[Elecraft] Tac Pacs

[Jim Wiley]

Re: Tac Pacs and other things

Here is something to think about -

I recently completed my K2, and was looking for a carry case.  I picked 
up a Samsonite L25 carry case at the local Comp-USA outlet.  This case 
is intended to carry a potable DVD player, but it turns out the be just 
the right size for my K2 and some accessories.  The case was quit 
reasonably priced, about $25.00, if memory serves.  It has several 
zipper closures, Velcro tie-down straps, an adjustable shoulder strap, 
and sufficient padding to protect the radio.


The case holds the following items:


The K2, with options  KBT2, KAT2, KDSP2, KSB2, KNB2, KIO2, and K160RX
K2 mini-operating manual from Nifty Ham (covers all of the above)
Log sheets, pens, writing tablet
Mini-paddle, a set of headphones, and a kenwood MC-42 microphone
Power-supply/charger (14V/2.3A), including AC cord and DC cable that 
connects to the K2
1/2 lb. roll of 22 AWG magnet wire (for antennas),  about  500 ft, so 
you can afford to lose some
300' spool of 20 lb test fishing line, and several 1 ounce weights (for 
tossing line over trees)
Sand-paper tabs to remove insulation from the antenna wire
A dozen or so 5" Ty-wraps, some rubber bands, small alligator clips
Ground wire (2 each 5' double banana leads, large alligator type clamp - 
to grab anything handy)

Here are some links to photos (I'm not a very good photographer, so 
ignore the image faults)

Photo 1:  All the stuff, before putting  it in the case
http://www.alaskalist.com/images/K2case1.jpg

Photo 2:  In the case. main section  (K2, wire, mic, phones, grounding 
leads & clamp, misc stuff)
http://www.alaskalist.com/images/K2case2.jpg

Photo 3:  Side pocket.   (Charger, paddle, AC & DC cords)
http://www.alaskalist.com/images/K2case3.jpg

Photo 4:  All buttoned up, ready to travel
http://www.alaskalist.com/images/K2case4.jpg

The charger is a really slick unit I found at the local electronics 
distributor.  It is a small switching regulator supply intended for 
laptop computers, but works beautifully for the K2.  It is jumper 
selectable (1 V steps) from 5 to 24 volts, and I have mine configured 
for 14 volts.  It will make 2.3 amps (or a bit more), enough to run the 
K2 directly, or to charge the battery while running.  A test indicated 
no RFI!  It comes with ferrite beads on both the DC and AC cords. It is 
very small, measuring a bit less than 1" by 2" by 4".   Weight is about 
4 ounces, plus cords.  The brand on the case is "HQ Power",  and on the 
back side it says "Made in China by Amplus"  I think I paid about $65.00 
new.

Hope this is of interest to some of you.

73

Jim, KL7CC