K2 and Satellite operation
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I love chasing the LEO satellites and am looking to make some
improvements to my station. I want to us my K2 for satellite ops on FO29 and VO 52. My plan is to add the 60 m / xvtr board to the rig and use a 145 and 435 MHz receive only converters ( I already have both) for the down link. This way I can use the better K2 receive capability and another rig for uplink transmit. m Using the xvtr board should allow me to have auto switching as well as freq read out directly on the K2. Any comments or pit falls? ...Mike WA6ARA _______________________________________________ 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 |
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Hello, I would like to ask a question. If you were buying a k2, what would be the basic options you could not do without when buying the kit? Like everyone, I am on a set budget but have enough for the rig plus a little more. Wanted to get the most bang for the buck and also get the options that are really needed right out of the gate. I am looking forward to your replies. Tnx and 73 mike ku4yp _______________________________________________ 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 |
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None of them.
There are no options that I cannot do without. Stated another way, I'm pretty happy with my K2 with no options. The only option in my K2 is the AF and I currently have it switched off. I don't run SSB and don't miss it. I don't do computer control - no need for RS-232 I/O I don't have antennas for 160 or 60 meters. My antennas are resonant (or made so by a remote tuner) so I don't need/want the ATU. I don't do portable so the built-in battery is not needed. Some day I'll have the 100 watt PA, SSB board and probably 160 module just because. Until then, I'm having a lot of fun with the basic K2. - Keith KD1E - - K2 5411 - -----Original Message----- If you were buying a k2, what would be the basic options you could not do without when buying the kit? _______________________________________________ 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 |
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In reply to this post by KU4YP-2
It depends on whether you want to be CW only. If you are a phone op, then
definitely the K2SSB, but in order of importance to me I'd add the K160RX, not only does it give you 160 meters, but a receive only antenna port. The next would be the Noise Blanker, I couldn't live without mine. Gregg R. Lengling, W9DHI, Retired K2/100 SN 3075 http://www.milwaukeehdtv.org http://forums.ham-radio.ch/ ----- Original Message ----- From: "KU4YP" <[hidden email]> To: <[hidden email]> Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2006 8:51 AM Subject: [Elecraft] newbie question > > Hello, > > I would like to ask a question. If you were buying a k2, what would > be the basic options you could not do without when buying the kit? Like > everyone, I am on a set budget but have enough for the rig plus a little > more. Wanted to get the most bang for the buck and also get the options > that > are really needed right out of the gate. > > I am looking forward to your replies. > > Tnx and 73 mike ku4yp > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 _______________________________________________ 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 |
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In reply to this post by KU4YP-2
Hi Mike,
It depends on what your interests are. For CW QRP the basic K2 is plenty enough. The only other thing that is very nice is the KAT2 tuner. If you don't have this you may need a separate manual tuner. For QRP SSB add the KSB2. For 100 Watts you will need the KPA100. The KAT100 is very nice if you don't want to use a separate manual tuner. I have both in an EC2 enclosure. If you do that you also need the KIO2 so it can communicate back to the K2. Steve, W2MY -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of KU4YP I would like to ask a question. If you were buying a k2, what would be the basic options you could not do without when buying the kit? Like everyone, I am on a set budget but have enough for the rig plus a little more. Wanted to get the most bang for the buck and also get the options that are really needed right out of the gate. -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.11.7/433 - Release Date: 8/30/2006 _______________________________________________ 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 |
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In reply to this post by KU4YP-2
On 8/31/06, KU4YP <[hidden email]> wrote:
> > I would like to ask a question. If you were buying a k2, what would > be the basic options you could not do without when buying the kit? Like > everyone, I am on a set budget but have enough for the rig plus a little > more. Wanted to get the most bang for the buck and also get the options that > are really needed right out of the gate. You really need none, the K2 is a usable rig on its own. Of course many hams, myself included, like additional features. :-) It depends on how you plan to operate. If you want a QRP in the field radio then the basic model, perhaps with the built-in antenna tuner (KAT2) is likely all you need/want. If you want a more of a contest radio then KPA100 power amplifier, KNB2 noise blanker, KDSP2 DSP, KAT100 ext. tuner, and if you want the KSB2 SSB module might be the what we want. Personally, K2 with KPA100, KSB2, and KNB2 would be my first add-ons. -Michael Taylor, VE3TIX _______________________________________________ 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 |
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In reply to this post by KU4YP-2
Hi Mike,
First of all, let me tell you I don't even have a K2. That said, my advice for this (or anything else, for that matter), would be "What are you going to use the rig for?" Are you a CW op only, or do you really love operating SSB? Do you feel you will have fun without the 100W option? (you will) If you are only going to operate at home, or already have some sort of portable ATU, you can (at least temporaily) do without the ATU. Must you have 160M right now? You get the idea. Every piece of information I have heard and seen on the K2 is that it will fly wonderfully on its own. Too much solid evidence from people who have forgotten more knowledge than I will ever have says so. Good luck with your decision. Vin KR2F K1-4 s/n:1977 KX1 s/n:1476 ----- Original Message ----- From: "KU4YP" <[hidden email]> To: <[hidden email]> Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2006 9:51 AM Subject: [Elecraft] newbie question > > Hello, > > I would like to ask a question. If you were buying a k2, ... _______________________________________________ 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 |
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In reply to this post by Mike & Paula Herr
Mike,
The only pitfall that I know about is that the K2 frequency cannot be changed while transmitting. That is a problem for some installations, your requiremnts may differ. 73, Don W3FPR > -----Original Message----- > > I love chasing the LEO satellites and am looking to make some > improvements to my station. I want to us my K2 for satellite ops on FO29 > and VO 52. My plan is to add the 60 m / xvtr board to the rig and use a > 145 and 435 MHz receive only converters ( I already have both) for the > down link. This way I can use the better K2 receive capability and > another rig for uplink transmit. m Using the xvtr board should allow me > to have auto switching as well as freq read out directly on the K2. Any > comments or pit falls? > ...Mike WA6ARA > _______________________________________________ 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 |
RE: newbie question
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In reply to this post by KU4YP-2
The only really necessary option is the finger dimple (plus a source of power)!
Bob W1SRB -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]]On Behalf Of KU4YP Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2006 9:51 AM To: [hidden email] Subject: [Elecraft] newbie question Hello, I would like to ask a question. If you were buying a k2, what would be the basic options you could not do without when buying the kit? Like everyone, I am on a set budget but have enough for the rig plus a little more. Wanted to get the most bang for the buck and also get the options that are really needed right out of the gate. I am looking forward to your replies. Tnx and 73 mike ku4yp _______________________________________________ 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 _______________________________________________ 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 |
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Oh, yes, I forgot about that. I do have one option on my K2 that I
can't live without. An FT-100 knob! 73! - Keith KD1E - - K2 5411 - -----Original Message----- The only really necessary option is the finger dimple (plus a source of power)! Bob W1SRB _______________________________________________ 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 |
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In reply to this post by Solosko, Robert B (Bob)-2
Thanks to all who replied. I believe I will be sending off for the k2 with the 160 meter, dimple and the noise blanker. Thanks again and I'll post progress. 73 mike ku4yp _______________________________________________ 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 |
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In reply to this post by KU4YP-2
Mike:
It depends on what you want to do with the rig. Since you style yourself a "newbie," you can likely do without the advanced features, like the DSP. These are for more experienced operators trying to use the rig in difficult conditions. A beginner can do quite a lot with the basic rig. Whether or not you need the add-ons depends on the following questions: Do you want to operate strictly QRP? If yes, then you do not need the KPA option. QRP contacts are harder to make than QRO contacts, and a beginner will have an easier time of it with 100 watts. Nevertheless, 10-15 watts CW can be amazingly effective. (Side issue: With QRP, you can get by with a whole lot cheaper power supply than for QRO.) Do you want to work SSB, or are you strictly CW? If you want SSB capability, you need the KSB2. Are you planning to operate 160 meters? At least to start, you might not. 160 is a bit more difficult than other bands. Typically, 40 meters is the easiest place for beginners. In any case, if you want to operate 160, you need the K160RX. Unless you are planning to operate mobile, or are in an environment with a lot of machine generated noise, you can do without the KNB2. Both the KSDP2 and KAF2 are good for weak signal or pileup or other difficult settings. However, you probably do not need them at the beginning. The IF filters in the basic K2 are excellent. Unless you want to use a computer to control the radio (typically done by "go for blood" contesters, and other highly sophisticated applications), you do not need the KIO2. Unless you want to operate the 60 meter band (only 5 channels USB, and very restrictive operating rules; not a good setting for an inexperienced operator), you do not need the KX60XV. If you're either using an antenna with a low SWR, or already own a tuner, you do not need the KAT 100. Unless you are operating in a setting where commercial power is either unavailable or unreliable, you do not need battery power. In other words, you'll get lots of bang for the buck with the bare K2. Don't forget, you can easily add other features as you discover the need for them in the future. If you're planning to build it yourself, you do not want to get overwhelmed with endless construction. It would be a lot more satisfying to build the basic rig, and operate it a bit. Then you can gradually build the add-ons at your convenience 73, Steve Kercel AA4AK At 09:51 AM 8/31/2006, KU4YP wrote: >Hello, > > I would like to ask a question. If you were buying a k2, what would >be the basic options you could not do without when buying the kit? Like >everyone, I am on a set budget but have enough for the rig plus a little >more. Wanted to get the most bang for the buck and also get the options that >are really needed right out of the gate. > > I am looking forward to your replies. > > Tnx and 73 mike ku4yp > > >_______________________________________________ >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 _______________________________________________ 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 |
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Another option that I highly recommend.
Rework Eliminators. This 3rd party kit enables you to build the K2 as if it has all the options and provides simple jumper boards to populate the empty option slots. Then, when you do build / add an option, you don't have to do any rework to the board. Without the RE product, you'll have to add some parts to the K2 or maybe remove some when you add an option. Not necessarily a big deal but it does make thing smoother if you do the Res. Another recommended option is pre-wound toroids. They can certainly be done by the builder but it is more effort and more work. You may want to skip that part. - Keith KD1E - - K2 5411 (with REs) - At 09:51 AM 8/31/2006, KU4YP wrote: >what would >be the basic options you could not do without when buying the kit? _______________________________________________ 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 |
Re: K2 and Satellite operation
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In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-3
Don,
That's not really a problem, as I would use the K2 for receive only. Transmit would be by the FT817, which is ok in transmit but lacks on receive. So, with a couple of receive only converters in front of the K2, should make an excellent satellite combo. ...Mike Don Wilhelm wrote: > Mike, > > The only pitfall that I know about is that the K2 frequency cannot be > changed while transmitting. That is a problem for some installations, your > requiremnts may differ. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > > >> -----Original Message----- >> >> I love chasing the LEO satellites and am looking to make some >> improvements to my station. I want to us my K2 for satellite ops on FO29 >> and VO 52. My plan is to add the 60 m / xvtr board to the rig and use a >> 145 and 435 MHz receive only converters ( I already have both) for the >> down link. This way I can use the better K2 receive capability and >> another rig for uplink transmit. m Using the xvtr board should allow me >> to have auto switching as well as freq read out directly on the K2. Any >> comments or pit falls? >> ...Mike WA6ARA >> >> > > > _______________________________________________ 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 |
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