[Elecraft] Elecraft K2 Upgrade: Keying Bandwidth Mod and New Firmware

[Wayne Burdick]

We're pleased to announce a new upgrade to the K2 transceiver kit. The upgrade
includes:

  * State-of-the-art CW keying envelope shaping--significantly reduces 
    transmit bandwidth

  * New firmware features: KDSP2 NR/NOTCH shortcuts, instant RXANT switching,
    6 transverter band displays, AF-enabled scanning, channel hopping, and more 
    (see full list below)

  * Completely updated manual, making the K2 easier to build than ever

These upgrades have already been incorporated into the K2 kit, starting 
with serial number 4060. Existing K2 owners can easily add the CW keying 
bandwidth mods (order #K2KEYMODKT) and new firmware (revision 2.04).

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR EXISTING K2 OWNERS:

  1. The new firmware is *required* if you install the keying bandwidth mods,
     because of slight timing changes needed. But you can install the new
     firmware without making the keying bandwidth mods, if you prefer.
     We recommend doing both to keep your K2 current.

  2. If you plan to purchase the upcoming K60XV option (60 m and XVTR I/O,
     available in March), and you have a pre s/n 4060 K2, you will receive a
     *free* copy of the new K2 firmware, so you may wish to wait until then to
     install the keying bandwidth mods. (Or, if you buy the f/w upgrade now
     for a pre s/n 4060 K2, we will credit you the f/w cost when you buy the
     K60XV option.)

NEW FIRMWARE FEATURES:

  * Simplified KDSP2 Use: two new key combinations turn NR and NOTCH on/off
  * Instant RXANT Switching: just one keypress when assigned to PF1 or PF2
    (preamp/attenuator state is also now saved per RXANT setting)
  * AF-On Scanning: in this mode, the receiver is not muted, and scanning
    continues until you tap a switch; great for signal hunting on quiet bands
  * Channel Scanning: especially useful on 60 meters; "channel hops" manually
    or automatically using memories set up for the present band
  * More Transverter Bands: 6 fully-programmable transverter band displays
  * Multiple Bands per Transverter: new "ADR" field in TRNx menu entries
    allows multiple bands to select the same XV-series transverter
  * 100's of MHz digit now always displayed on transverter bands
  * RS232 Command Improvements: RC command now usable in TX mode; new "TQ"
    (transmit query) command; UP and DN now work in menu (one application
    for this: a utility that automates filter and BFO alignment)

The remaining features require the K60XV option (shipping in March):

  * 60-meter Band: full 60-m coverage; channel scanning and manual hopping
    allows convenient tuning on this band
  * Low-Power Transverter I/O: 0 to 1.2 mW via POWER control; split RX/TX path;
    full-scale bargraph reading of 1 mW; precision ALC detector for clean SSB
    and CW transmission; programmable high or low power level per transverter
    band

For additional information, see:  http://www.elecraft.com/news.htm#keymd

Order Page:   http://www.elecraft.com/order_form_parts.htm#k2key

Pricing: K2KEYMDKT  $19.00
         FWK2MCIO   $44.00


73,
Wayne, N6KR
Eric, WA6HHQ