[Elecraft] K2 Problem in NAQP

[Don Wilhelm]

Guy,

You are so correct.  PSK31 was in its early infancy when the K2 was 
designed, and no provisions were made for data modes.  With firmware 
version 2.xx, the RTTY filter set was made available, so one could 
define a set of filters apart from the SSB filters to dedicate to data 
modes - the most important aspect of that addition is that the 
compression setting for the RTTY filter set is independent of the 
setting for SSB, and we all should know that using compression with data 
modes can make a mess of attempts to decode what is sent.

There have been a few add-ons (non-Elecraft) to the K2 to make data mode 
operation a little easier - the EA3BLQ interface is documented on the 
Elecraft website, and my W3FPR Fixed Audio Out is documented on my 
website www.w3fpr.com with an updated version on Tom Hammond's website 
www.n0ss.net.  Those can add operating convenience to the K2 for data 
modes even though they are not essential.  Unfortunately, kits and 
boards are no longer available, even though they are not very difficult 
to implement with perfboard material for those who have moderate 
homebrewing experience.

Actually, the K2 at its inception  had provisions for the KSB2 and the 
KPA100 even though those options had not yet been developed, they were 
"in-plan" for the initial design (the connecting headers were in place 
even for the Field Test K2s).  Even though the initial 10 watt design 
was directed at the QRP market, the full plan was more encompassing.  I 
am certain that if PSK31 (the grandfather of all data modes other than 
RTTY) had been in use during the K2 design period, it would have been 
considered.

The K2 is still going strong after 12 years (yes it has been about 12 
years since I received my Field Test kit), and it is still a good 
performance contender in the ham radio marketplace.  Add to that the 
fact that any K2 can be brought up to the latest level with mod kits 
available from Elecraft.  Whatever the age of your K2, it can perform 
like the ones that are currently shipping.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/25/2011 7:11 PM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote:
> Probably what is most important at this point, is that the K2 is over
> a decade old design, and your uses of it (data, etc) are probably as
> afterthought in the original design as one can possibly get.  Have to
> remember that single sideband was (and is) optional.  That people have
> been able to adapt it to so many varying uses is rather amazing, given
> the absence of these altogether in the original design.
>
> It was built to be an internal battery portable 10 watt CW rig, my use
> still for mine. It turned out to have an incredible classic RX, and
> from the beginning laid the groundwork for what we now enjoy in the
> K3. Mods, and mods, and mods later, the K2 has a 100 watt option, with
> SSB, with many early issues neatly worked out.  The sideband flip
> issue cannot be resolved without starting all over. Nor for that
> matter the far tinier limited firmware capability, where far greater
> capability would be required to pull back many of the K3 subtleties
> into the K2.
>
> This lack does not seem to be a great issue though, as K2's are STILL
> being sold and built, and used K2's are sold at persisting good
> prices. I have yet to see one being parted out because someone can't
> sell it otherwise.
>
> 73, Guy.
>