[Elecraft] K2 Improvement Ideas: ext keypad

[David Cutter]

G3PJT had a lashed up external keypad of some sort for one of his K2's.  He 
showed it at the RSGB HF Convention last year.

Perhaps if Bob reads this he will jump in.

David

G3UNA


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom Zeltwanger" <KG3V at ChesBayVA.com>
To: "Bill Coleman" <aa4lr at arrl.net>
Cc: "Elecraft" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, May 04, 2007 1:12 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Improvement Ideas


>
> Bill,
>
> That was an outstanding post. I have only been using the K2 for a few 
> months,
> and the KAT100 for a couple weeks, and I already want many of the things 
> on
> your list.
>
> I especially agree that some enhancements to the tuning raes would be 
> nice. I
> am constantly switching between rates, and wishing for variable speed 
> tuning,
> or some additional rates in between the existing ones.
>
> I would also like a CW contester's keypad. Something I could sit next to 
> my
> key, and get access to all the CW memories, filter selection, RIT, tuning, 
> and
> a few other functions.  In fact, I may build one, but I'm sure something 
> from
> the factory would be better matched to the rig. If others are interested 
> in
> something like this, please let me know.
>
> 73,
>
> Tom KG3V
>
>
> Quoting Bill Coleman <aa4lr at arrl.net>:
>
>>
>> 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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