Contesting with my K2

[Ken Alexander-2]

Hi All,

Just spent this past weekend in the ARRL International
DX Contest (CW) with my K2.  I haven't spent more than
a few minutes in front of it despite getting it back
in August '06 so this was a good opportunity to become
acquainted with it.

Previous transceivers I have owned were an HW-101,
Icom 706 MkIIG, Yaesu FT-857D, and a KX1.  As a
contest rig, in my limited experience my K2 leaves the
Icom and Yaesu far behind as an easy to use
transceiver.  However, the time spent with it this
weekend naturally leads to a list of likes and wish
list items for future products so here goes:

Filters - Absolutely lovely.  Better than the optional
filters I added to my Icom 706 and my Yaesu 857D.  I
only wish there were UP and DOWN buttons to select
them, like the Band select buttons.  Yeah, I know
there are only 4 filters!

DSP - I kept it on throughout the contest and loved
the way even weak signals popped up out of an
almost-silent background.  It eliminates the noise
from my notebook computer's charger and greatly
reduces listening fatigue.  However, I'm still
struggling with the controls and I've yet to find the
real time clock.

RIT - In my entire 33-year ham career I have never
felt the need for RIT (and XIT even less).  Not
exactly a complaint (it's probably just me) but to me
the RIT control takes up a lot of real estate on a
cramped front panel.  Make the RIT control an encoder
(if it isn’t already) and then you can have it do any
number of other cool adjustments at the press of a
button (I’d put the keyer speed control on there if it
was me and make some room on the front panel).

AF Gain/RF Gain/Speed/Power Controls - Way too close
together.  I found the best way to use them was to
push directly on the end of the knob with my fingertip
and turn it that way, rather than trying to grasp the
knob.  How about putting AF/RF Gain to the left of the
tuning knob and Speed & Power to the right?  (also see
the above RIT comment)

Display - OK, as far as it goes.  I'd take out the
bargraph S-Meter and expand the LCD display to fill
the space.  Use a dot matrix LCD and run a bargraph
S-meter along the bottom of the LCD display.  A dot
matrix LCD gives you tons of flexibility to show
additional information, like the status of many of the
controls such as DSP (if installed) and filter
selections.

Tune Button – How about making it so that hitting Tune
automatically reduces transmitter output to just a few
watts for the tune operation, then returns the K2 back
to it’s previously set output when tuning is complete?

I was using the N1MM Logger software and a MicroHam
Winkey-based keyer so hands-on control of the K2 was
limited to mostly tuning and filter selection.  N1MM
Logger and the K2 get along very well together.  I
can't comment on the K2's keyer.

Hope this is of some interest.

73,

Ken Alexander, VE3HLS

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[Mark Bayern]

> Tune Button – How about making it so that hitting Tune
> automatically reduces transmitter output to just a few
> watts for the tune operation, then returns the K2 back
> to it's previously set output when tuning is complete?

Running an Elecraft tuner? The K2/100 drops down to 20 watts when
running the KAT100 tuner, and the K2 drops down to about 2 watts when
tuning with the KAT2.

If your K2 doesn't reduce power, you might need to check your firmware version.

Mark  AD5SS
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[Ken Alexander-2]

Hi Mark and Leigh,

I'm using an Elecraft T-1 external tuner, which I also
use (less and less) with an FT-817.  It would still be
a nice feature for those who use an external tuner.  I
didn't know about its ability to reduce power for
internal tuner operation because I don't have one.  

I wonder if that's something the tuner instructs the
K2 to do?  If it's internal to the K2 then it would be
a neat fuction to be able to turn on and off for
external tuner use.

73 - Ken


--- Mark Bayern <[hidden email]> wrote:

> > Tune Button – How about making it so that hitting
> Tune
> > automatically reduces transmitter output to just a
> few
> > watts for the tune operation, then returns the K2
> back
> > to it's previously set output when tuning is
> complete?
>
> Running an Elecraft tuner? The K2/100 drops down to
> 20 watts when
> running the KAT100 tuner, and the K2 drops down to
> about 2 watts when
> tuning with the KAT2.
>
> If your K2 doesn't reduce power, you might need to
> check your firmware version.
>
> Mark  AD5SS
>

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[Mark Bayern]

> Does that mean that when I use the tune button the tx goes all the way up to
> two watts?

...ah! a _real_ QRP operator

I honestly don't know.  Is there enough RF for the tuner to work at
lower output levels? Would anyone build a system that _raised_ the
power when doing a tune cycle? Guess we'll have to wait for someone
much more knowledgeable than myself.

Mark  AD5SS
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[Don Wilhelm-3]

Ken,

The power reduction algorithm is in the K2 firmware, but it is not active
unless the KAT2, KAT100 or KPA100 are installed.  It would take a firmware
change to limit the power with all TUNE operations, and those of us who
repair and align K2s would miss the ability to dial in any power level with
those options removed, but I guess we could get along if TUNE limited the
power all the time.  To further complicate matters, several of the manual
Alignment and Test procedures and the Troubleshooting section would have to
be changed as well.

I do not believe Wayne Burdick has time available to change the firmware
right now, but he may be willing to add it to the 'wish list' for the next
firmware upgrade.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -----Original Message-----
>
> Hi Mark and Leigh,
>
> I'm using an Elecraft T-1 external tuner, which I also
> use (less and less) with an FT-817.  It would still be
> a nice feature for those who use an external tuner.  I
> didn't know about its ability to reduce power for
> internal tuner operation because I don't have one.
>
> I wonder if that's something the tuner instructs the
> K2 to do?  If it's internal to the K2 then it would be
> a neat fuction to be able to turn on and off for
> external tuner use.
>
> 73 - Ken
>
>

--
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Checked by AVG Free Edition.
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4:35 PM

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[Ken Alexander-2]

Hi Don,

Yeah, it's strictly a wish list item...far from a deal
breaker.  I turned the power way down during the
contest when I was changing bands and didn't want any
Hi Current messages popping up.  I was also intersted
to see how little power was required for the T-1 to
work.  

Naturally, there were several occasions where I forgot
to turn the power back up to 5W, and on those
occasions I actually made a few contacts with 1 watt
or maybe even a little less!  I kicked myself for
forgetting, but I was also mightily impressed that I'd
managed to cross the Atlantic with so little!

73 - Ken

P.S.  If it requires one of the tuners to be
connected, do you think that a properly installed
jumper or a few components would trick the K2 into
thinking a tuner had been installed?  Just curious.




--- Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Ken,
>
> The power reduction algorithm is in the K2 firmware,
> but it is not active
> unless the KAT2, KAT100 or KPA100 are installed.  It
> would take a firmware
> change to limit the power with all TUNE operations,
> and those of us who
> repair and align K2s would miss the ability to dial
> in any power level with
> those options removed, but I guess we could get
> along if TUNE limited the
> power all the time.  To further complicate matters,
> several of the manual
> Alignment and Test procedures and the
> Troubleshooting section would have to
> be changed as well.
>
> I do not believe Wayne Burdick has time available to
> change the firmware
> right now, but he may be willing to add it to the
> 'wish list' for the next
> firmware upgrade.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> >
> > Hi Mark and Leigh,
> >
> > I'm using an Elecraft T-1 external tuner, which I
> also
> > use (less and less) with an FT-817.  It would
> still be
> > a nice feature for those who use an external
> tuner.  I
> > didn't know about its ability to reduce power for
> > internal tuner operation because I don't have one.
> >
> > I wonder if that's something the tuner instructs
> the
> > K2 to do?  If it's internal to the K2 then it
> would be
> > a neat fuction to be able to turn on and off for
> > external tuner use.
> >
> > 73 - Ken
> >
> >
> --
> No virus found in this outgoing message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.441 / Virus Database: 268.18.2/692 -
> Release Date: 2/18/2007
> 4:35 PM
>
>

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[list1]

Hi all,
I love my K2, and need to use it for ecomm work if ever there is an
emgergency down here.  It is a good excuse to bring it to the EOC, so it
doesn't dissappear when the island I live on dissappears in the next
Katrina.  I have finally gotten on HF Pactor I with my K2.  This endeavor
has taken me a year to accomplish.  I have my notes below if anyone else is
interested.  It ends up being just like any other digital mode but the setup
is a little more complicated.
 
Pactor I on PK-232/mbx/vers.7.1 for Electraft K2:

1)      Com2 is Gold-x USB to serial converter on rear bottom USB slot.
This goes to the K2 for CAT support in Airmail.  In the PC, the parameters
should be: 8,N,2, 4800 (control panel, XP).

2)      In Airmail the parameters to communicate with K2 are: 8 data bits,
parity none, 2 stop bits, baud rate is 4800.

3)      Com1 is the Sakar International Iconcepts USB to serial converter
rear top USB slot.  This goes to the PK-232.  In the PC (control panel for
XP), the parameters should be 8,N,1,9600 (this is against the recommendation
in the PK-232 manual, which states 7,E,1).

4)      The PK-232 JP-1 pin should be removed so the unit will auto baud on
startup.  It is next to the battery.  On this model (ser. 20987) the cover
must be removed to access it.

5)      In Airmail set the Modem to PK-232, Port to Com1, and baud rate to
9600.  For radio connection choose “direct via Com port”, “Com2”, and baud
equal to 4800, and radio type equal Kenwood.  Also check “lock” radio.  For
audio tone check “LSB”.  The center frequency defaults to 2210, which can
not be changed for the PK-232.

6)      Set the K2 to 50 Watts (with external fan), put the meter in ALC
mode, and set the mode to RTTY.  This mode is LSB but there is no speech
compression.  The K2 IF filters for RTTY mode have been set up for Pactor I.
The filters are centered about 2210 Hz, which is what the PK-232 sends.  FL2
has been tested and works well (about 1290 Hz).

7)      The afsk setting at the rear of the PK-232 case should be set just
high enough to achieve proper output when connected to a dummy load.  No
more than two bars should show on the ALC.  This setting should only need to
be done once.

8)      To operate set AGC to fast, (AirMail should do this for you but
check).

9)      Airmail will default to LSB, so manually select RTTY mode, and then
select the second filter “FL2”.  Airmail will tune the K2 to the exact
frequency.

 Regards,
Steve, W2MY
Corpus Christi

--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.441 / Virus Database: 268.18.2/692 - Release Date: 2/18/2007
4:35 PM
 

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[Leigh L. Klotz Jr WA5ZNU]

No, it stays low if your power is below 2W.  I turn the power down when
I leave the RX on and leave the room (don't want to be a stuck ditter)
but have fotgotten to turn it back up.  Tune doesn't work then.  Bit I
have also had QSOs with it left all the way down.  I stuck the dummy
load on it and mine is 375mw.
73,
Leigh/WA5ZNU
On Mon, 19 Feb 2007 12:04 pm, Mark Bayern wrote:
>> Does that mean that when I use the tune button the tx goes all the way
>> up to
>> two watts?
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[Ron D'Eau Claire-2]

In CW mode, I hold MODE to put the K2 in TEST mode when I'm not operating.
That completely disables the TX in the event the key is bumped.

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----

No, it stays low if your power is below 2W.  I turn the power down when
I leave the RX on and leave the room (don't want to be a stuck ditter)
but have fotgotten to turn it back up.  Tune doesn't work then.  Bit I
have also had QSOs with it left all the way down.  I stuck the dummy
load on it and mine is 375mw.
73,
Leigh/WA5ZNU
On Mon, 19 Feb 2007 12:04 pm, Mark Bayern wrote:
>> Does that mean that when I use the tune button the tx goes all the
>> way
>> up to
>> two watts?

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[Leigh L. Klotz Jr WA5ZNU]

That brings up a slight nit -- if you go into CW TEST mode the C blinks,
but as you point out, you can't do that from another mode.  That's ok,
but when you go to another mode, it doesn't blink anymore, and TUNE
won't work, so it sometimes leads to a bit of headscratching.  (Plus, if
you try to go into CW TEST mode when you're in one of the phone modes,
it turns on VOX, which always gets me really excited and quiet until I
can figure out how to turn it off).  But you're right, this is the
better & approved way to temporarily disable TX.
73,
Leigh/WA5ZNU

Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> In CW mode, I hold MODE to put the K2 in TEST mode when I'm not operating.
> That completely disables the TX in the event the key is bumped.
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
> No, it stays low if your power is below 2W.  I turn the power down when
> I leave the RX on and leave the room (don't want to be a stuck ditter)
>
>  

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