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HF Digital interface for the K2...

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Tony Lyon

HF Digital interface for the K2...

Folks,
After wearing out the front panel headphone connector (twice in 2
years....due to
connecting/disconnecting soundcard cable for HF digital modes) it has
become
quite obvious that I need a dedicated HF digital interface port for my
K2/100.
I looked through the LA3ZA K2 mod information and saw that Pauli
(EA3BLQ.....SK)
had a board that would solve the issue that I have. So, here come the
questions for my
fellow Elecraft K2/100 owners....

1) Has anyone on the Elecraft list added a dedicated HF digital port to
their K2?
2) Did they use Pauli's board? If not, does anyone have a similar
alternative?

73,
Tony L. (KJ5XF)

P.S. I wonder if Elecraft is thinking about selling an HF digital
interface option for their kits...
I know I sure would buy one.... ;-)

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James C. Hall, MD-2

RE: HF Digital interface for the K2...

Hi Tony:

It sounds like you simply need a fixed level audio port. I use a Microham
MicroKeyer. They advise bringing audio from J5 back to a jack on the rear of
your K2/100. Now I have not as yet actually done this, but I haven't knocked
out any other jacks yet either. :) Check out
http://www.microham-usa.com/Products/USB/Cables/DB15-EL-K2.pdf for some
information.

73, Jamie
WB4YDL

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Tony Lyon
Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2007 9:40 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] HF Digital interface for the K2...

Folks,
After wearing out the front panel headphone connector (twice in 2
years....due to
connecting/disconnecting soundcard cable for HF digital modes) it has
become
quite obvious that I need a dedicated HF digital interface port for my
K2/100.
I looked through the LA3ZA K2 mod information and saw that Pauli
(EA3BLQ.....SK)
had a board that would solve the issue that I have. So, here come the
questions for my
fellow Elecraft K2/100 owners....

1) Has anyone on the Elecraft list added a dedicated HF digital port to
their K2?
2) Did they use Pauli's board? If not, does anyone have a similar
alternative?

73,
Tony L. (KJ5XF)

P.S. I wonder if Elecraft is thinking about selling an HF digital
interface option for their kits...
I know I sure would buy one.... ;-)

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Tony Lyon

HF Digital interface for the K2...

In reply to this post by Tony Lyon

Jamie,
Thanks.... Being able to connect to the J5 connector looks like it will
do the trick. I looked
in the K2 manual and I noticed that the J5 AF output is derived
directly from pins 4 and 5
of the NE602 product detector.

So, my next question is:.
Does the NE602 have enough output drive to drive the AF input of a
RigEXpert?

73,
Tony Lyon (KJ5XF)

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Peter-64

Re: HF Digital interface for the K2...

Hi

A small audio amp. and you have fixed audio level at the back.

http://www.pi4cc.nl/personal/pc2a/k2/

Peter
PC2A

Tony Lyon schreef:

> Jamie,
> Thanks.... Being able to connect to the J5 connector looks like it
> will do the trick. I looked
> in the K2 manual and I noticed that the J5 AF output is derived
> directly from pins 4 and 5
> of the NE602 product detector.
>
> So, my next question is:.
> Does the NE602 have enough output drive to drive the AF input of a
> RigEXpert?
>
> 73,
> Tony Lyon (KJ5XF)
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
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>
>
>

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Tom Hammond-3

Re: HF Digital interface for the K2...

Don Wilhelm, W3FPR, offers a really nice fixed output interface for the K2.

However, it may NOT offer output of the CW SIDETONE, since that comes
in on a different input port to the AF amp and is not currently
sampled by the fixed output amp.

Contact Don at: Don Wilhelm W3FPR <[hidden email]>

73,

Tom Hammond N0SS

At 11:18 AM 3/10/2007, Peter wrote:

>Hi
>
>A small audio amp. and you have fixed audio level at the back.
>
>http://www.pi4cc.nl/personal/pc2a/k2/
>
>Peter
>PC2A
>
>Tony Lyon schreef:
>>Jamie,
>>Thanks.... Being able to connect to the J5 connector looks like it
>>will do the trick. I looked
>>in the K2 manual and I noticed that the J5 AF output is derived
>>directly from pins 4 and 5
>>of the NE602 product detector.
>>
>>So, my next question is:.
>>Does the NE602 have enough output drive to drive the AF input of a
>>RigEXpert?
>>
>>73,
>>Tony Lyon (KJ5XF)
>>
>>
>>_______________________________________________
>>Elecraft mailing list
>>Post to: [hidden email]
>>You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
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>>
>>
>
>
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Jack Brindle

Re: HF Digital interface for the K2...

I second Tom's comment. I built and installed one of Don's boards in
my K2, feeding the audio to pin 4 of the front panel Mic connector.
It provides a good fixed audio output that seems not to load the
output of the detector. Now I can just plug the audio interface into
the Mic connector and get everything the interface box needs.

I found it to be an advantage to not have the sidetone in that audio
feed since the computer really doesn't need to deal with it. After
all, if the computer is sending the CW, it already knows what is
going out, right?

On Mar 10, 2007, at 9:35 AM, Tom Hammond wrote:

> Don Wilhelm, W3FPR, offers a really nice fixed output interface for
> the K2.
>
> However, it may NOT offer output of the CW SIDETONE, since that
> comes in on a different input port to the AF amp and is not
> currently sampled by the fixed output amp.
>
> Contact Don at: Don Wilhelm W3FPR <[hidden email]>
>
> 73,
>
> Tom Hammond N0SS
>
>
> At 11:18 AM 3/10/2007, Peter wrote:
>> Hi
>>
>> A small audio amp. and you have fixed audio level at the back.
>>
>> http://www.pi4cc.nl/personal/pc2a/k2/
>>
>> Peter
>> PC2A
>>
>> Tony Lyon schreef:
>>> Jamie,
>>> Thanks.... Being able to connect to the J5 connector looks like
>>> it will do the trick. I looked
>>> in the K2 manual and I noticed that the J5 AF output is derived
>>> directly from pins 4 and 5
>>> of the NE602 product detector.
>>>
>>> So, my next question is:.
>>> Does the NE602 have enough output drive to drive the AF input of
>>> a RigEXpert?
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Tony Lyon (KJ5XF)
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Post to: [hidden email]
>>> 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: [hidden email]
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>
> _______________________________________________
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- Jack Brindle, W6FB
------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------

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Ken Alexander-2

Re: HF Digital interface for the K2...

In reply to this post by Tom Hammond-3

I have Don's fixed audio mod in my K2 and it works
very well. It's wired to the front panel mic
connector, which works perfectly when you use the
Tigertronics SL-1+ audio interface.

I spoke to Don about MicroHam's using the audio
available from J5 inside the K2. He didn't think it
was a good idea, but he can explain why better than I
can.

73,

Ken Alexander, VE3HLS

--- Tom Hammond <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Don Wilhelm, W3FPR, offers a really nice fixed
> output interface for the K2.
>
> However, it may NOT offer output of the CW SIDETONE,
> since that comes
> in on a different input port to the AF amp and is
> not currently
> sampled by the fixed output amp.
>
> Contact Don at: Don Wilhelm W3FPR <[hidden email]>
>
> 73,
>
> Tom Hammond N0SS
>
>
> At 11:18 AM 3/10/2007, Peter wrote:
> >Hi
> >
> >A small audio amp. and you have fixed audio level
> at the back.
> >
> >http://www.pi4cc.nl/personal/pc2a/k2/
> >
> >Peter
> >PC2A
> >
> >Tony Lyon schreef:
> >>Jamie,
> >>Thanks.... Being able to connect to the J5
> connector looks like it
> >>will do the trick. I looked
> >>in the K2 manual and I noticed that the J5 AF
> output is derived
> >>directly from pins 4 and 5
> >>of the NE602 product detector.
> >>
> >>So, my next question is:.
> >>Does the NE602 have enough output drive to drive
> the AF input of a
> >>RigEXpert?
> >>
> >>73,
> >>Tony Lyon (KJ5XF)
> >>
> >>
> >>_______________________________________________
> >>Elecraft mailing list
> >>Post to: [hidden email]
> >>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
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >_______________________________________________
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> >
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>
> _______________________________________________
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>

Don Wilhelm-3

RE: HF Digital interface for the K2...

Ken and all,

I no longer have kits, but I have 18 boards available. The output of the
fixed audio board is isolated from all other signals in the K2, so
connection to the board output will not have any effect on any normal
function of the K2. If you want a look, go to my website
http://w3fpr.qrpradio.com. I do have an updated method to mount the board
between the front panel and the control board which is ideal for those who
want to use no connectors and/or want the output signal to connect to the
mic jack - the resistors and capacitors are laid down flat or low profile
components may be used.

The input to the audio amp on my board is close to the equivalent of the
signals appearing at J5 - I just chose to use the outbound side of the mute
transistors rather than the direct product detector output - for some reason
at the time, I wanted my fixed audio muted, and the connections were easier
doing it the way I did.

There is no problem with using the output from J5 as suggested by MicroHam,
except that it is a very low level, and the MicroHam interface has no
amplifier - it simply feeds the balanced output through their box and on to
the soundcard connected as a single ended signal - so they lose 3 dB by
switching to single ended output and depend on the soundcard gain to
compensate - it will work, but could reduce the signal to noise ratio at the
soundcard input.

I suppose I will get a rash of requests for the board now <G>. When these
18 are gone, they will be no more, but the circuit is easy to wire on a
piece of perfboard, and I am considering an update to provide the K2 with
both input and output for digital modes so you can plug directly to the
computer soundcard (no interfece box required), but I do need to find the
time to put something together.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -----Original Message-----

>
> I have Don's fixed audio mod in my K2 and it works
> very well. It's wired to the front panel mic
> connector, which works perfectly when you use the
> Tigertronics SL-1+ audio interface.
>
> I spoke to Don about MicroHam's using the audio
> available from J5 inside the K2. He didn't think it
> was a good idea, but he can explain why better than I
> can.
>
> 73,
>
> Ken Alexander, VE3HLS
>
>
> --- Tom Hammond <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> > Don Wilhelm, W3FPR, offers a really nice fixed
> > output interface for the K2.
> >
> > However, it may NOT offer output of the CW SIDETONE,
> > since that comes
> > in on a different input port to the AF amp and is
> > not currently
> > sampled by the fixed output amp.
> >
> > Contact Don at: Don Wilhelm W3FPR <[hidden email]>
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Tom Hammond N0SS
> >
> >
> > At 11:18 AM 3/10/2007, Peter wrote:
> > >Hi
> > >
> > >A small audio amp. and you have fixed audio level
> > at the back.
> > >
> > >http://www.pi4cc.nl/personal/pc2a/k2/
> > >
> > >Peter
> > >PC2A
> > >
> > >Tony Lyon schreef:
> > >>Jamie,
> > >>Thanks.... Being able to connect to the J5
> > connector looks like it
> > >>will do the trick. I looked
> > >>in the K2 manual and I noticed that the J5 AF
> > output is derived
> > >>directly from pins 4 and 5
> > >>of the NE602 product detector.
> > >>
> > >>So, my next question is:.
> > >>Does the NE602 have enough output drive to drive
> > the AF input of a
> > >>RigEXpert?
> > >>
> > >>73,
> > >>Tony Lyon (KJ5XF)

--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.8/717 - Release Date: 3/10/2007
2:25 PM

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dave.wilburn

Re: HF Digital interface for the K2...

Sounds great. I think I will patiently await the update. Thanks again.

David Wilburn
[hidden email]
K4DGW
K2 #5982

Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Ken and all,
>
> I no longer have kits, but I have 18 boards available. The output of the
> fixed audio board is isolated from all other signals in the K2, so
> connection to the board output will not have any effect on any normal
> function of the K2. If you want a look, go to my website
> http://w3fpr.qrpradio.com. I do have an updated method to mount the board
> between the front panel and the control board which is ideal for those who
> want to use no connectors and/or want the output signal to connect to the
> mic jack - the resistors and capacitors are laid down flat or low profile
> components may be used.
>
> The input to the audio amp on my board is close to the equivalent of the
> signals appearing at J5 - I just chose to use the outbound side of the mute
> transistors rather than the direct product detector output - for some reason
> at the time, I wanted my fixed audio muted, and the connections were easier
> doing it the way I did.
>
> There is no problem with using the output from J5 as suggested by MicroHam,
> except that it is a very low level, and the MicroHam interface has no
> amplifier - it simply feeds the balanced output through their box and on to
> the soundcard connected as a single ended signal - so they lose 3 dB by
> switching to single ended output and depend on the soundcard gain to
> compensate - it will work, but could reduce the signal to noise ratio at the
> soundcard input.
>
> I suppose I will get a rash of requests for the board now <G>. When these
> 18 are gone, they will be no more, but the circuit is easy to wire on a
> piece of perfboard, and I am considering an update to provide the K2 with
> both input and output for digital modes so you can plug directly to the
> computer soundcard (no interfece box required), but I do need to find the
> time to put something together.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>
>> I have Don's fixed audio mod in my K2 and it works
>> very well. It's wired to the front panel mic
>> connector, which works perfectly when you use the
>> Tigertronics SL-1+ audio interface.
>>
>> I spoke to Don about MicroHam's using the audio
>> available from J5 inside the K2. He didn't think it
>> was a good idea, but he can explain why better than I
>> can.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Ken Alexander, VE3HLS
>>
>>
>> --- Tom Hammond <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>> Don Wilhelm, W3FPR, offers a really nice fixed
>>> output interface for the K2.
>>>
>>> However, it may NOT offer output of the CW SIDETONE,
>>> since that comes
>>> in on a different input port to the AF amp and is
>>> not currently
>>> sampled by the fixed output amp.
>>>
>>> Contact Don at: Don Wilhelm W3FPR <[hidden email]>
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>> Tom Hammond N0SS
>>>
>>>
>>> At 11:18 AM 3/10/2007, Peter wrote:
>>>> Hi
>>>>
>>>> A small audio amp. and you have fixed audio level
>>> at the back.
>>>> http://www.pi4cc.nl/personal/pc2a/k2/
>>>>
>>>> Peter
>>>> PC2A
>>>>
>>>> Tony Lyon schreef:
>>>>> Jamie,
>>>>> Thanks.... Being able to connect to the J5
>>> connector looks like it
>>>>> will do the trick. I looked
>>>>> in the K2 manual and I noticed that the J5 AF
>>> output is derived
>>>>> directly from pins 4 and 5
>>>>> of the NE602 product detector.
>>>>>
>>>>> So, my next question is:.
>>>>> Does the NE602 have enough output drive to drive
>>> the AF input of a
>>>>> RigEXpert?
>>>>>
>>>>> 73,
>>>>> Tony Lyon (KJ5XF)
>
> --
> No virus found in this outgoing message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.8/717 - Release Date: 3/10/2007
> 2:25 PM
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>

Tony Lyon

HF Digital interface for the K2...

In reply to this post by Ken Alexander-2

Don,
Thanks for the info. Well, I would like to get 2 of your boards from you...
So, what's the cost and where do I mail the check to?

73,
Tony L.

P.S. Thanks a lot for all of the great hints regarding the AF direct output.
I REALLY hope that Elecraft considers adding an HF digital port
for the K2
in the futire some time... Hint-Hint... :-)

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Craig WØLV

re: HF Digital interface for the K2...

In reply to this post by Tony Lyon

I am using a RigExpert SD and it works great. You will also have to use W3FPR's fixed audio board for the audio out. The SD works very well with MixW and many other programs, you will also have to have an 8 pin connector for your mic and use the patch cable out of the SD into mic plug.

73's
Craig Turner KAØCT
PO Box 5766
Woodland Park, CO 80866

719-661-5695
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