Although none of us (AFAIK) are allowed access to the control firmware source, its action is well specified and effectively forms an Application Programming Interface. It would be possible to put the K2 into a bigger box, remove the front panel and wire up a custom microcontroller to all the buttons, knobs, rotary encoder and LED signal strength meter - the API.
The new controller would interface to a new much larger panel with, e.g., an analogue meter, simulating double key pressings with a single button, such as one marked "AGC Off", and many other more convenient features that the K2 can't do because of limited and already crowded panel area, and the necessity to keep the cost to that of a marketable product. Putting the current rotary encoder on the new panel, it might be possible to add variable speed tuning by having the new controller read the encoder and feed varying speed signals to the K2 encoder interface. Being more adventurous, it might be possible to implement IF shift by simultaneously operating the BFO setting and the tuning encoder. Being extravagant, a full colour display could replace the K2's LCD and one of those great old mechanical dials could be used. A larger speaker, internal power supply, - the K2 could be turned into a large base station with all kinds of new features. With the K2 control API, the new panel would be largely limited only by the implementor's imagination. If the Elecraft list members colaberated and shared the source code of the new microcontroller, this would open up a new dimension in customizing a K2. I see Andy, N8MX has gone a little way towards such a project: he has separated the display and put the K2 in a mounting on his bike in the first old picture gallery. Is the K2 worthy of such elaboration? Ian, G4ICV, AB2GR, K2 #4962, LP-100 #278 -- _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
