[Elecraft] K2 Build Sequence Question

[Don Wilhelm]

Jon,

The KAT100 can be used with the basic K2, there are 4 internal K2 
signals that must be routed to the KAT100 for it to function.  So the 
base K2 MUST be equipped with the KIO2 or a suitable substitute (see the 
websites dealing with the external KPA100 for the substitute - if it 
works for the KPA100, it will also work for the KAT100).

If you can manage the finances initially, I would suggest that you 
purchase the KSB2 initially.  There are components from that option to 
be added to the front panel.  While it is not a burdensome chore to take 
the face plate off the front panel board later, it certainly is easier 
if you add those components before you mount the front panel board to 
the metal plate.

Other than those comments given only for your consideration, your plan 
sounds fine.

73,
Don W3FPR

Jon Perelstein wrote:
> I'm thinking of building a K2.  My thought is that I eventually want a K2 w/ 100 watts and SSB, but I'd like to take it in stages by first building a K2, then upping it to 100 watts, and then finally adding SSB.  
>
> More specifically, I thought I'd do the following:
>
> 1.  Order the K2 and a KAT100 this week (I figure the KAT100 rather than the KAT2 given my intention of eventually moving up to 100 watts).  I expect that I'll also add the KNB2 at this point since things can be pretty noisy at my QTH.
>
> 2. Add the KDSP2 later this year (Nov/Dec) once I get some familiarity with the K2 itself.
>
> 3. Add the KPA100 around April 2009, which should be just in time for me to work with it a little before Field Day 2009.
>
> 4.  Add the KSB2 at some later date (probably sometime in the first half of 2010).
>
> For those who have done something like this -- or at least thought about it -- are there any significant gotcha's that you think I should know about?  Is adding the KPA100 or the KSB2 very difficult and would you strongly argue against adding later versus build now?  Should I switch the sequence (e.g., SSB first, then 100 watts)?
>
>
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