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K2 Options

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Edward A. Dauer

K2 Options

Still exploring options for a backup rig for the K3. (The KX3 stays at the other QTH.) Began looking into the K2. The build sounds interesting. One choice that has to be made is between the KDSP2 DSP filter and the KAF2 audio filter and clock. Apparently it has to be one or the other - not both. Any advice about that choice? Anyone who chose one now wish they had done the other? In case it matters I plan to operate CW only, and would probably go for the internal KPA100 and the external KAT100. Thanks for whatever counsel might be offered . . .

Ted, KN1CBR
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Vic Rosenthal

Re: K2 Options

I had both but ended up keeping the audio filter. I think it's a matter
of personal taste, so if you have the opportunity to try a K2 with those
options, it's worthwhile.

73,
Vic, 4X6GP/K2VCO
Rehovot, Israel
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/

On 7 Sep 2015 06:45, Dauer, Edward wrote:

>
> Still exploring options for a backup rig for the K3. (The KX3 stays
> at the other QTH.) Began looking into the K2. The build sounds
> interesting. One choice that has to be made is between the KDSP2 DSP
> filter and the KAF2 audio filter and clock. Apparently it has to be
> one or the other - not both. Any advice about that choice? Anyone
> who chose one now wish they had done the other? In case it matters I
> plan to operate CW only, and would probably go for the internal
> KPA100 and the external KAT100. Thanks for whatever counsel might be
> offered . . .
>
> Ted, KN1CBR

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Leroy

Re: K2 Options

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

I have built every K2 option there is. Definitely the KDSP2 is the way to
go. If you are going CW only, the QRO options are not needed, unless you
are severely antenna restricted.

Leroy AB7CE
K2 serial number 40

-----Original Message-----
From: Dauer, Edward
Sent: Sunday, September 06, 2015 9:45 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Options

Still exploring options for a backup rig for the K3. (The KX3 stays at the
other QTH.) Began looking into the K2. The build sounds interesting. One
choice that has to be made is between the KDSP2 DSP filter and the KAF2
audio filter and clock. Apparently it has to be one or the other - not
both. Any advice about that choice? Anyone who chose one now wish they had
done the other? In case it matters I plan to operate CW only, and would
probably go for the internal KPA100 and the external KAT100. Thanks for
whatever counsel might be offered . . .

Ted, KN1CBR
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Jim Brown-10

Re: K2 Options

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

On Sun,9/6/2015 8:45 PM, Dauer, Edward wrote:
> Began looking into the K2. The build sounds interesting.

I would do this ONLY if you really want to do the build. Otherwise, go
with one of the many used K3s coming on the market, or if the cost is
too much, with a TS590S.

The K2 is pretty big step down from a K3 or KX3 -- it was designed
before the turn of the century! By 2007 when the K3 hit the street,
Wayne had learned a lot and had a lot of far more powerful components to
work with.

73, Jim K9YC
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Phil Wheeler-2

Re: K2 Options

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

I had both and use the DSP; a bit tricky to adjust
though, but there is a user's guide to it
somewhere (on the Elecraft website, I think). Once
adjusted well the DSP is excellent.

Phil W7OX

On 9/6/15 8:45 PM, Dauer, Edward wrote:
> Still exploring options for a backup rig for the K3. (The KX3 stays at the other QTH.) Began looking into the K2. The build sounds interesting. One choice that has to be made is between the KDSP2 DSP filter and the KAF2 audio filter and clock. Apparently it has to be one or the other - not both. Any advice about that choice? Anyone who chose one now wish they had done the other? In case it matters I plan to operate CW only, and would probably go for the internal KPA100 and the external KAT100. Thanks for whatever counsel might be offered . . .
>
> Ted, KN1CBR

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Phil Wheeler-2

Re: K2 Options

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

Jim,

I tend to agree, though the K2 is still a very
credible rig. The K3 replaced mine as my main
station radio in early 2014. Used K3 or even the
TS-590S would be a good choice.

"it was designed before the turn of the century!"
makes it sound like Marconi used it :-)

73, Phil W7OX

On 9/6/15 9:27 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

> On Sun,9/6/2015 8:45 PM, Dauer, Edward wrote:
>> Began looking into the K2. The build sounds
>> interesting.
>
> I would do this ONLY if you really want to do
> the build. Otherwise, go with one of the many
> used K3s coming on the market, or if the cost is
> too much, with a TS590S.
>
> The K2 is pretty big step down from a K3 or KX3
> -- it was designed before the turn of the
> century! By 2007 when the K3 hit the street,
> Wayne had learned a lot and had a lot of far
> more powerful components to work with.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC

Chuck Teague

Re: K2 Options

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

I've got to agree with Jim. I have both the K2 and K3. I enjoyed building my K2 as much as anything I've done in ham radio, and I still find ways to get in there and mess with it. It is a fine radio, BUT--the K3 is better in every respect IMHO. There are great bargains in used K3's coming on the market almost daily.

However, if you decide on the K2, I would go for the DSP over the KAF. It is more versatile, but does have a different sound.

Chuck Teague
NN7U

Chuck Teague
NN7U

Al Gulseth-2

Re: K2 Options

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

Ted,

If you do decide to go the K2 route with the KPA100/KAT100, you might consider
putting them _both_ external in one package via the EC2 enclosure.

Check Alan W3DVX's site:
http://wilcoxengineering.com/kpa100-in-ec2/

OR

Ken KE4RG's blog:
http://ke4rg.blogspot.com/2015/03/assembling-and-using-kpa100kat100-ec2.html

73, Al

On Sun September 6 2015 10:45:13 pm Dauer, Edward wrote:

> Still exploring options for a backup rig for the K3. (The KX3 stays at
> the other QTH.) Began looking into the K2. The build sounds interesting.
> One choice that has to be made is between the KDSP2 DSP filter and the
> KAF2 audio filter and clock. Apparently it has to be one or the other -
> not both. Any advice about that choice? Anyone who chose one now wish
> they had done the other? In case it matters I plan to operate CW only, and
> would probably go for the internal KPA100 and the external KAT100. Thanks
> for whatever counsel might be offered . . .
>
> Ted, KN1CBR
> ______________________________________________________________
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Kenneth Christiansen

Re: K2 Options

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

Hi Ted and the group

I built my K2 in the spring of 2000 and put in most every option that was offered. I had the KAF2 first and kept it when I bought the KDSP2. I am glad I kept it as after a year or so I went back from the KDSP2 to the KAF2. I just never did like the sound of the KDSP2 and after I went back to the KAF2 was never sorry. I now have my K3 and KX3 so gave my K2 and all accessories to a local high school radio club after using it camping for 13 years. They are still using it and having a good time.

73 and good luck. Audio reception is personal so I have no way of knowing what would work out best for you.

Sent from my iPad

> On Sep 6, 2015, at 10:45 PM, Dauer, Edward <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>
> Still exploring options for a backup rig for the K3. (The KX3 stays at the other QTH.) Began looking into the K2. The build sounds interesting. One choice that has to be made is between the KDSP2 DSP filter and the KAF2 audio filter and clock. Apparently it has to be one or the other - not both. Any advice about that choice? Anyone who chose one now wish they had done the other? In case it matters I plan to operate CW only, and would probably go for the internal KPA100 and the external KAT100. Thanks for whatever counsel might be offered . . .
>
> Ted, KN1CBR
> ______________________________________________________________
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>

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: K2 Options

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

Dauer,

If you operate mostly CW, you will find the KAF2 quite adequate.
But if you operate SSB in crowded band conditions (contests mostly), you
will want to go with the KDSP2.
Both have the Real Time Clock included.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/6/2015 11:45 PM, Dauer, Edward wrote:
> Still exploring options for a backup rig for the K3. (The KX3 stays at the other QTH.) Began looking into the K2. The build sounds interesting. One choice that has to be made is between the KDSP2 DSP filter and the KAF2 audio filter and clock. Apparently it has to be one or the other - not both. Any advice about that choice? Anyone who chose one now wish they had done the other? In case it matters I plan to operate CW only, and would probably go for the internal KPA100 and the external KAT100. Thanks for whatever counsel might be offered . . .
>

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Edward A. Dauer

FW: K2 Options

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

Yep, I thought about that - as soon as the K3S came out.

But the K2 costs less; it offers more kit building, which I enjoy; and it
would be easier to answer for when the XYL asks ³Why do you need TWO of
those?"

Ted, KN1CBR

>
>
>On 9/6/15, 11:01 PM, "Nr4c" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>>Get another K3.
>>
>>Sent from my iPhone
>>...nr4c. bill
>>
>>
>>> On Sep 6, 2015, at 11:45 PM, Dauer, Edward <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> Still exploring options for a backup rig for the K3. (The KX3 stays
>>>at the other QTH.) Began looking into the K2. The build sounds
>>>interesting. One choice that has to be made is between the KDSP2 DSP
>>>filter and the KAF2 audio filter and clock. Apparently it has to be one
>>>or the other - not both. Any advice about that choice? Anyone who
>>>chose one now wish they had done the other? In case it matters I plan
>>>to operate CW only, and would probably go for the internal KPA100 and
>>>the external KAT100. Thanks for whatever counsel might be offered . . .
>>>
>>> Ted, KN1CBR
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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-4

Re: FW: K2 Options

The basic K2 is less than the price of a K3/K3S, but consider that the
K3/K3S is an all mode 160 thru 6 meter transceiver, including AM and FM
modes, and uses DSP for modulation/demodulation and filtering as well as
most of the other functions, making it an SDR transceiver that can be
upgraded with no-cost firmware downloads.

The basic K2 is CW only for 80 thru 10 meters (but not 60 meters). If
you add all the options to give it the full 160 thru 10 meter band
capability (6 meters must use an external transverter), SSB, Noise
Blanker, and audio DSP filtering, you will have a total price that
approaches the K3/K3S, but you still have to build it. If you ask one
of the builders for hire to build it for you, the price can even exceed
that of the K3 (depending on your chosen options). It will not do AM or
FM, and will not receive very far outside the ham bands.

The K3/K3S can be used for general coverage receive with the addition of
the KBPF3, so if general coverage is part of your desires, the K3/K3S is
your only choice.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/7/2015 9:07 AM, Dauer, Edward wrote:
>
> Yep, I thought about that - as soon as the K3S came out.
>
> But the K2 costs less; it offers more kit building, which I enjoy; and it
> would be easier to answer for when the XYL asks ³Why do you need TWO of
> those?"

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WA2SI

Re: FW: K2 Options

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

Although the K3 has better specs than the venerable K2, I have read that, particularly for CW, the K2's receiver is more pleasurable to "listen to." The KAF2 was specifically mentioned.

Vy 73 de Bert
WA2SI

Sent from my android device.
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Edward A. Dauer

K2 Options

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

Re the filter options for a new K2 -

Thanks to all who replied, both on-list and off. Very helpful, as always.

The order goes in today.

Ted, KN1CBR
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Jim Brown-10

Re: FW: K2 Options

In reply to this post by WA2SI

On Mon,9/7/2015 6:48 AM, Bert Craig wrote:
> Although the K3 has better specs than the venerable K2, I have read that, particularly for CW, the K2's receiver is more pleasurable to "listen to."

The K2 on SSB sounds fine when set for the full bandwidth TX filter, but
just awful when set for narrower bandwidths when listening through the
stagger-tuned crystal filter. I've always found the K3 to sound good no
matter what.

73, Jim K9YC
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Phil Wheeler-2

Re: FW: K2 Options

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

Great fun to build, Ted. When I "finished" my K2 I
was almost sad to see the project go. But it was 4
years or so of fun, from mid-1999 thru 2003 or so,
as the new options (SSB, KPA100, etc.) came
available. And since then some upgrades, here and
there -- even some 3rd party add-ins. The K2, as
it has turned out, is the last major ham radio
kit. I don't expect that to change, now that
thru-hole parts are largely supplanted by SMT. So
take your time and enjoy it to the fullest.

73, Phil W7OX

On 9/7/15 6:07 AM, Dauer, Edward wrote:
>
> Yep, I thought about that - as soon as the K3S came out.
>
> But the K2 costs less; it offers more kit building, which I enjoy; and it
> would be easier to answer for when the XYL asks ³Why do you need TWO of
> those?"
>
>
> Ted, KN1CBR

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daleputnam

Re: FW: K2 Options

As we all get better with SMD.. I hope more kits come along that we can build using that technology.
There are some small kits available today, but it would be great to see some of the Elecraft kits available
with smd. Maybe use the dummy load kit as a primer, then the KAF2 could be easily converted to SMD, for
one example.

Have a great day,

--... ...--
Dale - WC7S in Wy

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Phil Kane-2

Re: K2 Options

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

On 9/6/2015 8:45 PM, Dauer, Edward wrote:

> In case it matters I plan to operate CW only, and would probably go
> for the internal KPA100 and the external KAT100. Thanks for whatever
> counsel might be offered . . .

That's the set-up that I have and have been pleased with it (the rig
never leaves the house). Too bad the antenna setup here is nowhere near
what the rig deserves.

73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402

From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest
Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon
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Jim Low man

Re: K2 Options

In reply to this post by Phil Wheeler-2

The K2 is still handy for Field Day.
Until recently, our QRP group was almost 100% K2s.

A KX3 has since made an appearance, and one fellow brings his K3.

Maybe it would be better to say that the K2 design is almost 20 years old.

73 de Jim - AD6CW

On 9/6/2015 9:36 PM, Phil Wheeler wrote:

> Jim,
>
> I tend to agree, though the K2 is still a very credible rig. The K3
> replaced mine as my main station radio in early 2014. Used K3 or even
> the TS-590S would be a good choice.
>
> "it was designed before the turn of the century!" makes it sound like
> Marconi used it :-)
>
> 73, Phil W7OX
>

Phil Wheeler-2

Re: FW: K2 Options

In reply to this post by daleputnam

Well, Dale, I'm set up for SMD, and can do it, but
I don't regard it as "fun". Too easy to sneeze and
lose parts which are hard to see at any distance.
My nerves and vision are not what they were 10-15
years ago, either; I think that's what they call
"aging" :-)

73, Phil W7OX

On 9/7/15 9:56 AM, Dale Putnam wrote:

> As we all get better with SMD.. I hope more kits
> come along that we can build using that technology.
> There are some small kits available today, but
> it would be great to see some of the Elecraft
> kits available
> with smd. Maybe use the dummy load kit as a
> primer, then the KAF2 could be easily converted
> to SMD, for
> one example.
>
> Have a great day,
>
>
> --... ...-- Dale - WC7S in Wy
>
>
>