[Elecraft] K2/KPA100 vs. EC2/KPA100

[Greg Derda]

Hi all,

I just finished building K2 #6100, and will start my KSB2 tonight.  I 
am a no-code General, and work primarily SSB QRO, although I look 
forward to QRP'ing with my K2.  In most cases, for any portable work I 
might do, I will most likely carry at least two "enclosures": the K2 
and some sort of antenna tuner.  That said, two obvious configuration 
for my K2 are:

1.  K2/100 with separate KAT/100

2.  K2 with EC2/KPA100/KAT100 (and KIO2 in the K2)

Question is:  What are the obvious benefits or quirks between the above 
setups?  Specifically, I am wondering if with the EC2 setup.....

1.  Whether the KPA100 behaves (i.e., "appears") the same to the K2 as 
if it were internal?

2.  Is it a simple plug-n-play to either use or not use the EC2 setup?

3.  For QPR ops with the EC2 setup, can you run just the KAT100 without 
having to power the KPA100?

Any and all wisdom will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks and 73,
Greg
KI4MMM