[Elecraft] New K2 Options

[k6se@juno.com]

Hi, All,

I'm at the International DX Convention in Visalia, California.  I visited
the Elecraft booth here today and had a good chat with Eric, WA6HHQ.

On display at the booth are five new options for the K2 that will be 
introduced by Elecraft at the Dayton Hamvention in two weeks.  Eric told
me that it would be okay for me to disclose the details about these new
options, which has been quite a guessing game among Elecrafters recently.
 The new items are:

1) A DSP module which will fit inside the K2's case, with all of the
usual DSP features including auto-notch, noise reduction and variable
filters

2) A band data module (outboard from the K2).  The module reads band
information from the K2 via the aux bus and can be used to automatically
switch antennas, for example, when you change bands on the K2.

3, 4 and 5) Three transverters - one or 2 meters, one for 1-1/4 meters,
and one for 70 centimeters.  The transverters output 20 to 25 watts of
transmit power and have very good receive noise figures.  The K2's
frequency readout displays the actual VHF/UHF frequency you are tuned to.
 All are outboard units and looked impressive stacked one on top of the
other.  The three stacked transverters appeared to occupy about the same
volume as the K2 (each one the same width and depth of the K2 and about
1/3 the height).

The DSP option will sell for $219 (USD) and the tranverters are $349
each.  I forgot to ask the price of the band data unit.

My description of these new items is only what I saw in the brief time I
spent with Eric.  I'm sure that they have other features which Elecraft
undoubtedly will post on their Web site in the near future.

Now, if I can only get my K2 to act as red hot as the K2 on display at
the Elecraft booth!  After hearing that one on CW, I know that mine only
needs some AGC tweaking.  I.e., replace my K2's 8-volt regulator (it puts
out 8.35 volts DC) and set the value of R1 so that the output of U2-1 is
slightly less than 3.5 volts DC with no antenna connected and the AGC ON.

73, de Earl, K6SE