[Elecraft] K2 vs. K2/100

Fri Apr 25 11:06:40 EDT 2008

Hi Brian,

As Don stated, if you already have the KIO2, KAT2 and battery options for
your K2, then externalizing the KPA100 and KAT100 in an EC2 enclosure makes
good sense and is very easy to do. I have my K2 setup in this configuration
and it is really easy for me to go from a base station setup to portable by
simple unplugging a couple of cables.

In my case, I had a K2/100 setup and then decided to split the KPA100 and
KAT100 out, so I had to purchase the additional KIO2 card. It makes for a
really clean setup in that you use the same AuxIO cable that was assembled
with the KAT100 and route it from the KIO2 connector to one of the AuxIO
connectors for the KPA100 or KAT100. The routing of the AuxIO signals
between the KPA100 and KAT100 are handled internally in the EC2 enclosure.
Lyle, KK7P, has a nice webpage describing the split-out process:
http://www.kk7p.com/k2kpa100.html The bottom of the page describes process
using the KIO2 in the basic K2. The top of the page shows how you can do it
without the KIO2. Personally, it seems much cleaner with the KIO2 module.

And if this isn't your cup of tea, I've been told by many that it is only a
matter of minutes to change out the top covers changing from a K2/100 to a
QRP K2. Since the KAT2 and KIO2 modules (and the internal battery option)
reside in the top cover, it is simply a matter of exchanging top covers and
plugging in the appropriate cables. 

Either method is pretty simple and is a tribute to Elecraft for not only a
fine modular design, but for the mechanics as well. The external
KPA100/KAT100 would only require unplugging a couple of cables as opposed to
swapping top covers which would require a screwdriver and switching out a
couple cables.

If you have any questions regarding the external EC2 method, don't hesitate
to ask me offline. Sounds like you have a great project going there with
your kids. 

73,
Dave W8FGU

> -----Original Message-----
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-
> bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Brian Lloyd
> Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2008 12:33 PM
> To: Elecraft reflector
> Subject: [Elecraft] K2 vs. K2/100
> 
> We are currently building the KPA-100 for our K2 at the school. I
> would like to hear from others who have incorporated the KPA100 into
> the K2 (K2/100) vs. keeping the KPA100 external and leaving the K2 as
> a QRP rig. I am waffling on the value of the K2 as a portable QRP rig,
> probably with the integral KAT2 and battery pack, and an external amp
> for base operation, and integrating the amp into the K2 and operating
> with an external tuner.
> 
> Brian Lloyd
> Granite Bay Montessori School          9330 Sierra College Bl
> brian AT gbmontessori DOT com          Roseville, CA 95661
> +1.916.367.2131 (voice)                +1.791.912.8170 (fax)
> 
> PGP key ID:          12095C52A32A1B6C
> PGP key fingerprint: 3B1D BA11 4913 3254 B6E0  CC09 1209 5C52 A32A 1B6C
> 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>  http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> 
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com