Accessory Build order
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I hope this is a simple question.
I built my K2 nearly two years ago and it has been working flawlessly. After I completed the construction and alignment of the base unit I had planned to build and install the KSB2, KDSP2, KNB2, KIO2, and KAT2 (purchased with the original K2). I was so pleased with the performance of the basic radio for QRP CW operation that I never got around to building and installing the other kits. Is there a preferred order I should follow for building and installing the above kits? If so, all advice and opinions are welcomed. This should make a nice project for one of our Indiana snow storms this winter. Thanks, Fred, KC9QQ |
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Fred,
Those options can be installed in any order. Look at your operating situation to decide which to install first. For instance, if you are currently using a manual antenna tuner and would like to automate the tuning, add the KAT2 first. If you are interested more in SSB and digital modes, then install the KSB2 first. If you are plagued with impulse noise (like automotive ignition noise), then the KNB2 would be a better first addition, but if you want to operate with rig control software applications, then the KIO2 will be on the list of "soon to be added" options. Bottom line is that it all depends on what capabilitiies you want for your K2 right now and for the future. Gee, 2 years of excitement with the basic K2, and you have already purchased the options - that does not sound like the typical K2 builder who wants everything all at once. I congratulate you on your patience and your enjoyment with the basic K2. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/11/2011 7:51 PM, KC9QQ wrote: > I hope this is a simple question. > > I built my K2 nearly two years ago and it has been working flawlessly. > After I completed the construction and alignment of the base unit I had > planned to build and install the KSB2, KDSP2, KNB2, KIO2, and KAT2 > (purchased with the original K2). I was so pleased with the performance of > the basic radio for QRP CW operation that I never got around to building and > installing the other kits. > > Is there a preferred order I should follow for building and installing the > above kits? If so, all advice and opinions are welcomed. This should make > a nice project for one of our Indiana snow storms this winter. > > Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html |
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Don,
Thanks for you detailed reply. I think I will install the KIO2 first so I can interface the K2 to my computer for CW contesting. I don't know if I was being very patient or just afraid I would break the K2 which was already working so well! Fred, KC9QQ |
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Having done this several times myself, my advice would be to do it all
at once. There is a certain amount of "overhead" removing screws, breaking into the radio and moving stuff around to get to the parts. It is pain to do that multiple times. Just get it over with. Buck k4ia K3 # 101 On 11/12/2011 8:35 AM, KC9QQ wrote: > Don, > > Thanks for you detailed reply. I think I will install the KIO2 first so I > can interface the K2 to my computer for CW contesting. > > I don't know if I was being very patient or just afraid I would break the K2 > which was already working so well! > > Fred, KC9QQ > > -- > View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Accessory-Build-order-tp6987212p6988060.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[hidden email] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html |
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In reply to this post by KC9QQ
Fred,
Having gone partially through this process recently, I would vouch for Don's recommendation that you do first what most adds to your desired operating capabilities. I would add only one small caveat though - the KAT2 installation requires removal of the heat sink portion of the bottom cover if you did not install its connector on the RF board when you built the K2, whereas the other options you listed do not require the heat sink removal. As you may know from reading this forum, hasty removal of the heat sink cover will cause the PA transistor mounting hardware and shoulder washers to fall out. I installed a K160RX module along with a KAT2 module while I had the heat sink removed, but I postponed the installation of other already built options for those snow days to come. Do be sure to carefully re-seat the heat sink cover and check the PA transistors for short circuits as directed in the K2 manual after re-assembly. 73, Mike K8CN |
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There is a "trick" I use when removing the K2 heatsink. Stick a piece
of electrical tape over each of the PA mounting screw heads - stick to the surrounding board and whatever else it sticks to. Now you can remove the nuts - push the screw threads back a bit to allow the heat sink to tilt up and be moved to the rear. If you are going to do a lot of work with the heat sink removed, put the nuts temporarily on the screws. You can move the K2 around without losing the PA mounting hardware. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/12/2011 1:21 PM, Mike K8CN wrote: > As you may know from reading this forum, hasty removal of the heat sink > cover will cause the PA transistor mounting hardware and shoulder washers to > fall out. I installed a K160RX module along with a KAT2 module while I had > the heat sink removed, but I postponed the installation of other already > built options for those snow days to come. Do be sure to carefully re-seat > the heat sink cover and check the PA transistors for short circuits as > directed in the K2 manual after re-assembly. > > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html |
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