+++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 15 Jul 2002 15:33:06 -0700 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: Elecraft Cc: qrp Subject: [Elecraft] K2 update: 60 meters and low-level transverter I/O A brief update from the Elecraft lab.... 60 Meters It looks like U.S. hams will soon be getting a new band at 60 meters (5.25-5.45 MHz). Our best estimate of when this will happen is 6 months to 1 year. In anticipation of this, we've just completed final lab tests of a modified K2 that covers 60 meters. (In addition to full transceive coverage of the proposed band, the rig can tune in WWV on 5 MHz.) The rig works perfectly on this band, and only minimal changes are required. A small daughter board is needed to switch in trim caps that resonate the 40-meter band-pass filter, and new firmware is needed to handle changes in VCO and filter relay switching. Once the new band is opened up--maybe even before--we'll be offering a new K2 option: the K60X. The K60X kit will include a small PCB that plugs into the K2 RF board at the Transverter I/O option connector. All needed new firmware will also be included. At least one K2 owner has an experimental 60-meter license, and he's agreed to build the first K60X kit so he can begin on-air testing. We'll try to post his operating times so that those of you with general-coverage receivers can listen for him. Transverter I/O In addition to 60 meters, the K60X will add another feature that K2 owners have asked for: low-level RF output and separate, diode-switched RX/TX paths for use with transverters. The transmit output power will be nominally 0 dBm (1 milliwatt into 50 ohms), but with considerable adjustment range, controllable via the POWER knob on the front panel or via a direct menu setting. You'll be able to select either low- or high-level transmit output on a per-transverter-band basis. When low-level output is selected, the K2's high-power transmit strip will be completely disabled. This is important for installations with two or more transceivers using the same I.F. Connectors and coax will be supplied for the RX/TX connections. The builder will have their choice of using the pre-drilled and labeled "XVTR I/O" jacks on the original K2 top cover, or installing the jacks on the lower rear panel/heatsink. The latter will allow the transverter jacks to be used with the KPA100 (100-W option) installed. We hope that these two new features will be a welcome addition to the K2. Price and availability of the K60X will be announced later. Please send any questions about this kit to n6kr at elecraft.com. 73, Wayne, N6KR Eric, WA6HHQ ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 17 Jul 2002 23:20:46 +0100 To: Wayne Burdick Cc: Elecraft , qrp From: David Pratt Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 update: 60 meters and low-level transverter I/O In a recent message, Wayne Burdick said.... >It looks like U.S. hams will soon be getting a new band at 60 meters >(5.25-5.45 MHz). The following appears in this week's news from GB2RS, so it looks as though Elecraft will sell a few of the K2 add-on units to the UK too. ----------------------------------8<-------------------------------- Radio Amateurs Get New Band For Propagation Study ================================================= Radio Amateurs will shortly be able to use a number of spot frequencies around 5MHz, to take part in a four-year propagation study. A full Class-A licence holder wishing to take part will require a Notice of Variation (NoV) to his existing licence. At the present time, the final administrative arrangements are being put into place. A further announcement will be made regarding the start date shortly. ---------------------------------=8<-------------------------------- 73 David G4DMP +++++++++++++++++++