[Elecraft] K2 #4538 is up and running.
Hello Elecrafters, Just a quick note of succes. Finally getting around to completing my K2 and a high efficiency linear power supply took a bit longer than anticipated, even though I haven't put that many hours into the project. The only real trouble encountered during building and tuning was that I initially had a very high SWR when testing the TX a few days ago. That problem was eventually traced to a short in a connector to the dummy load. *Cough* This evening I literally threw the end of a 3m/10ft piece of wire out the window (I live in an appartment) and connected it to the K2 through my trusty FC-901 tuner. I have so far not given the K2 the Spectrogram treatment, yet initial impressions of the RX are extremely favorable. I have of course played with the RX before during testing, but today was the first time I really spent some time with it. First stateside station heard was W8FJ on 14,025, and he was armchair copy to say the least. First lesson learned about the Elecraft mojo is that most of the time the K2 doesn't need the preamp. On 20 and below it just adds excessive noise. Only regrets so far are that I wish I had built the PSU into an EC2 to match the K2. Tomorrow I expect to get a suitably large piece of insulated tubing to use as a form for a large current choke, so that I may build a properly balanced antenna. Then it will be time for the first QSO, which I have reserved for my Elmer, OZ7NB. 73 de Frank, OZ1IOC. K2 #4538. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Anti-static measures (WAS (no subject))
On Dec 1, 2004, at 20:26, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: Another US $15 or wo will get you a static dissipative mat that provides further protection. For those who would like to save the last penny, may I recommend the largish plastic bags used for wrapping computer mainboards as antistatic mats? They are surprisingly conductive, though they will not last very long compared to a genuine antistatic mat. The bags in question can often be had for the asking at those 'beige box' computer stores down at the corner. They are transparent and have a black criss-crossing, which is the antistatic conductors. The largest ones I've got are 30x40 cm (12x16 inches). Also remember that air humidity indoors is often very low when it is freezing outside. Like in the winter when we like to work in the shack. -- 73 de Frank, OZ1IOC. K2 #4538, passed building phase II testing. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Excellent exchange rate (or article?) helping Elecraft sales to Europe?
On Nov 22, 2004, at 19:19, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: I've noticed a pleasant increase in orders for K1, K2, KX1 radios and accessories recently from Europe. Much more so than I usually see during this time of year. I guess we must be doing something right, or we're getting a little help from somewhere.. :-) I wonder if the reason isn't a combination of all of the above, plus you are perhaps getting closer to critical mass over here as well. The November issue of the Danish amateur rag, OZ, has an article about a mini dxpedition, 9M2/OZ7BQ, where a K1 was the core piece of equipment. This didn't influence my personal decision to buy a K2 though. More or less in order this is what happened to me: *) While discussing my search for a new rig with both high performance and lots of DIY potential, a local friend suggested the K2. I have been eyeing the K2 from time to time, but had not really considered it for a while. *) I mentioned the K2 in an email exchange I had at the time with another US ham. A google search had brought his name up as someone who had at least some degree of experience with the K2. *) It surfaced that the ham in question is a friend of the house of Elecraft, and his arguments helped push me over the edge. (You know who you are! :-) *) Realized that the asking price was a bit of a steal at the current exchange rate. *) Plucked credit card from wallet. Are you all sitting comfortably? OK, then just for yucks let me mention that the official Icom importer here in Denmark currently wants the equivalent of 1285 USD for an IC-718, the least expensive Icom HF transceiver. The larger rigs are proportionally priced. 73 de Frank, OZ1IOC. K2 #4538 (inventory check completed, assembly to commence shortly). ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
