Ron and All,
I think Ron's cautionary comments are right on! I remember a number of
years back when the Kenwood TS-50 first came out. It didn't take long for
the "tinkerers" to realize that the output transistors in that rig were very
conservatively rated. It was often stated that they could probably run as
much as two or three times the rating for the rig (100 watts). Sure enough,
a bunch of folks started "hopping up" their TS-50's. Problem is, most of
them forgot all about whether or not the output filters could handle that
much extra power. Apparently they couldn't, because soon you started
hearing a lot of sad stories.
Beefing up a K2 beyond it's design capability seems like pure foolishness to
me--unless you want to basically redesign the whole rig! Besides, most 12
volt rigs have significant IMD issues when run much above the design limit.
It doesn't take much either. The K3 runs pretty well at 100 watts, but at
110 watts (which is would do initially) it started getting dirty. I think
they subsequently capped it at 100 watts via firmware.
A few more watts just isn't worth it---usually! If you want to boost your
power, get an amp--even a small one. Or build one--there are a bunch of
good designs around for simple and inexpensive amps . Why jeopardize a
great rig like a K2 for a few more watts?
Dave W7AQK
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