[Elecraft] Cable length for KPA/KAT100 remote; importance of KPA100 upgrade

[Don Wilhelm]

Chris,

Why not try locating the KPA100/KAT100 at 6 cable feet from the base K2 
and see what happens.  There is no real information available on that 
subject that I am aware of.
There are cautions available - those cautions say that there *may* be 
timing problems on the Auxbus signalling - if an option does not respond 
in time, the K2 will conclude that option either is not present or is 
not properly responding (Error 080).

The upgrade to the KPA100 is highly recommended.  However (and I am 
going far out on a limb here), the upgrade helps to solve coupling 
problems between the base K2 and the KPA100, and those conditions may 
not be present with a remotely mounted KPA100.  If you detect any sign 
of instability for the KPA100, please install the KPA100UPKT.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/22/2012 8:33 PM, Chris Kimball wrote:
> Just bought a fine used remote KPA100/KAT100 in an EC2 cabinet.  It's neat,
> but I'd like to put it under the operating desk, rather than beside the K2.
> Can the K2 serial bus and the other 3 signals be extended for a total of 6
> ft?  Any problem remoting the RF by the same 6 ft?
>
> Alas, the KPA100 is of very early production, 2002.  How urgent is it to
> apply the level Revision A, 2006 upgrade?  That is, what's the probability
> of significant smoke production in reasonable (CW) use without first
> applying the upgrade?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Chris
> WB4WZR
>