Re: [Elecraft] K2 is dead?
Ken and all, Thank you for that endorsement - I endeavor to return a radio working 'the best it can be' no matter if it is an official Elecraft repair on an independent repair. At the current time, I am doing support for Elecraft as well as both Elecraft repairs and independent repairs for the Classic (legacy) gear - the K2, K1, KX1 and XV series tranverters. All that keeps me quite busy and my turn-around time on repairs has slowed since I have been also doing support activities via both email and phone directly for Elecraft. Be that as it may, I still do many repairs of the K2, K1, KX1 and XV series tranverters, but my turn-around time has slowed a bit because of my other activities. Send me a direct email (w3fpr@embarqmailcom) asking for my service and I will send you my service form. If you prefer to go through the official Elecraft repair channel, send an email to supp...@elecraft.com and ask for an RSA number and form - wait until you have received the RSA number and shipping instructions before sending your K2. RSA repairs of the K2, K1, KX1 and XV series transverters are not done in Watsonville, but at my address in North Carolina, or possibility by Gary in Arizona. 73, Don W3FPR On 2/19/2018 8:55 PM, Ken G Kopp wrote: I'll add my enthusiastic endorsement for Don, W3FPR. He's prompt and reasonable. 73! Ken - K0PP On Feb 19, 2018 18:50, "Bill Johnson" <k9...@live.com> wrote: Dave, my suggestion: send it Don who is a fantastic expert. He is very reasonalble in his fees. While I am technically competent, and have the equipment, he is natural at it. I have to work at it, because unlike Don, don't do it day to day. I have sent equipment to him and it is done in no time. If you have time to do your own work, then give that a shot. For me, life it too short. 73, Bill K9YEQ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-bounces@ mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm Sent: Monday, February 19, 2018 6:28 PM To: David Perrin <dbper...@gmail.com>; Elecraft <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 is dead? David,[Bill] n There are several possibilities. While it is possible that the "serial" cable may have been the the problem, that could have damaged the KIO2 (or KPA100), but it could also have damaged the MCU (U6) on the control board. Did it go into transmit with no load? If so, it may be that Q7 and Q8 have been damaged. Check the resistance from the collector to ground. It should start out at about 2k ohms and increase in resistance as the electrolytics charge. If it is substantially less than that, the PA transistors may have been damaged - that will trip the internal resettable fuse (F1). To remove 12v power from the PA transistors, you can remove them (do that if the resistance check reveals them to be shorted), or you can remove transformer T3. After removing 12v from the PA transistors, see if the K2 powers on. I don't know of anyone who is skilled in troubleshooting the K2 in central FL, but someone may volunteer. If you remove the PA transistors and do not have adequate desoldering ability, clip the leads at the transistor bodies and remove the leads one at a time. Clean up with solder wick and if solder remains in the holes, heat the pads and push the solder out with a wooden toothpick. Replace the PA transistors with the K2PAKIT from Elecraft - it has matched PA transistors. I can give you some tests to check with the PA transistors out to check whether transistors Q11 and Q13 are OK (they are included with the K2PAKIT). 73, Don W3FPR On 2/19/2018 10:20 AM, David Perrin wrote: Hi- Two questions? After 18 years my K2 doesn’t turn on. I did it. I must have incorrectly wired the Serial cable. When it got plugged in - that did it. There is power thru the Power button. With the radio disassembled to the main pc board, (sans everything that can plug into the main board) and power applied thru the 1/8” coaxial power connector power doesn’t seem to get beyond that. I am not in a place where I can get more parts out on the bench, nor the equipment except for a cheap digital Voltmeter. Question 1: Is there someone in the central Florida area who knows this radio and can shed some light on my problem? Question 2: Is there someone in central Florida who repairs the K2? Thanks for reading. 73 de Dave k1op...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:
Re: [Elecraft] K2 is dead?
I'll add my enthusiastic endorsement for Don, W3FPR. He's prompt and reasonable. 73! Ken - K0PP On Feb 19, 2018 18:50, "Bill Johnson" <k9...@live.com> wrote: > Dave, my suggestion: send it Don who is a fantastic expert. He is very > reasonalble in his fees. While I am technically competent, and have the > equipment, he is natural at it. I have to work at it, because unlike Don, > don't do it day to day. I have sent equipment to him and it is done in no > time. If you have time to do your own work, then give that a shot. For > me, life it too short. > > > 73, > Bill > K9YEQ > > > > -Original Message- > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-bounces@ > mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm > Sent: Monday, February 19, 2018 6:28 PM > To: David Perrin <dbper...@gmail.com>; Elecraft <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 is dead? > > David,[Bill] n > > There are several possibilities. > While it is possible that the "serial" cable may have been the the > problem, that could have damaged the KIO2 (or KPA100), but it could also > have damaged the MCU (U6) on the control board. > > Did it go into transmit with no load? If so, it may be that Q7 and Q8 > have been damaged. Check the resistance from the collector to ground. > It should start out at about 2k ohms and increase in resistance as the > electrolytics charge. If it is substantially less than that, the PA > transistors may have been damaged - that will trip the internal resettable > fuse (F1). > To remove 12v power from the PA transistors, you can remove them (do that > if the resistance check reveals them to be shorted), or you can remove > transformer T3. > After removing 12v from the PA transistors, see if the K2 powers on. > > I don't know of anyone who is skilled in troubleshooting the K2 in central > FL, but someone may volunteer. > > If you remove the PA transistors and do not have adequate desoldering > ability, clip the leads at the transistor bodies and remove the leads one > at a time. Clean up with solder wick and if solder remains in the holes, > heat the pads and push the solder out with a wooden toothpick. > Replace the PA transistors with the K2PAKIT from Elecraft - it has matched > PA transistors. I can give you some tests to check with the PA transistors > out to check whether transistors Q11 and Q13 are OK (they are included with > the K2PAKIT). > > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > > On 2/19/2018 10:20 AM, David Perrin wrote: > > Hi- > > > > Two questions? > > > > After 18 years my K2 doesn’t turn on. I did it. I must have incorrectly > wired the Serial cable. When it got plugged in - that did it. > > > > There is power thru the Power button. With the radio disassembled to the > main pc board, (sans everything that can plug into the main board) and > power applied thru the 1/8” coaxial power connector power doesn’t seem to > get beyond that. > > > > I am not in a place where I can get more parts out on the bench, nor the > equipment except for a cheap digital Voltmeter. > > > > Question 1: Is there someone in the central Florida area who knows this > radio and can shed some light on my problem? > > > > Question 2: Is there someone in central Florida who repairs the K2? > > > > Thanks for reading. > > > > 73 de Dave > > > > k1op...@gmail.com > > > > __ > > Elecraft mailing list > > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email > > list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to > > donw...@embarqmail.com > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to k9...@live.com > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to kengk...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 is dead?
Dave, my suggestion: send it Don who is a fantastic expert. He is very reasonalble in his fees. While I am technically competent, and have the equipment, he is natural at it. I have to work at it, because unlike Don, don't do it day to day. I have sent equipment to him and it is done in no time. If you have time to do your own work, then give that a shot. For me, life it too short. 73, Bill K9YEQ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm Sent: Monday, February 19, 2018 6:28 PM To: David Perrin <dbper...@gmail.com>; Elecraft <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 is dead? David,[Bill] n There are several possibilities. While it is possible that the "serial" cable may have been the the problem, that could have damaged the KIO2 (or KPA100), but it could also have damaged the MCU (U6) on the control board. Did it go into transmit with no load? If so, it may be that Q7 and Q8 have been damaged. Check the resistance from the collector to ground. It should start out at about 2k ohms and increase in resistance as the electrolytics charge. If it is substantially less than that, the PA transistors may have been damaged - that will trip the internal resettable fuse (F1). To remove 12v power from the PA transistors, you can remove them (do that if the resistance check reveals them to be shorted), or you can remove transformer T3. After removing 12v from the PA transistors, see if the K2 powers on. I don't know of anyone who is skilled in troubleshooting the K2 in central FL, but someone may volunteer. If you remove the PA transistors and do not have adequate desoldering ability, clip the leads at the transistor bodies and remove the leads one at a time. Clean up with solder wick and if solder remains in the holes, heat the pads and push the solder out with a wooden toothpick. Replace the PA transistors with the K2PAKIT from Elecraft - it has matched PA transistors. I can give you some tests to check with the PA transistors out to check whether transistors Q11 and Q13 are OK (they are included with the K2PAKIT). 73, Don W3FPR On 2/19/2018 10:20 AM, David Perrin wrote: > Hi- > > Two questions? > > After 18 years my K2 doesn’t turn on. I did it. I must have incorrectly wired > the Serial cable. When it got plugged in - that did it. > > There is power thru the Power button. With the radio disassembled to the main > pc board, (sans everything that can plug into the main board) and power > applied thru the 1/8” coaxial power connector power doesn’t seem to get > beyond that. > > I am not in a place where I can get more parts out on the bench, nor the > equipment except for a cheap digital Voltmeter. > > Question 1: Is there someone in the central Florida area who knows this radio > and can shed some light on my problem? > > Question 2: Is there someone in central Florida who repairs the K2? > > Thanks for reading. > > 73 de Dave > > k1op...@gmail.com > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email > list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to > donw...@embarqmail.com > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to k9...@live.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 is dead?
David, There are several possibilities. While it is possible that the "serial" cable may have been the the problem, that could have damaged the KIO2 (or KPA100), but it could also have damaged the MCU (U6) on the control board. Did it go into transmit with no load? If so, it may be that Q7 and Q8 have been damaged. Check the resistance from the collector to ground. It should start out at about 2k ohms and increase in resistance as the electrolytics charge. If it is substantially less than that, the PA transistors may have been damaged - that will trip the internal resettable fuse (F1). To remove 12v power from the PA transistors, you can remove them (do that if the resistance check reveals them to be shorted), or you can remove transformer T3. After removing 12v from the PA transistors, see if the K2 powers on. I don't know of anyone who is skilled in troubleshooting the K2 in central FL, but someone may volunteer. If you remove the PA transistors and do not have adequate desoldering ability, clip the leads at the transistor bodies and remove the leads one at a time. Clean up with solder wick and if solder remains in the holes, heat the pads and push the solder out with a wooden toothpick. Replace the PA transistors with the K2PAKIT from Elecraft - it has matched PA transistors. I can give you some tests to check with the PA transistors out to check whether transistors Q11 and Q13 are OK (they are included with the K2PAKIT). 73, Don W3FPR On 2/19/2018 10:20 AM, David Perrin wrote: Hi- Two questions? After 18 years my K2 doesn’t turn on. I did it. I must have incorrectly wired the Serial cable. When it got plugged in - that did it. There is power thru the Power button. With the radio disassembled to the main pc board, (sans everything that can plug into the main board) and power applied thru the 1/8” coaxial power connector power doesn’t seem to get beyond that. I am not in a place where I can get more parts out on the bench, nor the equipment except for a cheap digital Voltmeter. Question 1: Is there someone in the central Florida area who knows this radio and can shed some light on my problem? Question 2: Is there someone in central Florida who repairs the K2? Thanks for reading. 73 de Dave k1op...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K2 is dead?
Hi- Two questions? After 18 years my K2 doesn’t turn on. I did it. I must have incorrectly wired the Serial cable. When it got plugged in - that did it. There is power thru the Power button. With the radio disassembled to the main pc board, (sans everything that can plug into the main board) and power applied thru the 1/8” coaxial power connector power doesn’t seem to get beyond that. I am not in a place where I can get more parts out on the bench, nor the equipment except for a cheap digital Voltmeter. Question 1: Is there someone in the central Florida area who knows this radio and can shed some light on my problem? Question 2: Is there someone in central Florida who repairs the K2? Thanks for reading. 73 de Dave k1op...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 - 20M dead
Mike, It is highly unusual to have a transmit problem on 20 and still have transmit on 30 meters - those two bands share both the bandpass filter and the low pass filter. The fact that you have HiCur messages should point the finger at the Low Pass Filter. Are you certain it is receiving signals that are really on 20 meters? You might want to check the VFO frequency first - it should be 4913 kHz higher than the frequency shown on the K2 dial. You can use the internal counter probe in TP1 and CAL FCTR. If this is a K2/100, remove the KPA100 and test the base K2 working into a dummy load. You may have to do Transmit Signal Tracing as indicated in Appendix A of the K2 manual to find where the failure point really is. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/29/2013 9:46 PM, Mike Murray wrote: I thought I'd give a RTTY contest a try this weekend so I dove in. Found out after switching to 15M that I had my filters wrong so had to stop, open up the rig and reset. Everything seemed to be OK after that until I tried transmitting on 20M - dead as a doornail! Receives on 20 just fine, transmits OK on all other bands, but nothing on 20 in any mode. Even occasionally shows hi current on 20 with no actual RF output. Anyone have any idea on where I should start troubleshooting? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2 - 20M dead
Don, Thanks for the quick reply and troubleshooting suggestions! I do have the KPA100 and KAT100 installed so here's what I did: 1. Rechecked 17, 20 and 30M and only 20 was still dead on transmit. 2. Opened the K2 up, checked VFO freq and it was OK (4915). Receive also OK on 20. 3. Removed KPA100 and KAT100. Transmit now OK on 20, so the problem must be elsewhere. 4. Installed KPA100 and transmit still OK on 20. Aha! Problem must be in the KAT100 somehow. 5. Reattached KAT100 and tested again. 20M now transmitting OK! At this point I'm starting to question my sanity. All bands modes are back to normal, although I'm not convinced the problem won't reoccur. I guess I'll just have to wait and see if it happens again and restart the troubleshooting. Thanks again for your help. Mike - W0AG On Mon, Sep 30, 2013 at 8:15 AM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Mike, It is highly unusual to have a transmit problem on 20 and still have transmit on 30 meters - those two bands share both the bandpass filter and the low pass filter. The fact that you have HiCur messages should point the finger at the Low Pass Filter. Are you certain it is receiving signals that are really on 20 meters? You might want to check the VFO frequency first - it should be 4913 kHz higher than the frequency shown on the K2 dial. You can use the internal counter probe in TP1 and CAL FCTR. If this is a K2/100, remove the KPA100 and test the base K2 working into a dummy load. You may have to do Transmit Signal Tracing as indicated in Appendix A of the K2 manual to find where the failure point really is. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/29/2013 9:46 PM, Mike Murray wrote: I thought I'd give a RTTY contest a try this weekend so I dove in. Found out after switching to 15M that I had my filters wrong so had to stop, open up the rig and reset. Everything seemed to be OK after that until I tried transmitting on 20M - dead as a doornail! Receives on 20 just fine, transmits OK on all other bands, but nothing on 20 in any mode. Even occasionally shows hi current on 20 with no actual RF output. Anyone have any idea on where I should start troubleshooting? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2 - 20M dead
Mike, Glad to hear that it is now working - but I don't like things that just go away That sounds like something got temporarily stuck - which usually turns out to be an unsoldered connection. I might also suspect a relay contact somewhere. The relays have wiping contacts, so a few operations will typically clean off any deposits. I recommend just remembering this occurrence and maybe jotting down some notes about it. If it reappears, you will have that additional info to refresh your memory. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/30/2013 2:37 PM, Mike Murray wrote: Don, Thanks for the quick reply and troubleshooting suggestions! I do have the KPA100 and KAT100 installed so here's what I did: 1. Rechecked 17, 20 and 30M and only 20 was still dead on transmit. 2. Opened the K2 up, checked VFO freq and it was OK (4915). Receive also OK on 20. 3. Removed KPA100 and KAT100. Transmit now OK on 20, so the problem must be elsewhere. 4. Installed KPA100 and transmit still OK on 20. Aha! Problem must be in the KAT100 somehow. 5. Reattached KAT100 and tested again. 20M now transmitting OK! At this point I'm starting to question my sanity. All bands modes are back to normal, although I'm not convinced the problem won't reoccur. I guess I'll just have to wait and see if it happens again and restart the troubleshooting. Thanks again for your help. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K2 - 20M dead
I thought I'd give a RTTY contest a try this weekend so I dove in. Found out after switching to 15M that I had my filters wrong so had to stop, open up the rig and reset. Everything seemed to be OK after that until I tried transmitting on 20M - dead as a doornail! Receives on 20 just fine, transmits OK on all other bands, but nothing on 20 in any mode. Even occasionally shows hi current on 20 with no actual RF output. Anyone have any idea on where I should start troubleshooting? Mike - W0AG __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K2 is dead.
While listening the K2 just cut off. When I try to turn it on, the lcd flashes on and immediately back off, as if, the MCU was shutting it off. The power supply voltage is fine and there are no external fuses blown. Where should I look first? Mac __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2 is dead.
Ron, It sounds like something is drawing excessive current in your K2 and causing the resettable fuse to open. Open the K2 and check the resistance from the Q7 and/or Q8 collectors to ground. It will normally be in excess of 1500 ohms, but if it measures low (100 ohms or so) I would wager that one of your PA transistors has gone belly up. 73, Don W3FPR Ron McCurdy wrote: While listening the K2 just cut off. When I try to turn it on, the lcd flashes on and immediately back off, as if, the MCU was shutting it off. The power supply voltage is fine and there are no external fuses blown. Where should I look first? Mac __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.287 / Virus Database: 270.12.0/2066 - Release Date: 04/18/09 09:55:00 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2 not dead yet
On Apr 21, 2008, at 7:34 AM, Curt Milton wrote: Brian Fine on your progress with this fine rig. I plan to continue to enjoy my own K2 as the flagship rig of my station! On PSK31 and digital modes -- you don't need to modify your K2 -- check out the application note posted at elecraft.com. Yes, I have done that. I was going throw together a cable to go into the mic input as I have a spare 8-pin mic connector floating around. essentially all you need is a stereo cable on receive, a mic connector and a few parts on transmit, and some means to do the T/R switching. VOX. But one of the advantages of the K2 is using the narrow filter on PSK so that only the desired signal affects the AGC. That implies doing my tuning with the main tuning rather than just point-n-click on the computer. Frankly I find that being able to hear the audio is very helpful in tuning to get the signal to the center of the passband. That means I need to hear the signal at the same time I am feeding it to my computer. The kids will 'resonate' with PSK31 based upon their other PC experiences. Surprisingly they have not taken to PSK31 at all. I have one of the school computers connected to the Icom IC-706mkII through a RigBlaster. (The IC-706 sucks as a PSK rig.) I also built a 1W PSK31 rig at school (a Small Wonder PSK-20) and the kids occasionally use that as well. They would much rather get on the local repeater or call CQ on 20M. Who knows. Remember to run the K2 at approx half power when doing the digital modes !! I would expect that to prevent too much temperature rise on the finals. We are, after all, only talking 3dB. I have seen PSK31 at field day, and it tends to be rather tough in the pile-ups -- so calling CQ may be preferred if you run QRP-battery/solar. Meanwhile PSK31 may be ideal for non-contest operating with your youth. Definitely. Good point on using PSK on field day. I wasn't thinking about that. We certainly could. This is NOT the ideal time for QRP-SSB ! You just might need that amp. Definitely. The kids are already making progress on it. I hope to have it done by the end of school (May 31). As much as I like QRP, this is not the time for QRP in anything except CW, PSK, or some form of MFSK. Do check the calendar for kids-day events, as this may charm them more than an array of 599 my state-is reports. And consider scheds to other schools or kids. Here in Maryland, a contact station is KI3DS. I have been coordinating with other schools through the ARRL program. The major problem has been the bands being dead and a high noise level at the school QTH. Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it. -- 73 de Brian, WB6RQN Brian Lloyd - brian HYPHEN wb6rqn AT lloyd DOT com ___ 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] K2 not dead yet
I couldn't agree more. I'm selling my Drake TR7, B-Line and Icom 718 to help finance my K3. I'm keeping my K2/100/KAT100 to use at the lake cabin. I love that rig! If Elecraft made a mobile rig I would sell my venerable IC-706 too. Augie Hansen wrote: Brian Lloyd wrote: ... I know everyone is dumping their K2s so they can get a K3 but, gee-whiz, the K2 is some good receiver. I *love* this radio! Everyone? If you compare the number of K2s purchased to the number being offered for sale you will see that nearly everyone is keeping their K2s. We love 'em, too. My K2 (#3302) is my portable rig and the K3 (#441) is my base station, although these roles may be reversed from time to time. 73, Gus Hansen KB0YH ___ 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 -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/It-Just-Takes-Time-tp16798653p16807946.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ 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] K2 not dead yet
Hello, My fully loaded K2 is a great rig to use. I have spent a lot of time building, troubleshooting etc to get it up and running the way it should work, it is a keeper. I'm still working on a XV50, that has major problems, and awaiting an KAT100 autotuner (on Back order), but when everything is up and running will have a very nice station. I'm going to sell a Collins 75A-4, one of my R-390a's, Collins 32S-1 and 75S-1 to pay for an on order K3. I'm still love boatanchors, and will keep the gear I most like, but want a K3. Best, DW Holtman WB7SSN - Original Message - From: nz0t [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, April 21, 2008 8:20 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 not dead yet I couldn't agree more. I'm selling my Drake TR7, B-Line and Icom 718 to help finance my K3. I'm keeping my K2/100/KAT100 to use at the lake cabin. I love that rig! If Elecraft made a mobile rig I would sell my venerable IC-706 too. Augie Hansen wrote: Brian Lloyd wrote: ... I know everyone is dumping their K2s so they can get a K3 but, gee-whiz, the K2 is some good receiver. I *love* this radio! Everyone? If you compare the number of K2s purchased to the number being offered for sale you will see that nearly everyone is keeping their K2s. We love 'em, too. My K2 (#3302) is my portable rig and the K3 (#441) is my base station, although these roles may be reversed from time to time. 73, Gus Hansen KB0YH ___ 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 -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/It-Just-Takes-Time-tp16798653p16807946.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ 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 ___ 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] K2 not dead yet
Brian Fine on your progress with this fine rig. I plan to continue to enjoy my own K2 as the flagship rig of my station! On PSK31 and digital modes -- you don't need to modify your K2 -- check out the application note posted at elecraft.com. essentially all you need is a stereo cable on receive, a mic connector and a few parts on transmit, and some means to do the T/R switching. The kids will 'resonate' with PSK31 based upon their other PC experiences. Remember to run the K2 at approx half power when doing the digital modes !! I have seen PSK31 at field day, and it tends to be rather tough in the pile-ups -- so calling CQ may be preferred if you run QRP-battery/solar. Meanwhile PSK31 may be ideal for non-contest operating with your youth. This is NOT the ideal time for QRP-SSB ! You just might need that amp. Do check the calendar for kids-day events, as this may charm them more than an array of 599 my state-is reports. And consider scheds to other schools or kids. Here in Maryland, a contact station is KI3DS. 73, curt --- Brian Lloyd [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: OK, We just finished the K2 for our school. I was planing to teach the kids to solder and wanted a radio that the kids could build so I asked the ARRL for the K2 instead of the low-end Ikensu (Yaecomwood?) they were offering. I remember how much I learned from building Heathkits, Knight kits, and Eico kits as a kid so I thought we could do the same with the K2. Construction took much of the school year (October to April) including a few dry spells when I sat after school and slung solder just so we would keep making forward progress. (It was a big project for 10-13 year-old kids.) Regardless, the K2, KSB2, and KNB2 are finished and on- the-air. The KPA100 is now in the build area and my star builders (5th graders who think that soldering is just about as much fun as you can have) have just unpacked, taken inventory, and soldered the first parts. (I took inventory too and couldn't find the output transistors. I darned near tore my hair out until I found the drawer where they had been carefully, neatly, and incorrectly stored.) We have 5 more weeks of school so we are going to have to push to get the KPA100 done, especially with all the other end-of-year projects. (I suspect I will have to keep the momentum going. Poor me. :-) I think I have said that we will be on the air for Field Day using the K2 with solar power. I hope to have a couple who will be ready to do some slow-and-simple CW QSOs too. Gotta get those multipliers! I know everyone is dumping their K2s so they can get a K3 but, gee- whiz, the K2 is some good receiver. I *love* this radio! I have had a LOT of radios come and go in the shack (top-of-the-line Kenwood, two sets of Collins S-Line, several Icom, a Yaesu station, and a plethora of Heathkits) and I have to say that, so far, I think this is my favorite radio, even at just 10W. The only thing it is missing (stock) is a good way to do digital modes. (I have seen the mod for getting audio out before the audio amp but not sure how well it will fit after getting the KPA100 in there.) So, the K3 looks like a superb radio. I want one. But, compared to just about everything else, the K2 is still a winner. (For some reason it keeps following me home on the weekends.) -- Brian Lloyd Granite Bay Montessori brian AT gbmontessori DOT com 9330 Sierra College Blvd. +1.916.367.2131 (voice) Roseville, CA 95661, USA http://www.gbmontessori.com I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things . . . Antoine de Saint-Exupéry PGP key ID: 12095C52A32A1B6C PGP key fingerprint: 3B1D BA11 4913 3254 B6E0 CC09 1209 5C52 A32A 1B6C ___ 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 Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ___ 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
[Elecraft] K2 not dead yet
OK, We just finished the K2 for our school. I was planing to teach the kids to solder and wanted a radio that the kids could build so I asked the ARRL for the K2 instead of the low-end Ikensu (Yaecomwood?) they were offering. I remember how much I learned from building Heathkits, Knight kits, and Eico kits as a kid so I thought we could do the same with the K2. Construction took much of the school year (October to April) including a few dry spells when I sat after school and slung solder just so we would keep making forward progress. (It was a big project for 10-13 year-old kids.) Regardless, the K2, KSB2, and KNB2 are finished and on- the-air. The KPA100 is now in the build area and my star builders (5th graders who think that soldering is just about as much fun as you can have) have just unpacked, taken inventory, and soldered the first parts. (I took inventory too and couldn't find the output transistors. I darned near tore my hair out until I found the drawer where they had been carefully, neatly, and incorrectly stored.) We have 5 more weeks of school so we are going to have to push to get the KPA100 done, especially with all the other end-of-year projects. (I suspect I will have to keep the momentum going. Poor me. :-) I think I have said that we will be on the air for Field Day using the K2 with solar power. I hope to have a couple who will be ready to do some slow-and-simple CW QSOs too. Gotta get those multipliers! I know everyone is dumping their K2s so they can get a K3 but, gee- whiz, the K2 is some good receiver. I *love* this radio! I have had a LOT of radios come and go in the shack (top-of-the-line Kenwood, two sets of Collins S-Line, several Icom, a Yaesu station, and a plethora of Heathkits) and I have to say that, so far, I think this is my favorite radio, even at just 10W. The only thing it is missing (stock) is a good way to do digital modes. (I have seen the mod for getting audio out before the audio amp but not sure how well it will fit after getting the KPA100 in there.) So, the K3 looks like a superb radio. I want one. But, compared to just about everything else, the K2 is still a winner. (For some reason it keeps following me home on the weekends.) -- Brian Lloyd Granite Bay Montessori brian AT gbmontessori DOT com 9330 Sierra College Blvd. +1.916.367.2131 (voice) Roseville, CA 95661, USA http://www.gbmontessori.com I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things . . . — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry PGP key ID: 12095C52A32A1B6C PGP key fingerprint: 3B1D BA11 4913 3254 B6E0 CC09 1209 5C52 A32A 1B6C ___ 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] K2 not dead yet
Brian Lloyd wrote: ... I know everyone is dumping their K2s so they can get a K3 but, gee-whiz, the K2 is some good receiver. I *love* this radio! Everyone? If you compare the number of K2s purchased to the number being offered for sale you will see that nearly everyone is keeping their K2s. We love 'em, too. My K2 (#3302) is my portable rig and the K3 (#441) is my base station, although these roles may be reversed from time to time. 73, Gus Hansen KB0YH ___ 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
[Elecraft] K2 Nearly Dead following SSB module installation
K2 was working wonderfully on CW, and decided to finally install the SSB module I'd completed months ago. Picked up on the steps where I left off by removing two jumpers, W2 and W3, and resistor 167 (Page 13 of the KSB2 book). The board plugged in snuggly, and the K2 powered up with the Elecraft name on the display. However, the speaker is now absolutely deaf. With head phones I can hear some CW, but nothing from the speaker, and it certainly doesn't sound as good as before I removed the jumpers and resistor and installed the SSB module. I get the SSBA and SSBC in the menu display OK. The next step (Third step on page 15 of the KSB2 SSB Adapter assembly and operating instruction book) states to Tap MODE to select CW mode. I presume this means AFTER you have exited the MENU function. Anyone encounter this problem or have an idea of where to go next? Thanks, Steve NE7RD ___ 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
