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K2 Modifications

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wsm-3

K2 Modifications

I ordered my K2 before I joined this forum, and now that I did, I am
thinking maybe I shouldn't have ordered it. It hasn't been delivered
yet.
Is everyone having trouble with them as it sounds on this froum? Why
is it necessary for all the modifications that are being done to them?

What's all this about completely removing RFC10 from the KPA100? Did
Elecraft do a bad job of designing this thing?

I just ordered the basic unit plus the noise blanker, and was
planning on adding the kpa100, and the KSB2 ssb unit later. I had
the understanding that these two options were plug in boards, but
it sounds like a rebuild to add anything. I have always hesitated to
take components out of a circuit board because there is a good chance
that damage to the board might occur.

Will a new kit that I just ordered four days ago need modifications,
and if so, how will I know what modifications I will need to do?

Would someone please tell me why I shouldn't put this thing up for
sale on Ebay in the unopened box?

Thanks
Scott N5SM

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Stephen W. Kercel

Re: K2 Modifications

Scott:

The troubles are few and far between. With over 5000 K2s out there,
mostly home built, occasionally things pop up. Dealing with those
rare occasions is one purpose of this list. Enjoy your K2. It is not
possible to find a better rig for the money.

73,

Steve Kercel
AA4AK

At 09:14 PM 11/12/2006, [hidden email] wrote:

>I ordered my K2 before I joined this forum, and now that I did, I am
>thinking maybe I shouldn't have ordered it. It hasn't been delivered
>yet.
>Is everyone having trouble with them as it sounds on this froum? Why
>is it necessary for all the modifications that are being done to them?
>
>What's all this about completely removing RFC10 from the KPA100? Did
>Elecraft do a bad job of designing this thing?
>
>I just ordered the basic unit plus the noise blanker, and was
>planning on adding the kpa100, and the KSB2 ssb unit later. I had
>the understanding that these two options were plug in boards, but
>it sounds like a rebuild to add anything. I have always hesitated to
>take components out of a circuit board because there is a good chance
>that damage to the board might occur.
>
>Will a new kit that I just ordered four days ago need modifications,
>and if so, how will I know what modifications I will need to do?
>
>Would someone please tell me why I shouldn't put this thing up for
>sale on Ebay in the unopened box?
>
>Thanks
>Scott N5SM
>
>_______________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Post to: [hidden email]
>You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
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>
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

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Ken Kopp-2

Re: K2 Modifications

In reply to this post by wsm-3

You're reading FAR too much into the content of the reflector!

This is a natural forum for those of us who are experimenters,
technically curious, the "I can design it better" types, etc.
Does a new radio you just ordered NEED modifications? No!
But there are folks who will make them in the eternal quest for
something a tiny bit better ... or in reality ... simply "different",
as in the choices of bandwidth. It all falls under the title of
"tweeking".

It's a FINE radio! As good as most amything you can buy.

Ken Kopp - K0PP
[hidden email]
or
[hidden email]

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Chuck Gehring

RE: K2 Modifications

In reply to this post by wsm-3

Scott N5SM Wrote:
" Would someone please tell me why I shouldn't put this thing up for
sale on Ebay in the unopened box?"

Scott, I would venture to say that for every question and problem you see
posted there are hundreds maybe thousands of us who haven't had a problem,
other than a poor solder connection during construction. My K2 worked first
time out and I have the KPA-100, KAT-100, 4-band KX1 and various other
Elecraft Projects, everything working like a champ. I understand your
apprehension, my KX1 was my first kit ever and I was shaking like a dog
crapping peach seeds with worry that I had blown a couple of hundred
dollars. The fine folks at Elecraft and the great folks on this reflector
will help you out, if you need it.
Hand in there and I think you will really enjoy the journey.
73 K2CG
Chuck G.

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Mike Short

RE: K2 Modifications

In reply to this post by wsm-3

Because if you take your time assembling it, you will end up with a
transceiver that performs
Better than a $3K Japanese rig. The other rigs have their problems as well,
it is just that you don't
Hear about them, because they are problems that can't be corrected easily.
They just become part of the
"character" of the rig. The only issues I have had with mine were self
inflicted, solder joints, etc.

Get the Rework eliminators, and that will eliminate the need to
solder/unsolder anything on your K2.

Another factor to look at is that most of the people who hang out on this
reflector are not appliance operators.
We try to understand what our radio is doing, and why. If you think people
here complain, look at the TenTec reflector.
Waayy more complaints about everything.

You have not made a mistake in ordering a K2. You will be very happy with
its performance.

Mike
AI4NS

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of [hidden email]
Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2006 8:14 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Modifications

I ordered my K2 before I joined this forum, and now that I did, I am
thinking maybe I shouldn't have ordered it. It hasn't been delivered
yet.
Is everyone having trouble with them as it sounds on this froum? Why
is it necessary for all the modifications that are being done to them?

What's all this about completely removing RFC10 from the KPA100? Did
Elecraft do a bad job of designing this thing?

I just ordered the basic unit plus the noise blanker, and was
planning on adding the kpa100, and the KSB2 ssb unit later. I had
the understanding that these two options were plug in boards, but
it sounds like a rebuild to add anything. I have always hesitated to
take components out of a circuit board because there is a good chance
that damage to the board might occur.

Will a new kit that I just ordered four days ago need modifications,
and if so, how will I know what modifications I will need to do?

Would someone please tell me why I shouldn't put this thing up for
sale on Ebay in the unopened box?

Thanks
Scott N5SM

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johnny-52

RE: K2 Modifications

In reply to this post by wsm-3

Hi Scott,

If you really don't like it, I shall take K2 from you at 80% of the
original price, hihi.

No, you have no need to worry. The modifications are for some limited
cases and some personal preference. I built K2 since s/n 1146 to s/n 4597.
Even the oldest one without any modification can function pretty well.

If you have ordered the latest s/n, all the required modifications have
already been included in the kit.

Just enjoy your building and come back to this forum if you need help. We
have a number of experienced Elecrafter here. If you want personal
approach to solve your technical problems, please send your email to Gary
of the support team. I guarantee you get a precise and quick response.

No worry, my friend, just heat up your soldering iron - better have one
with fine point and temperature control.

cheers,

Johnny Siu VR2XMC

From: [hidden email]
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Modifications
Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2006 20:14:14 -0600

I ordered my K2 before I joined this forum, and now that I did, I am
thinking maybe I shouldn't have ordered it. It hasn't been delivered
yet.
Is everyone having trouble with them as it sounds on this froum? Why
is it necessary for all the modifications that are being done to them?

What's all this about completely removing RFC10 from the KPA100? Did
Elecraft do a bad job of designing this thing?

I just ordered the basic unit plus the noise blanker, and was
planning on adding the kpa100, and the KSB2 ssb unit later. I had
the understanding that these two options were plug in boards, but
it sounds like a rebuild to add anything. I have always hesitated to
take components out of a circuit board because there is a good chance
that damage to the board might occur.

Will a new kit that I just ordered four days ago need modifications,
and if so, how will I know what modifications I will need to do?

Would someone please tell me why I shouldn't put this thing up for
sale on Ebay in the unopened box?

Thanks
Scott N5SM

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Darwin, Keith

RE: Elecraft Junk (K2 Modifications)

In reply to this post by wsm-3

Hey Scott,

Maybe you *should* put that unopened kit on e-bay! You could instead
buy another rig that is a true black box. One that you can't get inside
of to fix and one that has a lower reliability rate. Something less
mature with more issues. And you'd get to spend more money in the
process!

Sarcasm aside, I understand your concern, but remember, this reflector
is like the Dr's waiting room. If you hang out there you'll soon
believe that every one is sick. What you see here is the list of
Elecraft stuff that people are having problems with. Nearly all of the
"I'm having problems" posts are self inflicted issues. Cold solder
joints, poorly prepared toroids, parts inserted wrong, assembly
instructions skipped, settings wrong, etc. There are MANY people and
even some idiots like myself who were able to build the K2 with no
issues. Worked right the first time and is still going strong.

How strong? Strong enough that it has replaced the IC-735, TenTec Omni
V, Kenwood TS-830s as my only rig.

A couple of thoughts:

1. Rework Eliminators - these are great. Many of the K2 options
require a small mod to the K2. If you don't want to do those mods, get
the Rework Eliminators. With RE, you do all the option mods at the time
of initial build. Then when you add options later, you indeed just plug
them in. Sweet.

2. Prewound Toroids - Another fabulous thing. Toroids can be awk to
wind and tin. If not properly tinned, problems with the kit go up. For
a fair price, you can buy toroids already wound and tinned and they're a
thing of beauty to boot. Small price to pay for a first class
construction job IMHO.

As to Elecraft building Junk, while their stuff isn't perfect
(surprise!), it is pretty darn good. The K2 has the benefit of being a
well established design with a lot of miles under it's belt. There have
been several minor upgrades to the rig and what we're buying today is a
refined, tried & true rig that has fabulous RX and TX performance and
far fewer issues or rough edges than many new commercially built rigs.
No key clicks on TX, no major issues on RX, no need to do HW reset when
the rig locks up, no problems with the keyer stealing cycles away from
the DSP, etc.

- Keith N1AS -

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

I ordered my K2 before I joined this forum, and now that I did, I am
thinking maybe I shouldn't have ordered it. It hasn't been delivered
yet.
Is everyone having trouble with them as it sounds on this froum? Why is
it necessary for all the modifications that are being done to them?

What's all this about completely removing RFC10 from the KPA100? Did
Elecraft do a bad job of designing this thing?

I just ordered the basic unit plus the noise blanker, and was planning
on adding the kpa100, and the KSB2 ssb unit later. I had the
understanding that these two options were plug in boards, but it sounds
like a rebuild to add anything. I have always hesitated to take
components out of a circuit board because there is a good chance that
damage to the board might occur.

Will a new kit that I just ordered four days ago need modifications, and
if so, how will I know what modifications I will need to do?

Would someone please tell me why I shouldn't put this thing up for sale
on Ebay in the unopened box?

Thanks
Scott N5SM
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Dave Van Wallaghen

RE: K2 Modifications

In reply to this post by wsm-3

Scott,

I am a new ham that just got back into radio after a 30 some year hiatus. I
like you joined the reflector about the same time I purchased the kit. I did
however spend about two years looking at the K2 and Elecraft in general
before making my purchase decision. After reading many favorable reviews of
the Elecraft line products as well as their service, I made my decision to
jump in.
I worked in the computer IT field for many years and subscribed to a lot of
forums for the various tools I used. After awhile, you get the feeling that
they are simply there for what they are intended for. To give users a medium
that allows for the exchange of ideas, tweaking and honing of skills, and
sometimes a better way to skin the cat - and not just a place to read about
all the bad news. This reflector is no different.
As has already been said, there are many on this reflector who are highly
competent engineers, techs, operators and just plain good people who think
out of the box and are looking for (or at least discussing) ways to improve
a device that they themselves spent many hours assembling, testing and
operating. Each of us feels a great deal of ownership in these radios even
if we didn't design it from scratch.
With all that being said, my experience with my K2 was fantastic. I really
didn't have any problems with building, testing or operating it (it is a
fully loaded K2 with the KPA100 and a KAT100). I did destroy a couple of
fragile parts that I man handled (totally my fault) and they were quickly
replaced by the fine staff at Elecraft.
As has been stated, most of the problems are self inflicted which you would
expect since these fine radios are constructed by the buyer. If this happens
during your assembly, this reflector and the service staff at Elecraft are
great resources in helping resolve any issues.
My only regret is that since this is my first radio, I really don't have
anything to compare it to. I really like my K2 and feel that it performs
very well, and everything I've read here backs that up. My guess is that I'm
getting spoiled using it everyday and that when I get a chance to use
something else in its price class, I may very well be disappointed ;-)
Anyway, I hope this calms your fears. The K2 is a well engineered machine
and I think you'll have many great years using it. Besides, if I can build
something like this without lighting my house on fire, I'm sure anyone can
;-)

Take care and 73,
Dave W8FGU

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email] [mailto:elecraft-
> [hidden email]] On Behalf Of [hidden email]
> Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2006 9:14 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Modifications
>
> I ordered my K2 before I joined this forum, and now that I did, I am
> thinking maybe I shouldn't have ordered it. It hasn't been delivered
> yet.
> Is everyone having trouble with them as it sounds on this froum? Why
> is it necessary for all the modifications that are being done to them?
>
> What's all this about completely removing RFC10 from the KPA100? Did
> Elecraft do a bad job of designing this thing?
>
> I just ordered the basic unit plus the noise blanker, and was
> planning on adding the kpa100, and the KSB2 ssb unit later. I had
> the understanding that these two options were plug in boards, but
> it sounds like a rebuild to add anything. I have always hesitated to
> take components out of a circuit board because there is a good chance
> that damage to the board might occur.
>
> Will a new kit that I just ordered four days ago need modifications,
> and if so, how will I know what modifications I will need to do?
>
> Would someone please tell me why I shouldn't put this thing up for
> sale on Ebay in the unopened box?
>
> Thanks
> Scott N5SM
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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

Arie Kleingeld PA3A

RE: K2 Modifications

In reply to this post by wsm-3

Scott,

I have recently built the basic K2, noise blanker, antenna tuner, DSP
and SSB unit.

All worked the first time. I am still impressed by the design of the
kit, absolutely wonderful. There were some modifications necessary when
I put in the SSB unit. On the other hand, the mods were very easy. It
is still not perfect but which rig is? Anyway, the modification
necessary to bring the rig to pretty basic specs (bring a good ssb
signal) should not have been necessary. That's the only thing that
bothers me about the K2. I have no experience with the 100W PA....yet.

Is it good value for money, well that depends.
If I buy the 100W kit, the total cost of the complete K2/100 is more
than twice the cost of a Yeasu FT-857D.
(Why I bought the K2 in the first place? Got it from e-bay unbuilt for a
good price)

Am I satisfied with the K2: CW definitely!! SSB: so-so. The RX is nice.
It gave me much pleasure to build it. It gave the same good feeling as
building my Heathkit HW-8 31 yrs ago.
So, if I were you: build it, don't sell it.

73,
Arie PA3A

-----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
Van: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] Namens [hidden email]
Verzonden: maandag 13 november 2006 3:14
Aan: [hidden email]
Onderwerp: [Elecraft] K2 Modifications

I ordered my K2 before I joined this forum, and now that I did, I am
thinking maybe I shouldn't have ordered it. It hasn't been delivered
yet.
Is everyone having trouble with them as it sounds on this froum? Why is
it necessary for all the modifications that are being done to them?

What's all this about completely removing RFC10 from the KPA100? Did
Elecraft do a bad job of designing this thing?

I just ordered the basic unit plus the noise blanker, and was planning
on adding the kpa100, and the KSB2 ssb unit later. I had the
understanding that these two options were plug in boards, but it sounds
like a rebuild to add anything. I have always hesitated to take
components out of a circuit board because there is a good chance that
damage to the board might occur.

Will a new kit that I just ordered four days ago need modifications, and
if so, how will I know what modifications I will need to do?

Would someone please tell me why I shouldn't put this thing up for sale
on Ebay in the unopened box?

Thanks
Scott N5SM

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Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
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_______________________________________________
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Tom McCulloch

Re: K2 Modifications

In reply to this post by wsm-3

Hi Scott,

I think 90% of what are reading is guys who are very enthusiastic about their K2's and guys who like to fiddle around with things. After all if you build the rig yourself you have a certain comfort level about going inside and poking around (which, at least as far as I'm concerned, I can't say about my Yeasu and Icom rigs).

When this list started it was considered an innovation to be able to sit at home and build a kit whith the knowledge and comfort that if anything should go wrong (free) help was just an e-mail away. I used it when I had a question and the guys are very knowledgable about the Elecraft equipment and always willing to help.

You have ordered a very well designed rig with well thought out instructions, which underwent significant modifications around the time serial number 3,000 was produced. As someone else pointed out, over 5,000 of these have been built by almost that many hams.

About the only real problem I had when building the rig was that I was sorry when it finished.

Enjoy building and operating your K2 and let us know how it goes.

Tom, WB2QDG
K2 1103

-------------- Original message ----------------------
From: [hidden email]

> I ordered my K2 before I joined this forum, and now that I did, I am
> thinking maybe I shouldn't have ordered it. It hasn't been delivered
> yet.
> Is everyone having trouble with them as it sounds on this froum? Why
> is it necessary for all the modifications that are being done to them?
>
> What's all this about completely removing RFC10 from the KPA100? Did
> Elecraft do a bad job of designing this thing?
>
> I just ordered the basic unit plus the noise blanker, and was
> planning on adding the kpa100, and the KSB2 ssb unit later. I had
> the understanding that these two options were plug in boards, but
> it sounds like a rebuild to add anything. I have always hesitated to
> take components out of a circuit board because there is a good chance
> that damage to the board might occur.
>
> Will a new kit that I just ordered four days ago need modifications,
> and if so, how will I know what modifications I will need to do?
>
> Would someone please tell me why I shouldn't put this thing up for
> sale on Ebay in the unopened box?
>
> Thanks
> Scott N5SM
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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

Don Wilhelm-3

RE: K2 Modifications

In reply to this post by wsm-3

Scott,

Not to worry - Your recently ordered K2 contains all the latest
modifications - and if ordered after the 2nd week of September, a KPA100 kit
has the latest update included too. All you need to do is follow the
instructions in the manual(s).

Elecraft has incorporated all the desirable changes that deal with normal
operation of the K2 in the basic design - only those with older K2s have to
consider whether they wish to add the upgrades or not.

As for the fuss about the KPA100 - it was found that a few folks had trouble
with an oscillation when 40 meters was selected, but this condition only
occurred for some folks and only occurred when the KAT100 was being used as
well. In any case, if you have not yet received your kits, the new design
is included.

One thing that Elecraft has done over the life of the K2 (and other kits) is
to ship the new units with the changes included, and also to offer an
upgrade kit to those with older kits so that they may be upgraded to the
latest level.

I have K2 SN 00020 from the initial K2 Field Test, and I have kept it up to
date with all the revisions. I will put my SN 00020 up against any new K2
and would expect it to perform just as well as the new ones - it is
electrically compatible and I can also say that despite all the upgrades, it
does not look 'messy' by any means. That speaks of quality in the initial
design as well as added quality in the subsequent mods.

Yes, there are other mods that are not included in the current K2 design. I
would point to the N0SS tuning indicator and to my K2 Fixed Audio Output.
These add operating enhancements to the K2 that can be added if desired, but
they are not for everyone. If you have special needs, then you may want to
consider some of these mods, but some change the operation of the K2 in ways
that may not be applicable for most operators. A good example of a mod
which changes the operation of the K2 is the CW PTT mod which I authored -
it defeats the QSK operation of the K2, but is a great help to those who
need to prevent RF output until something else happens, such as the VHF
folks who run a sequencer to transfer pre-amps and other devices before RF
can be applied to the transmit chain. Choose from these mods if you have
needs that match the purpose of the mod - they are not for everyone.

73,
Don W3FPR

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

>
> I ordered my K2 before I joined this forum, and now that I did, I am
> thinking maybe I shouldn't have ordered it=2E It hasn't been delivered
> yet=2E=20
> Is everyone having trouble with them as it sounds on this froum=3F Why
> is it necessary for all the modifications that are being done to them=3F
> Mime-Version: 1.0
> Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
>
> What's all this about completely removing RFC10 from the KPA100=3F Did
> Elecraft do a bad job of designing this thing=3F
>
> ..... snip ...
> Will a new kit that I just ordered four days ago need modifications,
> and if so, how will I know what modifications I will need to do=3F
>
>

Fred (FL)

Re: K2 Modifications

In reply to this post by wsm-3

Scott -

The K2 is a great kit, a very nice transceiver.
I built K2 # 54xx in spring 06. It went pretty
much without a hitch, and at every build stage -
it came thru fine and all specs were right. Great
feeling.

One fact you might want to consider - Elecraft Inc.
really doesn't have a "Service Department" per se.
They go to great lengths to discourage anyone from
sending a K2 back to them, for service or repairs.
Their philosophy is pretty much self help, email
help, or great help from the experts on the
elecraft BB. When I finished mine - I thought
for a time, that after I finished it - I would send
it back to Elecraft for a professional factory
alignment and checkout. NO they said.

I think most Elecraft K1 and K2 builder/owners
are tinkerers at heart, as many, if not most
hams are. So it works for them.

I also have a new IC-706MKIIG Icom transceiver.
I don't think a typical owner ham would want to
get to far into that rig and fix it themselves. Not
unless they have a major service bench in their
home. Fortunately they have several major
U.S. service centers - and a 1 year buyer
warranty. A current 706 has probably a couple
hundreds or more SMD surface micro devices
soldered almost everywhere.

The K2, on the contrary, is built very modular
and very logical - everything in its place. With
almost NO WIRING cables inside - it all just
flows board to board, device to device. A great
design from the start. The K2 also is not a do
everything rig (HF, VHF, UHF, etc.)

... and if you build it, your K2 will become
very familiar to you ... and you will know it inside
and out! A very satisfying feeling for a ham.

Good Luck
Fred
N3CSY

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