K2 - Revival of a resting one...

[Jon-2]

Hello all!

Long time no mailing list...   I have a nice, vintage K2,  that I want
to spruce up, tune up, and bring back to it's full MOJO.   Kind of a
it's not dead yet,  it's just resting.   Actually, it's been in use, off
and on over the years,  am now getting more serious about plying the
airwaves.

Been looking over the various places of K2 lore, for updates and so
forth,  Sverre's site, Don's, and of course the Elecraft site.

First order of business ,  is it possible to have my S/N looked up?  
Found a database that I don't seem to be in,  found that the Elecraft
list archives go back to 2001,  but I'm not finding a post of mine in
there,  so hopefully the Elecraft Records Repository would still contain
it somewhere. Then I can proudly post it on the bottom of my mails, like
it was done back in the day.  ;-)

Next,  I have a range of boards for it, the NB, SSB, Antenna tuner, 160m
antenna, and just built my long languishing KIO2 kit, to bring this
K2-10 into the 21 (20th?) century.   I have started to go thru them and
see if I have all the mods and etc that should be done on them,  have
done many already,  but back about '03-04.  Guess this is just a matter
of looking things up,  though I have a few questions there and probably
will have more.

Another next,  I've been having difficulty checking to see which
versions of firmware are the latest,  and what the various versions
add.  Is there a version change log or something like that?

Here's what I have so far,  looks like the two main ones are down a
bit,  but I don't know what I'm missing,  or if I really need the updates.

MCU    2.01f
RF        1.02
KSB2    1.04
ATU     1.03 f

Here's the PCB versions marked on the boards:

Main     rev A
Control rev A
ATU     rev C (note, the board does NOT match the picture of the recent
note stating some cut and jumper rework should be done on a rev C)
NB and 160m  rev D
SSB    don't have,  will have to yank it to read

So, the beginning of a journey.   Will greatly appreciate whatever tips
and directions I could be pointed in.

Jon - KA6MOK   K2 #????
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[Don Wilhelm]

Jon,

I don't think the serial number information for older K2s is still
available from Elecraft.

As for the upgrades, I suggest you download the instructions for the K2
A to B upgrade.  That is only the basic upgrade.  The 1st page of the
instructions lists several other upgrade kits.  Download the
instructions for each of them to determine which (if any) have been
installed on your K2.  Installing all of them will give you a K2 that is
almost equal to a new K2.

In addition, changing the IF crystals to the current crystals will
improve the filters on your K2.  If you have the KSB2 board, change
those crystals as well - Elecraft sells a set of 14 matched crystals for
the K2 and KSB2 as well as a set of 7 for the base K2 only.
While you have the crystals off the KSB2 board, it is easy to change the
filter capacitors to extend the filter bandpass from the original 2.1kHs
to the new 2.4kHz - the capacitor kit is SSBCAPKT.

As far as firmware, upgrade the MCU and KIO ICs to the new version.  The
only other firmware upgrade that is needed may be the KSB2 which should
be upgraded if you ever add the KPA100.

The KAT2 wiring change was only valid for a short run of boards when the
vendor printed the boards upside-down.

Download the KSB2 PSK mod instructions to see if you have the updated
resistor and capacitor changes - if not, change them.

If all that is done, your K2 will perform like a new one.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/12/2018 2:28 AM, Jon wrote:

> Hello all!
>
> Long time no mailing list...   I have a nice, vintage K2,  that I want
> to spruce up, tune up, and bring back to it's full MOJO.   Kind of a
> it's not dead yet,  it's just resting.   Actually, it's been in use, off
> and on over the years,  am now getting more serious about plying the
> airwaves.
>
> Been looking over the various places of K2 lore, for updates and so
> forth,  Sverre's site, Don's, and of course the Elecraft site.
>
> First order of business ,  is it possible to have my S/N looked up?
> Found a database that I don't seem to be in,  found that the Elecraft
> list archives go back to 2001,  but I'm not finding a post of mine in
> there,  so hopefully the Elecraft Records Repository would still contain
> it somewhere. Then I can proudly post it on the bottom of my mails, like
> it was done back in the day.  ;-)
>
> Next,  I have a range of boards for it, the NB, SSB, Antenna tuner, 160m
> antenna, and just built my long languishing KIO2 kit, to bring this
> K2-10 into the 21 (20th?) century.   I have started to go thru them and
> see if I have all the mods and etc that should be done on them,  have
> done many already,  but back about '03-04.  Guess this is just a matter
> of looking things up,  though I have a few questions there and probably
> will have more.
>
> Another next,  I've been having difficulty checking to see which
> versions of firmware are the latest,  and what the various versions
> add.  Is there a version change log or something like that?
>
> Here's what I have so far,  looks like the two main ones are down a
> bit,  but I don't know what I'm missing,  or if I really need the updates.
>
> MCU    2.01f
> RF        1.02
> KSB2    1.04
> ATU     1.03 f
>
> Here's the PCB versions marked on the boards:
>
> Main     rev A
> Control rev A
> ATU     rev C (note, the board does NOT match the picture of the recent
> note stating some cut and jumper rework should be done on a rev C)
> NB and 160m  rev D
> SSB    don't have,  will have to yank it to read
>
> So, the beginning of a journey.   Will greatly appreciate whatever tips
> and directions I could be pointed in.
>
> Jon - KA6MOK   K2 #????
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]

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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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[Jon-2]

Hi Don...

Well,  so far I'm pretty certain I did the A > B changes,  and I did do
the IF and the SSB crystal and cap filter mods.  I'll be reading thru
that again,  in my first look I got the impression there might have been
a later, better, version of the Xtals? Wasn't sure.   PSK was just
starting out, and I recall doing the IMD improvement change. (What ever
happened to PSK-31 and keyboard ragchew contacts, anyway?  Ooops, don't
want to start anything...)

Finally building and using the KIO2 is pretty slick,  have been running
WSJT-X and monitoring some WSPR and FT8,  kinda cool to have computer
control of the rig, watch it do auto bandswitching while collecting WSPR
spots.  I still have to find the spare mic connectors I used to have
handy and build the TX half of the cabling.  Don't worry K9YC,  there
will be #31 ferrite involved...   And, I'm pretty sure I did the Pin 1
issue mods, grounding the mic shell and headphone jack solidly...

OK, the AT issue sounds like it happened after my board.  And, someday I
might get the KPA100 and do the two box setup, so the KSB2 FW update is
something to remember.

I know I used to have my S/N in posts here... kinda surprised I haven't
been able to find a single post of mine,  going back thru the reflector
site archives. I had the kit around 2000,  would think I was chatting
away into 2001 or longer,  where the archive ends.  I dont see any
easier search method than opening a month at a time though,  might be
missing them.  Anyone know if there's a more comprehensive search
method?  My S/N was in the 1500's,  if I remember right...

Definitely need to go thru my filters,  had been tweaking them a bit, 
not in the way you're supposed to,  and I know they're not right now. 
Have a few audio spectrum programs that we wish we had back then,  so
will be doing a full filter setup/alignment shortly.

Jon, KA6MOK  K2 #????


On 4/12/2018 6:35 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Jon,
>
> I don't think the serial number information for older K2s is still
> available from Elecraft.
>
> As for the upgrades, I suggest you download the instructions for the
> K2 A to B upgrade.  That is only the basic upgrade.  The 1st page of
> the instructions lists several other upgrade kits. Download the
> instructions for each of them to determine which (if any) have been
> installed on your K2.  Installing all of them will give you a K2 that
> is almost equal to a new K2.
>
> In addition, changing the IF crystals to the current crystals will
> improve the filters on your K2.  If you have the KSB2 board, change
> those crystals as well - Elecraft sells a set of 14 matched crystals
> for the K2 and KSB2 as well as a set of 7 for the base K2 only.
> While you have the crystals off the KSB2 board, it is easy to change
> the filter capacitors to extend the filter bandpass from the original
> 2.1kHs to the new 2.4kHz - the capacitor kit is SSBCAPKT.
>
> As far as firmware, upgrade the MCU and KIO ICs to the new version. 
> The only other firmware upgrade that is needed may be the KSB2 which
> should be upgraded if you ever add the KPA100.
>
> The KAT2 wiring change was only valid for a short run of boards when
> the vendor printed the boards upside-down.
>
> Download the KSB2 PSK mod instructions to see if you have the updated
> resistor and capacitor changes - if not, change them.
>
> If all that is done, your K2 will perform like a new one.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 4/12/2018 2:28 AM, Jon wrote:
>> Hello all!
>>
>> Long time no mailing list...   I have a nice, vintage K2,  that I
>> want to spruce up, tune up, and bring back to it's full MOJO.   Kind
>> of a it's not dead yet,  it's just resting. Actually, it's been in
>> use, off and on over the years,  am now getting more serious about
>> plying the airwaves.
>>
>> Been looking over the various places of K2 lore, for updates and so
>> forth,  Sverre's site, Don's, and of course the Elecraft site.
>>
>> First order of business ,  is it possible to have my S/N looked up?
>> Found a database that I don't seem to be in,  found that the Elecraft
>> list archives go back to 2001,  but I'm not finding a post of mine in
>> there,  so hopefully the Elecraft Records Repository would still
>> contain it somewhere. Then I can proudly post it on the bottom of my
>> mails, like it was done back in the day.  ;-)
>>
>> Next,  I have a range of boards for it, the NB, SSB, Antenna tuner,
>> 160m antenna, and just built my long languishing KIO2 kit, to bring
>> this K2-10 into the 21 (20th?) century.   I have started to go thru
>> them and see if I have all the mods and etc that should be done on
>> them,  have done many already,  but back about '03-04.  Guess this is
>> just a matter of looking things up,  though I have a few questions
>> there and probably will have more.
>>
>> Another next,  I've been having difficulty checking to see which
>> versions of firmware are the latest,  and what the various versions
>> add.  Is there a version change log or something like that?
>>
>> Here's what I have so far,  looks like the two main ones are down a
>> bit,  but I don't know what I'm missing,  or if I really need the
>> updates.
>>
>> MCU    2.01f
>> RF        1.02
>> KSB2    1.04
>> ATU     1.03 f
>>
>> Here's the PCB versions marked on the boards:
>>
>> Main     rev A
>> Control rev A
>> ATU     rev C (note, the board does NOT match the picture of the
>> recent note stating some cut and jumper rework should be done on a
>> rev C)
>> NB and 160m  rev D
>> SSB    don't have,  will have to yank it to read
>>
>> So, the beginning of a journey.   Will greatly appreciate whatever
>> tips and directions I could be pointed in.
>>
>> Jon - KA6MOK   K2 #????
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]

Jon,

If you want to confirm that you have the latest crystals, look at the
label - it it says 4913-S, they are the latest.

If you add the KPA100, you should have the K2 Keying Waveshape Mod.  The
keyclicks were not apparent with the K2/10, but with the added KPA100,
they became obvious.  A kit is not currently available from Elecraft,
but I can tell you which parts to order and email the instructions.
Check your Control Board.  If you have an electrolytic capacitor behind
U4, then that mod is installed.

Did you record the K2 serial number on or in the manual when you built
it?  Worth a look-see.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/12/2018 2:25 PM, Jon wrote:

> Hi Don...
>
> Well,  so far I'm pretty certain I did the A > B changes,  and I did
> do the IF and the SSB crystal and cap filter mods.  I'll be reading
> thru that again,  in my first look I got the impression there might
> have been a later, better, version of the Xtals? Wasn't sure.   PSK
> was just starting out, and I recall doing the IMD improvement change.
> (What ever happened to PSK-31 and keyboard ragchew contacts, anyway? 
> Ooops, don't want to start anything...)
>
> Finally building and using the KIO2 is pretty slick,  have been
> running WSJT-X and monitoring some WSPR and FT8,  kinda cool to have
> computer control of the rig, watch it do auto bandswitching while
> collecting WSPR spots.  I still have to find the spare mic connectors
> I used to have handy and build the TX half of the cabling.  Don't
> worry K9YC,  there will be #31 ferrite involved...   And, I'm pretty
> sure I did the Pin 1 issue mods, grounding the mic shell and headphone
> jack solidly...
>
> OK, the AT issue sounds like it happened after my board.  And, someday
> I might get the KPA100 and do the two box setup, so the KSB2 FW update
> is something to remember.
>
> I know I used to have my S/N in posts here... kinda surprised I
> haven't been able to find a single post of mine,  going back thru the
> reflector site archives. I had the kit around 2000,  would think I was
> chatting away into 2001 or longer,  where the archive ends.  I dont
> see any easier search method than opening a month at a time though, 
> might be missing them.  Anyone know if there's a more comprehensive
> search method?  My S/N was in the 1500's,  if I remember right...
>
> Definitely need to go thru my filters,  had been tweaking them a bit, 
> not in the way you're supposed to,  and I know they're not right now. 
> Have a few audio spectrum programs that we wish we had back then,  so
> will be doing a full filter setup/alignment shortly.
>
> Jon, KA6MOK  K2 #????
>
>
> On 4/12/2018 6:35 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> Jon,
>>
>> I don't think the serial number information for older K2s is still
>> available from Elecraft.
>>
>> As for the upgrades, I suggest you download the instructions for the
>> K2 A to B upgrade.  That is only the basic upgrade.  The 1st page of
>> the instructions lists several other upgrade kits. Download the
>> instructions for each of them to determine which (if any) have been
>> installed on your K2.  Installing all of them will give you a K2 that
>> is almost equal to a new K2.
>>
>> In addition, changing the IF crystals to the current crystals will
>> improve the filters on your K2.  If you have the KSB2 board, change
>> those crystals as well - Elecraft sells a set of 14 matched crystals
>> for the K2 and KSB2 as well as a set of 7 for the base K2 only.
>> While you have the crystals off the KSB2 board, it is easy to change
>> the filter capacitors to extend the filter bandpass from the original
>> 2.1kHs to the new 2.4kHz - the capacitor kit is SSBCAPKT.
>>
>> As far as firmware, upgrade the MCU and KIO ICs to the new version. 
>> The only other firmware upgrade that is needed may be the KSB2 which
>> should be upgraded if you ever add the KPA100.
>>
>> The KAT2 wiring change was only valid for a short run of boards when
>> the vendor printed the boards upside-down.
>>
>> Download the KSB2 PSK mod instructions to see if you have the updated
>> resistor and capacitor changes - if not, change them.
>>
>> If all that is done, your K2 will perform like a new one.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> On 4/12/2018 2:28 AM, Jon wrote:
>>> Hello all!
>>>
>>> Long time no mailing list...   I have a nice, vintage K2, that I
>>> want to spruce up, tune up, and bring back to it's full MOJO.   Kind
>>> of a it's not dead yet,  it's just resting. Actually, it's been in
>>> use, off and on over the years,  am now getting more serious about
>>> plying the airwaves.
>>>
>>> Been looking over the various places of K2 lore, for updates and so
>>> forth,  Sverre's site, Don's, and of course the Elecraft site.
>>>
>>> First order of business ,  is it possible to have my S/N looked up?
>>> Found a database that I don't seem to be in,  found that the
>>> Elecraft list archives go back to 2001,  but I'm not finding a post
>>> of mine in there,  so hopefully the Elecraft Records Repository
>>> would still contain it somewhere. Then I can proudly post it on the
>>> bottom of my mails, like it was done back in the day.  ;-)
>>>
>>> Next,  I have a range of boards for it, the NB, SSB, Antenna tuner,
>>> 160m antenna, and just built my long languishing KIO2 kit, to bring
>>> this K2-10 into the 21 (20th?) century.   I have started to go thru
>>> them and see if I have all the mods and etc that should be done on
>>> them,  have done many already,  but back about '03-04.  Guess this
>>> is just a matter of looking things up,  though I have a few
>>> questions there and probably will have more.
>>>
>>> Another next,  I've been having difficulty checking to see which
>>> versions of firmware are the latest,  and what the various versions
>>> add.  Is there a version change log or something like that?
>>>
>>> Here's what I have so far,  looks like the two main ones are down a
>>> bit,  but I don't know what I'm missing,  or if I really need the
>>> updates.
>>>
>>> MCU    2.01f
>>> RF        1.02
>>> KSB2    1.04
>>> ATU     1.03 f
>>>
>>> Here's the PCB versions marked on the boards:
>>>
>>> Main     rev A
>>> Control rev A
>>> ATU     rev C (note, the board does NOT match the picture of the
>>> recent note stating some cut and jumper rework should be done on a
>>> rev C)
>>> NB and 160m  rev D
>>> SSB    don't have,  will have to yank it to read
>>>
>>> So, the beginning of a journey.   Will greatly appreciate whatever
>>> tips and directions I could be pointed in.
>>>
>>> Jon - KA6MOK   K2 #????
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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]
>>
>
>

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Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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