[Elecraft] K2/100 Locks Up

[Jim Campbell]

For about a year I have been using my K2 in digital modes. For about the 
first six months I used JT65 and then switched to JT9. For North America 
I usually use 10 watts and for the rest of the world I use 20 watts. In 
both modes the transmitter is on continuously for one minute followed by 
a minute off then another minute on, etc.

This has worked well for me especially considering that I have a low 
88-ft dipole fed with ladder line, usually described as a 
"cloud-warmer." Using JT65 I accomplished WAS and eWAS as well as 50 
countries and 6 continents confirmed. (Being near the peak of the solar 
cycle probably helped.)

My problem is that if I am running 10 watts and hear a United Arab 
Emirates station calling CQ (as I did this afternoon) and I crank the 
power up to 20 watts the K2 locks up. And no, this isn't done while 
transmitting. By locks up I mean that the only button-press that works 
is power-off. When I power on everything is back to normal.

The K2 is number 2268 and I believe that all updates have been applied. 
The 100 watt amplifier was added later in the top of the K2. I am using 
a KAT100 in its own case just below the K2.

Any suggestions will be much appreciated.

73, Jim - W4BQP
Licensed in 1953