Re: [Elecraft] K2 Improvement Ideas--Adding on
Bill I'd like to add to your list the ability to have the KAT2 autotuner be active on one antenna port and be bypassed on the other. I have some antennas that require the autotuner for a match, and others that are already a good match as they are. I'd also like to see an improvement in the cw crystal filter to improve the signal suppression outside the filter passband. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: "Bill Coleman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "wayne burdick" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: "Elecraft" Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 8:32 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Improvement Ideas > > On Apr 28, 2007, at 12:45 PM, wayne burdick wrote: > > > Please send me directly any suggestions for K2 improvements. I > > maintain this list, prioritizing task items based on the needs of > > current and future K2 owners. > > OK, you asked for it > > I'm certainly going to buy a K3, when I can afford it, which may be a > while. I do have several suggestions for the K2, which is going to > remain a very fine and capable radio: > > Firmware Only Enhancements: > > 1) RTTY Mark Frequency Display. Like the CW mode displays the > frequency of the received CW signal, the RTTY mode ought to display > the frequency of the Mark signal. A menu option would be needed to > set the frequency of the Mark signal. (This would essentially > subtract or add the Mark frequency from the LSB/USB carrier > frequency, respectively) > > 2) Option for VOX to toggle VOX on / off only. Delay is set in a menu > option. (Beats having to cycle through all delay times to turn on / > off, which I do frequently) > > 3) Menu settings for default tuning rate for each mode (CW, USB/LSB, > RTTY). I currently find myself constantly switching between 10 Hz and > 50 Hz whenever I change modes. > > 4) Unified Filters - Have three or four filter presets for each mode > that are combinations of an XFIL and DSP setting values. Allow one > button (such as XFIL) to cycle through the presets. This would allow > easier manipulation of the two sets of filters, rather than having to > tap and hold the same button to get things in sync. (Made even harder > because you can't see which filter is currently selected) > > 5) IF Shift - replace XIT mode with IF Shift. RIT takes priority over > the control if on. Either that, or control IF Shift with the Keyer > speed control (at least in USB/LSB, RTTY). Or perhaps hold down XIT > and rotate tuning dial. > > 6) Option to flip CW sidebands on 15m and up so tuning direction > stays the same. > > 7) Computer command to set the contents of the CW memories -- so you > can program them from a PC program and then run them from the front > panel. > > 8) New INP mode that would allow PTT on the dot line and CW keying on > the dash line for contesting work. (No auto-detect of hand keying in > this mode) > > 9) Have a mode for variable rate tuning -- normal tuning is one step > at a time, but as you turn the knob faster, the tuning rate increases > so long as you tune quickly. (A similar technology is used to > accelerate mouse movement and has been on the Mac for over two decades) > > 10) Option for one-touch selection of Tuner AUTO/CAL (eg out) > selection. This would allow one to easily switch the tuner on and off. > > > Hardware Improvements: > > 1) Improved KSB2 module -- filter with sharper skirts (better than > 1.5 shape factor), more (6-10 dB) mic gain available, more positive > VOX (using separate VOX amplifier), anti-VOX circuitry. > > 2) Improved KNB2 -- allow selection of longer blanking times, more > thresholds, better blanking action. > > 3) PFx Module -- teeny little module that has four (or so) buttons. > Hooks into AUX line and offers access to eight functions of the K2 > (four for tap, four for hold) Obviates the need for FPLY, opens the > K2 up for easier access to things like switching filter presets, > noise reduction modes, RIT clear. Lots simpler and cheaper than the > KRC2 because it is just the buttons. (Might also be useful for the K3) > > 4) Remote Tuning Knob -- borrow the idea from Ten-Tec. Perhaps part > of PFx module. > > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" > -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 > > ___ > 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 ___ 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.q
Re: [Elecraft] K2 Improvement Ideas--Adding on
Bob, I see no real need for a bypass on just one of the tuner antenna jacks. In my mind it is already there, but better - just do a TUNE once on each band where your antenna is resonant and the K2 will remember - I regard that as better than a bypass function. 73, Don W3FPR Robert Tellefsen wrote: Bill I'd like to add to your list the ability to have the KAT2 autotuner be active on one antenna port and be bypassed on the other. I have some antennas that require the autotuner for a match, and others that are already a good match as they are. I'd also like to see an improvement in the cw crystal filter to improve the signal suppression outside the filter passband. 73, Bob N6WG ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 Improvement Ideas--Adding on
Hi Don Yes, if there were only two antennas, that would work., and I've done that. However, I have more than that, some connected to a rotary switch outboard to the K2. When I switch them, I don't want to retune the ATU with each new antenna I connect, as I'm often switching to find the best signal for a station I'm trying to work. Some antennas present a nice 50 ohm match as they are, and some don't. I'd like to put the 50 ohm matches all together on one port and those that need matching on the other port. I'm still trying to get to the point where all the antennas are 50 ohms at the switch, and then it wouldn't matter. But it ain't easy :-) 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: "Don Wilhelm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Robert Tellefsen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: "Bill Coleman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "wayne burdick" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "Elecraft" Sent: Friday, May 04, 2007 5:14 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Improvement Ideas--Adding on > Bob, > > I see no real need for a bypass on just one of the tuner antenna jacks. > In my mind it is already there, but better - just do a TUNE once on each > band where your antenna is resonant and the K2 will remember - I regard > that as better than a bypass function. > > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > Robert Tellefsen wrote: > > Bill > > I'd like to add to your list the ability to have the > > KAT2 autotuner be active on one antenna port > > and be bypassed on the other. > > > > I have some antennas that require the autotuner > > for a match, and others that are already a good > > match as they are. > > > > I'd also like to see an improvement in the cw crystal filter > > to improve the signal suppression outside the filter > > passband. > > > > 73, Bob N6WG ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 Improvement Ideas--Adding on
Bob, I think you may be a candidate for the KRC2 and an array of relays for your antenna switching tasks. It can work great. When I have all the work on my system completed I will switching a total of 13 antennas with mine - the tuner just trims up the match a bit when needed. If you have 2 banks of antennas (1 bank tuned and the other presenting 50 ohms), the KRC2 can select the proper antennas for each band and the ANT1/2 button selects between the 2 antennas for each band - If you have more than 2 antennas on any band the KRC2 F4 button can be used to turn on the AC1 thru AC3 lines which can be used in conjuction with the normal band select outputs to select additional antennas - I find it much more sensible and automatic than antenna switches. 73, Don W3FPR Robert Tellefsen wrote: Hi Don Yes, if there were only two antennas, that would work., and I've done that. However, I have more than that, some connected to a rotary switch outboard to the K2. When I switch them, I don't want to retune the ATU with each new antenna I connect, as I'm often switching to find the best signal for a station I'm trying to work. Some antennas present a nice 50 ohm match as they are, and some don't. I'd like to put the 50 ohm matches all together on one port and those that need matching on the other port. I'm still trying to get to the point where all the antennas are 50 ohms at the switch, and then it wouldn't matter. But it ain't easy :-) 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: "Don Wilhelm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Robert Tellefsen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: "Bill Coleman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "wayne burdick" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "Elecraft" Sent: Friday, May 04, 2007 5:14 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Improvement Ideas--Adding on Bob, I see no real need for a bypass on just one of the tuner antenna jacks. In my mind it is already there, but better - just do a TUNE once on each band where your antenna is resonant and the K2 will remember - I regard that as better than a bypass function. 73, Don W3FPR Robert Tellefsen wrote: Bill I'd like to add to your list the ability to have the KAT2 autotuner be active on one antenna port and be bypassed on the other. I have some antennas that require the autotuner for a match, and others that are already a good match as they are. I'd also like to see an improvement in the cw crystal filter to improve the signal suppression outside the filter passband. 73, Bob N6WG ___ 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 ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 Improvement Ideas--Adding on
Don Wilhelm wrote: If you have 2 banks of antennas (1 bank tuned and the other presenting 50 ohms), the KRC2 can select the proper antennas for each band and the ANT1/2 button selects between the 2 antennas for each band - If you have more than 2 antennas on any band the KRC2 F4 button can be used to turn on the AC1 thru AC3 lines which can be used in conjuction with the normal band select outputs to select additional antennas - I find it much more sensible and automatic than antenna switches. I must be missing something. Let's say the KRC2 is operating a relay box connected to port 1. Then it will select an antenna for each band (we'll assume that these are the tuned antennas). You can connect ONE other antenna to port 2. Unless you have two relay boxes, which I guess is possible. Were you thinking of something else? I have a KRC2 and a KAT100 and have been thinking about the most effective way to use them. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ 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
RE: [Elecraft] K2 Improvement Ideas--Adding on
You can tune the AT into a dummy load (on ANT2, let's say), and then not tune it to the antenna ever. Then, if you are on ANT1, the tuner will use it's remembered settings for that band and antenna. If you switch to ANT2, the tuner will use it's remembered settings for the band and dummy load (which is the same as bypass for all intents and purposes). Actually, it may BE the same. I'd have to check the relay settings for POUT vs tuned to a 50 ohm load, but they might be the same. Anyone know? Dan / WG4S / K2 #2456 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Vic K2VCO Sent: Friday, May 04, 2007 11:45 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Improvement Ideas--Adding on Don Wilhelm wrote: > If you have 2 banks of antennas (1 bank tuned and the other presenting > 50 ohms), the KRC2 can select the proper antennas for each band and the > ANT1/2 button selects between the 2 antennas for each band - If you have > more than 2 antennas on any band the KRC2 F4 button can be used to turn > on the AC1 thru AC3 lines which can be used in conjuction with the > normal band select outputs to select additional antennas - I find it > much more sensible and automatic than antenna switches. I must be missing something. Let's say the KRC2 is operating a relay box connected to port 1. Then it will select an antenna for each band (we'll assume that these are the tuned antennas). You can connect ONE other antenna to port 2. Unless you have two relay boxes, which I guess is possible. Were you thinking of something else? I have a KRC2 and a KAT100 and have been thinking about the most effective way to use them. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ 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 ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 Improvement Ideas--Adding on
Vic, Yes, two relay boxes (actually I am using 4 in total - it may expand to 5 sometime). The KRC2 can switch multiple relay boxes - switch both boxes for any one band and then select between the relay boxes with the ANT1/2 selection. In fact, with the KRC2 there are both positive active (external power supply) and negative acting (grounded when active), so these outputs can be combined logically by simply wiring them together - logical OR as well as logical AND functions can be created. The KRC2 is truly a versatile relay controller. 73, Don W3FPR Vic K2VCO wrote: Don Wilhelm wrote: If you have 2 banks of antennas (1 bank tuned and the other presenting 50 ohms), the KRC2 can select the proper antennas for each band and the ANT1/2 button selects between the 2 antennas for each band - If you have more than 2 antennas on any band the KRC2 F4 button can be used to turn on the AC1 thru AC3 lines which can be used in conjuction with the normal band select outputs to select additional antennas - I find it much more sensible and automatic than antenna switches. I must be missing something. Let's say the KRC2 is operating a relay box connected to port 1. Then it will select an antenna for each band (we'll assume that these are the tuned antennas). You can connect ONE other antenna to port 2. Unless you have two relay boxes, which I guess is possible. Were you thinking of something else? I have a KRC2 and a KAT100 and have been thinking about the most effective way to use them. ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 Improvement Ideas--Adding on
On May 4, 2007, at 12:14 AM, Robert Tellefsen wrote: I'd also like to see an improvement in the cw crystal filter to improve the signal suppression outside the filter passband. I'm pretty happy with the CW filter. It has good suppression outside the passband for me -- although I'm considering making a couple of bypass cap mods to improve this. I think KI6WX published a mod that involved a half-dozen chip capacitors. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 Improvement Ideas--Adding on
On May 4, 2007, at 8:14 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: In my mind it is already there, but better - just do a TUNE once on each band where your antenna is resonant and the K2 will remember - I regard that as better than a bypass function. The one thing that gets me with this is that if something happens to your antenna, you might not notice, especially if you have more than one antenna on each port and you press the Tune button after switching bands. The rig will be happy even if the antenna is partly busted. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 Improvement Ideas--Adding on
True, but I seem to recall he decided the return on the effort involved wasn't worth it. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: "Bill Coleman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Robert Tellefsen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: "wayne burdick" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "Elecraft" Sent: Friday, May 04, 2007 5:05 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Improvement Ideas--Adding on > > On May 4, 2007, at 12:14 AM, Robert Tellefsen wrote: > > > I'd also like to see an improvement in the cw crystal filter > > to improve the signal suppression outside the filter > > passband. > > I'm pretty happy with the CW filter. It has good suppression outside > the passband for me -- although I'm considering making a couple of > bypass cap mods to improve this. I think KI6WX published a mod that > involved a half-dozen chip capacitors. > > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" > -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 > ___ 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
