[Elecraft] A few questions before ordering the K2 kit...

[Jim Wiley]

Thomas -


The Elecraft N-Gen (wide-band noise generator) is useful for aligning 
the K2's filters (with the assistance of Spectrogram) and your 
computer's sound card.  Spectrogram can be downloaded for free.   A VOM 
or some sort will be useful for some initial testing (resistance checks).


Unless you already have one, some sort of dummy load will be useful for 
transmitter testing, but is not needed to successfully get the K2 on the 
air.


You will need some sort of DC power source.  Some operators use a 
12-volt battery and a separate charger.  If you are into "green" things, 
a 7 amp-hour gel cell and a solar charger (with charge regulator) will 
be adequate for the average operator.  Others use a 20-ampere hour (or 
so) lead-acid battery (either wet or gel type)  and a suitable automatic 
charger. 


Some operators use a regulated  DC power supply of some type. The K2 
will draw perhaps 5 amperes max.  I would use a minimum of a 10 ampere 
supply, but a supply with a 15 0r 20 ampere rating will allows your to 
add other things to your station at a  later date.   Your choice


The K2 kit comes with the proper connector for power input.  If you want 
to build up a cable that uses Power Pole connectors, you can build a 
cable that interfaces the K2 power connector to the Power Pole of your 
choice, but you will need to supply the PP connectors.


The KAT2 internal 20-watt tuner (a recommended option) incorporates a 
SWR bridge that reads out via the internal software  and gives a SWR 
display on the digital readout.   


The KAT100  tuner is appropriate for the KPA100 amplifier option.  Many 
builders, including myself, opt for having the amplifier in a separate 
EC2 cabinet, together with the KAT100.  This allows the basic low-power 
K2 to be used with it's internal KAT2 tuner for portable use, which can 
then be easily connected to the K2 for base station use. 


Other options I have found useful for the K2, in my personal choice of 
order of usefulness:


The KSB2 SSB module,  the KNB2 noise blanker,  the KBAT2 internal 
battery,  the KIO2 interface module, the  K160RX 160-meter add on, and 
either the KDSP2 or KAF2 audio filter.   I personally favor the KDSP2, 
but it is considerably more expensive.  I have not installed the K60XV 
option  (waiting for the 60 meter band to become more like the rest of 
the other bands in what can be done there).
. 

Congratulations on your decision to join the ranks of ham radio 
operators.   Welcome aboard. 


- Jim, KL7CC




jez wrote:
> Hi,
> being a SWL for more or less about 20 years I just completed my HAM license
> in germany. So far it's just the beginners license which limits the
> frequency bands I'm allowed to use, but as I don't have a TRX yet I thought
> building a K2 will a) give me quite a good transceiver I don't have to
> replace after six months and b) provide me with some valuable experience on
> my way to go for the full license. 
>
> So far I have nothing but my license though. No transceiver, no antenna, no
> SWR meter, no power supply, no dummy load, no... So please forgive me in
> case I ask something obvious, I'm really a bit confused with all those
> things which are new to me!
>
> So here my questions:
>
> # ok, after reading several stuff on elecraft.com this more or less is a
> clear one, but to make sure I'd lust like to repeat it - apart from maybe a
> multimeter, there is no additional measurement equipment needed to build up
> and adjust the K2 (e.g. no noise generator, spectrum analyzer needed). Am I
> correct?
>
> # Power connector...how do I connect the K2 to the 230V we are using in
> germany? I suppose I need an external power supply 10..15V, correct? But
> which connector? Reading the forums I've seen those 2.1mm and 2.5mm diameter
> connectors ( http://www.cliffuk.co.uk/products/dcconnectors/dcpp1.jpg )
> mentioned, in the shop Elecraft is selling a cable with "APP connector". So
> what would I need?
>
> # The KAT100 antenna tuner includes a SWR meter but requires a KPA100 or
> KIO2 installed. As I'm not yet sure if I go for the 100 watt option, does
> the KAT2 (20 watt internal ATU) also include a SWR meter?
>
>
> Well, that's all for now, thanks in advance for any helpful reply!
>
> thomas 
>