[Elecraft] K2: maximizing RF output, upping audio output.

2013-09-26 Thread Allan Taylor
I have a very early K2 that I use for field operations. It functions as an emergency communication source for serious backcountry trips (multi-day wilderness whitewater rafting, etc.). I am finding that a power output of, say, 20W would be desirable as a compromise between more reliable

Re: [Elecraft] K2: maximizing RF output, upping audio output.

2013-09-26 Thread Vic K2VCO
Before the KPA100 came out I experimented with the K2 to see if I could get more output to drive an external amplifier. There IS a way, but I am sure there are lots of dangers involved. I will say that I did this for a month or so until I got my KPA100. I am not recommending it! The K2 has a

Re: [Elecraft] K2: maximizing RF output, upping audio output.

2013-09-26 Thread EricJ
Far more importantfor emergency communication is a reliable radio with over a decade of testing behind it...you already have that. If you are depending on SSB, you would be better off bringing along a key than installing someones favoritepower tweak. Or look into SPOT gps and leave the K2 at

Re: [Elecraft] K2: maximizing RF output, upping audio output.

2013-09-26 Thread Ron D'Eau Claire
-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Vic K2VCO Sent: Thursday, September 26, 2013 9:28 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2: maximizing RF output, upping audio output. Before the KPA100 came out I experimented with the K2 to see if I

Re: [Elecraft] K2: maximizing RF output, upping audio output.

2013-09-26 Thread Fred Jensen
On 9/26/2013 5:55 AM, Allan Taylor wrote: Yes, I know this amounts to only a dB or two. But it can be the edge needed in very marginal conditions. Sounds like quite a bit of effort for 1.155dB. Second issue. The K2 has always been on the low side for RX audio. Same problem for me and on

Re: [Elecraft] K2: maximizing RF output, upping audio output.

2013-09-26 Thread Don Wilhelm
Allan, You have received several replies, and most (if not all) said don't do that. I recommend that you keep the power on the K2 to 10 watts or less - that is the design point. Above that, the IMD increases and the components are stressed more than at the 10 watt level. Furthermore, the PA

Re: [Elecraft] K2: maximizing RF output, upping audio output.

2013-09-26 Thread Ron D'Eau Claire
...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm Sent: Thursday, September 26, 2013 5:22 PM To: Allan Taylor Cc: Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2: maximizing RF output, upping audio output. Allan, You have received several replies, and most (if not all) said

Re: [Elecraft] K2: maximizing RF output, upping audio output.

2013-09-26 Thread Dyarnes
Ron and All, I think Ron's cautionary comments are right on! I remember a number of years back when the Kenwood TS-50 first came out. It didn't take long for the tinkerers to realize that the output transistors in that rig were very conservatively rated. It was often stated that they could

RE: [Elecraft] K2 /100 RF output varies

2008-06-02 Thread Evert Bakker (PA2KW)
: Mike Short [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, June 02, 2008 01:00 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K2 /100 RF output varies According to Don, W3FPR: Mike, Check the KPA100 manual - during TUNE the power is reduced to 20 watts. If you need to TUNE at full power, you can either

[Elecraft] K2/100 RF output varies

2008-06-01 Thread Mike Short
I was recently testing a refurbished SB-200 I am working on. I am using my K2 as the exciter, and had issues on all bands with the K2 remember the power output requested. I have connected everthing as follows: K2/100MFJ-993 Tuner in bypass to only show power in and SWR on input circuit of amp,

Re: [Elecraft] K2/100 RF output varies

2008-06-01 Thread Don Wilhelm
Mike, Check the KPA100 manual - during TUNE the power is reduced to 20 watts. If you need to TUNE at full power, you can either press the TUNE and DISPLAY buttons together, or rotate the power knob to the power level desired after the TUNE operation has started. 73, Don W3FPR Mike Short

RE: [Elecraft] K2 /100 RF output varies

2008-06-01 Thread Evert Bakker (PA2KW)
Short Sent: Monday, June 02, 2008 00:08 To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K2/100 RF output varies I was recently testing a refurbished SB-200 I am working on. I am using my K2 as the exciter, and had issues on all bands with the K2 remember the power output requested. I have connected

[Elecraft] K2 - No RF Output

2006-05-31 Thread Mark Saunders, KJ7BS
My K2 has lost all TX RF output. I replaced the driver, finals, and bias transistors and still have no RF output. I no longer have access to a scope, but I have done voltage checks. I've gone through the troubleshooting in the back of the manual, but that did not reveal anything. Mark

RE: [Elecraft] K2 - No RF Output

2006-05-31 Thread Don Wilhelm
Mark, I suggest you use an RF Probe (there were parts for on in your K2 kit) and follow the steps on the Transmit Signal Tracing in the K2 manual Troubleshooting section. Do the steps indicated in the order listed. Let us know where the RF voltage drops off significantly (it will likely be