[Elecraft] Going 2014 with my K2

[Matt VK2RQ]

I was recently made aware of the following solution for fixed audio output:
http://www.genebitsystems.com/david/K2MiscAccessoryBoard/index.htm

It is a very compact solution with the SMDs, however, like the W3FPR solution, there are no kits available, so you would need to source the parts yourself (probably not too hard) and fabricate a board (probably not economical unless the costs can be spread over a number of boards).

Once my K2SB module arrives, I'll probably look at doing a W3FPR solution on some perf/prototype board, as I have all the parts in through-hole already.

As for batteries, if I take my K2 out of the shack, I would run it on a 4S LiFePO4 battery that I picked up cheaply together with balanced charger from a RC hobby company on the internet. I would not bother mounting the battery inside the K2, so that it is easy to change over the battery when it is depleted (all my batteries have APP connectors). You can run off one battery while you have another on charge. You definitely don't want to have any lithium battery inside your K2 while charging.

73,
Matt VK2RQ

> On 24 Apr 2014, at 11:30 am, PHILIP GRAITCER <pgraitc at me.com> wrote:
> 
> I love my five year old K2, and although I have a K3, I’d like to keep using the K2 for the field and digital. I’ve noticed that there have been discussions on the two items below on the reflector, but they are years old. Does this list’s collective brain trust have 2014 suggestions?
> 
> 1. The SLA battery is about worn out, although it has been kept topped up using Don Wilhelm’s suggestion of the AA Engineering charger. I’d like to replace the battery with one that is newer and lighter - LiPO or LiPOFe. Has anyone done this, and can you suggest particular batteries, part numbers, and set up for charging.
> 
> 2. Digital modes. Don has a nice solution to digital modes on the K2, but are there updates? What are others doing to go digital with their K2s?
> 
> Thanks,
> Phil
> 
> 
> 
> Philip L. Graitcer, W3HZZ
> Atlanta and St Simons Island, GA
> 
> 
> 
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