[Elecraft] K2 Improvement Ideas

[Bill Coleman]

On Apr 28, 2007, at 12:45 PM, wayne burdick wrote:

> Please send me directly any suggestions for K2 improvements. I  
> maintain this list, prioritizing task items based on the needs of  
> current and future K2 owners.

OK, you asked for it....

I'm certainly going to buy a K3, when I can afford it, which may be a  
while. I do have several suggestions for the K2, which is going to  
remain a very fine and capable radio:

Firmware Only Enhancements:

1) RTTY Mark Frequency Display. Like the CW mode displays the  
frequency of the received CW signal, the RTTY mode ought to display  
the frequency of the Mark signal. A menu option would be needed to  
set the frequency of the Mark signal. (This would essentially  
subtract or add the Mark frequency from the LSB/USB carrier  
frequency, respectively)

2) Option for VOX to toggle VOX on / off only. Delay is set in a menu  
option. (Beats having to cycle through all delay times to turn on /  
off, which I do frequently)

3) Menu settings for default tuning rate for each mode (CW, USB/LSB,  
RTTY). I currently find myself constantly switching between 10 Hz and  
50 Hz whenever I change modes.

4) Unified Filters - Have three or four filter presets for each mode  
that are combinations of an XFIL and DSP setting values. Allow one  
button (such as XFIL) to cycle through the presets. This would allow  
easier manipulation of the two sets of filters, rather than having to  
tap and hold the same button to get things in sync. (Made even harder  
because you can't see which filter is currently selected)

5) IF Shift - replace XIT mode with IF Shift. RIT takes priority over  
the control if on. Either that, or control IF Shift with the Keyer  
speed control (at least in USB/LSB, RTTY). Or perhaps hold down XIT  
and rotate tuning dial.

6) Option to flip CW sidebands on 15m and up so tuning direction  
stays the same.

7) Computer command to set the contents of the CW memories -- so you  
can program them from a PC program and then run them from the front  
panel.

8) New INP mode that would allow PTT on the dot line and CW keying on  
the dash line for contesting work. (No auto-detect of hand keying in  
this mode)

9) Have a mode for variable rate tuning -- normal tuning is one step  
at a time, but as you turn the knob faster, the tuning rate increases  
so long as you tune quickly. (A similar technology is used to  
accelerate mouse movement and has been on the Mac for over two decades)

10) Option for one-touch selection of Tuner AUTO/CAL (eg out)  
selection. This would allow one to easily switch the tuner on and off.


Hardware Improvements:

1) Improved KSB2 module -- filter with sharper skirts (better than  
1.5 shape factor), more (6-10 dB) mic gain available, more positive  
VOX (using separate VOX amplifier), anti-VOX circuitry.

2) Improved KNB2 -- allow selection of longer blanking times, more  
thresholds, better blanking action.

3) PFx Module -- teeny little module that has four (or so) buttons.  
Hooks into AUX line and offers access to eight functions of the K2  
(four for tap, four for hold) Obviates the need for FPLY, opens the  
K2 up for easier access to things like switching filter presets,  
noise reduction modes, RIT clear. Lots simpler and cheaper than the  
KRC2 because it is just the buttons. (Might also be useful for the K3)

4) Remote Tuning Knob -- borrow the idea from Ten-Tec. Perhaps part  
of PFx module.

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901