Re: [Elecraft] KXPA 100

[Tim McDonough N9PUZ]

You'll need to answer the "for how long" question to get a good answer.

I sometimes use my KXPA100 and KX2 for POTA operations. My 30Ah Bioenno 
LiFePO4 battery easily powers the combo doing CW or Phone for several 
hours of operation at a moderately high TX/RX duty cycle.


Tim N9PUZ

On 11/22/2022 3:38 PM, Howard Burgess wrote:

Looking for ideas on a battery that will power the KXPA100.. any thoughts



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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 External battery question

[Tim McDonough N9PUZ]

I often operate my KX2 from the internal battery. As a "backup" source I 
frequently just take a second KXBT2 along. When you plug it into the 
external power jack the KX2 will draw it's power from the pack with the 
higher voltage.


Tim N9PUZ

On 11/6/2020 6:56 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

I would definitely *not* use the KXBC2 charger with anything but a KXBT2, or an 
exact equivalent pack, for safety reasons. The voltages and currents are 
targeted specifically at 3 Li-Ion cells (11 V).

Just to give you another [probably biased, beware] opinion on the KXBT2, 
though: The internal battery isn't just about powering the radio, it's about 
mobility. It facilitates the kind of adventurous, ad-hoc, pedestrian mobile 
operation that many KX2 users engage in. (Speaking strictly for me :)

As a battery, the KXBC2 has proven safe and reliable by thousands of users. 
It's about 2.5 AH at 11 V, considerably higher in energy density than the 
battery packs in its closest competitors. I typically get 2 or 3 hours of hunt 
'n' pounce operation at 10 watts. Eventually the radio will drop power to 5 W 
and carry on for another 2 to 3 hours.

73,
Wayne
N6KR





On Nov 6, 2020, at 4:26 PM, Rich NE1EE <73.de.ne...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Bob,
Well, to get the ball rolling, I'd say no to the KXBC2. I use several different 
sizes of the Bioenno LiFe batteries (see earlier threads this summer for a 
detailed discussion), and I vote to use the proper charger. It's only a few 
bucks more...on the road, I use an inexpensive converter to power the charger 
for the LiFe batteries.

And I recall being surprised by someone writing about a specific Li-ion battery 
that they got good service from. I don't usually vote for that technology, but 
the OP had good luck with it. My opinion, tech-based, but still my 
interpretation of the data, is that Li batteries are generally over-charged, 
leading to hazard conditions, especially for lower quality batteries, and much 
shorter battery life.

Please look for the thread, because there was a lot of good discussion there.

On 2020-11-06 23:06:+, Bob Conder via Elecraft wrote:

KX2 External battery question:
1) Will the KXBC2 charger work with a Bioenno BLF-1203W LiFePO4 battery?or� 2) 
What are very lightweight external batteries that will work with KX2, and not 
add significantweight while hiking or backpacking and doing SOTA?Tnx in 
advance,Bob K4RLC


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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 External battery question

[Tim McDonough N9PUZ]

The 12V Bioenno batteries have an internal battery management circuit. 
They require 14.6 - 15 Volts input to charge properly. The BMC will 
prevent overcharging and Bioenno Support says it is safe to leave the 
charging voltage permanently applied.


Tim N9PUZ

On 11/6/2020 5:06 PM, Bob Conder via Elecraft wrote:

  KX2 External battery question:
1) Will the KXBC2 charger work with a Bioenno BLF-1203W LiFePO4 battery?or 2) 
What are very lightweight external batteries that will work with KX2, and not 
add significantweight while hiking or backpacking and doing SOTA?Tnx in 
advance,Bob K4RLC
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Re: [Elecraft] New home for K3, new photos added.

[Tim McDonough N9PUZ]

Very nice Dave!  I especially like the cable raceway to keep the power 
leads and coax neat.


Tim N9PUZ

On 5/22/2020 7:10 PM, Dave Cole wrote:

To the new home for my K3 project...

https://www.nk7z.net/rf-patch-panel/

See last 4 at the bottom.


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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 Safe Operating PA Temperature

[Tim McDonough N9PUZ]

I'm curious, have people been seeing these high tempts indoors or 
outdoors? I notice a significant temperature difference with my KX2 when 
operating outdoors by just keeping it in the shade. I do have a third 
party heatsink.


Tim N9PUZ
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Re: [Elecraft] Investments

[Tim McDonough N9PUZ]

I always tell people the best thing I ever got for making my hobby 
purchases simple was a really nice sewing machine.


Tim N9PUZ

On 5/6/2019 3:51 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

On 5/6/2019 1:11 PM, Phil Kane wrote:

My wife can't say anything about my radio gear because I can take a look
at her art studio and see how many brushes, sheets of canvas and paper,
and jars of paint she has


My XYL has more sewing machines and looms than I have radio gear, so I 
never get any questions about purchases.


73, Jim K9YC

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Re: [Elecraft] Off-topic, but I need help.

[Tim McDonough N9PUZ]

On 12/29/2018 6:47 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
Please *don't* switch to a message board!  I can't find anything on 
those things.

I have my filters all set up for the Elecraft reflector.

73,
Don W3FPR


I'll second that plea! I hate message boards. Too hard to find past 
topics, follow threads, etc. With an email list I suck down all the 
messages and my email client (Thunderbird) happily sorts them according 
to my filters with no effort on my part.


Tim N9PUZ

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Re: [Elecraft] OT - backup software

[Tim McDonough N9PUZ]

Macrium Reflect. Backups plus the ability to perform a "bare metal 
restore" if your drive goes sideways.


Tim N9PUZ

On 9/28/2018 8:04 PM, John Saxon via Elecraft wrote:

I am not happy with my current backup software package.  Any recommendations on 
backup software?  Like it to be free, but not necessary.
73,JohnK5ENQ
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 KXIO2 RTC Adjustment

[Tim McDonough N9PUZ]

Thank you Don and Richard.

The KXIO2 clock is working properly again. I do not know if it was one 
of the things below or the combination of all of them but I'll share 
what I did in hopes it might help someone else.


My KX2 was purchased used so I do not know if it was assembled by the 
original owner or by Elecraft.


Step 1: I removed external power and the internal battery. Then I let 
the radio sit for a couple of days so the backup cap could discharge and 
things would really be "off".


Step 2: I removed the KXIO2 board using the installation instructions as 
a guide. I carefully applied a small amount of DeoxIT "D Series" cleaner 
to the contacts on the four headers. (Use VERY little, I could barely 
see that I had applied any.) This was in case there might be any small 
amount of corrosion that was not visible.


Step 3: I reassembled everything, put the battery back in and connected 
external power. Then, I used the KX2 utility program to set the clock to 
match my PC with the "calibration value set to "0". I turned the radio off.


Step 4: About a day or so later I compared the two times. The KX2 was a 
few seconds fast so I bumped the calibration to "1". Having done all of 
that the radio seems to be about a minute fast after a week. Plenty good 
enough for me and well within what Elecraft claims it should do.


Tim N9PUZ

On 8/26/2018 11:00 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Tim,

I would suggest trying again to recalibrate it.  The recalibration can 
be a long process of trial and error with the results measured over 
several days.
That is a lot less expensive than buying a new one or sending it to 
Elecraft.


I do not expect the long term accuracy of any rig's real time clock to 
be correct over a period of days.  Even gaining a minute a day is 
sufficient for logging during an outing.
Actually, I do not use it, I use the Timex on my wrist for accurate 
timekeeping, and it is easier for me than pulling up the RTC display 
on the KX2 when doing paper logging.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/25/2018 5:20 PM, Tim McDonough N9PUZ wrote:
I have a KX2 with the internal tuner and the KXIO2 clock module which 
I purchased used and it is long out of warranty. The clock gains a 
nearly minute per day in spite of having performed the 
calibration/adjustment.


Elecraft advised that while they are more than happy to repair it by 
the time I pay for labor and shipping both ways it is probably better 
to buy a new KXIO2 module which will have a warranty. I can 
appreciate that and don't fault them a bit for the price but I'm just 
wondering if anyone has a suggestion for a DIY repair. I spend plenty 
of money on the hobby but am just wondering if I can get a working 
internal clock for less than $80 plus shipping?




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[Elecraft] KX2 KXIO2 RTC Adjustment

[Tim McDonough N9PUZ]

I have a KX2 with the internal tuner and the KXIO2 clock module which I 
purchased used and it is long out of warranty. The clock gains a nearly 
minute per day in spite of having performed the calibration/adjustment.


Elecraft advised that while they are more than happy to repair it by the 
time I pay for labor and shipping both ways it is probably better to buy 
a new KXIO2 module which will have a warranty. I can appreciate that and 
don't fault them a bit for the price but I'm just wondering if anyone 
has a suggestion for a DIY repair. I spend plenty of money on the hobby 
but am just wondering if I can get a working internal clock for less 
than $80 plus shipping?


Tim -- N9PUZ
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 go-box

[Tim McDonough N9PUZ]

He mentions on the web site that the final version will likely have 
vents and forced air cooling.


On 4/8/2018 7:36 PM, Walter Underwood wrote:

Another box with the heatsink enclosed in a space with no ventilation. It looks 
neat, but it is a great way to cook those power transistors.

wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)




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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 go-box

[Tim McDonough N9PUZ]

He does beautiful work. I don't have any desire to make my KX2 larger 
but some of the things he does give me a few ideas on how I might make a 
sleaker looking home for the KX2 when it's at home on my desk lashed up 
to the KXPA100, key, speakers, etc.


Tim N9PUZ

On 4/7/2018 4:02 PM, John Harper wrote:

I thought some here might appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into Hans'
W1JSB latest creation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=1mmoDzQYhms

73,

John AE5X
https://ae5x.blogspot.com
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2, KXP100, and Computer

[Tim McDonough N9PUZ]

Thank you Don. I did not pick up on the fact that the KXPA100 passes 
control and data signals through the amplifier to the attached radio 
(KX2/KX3) when I read through it the first couple of times.


73,
Tim N9PUZ

On 2/4/2018 6:42 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Tim,

Look at the KXPA100 manual page 12 for the connections.  That is for 
the KX3 - the PC connects to the KXPA100, the KX2 is similar. You will 
need the KX2ACBL to use the KXPA100 with the KX2. That is in addition 
to the cable that comes with the KXPA100.


Those cables have nothing to do with the audio in and out for 
soundcard data modes, but will convey frequency and other data between 
the KX2 and the soundcard data software.  You will have to connect the 
soundcard audio output to the microphone jack on the KX2 and the 
soundcard audio input to the PHONES jack on the KX2.


Win4K3 has a great many features that you may want to take advantage 
of - study the WIN4K3 webpage to determine if it will enhance your 
particular operation.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/4/2018 5:38 PM, Tim N9PUZ wrote:

I have a KX2 and KXP100 which I would like to also connect to a computer
for sound card modes, etc. if possible. The KX2 manual, on page 9 it 
says:


An Elecraft KX2 Accessory Cable (KX2ACBL) can
be used to break out the computer control and key out
signals separately. These can then be connected to both
an Elecraft KXPA100 ampflier via its supplied cable.


.



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Re: [Elecraft] K1, K2 and K3 sales/auctions not on eBay?

[Tim McDonough N9PUZ]

On 1/2/2018 10:00 PM, Jim Low man wrote:

When I get home after being in the hospital and rehab mostly since mid-August, 
I need to thin the herd-and not only Elecraft items.

I checked eBay for sales/auctions for these three transceivers, and came up 
empty.  Maybe it’s the time of year.  Maybe it’s the commissions?

Of course, I would first offer them to members of this list and QRP-L, rather 
than making eBay and PayPal any richer.

Ideas?

No worries-I will keep my loaded K3S, KX3 and accessories.


I've been very pleased with my transactions both buying and selling on 
QTH.com. In fact last year I bought my KX-2 used from an ad there and 
sold my KX-1 to help finance it the same day. If you successfully sell 
something there they ask you make a donation that you feel is appropriate.


Tim N9PUZ
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 heatsink

[Tim McDonough N9PUZ]

On 6/18/2017 8:48 PM, Howard Hoyt wrote:

The newer Elecraft revision with the silicone electrical isolators and 
other PA differences will not show quite as good thermal performance as 
the original design where the PA FETs were mounted directly to the 
heatsink or right end panel.


Does anyone know at what serial number KX2 the PA changes were made?

Tim N9PUZ

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[Elecraft] Elecraft KX2 Spinner Knob

[Tim McDonough N9PUZ]

Occasionally there is some interest in a VFO knob with a dimple for the 
Elecraft KX2. I have not tried making one of these yet but a friend sent 
me this link to a set of 3D Printer files on Thingverse for a pretty 
cool looking spinner know for the KX2. Could be a project for next week!




73,

Tim N9PUZ

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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 Battery Question

[Tim McDonough N9PUZ]

On 5/27/2017 12:14 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

I have a "new to me" KX2 along with the internal battery and charger. Inside 
the KX2 battery compartment, is there supposed to be any sort of insulating sheet or pad 
covering the circuit board?


No insulating sheet is necessary. The battery is double shrink-wrapped, there 
are no parts on that area of the PC board, and there’s nothing sharp that could 
abrade the plastic covering. It’s all quite safe.

There is of course a rubberized pad on the inside of the bottom cover. This 
creates high friction to keep the battery from moving around.



Very good. Great radio and I just didn't want to mess anything up.

Thank you Wayne!

73,

Tim N9PUZ
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[Elecraft] KX2 Battery Question

[Tim McDonough N9PUZ]

I have a "new to me" KX2 along with the internal battery and charger. 
Inside the KX2 battery compartment, is there supposed to be any sort of 
insulating sheet or pad covering the circuit board?


There was nothing inside mine when I opened it and my first thought is 
that even though it is insulated the battery pack shouldn't lay right on 
the circuit board above. I don't want to chance damaging the radio.


73,

Tim N9PUZ

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