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K2 Line Out Mods

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Sean Michael Johnston

K2 Line Out Mods

Hello All.

I’m a newbie here and about to embark on building a K2. One of the many uses I have planned for the radio is to send emails over Winlink 2000 while at sea on a sailboat.
I'd like to communicate with the SignaLink USB sound card through Winmor first and then eventually with a PACTOR 3 or 4 modem.

I was thinking of building the fixed audio out designed by W3FPR & NØSS. My plan is to fabricate a pcb using the laser printer transfer method. I have recreated NØSS’s layout as a printable pdf (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_D41ceK5uSqM3VGa05BWXBhYkE/edit?usp=sharing), and am thinking I’ll run the line out to pin 5 of the 8-pin mic connection so I can have a single cable between the K2 and the SignaLink.

My question is where is the best point in the K2 to source the AF inputs from? Is it cleaner to tap into the control board as is illustrated by W3FPR’s great instructions (http://www2.opparc.org/mirrors/n0ss/www.n0ss.net/w3fpr_fixed_af_output_for_the_k2_v2r1.pdf), or would it be a better signal if I tap into the KDSP2 board as recommended by EA3BLQ (http://www.qsl.net/ea3blq/downloads/k2di-pci_const_manual.pdf) for his Sound Card Interface? And is this the best way to get a line out from the K2, or has there been any newer advancements along those lines?

I realize that I’m building a legacy product here, but from the activity I’ve seen on this mailing list, it’s definitely not dead yet.

Thanks - Sean (working on the call sign)

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: K2 Line Out Mods

Sean,

The circuit is simple enough to build on perfboard if you don't want to
go to the trouble of making a board. If you do make boards, you might
want to consider making additional board and offering them for sale.
There are occasional requests for those boards.

Build the version which lays the components flat on the board and attach
it to the back of the Control Board. That way everything except the
audio output is on the Control Board making the Control Board easy to
remove for servicing - plus it fits easily when the KPA100 is
installed. For the output connection, yes an unused microphone pin is
an ideal place (for the Elecraft microphones, use pin 5). Use a wire
that is an adequate length to allow the Control Board to be removed
sufficiently that you can reach the microphone configuration header on
the back of the Front Panel. You can solder the audio output wire to
one of the 'computer' type jumpers that will plug right into the
microphone configuration header - make certain the 'jumper' is plugged
only into the side that is closest to the microphone jack.

The only difference between Pauli's (SK) AF take off point and the one I
used is that Pauli's is prior to the muting transistors in the K2 and my
points are after the muting transistors.
If you prefer that the AF not be muted during TX, then you can still
attach to the back of the Control Board at the rear of CB J2 pins 1 and
2 - and is quite independent of the KDSP2 (or KAF2) option.

I might add that Pauli did buy one of my boards - I asked him "Why since
he had a wonderful interface already", and he replied that my Fixed
Audio Output board was an easy and simple solution.

Good luck on getting that license.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/27/2014 6:08 PM, Sean Michael Johnston wrote:

> Hello All.
>
> I’m a newbie here and about to embark on building a K2. One of the many uses I have planned for the radio is to send emails over Winlink 2000 while at sea on a sailboat.
> I'd like to communicate with the SignaLink USB sound card through Winmor first and then eventually with a PACTOR 3 or 4 modem.
>
> I was thinking of building the fixed audio out designed by W3FPR & NØSS. My plan is to fabricate a pcb using the laser printer transfer method. I have recreated NØSS’s layout as a printable pdf (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_D41ceK5uSqM3VGa05BWXBhYkE/edit?usp=sharing), and am thinking I’ll run the line out to pin 5 of the 8-pin mic connection so I can have a single cable between the K2 and the SignaLink.
>
> My question is where is the best point in the K2 to source the AF inputs from? Is it cleaner to tap into the control board as is illustrated by W3FPR’s great instructions (http://www2.opparc.org/mirrors/n0ss/www.n0ss.net/w3fpr_fixed_af_output_for_the_k2_v2r1.pdf), or would it be a better signal if I tap into the KDSP2 board as recommended by EA3BLQ (http://www.qsl.net/ea3blq/downloads/k2di-pci_const_manual.pdf) for his Sound Card Interface? And is this the best way to get a line out from the K2, or has there been any newer advancements along those lines?
>
> I realize that I’m building a legacy product here, but from the activity I’ve seen on this mailing list, it’s definitely not dead yet.
>
>

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: K2 "legacy product"

In reply to this post by Sean Michael Johnston

Sean,

You may be building a legacy product, but let me assure you that the K2
will be supported by Elecraft as long as it is feasible. The major
problem is vanishing parts. For example, the fine K2 encoder was
discontinued, but the Elecraft design team stepped up to the challenge
and developed a daughterboard for the encoder used in the K3 in order to
support the K2 for both new builds and repairs.
Similarly, the Speech Compressor IC used on the KSB2 board became
unobtainable, so the KSB2 board was redesigned to use an alternative.
A few years ago, the IF amplifier used in the K2 was no longer available
in DIP format, so Elecraft designed a carrier for the SMD version so
builders (and those doing repairs) could have an easily usable alternative.
There are some ICs that have been discontinued, and Elecraft bought a
"lifetime supply", so the only source for those ICs is now Elecraft.
A lot of work has gone into efforts to keep the K2 alive and
repairable. There may be an end to that capability someday, but it is
not in the near future.

I also should say that component failure is not the most common cause of
K2 failures, but poor solder connections are top of the list, both for
new builds and older K2s. A bad solder connection can work fine for
years before it develops enough oxidation to fail. Since I
repair/upgrade/build 3 to 4 K2, K1 and KX1s each week, I can make that
statement with confidence - I have seen it many, many times.
Bottom line, if a K2 works right after 90 days, it should be solid for a
long time to come unless it is abused in some way - such as leaving the
antenna connected when not in use.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/27/2014 6:08 PM, Sean Michael Johnston wrote:
> I realize that I’m building a legacy product here, but from the activity I’ve seen on this mailing list, it’s definitely not dead yet.
>
> Thanks - Sean (working on the call sign)
>

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Sean Michael Johnston

Re: K2 Line Out Mods "Legacy product"

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

Thanks for all the great info Don.

I have a feeling I’ll be posting up a few more questions here as I get into this build.

I have seen nothing but great reviews for the products and the people at Elecraft.
And everything you’ve mentioned just reconfirms this.

73 - Sean

On Jan 27, 2014, at 5:51 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Sean,
>
> The circuit is simple enough to build on perfboard if you don't want to go to the trouble of making a board. If you do make boards, you might want to consider making additional board and offering them for sale. There are occasional requests for those boards.
>
> Build the version which lays the components flat on the board and attach it to the back of the Control Board. That way everything except the audio output is on the Control Board making the Control Board easy to remove for servicing - plus it fits easily when the KPA100 is installed. For the output connection, yes an unused microphone pin is an ideal place (for the Elecraft microphones, use pin 5). Use a wire that is an adequate length to allow the Control Board to be removed sufficiently that you can reach the microphone configuration header on the back of the Front Panel. You can solder the audio output wire to one of the 'computer' type jumpers that will plug right into the microphone configuration header - make certain the 'jumper' is plugged only into the side that is closest to the microphone jack.
>
> The only difference between Pauli's (SK) AF take off point and the one I used is that Pauli's is prior to the muting transistors in the K2 and my points are after the muting transistors.
> If you prefer that the AF not be muted during TX, then you can still attach to the back of the Control Board at the rear of CB J2 pins 1 and 2 - and is quite independent of the KDSP2 (or KAF2) option.
>
> I might add that Pauli did buy one of my boards - I asked him "Why since he had a wonderful interface already", and he replied that my Fixed Audio Output board was an easy and simple solution.
>
> Good luck on getting that license.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>
> On 1/27/2014 6:08 PM, Sean Michael Johnston wrote:
>> Hello All.
>>
>> I’m a newbie here and about to embark on building a K2. One of the many uses I have planned for the radio is to send emails over Winlink 2000 while at sea on a sailboat.
>> I'd like to communicate with the SignaLink USB sound card through Winmor first and then eventually with a PACTOR 3 or 4 modem.
>>
>> I was thinking of building the fixed audio out designed by W3FPR & NØSS. My plan is to fabricate a pcb using the laser printer transfer method. I have recreated NØSS’s layout as a printable pdf (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_D41ceK5uSqM3VGa05BWXBhYkE/edit?usp=sharing), and am thinking I’ll run the line out to pin 5 of the 8-pin mic connection so I can have a single cable between the K2 and the SignaLink.
>>
>> My question is where is the best point in the K2 to source the AF inputs from? Is it cleaner to tap into the control board as is illustrated by W3FPR’s great instructions (http://www2.opparc.org/mirrors/n0ss/www.n0ss.net/w3fpr_fixed_af_output_for_the_k2_v2r1.pdf), or would it be a better signal if I tap into the KDSP2 board as recommended by EA3BLQ (http://www.qsl.net/ea3blq/downloads/k2di-pci_const_manual.pdf) for his Sound Card Interface? And is this the best way to get a line out from the K2, or has there been any newer advancements along those lines?
>>
>> I realize that I’m building a legacy product here, but from the activity I’ve seen on this mailing list, it’s definitely not dead yet.
>>
>>
>
>

KK4LSG

Re: K2 Line Out Mods

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

I have been messing about with this board for a while, but have not had
success hooking it up the rig yet. I downloaded the schematic that Sean
produced ... nice job ... and made up a board using the laser toner method
described by K7QO. I did see one small issue with the board. The OUT label
is actually labeled GND ... a minor oversight. Otherwise the board looks
FB.

Two questions about using pin 5 from the microphone header ...

Is the ground from the audio out board still used? If so, where does it
connect?

Also, while I don't use a mic (CW only at this point), if I attach the
audio out to pin 5, can I still plug in an Elecraft-wired mic without
unplugging the audio out connector from the header?

Thanks for any insight...

Kevin
KK4LSG

On Mon, Jan 27, 2014 at 6:51 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Sean,
>
> The circuit is simple enough to build on perfboard if you don't want to go
> to the trouble of making a board. If you do make boards, you might want to
> consider making additional board and offering them for sale. There are
> occasional requests for those boards.
>
> Build the version which lays the components flat on the board and attach
> it to the back of the Control Board. That way everything except the audio
> output is on the Control Board making the Control Board easy to remove for
> servicing - plus it fits easily when the KPA100 is installed. For the
> output connection, yes an unused microphone pin is an ideal place (for the
> Elecraft microphones, use pin 5). Use a wire that is an adequate length to
> allow the Control Board to be removed sufficiently that you can reach the
> microphone configuration header on the back of the Front Panel. You can
> solder the audio output wire to one of the 'computer' type jumpers that
> will plug right into the microphone configuration header - make certain the
> 'jumper' is plugged only into the side that is closest to the microphone
> jack.
>
> The only difference between Pauli's (SK) AF take off point and the one I
> used is that Pauli's is prior to the muting transistors in the K2 and my
> points are after the muting transistors.
> If you prefer that the AF not be muted during TX, then you can still
> attach to the back of the Control Board at the rear of CB J2 pins 1 and 2 -
> and is quite independent of the KDSP2 (or KAF2) option.
>
> I might add that Pauli did buy one of my boards - I asked him "Why since
> he had a wonderful interface already", and he replied that my Fixed Audio
> Output board was an easy and simple solution.
>
> Good luck on getting that license.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>
> On 1/27/2014 6:08 PM, Sean Michael Johnston wrote:
>
>> Hello All.
>>
>> I'm a newbie here and about to embark on building a K2. One of the many
>> uses I have planned for the radio is to send emails over Winlink 2000 while
>> at sea on a sailboat.
>> I'd like to communicate with the SignaLink USB sound card through Winmor
>> first and then eventually with a PACTOR 3 or 4 modem.
>>
>> I was thinking of building the fixed audio out designed by W3FPR & NØSS.
>> My plan is to fabricate a pcb using the laser printer transfer method. I
>> have recreated NØSS's layout as a printable pdf (
>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_D41ceK5uSqM3VGa05BWXBhYkE/
>> edit?usp=sharing), and am thinking I'll run the line out to pin 5 of the
>> 8-pin mic connection so I can have a single cable between the K2 and the
>> SignaLink.
>>
>> My question is where is the best point in the K2 to source the AF inputs
>> from? Is it cleaner to tap into the control board as is illustrated by
>> W3FPR's great instructions (http://www2.opparc.org/
>> mirrors/n0ss/www.n0ss.net/w3fpr_fixed_af_output_for_the_k2_v2r1.pdf), or
>> would it be a better signal if I tap into the KDSP2 board as recommended
>> by EA3BLQ (http://www.qsl.net/ea3blq/downloads/k2di-pci_const_manual.pdf)
>> for his Sound Card Interface? And is this the best way to get a line out
>> from the K2, or has there been any newer advancements along those lines?
>>
>> I realize that I'm building a legacy product here, but from the activity
>> I've seen on this mailing list, it's definitely not dead yet.
>>
>>
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Dennis Moore

Re: K2 Line Out Mods

The ground is not needed on the audio output line. If there was to be
one it would be connected to chassis ground, and that circuit already
has a chassis ground connection.

An Elecraft-wired mic won't use pin 5, so it's safe to leave the audio
out connected to pin 5 of the header.

73, Dennis NJ6G

On 1/29/2014 11:21 AM, Kevin Crossett wrote:
> Is the ground from the audio out board still used? If so, where does it
> connect?
>
> Also, while I don't use a mic (CW only at this point), if I attach the
> audio out to pin 5, can I still plug in an Elecraft-wired mic without
> unplugging the audio out connector from the header?
>
> Thanks for any insight...

______________________________________________________________
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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Sean Michael Johnston

Re: K2 Line Out Mods

In reply to this post by KK4LSG

Dhoh!

I'll post up a revised version with the OUT label corrected. Thanks for letting me know.
It's good to know that it works.

- Sean

> On Jan 29, 2014, at 1:21 PM, Kevin Crossett <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I have been messing about with this board for a while, but have not had success hooking it up the rig yet. I downloaded the schematic that Sean produced ... nice job ... and made up a board using the laser toner method described by K7QO. I did see one small issue with the board. The OUT label is actually labeled GND ... a minor oversight. Otherwise the board looks FB.
>
> Two questions about using pin 5 from the microphone header ...
>
> Is the ground from the audio out board still used? If so, where does it connect?
>
> Also, while I don't use a mic (CW only at this point), if I attach the audio out to pin 5, can I still plug in an Elecraft-wired mic without unplugging the audio out connector from the header?
>
> Thanks for any insight...
>
> Kevin
> KK4LSG
>
>
>> On Mon, Jan 27, 2014 at 6:51 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:
>> Sean,
>>
>> The circuit is simple enough to build on perfboard if you don't want to go to the trouble of making a board. If you do make boards, you might want to consider making additional board and offering them for sale. There are occasional requests for those boards.
>>
>> Build the version which lays the components flat on the board and attach it to the back of the Control Board. That way everything except the audio output is on the Control Board making the Control Board easy to remove for servicing - plus it fits easily when the KPA100 is installed. For the output connection, yes an unused microphone pin is an ideal place (for the Elecraft microphones, use pin 5). Use a wire that is an adequate length to allow the Control Board to be removed sufficiently that you can reach the microphone configuration header on the back of the Front Panel. You can solder the audio output wire to one of the 'computer' type jumpers that will plug right into the microphone configuration header - make certain the 'jumper' is plugged only into the side that is closest to the microphone jack.
>>
>> The only difference between Pauli's (SK) AF take off point and the one I used is that Pauli's is prior to the muting transistors in the K2 and my points are after the muting transistors.
>> If you prefer that the AF not be muted during TX, then you can still attach to the back of the Control Board at the rear of CB J2 pins 1 and 2 - and is quite independent of the KDSP2 (or KAF2) option.
>>
>> I might add that Pauli did buy one of my boards - I asked him "Why since he had a wonderful interface already", and he replied that my Fixed Audio Output board was an easy and simple solution.
>>
>> Good luck on getting that license.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>>
>>> On 1/27/2014 6:08 PM, Sean Michael Johnston wrote:
>>> Hello All.
>>>
>>> I’m a newbie here and about to embark on building a K2. One of the many uses I have planned for the radio is to send emails over Winlink 2000 while at sea on a sailboat.
>>> I'd like to communicate with the SignaLink USB sound card through Winmor first and then eventually with a PACTOR 3 or 4 modem.
>>>
>>> I was thinking of building the fixed audio out designed by W3FPR & NØSS. My plan is to fabricate a pcb using the laser printer transfer method. I have recreated NØSS’s layout as a printable pdf (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_D41ceK5uSqM3VGa05BWXBhYkE/edit?usp=sharing), and am thinking I’ll run the line out to pin 5 of the 8-pin mic connection so I can have a single cable between the K2 and the SignaLink.
>>>
>>> My question is where is the best point in the K2 to source the AF inputs from? Is it cleaner to tap into the control board as is illustrated by W3FPR’s great instructions (http://www2.opparc.org/mirrors/n0ss/www.n0ss.net/w3fpr_fixed_af_output_for_the_k2_v2r1.pdf), or would it be a better signal if I tap into the KDSP2 board as recommended by EA3BLQ (http://www.qsl.net/ea3blq/downloads/k2di-pci_const_manual.pdf) for his Sound Card Interface? And is this the best way to get a line out from the K2, or has there been any newer advancements along those lines?
>>>
>>> I realize that I’m building a legacy product here, but from the activity I’ve seen on this mailing list, it’s definitely not dead yet.
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: K2 Line Out Mods

In reply to this post by KK4LSG

Kevin,

With the Elecraft pinout, pin 5 is defined as FUNC - which was never
implemented in the K2, so that is the choice for use as an "unused mic pin".
Caution, there is circuitry connected to the FUNC input, so that must
remain isolated - in other words, if there is a jumper from FUNC to 5 on
the microphone configuration header, it must be removed. You can
connect the audio out wire to the pin marked "5", and only that pin.

On the ground situation, the proximity of the Control Panel Ground and
the Front Panel ground is such that a direct ground connection is not
necessary - at least it works that way in my K2. If I wire to the rear
panel, I will run a wire for the AF as well as the ground - that also
works well.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/29/2014 2:21 PM, Kevin Crossett wrote:

> I have been messing about with this board for a while, but have not had
> success hooking it up the rig yet. I downloaded the schematic that Sean
> produced ... nice job ... and made up a board using the laser toner method
> described by K7QO. I did see one small issue with the board. The OUT label
> is actually labeled GND ... a minor oversight. Otherwise the board looks
> FB.
>
> Two questions about using pin 5 from the microphone header ...
>
> Is the ground from the audio out board still used? If so, where does it
> connect?
>
> Also, while I don't use a mic (CW only at this point), if I attach the
> audio out to pin 5, can I still plug in an Elecraft-wired mic without
> unplugging the audio out connector from the header?
>
> Thanks for any insight...
>
> Kevin
> KK4LSG
>
>
> On Mon, Jan 27, 2014 at 6:51 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Sean,
>>
>> The circuit is simple enough to build on perfboard if you don't want to go
>> to the trouble of making a board. If you do make boards, you might want to
>> consider making additional board and offering them for sale. There are
>> occasional requests for those boards.
>>
>> Build the version which lays the components flat on the board and attach
>> it to the back of the Control Board. That way everything except the audio
>> output is on the Control Board making the Control Board easy to remove for
>> servicing - plus it fits easily when the KPA100 is installed. For the
>> output connection, yes an unused microphone pin is an ideal place (for the
>> Elecraft microphones, use pin 5). Use a wire that is an adequate length to
>> allow the Control Board to be removed sufficiently that you can reach the
>> microphone configuration header on the back of the Front Panel. You can
>> solder the audio output wire to one of the 'computer' type jumpers that
>> will plug right into the microphone configuration header - make certain the
>> 'jumper' is plugged only into the side that is closest to the microphone
>> jack.
>>
>> The only difference between Pauli's (SK) AF take off point and the one I
>> used is that Pauli's is prior to the muting transistors in the K2 and my
>> points are after the muting transistors.
>> If you prefer that the AF not be muted during TX, then you can still
>> attach to the back of the Control Board at the rear of CB J2 pins 1 and 2 -
>> and is quite independent of the KDSP2 (or KAF2) option.
>>
>> I might add that Pauli did buy one of my boards - I asked him "Why since
>> he had a wonderful interface already", and he replied that my Fixed Audio
>> Output board was an easy and simple solution.
>>
>> Good luck on getting that license.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>>
>> On 1/27/2014 6:08 PM, Sean Michael Johnston wrote:
>>
>>> Hello All.
>>>
>>> I'm a newbie here and about to embark on building a K2. One of the many
>>> uses I have planned for the radio is to send emails over Winlink 2000 while
>>> at sea on a sailboat.
>>> I'd like to communicate with the SignaLink USB sound card through Winmor
>>> first and then eventually with a PACTOR 3 or 4 modem.
>>>
>>> I was thinking of building the fixed audio out designed by W3FPR & NØSS.
>>> My plan is to fabricate a pcb using the laser printer transfer method. I
>>> have recreated NØSS's layout as a printable pdf (
>>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_D41ceK5uSqM3VGa05BWXBhYkE/
>>> edit?usp=sharing), and am thinking I'll run the line out to pin 5 of the
>>> 8-pin mic connection so I can have a single cable between the K2 and the
>>> SignaLink.
>>>
>>> My question is where is the best point in the K2 to source the AF inputs
>>> from? Is it cleaner to tap into the control board as is illustrated by
>>> W3FPR's great instructions (http://www2.opparc.org/
>>> mirrors/n0ss/www.n0ss.net/w3fpr_fixed_af_output_for_the_k2_v2r1.pdf), or
>>> would it be a better signal if I tap into the KDSP2 board as recommended
>>> by EA3BLQ (http://www.qsl.net/ea3blq/downloads/k2di-pci_const_manual.pdf)
>>> for his Sound Card Interface? And is this the best way to get a line out
>>> from the K2, or has there been any newer advancements along those lines?
>>>
>>> I realize that I'm building a legacy product here, but from the activity
>>> I've seen on this mailing list, it's definitely not dead yet.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>

KK4LSG

Re: K2 Line Out Mods

In reply to this post by Sean Michael Johnston

Thanks for the advice everyone. Sean. I have only made the board. I have not soldered anything to it yet, but it does look like the traces are correct. The last time I did something with the audio out board, I messed up somewhere and messed up the alignment on the radio. No worries though, Don got me back on the air in no time. Hopefully his services won't be necessary this time around.

> On Jan 29, 2014, at 15:37, "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Dhoh!
>
> I'll post up a revised version with the OUT label corrected. Thanks for letting me know.
> It's good to know that it works.
>
> - Sean
>
>> On Jan 29, 2014, at 1:21 PM, Kevin Crossett <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> I have been messing about with this board for a while, but have not had success hooking it up the rig yet. I downloaded the schematic that Sean produced ... nice job ... and made up a board using the laser toner method described by K7QO. I did see one small issue with the board. The OUT label is actually labeled GND ... a minor oversight. Otherwise the board looks FB.
>>
>> Two questions about using pin 5 from the microphone header ...
>>
>> Is the ground from the audio out board still used? If so, where does it connect?
>>
>> Also, while I don't use a mic (CW only at this point), if I attach the audio out to pin 5, can I still plug in an Elecraft-wired mic without unplugging the audio out connector from the header?
>>
>> Thanks for any insight...
>>
>> Kevin
>> KK4LSG
>>
>>
>>> On Mon, Jan 27, 2014 at 6:51 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>> Sean,
>>>
>>> The circuit is simple enough to build on perfboard if you don't want to go to the trouble of making a board. If you do make boards, you might want to consider making additional board and offering them for sale. There are occasional requests for those boards.
>>>
>>> Build the version which lays the components flat on the board and attach it to the back of the Control Board. That way everything except the audio output is on the Control Board making the Control Board easy to remove for servicing - plus it fits easily when the KPA100 is installed. For the output connection, yes an unused microphone pin is an ideal place (for the Elecraft microphones, use pin 5). Use a wire that is an adequate length to allow the Control Board to be removed sufficiently that you can reach the microphone configuration header on the back of the Front Panel. You can solder the audio output wire to one of the 'computer' type jumpers that will plug right into the microphone configuration header - make certain the 'jumper' is plugged only into the side that is closest to the microphone jack.
>>>
>>> The only difference between Pauli's (SK) AF take off point and the one I used is that Pauli's is prior to the muting transistors in the K2 and my points are after the muting transistors.
>>> If you prefer that the AF not be muted during TX, then you can still attach to the back of the Control Board at the rear of CB J2 pins 1 and 2 - and is quite independent of the KDSP2 (or KAF2) option.
>>>
>>> I might add that Pauli did buy one of my boards - I asked him "Why since he had a wonderful interface already", and he replied that my Fixed Audio Output board was an easy and simple solution.
>>>
>>> Good luck on getting that license.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Don W3FPR
>>>
>>>
>>>> On 1/27/2014 6:08 PM, Sean Michael Johnston wrote:
>>>> Hello All.
>>>>
>>>> I’m a newbie here and about to embark on building a K2. One of the many uses I have planned for the radio is to send emails over Winlink 2000 while at sea on a sailboat.
>>>> I'd like to communicate with the SignaLink USB sound card through Winmor first and then eventually with a PACTOR 3 or 4 modem.
>>>>
>>>> I was thinking of building the fixed audio out designed by W3FPR & NØSS. My plan is to fabricate a pcb using the laser printer transfer method. I have recreated NØSS’s layout as a printable pdf (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_D41ceK5uSqM3VGa05BWXBhYkE/edit?usp=sharing), and am thinking I’ll run the line out to pin 5 of the 8-pin mic connection so I can have a single cable between the K2 and the SignaLink.
>>>>
>>>> My question is where is the best point in the K2 to source the AF inputs from? Is it cleaner to tap into the control board as is illustrated by W3FPR’s great instructions (http://www2.opparc.org/mirrors/n0ss/www.n0ss.net/w3fpr_fixed_af_output_for_the_k2_v2r1.pdf), or would it be a better signal if I tap into the KDSP2 board as recommended by EA3BLQ (http://www.qsl.net/ea3blq/downloads/k2di-pci_const_manual.pdf) for his Sound Card Interface? And is this the best way to get a line out from the K2, or has there been any newer advancements along those lines?
>>>>
>>>> I realize that I’m building a legacy product here, but from the activity I’ve seen on this mailing list, it’s definitely not dead yet.
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
>>

KK4LSG

Re: K2 Line Out Mods

In reply to this post by Sean Michael Johnston

Hi Sean. I am looking forward to seeing the revised layout. I did something
similar several months ago, but my layout skills using pcbexpress were not
nearly as clean and sharp as your board. In the end, my transfer method
using an clothes iron left a lot to be desired. I also wasted a lot of
copper clad board working on the design. Not having an electronics
background did not help the situation either. Don helped me figure out a
few things I was doing wrong. Nonetheless, I continued trudging forward,
and managed to learn something in the process. Since that first experience
with board construction, I purchased a laminator off Amazon that works
great. I have a board ready to use for a xtal test fixture from Chuck
Adam's, K7QO lab notebook, but I have not had time to build it yet ... too
many other projects ahead of it, including a great transmitter from GQRP
that uses a similar construction technique as the xtal fixture (muppet or
limerick construction depending on who is speaking). That rig is on the
bench now, and as soon as I can get into the workshop, I plan to start
making some solder smoke.

On Wed, Jan 29, 2014 at 3:37 PM, [hidden email] <
[hidden email]> wrote:

> Dhoh!
>
> I'll post up a revised version with the OUT label corrected. Thanks for
> letting me know.
> It's good to know that it works.
>
> - Sean
>
> On Jan 29, 2014, at 1:21 PM, Kevin Crossett <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I have been messing about with this board for a while, but have not had
> success hooking it up the rig yet. I downloaded the schematic that Sean
> produced ... nice job ... and made up a board using the laser toner method
> described by K7QO. I did see one small issue with the board. The OUT label
> is actually labeled GND ... a minor oversight. Otherwise the board looks
> FB.
>
> Two questions about using pin 5 from the microphone header ...
>
> Is the ground from the audio out board still used? If so, where does it
> connect?
>
> Also, while I don't use a mic (CW only at this point), if I attach the
> audio out to pin 5, can I still plug in an Elecraft-wired mic without
> unplugging the audio out connector from the header?
>
> Thanks for any insight...
>
> Kevin
> KK4LSG
>
>
> On Mon, Jan 27, 2014 at 6:51 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Sean,
>>
>> The circuit is simple enough to build on perfboard if you don't want to
>> go to the trouble of making a board. If you do make boards, you might want
>> to consider making additional board and offering them for sale. There are
>> occasional requests for those boards.
>>
>> Build the version which lays the components flat on the board and attach
>> it to the back of the Control Board. That way everything except the audio
>> output is on the Control Board making the Control Board easy to remove for
>> servicing - plus it fits easily when the KPA100 is installed. For the
>> output connection, yes an unused microphone pin is an ideal place (for the
>> Elecraft microphones, use pin 5). Use a wire that is an adequate length to
>> allow the Control Board to be removed sufficiently that you can reach the
>> microphone configuration header on the back of the Front Panel. You can
>> solder the audio output wire to one of the 'computer' type jumpers that
>> will plug right into the microphone configuration header - make certain the
>> 'jumper' is plugged only into the side that is closest to the microphone
>> jack.
>>
>> The only difference between Pauli's (SK) AF take off point and the one I
>> used is that Pauli's is prior to the muting transistors in the K2 and my
>> points are after the muting transistors.
>> If you prefer that the AF not be muted during TX, then you can still
>> attach to the back of the Control Board at the rear of CB J2 pins 1 and 2 -
>> and is quite independent of the KDSP2 (or KAF2) option.
>>
>> I might add that Pauli did buy one of my boards - I asked him "Why since
>> he had a wonderful interface already", and he replied that my Fixed Audio
>> Output board was an easy and simple solution.
>>
>> Good luck on getting that license.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>>
>> On 1/27/2014 6:08 PM, Sean Michael Johnston wrote:
>>
>>> Hello All.
>>>
>>> I'm a newbie here and about to embark on building a K2. One of the many
>>> uses I have planned for the radio is to send emails over Winlink 2000 while
>>> at sea on a sailboat.
>>> I'd like to communicate with the SignaLink USB sound card through Winmor
>>> first and then eventually with a PACTOR 3 or 4 modem.
>>>
>>> I was thinking of building the fixed audio out designed by W3FPR & NØSS.
>>> My plan is to fabricate a pcb using the laser printer transfer method. I
>>> have recreated NØSS's layout as a printable pdf (
>>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_D41ceK5uSqM3VGa05BWXBhYkE/
>>> edit?usp=sharing), and am thinking I'll run the line out to pin 5 of
>>> the 8-pin mic connection so I can have a single cable between the K2 and
>>> the SignaLink.
>>>
>>> My question is where is the best point in the K2 to source the AF inputs
>>> from? Is it cleaner to tap into the control board as is illustrated by
>>> W3FPR's great instructions (http://www2.opparc.org/
>>> mirrors/n0ss/www.n0ss.net/w3fpr_fixed_af_output_for_the_k2_v2r1.pdf),
>>> or would it be a better signal if I tap into the KDSP2 board as
>>> recommended by EA3BLQ (http://www.qsl.net/ea3blq/
>>> downloads/k2di-pci_const_manual.pdf) for his Sound Card Interface? And
>>> is this the best way to get a line out from the K2, or has there been any
>>> newer advancements along those lines?
>>>
>>> I realize that I'm building a legacy product here, but from the activity
>>> I've seen on this mailing list, it's definitely not dead yet.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>>
>
>

Sean Michael Johnston

Re: K2 Line Out Mods

I have revised the original file - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_D41ceK5uSqM3VGa05BWXBhYkE/edit?usp=sharing

And I added a couple layouts for anyone wanting to make a series of these on a 6x9 sheet of copper clad - 2 files(front and back) - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_D41ceK5uSqRUNIeUZ4eGs4cUU/edit?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_D41ceK5uSqeHJ0YXd4YXh4Z1U/edit?usp=sharing

- 73 - Sean

On Jan 29, 2014, at 6:29 PM, Kevin Crossett <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Hi Sean. I am looking forward to seeing the revised layout. I did something similar several months ago, but my layout skills using pcbexpress were not nearly as clean and sharp as your board. In the end, my transfer method using an clothes iron left a lot to be desired. I also wasted a lot of copper clad board working on the design. Not having an electronics background did not help the situation either. Don helped me figure out a few things I was doing wrong. Nonetheless, I continued trudging forward, and managed to learn something in the process. Since that first experience with board construction, I purchased a laminator off Amazon that works great. I have a board ready to use for a xtal test fixture from Chuck Adam's, K7QO lab notebook, but I have not had time to build it yet ... too many other projects ahead of it, including a great transmitter from GQRP that uses a similar construction technique as the xtal fixture (muppet or limerick construction depending on who is speaking). That rig is on the bench now, and as soon as I can get into the workshop, I plan to start making some solder smoke.
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, Jan 29, 2014 at 3:37 PM, [hidden email] <[hidden email]> wrote:
> Dhoh!
>
> I'll post up a revised version with the OUT label corrected. Thanks for letting me know.
> It's good to know that it works.
>
> - Sean
>
> On Jan 29, 2014, at 1:21 PM, Kevin Crossett <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> I have been messing about with this board for a while, but have not had success hooking it up the rig yet. I downloaded the schematic that Sean produced ... nice job ... and made up a board using the laser toner method described by K7QO. I did see one small issue with the board. The OUT label is actually labeled GND ... a minor oversight. Otherwise the board looks FB.
>>
>> Two questions about using pin 5 from the microphone header ...
>>
>> Is the ground from the audio out board still used? If so, where does it connect?
>>
>> Also, while I don't use a mic (CW only at this point), if I attach the audio out to pin 5, can I still plug in an Elecraft-wired mic without unplugging the audio out connector from the header?
>>
>> Thanks for any insight...
>>
>> Kevin
>> KK4LSG
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Jan 27, 2014 at 6:51 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:
>> Sean,
>>
>> The circuit is simple enough to build on perfboard if you don't want to go to the trouble of making a board. If you do make boards, you might want to consider making additional board and offering them for sale. There are occasional requests for those boards.
>>
>> Build the version which lays the components flat on the board and attach it to the back of the Control Board. That way everything except the audio output is on the Control Board making the Control Board easy to remove for servicing - plus it fits easily when the KPA100 is installed. For the output connection, yes an unused microphone pin is an ideal place (for the Elecraft microphones, use pin 5). Use a wire that is an adequate length to allow the Control Board to be removed sufficiently that you can reach the microphone configuration header on the back of the Front Panel. You can solder the audio output wire to one of the 'computer' type jumpers that will plug right into the microphone configuration header - make certain the 'jumper' is plugged only into the side that is closest to the microphone jack.
>>
>> The only difference between Pauli's (SK) AF take off point and the one I used is that Pauli's is prior to the muting transistors in the K2 and my points are after the muting transistors.
>> If you prefer that the AF not be muted during TX, then you can still attach to the back of the Control Board at the rear of CB J2 pins 1 and 2 - and is quite independent of the KDSP2 (or KAF2) option.
>>
>> I might add that Pauli did buy one of my boards - I asked him "Why since he had a wonderful interface already", and he replied that my Fixed Audio Output board was an easy and simple solution.
>>
>> Good luck on getting that license.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>>
>> On 1/27/2014 6:08 PM, Sean Michael Johnston wrote:
>> Hello All.
>>
>> I’m a newbie here and about to embark on building a K2. One of the many uses I have planned for the radio is to send emails over Winlink 2000 while at sea on a sailboat.
>> I'd like to communicate with the SignaLink USB sound card through Winmor first and then eventually with a PACTOR 3 or 4 modem.
>>
>> I was thinking of building the fixed audio out designed by W3FPR & NØSS. My plan is to fabricate a pcb using the laser printer transfer method. I have recreated NØSS’s layout as a printable pdf (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_D41ceK5uSqM3VGa05BWXBhYkE/edit?usp=sharing), and am thinking I’ll run the line out to pin 5 of the 8-pin mic connection so I can have a single cable between the K2 and the SignaLink.
>>
>> My question is where is the best point in the K2 to source the AF inputs from? Is it cleaner to tap into the control board as is illustrated by W3FPR’s great instructions (http://www2.opparc.org/mirrors/n0ss/www.n0ss.net/w3fpr_fixed_af_output_for_the_k2_v2r1.pdf), or would it be a better signal if I tap into the KDSP2 board as recommended by EA3BLQ (http://www.qsl.net/ea3blq/downloads/k2di-pci_const_manual.pdf) for his Sound Card Interface? And is this the best way to get a line out from the K2, or has there been any newer advancements along those lines?
>>
>> I realize that I’m building a legacy product here, but from the activity I’ve seen on this mailing list, it’s definitely not dead yet.
>>
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>>
>