Re: K2 with KPA_100

[Jim KO5V]

Gene,

I have built three K2s. #1 was sold to buy a KX3, but I missed the K2 so I built another one. It was was killed by a lightening strike because some moron operator forgot to unhook, and then forgot about it...

Building this equipment has been the most fun I've had in this hobby, and it's incredibly gratifying when they come to life. Each one had its own unique "teething pains", but they were minor, and were quickly solved with the help of Don and many others on this list. I even figured out a couple of problems on my own! Electronics is a hobby, and was not my chosen profession - although I had a lot of exposure to many kinds of diagnostic and test equipment, and I did know how to properly solder and read a schematic.

The kits are beautifully designed, with almost no point-to-point wiring, and the manuals are first-class.

So, I just finished the KPA100/KAT100/EC2 kits that had been living in my closet for about four years, and the rigs are configured as the "K2 Twins". Even with my crummy antenna situation (which hopefully will have improved after the holidays), I've been getting some decent reports. Unfortunately, the EC2 enclosure is no longer available, so a future KPA100 will have to be mounted to the K2, and that does not allow the use of the KAT-2 tuner, but you could roll your own enclosure to get the "Twins". In that configuration, the K2 can have the KAT-2 installed, although I have two top covers and am currently using the unpopulated one with only the KIO2 and speaker installed.

If you like to build, go for it!

73, Jim KO5V



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[EricJ]

The EC2 is remarkably easy to clone. It's all straight cuts and four
simple bends. I did it with the inexpensive Harbor Freight 8"
shear/brake. The 2D connectors are simple and ingenious, but very very
tedious to make. I just used long rails made from 1/4" square aluminum
stock and tapped them for the 4-40 screws. Much easier to keep all the
holes aligned

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kIbG8fpYGRHEUyzS2

I agree with Jim. "If you like to build, go for it!"

Eric KE6US


On 12/21/2018 9:19 AM, Jim KO5V wrote:

> Unfortunately, the EC2 enclosure is no longer available, so a future KPA100 will have to be mounted to the K2, and that does not allow the use of the KAT-2 tuner, but you could roll your own enclosure to get the "Twins". In that configuration, the K2 can have the KAT-2 installed, although I have two top covers and am currently using the unpopulated one with only the KIO2 and speaker installed.
>
> If you like to build, go for it!
>
> 73, Jim KO5V
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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[Doug Person-5]

Thanks to everyone who expressed interest in the KAT100-2 (With EC2
enclosure). I was kind of taken by surprise. Two years ago I decided to
leave my K2 as is with the amplifier installed. The KX2 kind of made a
QRP only K2 obsolete. So I bought another KAT100 because I thought the
K2 and accessories might be discontinued. I'm glad I was wrong. The
KAT100-2 kind of got forgotten about.

Building a K2 is an experience I highly recommend to anyone. But, most
especially to anyone just getting their feet feet in ham radio. There's
no better feeling in this hobby than making contacts with a K2 that you
built yourself.

Personally I wish there was a K2 Mark 2. But, I also wish there was a
K4! Maybe someday!

Over the years I have built pretty much every kit with the big "E" name
on it multiple times. 5 K2, 3 K1, 3 KX1, etc. The one big confidence
builder when tackling complex kits is Elecraft's support and most
especially a guy named Don who has bailed me out several times when I
really goofed - like putting a transistor in backwards. So, really, even
if you really goof up bad, someone, such as Don, will get you through it.

73, Doug -- KJ0F
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