[Elecraft] K2/KPA100 vs. EC2/KPA100

[gehringc at charter.net]

Greg Derda, wrote:
 
>I just finished building K2 #6100 …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..... 

Greg, 

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

The KPA100 does behave exactly the same whether it is mounted inside the K2 or mounted in an external EC2 enclosure.  With the KPA100 mounted in an external EC2 Enclosure you will need an additional KIO2 mounted in the EC2  (one KIO2 in the basic K2 and one in the EC2) and the data cable connecting the K2 and the KPA100 in the EC2 

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

Yes, it is very much just “plug and play”.  As long as the data cable is installed the K2 will recognize when the KPA100 is connected.  
 
>3.  For QPR ops with the EC2 setup, can you run just the KAT100 without having to power the KPA100? 
 
For QRP operations with a KAT100 and the KPA100 mounted in the external EC2 enclosure the power supports both the KAT100 and the KPA100.  To run QRP just adjust the power on your K2.  As long as the K2 power remains below 10 watts the KPA100 does on turn on.  You can not isolate power to just power the KAT100 with both mounted in the EC2, simply adjust the power output to QRP level on the K2.

With my K2 I have the KAT2 internal tuner and internal battery installed, with the KPA100 and the KAT100 mounted externally in an EC2 enclosure.  For Field operations I simply disconnect the data cable, antenna connection, and power cable then walk away with my K2 QRP rig ready to go.

You can take a look at my K2 and KPA100/KAT100 setup with my cable connections at:  http://k2qrp.com/Radio%20Projects.htm
 
My setup has been working perfectly for over a year now.  I hope this answers your questions.

73 K2CG
Chuck Gehring