Keith, KD1E asked:
What does it take to make a K2/100 run QRP?
- Turn down the power? (fine for CW what about SSB?)
- Unplug the KPA100 and put the old top back on?
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Turn down the power. At 10 watts output the KPA100 shuts off automatically.
You can also just power the K2 from the original coaxial power connector on
the back. If your KPA100 is installed and operational, you'll get a message
on power up that there is no KPA100 power source and the rig operates almost
as it would without the KPA100 attached.
And, of course, you can switch tops. That's an attractive option for those
who want to haul minimum weight, or for those with a "QRP Top" equipped with
the internal battery or KAT2 internal automatic antenna tuning unit.
The only difference in the way the rig operates, when the KPA100 is turned
off or the K2 is powered from the coaxial power connector instead of the
KPA100's high-current connector, is that the SWR bridge in the KPA always
stays in the circuit. You continue to see the same SWR/power reports that
you got with the KPA100 active.
If I recall correctly, a bias supply in the KPA100 remains active even
though the amplifier is turned off or the K2 is powered through the coaxial
power plug. That means the K2 draws a few mA more of current than it would
if you removed the KPA100 entirely.
If you remove the KPA100, the system reverts to the RF power output circuit
used by the basic K2. That's an RF voltmeter that monitors the K2 output to
control the power level and which does not contain an SWR bridge.
Ron AC7AC
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