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Where have all the K2s Gone?

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AC7AC

Where have all the K2s Gone?

CONTENTS DELETED

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Stephen W. Kercel

Re: Where have all the K2s Gone?

Ron:

Ok, here's a K2 question.

My K2 tuning knob intermittently thumps, both as an audible sound,
and as a mechanical bump that I can feel in my fingertips as I rotate
the knob. It does not always do it at the same knob position. It is
nearly impossible to replicate with consistency, but it happens often
enough to be annoying.

I had the encoder replaced, and there is no felt washer in the new
installation. There are no felt shreds to get in the works.

Any thoughts?

73,

Steve Kercel
AA4AK

At 07:29 PM 9/9/2008, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

>And the K1s and KX1s?
>
>I agree with those who advocate keeping threads "on list", since there are
>always more interested people out there with the same question or who may
>not have thought to ask but for whom the answer is of interest.
>
>Toward that end, there are a lot of on-going threads here, mostly about
>features for competitive DX-ing or contesting with a K3.
>
>Frankly, I miss the solder-jockeys who were poking around inside their K1s,
>K2s, KX1s and the intrepid souls trying out VHF/UHF with an XV. Often they
>were concerned with peripheral questions such as stringing up an antenna,
>soldering, or wondering how to modify their rig to provide some wanted
>feature, or restoring operation after making a cloud of smoke.
>
>Sure, there was the occasional contest thread, usually about the QRP
>sprints, fox hunts and other low-key events.
>
>Have they all bought K3s? I doubt it.
>
>If not, where are they? If we were to subtract the current K3 threads, it
>seems like the list activity for all other products must have dropped by at
>least 90% over that of a year or so ago.
>
>Ron AC7AC
>
>
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dave.wilburn

Re: Where have all the K2s Gone?

In reply to this post by AC7AC

Still have K2, 5982 on the table. Need to get back and play with it.
I want to setup a vertical loop as a second antenna, so I can run
both the K2 and K3 at the same time. But first I need to build a new
launcher. Wrist-rocket bit the dust.

Picked up a o'scope earlier in the summer, and want to go back and do
some poking and prodding with the K2. But it has been at least 20
years since I had RF and o'scopes connected, and the equipment used to
do that was real expensive. I need to sort out how I am going to do
that. But all in due time.

David Wilburn
K4DGW

Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> And the K1s and KX1s?
>
> I agree with those who advocate keeping threads "on list", since there are
> always more interested people out there with the same question or who may
> not have thought to ask but for whom the answer is of interest.
>
> Toward that end, there are a lot of on-going threads here, mostly about
> features for competitive DX-ing or contesting with a K3.
>
> Frankly, I miss the solder-jockeys who were poking around inside their K1s,
> K2s, KX1s and the intrepid souls trying out VHF/UHF with an XV. Often they
> were concerned with peripheral questions such as stringing up an antenna,
> soldering, or wondering how to modify their rig to provide some wanted
> feature, or restoring operation after making a cloud of smoke.
>
> Sure, there was the occasional contest thread, usually about the QRP
> sprints, fox hunts and other low-key events.
>
> Have they all bought K3s? I doubt it.
>
> If not, where are they? If we were to subtract the current K3 threads, it
> seems like the list activity for all other products must have dropped by at
> least 90% over that of a year or so ago.
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
>
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>

AC7AC

K2: thumping knob.

In reply to this post by Stephen W. Kercel

CONTENTS DELETED

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Dave, G4AON

Re: Where have all the K2s Gone?

In reply to this post by AC7AC

As I might have mentioned a few times... I use my K2 as an outboard 2nd
receiver for my K3, it works very well and the most recent addition is a
small project box with a pair of phono sockets to both mute the K2 and
key my linear (Acom 1000, 12 Volt keying, just a few milliamps needed).
The set-up comprises:

K3 with KXV3, route the RX RF OUT to an antenna splitter, one side of
the splitter goes to RX RF IN, the other to the K2's RX only antenna
input (needs the 160m option).

I mute the K2 by "keying" it on TX from the KEY OUT on the K3, put it
into "TEST" mode on CW, turn the power to zero and set the sidetone to
zero. TX delay is best set a bit longer than normal - 500 mS seems fine.
I have a small 50 Ohm load on the main antenna socket of the K2 but it's
not essential.

The antenna splitter is shown on my K3 page
(http://www.astromag.co.uk/k3/) and comprises 2 x FT50-43 cores in a
small project box. To key my linear and also mute the K2, I have another
project box, 2 x phono sockets and a screened lead with a phono plug on
it. I have a diode from each socket centre to the centre of the screened
lead, anode to the phono socket centres. Take the phono plug to the KEY
OUT, one phono socket goes to the KEY IN of the K2, the other to the KEY
IN of the linear.

73 Dave, G4AON
K3/100 #80
-----------------
Still have K2, 5982 on the table. Need to get back and play with it.
I want to setup a vertical loop as a second antenna, so I can run
both the K2 and K3 at the same time. But first I need to build a new
launcher. Wrist-rocket bit the dust.

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Jukka Tarvainen-2

RE: Where have all the K2s Gone?

In reply to this post by AC7AC

> Often they
> were concerned with peripheral questions such as stringing up an antenna,
> soldering, or wondering how to modify their rig to provide some wanted
> feature, or restoring operation after making a cloud of smoke.
>

K2/100 #4293 lost it's SSB smoke just before Region 1 field day. I have not
looked into it yet, but be patient, I will ask some questions later.

73
Jukka OH4MFA

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Gary D Krause

Re: Where have all the K2s Gone?

I just posted a question about my K2 SSB yesterday. I would agree that the
number of posts has decreased concerning the other models. In fact, I try not
to read problems posted by K3 owners because, for one I wouldn't be much help
and secondly, it would make me less inclined to buy a new K3! I'm sure that's
the kind of psychology Elecraft would rather avoid. :-)

Gary, N7HTS

On Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:59:09 +0300
"Jukka Tarvainen" <[hidden email]> wrote:

>> Often they
>> were concerned with peripheral questions such as stringing up an antenna,
>> soldering, or wondering how to modify their rig to provide some wanted
>> feature, or restoring operation after making a cloud of smoke.
>>
>
> K2/100 #4293 lost it's SSB smoke just before Region 1 field day. I have not
> looked into it yet, but be patient, I will ask some questions later.
>
> 73
> Jukka OH4MFA
>
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RobertG

Re: Where have all the K2s Gone?

In reply to this post by AC7AC

#5957 is doing very well, thank you. It is the main and only station rig
here, transplanting my much-appreciated FT990. I have no immediate
need/interest in the K3, because the K2 is quite sufficient to my needs,
and in fact more so. I suppose the K3 is no doubt better under some
conditions, but how often do those conditions actually come into play?
Not frequently, I bet. As far as I'm concerned, antennas and
between-the-ears factors still represent the bulk of station performance
variance. My antennas are still so-so, and whatever is between my ears
is far from performing at top speed. So, why spend money on the K3 when
the two afore mentioned factors are still in process of improvement? It
reminds me a great deal of upgraded bicycles. I raced during my 40's and
50's to much less than spectacular results - had fun. So, why upgrade
the bike when the rider is still so far behind the pack. I remember when
there was a German exchange student in this area that rode a really
pedestrian bike complete with some hose clams holding critical
components in place. He was one of the fastest riders around. Seams like
the same when it comes to radios. I also filter out all K3 references in
my email and send them to the trash. No disrespect meant, just not
interested.

...robert

Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> And the K1s and KX1s?
>
> I agree with those who advocate keeping threads "on list", since there are
> always more interested people out there with the same question or who may
> not have thought to ask but for whom the answer is of interest.
>
> Toward that end, there are a lot of on-going threads here, mostly about
> features for competitive DX-ing or contesting with a K3.
>
> Frankly, I miss the solder-jockeys who were poking around inside their K1s,
> K2s, KX1s and the intrepid souls trying out VHF/UHF with an XV. Often they
> were concerned with peripheral questions such as stringing up an antenna,
> soldering, or wondering how to modify their rig to provide some wanted
> feature, or restoring operation after making a cloud of smoke.
>
> Sure, there was the occasional contest thread, usually about the QRP
> sprints, fox hunts and other low-key events.
>
> Have they all bought K3s? I doubt it.
>
> If not, where are they? If we were to subtract the current K3 threads, it
> seems like the list activity for all other products must have dropped by at
> least 90% over that of a year or so ago.
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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
>

--
Robert G. Strickland PhD ABPH - KE2WY
[hidden email]
Syracuse, New York, USA
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Stephen Brandt

Re: Where have all the K2s Gone?

Gone To K3s every one.

Steve Brandt N7VS Portland, Oregon

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: Where have all the K2s Gone?

In reply to this post by Jukka Tarvainen-2

My K2 SN 00020 sits, fully upgraded and fully loaded, with its internal
battery and KAT2 is ready to go with me portable at any time. Yes,
since the advent of the K3, it is no longer the main transceiver, but it
is alive and well just the same. Being a Field Test model, it will
never leave me until it is pried from my 'cold, dead hands'. It is a
piece of history, even though it may be only *my* history.

73,
Don W3FPR

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paul hendershott

Re: Where have all the K2s Gone?

My K2 is now in the hands of my father in PA waiting for him and my 9 year old nephew to get licensed. Hope they pass their test soon - lots of openings on 40m lately to that part of the country! Come on guys... you can do it!!!!
73
Paul
w9bbr

p.s. - Elecraft ..... without getting all technical and stuff... I am amazed by my K3! Bravo!

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n6wg

Re: Where have all the K2s Gone?

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

Very true.
I'm hanging onto s/n 00012, as it is now a
historical artifact. :-)
73, Bob N6WG
The Little Station with Attitude

----- Original Message -----
From: "Don Wilhelm" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Cc: "Elecraft e-mail list" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2008 8:40 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Where have all the K2s Gone?

> My K2 SN 00020 sits, fully upgraded and fully loaded, with its internal
> battery and KAT2 is ready to go with me portable at any time. Yes,
> since the advent of the K3, it is no longer the main transceiver, but it
> is alive and well just the same. Being a Field Test model, it will
> never leave me until it is pried from my 'cold, dead hands'. It is a
> piece of history, even though it may be only *my* history.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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Tom Hammond-2

Re: Where have all the K2s Gone?

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

Well said Don.

And I feel the very same way about my FT K2 (#00008) as well.

73,

Tom N0SS

At 22:40 09/11/2008, Don Wilhelm wrote:

>My K2 SN 00020 sits, fully upgraded and fully loaded, with its
>internal battery and KAT2 is ready to go with me portable at any
>time. Yes, since the advent of the K3, it is no longer the main
>transceiver, but it is alive and well just the same. Being a Field
>Test model, it will never leave me until it is pried from my 'cold,
>dead hands'. It is a piece of history, even though it may be only
>*my* history.
>
>73,
>Don W3FPR
>
>
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Bob Nielsen-2

Re: Where have all the K2s Gone?

In reply to this post by Stephen Brandt

On Sep 11, 2008, at 8:08 PM, Stephen Brandt wrote:

> Gone To K3s every one.

When will they ever learn?

Bob, N7XY
K2 #3273
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Brian -2

RE: Where have all the K2s Gone?

My K2 #5946 is still my favorite radio. Although it has an intermittent
receive problem that it has had since I built it. About half of the time it
hears great, better than any of my other radios. And the other half of the
time the signal is severely attenuated. It seems worse on the bands that
use USB. Usually when I turn it on for the day is when the problem shows up
and after a while I will hear it get better and the s-meter jumps up to
where is should be. Sometimes it never gets better. Once the problem goes
away for the day, it usually doesn't come back until I shut the radio down
and let it cool overnight. I have tried several times to find the problem
but have been unsuccessful.

73
Brian
N1WNC

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bob Nielsen
Sent: Friday, September 12, 2008 9:25 AM
To: elecraft List
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Where have all the K2s Gone?

On Sep 11, 2008, at 8:08 PM, Stephen Brandt wrote:

> Gone To K3s every one.

When will they ever learn?

Bob, N7XY
K2 #3273
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Vic K2VCO

Re: Where have all the K2s Gone?

Brian wrote:

> Usually when I turn it on for the day is when the problem shows up
> and after a while I will hear it get better and the s-meter jumps up to
> where is should be. Sometimes it never gets better. Once the problem goes
> away for the day, it usually doesn't come back until I shut the radio down
> and let it cool overnight. I have tried several times to find the problem
> but have been unsuccessful.

Sounds a lot like an unsoldered or poorly soldered connection. You could
just go over the RF board and reheat all of the solder joints, adding a
bit of fresh solder (mostly for the flux).

It could be an intermittent component, but it's more likely a solder joint.

If it will stay broken long enough to use the signal tracing technique
described at

<http://www.elecraft.com/TechNotes/SigTr/K2%20Cheap%20%27n%20Dirty%20Signal%20Tracing.pdf>

you may be able to find it that way.
--
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco
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Bill Coleman-2

Re: Where have all the K2s Gone?

In reply to this post by AC7AC

On Sep 9, 2008, at 7:29 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> Frankly, I miss the solder-jockeys who were poking around inside
> their K1s,
> K2s, KX1s and the intrepid souls trying out VHF/UHF with an XV.

Me, too.

> Have they all bought K3s? I doubt it.

No, many of us cannot afford it. (yet) I know I'd like to own a K3
someday, but it's not a priority right now.

> If not, where are they? If we were to subtract the current K3
> threads, it
> seems like the list activity for all other products must have
> dropped by at
> least 90% over that of a year or so ago.

Well, we're still out here. We've been overrun by the K3 crowd, but
we're still here.

There's not a whole lot of K2 development going on right now, since
all of Elecraft's resources are focused on the K3. I hope they
eventually get around to doing some more enhancements to the K2. I
remember about a year or year and a half ago when Wayne was taking a
list of suggestions for K2 enhancements.

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL Mail: [hidden email]
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
-- Wilbur Wright, 1901

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