[Elecraft] Elecraft KRC2 band decoder/controller in action

Fri Sep 12 15:29:00 2003

Hello Leo
I'll try to give you a short description to help out until Wayne can reply
to your note.
The KRC2 performs several functions.
1.  It is a band decoder for external equipment.  For example, if you switch
your K2 to 80m,
two FETs in the KRC2 are turned on.  One provides +12v out, the other is a
switched ground.  So, whether your external equipment needs +12v or gnd to
drive it, it is there waiting for you.
Switch to 40m, a different pair of FETs are turned on to control external
items for 40m.  And so on.

This function is great for switching antennas as you jump from band to band
during a contest.  In multi-operator stations, you can be switching in
band-pass filters, antenna tuners, balun, whatever you need to change from
band to band.  In my single operator, single rig, single antenna station, I
will be switching individual band matching networks so I can rapidly change
bands without manually changing out the networks.  You could use the ATU,
but I find that individually designed matching networks have a broader
bandwidth.

2.  The KRC2 is also a remote button box for a few K2 functions.  For
example, in my FT unit, pressing the third button of the four turns on or
off the auxiliary receiver input.  Since I use a Flag receiving loop on the
lower bands, it gets a lot of use here in noisy condx.  The fourth button
acts as a shift key, allowing a second function on the first three buttons.
There are additional output FETs to control these auxiliary functions.

The buttons will eventually be programmable for whatever auxiliary functions
you want, once the
programming software has been written and made available to the users.

The KRC2 goes in-line with the data port on the back of the K2 (KIO2
option).  I'm using an ancient small DOS laptop computer for contesting with
TR Log, and computer cable goes to the KRC2, then the KRC2 cable goes to the
KIO2 connector on the back of the K2.  The KRC2 is transparent to the
computer, each not noticing the other.

I hope this helps a bit, Leo.
Good luck and 73
Bob N6WG

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Leo Starrenburg
PA5LS
Sent: Friday, September 12, 2003 11:23 AM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft KRC2 band decoder/controller in action

Wayne,

I would certainly welcome a simple description of this product.

Could be that it's just what I need, but I'm in the dark here.

73'Leo PA5LS

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list: [email protected]
You must be subscribed to post to the list.
To subscribe or unsubscribe see:
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Elecraft Web Page: http://www.elecraft.com
Also see: http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_list_guidelines.htm