[Elecraft] K2/100?

[Matt VK2RQ]

First I would say though that one of the big reasons to get a K2 is the fun/experiences of building it yourself. If you are farming that out to someone else, then I would be thinking carefully if K2 is the right option, or whether a more modern design radio might fit the bill better (like KX3, K3, or even, dare I say it here, a brand Y/I/K radio)

Assuming you go with a K2, then if you want to take the K2 portable QRP, you need to think about whether you want to install the KPA100 in the same chassis as the K2, or whether you want to put it in a separate enclosure, or maybe even consider a separate amplifier like the KXPA100. Below are some pros/cons of the different options.

KPA100 in same enclosure as K2:
+ one easy convenient fully integrated package
+ if you want to run the radio as QRP, just power it using the coaxial power connector, and the KPA100 is bypassed
- have to lug the heavy KPA100 with you when you go portable
- if you want an ATU, it will need to be separate
- can’t put the 20W QRP ATU in the K2 enclosure (need to swap lids, which is a hassle), battery option, etc. (actually, I would prefer to run the K2 off external LiFePO4 batteries rather than put an SLA inside)

KPA100 in separate enclosure as K2:
+ full integration between K2 and amplifier
+ can leave the KPA100 behind when you go QRP
+ can put a 100W ATU in the same enclosure as the KPA100
+ can also equip K2 with 20W ATU, battery, etc. ready for portable operation
- takes more desk space
- if you want to go QRO portable, you need to take two enclosures
- can’t use the KPA100 with any other radios besides K2

K2 with separate KXPA100 amplifier:
+ can leave amplifier behind when going QRP portable
+ can equip K2 with 20W ATU, battery, etc.
+ flexibility to use the amplifier with other radios, like KX3, FT817, etc.
+ can put 100W ATU in same enclosure as KXPA100
- integration with K2 not quite as good as KPA100/KAT100
- may need to build extra keying circuit
- takes desk space/need to take two boxes for QRO portable

Other people on the list may have further comments based on their experiences (I myself ended up going for the third KXPA100 option, mainly because I had a KX3 already).

73, Matt VK2RQ

> On 19 Dec 2014, at 12:30 pm, Alan KB7MBI via Elecraft <elecraft at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
> 
> I am considering having a kit builder assemble a K2/100 for me  to replace 
> my current station (see QRZ) Before making the commitment I  would like to 
> chat with someone who owns a K2/100 and hear the PROs and CONs and  any 
> issues. Additionally if there is a K2/100 owner in the Woodinville,  WA I would 
> love a demonstration. Woodinville is 25 miless NE of  Seattle.
> 
> Please contact me offlist at _ardujenski at aol.com_ 
> (mailto:ardujenski at aol.com) .
> 
> I will be operating it primarily as a base station but want  the ability to 
> go portable QRP or to be able to operate off battery power during  one of 
> the many power outages.
> 
> Thank you in advance for taking a few minutes to share your  K2/100 
> experience with me
> 
> Alan KB7MBI
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