[Elecraft] building a K2

[Gary Hvizdak]

Thu Feb 25 18:35:50 EST 2010 Jim Dunstan (VE3CI) wrote:

If I order a package including K2, KPA100, KSB2, KNB2, and K160RX and
start to do the assembly ... I understand that if certain modules are
installed after basic assembly some back tracking is required.


Hi Jim,

    If you follow the traditional assembly instructions offered in the
Elecraft K2 manual, then some minor disassembly and simply PCB rework will
be required on your K2's main RF board when the time comes to install the
KSB2 and KNB2 options.  (In contrast, if you were to purchase just the K2
and build it prior purchasing these options, then you would need to
completely disassemble your K2 to add them later!)

    As an alternative, the website http://www.unpcbs.com/ provides detailed
instructions for a building your K2 so you can add these options at any
time, while not having to perform any significant disassembly or PCB rework
inside your K2.  This alternate assembly method makes use of Option Bypass
Headers (also known as un-modules).

    Beyond the options you are planning to purchase, you can also use this
"option ready" method to build your K2 so that you can later add the KAF2,
KDSP2, and/or K60XV without the need for significant disassembly of the
Enclosure, or the need for any PCB rework to your K2.

--- - - - ---

    Another K2 accessory offered by unpcbs.com is an internal mic adaptor
which makes it really easy to configure your K2 to support any of 55
microphones.  Although, the adaptor's main benefit is that it dramatically
simplifies the task of reconfiguring your K2 for a different mic connector
pin-out once you've finished building it, (should you ever wish to do so).

    Instead of having to remove the Control board to access the mic
configuration header on the back of the K2's Front Panel board, all that's
required is to remove the left side panel of the K2 and reconfigure the
adaptor's jumper block.  The adaptor also supports jumper selection of the
necessary external bias resistance.

    BTW, if you don't purchase the Rework Eliminator(TM) K2 Internal Mic
Adaptor, then it might be necessary for you to significantly disassemble the
front portion of your K2 if only to tack solder an appropriate bias resistor
onto the back of the mic connector (on the back of the Front Panel PCB).

73,
Gary  KI4GGX
K2 #4067
unpcbs.com webmaster