[Elecraft] Just how good is the K2?

[VR2BrettGraham]

K8DD added:

>>EI6IZ responded to K8AC I think it was:
>>
>>> >6. Driving an amplifier:  The K2, with its current level of firmware 
>>> in the...
>>>
>>>I have never had the slightest problem driving my Acom 1000 with the K2.
>>>the Acom 1k is a full QSK amp and requires around 70W drive for full
>>>output, personally I have no need for ALC with this setup.
>>
>>Exactly the opposite experience here - none of my amps really likes my
>>K2 (though will admit to not doing mod yet).  Between mod & upcoming
>>firmware, I would expect those who are seeing this to join the lucky folks
>>who don't.
>
>When I use an amp, I use an AL-1200.  The only thing so far that has
>cured it (even with the beta firmware) is the circuit on K6XX's website ....
>http://www.k6xx.com/radio/fastrely.html
>Since I built it on a little terminal strip and plugged it into the amp there
>have been no shutdowns.

In addition to the mod for power level fluctuations (which turn into something
of the order of ~200 watts on my K2/100 downstream of the GU74B's anode)
& the eagerly awaited firmware release that does a few other things to power
level behavior, both my ACOM 1k & Ten-Tec 420E (both QSK amps) have
made the K2 think it was dealing with something using slow, open-frame
relays.

These amps don't switch slowly.  For my other amps that are slow, there is
a line available for the rig which asserts PTT before going keydown.  Same line
is used to trigger PTT for voice, but must be disconnected for CW on the K2 &
the result is return of sequencing problem that has never ever been a problem -
even with clunky relay amp being driven by clunky relay rigs.

ALC would be nice, but probably not necessary for a well-behaved K2.  If one
does a lot of band hopping, then the toned-down power ramp-up after a band
change will be helpful - as well as less aggressive cut back due to SWR.  This
leaves the PTT/DOT thing, which I still don't understand the benefit of - 
no PTT
control of rig in CW & having to muck about with cables when switching modes
only gives me more opportunities to practice colorful expressions in Cantonese
& I have enough of those already.  ;^)

73, VR2BrettGraham