I don't know, Don. If he installs the KPA100 the lack of temperature
stability will be a serious issue, at least for digital modes. My
experience was that before installing the temperature compensation mod,
the drift was unacceptable even on CW. This was not a problem before the
additional heat generated by the KPA100.
I think what he should do is get a newer rig (I won't speculate as to
what's best) for his home-based digital operations.
Then he can either keep his QRP K2 for portable fun, use it as a backup
rig as I have done, or even sell it (as I would NEVER do!)
73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
CWops no. 5
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
On 09/10/2019 7:32, Don Wilhelm wrote:
Randy,
Faced with that kind of decision (mainly dollar comparison), why fully
upgrade the K2 with the A/B mods -- just update the firmware to get
the added functions. From your question, I surmise you are not
necessarily 'in love' with your K2 as some of the original builders
would be having tremendous pride in the fact that they built it
themselves. I for one have my Field Test K2 SN 0020 which has been
fully upgraded, but I will not part with it - that is for my heirs to
decide.
Yes, you will not have the temperature stability of a new K2, and you
will not have some of the other K2 hardware improvements. But it will
still work fine for less money than a full upgrade. I am assuming you
will be using it in a temperature stable environment.
Any K2 can work great - the most important for receive performance is
the IF filter alignment, so do that carefully with an audio spectrum
analyzer running on your computer. If you are planning digital modes,
turn on the RTTY filter set and align those filters to optimize your
digital filters while not disturbing your SSB settings, especially
compression settings.
I am certain the Icom 7300 will have more modern features, but in
receive performance even the oldest K2 can stand on its own. I have
not compared the K2 with a 7300, but you can check the Sherwood
ratings to see the relative ranking.
Oh yes, if it is a QRP K2, and you want 100 watt capability, you will
need the KPA100 and KAT100 as well. There are parts in the KPA100 kit
to upgrade the 10/12 meter bandpass filter and the VFO ALC.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 10/8/2019 11:19 PM, Randy Heise wrote:
So, background! I have just returned to the air after an 18 year hiatus
other than keeping my license up to date. What lured me back was
retirement
and FT-8. For the past several days I have been operating with my
Rev. A K2
(all options) built in 2001, a SignaLink USB interface, WSJT-X,
MacLoggerDX
and JT-Bridge. Because I am "antenna challenged³ due to the HOA it has
become obvious that except in perfect conditions I could use a little
more
horsepower. I¹m faced with a $1,170 bill to do the Rev. A/B mods,
build the
Kat-100 and KPA-100 Š or Š $1,215 for an Icom 7300 and an LDG IT100
external
tuner. I¹d really appreciate thoughts from anyone who is
knowledgeable on
both rigs. The Icom gives me a waterfall display and 6 meters Š
WSJT-X gives
my K2 a waterfall display. It¹s a toss up in price but I can¹t help
wondering about the 20 year difference in technology.
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