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K2/100 up-date

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Arthur Lewis-2

K2/100 up-date

*I have a K2/100 I built in 1999 and I added some of the modes through
2005. I retired in 2009 and moved to Florida. *

*There is a ham that does up dates and filter alignment. I no longer have
a good bench for this work. *

*Can someone tell me the name and address of this K2 expert. I think I
talked to him a year or so back.*

*Thanks*
*Art WA8VSJ*
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Mike K8CN

Re: 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/
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Geert Jan de Groot

Re: K2/100 up-date

In reply to this post by Arthur Lewis-2

On 09/05/2021 20:54, [hidden email] 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

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Don Wilhelm-5

Re: 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, [hidden email] 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
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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Dave Van Wallaghen-2

Re: 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 <[hidden email]> 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, [hidden email] 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:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Don Wilhelm-5

Re: 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 <[hidden email]> 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, [hidden email] 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:[hidden email]
>>>
>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Don Wilhelm-5

Re: K2/100 up-date

In reply to this post by Geert Jan de Groot

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:

Elecraft mailing list

Re: 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 <[hidden email]> 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:

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Don Wilhelm-5

Re: 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
>
>

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Elecraft mailing list

Re: 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 <[hidden email]> 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
>
>

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