[Elecraft] K2 advice needed - what to buy

[Dave Van Wallaghen]

Hi Ted,

It sounds like all you would need is a simple configuration for your K2. 
A couple of things you may want to consider is the KNB2 noise blanker if 
you happen to have any impulse noise issues at your QTH. Also, the KAF2 
audio filter provides a set of nice audio filters that can be peaked at 
your sidetone frequency and help weak CW signals pop out of the noise.

You will have a set of 4, voltage controlled (adjustable) CW crystal 
filters. They can be set at any width you like and centered on your 
sidetone frequency. Typically they are set for widths of 1.5kHz, 700hz, 
400Hz and 200Hz. But you can choose whatever works for you. There is an 
older program out there called Spectrogram that makes setting up you 
filters a snap. You feed the K2 audio into your PC's soundcard and 
display the audio spectrum using Spectrogram to visually adjust the 
width and center frequency of your 4 filters.

A panadapter solution is not inherit in the K2. But, with the addition 
of a IF Buffer amplifier, the K2's IF can be brought outside the K2 for 
use with various solutions. I came up with a nice panadapter solution 
that uses an IF amp designed by Jack Smith, K8ZOA (SK) and sold by DX 
Engineering. I feed the IF output to a SDR Play unit and use HDSDR on a 
PC to display spectrum and provide point and click QSY via Omni-Rig. 
Here is a complete write up of the project on my site: 
https://www.w8fgu.com/k2pan.html

If you decide to implement a panadapter solution or need rig control 
from a PC, you will also need the KIO2 Aux I/O board in your K2 to 
provide RS-232 communication. Another consideration may be the K160RX 
module. Although it doesn't sound like you would need 160m capability, 
the module also provides a separate receive antenna port that can be 
used on any band if you have the need to use a separate RX antenna. 
Based on your operating preferences, it doesn't sound like the KSB2, 
KAT2 or KBT2 (internal battery) would be useful to you.

Hope this helps.

73,
Dave, W8FGU


On 11/23/2021 6:57:45 AM, "E J Martin" <m5uf at outlook.com> wrote:

>Good morning.  I'd like to buy & make a K2 kit but would appreciate advice on what features to buy.  I'm a simple chap based in the UK. And after 50 years I now Only use CW on 40m with a straight key,   and I don't bother with contests as the morse is all autokeyers, keyboards, decoders, & 30wpm PFKeys.  No criticism intended it's the inevitable evolution of CW with technology.  I have a long wire resonant (SWR < 1.4) across the 40 band hence don't need an ATU. I've consigned my ICOM kit to a box in the attic and now use an early generation K2, battery powered, at 10W.  But I'd rather like to build a new K2. I'd need roofing filters etc for CW but Not SSB or anything else.   What would also be nice would be a panadapter but not sure how that would connect. Any advice/guidance would be much appreciated. ––– Ted M5UF
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