[Elecraft] More power from K2

[Johnny Siu]

Hi Bill,

Thanks for your reply.  The usual answer to my own
question is going for a better antenna and I think
most of the readers will know that.

Through years of hamming, there are indeed marginial
situations where a mariginal power difference does
mean something.

With an original built-in lead acid battery of
capacity 2.9Ahr, 12-15 watt output from K2 is no doubt
a very good compromise between power output and
current consumption.  The elecraft designers did make
a good design compromise.

Now that 3.5Ahr battery is just so easily available at
only US$10 or less that it is a real attraction to ask
for a managable higher output level.

>From monetary terms, if K2 can be modified to deliver
25 watts at say US$50, it would be worthwhile to go
for it.

It is really no point for me to go for K2/100 because
I can simply use my K3 which can deliver 100 watts.

25 watt output from K2 can drive most of the linear
amplifiers to 1KW.  My K2 can now only drive my ICPW-1
or Yaesu Quadra to only 300-350 watts.

>From marketing point of view, if our QRP K2 can some
how manage to deliver 25 watts, the usefulness of the
rig will be further enhanced and hence marketability. 
In other words, a 25 watts K2 could mean:

a. an capable QRP rig as it is;
b. with good power output to suit most situations;
c. a rig can drive most of the linear amplifiers to
full output without any intermediate

cheers,

Johnny VR2XMC

K3 + builder of more than 10 x K2





--- Bill Johnson <bill at creeksidecomputing.com> »¡¡G

> Johnny,
> 
> The difference in real signal strength for a
> receiving station if you were
> to go from 15 watts to 20-25 watts is about zilch. 
> Going from 15 watts to
> 60 watts is approximately 1 S-Unit.  I wouldn't
> bother going there, besides
> the changes are more work than it is worth.  It may
> be a better option to
> order the KPA-100 and increase  power to 100 watts
> which is 10 db, closer to
> 2 S units.  Or, in the alternative, focus on the
> antenna which is the least
> expensive alternative, esp. if you are into wires
> like so many of us are.
> Then, of course, one could try one of the more
> exotic, expensive verticals
> with lots of ground wires, then 1 watt would
> accomplish alot. 
> 
> 
> 72,
> 
> Bill 
> 
> K9YEQ
> K2 #35, K2 # 5279, KX1 #35, Mini Modules, etc.  
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> 
> I notice that battery technology has been improving.
> 
> The internal lead-acid battery used in K2 can be
> replaced by newer version with capacity of 3.5Ahr
> instead of the original 2.9Ahr.  The new version can
> be found easily in Hong Kong at a price of say
> US$10.
> 
> Therefore, my question is "Is it possible to modify
> the K2 to deliver a RF output of something around
> 20-25W?"
> 
> 
> 



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