you must be careful not to overdo it.  The only other
steps I can remember as being a bit of a plain was getting the power
cable into the Anderson pole connectors.  There is a plastic covering
which must be removed from the wire to allow it to slip into the back of
the connectors.  It took a few mighty oaths but I finally got that one
tamed.
When it was done it worked the first time and has been very nice, either
barefoot (at 100 watts) or driving my Commander HF 2500 at 1 KW (yes, I
know that probably makes the qrpers cringe, hi). The Commander only
needs about 30 watts indicated output to produce 1 KW so the K2/100 is
really loafing. I am now about to open up the K2/100 to tighten the
hardware on the final transistors which is recommended/required after
about 10 hours of operation at 100 watts.
I found the KPA100 a very worthwhile addition to the K2.  I did not get
the RS232 option for the K2 because I ordered the KPA100 at the same
time and it has the interface included.  After the KPA100 was installed
I had the pleasure of computer control for the first time.  I
particularly like its interfacing with my WinEQF logging program.  The
program now knows the K2 is being used, the frequency and mode of
operation and enters these automatically in the appropriate log fields.
The program also has a contest mode.  Among other things it allows
sending CQ from the Keyboard which I have tried.  It works, although, I
am really a rag chewer/DX chaser and prefer using a paddle.  I also
downloaded the control program from the Elecraft site and that also
works well.
You will need a new power supply if you don't already have one that can
handle something a bit in excess of 20 amps.  I am using a relatively
inexpensive Samlex Model SEC-1223 which has worked quite well.  It is
light in weight and, together with the K2/100, should make an idea
portable outfit should I feel the need to retire to the hinterlands for
some vacation operating.

Bruce - W8FU

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Andy Bullington
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2003 3:18 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Elecraft] Out of the frying pan and into the....KPA100

Well after finally getting the K2 (#3457) on the last week, and finally
installing the noise blanker.....a strange thing happened....I found
myself missing the smell of melting solder....my workbench, once so full
of light and life (and a fair amount of cursing), looked dark and
empty...lonely....
So I looked at the manual for the KPA100 I downloaded a couple weeks ago
(at which point I said to myself, "Holy cow! this looks almost as hard
as the K2! No way! Maybe next year!") and this time around, it didn't
look that bad!...right....anyway, I sent in an order. 
         Please...someone tell me its not as hard as it looks.  And what
about this heavy soldering iron business? Will a Weller gun do? Any
advice in general? Thanks!          Andy W1AWB

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