[Elecraft] K2 Improvement Ideas--Adding on

[Robert Tellefsen]

Bill
I'd like to add to your list the ability to have the
KAT2 autotuner be active on one antenna port
and be bypassed on the other.

I have some antennas that require the autotuner
for a match, and others that are already a good
match as they are.

I'd also like to see an improvement in the cw crystal filter
to improve the signal suppression outside the filter
passband.

73, Bob N6WG

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bill Coleman" <aa4lr at arrl.net>
To: "wayne burdick" <n6kr at elecraft.com>
Cc: "Elecraft" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 8:32 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Improvement Ideas


> 
> 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
> 
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