[Elecraft] K2/100SSB partial disassembly/assembly help

[Don Wilhelm]

Mark,

OK, there needs to be a document 'How to disassemble your K2' for those who
purchased the K2 already built.  Sure the instructions are there in the
manual, but they are spread out over the entire manual since that is
something that is learned in pieces during the build process.

Try this set of instructions:
-----------------------------------------------------
The process to get to the mic configuration header is to remove the top
cover or KPA100 (6 screws).

Next, check to see if it has the KDSP2 or KAFT2 installed (to the left,
oriented vertically, behind the control panel) - if so, remove the screw
located near the center of that board (if it is the KDSP2, you will have to
remove the outer board first to get to the fastening screw - just pull that
out of the header pins observing proper anti-static procedures).  After
removing the screw, you can pull the board out by moving it toward the rear
of the K2.

There are two screws holding the control board to the front panel - if you
look down between the two boards, you will see the hex standoffs - remove
the screws from inside the K2 (or 1 screw and 1 standoff if you had the KAF2
or KDSP2 installed).

Now remove the 4 screws holding the Front Panel (located on the outside
covers) and pull the Front Panel and its board straight out to the front.
The mic configuration header is located on the back of the front panel near
the mic jack.

It takes more effort to put the process in words than to do it.  Do it once
and you should be a pro, it is not difficult.

Compare the mic header wiring with the listing of common ham mics in the
KSB2 manual.  If you did not receive documentation with your K2, you can
download the manuals from the Elecraft website as .pdf files.  Be aware that
many Icom mics have electret elements and need a resistor from 5 volts to
the AF mic pin - this resistor is commonly soldered to the back of the mic
jack if it is needed.

You will have to determine the properties and pinout for your particular mic
(it would be nice if they were 'standard', but alas, there is a large
variety of differences).  I can only help on the K2 side.
----------------------------------------------------

73,
Don W3FPR


> -----Original Message-----
>
> I just received a terrific pre-built K2/100/SSB unit.  It works
> wonderfully, but it
> would appear that I need to get inside and "fiddle" with the
> front panel jumpers
> to configure the microphone.  I have an appropriate kenwood 8-pin mic and
> when plugged-in - it simply ignores it.  I have checked the
> firmware menu settings and they appear good.
>
> However, being fat fingered and mechanically incompetent, I am
> reticent to start
> pulling modules out.  I took out enough screws out  to get the
> top cover loose, and the front panel loose, but I can't determine
> from the manual(s) if the front panel pulls UP or pulls OUT from
> the main assembly.  The rig seems to work so beautifully that I'm
> terrified of pulling out wires, etc. and never getting it back
> into working shape.  I noticed that the little machined
> rectangular screw holders came loose and I had to
> get my hemostat out and gingerly get them back into place before
> I could get all the
> covers screwed into place.
>
> Anyone want to point me in the direction of disassembling enough
> of the radio so I
> can configure the microphone jumpers?    Yes, the manual is a
> good place to start,
> but it just says to take the front cover off and set the jumpers...
>
> Regards,
>
> Mark Stevens - N5EAT
>