[Elecraft] [K2] Safely running 100% key-down modes (K1FFX)

[Bob]

Hi Bruce,

I haven't tried JT-65 but I've been running PSK-31 on my K2 with the KPA100
power set at 50% (i.e., 50 watts) or less without any problems. Although my
transmissions are not longer than several minutes each, I understand that at
the power level, you could have much longer transmissions without problems.

Take care,

Bob W1SRB

PS- hope to see you at NEFFA this year
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Message: 1
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 2013 09:06:23 -0800 (PST)
From: K1FFX <bruce.rosen at rcn.com <mailto:bruce.rosen at rcn.com> >
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net <mailto:elecraft at mailman.qth.net> 
Subject: [Elecraft] [K2] Safely running 100% key-down modes
Message-ID: <1388077583728-7582081.post at n2.nabble.com
<mailto:1388077583728-7582081.post at n2.nabble.com> >
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I starting to use my K2/100 in two 100% key-down modes, JT-65 and PSK-31. 
What
should I be keeping in mind in protecting the output stage for the K2 and
for the KPA100?

For JT-65, since it is a QRP mode, I'm running at about 5 watts, and
transmissions are 
limited to about 45 seconds.  So, I'm hoping that K2's output transistors
will not be stressed
in this mode.

But, how about PSK-31?  I'd like to run about 20 watts and each transmission
could easily
be 3 or so minutes.  I don't know at what output power the base K2 runs when
the KPA100
kicks in (i.e., at above 10 watts).  I assume that normally the KPA100 will
be loafing at 20 
watts, but I'm not sure the impact of 100% key down on its output stage.

I'd appreciate any guidance in keeping the K2/100 "safe" in these modes.

Thanks -

Bruce K1FFX




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