[Elecraft] KAT100-1 vs KAT100-2

[Dauer, Edward]

Many thanks, Ken; your paper on converting to a KAT100-2 in the EC-2 is just what I needed.

My initial question to the reflector was answered when I learned that the KAT2 mounts in the base K2 cover (thanks to several people who told me that.)   But having resolved that issue, the next question is whether the arrangement I presently have is the best for my uses.  When I first purchased the K2 I debated which way to go, and decided at the time to use the low-profile enclosure for the KAT100 principally to reduce the footprint on my desk.  (Stacking the K2 on top of an EC2 looked possible but it would have put the K2 display too high for comfortable viewing.  By contrast the KAT100-1 low-profile enclosure is both shorter and has a shorter tilt bale.)

I have since learned that while it is certainly feasible to swap the base K2 cover for the cover with the KPA100 every time I go from QRO to QRP, as it turns out removing all the screws and especially the internal plugs requires more care and is a bit more cumbersome than I had thought it would be.  So, converting the KAT100-1 to a KAT100-2, and installing the KPA100 in the EC-2 enclosure, is one way to make the transitions easier, even if the footprint is larger.

From reading your paper I gather I will need the EC-2, the KAT100PNL conversion kit, the KAT2 for the base K2, and the KI02.  The literature about the KI02 suggests it is required for computer control of the K2, which I don’t care about – but I take it that having a KI02 is necessary for the conversion as the way the K2 will communicate with the KPA in the EC-2, yes?  The remaining questions are whether the new toroid you recommend is included in the conversion kit or if the core will also have to be ordered; and whether, having initially installed the KPA100 in the K2 and the KAT100 in the low-profile enclosure, anything irrevocable was done that would complicate moving them both.  From the manuals it seems not, but I thought I’d ask . . .

Finally, I know I could have sent this to you off-list.  But I found your paper very useful, and my experiences with the enclosure choice possibly useful to others who may be making the same decision, that I thought I would post them here and have it captured for the archives.

Thanks again,

Ted, KN1CBR