[Elecraft] K2 K2/100 post FD review

[Mike Kopacki]

Well, that gives me something to do!  I’ll let you know how it goes. 

Thanks,
Mike NJ2OM 

> On Jun 28, 2020, at 4:41 PM, Don Wilhelm <donwilh at embarqmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Mike,
> 
> Congratulations on finishing the K2/100.
> 
> On the power output variation, that is not normal.
> First check the voltage delivered to the K2 while in transmit.
> You should do that by tapping DISPLAY and scrolling to the voltage display.  Your power source should provide at least 13.8 volts, but higher (up to 15 volts) is better.  If the voltage shown by the K2 display during transmit is less than 12.6, make certain all power cable connections are tight.
> 
> If the power supply voltage is not the problem, then remove the KPA100 from the base K2 and realign the bandpass filters.  Connect a dummy load to the base K2 BNC ANT jack.  After that, check the maximum power from the base K2 - you should have at least 10 watts on each band.  Record the power for each band.
> 
> Using a dummy load takes away any question about your antennas.  Always check into a dummy load - with an in-line wattmeter if necessary.
> 
> The other possibility is that you have a problem in the Low Pass Filter in the KPA100.  To check for that, re-install the KPA100, but power the base K2 from the coaxial power jack (no power to the KPA100 - connect the dummy load to the SO2339 jack on the KPA100.
> Again check the maximum power on each band from the base K2.  It should be no more than 5% less than you found with the base K2 only.
> If there is a substantial difference in power, then check the KPA100 Low Pass Filter - particularly checking the number of turns on the toroids.
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
> 
> 
>> On 6/28/2020 4:04 PM, NJMike wrote:
>> I did notice a variation on the power output on different bands:
>> 80m - 100w
>> 40m - 100w
>> 20m - 80w
>> 15m - 50w
>> 10m - 30w
>> SWR was never above 1.3-1.
>> Does that sound normal?