Re: [Elecraft] K2/100 up-date
Great. Thanks for the tip. Downloaded and added to my ham to-do list, which is rapidly getting lengthier. HI HI. Lou W7HV On Monday, May 10, 2021, 8:35:36 AM MDT, Don Wilhelm wrote: Lou, Download the K2 A to B instructions and inspect your K2 to see which mods have been installed. Physical inspection is the only way I know to do it. 73, Don W3FPR On 5/10/2021 8:21 AM, Louandzip via Elecraft wrote: > One thing that's holding me up is doing the research to figure out which >mods I've done and which I should do. Mine is 1818 and I fervently kept up >with all the mods, updates, and tweaks for 3 or 4 years after I built it. You >mention replacing the IF xtals. I know I did that at some point because I have >a little paper envelope with the set I pulled out, and I remember doing the >improved grounding mod of soldering the grounding wires to the base of the >xtal cans. IIRC, at the time some were adding additional SMT bypass caps at >the xtals but IDK where that went. There were many temp drift tweaks and mods >going on too and I have many pages in my notebook experimenting with those, >especially with the heat introduced by the KPA100. I have lot's of cryptic >notes like: "Removed RF C180 to flatten 2nd IF filter. Added 10pF NPO in >parallel with C72 to reduce VCO voltages. Set L30 for 6V. Removed 1 PLL xtal >X1 per Wayne." and it goes on. > > Perhaps the main obstacle is it's still working FB for me. There's always > that sage piece of wisdom lurking in the back of my mind, "Don't fix it if it > ain't broke." HI HI > Lou W7HV > > __ 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] K2/100 up-date
Lou, Download the K2 A to B instructions and inspect your K2 to see which mods have been installed. Physical inspection is the only way I know to do it. 73, Don W3FPR On 5/10/2021 8:21 AM, Louandzip via Elecraft wrote: One thing that's holding me up is doing the research to figure out which mods I've done and which I should do. Mine is 1818 and I fervently kept up with all the mods, updates, and tweaks for 3 or 4 years after I built it. You mention replacing the IF xtals. I know I did that at some point because I have a little paper envelope with the set I pulled out, and I remember doing the improved grounding mod of soldering the grounding wires to the base of the xtal cans. IIRC, at the time some were adding additional SMT bypass caps at the xtals but IDK where that went. There were many temp drift tweaks and mods going on too and I have many pages in my notebook experimenting with those, especially with the heat introduced by the KPA100. I have lot's of cryptic notes like: "Removed RF C180 to flatten 2nd IF filter. Added 10pF NPO in parallel with C72 to reduce VCO voltages. Set L30 for 6V. Removed 1 PLL xtal X1 per Wayne." and it goes on. Perhaps the main obstacle is it's still working FB for me. There's always that sage piece of wisdom lurking in the back of my mind, "Don't fix it if it ain't broke." HI HI Lou W7HV __ 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] K2/100 up-date
One thing that's holding me up is doing the research to figure out which mods I've done and which I should do. Mine is 1818 and I fervently kept up with all the mods, updates, and tweaks for 3 or 4 years after I built it. You mention replacing the IF xtals. I know I did that at some point because I have a little paper envelope with the set I pulled out, and I remember doing the improved grounding mod of soldering the grounding wires to the base of the xtal cans. IIRC, at the time some were adding additional SMT bypass caps at the xtals but IDK where that went. There were many temp drift tweaks and mods going on too and I have many pages in my notebook experimenting with those, especially with the heat introduced by the KPA100. I have lot's of cryptic notes like: "Removed RF C180 to flatten 2nd IF filter. Added 10pF NPO in parallel with C72 to reduce VCO voltages. Set L30 for 6V. Removed 1 PLL xtal X1 per Wayne." and it goes on. Perhaps the main obstacle is it's still working FB for me. There's always that sage piece of wisdom lurking in the back of my mind, "Don't fix it if it ain't broke." HI HI Lou W7HV On Sunday, May 9, 2021, 6:40:05 PM MDT, Don Wilhelm wrote: Greert Jan de Groot, If you have an earlier K2, I suggest that you do the other upgrades. If your K2 is below SN 3000, then the K2ATOB mods are applicable - download the K2ATOB instructions for a list of all the mods are required. If your SN is below 2560, I recommend replacing the IF crystals for a better IF filter response. Those steps will bring it up to date except for the K2 Keying Waveshape mod which is currently not available from Elecraft as a kit. I can give you instructions on how to install it on your K2 if necessary. K2s above SN 4660 have that mod already installed. 73, Don W3FPR On 5/9/2021 5:36 PM, Geert Jan de Groot wrote: > On 09/05/2021 20:54, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote: >> Don, W3FPR used to do much of this work on K2 transceivers, but he has >> retired from that role. Dave, W8FGU has assumed Don's role. Alan, W3DVX >> also provides such services. Both have posted periodically to this >> forum. >> There may be others who are experienced K2 upgraders, but these are the >> folks that come to mind. > > I built my KPA100 15 years ago or so and only recently I investigated > updates. The KPA module has seen a number of design updates over the > years and it makes sense to investigate. I've updated mine (thanks > QRP-shop for getting the mod kits in Europe, through Corona times!) > and at the end of a long evening I have a bag of swapped-out parts and > a PA that worked quite a bit better, feels like a new unit. > > I have not used one of the upgraders (being in Europe, postage and > customs would probably have me mortgage the house, frankly) but I do > recommend updating. It is too bad you don't have the setup to do it > yourself because on K2, these mods really are simple and can be done > on the kitchen table. > > Geert Jan > __ 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 louand...@yahoo.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] K2/100 up-date
Greert Jan de Groot, If you have an earlier K2, I suggest that you do the other upgrades. If your K2 is below SN 3000, then the K2ATOB mods are applicable - download the K2ATOB instructions for a list of all the mods are required. If your SN is below 2560, I recommend replacing the IF crystals for a better IF filter response. Those steps will bring it up to date except for the K2 Keying Waveshape mod which is currently not available from Elecraft as a kit. I can give you instructions on how to install it on your K2 if necessary. K2s above SN 4660 have that mod already installed. 73, Don W3FPR On 5/9/2021 5:36 PM, Geert Jan de Groot wrote: On 09/05/2021 20:54, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote: Don, W3FPR used to do much of this work on K2 transceivers, but he has retired from that role. Dave, W8FGU has assumed Don's role. Alan, W3DVX also provides such services. Both have posted periodically to this forum. There may be others who are experienced K2 upgraders, but these are the folks that come to mind. I built my KPA100 15 years ago or so and only recently I investigated updates. The KPA module has seen a number of design updates over the years and it makes sense to investigate. I've updated mine (thanks QRP-shop for getting the mod kits in Europe, through Corona times!) and at the end of a long evening I have a bag of swapped-out parts and a PA that worked quite a bit better, feels like a new unit. I have not used one of the upgraders (being in Europe, postage and customs would probably have me mortgage the house, frankly) but I do recommend updating. It is too bad you don't have the setup to do it yourself because on K2, these mods really are simple and can be done on the kitchen table. Geert Jan __ 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] K2/100 up-date
Dave, As I have told you before, I used Gary Surrency on occasion as a 'sounding board' for several weird problems. I think we are working in a similar relationship, except Gary was still employed by Elecraft, and I am now fully retired - I do that on a volunteer basis and my love for the Elecraft products. I still have my K2/twins SN 0020 (fully upgraded), my KX3 (the first one shipped - there was a photo of Lisa chasing down the USPS driver) SN 00020, and my K3 SN 00020 are in the hamshack. OK, my matching Serial Numbers were by request and Elecraft responded positively since the SNs had not yet been assigned. The original K2 SN was assigned at random - 1 chance in 100 and I got 0020 in that draw. 73, Don W3FPR On 5/9/2021 6:12 PM, Dave Van Wallaghen wrote: Wel Don, I don't know about all that. I just try and stump you once in awhile and you know I'm due . 73, Dave, W8FGU On May 9, 2021 17:58:37 Don Wilhelm wrote: I trust you installed the KPA100UPKT - the KPA100MDKT is not necessary because all the changes for that mod are included in the KPA100UPKT. I am still able to answer questions, but I can no longer physically do the work. Getting old 'sucks', and I am getting up in years. I try to help Dave when he runs into a weird problem, but his requests for assistance have fallen off to a trickle in the past 6 months - I think he is fully 'on board' and quite capable. 73, Don W3FPR On 5/9/2021 5:36 PM, Geert Jan de Groot wrote: On 09/05/2021 20:54, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote: Don, W3FPR used to do much of this work on K2 transceivers, but he has retired from that role. Dave, W8FGU has assumed Don's role. Alan, W3DVX also provides such services. Both have posted periodically to this forum. There may be others who are experienced K2 upgraders, but these are the folks that come to mind. I built my KPA100 15 years ago or so and only recently I investigated updates. The KPA module has seen a number of design updates over the years and it makes sense to investigate. I've updated mine (thanks QRP-shop for getting the mod kits in Europe, through Corona times!) and at the end of a long evening I have a bag of swapped-out parts and a PA that worked quite a bit better, feels like a new unit. I have not used one of the upgraders (being in Europe, postage and customs would probably have me mortgage the house, frankly) but I do recommend updating. It is too bad you don't have the setup to do it yourself because on K2, these mods really are simple and can be done on the kitchen table. Geert Jan __ 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 d...@w3fpr.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 d...@w8fgu.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] K2/100 up-date
Wel Don, I don't know about all that. I just try and stump you once in awhile and you know I'm due . 73, Dave, W8FGU On May 9, 2021 17:58:37 Don Wilhelm wrote: I trust you installed the KPA100UPKT - the KPA100MDKT is not necessary because all the changes for that mod are included in the KPA100UPKT. I am still able to answer questions, but I can no longer physically do the work. Getting old 'sucks', and I am getting up in years. I try to help Dave when he runs into a weird problem, but his requests for assistance have fallen off to a trickle in the past 6 months - I think he is fully 'on board' and quite capable. 73, Don W3FPR On 5/9/2021 5:36 PM, Geert Jan de Groot wrote: On 09/05/2021 20:54, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote: Don, W3FPR used to do much of this work on K2 transceivers, but he has retired from that role. Dave, W8FGU has assumed Don's role. Alan, W3DVX also provides such services. Both have posted periodically to this forum. There may be others who are experienced K2 upgraders, but these are the folks that come to mind. I built my KPA100 15 years ago or so and only recently I investigated updates. The KPA module has seen a number of design updates over the years and it makes sense to investigate. I've updated mine (thanks QRP-shop for getting the mod kits in Europe, through Corona times!) and at the end of a long evening I have a bag of swapped-out parts and a PA that worked quite a bit better, feels like a new unit. I have not used one of the upgraders (being in Europe, postage and customs would probably have me mortgage the house, frankly) but I do recommend updating. It is too bad you don't have the setup to do it yourself because on K2, these mods really are simple and can be done on the kitchen table. Geert Jan __ 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 d...@w3fpr.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 d...@w8fgu.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] K2/100 up-date
I trust you installed the KPA100UPKT - the KPA100MDKT is not necessary because all the changes for that mod are included in the KPA100UPKT. I am still able to answer questions, but I can no longer physically do the work. Getting old 'sucks', and I am getting up in years. I try to help Dave when he runs into a weird problem, but his requests for assistance have fallen off to a trickle in the past 6 months - I think he is fully 'on board' and quite capable. 73, Don W3FPR On 5/9/2021 5:36 PM, Geert Jan de Groot wrote: On 09/05/2021 20:54, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote: Don, W3FPR used to do much of this work on K2 transceivers, but he has retired from that role. Dave, W8FGU has assumed Don's role. Alan, W3DVX also provides such services. Both have posted periodically to this forum. There may be others who are experienced K2 upgraders, but these are the folks that come to mind. I built my KPA100 15 years ago or so and only recently I investigated updates. The KPA module has seen a number of design updates over the years and it makes sense to investigate. I've updated mine (thanks QRP-shop for getting the mod kits in Europe, through Corona times!) and at the end of a long evening I have a bag of swapped-out parts and a PA that worked quite a bit better, feels like a new unit. I have not used one of the upgraders (being in Europe, postage and customs would probably have me mortgage the house, frankly) but I do recommend updating. It is too bad you don't have the setup to do it yourself because on K2, these mods really are simple and can be done on the kitchen table. Geert Jan __ 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 d...@w3fpr.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] K2/100 up-date
On 09/05/2021 20:54, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote: Don, W3FPR used to do much of this work on K2 transceivers, but he has retired from that role. Dave, W8FGU has assumed Don's role. Alan, W3DVX also provides such services. Both have posted periodically to this forum. There may be others who are experienced K2 upgraders, but these are the folks that come to mind. I built my KPA100 15 years ago or so and only recently I investigated updates. The KPA module has seen a number of design updates over the years and it makes sense to investigate. I've updated mine (thanks QRP-shop for getting the mod kits in Europe, through Corona times!) and at the end of a long evening I have a bag of swapped-out parts and a PA that worked quite a bit better, feels like a new unit. I have not used one of the upgraders (being in Europe, postage and customs would probably have me mortgage the house, frankly) but I do recommend updating. It is too bad you don't have the setup to do it yourself because on K2, these mods really are simple and can be done on the kitchen table. Geert Jan __ 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] K2/100 up-date
Art, Don, W3FPR used to do much of this work on K2 transceivers, but he has retired from that role. Dave, W8FGU has assumed Don's role. Alan, W3DVX also provides such services. Both have posted periodically to this forum. There may be others who are experienced K2 upgraders, but these are the folks that come to mind. Mike, K8CN -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.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
