[Elecraft] K2: power-on current spike

[Trent - KD7WUR]

Howdy All!

I'm building up my K2 (what a delight[*] this kit is) and have been having
problems with power-line fuses:

Once powered up and running in Stage 1 tests/alignment, the rig runs 0.06 -
0.10 A (depending on day/nite, dot/bar, etc. settings) which is exactly what
the manual says to expect.

However, the 2A fast-blow fuse I had in the power line (directly fed from a
hefty 12V gel-cell) blew IMMEDIATELY the first time I tried to power up.  I
put the system on a RIGRunner and put it on a 5A fuse ... this on lasted
most of the night (many power-ons/offs) before finally frying on a power-up.
I've since put it on a 10A fuse to keep the fuse attrition rate down.  (The
RIGRunner uses standard blade-type automotive fuses.)

Over 5A draw -- even occasionally -- is disconcerting enough for me to ask
...

SHOULD a K2 be pulling so much current at power-up?

(Yes, I realize a lot of circuits are energizing and initializing, which
includes the power-on resetting all the relays, and such.)

TIA for any help/advice, etc.
73 de KD7WUR, Trent in UT


[ * Trent makes a valiant attempt to turn a blind eye to the painful Errata
steps involving RFC15 -- otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable Christmas gift! ]